Fail Better with David Duchovny: Episode Summary - "25 Years Later and Bree Sharp Is Still Asking Why Won’t I Love Her"

Hosted by Lemonada Media

In this heartfelt and nostalgic episode of "Fail Better," David Duchovny delves deep into the intertwined lives of himself and musician Brie Sharp, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her iconic song, "Why Won’t You Love Me." This episode not only revisits the creation and impact of the song but also explores themes of failure, growth, and the unexpected connections that shape our journeys.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage [00:00 - 02:45]

The episode begins with brief interludes from other podcasts and advertisements, quickly transitioning to David Duchovny introducing himself and the focus of the episode. He warmly welcomes Brie Sharp and her collaborator, Don Delego, setting the tone for an intimate and engaging conversation.

2. The Genesis of "Why Won’t You Love Me" [02:45 - 10:27]

David Duchovny recounts how he first encountered Brie Sharp's song "Why Won’t You Love Me." A friend named Joe Blake, involved in a mockumentary about country music, shared the song with Duchovny on a cassette. Duchovny humorously admits to listening to it frequently while driving, despite feeling a tinge of embarrassment ([04:15]).

Notable Quote: Brie Sharp shares her motivation behind the song:
"I have this idea after having this big TV crush on you on Mulder. I wanted to write a song called 'David Duchovny Why Won’t You Love Me?'" ([08:37])

3. The Viral Music Video and Celebrity Involvement [06:48 - 13:04]

The conversation shifts to the creation of the song's music video, a labor of love featuring an impressive array of celebrity cameos, including Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and all four members of KISS in full makeup. Duchovny expresses his initial mortification upon seeing the video, especially noting the involvement of close friends like Gary Shandling and Gary's playful appearance ([07:44]).

Notable Quote: Duchovny reflects on his feelings:
"I was mortified that my friends had been importuned to do this shit, you know, like I had asked them. I hoped they knew it wasn't me asking." ([07:44])

4. Songwriting Insights and Creative Processes [14:04 - 17:05]

Brie Sharp provides an in-depth look into her songwriting process, collaborating with Simon Austin of the band Frente. She emphasizes the importance of melody-first composition and how lyrical structure serves as a creative puzzle, dictating how her stories unfold within the constraints of the music ([15:25]).

Notable Quote: Brie explains her approach:
"I really enjoy the limitation in all art forms. It's like a puzzle. You've got this framework of the melody, and then you have to figure out how you're gonna tell your story in a certain meter." ([15:25])

5. Recreating the Song in the Podcast [21:05 - 35:08]

In a delightful segment, Brie and Don perform "Why Won’t You Love Me" live on the podcast. Duchovny joins in with playful banter and attempts at singing, creating a lighthearted and interactive atmosphere. This performance highlights the enduring connection between the song and Duchovny's legacy as Fox Mulder.

Notable Quote: Duchovny humorously challenges the songwriting:
"Why didn’t you try to get it to me?" ([22:04])

6. Personal Anecdotes and Meeting Story [35:08 - 45:26]

One of the most engaging parts of the episode involves Brie Sharp recounting the story of how she finally met David Duchovny in person. She vividly describes chasing him down Greenwich Avenue in New York City, leading to a near-miss encounter where Duchovny walks into Equinox gym without realizing his admirer is right behind him. The narrative is rich with emotions, from hope to disappointment, and culminates in a brief, memorable meeting where they finally connect face-to-face ([38:03]).

Notable Quote: Brie describes her intense emotions:
"I was standing there with this look on my face of, like, just absolute horror. Like, I'm never gonna meet him." ([40:53])

7. Reflections on the Song's Legacy [45:26 - 50:02]

As the episode nears its conclusion, both Brie and David reflect on the enduring impact of "Why Won’t You Love Me." Duchovny expresses his appreciation for the song beyond its novelty value, acknowledging it as a meaningful gesture that has left a lasting impression on his personal and professional life. Brie discusses the challenges she faced when her label went bankrupt, which hindered her ability to further promote the song and connect with Duchovny ([49:32]).

Notable Quote: Duchovny shares his sentiments:
"I do think it's a beautiful song. It's just, it's a real gift for me to know that personally." ([49:32])

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts [50:02 - End]

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments and expressions of gratitude between the participants. David Duchovny emphasizes the importance of embracing failures and unexpected successes as part of personal growth. He thanks listeners and highlights the continued relevance of meaningful connections forged through art and shared experiences.

Notable Quote: Brie wraps up with a heartfelt note:
"Oh, David." ([49:21])

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing Failure: Both Duchovny and Sharp discuss how failures and setbacks have been pivotal in their personal growth and creative endeavors.
• The Power of Art: The song "Why Won’t You Love Me" serves as a testament to how creative expressions can bridge gaps between fans and artists, fostering deep, lasting connections.
• Nostalgia and Legacy: Reflecting on the song's 25-year legacy, the episode underscores the enduring nature of genuine art and its ability to resonate across generations.
• Personal Connections: The genuine story of Brie finally meeting David highlights the unpredictable and serendipitous nature of personal interactions.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I wrote it with another songwriting partner, Simon Austin, a great Australian musician from the band Frente. I told him, 'I have this idea after having this big TV crush on you on Mulder.'" — Brie Sharp ([08:37])
2. "I was mortified that my friends had been importuned to do this shit, you know, like I had asked them. I hoped they knew it wasn't me asking." — David Duchovny ([07:44])
3. "I really enjoy the limitation in all art forms. It's like a puzzle. You've got this framework of the melody, and then you have to figure out how you're gonna tell your story in a certain meter." — Brie Sharp ([15:25])
4. "Why didn’t you try to get it to me?" — David Duchovny ([22:04])
5. "I do think it's a beautiful song. It's just, it's a real gift for me to know that personally." — David Duchovny ([49:32])

This episode of "Fail Better" masterfully blends humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the lives of David Duchovny and Brie Sharp. It serves as a celebration of creative perseverance and the unexpected ways in which art can influence and intertwine our lives.