Funny In Failure

Michael Kahan

A podcast that interviews funny and interesting people to discuss their careers and some of the challenges they have faced. I hope to use this platform to normalise and encourage the discussion of failure, particularly through the lens of the entertainment industry, to show that it can be a stepping stone towards the road of success. Nothing is better than humour to normalise a situation, so having deep and meaningful conversations, interspersed with comedy and laughter, helps us celebrate and appreciate life's frustrating moments.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    #319: Dave Symes (Boy & Bear)- Looking Out For Each Other

    Dave Symes is a performer, writer, producer, arranger and the bass player of Boy & Bear. As a member of Boy & Bear Dave has enjoyed 2 Aria #1 Albums in Australia with "Harlequin Dream" and "Limit Of Love", as well as a # 4 with "Boy and Bear" and a #7 with "Suck On Light". The band performs regularly, touring across Australia, North America and Europe. Renowned for their magnetic blend of vintage pop, alternative elements and folk edges, Boy & Bear channel nostalgia, personal experiences and universal themes into charming and captivating sonic journeys. Taking the world by storm in 2011 via their debut album Moonfire, Boy & Bear instantly won hearts and minds, while also taking home five ARIA Award wins and achieving double-Platinum status for their maiden record. Cementing their ever-burgeoning legacy with 2013's Harlequin Dream, 2015's Limit of Love, 2019's Suck on Light and, most recently, 2023's self-titled album, over the years Boy & Bear have garnered multiple #1 charting albums, top 10 debuts, seven ARIA Award nominations and five wins, over half a billion streams and ongoing performances in their wake as headliners, supporting the likes of Mumford & Sons, Chris Isaak and Laura Marling, or charming audiences across the globe with their unforgettable performances Indie alternative icons Boy & Bear have recently unveiled their sixth studio album Tripping Over Time, with the independent full-length offering a boundless exploration of melodic hooks, storytelling and luminous pop across its unforgettable 11 tracks, including serene focus track Ancestors. As of this weekend, Boy & Bear will commence a mammoth tour that will see the five-piece tick off some of the biggest shows of their career to date, including a once-in-a-lifetime performance at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt this Sunday 14 December. Dave has also collaborated with man y great Australian artists. Some of those artists include Missy Higgins, Sarah Blasko, The Sleepy Jackson, Marcia Hines, Keith Urban and the The Whitlams. Boy & Bear have released their 6th album tripping over time, check it out now + ticket sales across Canada, Europe and Australia are out as well so check them out. We chat about Boy & Bear and joining the band, the great Jackie Orszaczky, the magical jazz share house, collaboration and ego, 'never arriving', gigging at a young age, performing, when things don't go 'right', ambition plus plenty more! Check Dave out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mistersymes/ Personal website: https://davesymes.com/ Boy & Bear: Tour dates/ tickets: https://www.boyandbear.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boyandbear/ New Album: https://groupspeed.lnk.to/TrippingOverTimeAlbum Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@boyandbear Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boyandbear/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boyandbearmusic ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

    1h 8m
  2. 22/12/2025

    Pez - Music is a Blessing

    Pez (Perry Chapman) is one of Australia's most respected hip-hop artists and an icon. He has achieved ARIA-charting albums, national tours, and collaborations with some of Australia's most influential hip-hop acts. Pez has a reputation as one of the countries sharpest lyricists. His longevity and evolution have cemented him as a trusted, authentic voice in Australian music, admired for both his craft and his contribution to the culture. Pez is touring with 360 on their Back N Forth Tour, check it out (links below)! We chat about leaving music and coming back (hopefully), authenticity and being yourself, flow state, graves disease, nerves and performing, negative self-talk, life changing experience in Sunshine Coast, how Aussie rap is perceived, his new tour with 360, being a father plus plenty more! Check Pez out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pezofficial Tour dates/ tickets: https://pezmusic.com.au/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pezofficial Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0XhPfbWkymiMgLm-GwraIw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emceepez Facebook fan group (The Peztival heads): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1151940535827071/ Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/0nqejKHUiWWMRltB0Cx5xq Dad Joke's on you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDPkkfWLiTs ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

    1h 22m
  3. 08/12/2025

    Nikki Justice - Nothing to Lose

    Nikki Justice is an award-winning internationally touring stand-up comedian known for her sharp wit and savage punchlines! Nikki's brand of humour has been described as chaotic, bold & boundary pushing by critics.  Drawing on her extraordinary life experiences, Nikki grew up in a crime family in Australia. Ran away with a circus. Married (and divorced) a motorcycle gang member. Married a stranger in Vegas. And now, she's an award-winning comedian. Taking out WA's Best Comedy award at Fringeworld 2025 for her debut solo hour, Nikki is an audience favourite making light of life's absurdities and laughing at things some say we shouldn't. Nikki also is a qualified tattoo artist & has a new podcast coming out, she also makes regular guest appearances on viral comedy Youtube channel the OG Crew!  Nikki is fearless, honest, and darkly funny. She laughs at the things society tells us not to talk about, from trauma and grief to motherhood and adult content. We chat about moving to the circus, switching to comedy, winning comedy awards, mindset shifts, colourful upbringing, meditation, the power of laughter, bad venues plus plenty more! Check Nikki out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkijusticecomedy Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnikkijustice Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkijusticecomedian/ Website: https://www.nikkijustice.com.au/ ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/ and @Michael_Kahan on Insta to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/

    1h 15m
  4. 01/12/2025

    Matt Ritter - Friendship is the Ultimate Life Hack

    Matt Ritter—a former lawyer turned Hollywood multi-hyphenate who's fast becoming the definitive voice of the modern friendship movement. Matt is the creator, writer, producer, and star of The Buddy System, a hilarious and heartfelt Audible Original which has just launched. The special blends personal storytelling with cutting-edge research on social fitness—challenging the idea that friendship is a luxury and making the case that it's actually the most important wellness tool we have. He's also co-host of Man of the Year, the #1 podcast on male friendship, and the founder of Friendship Productions, a creative studio developing original content across film, TV, audio, and social—cantered around the theme of connection in an age of isolation. As a storyteller and performer, Matt is taking centre stage in a new wave of character-driven, friendship-forward content. His current projects include: The Maccabees: A "Remember the Titans meets Moneyball" sports drama, produced by Mayim Bialik Breached: A dark comedy about friendship and betrayal, starring Anna Faris and Tiffany Haddish Doll Wars: A satirical script that landed on the Hollywood Black List A docu-comedy series based on The Buddy System, in which Matt stars and executive produces Matt has previously produced hit unscripted series like Duck Dynasty, Fat N' Furious, Tasteless, and Chained to My Ex, and has been featured on The Today Show, Netflix Is a Joke, NPR, The New York Times, and more. He also recently interviewed the U.S. Surgeon General and is slated to give his first TED Talk in 2026: "Friendship Is the Original Life Hack." We chat about leaving law, being the friendship guy and inspiring others, Fat N' Furious, Man of the Year awards & podcasts, The Buddy system, lying his way into Hollywood + plenty more! Check Matt out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattritter1 The Buddy System (Audible): https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Buddy-System-Audiobook/B0FSTJLYS4?srsltid=AfmBOorpIhIlEUK2AQ21s_OePo8aSdOVAujuhqth8C9OLKoJZbw0kBhB 7 day Friendship Challenge: https://www.thefriendshipguy.com/seven-day-challenge Man of the year podcast - check it out on all the podcast apps Tour dates/ tickets:  Contact: matt@thefriendshipguy.com ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/ and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

    1h 10m
  5. 24/11/2025

    Diesel (Mark Lizotte) - 10,000 hours

    Mark Lizotte or Diesel is an American-born, Aussie-based roots rock guitarist and singer. He has spent decades cementing his status as one of Australia's greatest music success stories. First turning heads with his first band, Johnny Diesel & the Injectors, Diesel soon launched a solo career in the 1990s, introducing the world to Diesel – and the rest truly was history. With multiple #1 albums, several ARIA Award wins, including three consecutive wins in 1993, 1994 and 1995, Diesel has remained both a chart staple and live fan-favourite over the years. From opening for Jimmy Barnes through to recording with the likes of Terry Manning (Joe Cocker, Fabulous Thunderbirds, ZZ Top), working as a producer and multi-instrumentalist, and balancing grittier blues rock territory with moments of soul, jazz and introspective lyricism throughout his solo career, Diesel most recently expanded on his powerful discography in 2023 via the release of his 17th studio album, Bootleg Melancholy, with the album praised for its lyrical cohesion, warmth and soaring pop hues. Diesel is touring at the end of January around Australia, tickets are on now on sale, check them out before they sell out! We chat about going solo, his love of music, flow state, performing sober, bad venues, the importance of listening, his new shows (out now), navigating success, touring plus plenty more! Check Diesel  out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diesel_music/ Tour dates/ tickets: https://www.dieselmusic.com.au/shows Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialdieselmusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rCLXPaqaUjGa1aHDwkviR?si=hF15_cG6RVO4mWc85hbn9A&nd=1&dlsi=b948099e51284427 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialdieselmusic ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/ and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

    1h 18m
  6. 17/11/2025

    360 (Matt Colwell) - Authenticity

    Matt Colwell or 360 is one of Australia's most iconic and beloved rappers. 360 erupted onto the scene in the early 2000s, taking home multiple ARIA Award nominations and two wins along the way. Peaking at #4 on the ARIA Albums Chart, Falling & Flying went on to become certified double platinum, and also secured wins at the 2012 ARIA Music Awards for Breakthrough Artist – Release and Producer of the Year. From here, 360 released 2014's Utopia, 2017's Vintage Modern and, most recently, his latest record Out of the Blue, which dropped earlier this year. Debuting at #1 on the ARIA Australian Hip-Hop Albums Chart, Out of the Blue offered a resounding reminder of 360's dexterity, dynamic flow and storytelling alongside magnetic new cuts Chasing Ghosts, Save My Soul and No Place To Go. With his trademark electrifying stage presence that has seen him enrapture sold out headline crowds, captivate alongside the likes of Eminem and Kendrick Lamar, or dazzle onstage at Lollapalooza, Big Day Out and Splendour In The Grass, 360 remains one of the country's most in demand acts and musical exports, with his most recent Out Of The Blue capital city tour entirely sold out; and, as 360 reveals, his passion for live performances has not waned despite a lack of down time between his many performances. He is set to take it BACK N FORTH across regional Australia in 2026, with an extensive run kicking off in February 2026. Tickets are now on sale! Check it out, links below. We chat about going to rehab, his new tour, performing, nerves and rap battles, new definition of success, fame, life coaches, his 8 year hiatus, approval, people pleasing and trusting your gut + plenty more! Just as a heads up we do talk about drug use and oding all in a light-hearted and empowering way. Check Matt / 360 out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3ree6ixty/ Website: https://360music.com.au/ Tour dates: https://www.teamwrktouring.com/tours/360-back-n-forth-tour Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@360_vi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3ree6ixty Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3vn7rk7VNMfDhuZNB9sDYP Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/3ree6ixty ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/ and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

    1h 27m
  7. 10/11/2025

    Phil Rosenthal - Writing Your Own Ticket

    Phil Rosenthal is the award-winning creator, executive producer, and host of "Somebody Feed Phil," as well as a two-time New York Times Best Selling Author and soon-to-be restaurant owner. "Somebody Feed Phil" – one of Netflix's most popular food and travel shows – has garnered a cult-like following and released its eighth season on June 18th in 190 countries. The Emmy-nominated series is Netflix's longest unscripted series and combines Rosenthal's love of food and travel with his unique brand of humor and has become must-see TV for foodies, restaurateurs, travelers, and armchair enthusiasts all over the world. Rosenthal has been nominated for a 2024 Critics' Choice Real TV Award, after winning Critics Choice Real TV Awards in 2022 and 2021 for "Best Travel/Adventure Show" and "Male Star of the Year" on behalf of the series. He also garnered a 2022 James Beard Award nomination for "Visual Media—Long Form." Currently, Rosenthal has embarked on his highly anticipated third US live tour –  An Evening With Phil Rosenthal "Of Somebody Feed Phil" – in over 25 North American cities August-October 2025. On tour, Rosenthal shares insights into his 40-year entertainment career, while incorporating his love of food, storytelling, and humor to audiences. He also invites special guests to be moderators on stage, ranging from local celebrities to famous chefs. The North American tour comes after his second European tour, which was received with resounding praise from fans across Europe. Up next, Rosenthal will also make a significant mark in the culinary world with the 2025 opening of his diner, Max & Helen's, in Los Angeles. Named after his parents, who were beloved series regulars in "Somebody Feed Phil," the dishes will not only be elevated by great ingredients but the brilliance of Executive Chef Nancy Silverton. Following a resounding call from fans, Rosenthal created a companion book to the series, "Somebody Feed Phil The Book" which was released in the US on October 20th, 2022, via Simon Element (an imprint of Simon & Schuster). It immediately landed on the New York Times Best Seller list, which then led to a UK release in January 2023 and a multi-country tour selling out venues across the globe. To expand on this, Rosenthal is set to release a second cookbook in the series, "Phil's Favorites," available for pre-order now and releasing on November 4th, 2025 in the US and November 6th in the UK.  It is more than just a cookbook; it's a celebration of food, family, and friendship incorporating recipes from his family and friends including Judy Gold and Anna Romano. In 2024, he released his first children's book, "JUST TRY IT: A Phil and Lil Book," co-written with his daughter, Lily on March 5, 2024. The hilarious children's picture book about a food-loving dad encouraging his picky eater daughter to just try something new. This once again put Rosenthal on the New York Times Best Seller list, leading to his second national book and live tour, both of which packed bookstores and theatres from coast to coast, including a sold-out crowd at The Beacon in New York City. Up next, they will launch its companion book, "JUST TRY IT: SOMEPLACE NEW!," about an encouraging dad easing his daughter's worries about staying at Grandma's for the first time. Rosenthal has further expanded his love of humor, food, and human connection through a podcast called "Naked Lunch." Launched in May 2022, his podcast is live on Stitcher, SiriusXM's mobile app, and wherever podcasts are available. Co-hosted with his friend and longtime Rolling Stone journalist David Wild, each episode of this weekly talk-show podcast features a special, world-renowned guest to discuss what's going on in their lives – "an informal meeting of wits, minds and hearts" – while eating lunch from some of Phil's favorite local LA eateries.  In 1995, Rosenthal created the hit CBS comedy "Everybody Loves Raymond" which premiered the following year. He served as the showrunner and executive producer for all nine years of the show's very successful run, which ended in 2005. During its original run, the show was nominated for over 70 Emmy Awards, and won 15 awards, including two for "Best Comedy Series" in 2003 and 2005. Rosenthal won the 2002 Writers Guild Award for "Excellence in Television Writing" for his "Italy" script. After the series wrapped, Rosenthal penned a book on the art of comedy and the making of a sitcom classic. YOU'RE LUCKY YOU'RE FUNNY: HOW LIFE BECOMES A SITCOM was published in 2007 via Penguin Publishing Group. His early writing credits include the comedy series "DOWN THE SHORE" and "Coach." Rosenthal also co-wrote "America: A Tribute to Heroes," the 9/11 telethon which aired on all four networks in September 2001, for which he won a Peabody Award and an Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Writing." Rosenthal then went on to write, direct, and star in his first feature film for Sony Pictures. EXPORTING RAYMOND, the true story about the attempt to turn "Everybody Loves Raymond" into a Russian sitcom, was met with critical acclaim upon its release in October 2010. In 2015, Rosenthal embarked on a new journey by creating his first travel food series "I'll Have What Phil's Having." This PBS documentary series, which is the precursor to "Somebody Feed Phil," received two Taste Awards and won the 2016 James Beard Award for "Best Television Program, on Location." In October 2020, Rosenthal launched Somebody Feed the People, an initiative of the Rosenthal Family Foundation that supports organizations making an impact and building community through food. This inclusive and non-partisan initiative partners with organizations across the U.S. that address food access and insecurity, support chefs and restaurant workers, create employment pathways, and strengthen the health of our food systems. This foundation is ongoing yearly. Rosenthal continued his philanthropic efforts in 2022, serving alongside Katie Couric and Jeff MacGregor as an executive producer of the documentary FOR LOVE AND LIFE: NO ORDINARY CAMPAIGN. The film follows Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya, a couple battling ALS and leading a revolutionary movement to help victims of the disease around the world. "For Love and Life" went on to win awards at the SXSW Film Festival, the Chicago International Film Festival, and the Virginia Film Festival.  We chat about executives trying to sabotage him, writing what you want, gratitude, Somebody Feed Phil, Everybody Loves Raymond and almost quitting twice, writing, crazy story as a security guard, creating your own ticket plus plenty more! Check Phil out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phil.rosenthal/ Book (Phil's Favorites): https://philrosenthal.store/books/ Website: https://www.philrosenthalworld.com/ Tour dates/ shows: https://www.philrosenthalworld.com/media Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PhilRosenthalWorld Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philrosenthalofficial/ Max and Helens Restaurant (California): https://www.instagram.com/maxandhelens/ ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/ and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

    1h 6m

About

A podcast that interviews funny and interesting people to discuss their careers and some of the challenges they have faced. I hope to use this platform to normalise and encourage the discussion of failure, particularly through the lens of the entertainment industry, to show that it can be a stepping stone towards the road of success. Nothing is better than humour to normalise a situation, so having deep and meaningful conversations, interspersed with comedy and laughter, helps us celebrate and appreciate life's frustrating moments.

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