We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast

A deep dive into George R.R. Martin's winding path from conscientious objector and teacher to Hollywood writer and bestselling novelist. They trace failed pilots, TV lessons learned, the gamble of Armageddon Rag, and the bold decision to write an intentionally unfilmable epic. The story culminates in the slow-build success of A Game of Thrones and the show’s leap to cultural dominance.

They trace George R.R. Martin's rocky start: childhood in Bayonne, early fandom of Tolkien and comics, and the fanzine hustle. Hear about dozens of rejections, odd publishing setbacks, and a frantic writing spree as draft pressure mounts. The story touches on journalism school, jobs that almost ended his career, and the persistence that kept him writing.

We're back! Welcome to Season 7 of The Rejection Podcast. Joan Jett carries two titles – the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll and the Godmother of Punk. She's also the first woman rocker to ever start her own record label. Jett is an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with a dozen albums to her name. But back when she enrolled in her first guitar lesson, the teen was told rock and roll was NOT for girls. And that was only the beginning. Jett faced sexism, violence and 23 label rejections. Hope you’ll join us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We don't regret to inform you that Season Seven of the Rejection Pod will begin in one week's time. Authors, rockers and...trees? Join us for more inspiring stories of grit, determination and courage – with some signature twists and turns along the way. See you March 11th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, with a special intro from our chief sound engineer Geoff Devine, we bring you part two of our Hayley Wickenheiser Olympic encore. Let’s pick up where we left off, shall we?The results of the 1998 Canadian Olympic hockey games are brought to parliament. Pro teams come calling, then name-calling, then calling again. And Wickenheiser takes a shot at spinning her rejections into gold. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 Winter Olympics have officially begun. In celebration we look back on a team favourite two-parter – the story of Hayley Wickenheiser. She’s the longest-serving member of Canada’s national team with seven World Championships and four Olympic gold medals to her name. Many consider her the GOAT. But before becoming Canada’s women's all-time leader in international goals, assists and points, Wickenheiser was told hockey was for boys. She was rejected for teams, bullied on the ice and kicked off teams solely on the basis of sex. Hope you’ll join us – and let’s go Canada!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi from our hiatus. This week, we bring you a Minisode about the incomparable Diana Nyad – and the mantra she repeated to herself. For 52h, 54m. On her record-setting swim from Cuba to Florida. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time ever, we're offering a subscriber-only bonus option – for all devices, on all major podcast apps. Introducing Apostrophe All Ears.You get: ad-free listening, early access, bonus episodes, Q&As PLUS access to all other Apostrophe shows (Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly, Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe, The Beatlology Interviews) – with extended episodes, virtual events, merch discounts & more.Our favourite feature is that you also get access to all of our hosts. Chat with us. Ask us anything. We're All Ears.First subscribers get a special founder's discount. Hope you'll join us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the unexpected journey of a holiday classic that nearly didn't happen. Discover how Elf was rejected by major studios and actors until a determined producer breathed life into it. Learn about the serendipitous connections that brought Will Ferrell on board, despite initial resistance. Hear tales of rewriting, on-location shoots in New York, and a cast revolt that saved the film's ending. Celebrate the incredible success that followed and the vital lessons about perseverance in the face of rejection.

In Part Two of our Rejecting Willie O'Ree episode, another unexpected invitation lands on the pioneer's doorstep. History is made – then forgotten – and Willie welcomes a third act he never saw coming.The major source for this episode is Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player by Willie O’Ree and Michael McKinley. We don’t regret to inform you – you can now listen ad-free! Plus bonus episodes, chats with Sidney and Terry, & more. Subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.