S16, Ep2 How To Fail: Alex Jones on fertility, mental health and the time she locked King Charles in the toilet
Jan 11, 2023
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Alex Jones, co-host of BBC's The One Show and presenter of a documentary series on fertility, discusses her own experience of miscarriage, her training as a fertility assistant, and the emotional toll of IVF cycles. She also shares hilarious professional errors, including locking King Charles in a toilet, and talks about understanding mental health challenges faced by loved ones. This brave and authentic conversation provides insight into the realities of fertility and mental health.
Mental health understanding and support is crucial; education and empathy are necessary.
Focusing on positive connections and valuing loved ones counters divisive media narratives.
Embracing authenticity empowers personal growth and fosters genuine connections in the industry.
Deep dives
Mental Health Misunderstandings
I reflect on my past failure to understand mental health and support a loved one who was struggling. I had a lack of understanding and empathy, often telling them to simply get over it. Looking back, I regret my ignorance and wish I had recognized that mental health issues are not something that can be easily controlled or fixed. I now realize the importance of educating myself about mental health and offering support and empathy to those who are struggling.
Navigating Mean Comments and Media Narratives
As a public figure, I face mean comments and media narratives that often pit women against each other. It's disheartening how these narratives persist, despite the progress we've made. I believe it's important to focus on the positive connections and shared experiences among individuals rather than perpetuating divisive narratives. Building strong relationships with loved ones and valuing their opinions helps to counteract the negativity and unfair comparisons often presented in the media.
Growth and Confidence in Authenticity
Throughout my career, I have learned the importance of embracing my authentic self. Initially, I tried to fit expectations and mold myself to please others, resulting in feelings of inadequacy. However, as I gained confidence and self-awareness, I realized the significance of staying true to who I am. I moved away from scripted questions and found my own voice, allowing for more genuine connections in my work. While occasional doubts and comparison still arise, overall, I feel content and happy in my own skin, which empowers me to navigate the challenges of the industry.
The Cello Mishap and Beginning in Media
During a break at a music event, the narrator was asked to watch a musician's expensive cello, but it disappeared. Thankfully, it was found under the stage later. This incident led to an opportunity to present on BBC Choice, a music program, which kickstarted the narrator's career. Additionally, a program called 'LeBamba' was offered, leading to two series in Magaluf. Despite some setbacks, these experiences shaped the narrator's understanding that genuine conversations and connections with people felt right for her in presenting.
The Power of Owning Mistakes and The Struggle of Saying No
The narrator reflects on the value of making mistakes and failures as they provide an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. She shares stories of cringeworthy moments, but emphasizes that these experiences have contributed to her personal and professional development. The discussion then shifts to the narrator's struggle with saying no and being a people pleaser from a young age. This tendency to aim for approval and avoid conflict sometimes leads to overcommitment and challenges in setting boundaries. The narrator acknowledges the need to strike a balance and learn from mistakes in order to pursue personal growth.
Oh Alex Jones, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... Like many of you, I already felt I knew Alex before I met her. She is one of the most trusted and famliar faces on our TV screen as co-host of BBC's The One Show. But in person, she was EVEN lovelier than I could have imagined: warm, funny and totally genuine. She's currently presenting an extraordinary documentary series on the W Channel which saw her train as a fertility assistant at one of Britain's leading clinics. Making Babies is one of the most emotional - and accurate - portrayals of fertility I've ever seen. Alex joins me to talk about this, as well as her own experience of miscarriage. We talk about how she got fired from her first job for a number of hilarious professional errors of judgement - including the time she locked the future King in the toilet. And we discuss her self-perceived failure to understand the mental health challenges faced by loved ones, including her husband. It's such a brave and authentic conversation and I'm really grateful to her for opening up about it to me.
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Alex Jones: Making Babies is being broadcast on the W channel on Thursdays at 8pm. The channel can be found on Freeview, SkyTV and Virgin Media.
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Failosophy for Teens: A Handbook for When Things Go Wrong by Elizabeth Day is my first ever book for young adults is out now, available here.
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How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted and produced by Elizabeth Day. To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com