How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

Dame Harriet Walter, an Olivier and Emmy-award-winning actress known for her roles in 'Killing Eve' and 'Ted Lasso', reflects on her storied career and the struggles she faced in the acting world. She shares humorous anecdotes about audition rejections and the complexities of embodying iconic characters. Walter also opens up about her battles with anorexia, loneliness, and her complicated relationship with food. Finally, she discusses the bittersweet nature of fame, revealing her desire for deeper fulfillment beyond recognition.

Sharon Horgan, acclaimed writer and director known for shows like "Bad Sisters" and "Catastrophe," opens up about her journey through failure and personal growth. She shares how dropping out of drama school and the end of her marriage led to unexpected positive changes in her life. Horgan highlights the resilience and confidence she gained from these experiences and discusses the balance of humor and darkness in her storytelling. She also reflects on the emotional complexities of motherhood and navigating life as she approaches her 50s.

Stephen Merchant, the actor, writer, and director known for his comedic genius in "The Office," opens up about the pressures of aging as he approaches 50. He shares invaluable insights gained from working with Ricky Gervais and discusses the resilience built through failure in the comedy world. Stephen reflects on the complexity of self-acceptance, particularly regarding body image, and reveals the insecurities that even the seemingly successful face, reminding us that everyone, no matter their fame, has their struggles.

Geena Davis, an award-winning actress renowned for iconic roles in films like 'Thelma & Louise' and 'Beetlejuice', joins for a candid discussion. She shares her struggles with imposter syndrome and the unexpected path that led her to her first film role after failing as a model. The conversation touches on her late diagnosis of ADD, her advocacy for gender equality in media, and the challenges women face in Hollywood. Davis also reflects on her friendship with Susan Sarandon and her aspirations of becoming an Olympic archer, all while managing the pressures of self-image.

In a heartfelt discussion, Jamie Dornan, known for his roles in 'The Fall' and 'Fifty Shades of Grey', shares his journey through failures in acting and personal life. He reflects on growing up in conflict-ridden Northern Ireland and the profound impacts of grief and loss, including the death of his mother. Dornan opens up about parenting three daughters amidst societal pressures, revealing insights on gender stereotypes and nurturing individuality. The conversation highlights the humor found in failure and the importance of embracing one’s unique path.

I’ve hand-picked some of my favourite episodes of all time to revisit this Christmas, so today’s a very special one. Phoebe Waller-Bridge was my first EVER guest on this podcast when I launched in July 2018. A year after that, almost to the day, I welcomed her back to talk about how her life had changed in the interim [spoiler alert: she’d become a global superstar]. Phoebe talks about the craziness of those 12 months, during which she wrote and starred in Fleabag 2 (described as a televisual masterpiece by...well...almost everyone), made Killing Eve (described as a televisual masterpiece by...well...almost everyone) and worked her magic on the new James Bond movie. It was a  year that, from the outside, seemed to many of us to be the epitome of success. But what failures lay underneath the surface? What about those private moments of vulnerability and self-doubt we are so rarely privy to? Phoebe joined me to talk about three failures from that year, including her failure to connect with her family, her failure to speak up for herself and her failure to Marie Kondo her bedroom. Along the way, we discuss what makes the perfect water bottle, filming THAT final scene in Fleabag (apparently the foxes were total divas), sexuality, exhaustion and why female creators are often unfairly assumed to be writing autobiography. And yes, the Meryl Streep apple crumble anecdote makes an(other) appearance. HOW TO FAIL PRESENTED BY HAYU LIVE TOUR tickets: www.fane.co.uk/how-to-fail Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! 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 Chris Hoy, a six-time Olympic gold medalist and author, shares his incredible journey facing a Stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis. He discusses the transformative power of love and support amid adversity, and emphasizes the importance of resilience and accepting life's challenges with hope. Hoy also reflects on past failures, the emotional struggles of chemotherapy, and his transition from cycling champion to motorsport enthusiast. His inspiring outlook encourages everyone to cherish the present and find joy even in life's toughest moments.

Kirsty Young, a celebrated interviewer known for her empathetic style, discusses her journey from broadcasting to personal growth. She shares candid thoughts on the struggles of connecting with her birth father and her humorous failures as a quiz-show host. The conversation reveals her insights on aging, stating it brings liberation and a refreshing indifference. Kirsty touches on her experiences interviewing notable figures, coping with a chronic illness, and her whimsical wish to have run off with a Guatemalan tribesman, ultimately choosing love with her husband instead.

In this engaging conversation, actor Luke Evans shares his journey from a challenging upbringing as a Jehovah's Witness to becoming a Hollywood star in films like 'Beauty and the Beast.' He opens up about his struggles with sexuality in a restrictive environment and the resilience he built through rejection. Luke also discusses his physical insecurities, the quest for love that took him until his 40s, and his experiences with the complexities of authenticity in showbiz. Plus, he reveals the sentimental value behind his tattoos and shares a few heartwarming stories of connection.

Andy Cohen, a prominent TV personality and the architect behind reality TV's glory days, shares intriguing insights about his journey. He spills the tea on The Real Housewives' origins, the quirks of gay parenting, and a revealing playground experience that made him feel like a failure. Cohen also discusses navigating public online criticism while maintaining authenticity and offers his lighthearted take on pop culture. This candid conversation is a delightful exploration of fame, vulnerability, and the vibrant world of television.