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 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.
17 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.
Sep 10, 2025 • 50min
Robin Wright on ageing, confidence and the myth of being ‘too late’
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.
Sep 7, 2025 • 15min
ON HEARTBREAK... With Alain de Botton and Jay Shetty
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.
12 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 50min
Tom Ellis - Fatherhood, Surrogacy and Years of Therapy
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.
Aug 27, 2025 • 59min
Failure Throwback: Jameela Jamil
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.
