We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast
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...
Minisode: Books, books, books
This week, we take you through three books we consider essential reading for the rejected. Or the brave. Or the curious.
One is about hope, one is a three-volume collection of most-hated things and the third is a memoir of the craft.
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Short Stories: Rejecting Jason Bateman & Will Arnett
This week, it’s a two-er. The stories of two Bluth brothers – Michael and Gob – aka Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. Their stories are entirely different, yet tethered by some interesting beats. Like – not finishing school, being labelled a smart-ass, being rejected for sitcom after sitcom and crediting Arrested Development with rescuing their careers. Hope you’ll join us.
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Rejecting John Grisham
John Grisham has authored nearly 60 books, adapted into nine motion pictures. He’s written over 50 consecutive #1 New York Times bestsellers and is considered one of the best-selling authors of fiction in the U.S. But there was a time when no one wanted his books. Not publishers, not agents, not readers. Grisham drove around Mississippi with boxes of his first novel in the trunk of his car. Then he got an unexpected phone call.
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“Let Me Down” by our own Callie-Rae O'Reilly
Apostrophe co-founder and director Callie-Rae O'Reilly has written a new book – a memoir – called “Let Me Down: Reflections on Abuse and Love.” It’s a personal story about the intersections of love, abuse, memory and the stories we tell ourselves about the people who hurt us.
If you’ve ever wondered “why didn’t she just leave?” this book is an education. It’s fascinating. It’s healing. It untangles shame from so many of our stories.
Let Me Down is available at Indigo, Amazon or your favourite indie bookstore.
Find book tour events he...
Encore: Rejecting The Eiffel Tower (with a special intro from our producer Allison)
We're heading back to Paris with an encore of one of our favourite episodes. Featuring an intro from our producer and researcher Allison, where she shares the story behind the inspiration for this episode.
The Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world. 300 million people have climbed its stairs – or its elevators – since the landmark first opened in 1889. You’ve seen it in countless movies, you’ve marvelled at its 20,000 lights. But did you know back when the tower's design was first revealed to the public, 300 of France’s most-respected cultural luminaries called it a humiliatio...
Minisode: Will Ferrell's Delicious Reviews
Welcome to a brand-new mini-series all about reviews.
Reviews are tricky things. They have the ability to set something on fire – in one way or the other. They can be totally wrong. They can be devastatingly right. And they can be downright hilarious.
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Rejecting Hand-Washing (Extended Version)
As part of our summer hiatus, we’re bringing you an extended version of one of our favourite episodes – the doctor who was fired for washing his hands.
We originally released this episode in 2023 as a short story. Then this summer, as part of our CBC Radio Summer Series, we reworked and extended the episode – to become a full-length show.
Reminder we’re back in September resuming our regular season episodes. But for now, enjoy the crazy story of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis.
Did you know in the late 1800s, doctors didn’t was...
Encore: Rejecting the Sopranos (reimagined by our Chief Sound Engineer Geoff)
A special encore put together by our chief sound engineer Geoff Devine. Featuring an intro from Geoff and a favourite episode, reworked and revisited.
The Sopranos is widely considered the greatest television show of all time. Just ask TV Guide, The Writer’s Guild of America and Rolling Stone. But before revolutionizing the one-hour drama and ushering in what’s become known as the second Golden Age of Television, the idea for The Sopranos was rejected. By every major network. At nearly 50 years old, the show’s creator David Chase nearly shelved his script – then his manager...
Best Podcasting Advice from the Team
Hear the full episode in Apostrophe All Ears. Try seven days, free.
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Veep, Martin Short & Building Bridges: Ask Us Anything
It's been a minute since we've done a Q&A episode. Join us, won't you, as we answer your thoughtful Qs and let you know what's in store this summer.
Tell us your rejection story:
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"Let Me Down: Reflections on Abuse and Love" by Callie-Rae O'Reilly, available now for pre-order.
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We're back on CBC Radio this summer!
We DON'T regret to inform you that our show will be airing on the CBC again this summer.
Find us on CBC Radio One & SiriusXM ch.169 for 10 weeks, beginning July 8th:
It's a CBC summer. Hope you'll join us.
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...Rejecting NBA Pioneers
This week, we tell the stories of three pioneers in the NBA – Chuck Cooper, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton & Earl Lloyd. Three Black men that broke basketball’s colour barrier. Three incredible human beings whose stories we hope you remember.
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Rejecting Radio? Innovations in Radio from Under the Influence
Rejection + creativity = air quality. Who knew.
This week, we bring you something a little different. From the Apostrophe Podcast Network, enjoy "Air Quality: Innovations in Radio" from Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly.
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Minisode: Mantras – Ben Affleck & Matt Damon
Sid here. This week we bring you another Minisode in our Mantras series – but this one is a little unusual. If you've listened to our Matt Damon & Ben Affleck episode, I wonder if you clocked the mantra moment.
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Rejecting Matt Damon & Ben Affleck
The total box office earnings for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck round out to a cool $10B. They’re A-list actors, Oscar-winners, writers, directors, production company founders. But back in the mid-90s, the best friends were rejected – for movies, for television shows, for commercials. Then one day Matt Damon took a playwriting course at Harvard. What happened next, is a rejection story all of its own.
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We don’t regre...
Rejecting The Beaches
The Beaches. A neighbourhood of Toronto. A band originating from that neighbourhood. The starting point on a long road of rejection, rebuilding, pivoting and triumph. It’s a homegrown story this week. Hope you’ll join us.
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Encore: Rejecting Alanis Morissette (with a special intro from our director Callie)
With a special intro from our series director Callie, give our Alanis episode another listen – through a new lens.
Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill is one of the biggest debut albums of all time – selling 33M copies worldwide and earning Morissette the Grammy for Album of the Year. But you oughta know that just one year prior, Morissette was rejected by every major label, on a plane back home to Ottawa and “deeply depressed.” What changed everything? A spaghetti dinner, a pair of sweatpants and a glittery surfboard.
Hope you'll join us.
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Short Stories: Rejecting films 'The Wife' & 'The Favourite'
This week, we bring you a Short Stories episode. It’s been a minute since we’ve done a two-er. Behold, the stories of two 2019 Oscar nominees – 'The Wife' and 'The Favourite.' Both written by women, both produced by women, both starring women, both rejected for a combined 34 years.
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Minisode: TikTok Fail
This week we bring you a Mini courtesy of TikTok and a young graphic design student named Ellie – who's in crisis mode.
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Rejecting George R.R. Martin, Part 2 (Game of Thrones)
In Part 2 of our George R.R. Martin episode, those who can do, teach. Martin enters the Twilight Zone before rolling the dice on a Game of Thrones.
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Rejecting George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones)
George R.R. Martin is the architect behind the greatest fantasy series of all time. Game of Thrones has 59 Emmys, with 159 Emmy nominations – making it the most nominated dramatic television series of all time. Martin’s book series “A Song of Ice and Fire” has reportedly sold nearly 100 million copies. And yet, back in the 1970s, Martin was living at his parents' house in New Jersey, covering local baseball part-time and getting rejected by sci-fi publications. Then he had a thought – should he abandon writing altogether and become a realtor?
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Rejecting Joan Jett
We're back! Welcome to Season 7 of The Rejection Podcast.
Joan Jett carries two titles – the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll and the Godmother of Punk. She's also the first woman rocker to ever start her own record label. Jett is an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with a dozen albums to her name. But back when she enrolled in her first guitar lesson, the teen was told rock and roll was NOT for girls. And that was only the beginning. Jett faced sexism, violence and 23 label rejections.
Hope you’ll join us...
Season 7. 🤚🏽
We don't regret to inform you that Season Seven of the Rejection Pod will begin in one week's time. Authors, rockers and...trees? Join us for more inspiring stories of grit, determination and courage – with some signature twists and turns along the way. See you March 11th.
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Olympic Encore: Rejecting Hayley Wickenheiser, Pt 2
This week, with a special intro from our chief sound engineer Geoff Devine, we bring you part two of our Hayley Wickenheiser Olympic encore.
Let’s pick up where we left off, shall we?
The results of the 1998 Canadian Olympic hockey games are brought to parliament. Pro teams come calling, then name-calling, then calling again. And Wickenheiser takes a shot at spinning her rejections into gold.
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<...Olympic Encore: Rejecting Hayley Wickenheiser
The 2026 Winter Olympics have officially begun. In celebration we look back on a team favourite two-parter – the story of Hayley Wickenheiser.
She’s the longest-serving member of Canada’s national team with seven World Championships and four Olympic gold medals to her name. Many consider her the GOAT. But before becoming Canada’s women's all-time leader in international goals, assists and points, Wickenheiser was told hockey was for boys. She was rejected for teams, bullied on the ice and kicked off teams solely on the basis of sex. Hope you’ll join us – and let’s go Canada!
...Minisode: Mantras – Diana Nyad
Hi from our hiatus. This week, we bring you a Minisode about the incomparable Diana Nyad – and the mantra she repeated to herself. For 52h, 54m. On her record-setting swim from Cuba to Florida.
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Hey – Sidney & Terry here with some exciting news
For the first time ever, we're offering a subscriber-only bonus option – for all devices, on all major podcast apps. Introducing Apostrophe All Ears.
You get: ad-free listening, early access, bonus episodes, Q&As PLUS access to all other Apostrophe shows (Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly, Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe, The Beatlology Interviews) – with extended episodes, virtual events, merch discounts & more.
Our favourite feature is that you also get access to all of our hosts. Chat with us. Ask us anything. We're All Ears.
Ask us Anything:
Em...
Holiday Encore: Rejecting Elf
We regret to inform you, this week marks the final episode of our 2025 season. So, we thought we'd bring you one of our most-loved episodes. Certainly our most loved holiday episode – Rejecting Elf.
Elf is a beloved and timeless Christmas classic. Starring Will Ferrell, the film brought in over $200M at the box office, and 20 years later remains a holiday tradition for many. But back in the year 2000, the script was rejected by production companies, studios, directors and actors, championed only by two producers with no producing experience. Then when it finally did land a studio, exe...
Rejecting Willie O'Ree, Part 2
In Part Two of our Rejecting Willie O'Ree episode, another unexpected invitation lands on the pioneer's doorstep. History is made – then forgotten – and Willie welcomes a third act he never saw coming.
The major source for this episode is Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player by Willie O’Ree and Michael McKinley.
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Rejecting Willie O'Ree (The First Black Player in the NHL)
Willie O’Ree made history in 1958, when the Boston Bruin became the first Black player in the NHL. It is a heroic story of strength, courage and resilience. Hope you’ll join us.
The major source for this episode is Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player by Willie O’Ree and Michael McKinley.
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Minisode: Be Afraid and Do It Anyway – SNL-Style
Welcome to another Minisode. This week, we travel to 30 Rock and take a look at courage through the eyes of hopeful [comma] sweaty young comedians.
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Rejecting Vera Wang
Vera Wang is synonymous with bridal. The designer's eponymous brand brings in a whopping $700M a year. But before launching her own company in 1990, Vera was rejected for editor-in-chief at Vogue. And before that, she didn’t make the cut for the U.S. Olympic figure skating team. Two major setbacks that left her thinking – now what? Then her dad proposed a crazy idea.
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How Yoko Survived Rejection: The Beatlology Interviews
On “The Beatlology Interviews,” Biographer David Sheff talks to Terry about the rejection and resilience of Yoko Ono.
Listen to more Beatlology Interviews in the Under the Influence feed.
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Minisode: Bat Girl
Welcome to another “Minisode” – where we zoom in on individual moments or facets of rejection we’ve come across in our research. This week, let us introduce you to Yankees superfan Gwen Goldman, as we reopen a rejection letter dated June 23, 1961.
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Rejecting Slow Horses
The novel Slow Horses by Mick Herron tells the story of a team of disgraced MI5 agents assigned to a bureaucratic dumping ground known as Slough House. They’re, by all accounts, failures – demoted from top tier intelligence to basement busy work. That is, until a kidnapping case lands squarely on their dusty desks – thrusting the slow horses into fast paced espionage.
The irony? That book was rejected. For seven years. Then it was pitched as a television series – and rejected by multiple networks.
To quote Slough House loser-in-chief Jackson Lamb: “They’re losers. But they...
Rejecting Dawn Staley, Part 2
In Part Two of our Rejecting Dawn Staley episode, Staley is informed of her shortcomings, it’s play abroad or die trying – and a dusty VCR tape changes her life.
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Rejecting Dawn Staley
Dawn Staley graduated high school National Player of the Year. She went on to become a two-time National College Player of the Year. She is a five-time WNBA All-Star, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and was the United States flag bearer at the 2004 Games. As a coach, she has won three NCAA titles, four National Coach of the Year titles, and the hall-of-famer coached Team USA to Olympic gold in 2020. Yet, Dawn Staley was told basketball was for boys.
Hope you’ll join us.
The major source behind this episode is: "Uncommon Favor: Bas...
Rejecting Breaking Bad Guys: Bryan Cranston & Giancarlo Esposito
For our first episode back, we bring you the stories of two bad guys. Breaking Bad guys – Bryan Cranston aka Walter White and Giancarlo Esposito aka Gus Fring. Both spent decades bouncing around Hollywood. Both faced major rejection. Both the least suspecting drug overlords of all time.
ICYMI, Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan has a rejection story of his own. The pilot for Breaking Bad was rejected by Showtime, FX, TNT & HBO. Find our "Rejecting Breaking Bad" episode here.
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Encore: Rejecting Adam Driver
Hello from our summer hiatus. We hope you’re soaking up the rays. Whether you're on the road, on the job or on the dock, we thought you might enjoy another team favourite. This week our director Callie shares how she first learned about this two-time Academy Award nominated actor in one of her all-time favourite shows.
Adam Driver is known for his roles in films like Marriage Story, BlacKkKlansman and the Star Wars franchise as Kylo Ren. But before landing his breakout role on HBO's Girls, Driver was rejected from Julliard, turned his Lincoln Town Car a...
Listener Rejection Stories (2025)
Each week on this series, we tell the stories of famous names who overcame debilitating career rejection. We’ve talked through the careers of actors, artists, authors, athletes and even one astronaut. But rejection affects us all. So we put out a call for listener rejection stories. Your stories.
They’re inspiring, they’re insightful, they’re remarkable. Take a listen.
P.S. We're on our summer hiatus starting this week – but – we'll be dropping some fun new Minis and listener faves from the past six years. Back into the regular season at the end of A...
