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 28, 2026 • 53min
Golda Rosheuvel - ‘I don’t see my dyslexia as a failure anymore’
Golda Rosheuvel, acclaimed stage and screen actor known for Queen Charlotte and daring theatrical roles, talks about growing up biracial, discovering she is dyslexic, and navigating casting that questioned her identity. She shares stories of failed auditions, the importance of representation, and how she learned to embrace being whole.
Jan 26, 2026 • 32min
ON THE IMPACT OF EARLY FAME… With Shania Twain and Charlotte Church
Shania Twain, Grammy-winning country-pop star who began singing in bars as a child, and Charlotte Church, former classical crossover prodigy turned genre-defying artist. They talk about the emotional cost of starting young, industry control and exploitation, reclaiming creative freedom, and protecting family privacy. Short, candid stories that pull back the curtain on early fame.
Jan 21, 2026 • 54min
Martin Freeman - ‘We should be saying no to our kids’
Martin Freeman, acclaimed actor known for his roles in The Office and Sherlock, opens up about his life experiences and parenting challenges. He candidly discusses his struggles with anxiety and the impact of fame on his personal life. Martin emphasizes the importance of allowing children to experience boredom amidst technology overload. He reflects on early academic failures and his journey to acting, revealing how heroes like Michael Caine inspired him. With humor and honesty, he navigates themes of authenticity in performance and the future of AI.
Jan 19, 2026 • 17min
ON PANIC ATTACKS… With Jamie Laing and Fearne Cotton
Jamie Laing, a TV personality from Made in Chelsea, discusses his struggles with panic attacks during his rise to fame. He highlights how sudden celebrity status fueled his anxiety and identity confusion, ultimately leading him to seek purpose beyond wealth. Fearne Cotton, broadcaster and author, shares her ongoing battles with panic attacks and disordered eating, describing her past experiences with bulimia and the shame that accompanied it. Together, they emphasize the importance of normalizing these conversations to foster understanding and healing.
5 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 53min
Marisa Abela - ‘You never expect to be told you have cancer at 23’
In this engaging conversation, Marisa Abela, an award-winning actor known for her roles in 'Industry' and 'Back to Black,' dives into her journey. She shares the shock of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer at just 23 and highlights the importance of women advocating for their health. Marisa also reflects on her rebellious teenage years, her unconventional sources of acting inspiration, and navigating success in a competitive industry. With wisdom beyond her years, she's an inspiration to many, showing resilience and self-awareness throughout her recovery.
Jan 12, 2026 • 15min
ON MEDITATION… With Kirsty Young and Yuval Noah Harari
Kirsty Young, a broadcasting legend known for her inspiring career in media, shares her struggles with meditation, emphasizing the value of short, imperfect sessions despite her chronic health issues. Yuval Noah Harari, a prominent historian and bestselling author, discusses his intense Vipassana practice and the idea of constant failure being a part of meditation, likening it to a laboratory for understanding the mind. Together, they explore the nuanced relationship between meditation, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of inner peace.
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.
