How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment
How To Fail with Elizabeth Day is a podcast that celebrates the things in life that haven’t gone right and what we might learn from them along the way. Every week, Elizabeth’s guest explores three failures, and what these failures have taught them about how to grow and succeed, better.
We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch with Elizabeth to share your failures, problems or questions - anonymously or otherwise. She'll go through these each week with the help of her very special guests. And remember: a fail shared is a fail halved. https://forms.sonymusicfans.com/campaign/how-to-fail-uk-2023/
An Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment Original Production.
Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow @sonypodcasts
To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com
We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch with Elizabeth to share your failures, problems or questions - anonymously or otherwise. She'll go through these each week with the help of her very special guests. And remember: a fail shared is a fail halved. https://forms.sonymusicfans.com/campaign/how-to-fail-uk-2023/
An Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment Original Production.
Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow @sonypodcasts
To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 7, 2026 • 55min
Margaret Cho - They Told Me I Was Too Fat To Play Myself
Margaret Cho, a groundbreaking comedian and activist, reflects on her journey through the ups and downs of her career. She candidly discusses the absurdities of being told she was 'too fat to play herself,' leading to struggles with disordered eating and addiction. With humor as her lifeline, Cho shares her near-death experience and the intervention that finally pushed her toward sobriety. This heartfelt conversation dives into the interplay of identity, body image, and the transformative power of laughter in overcoming shame and adversity.
Jan 5, 2026 • 15min
ON MONEY WORRIES… With Fern Brady and Simon Cowell
Fern Brady, a comedian known for her raw storytelling, shares her unconventional journey of stripping to fund her university studies, which ultimately shaped her feminist views. She candidly discusses the violence and exploitation she faced, highlighting her vulnerability due to autism. Media mogul Simon Cowell reflects on his bankrupt years in his twenties, revealing how that financial collapse reshaped his outlook on money and humility. Together, they explore themes of resilience, financial anxiety, and the belief that our setbacks can lead to growth.
Dec 31, 2025 • 58min
Failure Throwback: Bear Grylls
Bear Grylls, an adventurer and former SAS soldier, opens up about the struggles behind his success. He discusses living with nerves and self-doubt despite public victories, sharing how vulnerability fosters connection. Bear reflects on his life's challenges, including breaking his back and the impact of losing his father, and emphasizes building resilience through adversity. He reframes failures as crucial learning moments, illustrating that true bravery lies in facing fears head-on and that giving up is the only real failure.
Dec 24, 2025 • 48min
Sophie Willan - From Foster Care to Alma’s Not Normal
Sophie Willan, a double BAFTA-winning comedian and creator of the BBC series 'Alma's Not Normal,' shares her journey from foster care to fame. She discusses the emotional toll of comedy, the bittersweet nature of her BAFTA win, and how her chaotic writing process reflects her life experiences. Sophie candidly reveals the struggles of navigating the comedy scene, including classism and misogyny, while emphasizing the importance of honesty and humor in storytelling. Her unique family anecdotes blend sadness and laughter, showcasing the resilience found in shared experiences.
Dec 17, 2025 • 53min
Bella Freud - Learning To Trust Herself
Fashion designer Bella Freud shares her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Known for her influential label and hit podcast, she reflects on the weight of her family legacy, being the daughter of Lucian Freud and great-granddaughter of Sigmund. Bella delves into her struggles with punctuality linked to childhood, her transformative experience with EMDR therapy, and her whimsical regret of never joining the circus. With candid insights on authenticity, she encourages embracing failures and finding joy in the later years of life.
Dec 15, 2025 • 24min
ON FRIENDSHIP… With Dawn French and Vogue Williams
Dawn French, the beloved English comedian known for her role in The Vicar of Dibley, shares impactful insights on friendships shaped by her RAF childhood. Vogue Williams, an Irish media personality, reflects on juggling family and friendships while grappling with feelings of guilt. Both discuss the complexities of defining meaningful connections, the significance of communication in ending friendships, and the beauty of platonic love. Together, they explore the delicate balance of navigating fame, personal growth, and the importance of generosity in sustaining relationships.
Dec 10, 2025 • 46min
Alex Hassell - Rivals, Rejection and Taking Acid at Alton Towers
Alex Hassell, an English actor known for his role in 'Rivals' and his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, shares candid stories about his journey in the arts. He talks about the unexpected challenges of his allium allergy and the absurdity of spray tanning his private parts. Alex opens up about therapy's impact on his self-confidence, the lessons from early career rejection, and his rebellious youth, including a wild experience at Alton Towers. He reflects on the dynamics of his acting roles and the joy of collaborating with a supportive cast.
Dec 8, 2025 • 12min
ON PERSPECTIVE… With Adeel Akhtar and Pat Cummins
In this engaging discussion, Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins candidly shares how his mother’s illness reshaped his priorities, emphasizing the importance of family over sport. Meanwhile, actor Adeel Akhtar reflects on a pivotal moment in his career when he lost perspective, revealing how fatherhood helped him reconnect with what truly matters. Both guests explore themes of mental health, authenticity, and the preciousness of family connections, making for a heartfelt and insightful conversation.
Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 2min
Mo Gawdat - The 3 BIGGEST Mistakes We Make In Finding Love
Mo Gawdat, a former Google X executive and bestselling author, returns to explore the complex journey of finding and sustaining love. He discusses three common mistakes people make in relationships, emphasizing the distinction between falling in love and maintaining it. Gawdat introduces Emma, his new AI app designed to help individuals navigate love with compassion and insight. He highlights the pitfalls of current dating tools, the importance of honest self-reflection, and how AI can transform our approach to relationships.
Dec 1, 2025 • 36min
ON IVF… With Jessel Taank and Paloma Faith
Jessel Taank, a star from The Real Housewives of New York, shares her emotional three-year IVF journey, revealing the toll it took on her marriage and finances before the joyous arrival of twins. Singer Paloma Faith opens up about her haunting ectopic pregnancy and postpartum psychosis, navigating the complexities of motherhood while dealing with mental health struggles. Together, they discuss the often-hidden realities of IVF, societal pressures on women, and the balancing act between career aspirations and motherhood.
