
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

7 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 1h
Jon Ronson on truth-telling and the culture wars
Jon Ronson discusses truth-telling, culture wars, and his struggles with screenwriting. He shares insights on storytelling, bullying, and the importance of being authentic. The podcast explores his professional rivalry with Louis Theroux and his successful non-fiction works.

Mar 6, 2024 • 44min
AJ Odudu - ‘Living to tell the tale is the joyful thing’
AJ Odudu, the host of Big Brother, shares her journey of resilience from personal and professional failures. She discusses overcoming rejection, rebuilding resilience, and finding joy in resilience. The podcast also explores the Avril Lavigne conspiracy, self-reflection on challenges and past relationships, and the struggle with a unique childhood habit.

Feb 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
Mel B - ‘I was a Spice Girl shouting about girl power, but I was girl powerless.’
Mel B opens up about surviving an abusive relationship, overcoming financial struggles, and reclaiming her confidence. She shares insights on racial stereotypes, resilience, and the importance of self-discovery. The podcast explores themes of relationships, misunderstandings, and autonomy, highlighting the journey towards personal growth and gratitude.

Feb 21, 2024 • 51min
Sabrina Dhowre Elba… I thought ‘this is how I’m going to die’
UN Goodwill ambassador Sabrina Dhowre Elba opens up about societal pressures, struggles with confidence, health issues, and her sugar addiction. She discusses the challenges of not having children yet despite familial and societal expectations. It's a fascinating conversation on breaking stereotypes and embracing individual identity.

Feb 14, 2024 • 56min
Paloma Faith… ‘I overshare by whose standards? Not mine.’
TW: miscarriage
Paloma Faith’s teachers used to ask her why she ‘acted stupid’, which is ironic given that she’s now one of the smartest, sharpest guests I’ve ever had on this podcast. A global singing sensation, as well as an acclaimed actor, she’s got a totally unique perspective on the world - and a refreshingly frank way of expressing it.
Her failures included being thrown out of ballet school aged 10(!) for being ‘too curvy’, her self-perceived failure to conceive her daughters naturally and inability to have a healthy work-life balance.
We dive deep into Paloma’s world, and I hope you get as much out of our conversation as I did.
As always, I’d LOVE to hear about your failures, no matter how profound, minor or funny they might be. Every week, my guest and I will choose a selection to read out and answer on our special subscription offering, Failing with Friends. We’ll endeavour to give you advice, wisdom, some laughs and much, much more.
Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com
Production & Post Production Manager: Lily Hambly
Studio Engineer: Matias Torres Sole
Mix Engineer: John Scott
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

Feb 7, 2024 • 51min
Sathnam Sanghera on why books can save us and how to understand Empire
Sathnam Sanghera, author of bestselling books Empireland and Empireworld, discusses the importance of education in challenging dominant narratives about Empire, shares personal experiences of support and racist abuse, and explores the impact of British imperialism on society and personal identity. They also highlight the significance of expressing gratitude and engaging with individuals, even in the face of adversity, and recommend a podcast called 'Where There's a Will, There's a Wake'.

Jan 31, 2024 • 55min
Joe Wicks on addiction, homeschooling and body image
Fitness expert and online coach Joe Wicks discusses his challenging childhood, including his father's addiction and his mother's severe OCD. He shares his failures of becoming more compassionate with his father's addiction and being patient with his kids. They also talk about the power of sharing struggles on social media, the emotional toll of discussing mental health, homeschooling challenges, and the importance of therapy and exercise for well-being.

Jan 24, 2024 • 50min
Dan Levy on overcoming rejection and harnessing grief
Dan Levy, co-writer and creator of Schitt's Creek, discusses overcoming rejection when his show was initially turned down by every single network in the USA. Topics include relationship failures, a childhood incident involving birthday cake, and his new film 'Good Grief' - a beautiful gay love story for the modern age.

Jan 19, 2024 • 3min
Who’s ready for Season 20?
Season 20 of a podcast explores the beauty of embracing failure, with guests sharing their pivotal moments of setbacks and the valuable lessons they've learned. The host, Elizabeth Day, offers inspiring and candid conversations that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own journey.

Dec 15, 2023 • 1h 1min
HAPPY HIGH BETTER FAIL: The Ultimate Podcast Mash-Up with Fearne Cotton, Rangan Chatterjee, Jake Humphrey & Damian Hughes
Fearne Cotton, Rangan Chatterjee, Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes join Elizabeth Day for a special episode where they discuss the significance of podcasting, memorable interviews, and profound listener interactions. They explore how podcasting encourages deep conversation and active listening, and how it can change the world. The episode features Holocaust survivors, Hollywood superstars, and happiness experts, with a mix of serious moments and laughter. The speakers reflect on the privilege and humbling experience of podcasting, reframing mindsets for happiness, and the impact of deep conversations in their personal lives.