How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

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 Share with someone exploring neurodiversity or recovering their voice 👋 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.

Dorinda Medley, an author and former Real Housewife of New York, shares her journey of grief and identity after losing her husband. She candidly discusses feelings of anger and disillusionment following fame and her departure from the show. Addressing the challenges of authenticity in reality TV, Dorinda emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance. She reflects on unique friendships formed during filming, her nostalgic memories at Bluestone Manor, and how embracing 'no' can foster personal growth.

Vanessa Williams, a celebrated recording artist and actress, opens up about her journey from being the first African-American Miss America to achieving Grammy fame. She candidly discusses the challenges of her romantic relationships and her surprising regret about sending her daughter to boarding school. With charm and humor, Vanessa reflects on the significant influence of family, the emotional nuances of grief, and her recent return to the stage in 'The Devil Wears Prada,' celebrating resilience and personal growth along the way.

Comedian Suzi Ruffell, known for her sellout runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and appearances on Live at the Apollo, shares her journey of self-discovery. She reveals how iconic films like Titanic influenced her understanding of her sexuality. As she discusses the intersection of comedy and identity, Suzi reflects on the pressures of the stand-up scene, her experiences with anxiety, and the importance of genuine connections in her life. With humor and candor, she encourages embracing authenticity and individuality.

In a candid conversation, Pamela Anderson, actress, model, and author, shares her journey of self-acceptance and redefining beauty. She discusses the pressure of early 2000s beauty ideals and how she's reclaimed her narrative. Pamela emphasizes bravery over prettiness, exploring the importance of authenticity and self-discovery. She reflects on navigating fame as a sex symbol, the significance of familial bonds, and the shift toward a makeup-free lifestyle. This insightful dialogue highlights her evolution and the collective importance of self-worth.

Melinda French Gates, a leading philanthropist and advocate for women's power, shares her inspiring journey from Microsoft executive to heading Pivotal. She discusses the emotional challenges of divorce, parenting with responsibility, and the pain of friendship breakups. Delving into tech evolution, she emphasizes a cautious approach to AI and culture-centric health solutions. Through personal anecdotes, Melinda highlights the significance of empathy, vulnerability, and learning from failures in both personal and professional realms.