Fail Better with David Duchovny: Episode Summary Episode Title: Not Reading the Comments with Maureen Dowd
Release Date: May 20, 2025

Introduction

In this poignant episode of Fail Better, host David Duchovny engages in a deep and reflective conversation with renowned New York Times columnist and author, Maureen Dowd. The episode delves into the theme of failure—its inevitability, its impact on personal and professional growth, and the societal aversion to it. Drawing inspiration from Samuel Beckett's mantra, “Fail again. Fail better,” the discussion explores how embracing failure can lead to profound revelations and resilience.

Maureen Dowd's Journey with Failure

[03:06] Maureen Dowd: “I always say, I have gotten into more scrapes and had more failures than anyone who still seems to have a career.”

Maureen Dowd opens up about her extensive experiences with failure throughout her illustrious career. She emphasizes that failure is not a singular event but a recurring aspect of her professional journey. Dowd reflects on the ingenuity of human perseverance in finding new ways to stumble, underscoring that each failure presents an opportunity for growth.

[03:43] Maureen Dowd: “Well, you never learn from success, do you?”

This insight highlights Dowd's belief that true learning and development stem from overcoming failures rather than merely experiencing successes.

Transition from Journalism to Academia

Dowd shares her unconventional decision to return to graduate school at Columbia University, inspired by Duchovny’s past academic pursuits. [04:07] Maureen Dowd humorously recounts her struggles with academic writing, contrasting it with her journalistic approach.

[05:25] Maureen Dowd: “It's hard when you've been a journalist because the whole thing with a journalist is you take a small thing and then universalize it. You expand on the small thing, and in academia, they want you to do the reverse.”

This anecdote illustrates the challenges Dowd faced in adapting her storytelling skills to meet the rigorous demands of academic scholarship, ultimately leading to academic setbacks but enriching her understanding of failure.

The Power of Storytelling and Characterization

David Duchovny delves into Dowd's unique storytelling ability, noting her capacity to perceive people as complex characters influenced by historical and mythological narratives.

[09:22] David Duchovny: “You have a way that you interview. I feel like it comes from another time.”

Dowd discusses her fascination with integrating mythological and Shakespearean elements into her profiles, adding depth and timelessness to her portrayals of modern figures.

[10:03] Maureen Dowd: “He behaves in that way, like capriciously and cruelly. And so Trump would be Zeus with the thunderbolts, and Elon would be Dionysus, the God of fertility...”

Using these comparisons, Dowd illustrates how contemporary personalities embody traits of ancient gods, providing a richer understanding of their behaviors and influences.

Interviews with Prominent Figures

Dowd recounts memorable interviews with iconic personalities, revealing their vulnerabilities and complexities beyond their public personas.

Uma Thurman Interview: [23:58] Maureen Dowd: “Uma Thurman tells you that Quentin Tarantino tried to kill her...”

Dowd describes uncovering a harrowing account of a dangerous stunt gone wrong, highlighting the deep personal struggles behind public successes. This interview not only shed light on Thurman's resilience but also emphasized the importance of personal storytelling in understanding failure.

Paul Newman and Al Pacino: Dowd shares intimate moments from her interviews with legends like Paul Newman and Al Pacino, revealing their internal conflicts and struggles with fame.

[44:22] Maureen Dowd: “He had this lifelong struggle with being cast as a sex symbol, and he really didn't like it.”
— Regarding Paul Newman

[48:05] Maureen Dowd: “That's what's so interesting, because we're never going back to this Elon Musk, you know...”
— Discussing Elon Musk

These reflections underscore how even the most celebrated figures grapple with personal failures and societal expectations.

Charisma, Power, and Myth in Politics

A significant portion of the conversation explores the intersection of charisma, power, and mythological archetypes in political leadership.

[33:25] Maureen Dowd: “I'm endlessly intrigued by the high and mighty self-destructing and by those who topple from great heights and somehow soar back.”

Dowd analyzes political figures like Barack Obama, comparing their leadership styles to mythological characters and Shakespearean roles.

[35:00] David Duchovny: “It's like Faustus. You have... this passion, this unreason that you can control with your charisma, that it's morally wrong in some way.”

The duo discusses how charisma can be both a tool for greatness and a potential downfall, drawing parallels between political leaders and literary figures who embody similar traits.

Barack Obama Analysis: [37:51] Maureen Dowd: “When you look back at his presidency... he wanted to state his position. It was the right position.”

Dowd critiques Obama's reluctance to engage in the pragmatic aspects of politics, suggesting that his idealism may have hindered effective governance, a common theme in discussions about leadership and failure.

Reflections on Modern Political Leadership

Dowd provides a critical examination of contemporary leaders, exploring how their personal struggles and leadership styles influence their political effectiveness.

[40:33] Maureen Dowd: “He wanted to state his position. It was the right position.”
— Referring to Barack Obama

This reflection suggests that political leaders who adhere strictly to their principles without the flexibility to navigate the complexities of governance may encounter significant challenges, embodying the concept of "failing better" by recognizing and adapting to their limitations.

Conclusion and Future Directions

As the episode draws to a close, Duchovny and Dowd contemplate the future trajectories of their careers and the ongoing dialogue between failure and success.

[52:00] Maureen Dowd: “I told my mom that one of my fellow columnists was writing a memoir. And she thought about it and she goes, of whom...”

Dowd humorously touches on the possibility of writing a memoir, reflecting on her journey and the failures that have shaped her professional identity. Duchovny encourages her to pursue this ambition, emphasizing the value of sharing personal narratives to inspire and educate others on embracing failure.

[53:12] David Duchovny: “Go get that PhD. All right. Thank you so much and I'll be in touch.”

The conversation ends on an encouraging note, highlighting the mutual respect and support between the two prominent figures as they navigate their paths through failure and success.

Notable Quotes

• Maureen Dowd: “I always say, I have gotten into more scrapes and had more failures than anyone who still seems to have a career.” [03:06]

• David Duchovny: “It's really the most human of things is failure.” [03:33]

• Maureen Dowd: “He wants to state his position. It was the right position.” [37:51]

• Maureen Dowd: “You're entering into a dialogue with your mentors and your teachers.” [09:16]

Key Takeaways

• Embracing Failure: Failure is an integral part of personal and professional growth. By confronting and learning from failures, individuals can achieve resilience and deeper self-awareness.

• Storytelling and Mythology: Incorporating mythological and literary frameworks enriches the understanding of contemporary figures, drawing timeless parallels that resonate across generations.

• Charisma and Leadership: Charismatic leadership carries the potential for both great influence and significant pitfalls. Balancing personal principles with pragmatic governance is crucial for effective leadership.

• Personal Narratives: Sharing personal stories of struggle and triumph can inspire others to navigate their own challenges with courage and authenticity.

This episode of Fail Better offers a compelling exploration of failure, resilience, and the human condition, providing listeners with valuable insights into the complexities of success and the lessons learned through adversity.