Podcast Summary: "Playing God with Jonathan Roumie"

Episode Title: Playing God with Jonathan Roumie
Host/Author: Lemonada Media
Guest: David Duchovny
Release Date: May 6, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Fail Better," hosted by Lemonada Media, David Duchovny engages in a deep and introspective conversation with actor Jonathan Roumie. The discussion delves into the challenges of pursuing a career in the arts, the intersection of faith and personal struggle, and the profound impact of failure as a catalyst for growth.

Early Life and Acting Aspirations

David Duchovny opens up about his early interest in the performing arts, despite being naturally shy. He recounts his first foray into acting during junior high through drama club and a pivotal moment in high school where he auditioned for a supporting role in "The Sound of Music." At [05:23], Duchovny describes his anxiety and the memorable experience of performing on stage, which ignited his passion for acting:

“I felt like, okay, this is good for me. That was it.”

However, his initial attempts were fraught with self-doubt and limited opportunities, leading him to explore behind-the-scenes roles in the film industry.

Struggles and Career Transition

Duchovny discusses his transition from aspiring actor to location scout, sharing how financial instability and the collapse of a record company he worked with pushed him to refocus on his original passion. At [07:28], he reflects:

“The thing about art school that they don't really prepare you for is a practical job... So I got a job with a buddy of mine, this credit card company, through a bank... and I said, I know I did, but trust me on this. That's gonna be the best decision for everybody.”

This period was marked by perseverance, as Duchovny navigated various roles within the film industry, from assistant location manager to location manager, gaining invaluable experience despite the lack of creative fulfillment.

Turning Points and Influential Encounters

A significant turning point in Duchovny's career came during his tenure as an assistant location manager for Alec Baldwin's directorial debut featuring Anthony Hopkins. At [17:15], Duchovny recounts a conversation that became a catalyst for his decision to pursue acting full-time:

“He kind of turned his head, and then he looked at me and said, I suppose you're right. Good luck to you, boy.”

This interaction reinforced his belief in his artistic talents and encouraged him to take the leap toward acting, despite the uncertainties that lay ahead.

Faith, Surrender, and Perseverance

A central theme of the episode is the role of faith in overcoming failure. Duchovny shares his personal relationship with faith, likening it to having an "invisible best friend" that provides strength during moments of despair. At [32:07], he articulates:

“Failure teaches you everything.”

He discusses how surrendering control and trusting in a higher power helped him navigate financial ruin and professional setbacks. This surrender was not about giving up but about finding a new path through faith and resilience.

Jonathan Roumie adds his perspective, emphasizing the importance of embracing failure as a learning experience rather than a final defeat. He reflects:

“If you're in love with failure, I like that society better than this society where we're obsessed with winning constantly.”

Reflections on Failure and Success

The dialogue transitions to a philosophical exploration of failure versus success. Duchovny posits that failure is a greater teacher, offering profound lessons that success often cannot. At [43:29], he remarks:

“If you have the humility to say, I need help, I failed. Where can I get help from?”

Roumie concurs, highlighting how societal obsession with success can lead to shallow achievements, whereas embracing failure fosters genuine growth and community support.

Playing Jesus: The Art and Its Impact

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Duchovny's portrayal of Jesus Christ in the TV series "The Chosen." He discusses the complexities of embodying such an iconic and deeply revered figure, balancing divinity with humanity. At [50:38], Duchovny shares his approach:

“I think what we are as artists and as actors are carriers of truth... the difference between a flat performance and a standout performance.”

He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and emotional depth, striving to portray Jesus in a manner that resonates on both a spiritual and human level. Roumie echoes this sentiment, expressing admiration for the show's ability to humanize a divine character while respecting scriptural integrity.

Authenticity and Creative License

Duchovny elaborates on the creative liberties taken in "The Chosen," explaining how the show integrates historical and scriptural elements with imaginative storytelling to create a compelling narrative. At [56:34], he notes:

“The Chosen is not the Bible. The Chosen is a television show that is based on scripture and based on the Gospels.”

This balance allows for the expansion of stories and characters beyond the biblical text, aiming to engage audiences and inspire curiosity about the original scriptures.

Human Connection and Humility

The episode concludes with reflections on the impact of portraying Jesus and interacting with fans who associate Duchovny personally with the character. He discusses the emotional weight of these interactions and the importance of maintaining humility. At [62:10], Duchovny shares:

“It's completely surreal for me still... in the hug I can feel people just break down and I'm happy to give for them whatever that means to them.”

Through humility and a deep sense of responsibility, Duchovny navigates the complexities of his role, ensuring that his portrayal remains respectful and meaningful.

Conclusion

"Playing God with Jonathan Roumie" is a profound exploration of failure, faith, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion. David Duchovny's candid narratives about his struggles and triumphs offer listeners valuable insights into the resilience required to navigate the uncertainties of the creative world. Coupled with Jonathan Roumie's thoughtful contributions, the episode underscores the transformative power of embracing failure as an opportunity for growth and deeper self-understanding.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Duchovny at [05:23]:
  “I felt like, okay, this is good for me. That was it.”

• Duchovny at [07:28]:
  “The thing about art school that they don't really prepare you for is a practical job...”

• Duchovny at [17:15]:
  “He kind of turned his head, and then he looked at me and said, I suppose you're right. Good luck to you, boy.”

• Duchovny at [32:07]:
  “Failure teaches you everything.”

• Duchovny at [43:29]:
  “If you have the humility to say, I need help, I failed. Where can I get help from?”

• Duchovny at [50:38]:
  “I think what we are as artists and as actors are carriers of truth... the difference between a flat performance and a standout performance.”

• Duchovny at [56:34]:
  “The Chosen is not the Bible. The Chosen is a television show that is based on scripture and based on the Gospels.”

• Duchovny at [62:10]:
  “It's completely surreal for me still... in the hug I can feel people just break down and I'm happy to give for them whatever that means to them.”

Final Notes

This episode is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the intricate dance between failure and success. David Duchovny and Jonathan Roumie offer a nuanced perspective that encourages listeners to find strength in their struggles and to view failure not as an endpoint but as a stepping stone toward greater personal and professional fulfillment.