Funny In Failure
A podcast that interviews funny and interesting people to discuss their careers and some of the challenges they have faced. I hope to use this platform to normalise and encourage the discussion of failure, particularly through the lens of the entertainment industry, to show that it can be a stepping stone towards the road of success. Nothing is better than humour to normalise a situation, so having deep and meaningful conversations, interspersed with comedy and laughter, helps us celebrate and appreciate life’s frustrating moments.
info_outline
#350: Natalie Zea - And Then What?
08/17/2026
#350: Natalie Zea - And Then What?
Natalie Zea is an actor, writer & director. She currently stars in the CBS Drama Fire Country. Her back to back series regular roles over the past 20 years include “Dirty Sexy Money” for Greg Berlanti (2 seasons), “Justified” opposite Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins (6 seasons), the comedy “The Detour” for creator Samantha Bee (4 seasons), and the CBS comedy “The Unicorn” again opposite Walton Goggins. More recently, she starred in the NBC series “La Brea” for 2 seasons and recurred for 8 episodes on “Chicago Med." You may have also seen Natalie in The Other Guys, 9-1-1: Lone Star, The Following, Californication, The Shield and Passions to name a few. We chat about Passions, her challenging time in Australia, feasts or famines, periods of no work, psychic predictions, changing lanes & writing, good collaboration, how Natalie broke into comedies, her iconic scene in The Other Guys, being the queen of leaving shows, ego death + plenty more! Check Natalie out on: Instagram: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/42449340
info_outline
#349: Joe Sib - Primal Power of Laughter
08/10/2026
#349: Joe Sib - Primal Power of Laughter
Joe Sib’s career began in music as a singer before evolving into stand-up comedy and storytelling, where he became known for blending humor with deeply personal, relatable stories. He has released comedy specials with Dry Bar Comedy and 800 Pound Gorilla, made numerous television appearances, and toured internationally, including arena performances as part of the opening act for Metallica with Jim Bruer. Beyond stand-up, Joe co-founded the independent record label SideOneDummy Records, helping launch the careers of influential punk and alternative artists. Today, it is his ability to connect through storytelling that defines his work on stage. His Edinburgh shows out now. Joe returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with his new show, Aggie – A Comedy About Moms, following his successful 2025 Fringe debut with California Calling. The show is a hilarious and heartfelt look at family, relationships, life on the road, and the stories that stay with us long after the moments have passed. We chat about leaving music to become a comedian ‘later in life’, Joe’s Edinburgh shows, touring with Jim Bruer & Metallica, reinvention, being a magician and his love of Houdini, knowing how to get back stage (taught from his father), delusion, being fully present on stage, social media & addictions, the importance of fun + plenty more! Check Joe out on: Instagram: Website & tickets: Facebook: Youtube: Tiktok: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/42367390
info_outline
#348: Geoffrey Asmus - Telling The Joke You're Proud Of
08/03/2026
#348: Geoffrey Asmus - Telling The Joke You're Proud Of
Geoffrey Asmus is a stand-up comedian. Since he began comedy in 2013, Geoffrey has steadily ascended the comedy ranks. He was selected as a New Face at Just For Laughs Montreal and has featured on FOX’s Laughs and Kevin Hart’s LOL Network. Fresh from a sell-out US tour, he has opened for Daniel Sloss, Sam Morril, Ari Shaffir, Mark Normand, Dan Soder and Dave Attell. In 2021, Geoffrey released his debut album Prodigal Little Bitch through 800lb Gorilla Records, which reached number one on iTunes and continues to receive national airplay on SiriusXM. He has since released three stand-up specials, including Cancel Culture Isn’t Real with Don’t Tell Comedy, The Only Funny White Man, and most recently 63 Minutes of Great Comedy, available on YouTube, where his unfiltered stand-up clips have attracted a rapidly growing audience. He is set to perform his first full run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe following an acclaimed one-night appearance in 2025 (British Comedy Guide’s 6th Best Live Comedy Show 2025), bringing an hour of pure, unfiltered stand-up to audiences this summer. He also regularly tours around the US (tickets below). Packed wall-to-wall with sharp jokes, tightly honed routines, and a constant, playful push at the line, this is stand-up with no frills, no overarching narrative, no confessional detours, just relentless, high-quality comedy, peppered with spontaneous audience interaction and delivered with precision. While there is alight thread touching on American history, politics and the slow decline of empire, this is not a show about those things. We discuss being a quiz bowl legend, bad bombs, getting Just For laughs and what happened during, ethos on new material, starting out in Chicago, comedy community & support, being humbled, re-finding his love of comedy, finding your people, being vouched for, nerves, bad reviews + more! Check Geoffrey out on: Instagram: Website/ ticket sales: Youtube: Tiktok: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/42283705
info_outline
#347: David Magidoff - Just Keep Going
07/27/2026
#347: David Magidoff - Just Keep Going
David Magidoff is a comedian and actor who you might have seen him as Sheriff Teddy Reed in Showtime’s Dexter: Resurrection and Dexter: New Blood. Recent credits include High Potential and a recurring role as Nicky Brooks on Apple TV’s Emmy winning series The Morning Show. Other credits include: Veronica Mars,” “ER,” “NCIS,” and “Lethal Weapon. He is currently performing a three year sold out run of his improvised comedy show Making Love with David Magidoff (7th August - 23rd August at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. David Magidoff is turning tear drops into punchlines through improvised musical comedy at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival with Making Love with David Magidoff. The mushy-hearted Jewish man who weeps at insurance commercials is bringing that emotional instability to the Assembly, alongside a band, performing ensemble, and a star-studded line-up of guest appearances. He is honoured to be joined by BRIT Award-winning musician Fran Healy of Travis, comedians Mike Wozniak, Mark Watson, and BAFTA-nominee Rosie Jones, with more guests to be announced. Hot off the Netflix is a Joke Festival and midway through a three-year sold-out “tour-de-force” run at Los Angeles’ Iconic Elysian Theater, the show sees Magidoff interview a celebrity guest about a real wild love story from their life. He and his cast of world-renowned improvisers including Stephanie Courtney (Mad Men), Kimberly Condict (Shrinking), alongside Grammy-nominated rapper Propaganda, Josh Cake and Karen Hall, turn the story into a fully madcap improvised musical performed live on stage. Magidoff’s runaway Los Angeles run of Making Love has featured a wide range of celebrities including Tony Hale (Veep), Michael C. Hall (Dexter), and Oscar Nuñez (The Office)...whose wife jumped on stage and grabbed the microphone from him because he was telling their proposal story all wrong. In a show this raw, the only thing guaranteed is that it won’t go according to plan! He also hosted “Fanaddicts,” a popular podcast produced by Roddenberry Entertainment, where he invites celebrity guests to share their favorite pop culture obsessions. We chat about being an improv champion, being the Air BNB queen, real estate advice from Mark Duplass, his Edinburgh shows, having meaningful moments with fancy people, Jew to Jesus story and finding what works best for you, emergency rabbis, being directed by Jerry Seinfeld, prioritising and choosing fun and crazy reason he lost an improv competition + plenty more! Check David out on: Instagram: Website & tickets: Tickets: Facebook: Youtube: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/42215375
info_outline
#346: Gilli Apter - Confidence to Try
07/20/2026
#346: Gilli Apter - Confidence to Try
Gilli Apter is a London-based comedian from South Africa. Gilli started doing stand up in Johannesburg and has since gone on to perform at comedy clubs internationally, most often in London, where she is a regular face on the comedy circuit. She has toured the world hosting the smash hit comedy show, Story Party | True Dating Stories. Gilli’s solo show: The Hilarious Deep Amazing Comedy Show has recently sold out repeatedly in London, in cities across Europe (Madrid, Zurich, Vienna, Lisbon, Riga, Helsinki and more) as well as in her native South Africa. You can watch her stand up on Trevor Noah’s “Nationwild” on Showmax in South Africa, or on “Only Jokes Allowed” on Netflix worldwide. Gilli is currently touring Asia and Australia and later in September she will be in Europe, check the links below for more details. We chat we about doing a video a day for a year, starting comedy in her 30’s, mentors and words of encouragement and discouragement, being kicked out of advertising school, embracing ‘failure’, breakups, the lies we tell ourselves, getting on Netflix, her tour + plenty more! Check Gilli out on: Instagram: Website/ tickets: Facebook: Youtube: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/42140890
info_outline
#345: Leonardo Nam - What-Ifs
07/13/2026
#345: Leonardo Nam - What-Ifs
Leonardo Nam is an Argentinean-Australian Korean actor who has built a career defined by versatility and emotional depth. Audiences know him from HBO’s Emmy-award winning Westworld, where he starred opposite Thandiwe Newton as Felix Lutz, as well as standout roles in films such as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants franchise, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and The Perfect Score. Other credits include: The Flash, Disjointed, Hawaii Five-O, Royal Pains, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Bones, Maggie, MacGyver, Room 104, Sneaky Pete and DC Universe’s Swap Thing to name a few. Off-screen, Leonardo is also entering a major new chapter creatively with the launch of Good On Ya Productions, his independent film and television banner focused on globally-minded, character-driven storytelling. Leonardo is returning to the spotlight as the fan-favorite character Maddox Hatter, alongside Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, Brandy, and Rita Ora in Descendants: Wicked Wonderland. As the fifth instalment in the hit franchise, Descendants: Wicked Wonderland follows Red and Chloe as they confront the fallout of their time travel through Wonderland and face the now-villainous Maddox Hatter. Descendants: Wicked Wonderland will premiere globally July 16, 2026, on Disney Channel and stream the following day on Disney+. Also check out his new film, Love Is The Monster, out now! We chat about studying clown work and the propound impact it had, Descendants, leaving architecture, his production company (Good On Ya Productions), moving to America and sleeping on a park bench, the well, wellness & meditation, artist dates, mentors + much more! Check Leonardo out on: Instagram: Tiktok: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/42046020
info_outline
#344: Joe Flanigan - Overcoming Fears
07/06/2026
#344: Joe Flanigan - Overcoming Fears
Joe Flanigan is an actor and writer. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the main character Major/Lt. Colonel John Sheppard in STARGATE: ATLANTIS which went into international syndication with 100 episodes. He additionally wrote for the series. Joe started his career in politics working as an advance man at the White House. That was followed by a stint at Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine until finally settling At Sanford Meisner’s Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. He was quickly cast in several NBC projects and eventually put under contract there as a series regular for NBC’s ‘Sisters’ alongside Sela Ward and Swoosie Kurtz. This was followed by another series regular role…... Don Bellisario’s First Monday on CBS starring Charles Durning & Joe Mantegna. He was then cast on Garry Marshal’s The Other Sister alongside Diane Keaton, Juliette Lewis, and Giovanni Ribisi. Joe has appeared in other TV shows and movies, including Birds of Prey, Tru Calling, Thoughtcrimes, CSI: Miami, Women’s Murder Club, Warehouse 13, Fringe, 6 Bullets, Major Crimes, Dawsons Creek, Providence, Profiler, General Hospital as Dr. Neil Byrne to name a few. Joe can most recently be seen in multiple episodes on the third and final season of Apple‘s TV show SEE starring Jason Momoa. We chat about Stargate Atlantis, odd cameo requests, being shy and facing his fears, rejection, doing many pilots before Stargate, sticking to your guns, someone stealing his script, integrity, honouring your instincts plus plenty more! Check Joe out on: Instagram: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/41963735
info_outline
#343: Nathan Cavaleri - Being with Fear
06/29/2026
#343: Nathan Cavaleri - Being with Fear
Nathan Cavaleri is an Australian guitarist, singer-songwriter and screen composer. From child prodigy to cancer survivor, from global stages to mental health collapse, Nathan Cavaleri lays bare an extraordinary journey. By age 12, Cavaleri was at the centre of a bidding war between the labels of Michael Jackson, Prince, and Madonna. By 16, he’d toured the world with B.B. King, played the Kennedy Centre in front of the Clintons during their time in office, and shared stages with icons like Etta James and Bonnie Raitt, all while becoming a familiar face to millions across Australia and the US. Now he’s taking his life story to theatres across Australia this year for Growing Pains - The Nathan Cavaleri Story. In this raw, solo show filled with storytelling and music, he traces his path from busking in Campbelltown to the heights of stardom — and back home to himself. (Links below) Various peaks of Nathan’s career had him carrying out media tours, performing world stages and recording albums whilst undergoing treatment for Leukaemia. Later in life, his music career was crippled by anxiety/depression, chronic insomnia & fatigue which forced him to take five years off. Throughout this time, he drew on his community of world class artists & varying psychological & biophysical practitioners for a better understanding on how to “be human” in a creative industry. Knowledge acquired helped him to develop the tools that ultimately lead to a confidence and freedom that accommodates life’s ups and downs both on and off the stage. We chat about being world famous as a child, performing with Michael Jacksons label, his famous Twitch streams, intuition, bad mentors, his crazy health journey and getting out of his dark period, facing your fears, bullying, practioner that saved his life, love of music plus plenty more! Check Nathan out on: Instagram: Tour: Facebook: Beyond Fear & Anxiety for Performers: ? Tiktok: Youtube: Twitch: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/41851605
info_outline
#342: DOS & D - The Bus of Life
06/15/2026
#342: DOS & D - The Bus of Life
Dos and D or Wayde Custerson and Danny Schuller are content creators and the host of the popular podcast The Dos & D Show. With over 300 episodes to name, they are one of Australia’s largest entertainment podcasts and have spoken with some of the biggest names in Sport, Business, Music, Entertainment and just about every industry you could imagine. Their tag is: “Here to entertain and inspire. Real chats with epic people". We chat about creating a media empire, touring overseas, family hardships, their drive & vision, behind the scenes of having a popular podcast, lessons from their fathers, growth personally and professionally, burnout, the bus of life, collaboration, going to the next level plus plenty more! Check DOS & D out on: Instagram: Facebook: Tiktok: Youtube: Podcast (Apple): Podcast (Spotify): ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/41644295
info_outline
#341: Reed Birney: I Didn't Die
06/08/2026
#341: Reed Birney: I Didn't Die
Reed Birney has been working in film, television and theater for decades. Among his earliest credits are Albert Innaurato’s Broadway comedy GEMINI in 1974 and Arthur Penn’s FOUR FRIENDS in 1981. A celebrated member of the New York theatre community, Reed has won a Tony and numerous other awards and nominations for plays including THE HUMANS, CASA VALENTINA, MAN FROM NEBRASKA, UNCLE VANYA, BLASTED, and CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION. Most recently he starred opposite his son Ephraim Birney in CHESTER BAILEY at Irish Rep, and in the highly successful run of Donald Margulies’s LUNAR ECLIPSE at Second Stage, following a sold out run at Shakespeare & Company. On television, he was recently seen recurring opposite Kim Kardashian in the most recent season of “American Horror Story”. He was also recently seen in Peacock's "Poker Face", and “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.” Other TV credits include HBO’s “Succession” and Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”, as well as the Apple TV+ series "Home Before Dark". He is also well known for his performance as Vice President Donald Blythe in the Netflix series “House of Cards". Next he will be seen in a series regular role on the upcoming season of “Silo” on Apple TV+, and also recently joined the cast of the limited series “Rabbit, Rabbit” for Netflix. In film, Reed received a Gotham Award nomination for his performance in the Bleecker Street feature MASS opposite Ann Dowd, Jason Isaacs and Martha Plimpton. The film’s cast was also honored with the Robert Altman Award at the Independent Spirit Awards. Other recent film credits include THE MENU opposite Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy, the Universal/Blumhouse thriller THE HUNT, and Netflix’s THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION and LOST GIRLS. Reed recently shot an independent feature THE STEEL HARP with Lois Smith and Cherry Jones, as well as BLUE FILM which debuted at Edinburgh Film Festival in August. We chat about almost quitting 3 times, regrets, 35 bad years & breakout roles ‘later in life’, embracing fear, being a LIFER, rejection & nasty things people say, spreading the ashes of one of his teachers, terrible plays, His Tony speech, good and bad agents, not working for a year + more! Check out BLUE FILM (tickets currently out) ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/41567445
info_outline
#340: Andrea Savage - Proof of Concept
06/01/2026
#340: Andrea Savage - Proof of Concept
Andrea Savage is an actor, writer, director, producer and podcaster. She is probably best known for creating the breakout television show, I’M SORRY on TruTV. The show premiered to high network ratings and critical acclaim, eventually becoming a Top 5 show on Netflix. Seasons 1 and 2 of I’M SORRY are currently streaming on Amazon and Hulu. You might also recognise her from her iconic roles in Veep as Laura Montez, Stacy Beale in Tulsa King, Denise/ The Therapist in Step Brothers, Helen Basch in Episodes and in Curb Your Enthusiasm to name a few. Andrea also hosted the popular podcast, Andrea Savage: A Grown-Up Woman #buttholes We chat about her famous poker nights, I’m Sorry + creating and running your own show & when it doesn’t go ahead, Step Brothers, making many shows that don’t go ahead, groundlings & being let go, being authentic, moving forward & what’s next plus more! Check Andrea out on: Instagram: Podcast (apple): Podcast (Spotify): ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/41488295
info_outline
#339: Maxon - Potential in you
05/25/2026
#339: Maxon - Potential in you
Maxon is a Singer-Songwriter, and Co-Founder of independent Peninsula record label Sandhill Records. As an artist, Maxon spent her early teens years running in and out of studios, writing and recording original music with her then vocal coach and release artist Cheryl Beattie (Warner Music, 1999). A two-time recipient of the Mornington Peninsula Development Arts Grant, winner of the Green Wedge Songwriting Comp and City of Melbourne Grant Recipient, Maxon’s ability to shatter yet heal hearts with her raw creations and powerful depth simultaneously makes any listener feel instantly seen, understood and coaxed into the light. An LGBTQIA+ creative powerhouse fluent in fusing Americana with 70s folk- rock and a modern sheen, Maxon’s relationship with music spans beyond the studio and the stage. From devouring John Mayer’s Room for Squares on CD on a family road trip through to rapidly developing her own love for singing and songwriting, Maxon has since gone on to share stages and lineups with the likes of Tones and I, Ella Hooper, Alex Lahey more, and has also appeared at major festivals including St Kilda Festival and Melbourne Fringe. Maxon’s long-awaited debut album Talking With Strangers is now out as well as her song Little Blue! We chat about her love of music, sound healing, lessons from being a music teacher, learnings from being on TV, authenticity and being true to yourself, performance, red flags, her new album, opening up + plenty more! Check Maxon out on: Instagram: Website: 'Talking with Strangers' Album: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/41411125
info_outline
#338: Sashi Perera - Villain to Hero
04/27/2026
#338: Sashi Perera - Villain to Hero
Sashi Perera is a Sri Lankan-Australian comedian, writer and former lawyer, based in Melbourne. After working with refugee organisations around the globe, she moved to Melbourne to do her masters and fell arse backwards into comedy. She’s now one of Australia’s fastest rising comedians. In 2023, she was nominated for Best Newcomer at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Since then, she’s sold out shows in six countries, opened for Hannah Gadsby and made a slew of television appearances including Channel 10’s Have You Been Paying Attention? and ABC’s Guy Montgomery’s Guy-Mont Spelling Bee. Sashi’s comedy shows have wowed audiences all over the world, and her debut novel ‘Standstill’ was released to widespread acclaim in 2025. Links are below! We chat about being a refugee lawyer, calling off her wedding, her wonderful book, going viral, fertility and mental health, learning to love your body, new material nights, being flown to perform at a wedding in Rome, rage and breaking the cycle, fake wedding speeches vs authentic speeches + plenty more! Check Sashi out on: Instagram: Website/ tickets: Book (Standstill): Tiktok: Youtube: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/41026375
info_outline
#337: Ariana and the Rose - New Path
04/20/2026
#337: Ariana and the Rose - New Path
Ariana and the Rose is a singer, songwriter from New York. She is a synth-pop artist known for her '80s-inspired sound, theatrical flair and honest storytelling. Having previously opened for Cyndi Lauper, shared the stage with Lizzo, played keys with Coldplay on SNL, and with over 15 million music streams and 70 million views on her viral Piano Chat videos, she’s cultivated a dedicated global following. Now, Ariana and The Rose is extremely excited to make her Australian debut. , a blend of 80s-inspired pop music, cabaret and comedy for its Australian debut at the Sydney Comedy Festival. A bit about the show: The Breakup Variety Hour is a glitter-soaked, neon-lit journey through the six stages of heartbreak – and the live counterpart to her album of the same name. The show is about putting yourself back together after heartbreak and society’s relationship to dating and the cultural discussion around being single. We chat about growing and evolving, intuition, her unique style, filling her first 600 seater show and how she did it, when things go wrong on stage, synth, learnings from breakups and making a show about it, going on vocal rest for 6 months + plenty more! Check Ariana out on: Instagram: Sydney Comedy Festival: Edinburgh tickets: Spotify: Youtube: Merch: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40923850
info_outline
#336: Flynn Gurry - Have You Tried Busking?
04/13/2026
#336: Flynn Gurry - Have You Tried Busking?
Flynn Gurry is an Australian singer-songwriter. His brand new single and music video is now out plus he has an incredible new EP . To commemorate the upcoming release of Gold, Flynn will also embark on a tour (currently on) set to stun with his unforgettable live show that has previously seen 4ZZZ praise him as “a charismatic performer who knows how to engage an audience”. Raised against the coastal backdrop of Warrnambool, Victoria, Flynn Gurry has catapulted from busking on Melbourne streets through to performing with the likes of Ian Moss, King Stingray, Ash Grunwald and Kim Churchill as a solo artist, while also relentlessly enamouring with his sparkling acoustic guitarwork, magnetic pop sensibilities, honeyed vocals and folk-hued charm. Winning triple j Unearthed’s One Night Stand competition in 2024, which saw him perform alongside G Flip, Ruel, What So Not and many more in his hometown Warrnambool, Flynn has since ticked off being a triple j Unearthed feature artist, supported The Dreggs and Pierce Brothers nationally. He has appeared onstage at the likes of Beyond The Valley Festival, Port Fairy Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival and BIGSOUND, signed with Cult Artists for bookings and Woolstore Music, aka the management company helmed by indie folk icons Pierce Brothers, and inked a deal with ABC Records in 2025. A timeless artist and storyteller with a sharp sense of identity and modern allure, Flynn Gurry’s music has continued to find him in demand both at home and on overseas stages. But in 2026, another spectacular chapter will take flight via the release of Gold, and, as Flynn concludes, these are songs geared to stay with you long after the stage lights have dimmed. We chat about busking and the national busking championships, his new EP + bones, his great imagination, intuition, playing music for his dad, collaboration plus plenty more! Check Flynn out on: Instagram: Website/ TOUR DATES: new EP GOLD: Spotify: Youtube: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40752845
info_outline
#335: Sonya Walger - Star of your Life
04/06/2026
#335: Sonya Walger - Star of your Life
SONYA WALGER is an actor, author, writer and podcaster. She most recently starred in Apple's sci-fi series FOR ALL MANKIND as astronaut "Molly Cobb," and the horror/thriller film NEW LIFE. She also can be seen in Amazon's NIGHT SKY opposite Sissy Spacek and J.K. Simmons, and Epix's GET SHORTY with Chris O'Dowd and Ray Romano. Sonya is perhaps best known for her role as "Penny" on ABC's hit series LOST as well as other series including FLASHFORWARD, THE CATCH, TELL ME YOU LOVE ME, and MIND OF A MARRIED MAN. Sonya's novel LION was published in February 2025 by The New York Review Books. Her new novel, WIFEHOUSE, will be published by Union Square Books April 7th 2026. We chat about her love of books and full time writing, Lost, her new book Wifehouse, intuition, auditioning, being invited back to shows, waiting for the phone to ring and empowering yourself, friendships, the power of journaling + plus more! Check Sonya out on: Instagram: Website: Wifehouse Book: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40735190
info_outline
#334: Emmanuel Sonubi - Finding Another Way
04/02/2026
#334: Emmanuel Sonubi - Finding Another Way
Emmanuel Sonubi is an award winning stand up comedian , TV personality, presenter, actor and writer. He is one of the UK’s most in-demand comedians, whose rise through the UK comedy scene has been rapid and widely celebrated. Since making his debut in 2016, he has progressed from open mic nights to headlining major venues and hosting the iconic BBC stand-up showcase Live at the Apollo. You may have also seen him on QI, Celebrity Mastermind, The John Bishop Show, Comedy Central Live, Pointless Celebrities, Have I got News for you, Unforgiveable, The Stand Up Sketch Show + more. Known for his commanding stage presence and razor-sharp storytelling, Emmanuel has received significant industry recognition. His show was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show in 2023, following a Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer nomination in 2022. He has also been nominated for Chortle Award for Best Club Comic and won Mervyn Stutter’s Spirit of the Fringe Award for Best Show in 2025. Following a sold-out run at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, UK comedy powerhouse and two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Emmanuel Sonubi returns to Melbourne with his powerful show Life After Near Death. The show runs from 7th to 19th April playing at the Melbourne Town Hall, In Life After Near Death, Emmanuel recounts surviving heart failure — and living to tell the tale. A deeply personal, refreshingly honest and outrageously funny take on life, facing the cause of trauma and finding unexpected comedy in the toughest moments. One of the UK’s most in-demand comedians, Emmanuel Sonubi seamlessly blends earnest stories and big laughs, with an unstoppable energy and razor-sharp wit. Don’t miss your chance to see this masterclass live in Melbourne! We chat about being a bouncer and the reason why he left, nearly dying and health journey, never having a bad gig, unique start to comedy, speaking up and not arguing, quitting entertainment and why he came, writing joke journals for his kids, doing an hour set with 20 minutes material, not lying, envy plus plenty more! Check Emmanuel out on: Instagram: Website/ shows: Melbourne Comedy Festival tickets: Facebook: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40697495
info_outline
#333: Anthony Locascio - Why Can't I Enjoy This?
03/30/2026
#333: Anthony Locascio - Why Can't I Enjoy This?
Anthony Locascio is a stand-up comedian, actor & podcaster. Since beginning stand-up in 2017, he has written and toured a new full-length show every year, with highlights including Don’t Call Me a Wog! (2022), Heart of Darkness (2023), and the critically acclaimed Pappou (2024–25). Pappou toured twice around Australia and internationally to London, New Zealand, Canada, and New York, before being filmed at a sold-out Enmore Theatre and released on YouTube in 2025. His debut special Confirmation (2020) was distributed worldwide by Comedy Dynamics on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. Anthony has sold out seasons at Sydney Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Perth Comedy Festival, and Brisbane Comedy Festival, and was hand-picked for the prestigious Sydney and Perth Comedy Festival Gala showcases in 2021 and 2022. Alongside his live work, he has appeared on Triple J’s Hack, SBS Sport, beIN Sports, Today EXTRA on Channel 9 and Sunrise on Channel 7, and performed or hosted major events including the Greek Festival of Sydney and the Italian National Ball. In 2025, he also curated and hosted the inaugural Greek Australian Comedy Gala and the Italian Australian Comedy Gala. Self-managed from the start of his career, Anthony has built a loyal following online and on stage, working across comedy clubs, community festivals, corporate events, and screen projects for brands such as Nando’s, NexGard, and Pedestrian TV. His mission is to challenge clichés around “wog comedy,” representing his Greek and Italian heritage with a modern, nuanced voice that resonates far beyond those communities. Divine Comedy is now out! Blurb below: World Tour. Sold-out Enmore Theatre. Dream wedding on the horizon. 2025 was set to be the best year of Anthony’s life - then everything fell apart. With his heart in ruins, desperation (and destiny) pushed him into a Vipassana meditation retreat. The Divine Comedy is the story of ten gruelling days of silence, where Anthony journeyed to the depth of his mind and battled the hive of evil clowns behind his lifelong misery, and somehow returned with his soul intact. We chat about acting, 10 day silent retreats, radical honesty and accountability, love of musicals, integrity, pain, misery, honesty and suffering, acceptance, big mindset and mental shifts, love of musicals + more! Check Anthony out on: Instagram: Website: Melbourne Comedy Festival: Facebook: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40655215
info_outline
#332: Thor Stenhaug - The Rule of Jante
03/25/2026
#332: Thor Stenhaug - The Rule of Jante
Thor Stenhaug is a Norwegian born, London based standup comedian and actor. He regularly performs in some of the biggest comedy clubs across the UK. He is a Channel 4 Sean Lock Award Finalist and he had a completely sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 with his debut show "One Night Stand Baby". Thor has headlined top comedy clubs across the England, and recently completed a run at Soho Theatre, London. Thor has offered tour support for Vittorio Angelone, Fern Brady, Josh Widdecombe, Larry Dean and Jack Dee, and was shortlisted for British Comedian of the Year - despite not being British. Thor will tour One Night Stand Baby across the UK, Australia and more! We chat about being a one-night stand baby, being a Harry potter walking guide, practising small talk, learning English, sneeze breaks, stories from writing for the local newspaper, being a comedy doorman in Norway, the rule of Jante, his Melbourne shows, bombing & silence, tours plus plenty more! Check Thor out on: Instagram: Website: Melbourne Comedy Festival: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40581640
info_outline
#331: Luke McQueen - Authenticity & Humour
03/23/2026
#331: Luke McQueen - Authenticity & Humour
Luke McQueen is an award-winning stand-up comedian, writer and actor, who you will have seen on 'The Moth Club', 'Comedians Giving Lectures', 'The Stand-up Sketch show' and 'Roast Battle'. Luke has written and starred in a number of short films over the years, with his performance in ‘Last Dates’ receiving an honourable mention at the LOCO film festival and his film ‘Trevor’ receiving a special commendation the following year. More recently Luke was cast for a small role in Nicolas Cage movie ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’ and he’s just wrapped filming a starring role in ‘Hostages’, a debut feature from director Jim Owen. Luke will also be in Melbourne for the comedy festival performing his hit show Comedian’s Comedian. Check it out! Links below. We chat about someone putting things in his football boots, directing and acting, his many comedy pranks, Edinburgh and long tour runs, forgiving your enemy, pressure, not being invited on the comedian’s comedian podcast and making a show about it + more! Check Luke out on: Instagram: Youtube: Melbourne Comedy Festival: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40564550
info_outline
#330: Ravi Patel - Have a Great Day
03/16/2026
#330: Ravi Patel - Have a Great Day
Ravi Patel is a powerhouse multi-hyphenate; Emmy-nominated writer, director, and actor — lighting up screens in film and television as one of the entertainment industry’s most dynamic and in-demand talents. Ravi currently stars as Amit Patel in Animal Control, FOX’s #1 comedy, returning in a lead role alongside Joel McHale which has been renewed for a 5th season. On the unscripted front, Ravi brings his signature charm and comedic energy to LEGO Masters Jr., FOX’s new child-friendly competition series hosted by Kelly Osbourne which is out. The four-week special event features Ravi alongside fellow celebrity partners Andy Richter, Jordin Sparks, Porsha Williams, and Alison Sweeney, teaming up with young contestants in a high-spirited, creativity- fuelled challenge. Ravi also continued his FOX unscripted takeover participating in one of television’s most extreme challenges in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test (season 4), an intense, unscripted series that pushes celebrity participants to their absolute limits — physically and mentally. On the film front, Ravi recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of his groundbreaking documentary-style romantic comedy Meet the Patels, which he co-directed and starred in alongside his sister, acclaimed director/producer Geeta Vasant Patel. Blending real-life footage with animated sequences, the award-winning film struck a chord with both South Asian and broader audiences for its authentic, humorous take on bicultural identity and modern dating. One of the most streamed documentaries of the past decade, Meet the Patels also led to a narrative remake opportunity with Fox Searchlight Pictures. Ravi also created and hosted the critically acclaimed HBO Max docuseries Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness. He co-created, wrote, and starred in the Netflix India comedy Bhaag Beanie Bhaag, and served as a writer on CBS’ Ghosts. As an actor, Ravi has been featured in hit television series including Master of None, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Scrubs, Grey’s Anatomy, Children’s Hospital, Three Women, Justified, and Transformers. His film work includes Come As You Are; Long Shot (with Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron); Wonder Woman 1984; The Valet; Harold and the Purple Crayon; and Disney+’s Dashing Through the Snow. He has also appeared as a guest on Real Time with Bill Maher, Name That Tune, and Netflix’s Is It Cake? Outside of entertainment, Ravi is the co-founder of This Saves Lives, a mission-driven snack company launched alongside Kristen Bell, Todd Grinnell, and Ryan Devlin. As its former CEO and board chairman, he helped scale the company before its acquisition by Good/Upworthy. Each snack sold provides a life-saving meal packet to a child in need. He continues to advise and invest in companies focused on wellness and nutrition. Ravi will also appear in Best Pancake in the Country with Nicolas Cage and will join Ben Stiller in Apple TV limited series The Off Weeks We chat about fulfilment, ADHD, writing his yearly eulogy, grief and losing his daughter, health and wellness, his poker magazine, his thoughts about acting, ambition, Meet The Patels, one’s unique medicine, wellness focussed communities + plenty more! Check Ravi out on: Instagram: Youtube: Facebook (Meet the Patels): Tiktok: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40486015
info_outline
#329: Dave Hughes - Life is Incredible
03/09/2026
#329: Dave Hughes - Life is Incredible
Dave Hughes is one of Australia’s biggest and best stand-up comedians – and fellow comedians call him ‘the GOAT.’ A household name who’s made sharp wit and larrikin charm his trademark, Hughesy is universally revered by those inside the industry as the comedian’s comedian. His career exploded in 1998 with a legendary debut on Hey Hey It’s Saturday– so good it was the only stand-up spot replayed on the show’s 50th Anniversary Special. From there, he became a breakout star on The Glasshouse, co-founded the iconic Before The Game, delivered unforgettable Hughesy Loses It segments on Rove Live, and was a key pillar in the launch of The Project in 2009, staying for five years. But Dave’s never stopped. He’s hosted Australia’s Got Talent, produced and starred in Hughesy, We Have A Problem, was the only judge to complete all five seasons of Masked Singer Australia, and in 2025 appeared on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Taskmaster Australia, and Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation. His life and comedy were also featured on Australian Story – the most viewed episode of 2025. While dominating TV, Dave simultaneously conquered radio. From launching Nova 100’s breakfast show in 2001 (which ruled ratings for 13 years) to his national drive show and 2DayFM breakfast stint, he’s been a ratings powerhouse for over two decades. Through it all, stand-up remains his true love. He’s a road warrior, selling out theatres nationwide for three decades and earning invitations to perform at Montreal’s Just For Laughs festival. In 2025, Australians voted Dave the 2nd most popular comedian and radio host in the nation – remarkable for someone who’s been essential for almost thirty years. Whether performing for 50 people or millions on TV, Hughesy delivers exactly what audiences come for: big laughs. And he’s never lost the common touch – after every show, he patiently takes photos with fans until the last one has gone home, from 9 year olds to 99 year olds and beyond. David is currently touring and also performing at the Melbourne Comedy Festival soon, check out tickets before they sell out! Links below. We chat about his radical mindset shift, Wayne Dwyer and mindset, worries and letting go, his many jobs before comedy and being fired as a dishwasher, ego, giving up alcohol, radio and ratings, newfound view of success, being on the doll, trending on Twitter + so much more! Check Dave out on: Instagram: Website/ tour dates: Facebook: Tiktok: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40355555
info_outline
#328: Sarah Schreiber - The In-Between Moments
03/02/2026
#328: Sarah Schreiber - The In-Between Moments
Sarah Schreiber is an actor, announcer & host. She has been dedicated to the entertainment industry for two decades, performing and working across nearly every medium—stage, opera, television, commercials, red carpet coverage, news, and film. Currently Sarah has been a proud part of the global sports entertainment industry with WWE. She has served as a backstage correspondent on Monday Night Raw—the longest-running scripted episodic program in television history—as well as on SmackDown and NXT, covering unforgettable moments and interviewing top talent for shows broadcast worldwide on Netflix, USA Network, The CW, and Peacock. She has also been an in-ring announcer for live events across the globe, from international arenas to Madison Square Garden. Beyond the ring, Sarah has represented WWE as a Global Ambassador, hosting community events with organizations such as Make-A-Wish, the Special Olympics, and Boys & Girls Clubs—appearing alongside distinguished alumni including Denzel Washington—to inspire and bring joy to communities around the world. As an actress, Sarah has been fortunate to work on high-profile projects such as Marvel’s Agent Carter (ABC), Bloodline (Netflix), NCIS: New Orleans (CBS), Grand Hotel (ABC), The Late Show with David Letterman (CBS), and The Knights of Prosperity (ABC). Her film credits include Stevie D, Reunion, and Ashley & The Mummy Resurrected. She also had the unforgettable opportunity to perform her own stunts opposite fellow New Jersey native Bruce Willis, under Grammy-winning director Joseph Kahn and stunt coordinator Eddie Braun. As a host, Sarah has worked with major outlets including E! News, KTLA, KCAL, FABtv, HSN, and AndroidTV, reporting from red carpets at prestigious award shows and premieres, and engaging audiences on live broadcasts. She hosted a pilot for Lance Bass Productions (Hangover Gourmet) and has extensive experience in home shopping, including her own HSN series, The Shoe Lovers Closet. She is a proud graduate of the University of Miami, where she earned her BFA, and holds a Master of Science in Television & Media Management from Drexel University. Sarah also hosts the podcast ‘Don’t Start’ with Candice Guardino (who’s also been on the podcast!), check it out, it’s great! We chat about joining the WWE family, resilience and hustle, being a shoe model, shows that don’t go ahead, auditions and rejection, her masters, evolving and growing, collaboration, lessons from grief, being on David Letterman, 30 minute musicals, her new podcast plus plenty more! Check Sarah out on: Instagram: Website: Don't Start podcast: Linkedin: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40266820
info_outline
#327: Alisha Henderson - Life's Short, Eat Cake
02/23/2026
#327: Alisha Henderson - Life's Short, Eat Cake
Alisha Henderson is a baker, creative cake content creator, and author. She is the creative force behind Sweet Bakes, a successful cake business launched in 2013. A former journalism student and professional cheerleader, Alisha discovered her passion for baking at 19, quickly gaining a following online. Completely self-taught, she has become a leading figure in the Australian pastry scene, known for her vibrant and innovative cakes. Her Cake Mail Club, introduced during the pandemic, delivers unique monthly cake tastings across Australia. Alisha is also a published children's author and illustrator, and collaborates with brands to create inspiring content. In 2023, she co-founded Co.Bake Space in Melbourne, offering workshops and events. Alisha joined the cast of Dessert Masters in 2024, aiming to 'edu-cake' bakers everywhere with her infectious joy and creativity. Alisha has dedicated more than a decade to gaining an understanding of what makes a good cake truly glorious, and to perfecting recipes for the ultimate joy-filled bakes. Along the way, she's discovered there are countless reasons to love cake - from the art of creation and the act of baking for someone, to the simple pleasure of indulging in something sweet. Cake offers connection, a delicious glue that binds us together in fleeting, precious moments of happiness. Her new book, EVERYBODY LOVES CAKE is now out! In Everybody Loves Cake, Alisha brings together her very best cake recipes, from Classics to Showstoppers. There's something for every occasion and celebration, all beautifully photographed and accompanied by Alisha's uplifting stories about the people closest to her and their favourite cakes. We chat about how she got into cakes and where her love and passion for it began, a car that drove into her store, shared success, being a professional Cheerleader, Millie the Muffin, the almost moments, shame, the 'what ifs', being on TV, journalling, saying yes despite fear, manifesting French castles, her new book EVERYBODY LOVES CAKE + plenty more. Check Alisha out on: Instagram: Book: Website: Tiktok: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40183500
info_outline
#326: Emma Donovan - I've Got More To Give
02/16/2026
#326: Emma Donovan - I've Got More To Give
Emma Donovan is an acclaimed Indigenous Australian singer and songwriter best known for her work with soul bands, The Putbacks and The Black Arm Band project. She is one of Australia’s most celebrated voices, with a career spanning over two decades. The proud Gumbaynggirr and Yamatji artist has carved a singular path that fuses gospel, country and soul with the storytelling traditions of her culture. First emerging as a teenager with Stiff Gins, Emma went on to front The Putbacks, whose albums Dawn (2014), Crossover (2020) and Under These Streets (2021) earned her critical acclaim and cemented her as a vital force in Australian music. Having performed on iconic stages including WOMADelaide, Bluesfest Byron Bay and the Sydney Opera House, Emma has become a guiding voice for the next generation of First Nations artists, and in 2021 was inducted into the National Indigenous Music Awards Hall of Fame alongside her family band The Donovans. Emma’s previous album Til My Song Is Done was nominated for an ARIA and won an AIR Award last year. She has also toured and recorded with Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter, Spinifex Gum, Christine Anu, Yothu Yindi, Jimmy Little and Paul Kelly among others. On her mother’s side, Emma is part of the famed Donovan family of singers Emma Donovan dips into soulful waters with a sumptuous cover of Al Green’s 1974 hit Take Me To The River (links below). The new track arrives alongside a deeply personal music video. A song that brings Emma’s journey full circle, connecting her past to her present and luminous future, and celebrating her lifelong love of soul. We chat about leaving legendary bands and going solo, being on Play School, nerves, community, improving & getting better with age, collaboration, loss and grief, the Donovan musical family, confidence, burnout, musical influences, take me to the river cover + plenty more! Just as a heads up, we do briefly cover mental health and heavier topics only for a short period but the conversation as a whole is light and empowering! Check Emma out on: Instagram: Website/ tour: Facebook: Youtube: Take Me To The River cover: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40110285
info_outline
#325: Candice Guardino -Journey Together
02/09/2026
#325: Candice Guardino -Journey Together
Candice Guardino is a comedian, writer, host and producer. Brooklyn-born Candice Guardino grew up in a loud, loving Italian family on Staten Island—an upbringing she transformed into her hit theatrical comedy Italian Bred. Inspired by true events, the special follows Candice as she seamlessly slips into multiple characters, including her brassy grandmother, taking audiences on a hilarious and heartfelt journey through her childhood. Italian Bred was written and performed by Candice and filmed through her production company, Anthony Street Productions (launched in 2022). The special was produced by Chris DiPetta (Billy Gardell’s Halftime, Showtime’s Road Dogs), directed by Samuel Brownfield (longtime Jim Gaffigan collaborator), edited by Brent Katz (Now You See Him), with musical arrangements by Emmy-nominated David Dabbon (Oh Mary!, Beetlejuice the Musical). The original song, “Change in Me,” was written by Candice and Dabbon. Candice is currently writing her debut comedic essay collection, Confessions of an Italian Bred Girl (Because Therapy Is Expensive and Laughing at Myself Is Free), which is being shopped to publishers. Through Anthony Street Productions, she also produces her hit weekly podcast , featuring inspiring celebrity guests. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Candice is also developing a new television project based on the IP of her grandmother’s secret family journals. , with stops including New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, and additional dates to be announced. Italian Bread is now out! Check it out on Amazon Prime or Apple. We chat about dancing competitively and judging, Italian Bred, journey of self-discovery and growth, wild fertility journey, writing and attachment, musical theatre and regional runs, nerves and performing, + more! Photo credit is: Dirty Sugar Photography Check Candice out on: Instagram: Website/ tour: Italian Bred: Podcast (DON'T START): ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/40026900
info_outline
#324: Conrad Sewell - Gut Instinct
02/02/2026
#324: Conrad Sewell - Gut Instinct
Conrad Sewell is an ARIA Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling singer and songwriter. Starting his musical journey at the age of 8, Conrad became a household name with his first official solo endeavour, teaming up with dynamic Norwegian DJ and producer Kygo for the smash hit Firestone; a track that has since gone on to generate over 1 billion streams on Spotify alone. Since then, Conrad has never looked back, going large with ‘Healing Hands’ and secured a #1 charting and Platinum certified single via 2015’s Start Again, which also took home the ARIA Music Award for Song of the Year, before going on to release two studio albums, tour the globe extensively, all while continuing to enamour with his soulful approach to pop music that is authentic as it is memorable. Conrad Sewell is set to return to Australian stages this year, today announcing his Bloodline tour, a powerful new chapter celebrating family, legacy and the raw soul of his voice, joined by his Grammy-nominated sister Grace Sewell (PKA SAYGRACE), whose billion-stream career has made her one of Australia’s most formidable R&B exports. The tour announcement comes paired with the news of a compelling new Conrad Sewell single Deserve. Tickets are available below. He's toured with Ed Sheeran and Maroon 5, performances at Madison Square Garden and Coachella, appearances on Jimmy Fallon and Good Morning America and praise from Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Teen Vogue, VICE and NBC. We chat about hitting over 1 billion streams for ‘Firestone’ and what Spotify gave him, authenticity and trusting your gut, social media and being in front of the camera, self-discovery, flow, good vs bad collaboration, musical magic, ego, his health journey more! Check Conrad out on: Instagram: Tour: Youtube: Spotify: Tiktok: Deserve Music video: Walk on post: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/39932200
info_outline
#323: Rachel Lee Goldenberg - Follow Your Excitment
01/26/2026
#323: Rachel Lee Goldenberg - Follow Your Excitment
Rachel Lee Goldenberg is a Los Angeles-based writer/director. Her most recent film, Swiped (2025), stars Lily James as tech founder Whitney Wolfe, and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Swiped is Goldenberg’s 10th feature, her other most recent film is Unpregnant (2020), a buddy comedy about abortion access. She began her career directing B-movies, culminating with A Deadly Adoption (2015) a meta Lifetime movie starring Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig. She also directed the pilots and additional episodes of Minx (2022) and Tiny Beautiful Things (2023), along with episodes of a dozen other show. She won an Emmy for producing Between Two Ferns: President Obama (2014). We chat about winning an Emmy, Funny Or Die and how Will Ferrell helped get her first agent, directing and crazy stories on set, working at the Asylum, following excitement, Swiped, working with low budgets plus so much more! Check Rachel out on: Instagram: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/39865780
info_outline
#322: Jaydi Samuels Kuba - You Can Do Both
01/19/2026
#322: Jaydi Samuels Kuba - You Can Do Both
Jaydi Samuels Kuba got her start in television writing, with credits on shows from Family Guy to Salem. After watching her colleagues in film and TV struggle to find grounded and meaningful relationships, she started LJMatchmaking, her couple curation service for people in the industry. Today she and her business partner are known as the “Love Agents of Hollywood.” A certified date and relationship coach, she’s set up many couples since, inadvertently finding her own match in the process. She cohosts the podcast Match Made in Hollywood with her husband. Her book, ‘Your Last First Date, Secrets from a Hollywood Matchmaker’ will be out on January 27. Links below! We chat about officiating weddings, screenwriting, becoming the ‘love agents of Hollywood’, being Seth MacFarlane’s assistant, writing episode 250 for Family Guy, her love and passion of matchmaking and being a dating coach and her new book ‘Your Last First Date’. Check Jaydi out on: Instagram: Website: Book (Your Last First Date): ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/39770710
info_outline
#321: What So Not - Artistic Success
01/12/2026
#321: What So Not - Artistic Success
Today’s guest may be one of the most interesting humans on the planet. Whether it’s doing 250 shows in a year, training with monks, not staying in one city for more than four days over a year and a half, exploring the world, or being a true pioneer in his music space — Chris Emerson, aka WHAT SO NOT, has done it all! What So Not is an Australian DJ and producer. He has just released a brand new collaborative EP The Quiet That Hurts with visionary Dutch artist Buunshin. Previously releasing their single Threads and a luminous new single Dancing In The Leaves featuring Lucy Lucy. Emerging in the 2010s, What So Not has evolved into an in-demand artist across the globe, renowned for his innovation and signature style that blends bass, trap and melodic hues into a unique and unforgettable package. Releasing his debut album Not All the Beautiful Things in 2018, What So Not resoundingly showcased his versatility and revolutionary prowess, with tracks like Be OK Again featuring Daniel Johns and Goh featuring Skrillex building formidable momentum that would ultimately lead to a 2022 sophomore album Anomaly. A genre-less and relentlessly experimental artist, What So Not has spent his career collaborating with the likes of Skrillex, RL Grime, Killer Mike and Toto, with his releases and potent live performance effortlessly translating over to the stage including at Coachella and Lollapalooza, headline shows in Europe, North America as well as on home soil, and also cultivating over 1.3 billion streams and counting worldwide in the process. Opening with Threads featuring renowned American singer-songwriter and composer Maiah Manser, The Quiet That Hurts EP is undeniably a short yet sharply sweet full-bodied journey in avant-garde sounds and blissful delivery, with the EP growing from its opening track into quiet rumination and lush, ambient urgency via Tragic, featuring Ukrainian singer vocalist Alina Pash, pulsing with emotion alongside a high-octane foundation. From here, the EP dives into a hypnotic yet propulsive flow state (Dancing In The Leaves feat. Lucy Lucy), before oozing into bewitching melodics balanced between moments of instrumental sparsity and animated drum and bass (The One feat. Aiko), and, ultimately, closing out with sprawling soundscapes fused with narcotic beats and unbridled serenity juxtaposed against emphatic and raw lyricism delivered by Mara Necia. Dancing In The Leaves is out now! The Quiet That Hurts EP is out now! What So Not is also touring America and Canada soon, check it out! We chat about surfing and what it does for his soul, his new EP, consciousness and deep chats with AI, the void, Aussie revival dance tour and helping upcoming artists, the state of the music industry, ego, jumping off the rocket ship, art and completion, quitting accounting, creating new sounds plus plenty more! Check What So Not out on: Instagram: Tour dates/ tickets: Spotify: Youtube: The Quiet That Hurts ep: ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook
/episode/index/show/funnyinfailure/id/39681460