

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

Nov 27, 2024 • 55min
Luke Evans - ‘If I didn’t have to take my top off on a movie set, I’d let myself go’
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.

7 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 51min
Andy Cohen - ‘Madonna says I’m a trouble-making queen’
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.

12 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 42min
Ella Purnell - ‘Therapy changed my life’
Ella Purnell, a rising star known for her roles in ‘Yellowjackets’ and ‘Fallout’, shares her transformative journey through therapy and self-acceptance. She candidly discusses overcoming perfectionism and the impact of public criticism on mental health. Purnell reflects on the importance of vulnerability and genuine connections amidst struggles with self-harm. She emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing happiness and personal well-being over professional expectations, while also championing diverse roles in the entertainment industry.

Nov 6, 2024 • 47min
Lashana Lynch - ‘I didn’t know when I was auditioning that I was going to be 007’
Lashana Lynch, a trailblazing actress known for her iconic role as the first Black female 007 and standout performances in 'The Woman King' and the Marvel universe, shares her journey from Hammersmith to Hollywood. She discusses navigating racism and identity in the entertainment industry, the emotional challenges of becoming a Bond girl, and the pressure of people-pleasing. With a candid approach, Lashana also reflects on procrastination, the importance of resilience, and her passion for complex female roles that resonate with authenticity.

Oct 30, 2024 • 38min
Jilly Cooper - ‘What’s a dick pic?’
Dame Jilly Cooper, a celebrated journalist and author known for her humorous Rutshire Chronicle series, shares her remarkable journey. She dives into her tech blunders and the time she lost an entire manuscript on a bus. Jilly recounts her encounters with Margaret Thatcher, her friendship with the Queen, and her quirky obsession with beautiful people. She also passionately discusses her experiences with fertility challenges and adoption, encouraging openness in navigating these complex themes. Her insightful reflections blend humor with profound lessons on resilience.

Oct 23, 2024 • 50min
James Blunt - ‘The Iraq war lost me my GRAMMYS’
James Blunt, the iconic singer-songwriter known for his hit "You're Beautiful," shares his candid reflections on fame, success, and personal loss. He discusses the cultural backlash he faced, his humorous take on being labeled a 'one-hit wonder,' and his heartbreaking experience with miscarriage. Blunt also opens up about his military background and the emotional toll of the Iraq War on his music career. With dry wit and authenticity, he provides an engaging look at the absurdity of fame and the power of music to heal.

Oct 16, 2024 • 56min
Miranda Hart - 'I always knew I’d get married at 51'
Miranda Hart, the beloved comedian and author known for her hilarious sitcom 'Miranda,' returns after a decade away due to chronic illness. In this engaging conversation, she shares insights from her new book, touching on self-acceptance, the journey to finding love at 51, and the struggles of being an introvert. Miranda opens up about societal pressures, body image, and her humorous takes on life’s failures. With a mix of laughter and poignant moments, she reminds us of the importance of authenticity and connection.

Oct 9, 2024 • 44min
Neneh Cherry - ‘My mother’s death undid me.’
Neneh Cherry, the iconic musician known for hits like 'Seven Seconds' and 'Buffalo Stance,' shares her life journey and creative inspirations. She reflects on her unconventional upbringing in a musical family and the emotional challenges of motherhood after losing her mother. The discussion touches on her humorous pizza-making mishap, missed collaborations due to self-doubt, and the transformative power of grief in shaping artistic expression. Her memoir, 'A Thousand Threads,' unveils these rich experiences and the legacy she's building for her musically gifted children.

Oct 2, 2024 • 49min
Rupert Everett - 'Everyone is my Professional Nemesis'
Rupert Everett, an A-list actor and author, shares his unfiltered journey through fame's ups and downs. He discusses his new book, 'The American No,' born from creative failures, and reflects on his passionate yet tumultuous romance with Paula Yates. Rupert candidly explores coming out in Hollywood, the impact of drugs on his life, and the complex nature of professional rivalries. He also draws parallels between his experiences and the legacy of Oscar Wilde, revealing deep insights into love, loss, and self-acceptance.

36 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 55min
Yuval Noah Harari - ‘AI doesn't have to end badly for humankind’
Yuval Noah Harari, a renowned philosopher and bestselling author of "Sapiens", shares his insights on the future of AI and its potential benefits, challenging the prevailing negativity around the topic. He opens up about his childhood experiences, struggles with self-acceptance, and his thoughts on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Harari also discusses his meditation practices, revealing his humorous take on failure. Through thoughtful dialogue, he emphasizes the need for hope and understanding in a complicated world.