Fail Better with David Duchovny: Episode Summary – “Jess Walter Can Hoop (and Write)”

Release Date: August 5, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Fail Better, hosted by David Duchovny of Lemonada Media, Duchovny sits down with acclaimed novelist Jess Walter to discuss Walter's latest novel, "So Far Gone", his writing process, personal experiences with failure, and his deep connection to his hometown of Spokane, Washington. The conversation, recorded live at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, offers listeners an intimate look into Walter's creative journey and the themes that shape his work.

Discussion of "So Far Gone"

Jess Walter's novel, "So Far Gone," serves as the centerpiece of the discussion. The story follows Reese Kinnick, a man who disconnects from society after the tumultuous 2016 election, only to be thrust back into his old life seven years later. Reese's quest to find his missing daughter and protect his grandchildren from a dangerous militia underscores themes of personal failure, redemption, and the complexities of familial relationships.

Notable Quotes:

• "Reese Kinnick is your hero, very much in the Thoreau mold." [12:56]
• "Rhys's problem wasn't really with the world; it was with his family and understanding that." [19:11]

Themes of Failure and Redemption

The episode delves deeply into the concept of failure, aligning with the podcast's overarching theme of embracing and learning from setbacks. Duchovny and Walter explore how failure shapes character and drives personal growth. Walter reflects on his own life, discussing moments where failure led to profound self-discovery and resilience.

Notable Quotes:

• "To be human is to fail – period. And not just to fail once, but to fail a lot." [System Description]
• "But maybe if we fail better, we'll feel better -- and maybe if we can all laugh together in failure, that's a start."

Connection to Spokane, Washington

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Walter's relationship with Spokane, a backdrop that features prominently in his novels. He shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing, the influence of his father, and how staying in Spokane has enriched his writing. Walter emphasizes the importance of specificity and authenticity in his work, attributing much of his creative inspiration to his experiences in Spokane.

Notable Quotes:

• "Staying in Spokane began with the idea of seeing the place for what it is and with its real beauty." [32:10]
• "Spokane has changed somewhat... the music, the culture, but it's still authentic to me." [68:11]

Writing Process and Creativity

Walter provides an insightful look into his writing process, explaining how he often starts with vivid images or scenes that spark the narrative. He discusses his journalistic background and how it has honed his observational skills, allowing him to create rich, believable characters and settings without extensive external research.

Notable Quotes:

• "Ideas come to me. This novel I was just imagining." [08:22]
• "It's so thrilling to realize that you've almost transferred yourself into another person." [23:46]

Personal Stories and Overcoming Adversity

The conversation takes a personal turn as Walter recounts childhood experiences, including a significant incident where he injured his eye at age five. These stories highlight his father's unique approach to parenting—using humor and resilience to teach Walter not to succumb to self-pity, thereby fostering a mindset that embraces failure as a learning opportunity.

Notable Quotes:

• "And so I was missing my family looking out this window, thinking about my ambition." [07:01]
• "My dad had these moments of brilliance that formed the idea in me that what we think of as failure is incredibly entertaining and instructive." [42:36]

Insights on Teaching and Mentorship

Walter shares his experiences and philosophies on teaching writing, emphasizing the importance of helping young writers find their unique voices. He discusses the challenges of mentorship and the balance between offering guidance and allowing students to navigate their own creative paths.

Notable Quotes:

• "If you can reach what you've just described, which is if I know that it was authentic, that it was this pure expression of what I was doing, that really is the measure." [52:45]
• "Finding joy in doing it, that's the only way it's going to happen." [53:12]

The Intersection of Success and Failure

Throughout the episode, Duchovny and Walter examine the thin line between success and failure. Walter reflects on his career trajectory, noting that while his books have garnered significant attention and sales, he still faces the inherent uncertainties and rejections that come with being a writer. This duality reinforces the podcast's theme that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to growth and eventual success.

Notable Quotes:

• "If something great comes out of it, that's an amazing bonus." [65:48]
• "Most of my books have been optioned at some point... but fiction writing is what I love more than anything." [63:42]

Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Duchovny expresses his admiration for Walter's dedication and work ethic, contrasting it with his own more sporadic writing habits. The final moments highlight the deep friendship between the two, underscoring the importance of authentic connections and mutual support in navigating personal and professional challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• "Your dialogue is so human and so funny. It's like, I don't know what the fuck you people aren't seeing." [64:43]
• "If you can reach what you've just described, which is if I know that it was authentic... That's the only way it's going to happen." [53:12]

Conclusion

This episode of Fail Better offers a profound exploration of failure, creativity, and the human condition through the lens of Jess Walter's experiences and writings. Listeners gain valuable insights into the resilience required to pursue one's passions, the significance of one's roots, and the transformative power of embracing failure as an integral part of personal and artistic growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Failure: Failure is a natural and essential part of personal growth and creativity.
• Authenticity Matters: Staying true to one's origins and experiences enriches creative work.
• Resilience and Support: Overcoming setbacks requires resilience and the support of meaningful relationships.
• Specificity in Storytelling: Detailed and specific settings and characters create more authentic and relatable narratives.

For those interested in the intersection of literature, personal growth, and the nuanced journey of overcoming failure, this episode provides both inspiration and a deeper understanding of what it means to "fail better."