
How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
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
Latest episodes

May 21, 2025 • 55min
Julia Stiles - ‘I ran in the other direction from fame’
Julia Stiles, celebrated actress and director known for her roles in '10 Things I Hate About You' and the 'Bourne' series, shares her journey from teen star to filmmaker. She discusses the pressures of body image in the industry, emphasizing the importance of self-kindness and acceptance. Stiles reflects on navigating fame, finding authenticity, and the challenges of balancing career and motherhood. Her personal anecdotes reveal the transformative power of friendships and creativity in her life, making for an engaging and relatable conversation.

May 14, 2025 • 57min
John Bishop - ‘I’ve always wanted someone to say: you’re good enough’
John Bishop, a highly acclaimed stand-up comedian, reflects on his journey from aspiring footballer to comedy icon. He discusses the highs and lows of stand-up, including the thrill of audience reactions and the struggle with imposter syndrome. John shares how comedy saved his marriage and touches on the emotional weight of past disappointments. He also delves into the importance of philanthropy, personal growth through challenges, and even offers skincare tips, humorously relating laughter to intimacy.

May 7, 2025 • 1h 2min
Simon Cowell - ‘I often think: what gives me the right to judge people?’
Simon Cowell, the entertainment mogul known for his role in shaping modern talent shows like Pop Idol and Britain’s Got Talent, reflects on his journey. He candidly discusses his biggest failures, including a near-death experience and the emotional toll of bankruptcy. Cowell shares valuable insights on resilience, fame, and the sometimes harsh public perception. He humorously examines the complexities of success in a social media-driven world and why he believes in the need for another Brexit referendum.

Apr 30, 2025 • 54min
Celeste Barber: the FUNNIEST woman on the internet
My guest today has been an integral part of my feminist awakening. Celeste Barber’s instagram posts - which parody the unattainable standards of the fashion and beauty industry - are both hilarious and revolutionary. Her work has helped a generation of women to feel better about their bodies - and made her a star in the process. (Plus she’s been blocked by a few celebrities. Lol.)
Barber began her account in 2015 as a jobbing actor. She now has almost 10 million followers, including Reese Witherspoon, Chelsea Handler and designer Tom Ford who ended up hiring her for a fashion campaign. We talk about imposter syndrome, ADHD, standing up to bullies and her Janet Jackson obsession.
Toxic relationships, dealing with a narcissist and how to come back from ‘rock bottom’ - Elizabeth and Celeste answer YOUR questions in our subscriber series, Failing with Friends. Join our community of subscribers here: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content
Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com
🌎 Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code [howtofail] at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/howtofail ⛵
Production & Post Production Coordinator: Eric Ryan
Mix Engineer: Richie Lee
Producer: Hannah Talbot
Executive Producer: Carly Maile
Head of Marketing: Kieran Lancini
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

Apr 23, 2025 • 45min
Emma Dabiri - ‘We are still so obsessed with how we look’
Emma Dabiri, a broadcaster and historian, dives into society's obsession with appearance and beauty standards. She critiques the influence of social media on self-image and embraces a more holistic understanding of beauty. Emma shares personal stories about feeling like an outsider due to race and discusses the complexities of identity, especially in relation to parenting. The conversation also highlights the importance of embracing failure as a path to authenticity, encouraging listeners to redefine success and beauty in their lives.

Apr 16, 2025 • 52min
Sally Phillips - ‘I saw Colin Firth and thought - he’s mine!’
Sally Phillips, a beloved actress and comedian renowned for her roles in classics like Bridget Jones and Veep, chats about her career and advocacy for the neurodivergent community. She humorously reflects on her obsession with Clown School and her perception of success. Sally shares candid stories about motherhood and the joyful journey of raising her son, Olly, who has Down syndrome. The conversation also touches on red flags in relationships and her playful musings about Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, making for an engaging and heartfelt discussion.

7 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 53min
Mae Martin - 'Everything I do is about proving those high school bullies wrong.'
Mae Martin, a Canadian comedian and star of Netflix's Feel Good, shares candid insights into their journey through comedy, addiction, and self-acceptance. They chat about the importance of vulnerability in creativity and how personal experiences shape their art. Expect laughs as Mae reflects on high school bullies, their obsession with escape rooms, and navigating gender identity. The conversation blends humor with depth, focusing on the intricacies of mental health and the joy of being true to oneself.

Apr 2, 2025 • 50min
Jonathan Van Ness - 'I was one wrong thing away from losing everything'
Join Jonathan Van Ness, a hairstylist, author, and star of 'Queer Eye', as he opens up about navigating personal failures and the quest for self-acceptance. He candidly discusses the pressure of show cancellations and the importance of internal validation. Dive into his experiences with childhood bullying, the challenges of launching a hair product line, and the complexities of LGBTQ+ identity in America. Plus, find out what JVN would do to Donald Trump's hair and hear his thoughts on the Queer Eye makeover he still regrets!

Mar 31, 2025 • 42min
How To Date: BONUS EPISODE - Your dating questions answered…
Hosts tackle your hot dating questions with humor and insight! They explore how life's stages impact compatibility, introducing the 'Four Fs' for dating readiness. Same-sex relationship dynamics are discussed, highlighting the need for self-awareness and support. A generational perspective on modern dating shines light on the importance of openness. Plus, they offer tips on supporting single friends and emphasize the value of community and love in dating. Tune in for practical advice and uplifting conversation!

Mar 26, 2025 • 56min
Sam Ryder - ‘Fame is like giving a dog a treat every single day. You get used to it.’
Sam Ryder, the British singer-songwriter recognized for his Eurovision success, opens up about the complexities of fame and its challenges. He candidly discusses panic attacks and the journey of maintaining authenticity while in the spotlight. Ryder shares insights on gratitude's transformative power and his deep appreciation for genuine relationships. He humorously reveals his quirky habit of cutting toenails outdoors, while teasing tracks from his upcoming album like ‘White Lies’. Tune in for an engaging mix of personal growth and musical passion!