Alex Sujong Laughlin has conversations with people about the ways they're redefining themselves, from major life changes to picking up new hobbies. Be a try hard. We double dog dare you. Created by Alex Sujong Laughlin and Defector Media.

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. Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_JOiqmLY7dA12mVv0SmhJkiyKybpGZwashjgwhDnQC8/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_JOiqmLY7dA12mVv0SmhJkiyKybpGZwashjgwhDnQC8/edit?usp=sharing</a> 🏷️: 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 *** Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a> Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com Subscribe to Defector Media: <a href="https://defector.com/">https://defector.com/</a> *** Credits: 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.

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. 

Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_JOiqmLY7dA12mVv0SmhJkiyKybpGZwashjgwhDnQC8/edit?usp=sharing

🏷️: 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

***

Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/

Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com

Subscribe to Defector Media: https://defector.com/

***

Credits:

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

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. Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WtsAKS23yZBVheavaMvsXbc6cV3YKEnmU38ygLiCA2k/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WtsAKS23yZBVheavaMvsXbc6cV3YKEnmU38ygLiCA2k/edit?usp=sharing</a> 🏷️: 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 *** Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a> Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com Subscribe to Defector Media: <a href="https://defector.com/">https://defector.com/</a> Check out Try Hard in audio form: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771</a> *** Credits: 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.

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. 

Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WtsAKS23yZBVheavaMvsXbc6cV3YKEnmU38ygLiCA2k/edit?usp=sharing

🏷️: 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

***

Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/

Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com

Subscribe to Defector Media: https://defector.com/

Check out Try Hard in audio form: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771

***

Credits:

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

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. Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gwFJDScys5QleFodC4byJ7X8ct7y_3awu7of_JdCj8M/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gwFJDScys5QleFodC4byJ7X8ct7y_3awu7of_JdCj8M/edit?usp=sharing</a> 🏷️: , 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 *** Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a> Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com Subscribe to Defector Media: <a href="https://defector.com/">https://defector.com/</a> Check out Try Hard in audio form: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771</a> *** Credits: 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.

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. 

Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gwFJDScys5QleFodC4byJ7X8ct7y_3awu7of_JdCj8M/edit?usp=sharing

🏷️: , 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

***

Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/

Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com

Subscribe to Defector Media: https://defector.com/

Check out Try Hard in audio form: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771

***

Credits:

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

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. Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mRub5-XnAfjSye31rxa6lm-dniIumhCq4GM_tI6Tqrs/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mRub5-XnAfjSye31rxa6lm-dniIumhCq4GM_tI6Tqrs/edit?usp=sharing</a> 🏷️: , Alex Sujong Laughin, Try Hard podcast, CMD+Jazmine, Jazmine Green, raves, queerness, transition, transitioning in your 30s, djing, electronic musicians, nowadays brooklyn, starting over, navigating transition, creative burnout *** Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a> Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com Subscribe to Defector Media: <a href="https://defector.com/">https://defector.com/</a> Check out Try Hard in audio form: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771</a> *** Credits: 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.

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. 

Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mRub5-XnAfjSye31rxa6lm-dniIumhCq4GM_tI6Tqrs/edit?usp=sharing 

🏷️: , Alex Sujong Laughin, Try Hard podcast, CMD+Jazmine, Jazmine Green, raves, queerness, transition, transitioning in your 30s, djing, electronic musicians, nowadays brooklyn, starting over, navigating transition, creative burnout

***

Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/

Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com

Subscribe to Defector Media: https://defector.com/

Check out Try Hard in audio form: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771

***

Credits:

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

Alex Sujong Laughlin talks to Death Sex &amp; Money host Anna Sale about how becoming a parent affected her professional ambition. Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DaTLT55h4dNUsdkSrrDyXnAArDDml0Y1rDi1uLRY8GI/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DaTLT55h4dNUsdkSrrDyXnAArDDml0Y1rDi1uLRY8GI/edit?usp=sharing</a> 🏷️: Anna Sale, Death Sex and Money, ambition, motherhood, parenthood, matresence, girlboss feminism, Alex Sujong Laughin, Try Hard podcast, starting over, navigating transition, creative burnout *** Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a> Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com Subscribe to Defector Media: <a href="https://defector.com/">https://defector.com/</a> Check out Try Hard on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6OAiTsWXSBt7KlW7unuJPGXad4P5x6va">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6OAiTsWXSBt7KlW7unuJPGXad4P5x6va</a>  *** Credits: 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.

Alex Sujong Laughlin talks to Death Sex & Money host Anna Sale about how becoming a parent affected her professional ambition.

Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DaTLT55h4dNUsdkSrrDyXnAArDDml0Y1rDi1uLRY8GI/edit?usp=sharing

🏷️: Anna Sale, Death Sex and Money, ambition, motherhood, parenthood, matresence, girlboss feminism, Alex Sujong Laughin, Try Hard podcast, starting over, navigating transition, creative burnout
***

Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/

Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com

Subscribe to Defector Media: https://defector.com/

Check out Try Hard on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6OAiTsWXSBt7KlW7unuJPGXad4P5x6va 

***

Credits:

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

Alex Sujong Laughlin talks to Aaron Edwards about how he's learned to make friends as an adult. Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GiG2tM-BxxQiE4mM4fDrtq7CWrTBaU3UBSHS4g_3j-8/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GiG2tM-BxxQiE4mM4fDrtq7CWrTBaU3UBSHS4g_3j-8/edit?usp=sharing</a> 🏷️: making friends, making friends as an adult, cringe, meetups, rejection, ghosting, introversion, introverts, Aaron Edwards, Upstate Color, Kingston, Alex Sujong Laughin, Try Hard podcast, starting over, navigating transition, creative burnout *** Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a> Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com Subscribe to Defector Media: <a href="https://defector.com/">https://defector.com/</a> Check out Try Hard on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6OAiTsWXSBt7KlW7unuJPGXad4P5x6va">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6OAiTsWXSBt7KlW7unuJPGXad4P5x6va</a>  *** Credits: 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.

Alex Sujong Laughlin talks to Aaron Edwards about how he's learned to make friends as an adult. 

Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GiG2tM-BxxQiE4mM4fDrtq7CWrTBaU3UBSHS4g_3j-8/edit?usp=sharing

🏷️: making friends, making friends as an adult, cringe, meetups, rejection, ghosting, introversion, introverts, Aaron Edwards, Upstate Color, Kingston, Alex Sujong Laughin, Try Hard podcast, starting over, navigating transition, creative burnout

***

Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/

Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com

Subscribe to Defector Media: https://defector.com/

Check out Try Hard on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6OAiTsWXSBt7KlW7unuJPGXad4P5x6va 

***

Credits:

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?

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. Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/16C3QO_2Dc0xCfLgoxnFD2XmcHU0hL0_4aylVf85oejk/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/16C3QO_2Dc0xCfLgoxnFD2XmcHU0hL0_4aylVf85oejk/edit?usp=sharing</a> 🏷️: 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 *** Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a> Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com Subscribe to Defector Media: <a href="https://defector.com/">https://defector.com/</a> Check out Try Hard in audio form: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771</a> *** Credits:  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.

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. 
Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16C3QO_2Dc0xCfLgoxnFD2XmcHU0hL0_4aylVf85oejk/edit?usp=sharing
🏷️: 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 

***

Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/
Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com 
Subscribe to Defector Media: https://defector.com/
Check out Try Hard in audio form: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771

***

Credits: 

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

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!  Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/12s8f_Kz_L3z5bfEJkhJamHGJKpwGUtglVbM-tMRyV3Q/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/12s8f_Kz_L3z5bfEJkhJamHGJKpwGUtglVbM-tMRyV3Q/edit?usp=sharing</a> 🏷️: Alex Sujong Laughin, Try Hard podcast, starting over, navigating transition, trying new things, creative burnout, podcast hosting, chronic illness, work, self care, defector, creative work, new projects *** Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a> Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com Subscribe to Defector Media: <a href="https://defector.com/">https://defector.com/</a> Check out Try Hard in audio form: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771</a> *** Credits:  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.

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! 

Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12s8f_Kz_L3z5bfEJkhJamHGJKpwGUtglVbM-tMRyV3Q/edit?usp=sharing
🏷️: Alex Sujong Laughin, Try Hard podcast, starting over, navigating transition, trying new things, creative burnout, podcast hosting, chronic illness, work, self care, defector, creative work, new projects

***

Follow Alex Sujong Laughlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/
Email Alex: alex[at]defector.com 
Subscribe to Defector Media: https://defector.com/
Check out Try Hard in audio form: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/try-hard/id1824016771

***

Credits: 

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.

We're making some changes...

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." Check out Mandylion's books here: <a href="https://www.mandylionpress.com/">https://www.mandylionpress.com/</a> Listen to their podcast, 1-800-1800: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4evGmpMz51afDLClA3RVce">https://open.spotify.com/show/4evGmpMz51afDLClA3RVce</a> ***Sign up for ICE watch training***: <a href="https://statesatthecore.substack.com/p/community-defense-and-ice-watch">https://statesatthecore.substack.com/p/community-defense-and-ice-watch</a> 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. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a>  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.

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." 
Check out Mandylion's books here: https://www.mandylionpress.com/ 
Listen to their podcast, 1-800-1800: https://open.spotify.com/show/4evGmpMz51afDLClA3RVce
***Sign up for ICE watch training***: https://statesatthecore.substack.com/p/community-defense-and-ice-watch 
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.

Bonus: You Can Just Publish Books?

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. Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ysREUJm3-I9T8K6xCGT4Qbtlu1fZfuKETkb1MvaV1c/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ysREUJm3-I9T8K6xCGT4Qbtlu1fZfuKETkb1MvaV1c/edit?usp=sharing</a> You can contribute to Radiotopia's fall fundraiser with a tax-deductible donation here! Get tickets to Ronald's show Heartbreaker in DC on Feb 21: <a href="https://www.unionstagepresents.com/shows/heartbreaker-a-tragic-love-story-from-ronald-young-jr/">https://www.unionstagepresents.com/shows/heartbreaker-a-tragic-love-story-from-ronald-young-jr/</a> 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. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a>  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.

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. 
Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ysREUJm3-I9T8K6xCGT4Qbtlu1fZfuKETkb1MvaV1c/edit?usp=sharing 
You can contribute to Radiotopia's fall fundraiser with a tax-deductible donation here! 
Get tickets to Ronald's show Heartbreaker in DC on Feb 21: https://www.unionstagepresents.com/shows/heartbreaker-a-tragic-love-story-from-ronald-young-jr/ 
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.

Ronald Young Jr. Comes Clean

Zakiya Gibbons is rusty with dating women, so she goes to a queer speed dating event to shake the cobwebs off.  Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1THYaMJZoV3e_45wsLsScbYxphcywyMIhltrJN0b4Ygc/edit?usp=sharingYou can contribute to Radiotopia's fall fundraiser with a tax-deductible donation <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/donate">here</a>! 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. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a>  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 is rusty with dating women, so she goes to a queer speed dating event to shake the cobwebs off. 
Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1THYaMJZoV3e_45wsLsScbYxphcywyMIhltrJN0b4Ygc/edit?usp=sharing
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.

Zakiya Gibbons Goes On A Date

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. Check out Josh's standup special, Positive Reinforcement: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAvNlgpdKKo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAvNlgpdKKo</a> Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KPusncOHye0q-x9GVxODOTuG-NMoLMjMUEVWlfg2f4I/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KPusncOHye0q-x9GVxODOTuG-NMoLMjMUEVWlfg2f4I/edit?usp=sharing</a> 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. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a>  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 used to love playing basketball, but he can't seem to bring himself to play in his friend's long-running pickup game. 
Check out Josh's standup special, Positive Reinforcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAvNlgpdKKo 
Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KPusncOHye0q-x9GVxODOTuG-NMoLMjMUEVWlfg2f4I/edit?usp=sharing 
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

Rax King learns a song on the banjo to play at a jam. Check out Rax's new book, Sloppy: <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/751421/sloppy-by-rax-king/">https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/751421/sloppy-by-rax-king/</a> Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ajUijzXj3ynxpHQIvh-cQBwWdrztnZCiUzJBoQNeTQo/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ajUijzXj3ynxpHQIvh-cQBwWdrztnZCiUzJBoQNeTQo/edit?usp=sharing</a> 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. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a>  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 learns a song on the banjo to play at a jam.
Check out Rax's new book, Sloppy: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/751421/sloppy-by-rax-king/ 
Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ajUijzXj3ynxpHQIvh-cQBwWdrztnZCiUzJBoQNeTQo/edit?usp=sharing 
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

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. Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zyi-6wY81SosLtcs1y0vZXufOcFwobddFQMCeO7NHzc/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zyi-6wY81SosLtcs1y0vZXufOcFwobddFQMCeO7NHzc/edit?usp=sharing</a> 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. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a>  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 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. 
Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zyi-6wY81SosLtcs1y0vZXufOcFwobddFQMCeO7NHzc/edit?usp=sharing
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

Ceara Jane O'Sullivan takes a gymnastics class in an attempt to finally master the ultimate cool girl trick: the cartwheel. Check out Ceara's podcast, Petty Crimes, here: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/petty-crimes/id1612693094">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/petty-crimes/id1612693094</a> Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zWovNgFBG7w9b41zkZ5Fs95LX6uhj6y5UHykd0URIU/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zWovNgFBG7w9b41zkZ5Fs95LX6uhj6y5UHykd0URIU/edit?usp=sharing</a> 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. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a>  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 takes a gymnastics class in an attempt to finally master the ultimate cool girl trick: the cartwheel. 
Check out Ceara's podcast, Petty Crimes, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/petty-crimes/id1612693094
Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zWovNgFBG7w9b41zkZ5Fs95LX6uhj6y5UHykd0URIU/edit?usp=sharing 
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

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? Episode transcript here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CR1x7BM2vyw_t44kvnvXehKfZLjkTLbYgwQCid3vgEQ/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CR1x7BM2vyw_t44kvnvXehKfZLjkTLbYgwQCid3vgEQ/edit?usp=sharing</a> 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. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/</a>  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 never learned to ride a bike when she was a child. Can she make her K-drama Han River bike riding dream come true? 
Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CR1x7BM2vyw_t44kvnvXehKfZLjkTLbYgwQCid3vgEQ/edit?usp=sharing 
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

What happens when a wallflower tries to stand in the spotlight? Check out Yowei's podcast, <a href="%20https://www.proxypodcast.com/%20">Proxy</a>.Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q866ZRKA_MsysRPo1QQlBBESRfIksmQeZNFmbS_DUOg/edit?usp=sharingSend me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/">@alexlaughs</a>.  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.

What happens when a wallflower tries to stand in the spotlight? 
Check out Yowei's podcast, Proxy.
Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q866ZRKA_MsysRPo1QQlBBESRfIksmQeZNFmbS_DUOg/edit?usp=sharing
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.

Yowei Shaw Hosts a Party

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. Check out Erika's podcast, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-to-see-me-with-erika-casupanan/id1667189595">Happy to See Me</a>. Episode transcript <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ggh7Bs7UsAub14N_aq8-wT-7-FPlbe4oLmlyKWdg40k/edit?usp=sharing">here</a>. Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @<a href="%20https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/%20">alexlaughs</a>. 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 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. 
Check out Erika's podcast, Happy to See Me. 
Episode transcript 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.
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

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, <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/simplicity-mattie-lubchansky/21997655?aid=79623">Simplicity</a>! Episode transcript <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MIMo6n6hBCKfq1uSTxuCjerObU9kVqw0Ed1-GSw77Y8/edit?usp=sharing%20">here</a>. Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at podcasts@defector.com, or you can message me or tag me on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughs/%20">@alexlaughs</a>. 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.

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! 
Episode transcript 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. 
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

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.

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.