Dive into the complete episode list for Try Hard. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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1–21 of 21
Title
Pub. Date
Duration
He left corporate for a socialist pirate ship
21 sept. 2026
00:38:16
Alex Sujong Laughlin interviews Defector's very own Jasper Wang about the choice he made to step off the achievement treadmill in his early 30s — and how that led to the creation of Defector Media.
🏷️: Career success, achievement treadmill, money and happiness, leaving Bain, consulting career, corporate ladder, Defector, worker-owned media, socialist media, entrepreneurship, career change, financial freedom, defining success, how much money is enough, work-life balance, making less money, alternative careers, business for good, sports media, Jasper Wang
This show is produced by Haleema Shah and Alex Sujong Laughlin. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Justin Ellis is Defector’s projects editor. Our show art is by Lille Allen. Our theme song is “Photo Booth,” by Avery Friedman. Jasper Wang is Defector’s business guy. Thank you to the Defector staff and to Sean Kuhn. Our merch store was created by Dan McQuade. Defector Media is a collectively owned, subscriber based media company. Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
When your side project becomes your identity
07 sept. 2026
00:38:17
Alex Sujong Laughlin interviews Hrishikesh Hirway of the podcasts Song Exploder, West Wing Weekly, and Home Cooking, about his music career right after the release of his new album, In The Last Hour of Light.
🏷️: Hrishikesh Hirway, Song Exploder, Try Hard podcast, Alex Sujong Laughlin, Hrishikesh Hirway interview, Hrishikesh Hirway musician, In the Last Hour of Light, songwriting, creativity, creative process, perfectionism, writer's block, creative burnout, creative block, artistic identity, creative identity, making music, making an album, songwriting process, collaboration, letting go, fear of failure, trusting the process, creative confidence, artistic growth, finding your voice, musician, music podcast, creativity tips, overcoming perfectionism
This show is produced by Haleema Shah and Alex Sujong Laughlin. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Justin Ellis is Defector’s projects editor. Our show art is by Lille Allen. Our theme song is “Photo Booth,” by Avery Friedman. Jasper Wang is Defector’s business guy. Thank you to the Defector staff and to Sean Kuhn. Our merch store was created by Dan McQuade. Defector Media is a collectively owned, subscriber based media company. Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
The novel that took Alexander Chee 11 years to finish
24 août 2026
00:36:16
Alex Sujong Laughlin talks to LEGEND Alexander Chee about the process of writing, delivering, and taking back his novel, "The Queen of the Night." They talk about how he maintained confidence in his creative vision over the 11 years it took to finish the novel and not succumbing to scarcity while building a creative career.
🏷️: Alexander Chee, The Queen of the Night, Edinburgh, How To Write An Autobiographical Novel, Iowa Writers Workshop, creative writing, writing careers, creativity, Alex Sujong Laughin, Try Hard podcast, starting over, navigating transition, creative burnout
This show is produced by Haleema Shah and Alex Sujong Laughlin. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Justin Ellis is Defector’s projects editor. Our show art is by Lille Allen. Our theme song is “Photo Booth,” by Avery Friedman. Jasper Wang is Defector’s business guy. Thank you to the Defector staff and to Sean Kuhn. Our merch store was created by Dan McQuade. Defector Media is a collectively owned, subscriber based media company. Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Morgan Jerkins on surviving New York without losing yourself
10 août 2026
00:39:45
Alex Sujong Laughlin talks to writer Morgan Jerkins about how she made the move to New York for her writing career, and how she's managed to protect her softness in the process.
🏷️: , Morgan Jerkins, Wandering in Strange Lands, Caul Baby, moving to New York, writing careers, Alex Sujong Laughin, Try Hard podcast, starting over, navigating transition, creative burnout
This show is produced by Haleema Shah and Alex Sujong Laughlin. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Justin Ellis is Defector’s projects editor. Our show art is by Lille Allen. Our theme song is “Photo Booth,” by Avery Friedman. Jasper Wang is Defector’s business guy. Thank you to the Defector staff and to Sean Kuhn. Our merch store was created by Dan McQuade. Defector Media is a collectively owned, subscriber based media company. Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
From baby trans to headlining the dance floor
27 juil. 2026
00:37:49
Alex Sujong Laughlin talks to Jazmine Green, aka CMD+Jazmine about how queer raves were the site of both her gender transition and her evolution into a musician and DJ.
This show is produced by Haleema Shah and Alex Sujong Laughlin. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Justin Ellis is Defector’s projects editor. Our show art is by Lille Allen. Our theme song is “Photo Booth,” by Avery Friedman. Jasper Wang is Defector’s business guy. Thank you to the Defector staff and to Sean Kuhn. Our merch store was created by Dan McQuade. Defector Media is a collectively owned, subscriber based media company. Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Anna Sale on how motherhood redefined her ambition | Try Hard Podcast | Defector Media
13 juil. 2026
00:36:25
Alex Sujong Laughlin talks to Death Sex & Money host Anna Sale about how becoming a parent affected her professional ambition.
🏷️: Anna Sale, Death Sex and Money, ambition, motherhood, parenthood, matresence, girlboss feminism, Alex Sujong Laughin, Try Hard podcast, starting over, navigating transition, creative burnout
This show is produced by Haleema Shah and Alex Sujong Laughlin. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Justin Ellis is Defector’s projects editor. Our show art is by Lille Allen. Our theme song is “Photo Booth,” by Avery Friedman. Jasper Wang is Defector’s business guy. Thank you to the Defector staff and to Sean Kuhn. Our merch store was created by Dan McQuade. Defector Media is a collectively owned, subscriber based media company. Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Why is it so hard to make friends as an adult?
29 juin 2026
00:39:24
Alex Sujong Laughlin talks to Aaron Edwards about how he's learned to make friends as an adult.
This show is produced by Haleema Shah and Alex Sujong Laughlin. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Justin Ellis is Defector’s projects editor. Our show art is by Lille Allen. Our theme song is “Photo Booth,” by Avery Friedman. Jasper Wang is Defector’s business guy. Thank you to the Defector staff and to Sean Kuhn. Our merch store was created by Dan McQuade. Defector Media is a collectively owned, subscriber based media company. Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Why Ingrid Nilsen quit YouTube at 3M subscribers
15 juin 2026
00:40:43
Ingrid Nilsen was one of the most followed YouTubers ever, but in 2020, she walked away from her influencing career to try something new. In this episode, Alex Sujong Laughlin talks to Ingrid about her decision to quit influencing and how that led to the creation of her candle and fragrance company, The New Savant.
🏷️: Ingrid Nilsen, Erica Anderson, The New Savant, youtubers, youtube, lifestyle, creators, vlogmas, influencers, small business, starting a business, candles, candle company, early influencers, covergirl, Alex Sujong Laughin, Try Hard podcast, starting over, navigating transition, creative burnout
This show is produced by Haleema Shah and Alex Sujong Laughlin. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Justin Ellis is Defector’s projects editor. Our show art is by Lille Allen. Our theme song is “Photo Booth,” by Avery Friedman. Jasper Wang is Defector’s business guy. Thank you to the Defector staff and to Sean Kuhn. Our merch store was created by Dan McQuade. Defector Media is a collectively owned, subscriber based media company. Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
We're making some changes...
01 juin 2026
00:08:46
Alex Sujong Laughlin launched the Try Hard podcast in 2025 and almost ended the show due to creative burnout, chronic health issues, and major life changes. In this episode, Alex breaks down what you can expect from the new season of Try Hard. Stay tuned for our new season launch date!
This show is produced by Haleema Shah and me, Alex Sujong Laughlin. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Justin Ellis is Defector’s projects editor. Our show art is by Lille Allen. Our theme song is “Photo Booth,” by Avery Friedman. Jasper Wang is Defector’s business guy. Thank you to the Defector staff and to Sean Kuhn. Our merch store was created by Dan McQuade. Defector Media is a collectively owned, subscriber based media company. Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Bonus: You Can Just Publish Books?
09 févr. 2026
00:37:56
Breaking this brief winter freeze with a bonus episode featuring a conversation with Madeline Porsella and Mabel Capability Taylor, the creators of Mandylion Press, which "unearths lost literary gems written by women and weirdos in the (very) long nineteenth century."
Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlaughs. https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/
Try Hard is hosted and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin. Editorial and production support from Audrey Mardavich, Tom Ley, and Jae Towle Vieira. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Our show art is by Lille Allen and our theme song is "Photo Booth" by Avery Friedman.
Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Ronald Young Jr. Comes Clean
01 déc. 2025
00:36:00
We've talked a lot about trying this season, but not enough about failing. In the season one finale, Ronald Young Jr. comes clean about failing his Try Hard project.
Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlaughs. https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/
Try Hard is hosted and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin. Editorial and production support from Audrey Mardavich, Tom Ley, and Jae Towle Vieira. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Our show art is by Lille Allen and our theme song is "Photo Booth" by Avery Friedman.
Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Zakiya Gibbons Goes On A Date
17 nov. 2025
00:32:28
Zakiya Gibbons is rusty with dating women, so she goes to a queer speed dating event to shake the cobwebs off.
You can contribute to Radiotopia's fall fundraiser with a tax-deductible donation here!
Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlaughs. https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/
Try Hard is hosted and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin. Editorial and production support from Audrey Mardavich, Tom Ley, and Jae Towle Vieira. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Our show art is by Lille Allen and our theme song is "Photo Booth" by Avery Friedman.
Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Josh Gondelman Plays Basketball
03 nov. 2025
00:37:42
Josh Gondelman used to love playing basketball, but he can't seem to bring himself to play in his friend's long-running pickup game.
Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlaughs. https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/
Try Hard is hosted and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin. Editorial and production support from Audrey Mardavich, Tom Ley, and Jae Towle Vieira. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Our show art is by Lille Allen and our theme song is "Photo Booth" by Avery Friedman.
Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Rax King Plays the Banjo
20 oct. 2025
00:41:05
Rax King learns a song on the banjo to play at a jam.
Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlaughs. https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/
Try Hard is hosted and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin. Editorial and production support from Audrey Mardavich, Tom Ley, and Jae Towle Vieira. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Our show art is by Lille Allen and our theme song is "Photo Booth" by Avery Friedman.
Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Sabrina Imbler Goes Hunting
06 oct. 2025
00:39:19
Sabrina Imbler is afraid of bugs, but they are working on a book about bugs. What to do?! In this episode, they attempt to catch and pin dragonflies.
Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlaughs. https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/
Try Hard is hosted and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin. Editorial and production support from Audrey Mardavich, Tom Ley, and Jae Towle Vieira. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Our show art is by Lille Allen and our theme song is "Photo Booth" by Avery Friedman.
Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Ceara Jane O'Sullivan Tries to Cartwheel
22 sept. 2025
00:31:08
Ceara Jane O'Sullivan takes a gymnastics class in an attempt to finally master the ultimate cool girl trick: the cartwheel.
Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlaughs. https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/
Try Hard is hosted and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin. Editorial and production support from Audrey Mardavich, Tom Ley, and Jae Towle Vieira. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Our show art is by Lille Allen and our theme song is "Photo Booth" by Avery Friedman.
Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Diana Moskovitz Rides a Bike
08 sept. 2025
00:26:54
Diana Moskovitz never learned to ride a bike when she was a child. Can she make her K-drama Han River bike riding dream come true?
Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlaughs. https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/
Try Hard is hosted and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin. Editorial and production support from Audrey Mardavich, Tom Ley, and Jae Towle Vieira. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Our show art is by Lille Allen and our theme song is "Photo Booth" by Avery Friedman.
Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Yowei Shaw Hosts a Party
25 août 2025
00:33:10
What happens when a wallflower tries to stand in the spotlight?
Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlaughs.
Try Hard is hosted and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin. Editorial and production support from Audrey Mardavich, Tom Ley, and Jae Towle Vieira. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Our show art is by Lille Allen and our theme song is "Photo Booth" by Avery Friedman. Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Erika Casupanan Sings in Public
11 août 2025
00:36:37
Erika spent her life being the person she thought she "should" be. It turns out that doing her own thing doesn't rock the world the way she thinks it will. It's actually pretty cool.
Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlaughs.
Try Hard is hosted and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin. Editorial and production support from Audrey Mardavich, Tom Ley, and Jae Towle Vieira. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Our show art is by Lille Allen and our theme song is "Photo Booth" by Avery Friedman.
Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Mattie Lubchansky Takes a Yoga Class
28 juil. 2025
00:31:35
Cartoonist Mattie Lubchansky hates exercising in front of people, so in this first episode of Try Hard, she's trying out a real life yoga class full of real life strangers!
By the way, you should buy Mattie's new book, Simplicity!
Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlaughs.
Try Hard is hosted and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin. Editorial and production support from Audrey Mardavich, Tom Ley, and Jae Towle Vieira. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Mixing by Samantha Gattsek. Our show art is by Lille Allen and our theme song is "Photo Booth" by Avery Friedman.
Try Hard is a proud member of Radiotopia.
Welcome to Try Hard
14 juil. 2025
00:01:07
If there’s no shame in trying, why is it so hard?
On Try Hard, Alex Sujong Laughlin helps people try the thing they've always wanted to do—from cartwheels to karaoke.
First episode publishes July 28!
Thank you to Charley Locke, Lilli Grace Barden, Yuli, and Juliana de Groot for lending your voices.