DC: Your podcast 10,000 NOs resonates with a lot of listeners that are seeking inspiration for their journey. What inspired you to focus on this concept versus a platform that deals with show business?
MDN: As I mentioned earlier, part of the impetus for this podcast was to save myself. I wanted to create without needing permission to do so. I was curious about what makes people tick and looking for clues on how to approach life and work in a way that would give me better results. And I wanted other people, that have also been told "no", to realize that they weren't alone. When I began, people said, "you need to stay in your lane, keep it niche." I just didn't want to do that at the time. I have spoken to many actors, writers, directors and producers but I didn't want to limit it to just them, based on their professional title alone.
DC: You have interviewed many high achievers, actors, and professionals. Explain how the differences in their stories have led to the success of the podcast.
MDN: One of the biggest compliments I've heard over and over is when people say, "You have such an eclectic guest-list. How do you find them?" Because, honestly, it's all been organic. One guest leads to another. A guest enjoys our conversation and then sends their high-achieving friend my way. Sometimes it's someone famous that I know through my business, like Henry Winkler, and other times it's someone like my college roommate's younger brother, Michael Boyle, who just happens to have had an incredible journey and articulates it in a way that resonates with listeners.
I didn't want people tuning in for a particular guest. I wanted them tuning in for the concept: that failure is opportunity. I think by listening to all of these people from so many different industries, grappling with many of the same underlying issues, listeners start to see patterns and, more importantly, realize that they are not alone in their struggles. In some ways, it makes the listeners feel seen and heard, and that encourages them to forge onward.
DC: Describe how 10,000 NOs the book is different or similar to the podcast and what your vision is for both.
MDN: The tone of the book is similar to the podcast. I've retained the Top 3 Takeaways at the end of each chapter because listeners have really responded to them and it gives the book an educational component. I wanted readers to actively apply the principles they're reading about to their own lives. I set it up with chapter names like Getting Started, Perseverance, Reframing and other themes that are covered on the podcast. But, because it's a
Matthew Del Negro and Gad Elmaleh Huge In France Photo Credit Adam Rose Netflix