Just got a chance to listen to the show. It is short, sweet and to the point.
I think many of us live in such fear of rejection that we fall into doing the easy thing (as you point out).
Your list of multiple rejections is a reflection of all the new things you have been trying and of the challenges you have been making to yourself.
The Bruce Springsteen comment made me laugh - I suppose actually getting a response and not being totally ignored is an achievement.
Also you did get some really big names like some of my personal favourites, James Altucher (who is another one of my favourite podcasters) and Dan Ariely who is one of my favourite authors and academics.
If you had tried the easy option then these great opportunities and shows may never have happened.
I also think you are right about needing to reject others.
It can be hard to say no and we can't help everyone.
As you mention health is really important and if you try to help everyone you will end up burning out and making yourself ill.
I actually did that with my work in the past and became seriously ill. The thing is nobody really remembers it and nobody thanks you for it.
It is ultimately a waste of time, energy and your own finite health.