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 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.
Oct 1, 2025 • 53min
Letitia Wright - ‘I was bullied… now I’m Black Panther’
Letitia Wright, an award-winning actor known for her roles in Black Panther and Black Mirror, shares her inspiring story shaped by challenges like bullying and depression. She candidly discusses her childhood experiences in Guyana and Tottenham, and the importance of faith and friendship in her resilience. Letitia reflects on overcoming online trolling, choosing roles that align with her values, and her transition into directing. She also touches on how art helped her process grief and honors the legacy of her friend Chadwick Boseman.
Sep 28, 2025 • 16min
ON ADDICTION... With Mae Martin and Marian Keyes
In this engaging discussion, bestselling author Marian Keyes shares her powerful journey from alcoholism to recovery, shedding light on her struggles with depression. She candidly reveals how a life-changing moment led her to rehab and the joy of rediscovering life without alcohol. Comedian Mae Martin adds humor and perspective, exploring addiction beyond substances and recognizing it in relationships and behaviors. Together, they offer hope and insight into the path of recovery, emphasizing the beauty of vulnerability and self-discovery.
6 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 46min
Joe Locke - ‘At 20, I Felt Like I Was Already 35’
Joe Locke, the young actor who shot to fame as Charlie Spring in Netflix’s Heartstopper, dives into the whirlwind of celebrity life. He candidly discusses the challenges of balancing privacy and fame, admitting he felt like ‘35’ at just 20. Joe reflects on embracing youth, learning the value of failure, and the comfort found in female spaces thanks to strong role models. He shares his struggles with imposter syndrome, the impact of his career on family life, and why true growth often comes from accepting shortcomings.
8 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 24min
ON WRITING... With Salman Rushdie and Kazuo Ishiguro
Kazuo Ishiguro, a Nobel Prize-winning novelist famed for 'The Remains of the Day', shares insights on creativity and the importance of memory in storytelling. He candidly discusses his feelings of imposter syndrome and unique writing techniques. Meanwhile, Salman Rushdie, renowned for 'Midnight's Children', opens up about his recent assault and how it shaped his memoir 'Knife', reflecting on trauma and mortality. Together, their conversations illuminate the profound power of stories in navigating life's complexities.
Sep 17, 2025 • 51min
Mark Ronson - The Stories Behind ‘Uptown Funk,’ Amy Winehouse & ‘I’m Just Ken’
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.
Sep 14, 2025 • 13min
ON GRIEF… With Mo Gawdat and Bonnie Tyler
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.
