These people are all successful, but they are far from perfect. Tracing the lives of inspiring men and women, I’m Not a Superhero takes an uncompromising look at success and failure. In this podcast series, you’ll hear about their darkest hours while debunking the myths of professional success.
Podcast - 1 season
Season 1
8 episodes
Jean-Pascal Zadi, actor and film director
"Since we had nothing, we had nothing to lose.” Jean-Pascal Zadi was neither the best student nor the most famous rapper. But while shooting music videos, he discovered a love for directing. And in 2021, he won the César for Most Promising Actor. Humble and self-deprecating, Zadi looks back on a career path that was far from straightforward.
S1 • 1 • 30mn
Thierry Ardisson, TV presenter and producer
Iconic French TV presenter and producer Thierry Ardisson always believed he would succeed in one way or another. With typical candour, the master interviewer puts his career in the spotlight to revisit the tough times and hard lessons that taught him everything he knows about failure.
S1 • 2 • 33mn
Aurélie Jean, scientific and entrepreneur
Aurélie Jean is a computational scientist with a mind-blowing list of accomplishments. But pursuing her dream has taken courage as well as smarts. While her career has taken off—and taken her around the globe—making it wasn’t always easy in a field where men still outnumber women.
S1 • 3 • 29mn
Henri Leclerc, criminal lawyer
Henri Leclerc is a French criminal defence lawyer and human rights activist who has worked on some of the country’s most high-profile cases. Renowned for his eloquence in court, Leclerc looks back on an incredible career spanning 65 years and discusses the moral highs and lows of his profession.
S1 • 4 • 32mn
David Foenkinos, author and screenwriter
When David Foenkinos’ first manuscript was accepted by French publishing giant Gallimard, it came with a comment from his editor: "It’s worth trying." Many years later and Foenkinos is one of the most read fiction writers in France. But his success as a best-selling author hasn’t always come easy—he’s had his share of trials and tribulations.
S1 • 5 • 29mn
Mercedes Erra
The E in BETC, France’s leading advertising agency, stands for Mercedes Erra. Known for her awe-inspiring work ethic, finding her place in a man’s world hasn’t always been a walk in the park. But for this seasoned professional at the top of her game, being a mother has been the biggest challenge she’s faced in life.
S1 • 6 • 31mn
Michael Jeremiasz
When he was 18, Michaël Jeremiasz became paraplegic after a ski accident. One year later and he was the French champion in wheelchair tennis. A four-time Paralympic medallist, disability advocate, father and founder of non-profit Comme les Autres, Jeremiasz doesn’t shy away from life’s challenges and uses sport as a tool for social inclusion.
S1 • 7 • 32mn
Clarisse Cremer
Before entering the Vendée Globe, Clarisse Crémer’s future was all lined up. She came from a privileged background, went to a prestigious school and even launched a startup. All that changed when she moved to Brittany to pursue her dream of professional sailing. And in a sport largely dominated by men, she’s made her small stature her strength.
S1 • 8 • 32mn
