We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast
Self-Improvement
About
The road to success is littered with speed bumps. Every celebrated actor, writer, musician, artist, inventor and entrepreneur has faced debilitating career rejection on their journey to the top. We tell their fascinating stories and break down exactly how they achieved their remarkable goals. Because hidden inside each rejection is a unique insight – and we’re here to find it.At its heart, this pod is about persistence and inspiration.From the creators of Under The Influence, this show is brought to you by the Apostrophe Podcast Company and powered by Acast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...
Episodes
- Encore: Rejecting Alanis Morissette (with a special intro from our director Callie)
This episode revisits the story of Alanis Morissette, who was rejected by major labels before the release of her album Jagged Little Pill. The episode discusses the events that led to her breakthrough success.
- Short Stories: Rejecting films 'The Wife' & 'The Favourite'
This episode of We Regret To Inform You discusses the rejection of the films 'The Wife' and 'The Favourite,' both Oscar nominees. These films, written, produced, and starring women, faced a combined 34 years of rejection.
- Minisode: TikTok Fail
In this minisode of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast, a graphic design student named Ellie shares a rejection story involving TikTok. The episode also includes information about the show's ad-free subscription options.
- Rejecting George R.R. Martin, Part 2 (Game of Thrones)
In the second part of this episode, the show explores George R.R. Martin's career, including his time working in television and the development of A Game of Thrones.
- Rejecting George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones)
This episode explores the early career of George R.R. Martin, detailing his struggles with rejection from sci-fi publications in the 1970s before he achieved worldwide fame with his book series and the television adaptation of Game of Thro…
- Rejecting Joan Jett
This episode of We Regret To Inform You explores the obstacles faced by Joan Jett, the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll, including early discouragement, sexism, violence, and 23 record label rejections. The season seven premiere details how she over…
- Season 7. 🤚🏽
The seventh season of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast premieres on March 11th. The upcoming season will feature stories about authors, rockers, and trees, focusing on themes of grit, determination, and courage.
- Olympic Encore: Rejecting Hayley Wickenheiser, Pt 2
In this second part of a look at Hayley Wickenheiser's Olympic experiences, the podcast explores the aftermath of the 1998 Canadian Olympic hockey games, her interactions with professional teams, and her approach to overcoming rejection.
- Olympic Encore: Rejecting Hayley Wickenheiser
This episode explores the career of Canadian hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser, detailing the challenges and rejections she overcame due to her gender before becoming one of the most decorated athletes in the sport. It includes reflection…
- Minisode: Mantras – Diana Nyad
This minisode of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast explores the mantra Diana Nyad used during her record-breaking swim from Cuba to Florida. It also includes information regarding ad-free listening and bonus content.
- Hey – Sidney & Terry here with some exciting news
Sidney and Terry introduce Apostrophe All Ears, a new subscription service offering ad-free listening, early access, bonus episodes, and direct interaction with the show's hosts. Subscribers also gain access to content from other Apostroph…
- Holiday Encore: Rejecting Elf
This episode of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast features the story behind the holiday film Elf, detailing how the script faced multiple rejections before becoming a box office success. This encore presentation concludes the…
- Rejecting Willie O'Ree, Part 2
In the second part of this two-part episode, Willie O'Ree reflects on an unexpected invitation, a historical moment that was subsequently overlooked, and a final chapter in his career. The episode draws from the book Willie: The Game-Chang…
- Rejecting Willie O'Ree (The First Black Player in the NHL)
This episode explores the story of Willie O'Ree, who became the first Black player in the NHL when he debuted for the Boston Bruins in 1958. The discussion is based on his book, Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Play…
- Minisode: Be Afraid and Do It Anyway – SNL-Style
This minisode explores the theme of courage using the perspective of aspiring comedians aiming for SNL. The episode also highlights subscription options for ad-free listening and bonus content.
- Rejecting Vera Wang
This episode of We Regret To Inform You explores the early career setbacks faced by Vera Wang, including missing the U.S. Olympic figure skating team and being rejected for the editor-in-chief position at Vogue, before she launched her suc…
- How Yoko Survived Rejection: The Beatlology Interviews
Biographer David Sheff joins host Terry to discuss the experiences of Yoko Ono regarding rejection and resilience. This conversation is part of The Beatlology Interviews series.
- Minisode: Bat Girl
This minisode examines a 1961 rejection letter sent to Yankees superfan Gwen Goldman. The episode is part of a series focusing on specific instances of rejection.
- Rejecting Slow Horses
This episode explores the history of Mick Herron's novel Slow Horses, detailing its seven-year rejection period and subsequent rejections as a television series pitch before finding success.
- Rejecting Dawn Staley, Part 2
In the second part of this episode, Dawn Staley faces feedback on her limitations, navigates the pressure to play overseas, and experiences a turning point involving a VCR tape.
- Rejecting Dawn Staley
This episode examines the career of Dawn Staley, a Hall of Fame basketball player and coach, focusing on the early challenges she faced as a female athlete told that basketball was for boys. The episode draws from her book, "Uncommon Favor…
- Rejecting Breaking Bad Guys: Bryan Cranston & Giancarlo Esposito
This episode explores the career journeys of Bryan Cranston and Giancarlo Esposito, detailing the decades of rejection they faced before their roles in Breaking Bad. It also touches upon series creator Vince Gilligan's experience pitching…
- Encore: Rejecting Adam Driver
This episode revisits the early career challenges of Adam Driver, including his initial rejection from Juilliard, his time in the Marines, and his eventual breakout role in HBO's Girls. Director Callie shares the story of how she discovere…
- Listener Rejection Stories (2025)
In this episode of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast, listeners share their personal stories of career rejection. This episode precedes the show's summer hiatus, during which a series of mini-episodes and past favorites will b…
- Rejecting Monty Python, Part 2
In the second part of this two-part series on Monty Python, the podcast explores how the group's work navigated challenges involving Led Zeppelin, protests, and an intervention from a Beatle.
- We're on CBC Radio this summer!
The podcast We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast will broadcast on CBC Radio One and Sirius XM for a 10-week summer run starting June 25th. Listeners can also access the show via the CBC Listen app or by subscribing for ad-free c…
- Rejecting Monty Python
This episode examines the initial critical reception of Monty Python’s Flying Circus after its debut on BBC One, including negative feedback regarding specific sketches and the program's overall tone.
- Encore: Rejecting Jim Carrey
This episode reflects on Jim Carrey’s early career struggles in 1989 and his path to success, including the story of him writing a post-dated check for his future earnings. Sound engineer Geoff Devine shares why he considers The Truman Sho…
- Minisode: Rue McClanahan – “Every Kick’s a Boost”
In this minisode of We Regret To Inform You, the hosts discuss a piece of advice Rue McClanahan received from her mother after being told she would not succeed in television.
- Rejecting Mariska Hargitay
This episode examines Mariska Hargitay's career and the audition for 'Sex Crimes' that occurred just as she considered leaving Los Angeles. It explores her journey leading up to her long-running role as Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order…
- Rejecting Billie Holiday
This episode explores the life and perseverance of Billie Holiday. It also includes information on ad-free listening and subscription benefits.
- Rejecting Josh Allen
This episode of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast explores the career path of NFL quarterback Josh Allen, highlighting his journey from receiving zero college scholarship offers to signing a record-breaking contract with the B…
- Encore: Rejecting Women in the Boston Marathon (The Stories of Bobbi Gibb and Kathrine Switzer)
This episode of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast revisits the stories of Bobbi Gibb and Kathrine Switzer, the first women to run in the Boston Marathon. Produced by Allison, the episode reflects on the history of the event as…
- Rejecting Alanis Morissette
Despite the global success of her album Jagged Little Pill, Alanis Morissette faced rejection from every major record label just one year prior to her breakthrough. This episode explores the events that led to her success.
- Minisode: Hader’s Haters – Bill Hader & Critic Anxiety
This minisode explores Bill Hader's experience with anxiety during his time on Saturday Night Live, focusing on his encounter with a critic. It also highlights the transition to ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content for subscribers.
- Hug the Cactus: Lessons on Rejection from Under the Influence
This episode explores how brands turn negative social media feedback into marketing campaigns. Terry examines examples from companies like Supercuts, Spirit Airlines, and Oatly.
- Rejecting the Goalie Mask
This episode of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast examines the historical arguments and resistance against the introduction of goalie masks in hockey.
- Rejecting Yellowstone
This episode explores the career of Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, detailing his journey from struggling actor to the success behind one of television's biggest franchises. It also marks the return of the podcast for its sixth season.
- Season 6. 🤚🏽
The sixth season of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast is returning in one week. The upcoming season will feature stories about artists and athletes, along with new ad-free listening and bonus content.
- The Reflection Podcast, 2024
In this season five finale, hosts Sidney and Terry answer listener questions about the origin of the podcast, their personal connection, and the concept of giving up. The show will return for a sixth season.
- Rejecting Eddy Goldfarb
This episode of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast explores the career of toy inventor Eddy Goldfarb, detailing his early experiences with rejection and a significant poor business deal.
- Short Stories: Rejecting No Doubt & Chappell Roan
This episode explores the stories of No Doubt and Chappell Roan, two artists who faced rejections from their record labels before achieving success. The host discusses how both musicians overcame these setbacks to find their musical path.
- Rejecting Ellen DeGeneres, Part 2
In the second part of this two-part episode, Ellen DeGeneres reflects on a surprising headline she read in the trades, while Oprah Winfrey and Laura Dern experience career challenges. DeGeneres also discusses her own path through these ind…
- Rejecting Ellen DeGeneres
This episode of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast examines the professional and personal fallout Ellen DeGeneres faced after coming out as gay while starring in her sitcom in 1997.
- Meet The Worst Podcast
In this episode of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast, host Alan Zweig chats with Ron MacLean to introduce his new Canadaland show, The Worst Podcast. The discussion centers on the premise of interviewing notable guests about t…
- Rejecting A Wrinkle In Time
This episode examines the history of the novel A Wrinkle in Time, including the decade of rejections and 30 letters Madeleine L'Engle received from publishers before the book became a bestseller.
- Rejecting Still Alice
This episode of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast explores how author Lisa Genova faced over 100 rejections from book agents before her novel Still Alice became a bestseller and an Academy Award-winning film.
- Rejecting Yennier Cano
This episode explores the career of Major League Baseball pitcher Yennier Cano, tracing his path from early rejections in Cuba and government restrictions to his current success as a professional reliever.
- Rejecting Sir Harold Ridley (Inventor of Modern Cataract Surgery)
This episode explores the story of Dr. Harold Ridley, whose 1949 proposal to replace the natural lens of the eye with an artificial one was initially rejected by the medical community. The program examines the history of cataract treatment…
- Listener Rejection Stories
In this episode of We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast, listeners share their own personal stories of career rejection submitted via voice and text messages.