Bombing my "Captain Awesome" audition...and still landing the role on CHUCK

Episode Notes (Show Description & Chapters)

In this debut episode, Ryan McPartlin opens up about the evolution from The Awesome Business Podcast to That’s Awesome—a show that celebrates people, purpose, and the pursuit of being just a little more awesome. He takes us back to 2007, when he was a new dad, nearly broke, and on the verge of giving up… right before an audition that went totally off the rails.

Through humor, humility, and hindsight, Ryan reflects on what it really means to surrender, stay authentic, and root for others’ success—even when you’re questioning your own.

Chapters & Key Moments

00:00 — The Journey of Captain Awesome

Ryan introduces That’s Awesome, explains why he shifted focus from business to storytelling, and shares how the spirit of his Chuck character became the foundation for the podcast’s message of encouragement and authenticity.

00:08 — The Audition That Changed Everything

Ryan reflects on 2007—becoming a new father, struggling financially, and missing a friend’s wedding to take one last shot at an NBC pilot. He sets the scene for a life-changing day that didn’t go as planned.

06:19 — Auditioning for Captain Awesome

A behind-the-scenes look at the fateful Chuck audition: blanking on lines (twice), ignoring good instincts, fist-bumping the producers, and walking out convinced he’d just blown his biggest opportunity.

11:23 — Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Ryan shares how he still got the part, how Comic-Con helped him realize his place on the show, and what it taught him about imposter syndrome, authenticity, and trusting the process.

15:58 — Looking Ahead

Ryan closes the episode with the core message behind That’s Awesome: surrender, be authentic, and root for others to succeed. Plus, a teaser for the next guest—someone who might be “even more awesome” than him.

Topics Discussed

• The evolution from The Awesome Business Podcast to That’s Awesome

• How failure and vulnerability can open unexpected doors

• Letting go of control and surrendering to something bigger

• Redefining success and belonging in Hollywood

• Finding purpose in authenticity and service

• The power of rooting for others to be awesome

Connect with Ryan

Instagram: @RyanMcPartlin

YouTube: RyanMcPartlinTV

X: @RyanMcPartlin

FB: @RyanMcPartlin

TikTok: @RyanMcPartlin

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