We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast

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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 podcast 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 information.

Recent Episodes
  • Encore: Rejecting Jim Carrey
    Jun 4, 2025 – 46:39
  • Minisode: Rue McClanahan – “Every Kick’s a Boost”
    May 28, 2025 – 11:54
  • Rejecting Mariska Hargitay
    May 22, 2025 – 31:16
  • Rejecting Billie Holiday
    May 8, 2025 – 36:34
  • Rejecting Josh Allen
    Apr 24, 2025 – 35:13
  • Encore: Rejecting Women in the Boston Marathon (The Stories of Bobbi Gibb and Kathrine Switzer)
    Apr 21, 2025 – 47:17
  • Rejecting Alanis Morissette
    Apr 9, 2025 – 32:18
  • Minisode: Hader’s Haters – Bill Hader & Critic Anxiety
    Apr 2, 2025 – 22:34
  • Hug the Cactus: Lessons on Rejection from Under the Influence
    Mar 26, 2025 – 27:48
  • Rejecting the Goalie Mask
    Mar 19, 2025 – 32:57
  • Rejecting Yellowstone
    Mar 5, 2025 – 39:47
  • Season 6. 🤚🏽
    Feb 26, 2025 – 1:10
  • The Reflection Podcast, 2024
    Dec 18, 2024 – 25:02
  • Rejecting Eddy Goldfarb
    Dec 5, 2024 – 34:13
  • Short Stories: Rejecting No Doubt & Chappell Roan
    Nov 21, 2024 – 37:58
  • Rejecting Ellen DeGeneres, Part 2
    Nov 7, 2024 – 32:42
  • Rejecting Ellen DeGeneres
    Oct 23, 2024 – 30:03
  • Meet The Worst Podcast
    Oct 16, 2024 – 37:16
  • Rejecting A Wrinkle In Time
    Oct 2, 2024 – 32:21
  • Rejecting Still Alice
    Sep 18, 2024 – 32:57
  • Rejecting Yennier Cano
    Sep 4, 2024 – 33:42
  • Rejecting Sir Harold Ridley (Inventor of Modern Cataract Surgery)
    Aug 22, 2024 – 35:29
  • Listener Rejection Stories
    Aug 7, 2024 – 20:03
  • Rejecting Pedro Pascal (Encore)
    Jul 24, 2024 – 35:26
  • Rejecting Canva
    Jul 11, 2024 – 36:22
  • Short Stories: Rejecting Melissa McCarthy & Jennifer Aniston
    Jun 26, 2024 – 42:28
  • Rejecting Bessie Coleman (The First Black Woman Pilot)
    Jun 12, 2024 – 38:01
  • Rejecting The Sopranos
    May 30, 2024 – 45:15
  • Rejecting Dr. Seuss
    May 16, 2024 – 33:27
  • Rejecting Manon Rhéaume, Part 2
    May 2, 2024 – 38:38
  • Rejecting Manon Rhéaume (The First Woman to Play in the NHL)
    Apr 17, 2024 – 30:43
  • Rejecting Adam Driver
    Apr 3, 2024 – 37:21
  • Season 5. 🤚🏽
    Mar 27, 2024 – 1:37
  • Rejecting Elf
    Dec 21, 2023 – 41:27
  • Rejecting The Supremes
    Dec 8, 2023 – 33:20
  • Rejecting Jennifer Hudson
    Nov 30, 2023 – 36:14
  • Rejecting Rita Moreno
    Nov 15, 2023 – 43:50
  • Introducing Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe
    Oct 25, 2023 – 43:38
  • Short Stories: Rejecting the Fathers of Hand Washing and Rocketry (Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis & Dr. Robert Goddard)
    Oct 18, 2023 – 46:24
  • Rejecting Johnny Unitas
    Oct 4, 2023 – 42:46
  • Rejecting Walt Disney, Part 2
    Sep 20, 2023 – 43:21
  • Rejecting Walt Disney
    Sep 6, 2023 – 38:23
  • Rejecting The Eiffel Tower
    Aug 23, 2023 – 41:13
  • Rejecting Leslie Jones (Encore)
    Aug 9, 2023 – 32:01
  • Rejecting Nina Simone
    Jul 26, 2023 – 32:50
  • Rejecting Alan Ruck
    Jul 12, 2023 – 40:37
  • Rejecting Simon & Garfunkel
    Jun 28, 2023 – 36:57
  • Rejecting Hayley Wickenheiser, Part 2
    Jun 15, 2023 – 40:22
  • Rejecting Hayley Wickenheiser
    May 31, 2023 – 31:35
  • Rejecting Jim Carrey
    May 17, 2023 – 44:57
Recent Reviews
  • To-doer
    Huge number of ads
    This is starting to feel like one of those magazines that is almost all ads with a little content thrown in.
  • Arlo Oscar & Daisy
    You should do a rejecting Eminem
    Plz do an Eminem 🎸🥁🎧🎤🎶🎶🎶🤔
  • sonia_says
    A gem! Absolutely
    I love podcasts and lately it feels like I’m being bombarded with political, self help, or murder mysteries. Just found this podcast today, have already listened to two episodes this morning. Can’t wait to listen to them all! Yes, quite a few ads, but everyone needs to make a living. Thank you!
  • crazycatlady56
    Great concept but…
    I have listened to every episode of this show since its debut. It is very well researched and written and is a testament to the people who “stuck to it”. That being said however, the number of ads is really annoying. I stopped listening to the episode about Yellowstone because of the number of ads and I have deleted WRTIY from my roster.
  • Under.Star
    good podcast... but the ads
    the podcast is good, well edited, good sound design, often inspiring, sometimes underwhelming (Fritz Pollard episode as an example) but my real problem is the ads... listening to a thin woman wax poetic about how someone needs "help reaching their weight loss goals" on a rejection podcast... every episode. wildly missing the mark on your audience, folks.
  • AB Mouse
    Very Inspiring
    A podcast that gives hope through stories of struggle and overcoming. It’s inspiring to know even the most successful people dealt with very real, relatable challenges in getting where they did. The voices and delivery are great. Listening to these stories is comforting when you need encouragement. Thank you.
  • M24MS
    The best
    I have listened to We Regret To Inform You since the beginning and have enjoyed every episode. Keep up the good work and looking forward to many many more episodes!
  • CarlyB222
    Fav podcast
    I absolutely love this podcast. The way the stories unravel is so well done. I love the background music/effects and the specific details chosen to tell each story. I found this podcast because I also love Terry’s podcast about advertising, Under the Influence. Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! Thank you for such a great podcast!
  • Ph2014maui
    Dr Ridley
    Thank you for sharing Dr Ridley's story. it is essential that we hear it and wonder what else we dismiss. What othe innovations and progress are now being dismissed because thy upset us somehow?
  • RAHClaire
    Mixed review
    Although interesting topics, the podcast moves quite slowly and the narrator is annoying. She speaks too slowly and her elocution is laboured and tedious. I can’t help hear her father’s influence. I’d listen to it if there was another narrator or if she started speaking more naturally.
  • Lighting Lucario 34
    Fantastic podcast!
    This podcast is inspirational. I have a request for a future episode. Please add Leonard Cohen, Canada’s very own poet laureate, to your list of future episodes, if he isn’t already on there or if the episode isn't already in production.
  • hdbehenzhnsjsjns
    Uplifting inspiration but hate the mansplaining
    Love the stories, thanks for making them! However i’m so annoyed by the end when Terry comes in and concludes/repeats everything in identical language. Yes, I heard that already!
  • George4611
    AMAZING
    I LOVE THE STORIES People just being themselves
  • SMDF/1
    Inspirational
    Very refreshing and love to hear about the successes that are possible and to keep pushing.
  • Mr.Gary123
    Will Ferrell
    Will Ferrell rules only idiots don’t like Will Ferrell Will Ferrell rules
  • Nutsfornutrition
    Love this inspiring pod
    Love the stories on this podcast and contrary to other reviews, the hosts voice has never even crossed my mind as being bothersome.
  • WW app lover
    Fantastic podcast
    I love how the stories are presented. I’m amazed at the endurance of the human spirit. It inspires me to never give up! PS… I would love to hear an episode featuring MR. Bean. I have heard that he has faced a lot of rejection.
  • OKHickster
    Inspiring Success Stories
    I love this podcast! Whenever I’m feeling discouraged about my path in life, I listen to an episode of this for a bit of inspiration! And I enjoy the host’s delivery - her voice is easy to listen to.
  • Originale1
    Is this a grade school show?
    The podcasted sounds and speaks like a child . Can’t bear it
  • Yachtsman3
    Great content, scratchy voice
    My wife and I have loved UTI (Under The Influence) from the moment it launched on CBC, and WRTIY is a worthy successor. Interesting subjects, stories that grip, and well researched and produced. The only fly in the ointment is Sidney’s voice. Like so many young women of her generation, she speaks with a lot of vocal fry and doesn’t manage her pitch well. My wife is a speech-language pathologist, and calls it “glottal fry” - not a great voice to listen to. Fortunately, it is treatable/coachable. Sidney - listen to one of Sheila Rogers’s or Eleanor Wachtel’s recorded voice, and then to your own. Big difference. With a voice coach, you could be so much more enjoyable to listen to!
  • Daveemery
    Got to remember to never give up
    I love this podcast and appreciate the people and brands we know even more- knowing the back stories.
  • Pickle sandwich69
    Cool show
    Honestly better than under the influence but some topics were more interesting than others
  • Drewaustin
    A tad too much vocal fry, but great writing and research
    I like so much about the show, but the host uses a lot of vocal fry and I find it a bit too distracting and grating. I’m not actually opposed to vocal fry per-se, but for some reason a bit more of a “Radio Presenter” tone would help bring me into the storytelling a bit more.
  • whoisnberg
    Could not get through 5 mins…
    I really wanted like this podcast. The topics seem very interesting, but I found the host’s high-pitched voice and vocal fry too distracting. What a shame.
  • Team Wheels
    Unfortunately, not for me
    I found this podcast, as I’m subscribed to Under The Influence, and they played part 1 of John Hamm’s story. I loved Mad Men, so sought out part 2. I thought it was great. Then I tried to listen to an older episode, and thought the host hadn’t found her voice yet. I then skipped ahead and listened to a few episodes and had to stop. I’m not sure I understand why her father needs to summarize the episodes. The episodes are not very long, so I don’t understand why a five minute summary is required, especially by someone else. I listen to a lot of podcasts and haven’t come across this set up before. Maybe two people chat at the end, or something, but to just gave him repeat everything she’s said…. It feels so, ugh, patriarchal. Let the woman do her thing. Someone else mentioned nepotism, and maybe this is what clouds their judgement on how they handle this? I’m a long time fan of Terry’s, but this has really soured me.
  • Lena la louve
    Weekly dose of optimism and resilience
    Brilliant concept, superbe execution and a wonderful weekly listen. Sidney clearly invest a lot of time and energy in researching each episode to give it a personal, compelling and informative take. Thank you so much making this podcast: each episode is a dose of courage and renewed optimism to never, ever give up. The most underrated piece of self care you can give yourself!
  • sam nickolsin
    Superb
    Sooo good
  • Tim Hillson
    Greatness takes work
    Superb show! Gives the stories of ultra talented people who had to work extra hard before their talent was recognized. Lots of people you have heard of like Lady Gaga, Kiss, and many others you haven't. Pretty inspiring, makes you want to try your passion out instead of waiting for it to happen.
  • JorgeObr
    👍
    Great podcast!
  • weewilliestylz
    Lame
    This is not really about rejection. It’s about eventual success. Boring.
  • tootseeee
    So, so interesting!!!!
    Just love this podcast and eagerly wait for new ones to come out. Love the topics, the people you’ve picked, and the commentary. So many lessons to learn. Very inspirational. Every struggling entrepreneur, artist etc. should listen to this. I think I’ve listened to them all.
  • 2120 neko
    Sidney rocks!!!
    All of these stories inspire. Never, ever, give up!!! Are words we all need to hear - always
  • abraver18
    Love this podcast. Very uplifting
    I work in the film industry out of Vancouver, BC as a member of the camera department and I can appreciate the success stories that you talk about every week. I also understand myself what rejection feels like and the importance of never giving up on one’s passion to succeed in this ever competitive world. Your podcast has provided inspiration and insightful history. I find it very uplifting. A way to turn my day around. Looking forward to season four! Love the Dyson story Adam
  • Geraldmaneh
    A chip off the (I don’t want to say old) block❤️
    I thoroughly enjoy each and every episode, I take your dads and your podcast down the open road as I’m a trucker.The miles just fly by with the help of you two. Thanks for the miles and miles of entertainment. Two thumbs up 👍🏻👍🏻.
  • ftdjhbjjuguy
    Really good!,!!!
    AMAZING on road trips and really good when I’m at home 🏠
  • Two cents more than before
    This show is so inspiring!
    I love how each show inspires me to keep trying - in everything I do!
  • CynRG9078
    Wonderful Storytelling Podcast
    The stories of famous people, and the not so famous people behind famous inventions, are told in such a captivating way. Not only interesting but affirming that the journey of our lives is not always straight forward or easy. This podcast is one of my very favourites!
  • GunnarB!
    😃
    Great stories. Always interesting to learn of the journeys these people take.
  • Michael MacGillivray
    Def good pod, go Sidney!
    Liked the South Park and Jay-Z pods! 🤟
  • JPfromNS
    Fantastic!!
    I’ve read and listened to Terry O’Reilly’s lessons on marketing for many years - and continue to enjoy the depth of detail, relevance of its lesson, and humour. I do notice more ads this season; the pods seem shorter 😒
  • Aunty M.
    Inspiring!
    This show is so well done and highly inspiring! I love the format and topics.
  • Oldboltfan
    👍
    Really enjoying this podcast and catching up on old episodes.
  • 🐓chicken🐓77
    👍
    Really good :) but also kinda long :(
  • Yaya Husband
    James Dyson
    Having listened to numerous informative Rejection podcasts the one on James Dyson was mythical. I know of no one personally or through the media who has persevered through rejection and disappointment like Dyson has managed to do. Yet he continued through a believe in yourself system precious few of the 7 billion plus inhabitants of this biosphere have ever witnessed. Who but Dyson could continue to build thousands and thousands of prototypes in an unheated shed to ultimately perfect his dual cyclone vacuum system. If you are experiencing a dark or unsupportive day to your ideas or believe in yourself system take solace in knowing this is a well worn path by many a successful individual who just…didn’t…give…up. Like James Dyson.
  • GRPBNL
    So Interesting !!!
    Learning how the prolific Stephen King, was rejected in the beginning yet due to his perseverance and strong support of his wife , succeeded beyond his early imagination. Great bit of information to learn about. Thank You.
  • flaneur88
    new favourite
    this podcast has become my new favourite. i love the way the story unfolds. i appreciate the closing observations and ‘thought points’
  • Wayne kat
    Like dad like daughter
    Listened to breaking bad, a wonderful insight into rejection and success. However much of the tone, message delivery is very much Terry. It sounded so much I am picturing Terry's voice is made into a female voice. I really wish Sydney finds her style and highlights her own unique delivery. Good background music.
  • JuIiet C.
    Luv my new favourite pod
    Learning so many things I never knew about the people and companies I could only ever imagine being secessfull. It’s so surprising to find out about their pasts and when they were rejected, of course!
  • Fotogeek4
    Never. Ever. Give. Up
    If this is the only message one gets from the podcast, it is plenty of message. If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect others to? To call this podcast “inspirational” would be an understatement. Keep up the good work!
  • katebarazz
    Love the show. Cringe every single episode tho..
    I love the show and I think that Sidney does a terrific job. I really wish though, that they would rethink having her dad a.k.a. the old white guy come in and mansplain the lessons/takeaways from the episode to us … why can’t be Sidney that tells us what the takeaways are? Bugs me every time.
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