Mr. Irrelevant Videocast
Named for the last pick in the pro football draft, Mr. Irrelevant has come to symbolize the triumph of the underrated or overlooked (male or female). We'll tell the stories of resilient, gritty people from all walks of life who soar above the doubters. New podcast weblog
Episodes

6 days ago
6 days ago
On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with lawyer, entrepreneur, and football club owner Rob Couhig about his unlikely journey from American minor league baseball to English football. Couhig shares how a business-first mindset helped transform Wycombe Wanderers during one of the most successful stretches in club history and why he took on the challenge of rescuing Reading FC. He reflects on leadership, innovation, and the realities of building sustainable success in a sport driven by passion and tradition. A conversation about vision, problem-solving, and turning overlooked opportunities into lasting impact.

Wednesday May 27, 2026
Wednesday May 27, 2026
On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with director Jeff Fisher about carving out a career through rejection, reinvention, and persistence. From sweeping floors in craft service to working alongside Robert De Niro on Cape Fear, Fisher reflects on the unconventional path that led him from reality TV hits like Big Brother and Keeping Up With the Kardashians to directing feature films. He shares lessons learned from setbacks, finding opportunity in unexpected places, and why success often comes from simply staying in the game. A conversation about perseverance, adaptability, and chasing the next “yes.”

Wednesday May 20, 2026
Wednesday May 20, 2026
On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with former minor leaguer Bruce Dostal about his winding journey through professional baseball and his unforgettable brush with the big leagues. Drafted by the Dodgers out of Division III William Paterson, Dostal reflects on fighting through crowded farm systems, earning a call-up to the Orioles at Fenway Park, and never getting the chance to step into a game. He opens up about perseverance, identity, and why he ultimately looks back on his career with “No At-Bats, No Regrets.” A conversation about chasing the dream, embracing the journey, and finding meaning beyond the stat sheet.

Wednesday May 13, 2026
Wednesday May 13, 2026
On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with Fox Sports and Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis about his journey from small-town Michigan to calling the World Series and succeeding Vin Scully. Davis reflects on the grind of breaking into broadcasting through unpaid internships and minor league jobs, learning to trust his own voice, and overcoming imposter syndrome that came with stepping into one of sports’ most iconic roles. A conversation about preparation, authenticity, and betting on yourself.

Wednesday May 06, 2026
Wednesday May 06, 2026
On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with Emmy Award-winning editor Jill Calhoun about her path from aspiring filmmaker to shaping stories behind the scenes. Calhoun shares how an early experience in sound design sparked her passion, how music and performance influence her sense of rhythm, and why collaboration matters more than credit. She opens up about navigating self-doubt, building authentic relationships in a competitive industry, and redefining success on her own terms. A conversation about creativity, persistence, and finding your place behind the lens.

Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with former NFL offensive lineman and NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger about his journey from undrafted long shot to a 143-game NFL career. Baldinger shares how he earned a roster spot with the Cowboys against the odds, the mindset it took to succeed as an overlooked lineman, and how preparation became his edge both on the field and in broadcasting. He reflects on lessons from legendary coach Ernie Stautner, working alongside Pat Summerall, and his unforgettable tackle-eligible touchdown moment. A conversation about preparation, perseverance, and making yourself impossible to ignore.

Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with Rudy Ruettiger about his journey from overlooked underdog to Notre Dame legend. Growing up as one of 14 kids while facing dyslexia and constant doubt, Rudy shares how he pushed past criticism, served in the Navy, and took an unconventional path to earn his place at Notre Dame. He breaks down his “four C’s”—courage, character, commitment, and contribution—while revisiting his iconic 1975 sack, clarifying what the movie got wrong, and reflecting on support from Coach Dan Devine and reactions from teammates like Joe Montana. A conversation about belief, determination, and proving the doubters wrong.

Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with former NFL quarterback Jay Fiedler about his unlikely journey—from Ivy League QB to Dolphins playoff hero. After going undrafted, Fiedler fought his way through cuts, time out of the league, and stints in Europe before earning another shot in the NFL and eventually being the last quarterback to lead the Dolphins to a playoff win. He reflects on stepping in for Dan Marino, the highs of a playoff win, the lows that followed, and how those experiences shaped his life after football. A conversation about perseverance, grit, and navigating the highs and lows of the game.

Wednesday Apr 08, 2026
Wednesday Apr 08, 2026
On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with thriller author and former U.S. Navy intelligence officer Ama (A.M.) Adair about her unconventional path from military service to published novelist. After 21 years in the Navy, including deployments in places like Baghdad, Adair shares how real-life experiences inspired her writing and helped her navigate imposter syndrome, anxiety, and the vulnerability of putting creative work into the world. She reflects on the power of being underestimated, pushing through self-doubt, and finding resilience through storytelling. A conversation about discipline, perspective, and turning experience into purpose.

Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with Broadway actor and musician Brian d’Arcy James about his unexpected journey from the football field to the stage. From earning the nickname “the flea” as a junior high safety to discovering his voice and passion for performance, Brian reflects on the moments that shaped his path. He opens up about the loss of his father just after graduating from Northwestern, the resilience it took to push through rejection, and the winding road to five Tony nominations. A conversation about perseverance, identity, and trusting where you’re meant to go.



