Best Failing Upwards Podcasts (2025)

1
Keepers Of The Fringe, Episode 364 – A Two Hour Fart Take…Our Society Is Based On Failing Upwards 1:20:15

15d ago1:20:15

1:20:15

KEEPERS KWOTABLES: “It wasn’t as good as I was hoping, but it was still funny.” / “The curse of Henry Cavill!” / “The post-Bruce Campbell era.” / “Every part of it is a giant fail!” / “It’s saying so much without saying anything.” TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE: MARVEL SHILLIN’ TIME! Kristen Ritter joins […]…

1
Netflix and the Fall of Television | To the Max | 3 44:31

18h ago44:31

44:31

After AT&T takes over Time Warner in 2018, the media company decides it's time to enter the streaming wars. They don’t have the brand recognition that Disney has, but they do have HBO, considered the most prestigious cable television on the market. But transforming a niche brand like HBO into a broad-based streaming service is a massive marketing c…

1
Keepers Of The Fringe, Episode 365 – The Curse Of The Cavill…I Like My Masked Killers To Be Beefy Boys 1:27:17

24h ago1:27:17

1:27:17

KEEPERS KWOTABLES: “It just ties your whole face together.” / “I couldn’t see the humor in it at the moment.” / “Maybe there should be only one!” / “It’s Thirty days of a’ight!” TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE: MARVEL SHILLIN’ TIME! Casting rumors for the X-Men characters Magneto and Storm / Spider-Man news / […]…

1
Wondery Presents: How to Survive Against the Odds 6:02

3d ago6:02

6:02

Inspired by Wondery’s hit podcast Against the Odds—learn how to survive whatever nature can throw at you through gut-twisting true stories of survival on the brink How to Survive Against the Odds places you at the center of fifteen real life-or-death scenarios. Each story explores the physiological responses of the human body under unbearable condi…

1
314: Dunkin vs Krispy Kreme HOLE OFF 1:00:31

7d ago1:00:31

1:00:31

We decide which hole is the best and have The Inaugural Small Talk Off of 2025- also Rainie pranks Zach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Try Guys & Ramble

1
RC Mini: Raffling THE LAST RC Mug to benefit Mental Health 4:29

8d ago4:29

4:29

As a final thank you to the incredible #mentalhealth professionals saving lives (including Dave's) and making our communities better, to benefit COAST (Crisis Outreach And Support Team), we're raffling off THE VERY LAST of our (awesome) limited-edition Rejected Central mugs! Full details here: https://www.rejectedcentral.com/ Rejected Central has b…

1
Netflix and the Fall of Television | The Mouse Strikes Back | 2 37:53

8d ago37:53

37:53

After Netflix poaches Shonda Rimes, one of the most successful television producers on ABC, a Disney-owned network, Disney decides it can’t just sit back and let Netflix keep eating into their market share. Disney CEO Bob Iger decides that Disney is going to launch its own streaming service, Disney+, in 2019. With its strong brand loyalty and vast …

1
The Only Way is the Rejected Way: Andrew Forbes | Episode 65 59:53

10d ago59:53

59:53

For the final episode of Rejected Central, Brent & Dave sit down with award-winning writer Andrew Forbes to talk about rejection, baseball, and the importance of perseverance and stubbornness in pursuit of life's most valuable things. Brent & Dave also reflect on their experiences with the podcast and thank the important humans who've helped make t…

1
313: Growing Up in a Red State vs Blue State 57:35

13d ago57:35

57:35

Keith (Tennessee), Zach (New York), and Miles (North Carolina), compare what it was like to grow up across political lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Try Guys & Ramble

1
Tenure, Textbooks, and the Long Game with Melisa Galvan 25:15

14d ago25:15

25:15

In this episode of Academics and Their Money, we’re joined by Melisa Galvan—professor, textbook author, and all-around academic powerhouse—to talk about what she wishes she'd known before starting her academic career. From the high-stakes stress of negotiating as a new PhD, to managing a 4–4 teaching load in Los Angeles, Melisa shares the financial…

1
Netflix and the Fall of Television | The Game Changer | 1 40:00

15d ago40:00

40:00

In 2017, Netflix stuns Hollywood by paying television producer Shonda Rhimes an unprecedented amount of money to develop shows exclusively for the streamer. The move announces Netflix as a true rival to the legacy studios and kicks off the streaming wars. But when the business takes a sudden turn after the pandemic, Netflix is forced to make some k…

1
Failing Better: Nicole Zylstra | Episode 64 46:50

16d ago46:50

46:50

In the penultimate Rejected Central episode, we chat with actor, writer, musician, stand up comedian, and playwright Nicole Zylstra! She has faced rejection and risen above and considers herself "Canadian Famous" (and says we might be that, too) and opens up about a life in improv and the art and love of failing better. Rejected Central is a human …

1
312: Never Have I Ever... 58:46

21d ago58:46

58:46

We play Never Have I Ever and giggle like we're at a sleepover hehehehehe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Try Guys & Ramble

1
Starbucks' Bitter Brew | A Cup of Competition | 3 44:28

21d ago44:28

44:28

Starbucks might be number one in market share, but the competition over coffee is hot. In one corner, you’ve got the New England-based fan favorite Dunkin, with their no-frills vibe and celebrity boosters. In the other, you’ve got the up-and-comers: drive-through only chains like Dutch Bros and Seven Brew that have become popular among younger cons…

1
Starbucks' Bitter Brew | Back in Black | 2 43:16

22d ago43:16

43:16

It’s 2023 and Howard Schultz’s hand-picked successor as CEO is facing trouble. While employees are voting to unionize, competitors are targeting Starbucks’ perceived weaknesses. Dunkin’ and others are beating Starbucks on price, while McDonald’s hopes to beat Starbucks on speed of service. Starbucks’ bottom-line breaks under that pressure. When it …

1
Keepers Of The Fringe, Episode 363 – Vampires On A Train Sans Mephisto…The Podcast Coffee’s Gettin’ Cold 1:29:50

22d ago1:29:50

1:29:50

KEEPERS KWOTABLES: “Waiting for the two week-along’s.” / “Fairly watchable, but not good.” / “There is a lot of stupid happening!” / “It’s good, but unnecessary.” / “Still dumb, but the least annoying one.” TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE: MARVEL SHILLIN’ TIME! Release dates for the next four movies that make up Phase 6 […]…

1
Keepers Of The Fringe, Episode 362 – Fruity Conan Flakes And Random Karate…I’m Tryin’ To Get Unover It 1:26:11

23d ago1:26:11

1:26:11

KEEPERS KWOTABLES: “I’m the Worm Whistler.” / “I can’t even begin to care.” / “I liked it, but I didn’t like it at the same time.” TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE: MARVEL SHILLIN’ TIME! There is a rumor about a team-up movie with Deadpool and the X-Men in the MCU‘s future KEEPERS KWICKIES: There […]…

1
Unrejecting Mondays: Ron Monteiro | Episode 63 35:38

24d ago35:38

35:38

Ron Monteiro is an author, life trainer, podcaster, accountant, entrepreneur, and proud askhole. Though grieving his team Arsenal's latest stumbles, he joins us to talk about what it means to transform oneself in the late summer of one's career and how a quiet life can inform even the most outgoing among us. Rejected Central is a human podcast host…

1
Listen Now: Oh What A Time... 10:13

24d ago10:13

10:13

It’s time to embark on a journey through history with "Oh What A Time…" a comedy history podcast hosted by renowned comedians Elis James and Tom Craine along with award winning podcaster Chris Scull. Tackling a brand new subject each week, (from ‘childhood’ to ‘a life at sea’, ‘marriage’ to ‘holidays’) your hosts will dive into the very weirdest an…

1
311: Diabolical Reddit Stories 1:10:51

28d ago1:10:51

1:10:51

We react to reddit stories so juicy, we rethink our relationship to our enemy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Try Guys & Ramble

1
Unraveling Money Mindsets & Adjunct Academia with Shannah Game 31:54

28d ago31:54

31:54

In this episode of Academics and Their Money, we sit down with Shannah Game—host of Everyone's Talking Money and author of Unraveling Your Relationship with Money—to explore the often-overlooked emotional side of finances. We dive into the challenges of adjunct teaching, misconceptions about academic salaries, and the mental baggage many of us carr…

1
Starbucks' Bitter Brew | The Founder's Curse | 1 39:21

29d ago39:21

39:21

It's 2021 and Starbucks workers are experiencing post-pandemic exhaustion. For the first time, baristas and others seem poised to vote to form a union. To head that off, Starbucks legendary CEO, Howard Schultz, comes out of retirement. He promises to lead Starbucks back to its employee-friendly, community coffeehouse roots. But workers aren’t buyin…

1
Keepers Of The Fringe, Episode 361 – Doohickeys Of Doom! Puttin’ Deuces In All Those Cabooses! 1:33:24

30d ago1:33:24

1:33:24

KEEPERS KWOTABLES: “You can never have enough Man-Thing!” / “I’m comin’ out of the Lebouf!” TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE: MARVEL SHILLIN’ TIME! LEGO reveals the look of Galactus in Fantastic Four: First Steps / News about the Thunderbolts movie KEEPERS KWICKIES: DCU casting rumors squashed / Sam Neil has been cast in the next […]…

1
Tension: Su Chang | Episode 62 41:45

1M ago41:45

41:45

Brent and Dave chat with Chinese-Canadian author Su Chang about the tension between exploring today's truth and the cost it has for those who went before, as well as what it means to write in the inspired shadow of a father who is a great writer himself. Su's journey reminds us that for Chinese emigrants, maintaining relationships with people still…

1
310: Answering Your Assumptions about Us 1:14:15

1M ago1:14:15

1:14:15

Zach and Keith answer your questions about them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Try Guys & Ramble

1
The Whole Foods Rebellion | Harsh Realities | 3 39:35

1M ago39:35

39:35

After a stock market shakeout stunts Whole Foods’ growth, co-founder John Mackey finds himself struggling to protect the grocery store chain from circling predators. And he knows if he loses this battle, everything he worked to build could be cast aside. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign u…

1
Failing Upwards: Elizabeth Mateer | Episode 61 44:46

1M ago44:46

44:46

Elizabeth Mateer is a former professional dancer and actor who now writes poetry as a diversion from her work as a fellow in neuropsychology at Harvard University. We chat about the inevitable rejections in the artistic life, what it's like to be a research-focused doctoral fellow in Trump's America, and how reject is about learning, or in her word…

1
309: Our Experience at Buzzfeed 57:57

1M ago57:57

57:57

Zach and Keith spill an insane amount of tea on the Buzzfeed era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Try Guys & Ramble

1
Gratitude & the Side-Eye: Nicole Pulliam on Making Peace—and Money—Beyond Academia 36:44

1M ago36:44

36:44

In this deeply honest and empowering episode of Academics and Their Money, we’re joined by Nicole Pulliam—tenured professor, certified coach, and unapologetic truth-teller—as she shares her unexpected journey through academia, the power of belief, and the real talk no one gives you about money in higher ed. Nicole opens up about what it felt like t…

1
The Whole Foods Rebellion | Tiny Acorns, Mighty Oaks | 2 45:01

1M ago45:01

45:01

CEO John Mackey is on a mission to take Whole Foods national. But he is about to run into major opposition. And to succeed in his quest, he must face down rebellious employees, ambitious rivals, animal rights activists and his own father. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https:/…

1
Mixed Feelings: Pope Francis Special Mini | Episode 60 18:56

1M ago18:56

18:56

The death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 has predictably generated a tsunami of emotions rushing in from around the globe. Looking past the shiny progressive tributes, flowery words, Vatican-generated propaganda, and wasn't-he-fabulous refrains, Brent & Dave pause for a moment to suggest that his work isn't nearly finished, and the Church still h…

1
Keepers Of The Fringe, Episode 360 – I’m Sick Of Accepting Mediocre…What Batman And Robin Did Killed Nipples Forever 1:41:21

1M ago1:41:21

1:41:21

KEEPERS KWOTABLES: “Got some coffee, got some smokes, and I’m ready to go!” / “John Malkovich’s Monkeys!” / “The Forget It Four!” / “Johnny felt Johnnyish.” / “The Reboot Owl!” / “There should be only one!” Topics discussed in this episode include: MARVEL SHILLIN’ TIME! Fantastic Four news, including a new trailer / Season 2 […]…

1
You Don't Have to be Right: Aamir Hussain | Episode 59 49:47

1M ago49:47

49:47

Aamir Hussain is a writer, political advocate, TTRPGer, and all-round interesting guy. He joins us to talk about the disappointments and rejections that have brought him to today, where he's releasing a book into the world. He also talks about election disappointments, life as a Muslim who really believes in listening to others, and how writing abo…

1
308: Zach's Gonna be a Dad 1:05:40

2M ago1:05:40

1:05:40

Keith and Miles give Dad advice to newcomer Zach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Try Guys & Ramble

1
The Whole Foods Rebellion | Vision Quest | 1 36:38

2M ago36:38

36:38

When Texas hippie John Mackey opens an organic supermarket, he gets high on running a business. But when his ambitions sink its profits, sparks fly between him and his co-founders. They clash over the question of whether to chase a bigger dream or enjoy the money they’re already making. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated …

1
Keepers Of The Fringe, Episode 359 – WTF Mother Nature? WTF…She Is A Bickle Fitch! 1:59:23

2M ago1:59:23

1:59:23

Topics discussed in this episode include: MARVEL SHILLIN’ TIME! Updates on the Thunderbolts movie / A release date has been announced for Beyond The Spiderverse / The Vision series has begun filming / Eight hours (WTF?) of Wolverine standing around KEEPERS KWICKIES: News about The Last Of Us / News about the next reboot of […]…

1
7 Popes, the Church, and Rejection: Philip Shenon | Episode 58 34:33

2M ago34:33

34:33

Celebrating the release of his newest bestseller Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of Catholic Church, veteran journalist and writer Philip Shenon joins us to talk about Rejection, the Church, the 7 modern popes who have shaped how we think about Catholicism, and the one thing the Church should be talking about more. Rejected Cent…

1
307: Ranking Romance Tropes (w/ Kelsey Impicciche) 1:02:52

2M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

We rank romance novel tropes, play Smash or Pass, and play the Sims. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Try Guys & Ramble

1
Price Wars: The Fall of Dollar Stores | Duped | 3 42:05

2M ago42:05

42:05

Not everything you buy from the dollar store is going to be a winner, and Wirecutter editor Annemarie Conte knows this firsthand. Today, Annemarie joins David to share tips for shopping smarter at these discounters, and which items you should probably leave on the shelf. Later, David investigates dupes — cheaper, nearly identical versions of popula…

1
Balancing Academia, Finances, and Well-Being: A Conversation with Jasmine Cobb 35:20

2M ago35:20

35:20

In this episode of Academics and Their Money, Neeka Miremadi and Inga Timmerman interview Jasmine Cobb about her insights on navigating academia while managing finances. They discuss how early-career academics can set themselves up for financial success & personal happiness, with Jasmine sharing how she wished she'd maximized retirement contributio…

1
Price Wars: The Fall of Dollar Stores | Shrinkage | 2 39:30

2M ago39:30

39:30

After 10 years of rapid growth, the dollar stores hit big trouble. Rats, burglars, unhappy workers, online agitators and inflation erode their profits. And a new online dollar store makes inroads. Can they survive these existential threats? Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https…

1
Keepers Of The Fringe, Episode 358 – A Floppy Disk Named Phil, His Face Came Rollin’ In Before He Did 2:00:31

2M ago2:00:31

2:00:31

KEEPERS KWOTABLES: “The Thing’s manboobs.” / “I want a little mook in there!” / “It’s the Baby Yoda of the Superman movie!” / “The bunny slope people can’t fight the regular people.” / “There’s way too much faffin’ around!” / “I don’t gotta waggle!” TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE: MARVEL SHILLIN’ TIME! An update […]…

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Failing Upwards Podcasts

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