The Need to Fail with Don Fanelli

Latest Episodes:

Episode 27: Anthony King Dec 19, 2017

Show notes

Anthony King (Search Party, Silicon Valley) was one of the most influential figures to come through the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, acting as Artistic Director for almost a decade, helping to launch the careers of many writers and performers working today. In this interview Anthony reflects on his time as AD, addresses his insecurities, and gives us insight into his approach to writing. He also shares a story about an inspiring speech to high schoolers that totally backfired.

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Episode 26: Mary Holland Dec 12, 2017

Show notes

Mary Holland (Veep, The Good Place) has been steadily employed for the last three years here in LA. But the first 7 years were a much different story. We talk about the point when she realized her dreams might not come true and why she started to question her instincts and sanity. We also talk about how a job working with one of her heroes was cut short, how she failed at using her excessive perspiration at an audition, and Gandalf the Great Inspirer.

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Episode 25: Mike Castle Dec 05, 2017

Show notes

Mike Castle (Action #1, Clipped) takes us on an honest and self-reflective journey through personal and professional loss. In a six month span, Mike loses his father, his dog, and two pilots he was excited to act in, so he leaves the country to work on a farm in Ireland for a couple of months.

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Episode 24: Shaun Diston Nov 28, 2017

Show notes

Shaun Diston (Wrecked, Playing House) had to reevaluate his life after getting arrested at age 22 in Florida. We chat about what kept him motivated after getting cut from a UCB Harold Team, how long showers and smoking are part of his creative routines, and what happens when you are forced to be completely honest with yourself.

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Episode 23: Nate Dern Nov 21, 2017

Show notes

Nate Dern (Funny or Die, Not Quite A Genius) talks about the tumultuous two months after graduating as a teacher for Teach for America. We also chat about his oopsies as Artistic Director for the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, the one major regret he had as a contestant on reality show Beauty and The Geek, and the multiple rejections he had to withstand from publishers and agents before his book was published. Nate also kindly allows me to read the list of 47 television shows he has been rejected from as a writer in my intro.

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Episode 22: Paul Briganti Nov 14, 2017

Show notes

Paul Briganti (SNL) makes the difficult decision to transfer colleges and attempts to find his creative people. We talk about directing at Saturday Night Live, his love of editing, and the ongoing, seven year struggle to land a manager.

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Episode 21: Adam Newman Nov 07, 2017

Show notes

Adam Newman (Silicon Valley, Letterman) talks about how he honed his stand-up for over a year preparing for his one hour special, only to have the network that was hosting it, shut down. We talk about his fitful journey towards Letterman, panic attacks, and drawing inspiration from 90's basketball.

CONNECT W/ THE NEED TO FAIL & DON FANELLI ON TWITTER:

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Episode 20: Fran Gillespie Oct 31, 2017

Show notes

Fran Gillespie (SNL, Wet Hot American Summer) performed at the highest level in NY in both sketch and improv for over 10 years, but did not make the cut when she auditioned out in LA. We talk about the realities of a backup plan, the etiquette of asking for help, specificity in goal setting, and the shared procrastination experience.

CONNECT W/ THE NEED TO FAIL & DON FANELLI ON TWITTER:

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Episode 19: Nick Kocher Oct 24, 2017

Show notes

Nick Kocher (SNL, BriTANick) had a pilot passed on by Comedy Central at the same time that his roommate had one green-lit. We chat about early BriTANick video blunders, going a little too "method" for his NYU audition, and why he believes doing the work is more important than asking for help.

CONNECT W/ THE NEED TO FAIL & DON FANELLI ON TWITTER:

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SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW TN2F on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

THE NEED TO FAIL IS A FOREVER DOG PODCAST

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Episode 18: D'Arcy Carden Oct 17, 2017

Show notes

D'arcy Carden (The Good Place, Broad City) had a creative purge and accepted the fact that acting was just not going to work out for her... then she booked The Good Place one month later. We share audition tips, talk about the success/failure pattern in her life, and how a flub in her network test for The Good Place could have been the deciding factor in booking the role. Also, Don embarrassingly shares his ideal breakfast.

CONNECT W/ THE NEED TO FAIL & DON FANELLI ON TWITTER:

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AND PLEASE SUPPORT TN2F ON PATREON FOR BONUS EPS & MORE:

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THE NEED TO FAIL IS A FOREVER DOG PODCAST

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.