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
Oct 29, 2025 • 52min
Jon Bon Jovi - Fame is a liar and a thief
Jon Bon Jovi, the iconic frontman of Bon Jovi, dives into his multifaceted life, from his near career-ending vocal surgery to the lessons learned from family and fame. He reflects on the essence of resilience, explaining how the grueling nature of touring led to burnout. Bon Jovi also shares his wisdom on enduring love after 36 years of marriage, and the joys and challenges of fatherhood. Plus, hear about his unique friendship with Bruce Springsteen and his commitment to philanthropy through his charity work.
Oct 27, 2025 • 19min
ON BODY IMAGE… With Martine Wright and Paloma Faith
Martine Wright, a British sitting volleyball player and 7/7 bombing survivor, shares her inspiring journey of turning trauma into triumph. She discusses how losing both legs transformed her identity and motivated her to create new opportunities, like becoming a certified pilot. Paloma Faith, a talented singer, opens up about her early ballet experiences that fueled her body dysmorphia, emphasizing the impact of societal expectations. Their candid conversations offer profound insights into resilience, self-acceptance, and the beauty of every version of ourselves.
Oct 22, 2025 • 59min
Denise Welch - I Got Sober For Love
In a heartfelt discussion, Denise Welch, an actress known for her roles in 'Coronation Street' and 'Waterloo Road', shares her journey through addiction and mental health struggles. She opens up about her postnatal psychosis and how ADHD played a role in her life. Denise reflects on motherhood and the emotional experience of watching her son, Matty Healy of The 1975, perform. With humor and honesty, she discusses finding sobriety, the importance of love in her recovery, and her triumphant return to acting.
Oct 19, 2025 • 18min
ON SCHOOL… With Jamie Dornan and Bernie Sanders
Join actor Jamie Dornan and Senator Bernie Sanders as they reflect on their formative school years and the lessons learned from failure. Jamie shares his preference for friendship and sports over academics, critiquing the rigid education system that often overlooks individual strengths. Transitioning to Bernie, he reveals how being cut from the varsity basketball team fueled his resilience and led him to discover a passion for long-distance running. Their stories remind us that school is about growth, relationships, and the valuable lessons embedded in setbacks.
15 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 46min
Charlotte Church - ‘I was totally exploited. I was a commodity’
Charlotte Church, a singer, songwriter, and activist, sheds light on her tumultuous journey from child star to creative freedom seeker. She discusses the exploitation she faced in the music industry, sharing poignant insights on the challenges of fame and the stifling of her artistic voice. Charlotte reflects on her healing journey, including transformative psychedelic experiences and her reconnection with nature. She also delves into her efforts to shield her children from the pressures of celebrity culture and confronts patriarchal conditioning, embracing her 'wild woman' archetype in the process.
Oct 12, 2025 • 28min
ON BABY LOSS… With Sara Pascoe and Trinny Woodall
Sara Pascoe, a comedian and writer, shares her emotional journey through miscarriage and IVF, revealing how these experiences shaped her perspective on motherhood. She candidly addresses the anxiety of unexplained infertility and the bittersweet relief of pregnancy followed by loss. Joining her, entrepreneur Trinny Woodall recounts her tenacity through multiple IVF cycles and unexpected challenges during her pregnancy. Both guests highlight the profound impact of loss on their parenting experiences, offering hope and connection for anyone facing similar struggles.
15 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 52min
Stephen Grosz - ‘Real love is going to hurt’
In this engaging conversation, Stephen Grosz, a seasoned psychoanalyst and author, discusses the intricacies of love and loss after nearly fifty years in practice. He explores how early family experiences shape our attachments and the role of denial in relationships. Grosz delves into the painful yet essential nature of real love and how failed marriages can lead to deeper connections. His insights into surrender versus submission reveal how intimacy can flourish or falter. Listeners will gain a profound understanding of grief as a catalyst for desire.
6 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 38min
Jilly Cooper: On Failure, Love and Literature
Join the charismatic Dame Jilly Cooper, a best-selling novelist renowned for her Rutshire Chronicle series, as she shares her vibrant tales and insights. Jilly discusses her misconceptions about being labeled a popular author, her obsession with beauty reflected in her characters, and her harrowing experience of losing a 400,000-word manuscript on a bus. She also opens up about her struggles with technology, fertility, and the significance of friendship, all while celebrating a life filled with creativity and resilience.
Oct 5, 2025 • 17min
ON NAVIGATING YOUR 20s... With Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Lily Allen
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the award-winning creator of Fleabag, shares her rollercoaster 20s, highlighting how painful experiences fueled her creativity. She recalls awkward date stories and reflects on valuing maturity over youth. Lily Allen discusses her Sheezus era, battling public scrutiny and personal struggles, including the challenges of touring while being a mother. Both guests explore the impact of societal expectations on women, offering insight into reclaiming self-identity and resilience during a decade filled with turmoil.
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h
Jane Goodall on Optimism, Hope and Conservation
In a heartfelt tribute, the legendary Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist and conservationist, reflects on her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees and the importance of hope. She explores whether optimism is innate or learned and shares her unique journey to Africa driven by childhood dreams. Goodall also discusses her challenges with languages and the emotional highs and lows of her career. Advocating for youth through her Roots & Shoots initiative, she inspires listeners to take local action and harness their passions to create meaningful change.
