Fail Better with David Duchovny

Gillian Anderson, an acclaimed actor and activist known for her roles in The X-Files and The Crown, shares a heartfelt reunion with David Duchovny. They humorously discuss a unique drink derived from butterfly pee while reflecting on their deep bond and shared challenges during their careers. Gillian opens up about her writing in the compilation "Want" and her unconventional wellness soft drink line. The conversation touches on personal growth, emotional struggles, and the importance of authenticity in their careers and friendships.

Jia Tolentino, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of the acclaimed essay collection Trick Mirror, opens up about her journey through the digital landscape. She discusses the joys and pitfalls of online life, the impact of digital surveillance, and the complexities of raising children in a tech-saturated world. Jia reflects on how aesthetic pressures affect self-perception and the importance of fostering empathy through literature. Join her as she navigates the paradox of success in creativity, embracing imperfection along the way.

I go on the record with my opinions on the election. Not surprisingly, given this podcast, I find some major connections to failure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate Silver, the renowned statistician and founder of FiveThirtyEight, dives into the art of prediction and risk management. He shares thrilling tales from the gambling table and his bold forecasts in elections. The conversation highlights the psychological aspects of failure, the importance of strategic relationships, and the complexities of polling methodologies. Silver also reflects on the high-stakes environment of both poker and politics, emphasizing emotional intelligence and adaptability in decision-making. It's a fascinating look at how calculated risks can lead to personal growth.

I’ve known Jason Beghe for 50 years and counting, ever since we met one fateful day in a high school biology class. I watched as this rambunctious and rebellious kid grew up and carved his own path, never following trends. But when Jason became heavily involved in the Church of Scientology, we drifted apart — and I felt like I’d failed him as a friend. For the first time, we unpack what went on between us during that period of our lives, and why our friendship endured. These days we’re close as ever, and I couldn’t be more proud of Jason’s unparalleled success as Sgt. Hank Voight on the long-running NBC series Chicago P.D. From the halls of our high school to the set of Californication, we reflect on a lifelong friendship the same way we always have: with heart and lots of childlike laughter.  Follow me on Instagram at @davidduchovny. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. And if you want to continue the conversation with other listeners, join the My Lemonada community at https://lemonadamedia.com/mylemonada/ For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rosie O'Donnell’s famous friends tell her she’s no good at being a celebrity. And if she’s honest, she’s never really felt like one. Despite her iconic roles and mass appeal, Rosie says she always identified more with the viewers at home rather than the stars she was interviewing on her long-running talk show. We got together in person to discuss all this, plus the devastating loss she suffered as a child, and what we both think about meeting fans at conventions. Rosie might feel iffy about fame, but that doesn’t mean the “it” factor that propelled her there isn’t still a driving force in her creative and personal life. And she’s continued to inspire others, too — just ask Eminem. Follow me on Instagram at @davidduchovny. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. And if you want to continue the conversation with other listeners, join the My Lemonada community at https://lemonadamedia.com/mylemonada/ For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can get even more Fail Better with Lemonada Premium, where I share the extended thoughts I have after each interview. Here’s a free peek at what you could be getting: My conversation with Lisa Loeb, that came out earlier this week, really unlocked some things for me. Plus, it dovetailed well into some of the thoughts I was having after talking with another musician recently, Kathleen Hanna. Lisa got me thinking about perfectionism and finding joy in our work, while Kathleen Hanna had me pondering how a pop song or a rock song can be a conduit for an idea, especially a politically charged one. Subscribe to Lemonada Premium now in Apple Podcasts. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. And if you want to continue the conversation with other listeners, join the My Lemonada community at https://lemonadamedia.com/mylemonada/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Loeb, a Grammy-winning musician famous for 'Stay (I Missed You)', shares her journey through the ups and downs of her career. She humorously recounts the loss of a beloved guitar, reflecting on the sentimental ties to personal items. Balancing motherhood and creativity surfaces as a key theme, alongside her joy in crafting children's music. The conversation also highlights the evolution of women's representation in music and the importance of authenticity and personal growth in overcoming challenges.

In this engaging conversation with Andy Cohen, a pioneering force in reality TV, he shares how his childhood fascination with soap operas shaped his career. They discuss the fine line between authenticity and performance in reality shows, revealing the emotional complexities behind maintaining personal boundaries. Cohen reflects on the impact of societal norms during his youth and the importance of diverse family structures in the LGBTQ+ community. The chat also touches on the challenges of single parenting and the cultural implications of modern television.

Seth Meyers, a veteran late-night host and SNL alum, joins to discuss the delicate balance of comedy and authenticity. He shares hilarious insights on navigating the pressures of hosting versus being a guest and emphasizes the power of collaboration in comedic success. Meyers reflects on memorable skits, the evolution of late-night humor, and the vital importance of aligning one's on-screen persona with their true self. He also touches on the creative journey that fosters personal growth, showcasing how mistakes can lead to comedy gold.