Why I‘ll Never Make It
In May 2022, Why I’ll Never Make It was recognized by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, receiving an Award of Distinction in the category of Featured Episode for the Tribute to Alvin Ailey. I was truly shocked and surprised by this award. With over 5,000 entries received from across the US and around the world, the Communicator Awards make up the largest and most competitive awards program honoring creative excellence for communications professionals.
It should also be noted that LWC Studios and their Podcasting Seriously Award Fund made it possible for me to pay the $125 submission fee to the Communicator Awards. All these various awards, from the Webbys to the Peabodys, all charge fees to submit, anywhere from $125 to $450 per category. This is in addition to the price to actually receive the physical award (the Communicator Award cost $250). So most of the time these awards are only available to the big podcasting companies. LWC is hoping to change that by helping small, independent podcasters like me to apply for these expensive awards.
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So how did WINMI get started?
Back in August 2017, Patrick approached fellow actor Dewey Caddell about starting a podcast. "You and me riffing on various subjects or maybe just one topic or field. I don't know. It's just an idea and wanted to get your thoughts." A couple of months later they met up and brainstormed some ideas, recorded an initial episode (originally called "PodCast & Crew"), shared it with a few friends, and finally landed on the main thrust of an entertainment podcast. Sharing stories of what hold us back in the performing arts but also what keeps us going.
On December 28, Why I'll Never Make It was born and gave birth to its first season: 13 regular episodes with Patrick and Dewey co-hosting, and 5 Tony Awards bonus episodes featuring Patrick and other Broadway performers and creatives. In Season Two, Patrick became the sole host of the show and introduced The Spotlight Series, featuring those making a difference in the arts and beyond.
Why such a negative title?
Well, to be honest, it's not negative at all but merely the reality of this business. Most plays, musicals, books, TV shows, and films never become blockbusters or household names. Most auditions never lead to being cast. Most Broadway shows never recoup their initial investment.
Failure and setbacks are a given. Rejection is common. And making it big rarely happens. Most of us get by from job to job, making a living and enjoying a modicum of success that we hope will come our way. But within this reality comes great lessons and inspirations and some funny stories along the way.
It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure. - Bill Gates
But some guests have made it.
Possibly. Everyone's definition of success and "making it" is different. Most guests are creatives who do amazing work out of the limelight, grinding out a living by doing what they love most. But I've also talked to stars like *NSYNC's Joey Fatone, THE PROM's Caitlin Kinnunen, and American Idol's Justin Guarini. But no matter their level of their fame or the number of their accomplishments, each guest opens up and shares their own struggles in this business and offer us a reflection of our own challenges.
Whatever applause may come pales in comparison to the days or weeks or months of rejection and persistence that precede any such recognition. And it is this central message that is talked about on the podcast, even with the most successful or recognizable guests.
What is The Spotlight Series about?
The life of any non-profit or small business is not an easy one. So while these special, infrequent interviews are a slight departure from the main episodes, Spotlight still focuses on why people and organizations do the work they do, how they handle struggles and setbacks, and the difference they are making in people's lives.