What Does “Making It” Even Mean? — A Look Back at Ten Conversations
From Why I‘ll Never Make It by Patrick Oliver Jones
February 2, 2026 · 4 min · Season 9
About this episode
This episode reflects on ten significant conversations from the podcast that explore the complexities of artistic careers.
As Why I’ll Never Make It approaches its tenth season, this special retrospective looks back at ten conversations that helped shape this podcast in meaningful and profound ways. Since 2017, this has been a place to talk honestly about a career built on uncertainty, rejection, hope, and persistence. And over time, it’s become something far more personal than I ever expected—a place where success is never the most interesting part of the story. This revisit isn’t some “best of” series or a collection of the biggest names. These episodes feature artists who showed up with honesty and openness, sharing the setbacks, questions, and quiet work it takes to keep going. Across the next several weeks, you’ll hear voices like Anthony Rapp, J. Harrison Ghee, Ann Harada, Lynn Nottage, and others whose stories still resonate, reminding us why these conversations matter and why they’re worth hearing again as we head into season ten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Patrick Oliver Jones
Topics covered
- retrospective
- career challenges
- artist stories
- success
- persistence
- honesty
Keywords
- making it
- career
- artists
- conversations
- success
- rejection
- persistence
More episodes of Why I‘ll Never Make It
- FINAL FIVE: Katerina Papacostas, Chess on Broadway · May 29, 2026 · 32 min
- Katerina Papacostas Is Making All the Right Moves in Chess on Broadway · May 28, 2026 · 1h 16m
- A Look Back at Lynn Nottage Shaping Stories That Matter in American Theater · May 1, 2026 · 1h 8m
- A Look Back at J. Harrison Ghee & Caroline Bowman Before the Breakthrough Moments · April 20, 2026 · 1h 28m
- A Look Back at Ann Harada and Finding Longevity as an Actor · April 13, 2026 · 1h 8m
- A Look Back at Adrienne Walker Navigating Rejection as a Broadway Actor · April 3, 2026 · 1h 33m
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