How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

Mark Ronson, a nine-time Grammy-winning producer and Oscar-winning songwriter, shares his journey through iconic music. He reveals the creative spark behind 'Uptown Funk' and the thrill of his first meeting with Amy Winehouse while discussing the vibrant 90s New York club scene. Ronson candidly reflects on the interplay of self-esteem and creativity in the music industry, and how he channeled personal growth through his art. He also details the evolution of the 'I'm Just Ken' song, showcasing the joy of collaboration in crafting a beloved soundtrack.

Mo Gawdat, a former Google executive and author, shares profound insights on navigating the heart-wrenching journey of grief after the loss of his son, Ali. He emphasizes the importance of honoring joyful memories and embracing constructive thought to aid healing. Bonnie Tyler, renowned singer and emotional storyteller, reminisces about her beloved mother, sharing a poignant memory that symbolizes love and connection. Together, they shed light on resilience and the power of reframing one’s mindset after tragedy, offering comfort to those facing similar loss.

Robin Wright, the Emmy-nominated actress and acclaimed director known for her roles in The Princess Bride and House of Cards, shares insights on confidence and self-worth. She discusses her journey through self-doubt in her 20s and the transformative power of embracing new challenges later in life. Wright opens up about her experience directing while acting, the inequalities faced by women in Hollywood, and her candid experiences with difficult directors. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and honesty in both life and creativity.

Philosopher Alain de Botton, known for his insights on love and relationships, discusses the profound nature of heartbreak. He redefines breakups as crucial life lessons, encouraging listeners to embrace their intrinsic self-worth amid emotional pain. Jay Shetty, motivational speaker and author, shares validating advice on coping with heartbreak, emphasizing the importance of shared humanity in these experiences. Together, they offer a refreshing perspective on love, loss, and the journey towards healing.

Tom Ellis, known for his charming roles in 'Lucifer' and 'Miranda', delves into his journey as a father of four, recently welcoming a daughter via surrogacy. He shares insights on modern fatherhood and the emotional complexities of family dynamics, including step-parenting. Tom reflects on personal growth through years of therapy, his journey from aspiring athlete to actor, and his unique experiences growing up as a preacher's kid. The conversation also touches on navigating creative partnerships with his wife in the entertainment industry.

Jameela Jamil, an actor and founder of the I Weigh movement, opens up about her journey from teaching English to navigating the pressures of fame. She candidly discusses the challenges of body image and the impact of societal beauty standards on mental health. Jameela also shares her financial missteps and the lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of self-kindness and resilience. With bold insights, she advocates for embracing imperfection and calls out media hypocrisy in the quest for authenticity and acceptance.

Glennon Doyle, Author of 'Untamed' and activist, shares her journey of self-discovery and emotional resilience. She discusses the struggle for approval versus inner trust and tackles body image issues that many face. Glennon reflects on personal failures, relationships, and the impact of societal expectations on women, particularly during the pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, collaboration over competition, and navigating criticism as an artist. Each moment brims with raw honesty that resonates deeply.

This week we revisit one of my all-time favourite guests: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, recorded in July 2021. Best known for Americanah and her globally resonant TED Talks, Chimamanda opens up about the profound grief of losing both her parents within a year—and the raw journey of coping in its aftermath. We talk candidly about: Her essay Notes on Grief Being a daughter and the complexities of motherhood Fertility struggles and writing through pain Her cultural influence and, yes...Kim Kardashian It’s heartfelt, honest, and deeply moving. Listen when you're ready to feel. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Intro 03:18 Chimamanda's Background and Family 04:39 Exploring Feminism and Dissatisfaction 06:09 Navigating Sexism and Racism 08:29 Cultural Observations and Gender Roles 14:52 Academic Journey and Career Shift 18:12 Grief, Guilt, and Family Memories 35:04 Delight in Simple Pleasures 35:54 A Mother's Determination 38:11 Medical Malpractice and Loss 41:10 Coping with Grief 42:51 Seeking Comfort in Faith 51:20 Struggles with Writing 53:51 Motherhood and Creativity 01:01:44 Fashion, Individuality, and Social Media 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "I didn’t really intend to become this person who talks about feminism and political things… but my anger and my dissatisfaction just propels me." "It seems to me that I’ve always known… the world simply does not give women the same dignity it gives men." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: Elizabeth’s upcoming one-off show at Cadogan Hall on 21 Sep for her new novel One of Us: ⁠https://www.fane.co.uk/elizabeth-day Elizabeth’s Substack: https://theelizabethday.substack.com/ Join the How To Fail community: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content 📚 WANT MORE? Danny O’Donoghue on navigating grief: https://link.chtbl.com/Fvd4L7ei Julia Stiles on grief and her directorial debut: https://link.chtbl.com/0RdPCiip Dorinda Medley on grief, identity and The Real Housewives: https://link.chtbl.com/Lf44HTRS 💌 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps more people discover these stories 👋 Follow How To Fail & Elizabeth: Instagram: @elizabday TikTok: @elizabday Podcast Instagram: @howtofailpod Website: www.elizabethday.org Substack: https://theelizabethday.substack.com/ Have a failure you’re trying to work through for Elizabeth to discuss? Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com How to Fail is an Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment Production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sir Tony Robinson, famed actor and writer known for his role as Baldrick in Blackadder, shares his captivating journey with humor and wisdom. He reflects on fatherhood's transformative power and the daunting experience of writing his novel. The conversation delves into the impact of Blackadder, personal insecurities, and the emotional challenges of caregiving for a parent with Alzheimer's. Robinson candidly discusses lessons learned from failure, emphasizing vulnerability and the importance of meaningful connections in life.

In a candid conversation, stand-up comedian and author Fern Brady dives into her experiences with autism and the raw realities of her working-class upbringing. She shares how social masking affected her identity and recounts her time stripping to support her education. Fern also reflects on her success in comedy, the challenges of writing her memoir, and the pressure of fame in the entertainment industry. With her trademark humor, she addresses themes of feminism, authenticity, and the complexities of navigating university life as a neurodiverse individual.