Elizabeth Day

Shows

Episodes

  1. S11 EP12: Elizabeth Day

    09/19/2025

    S11 EP12: Elizabeth Day

    Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the brilliant novelist, journalist and broadcaster - Elizabeth Day. **Trigger Warning** We discuss topics of fertility, IVF and miscarriage in this episode. 'One of Us'  by Elizabeth Day is published by 4th Estate on 25th September. You can pre-order your copy here. How To Fail with Elizabeth Day is available every Wednesday on podcast platforms and YouTube: https://link.chtbl.com/hHntV5ys   Parenting Hell is a Spotify Podcast, available everywhere every Tuesday and Friday. Please subscribe and leave a rating and review you filthy street dogs... xx If you want to get in touch with the show with any correspondence, kids intro audio clips, small business shout outs, and more.... here's how: EMAIL: Hello@lockdownparenting.co.uk Follow us on instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@parentinghell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ A 'Keep It Light Media' Production  Sales, advertising, and general enquiries: hello@keepitlightmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  2. SPECIAL EPISODE! How To Fail: Alain De Botton on embracing vulnerability in the age of Coronavirus

    03/31/2020

    SPECIAL EPISODE! How To Fail: Alain De Botton on embracing vulnerability in the age of Coronavirus

    In the second of two special episodes, the renowned philosopher Alain de Botton, returns to How To Fail With Elizabeth Day to talk about how to be human and how to stay (relatively) sane in the grip of a global pandemic. We talk about the fact that, right now, it's rational to be a little demented and how we should all take lessons from our childhood and be less ashamed of bursting into tears when we really need to. He tells me about the merits of stoicism, the comfort that comes from admitting the situation we're in without sentimentalisation and what it means to find consolation in these unprecedented times.Along the way, de Botton tackles how to deal with grief and dismantles the idea of any hierarchy of suffering - insisting that how we feel is a fact that must be taken seriously, even if there are people worse off than us. And he also tells me about the need 'to turn the light on in the room of your fears' so that the darkness no longer has the power to terrify us. This leads to the brilliant idea of having a pessimistic shopping list, where you write down all the things you're most afraid of.In many ways, this interview is the perfect companion piece to Mo Gawdat's episode last week: de Botton tackles similar subjects but approaches them from a different angle, one that embraces darkness rather than choosing not to dwell on it. I found it so comforting talking to him, and it's a comfort that has sustained me for the days since doing the interview. I hope it does the same for you.*If you really can't get enough How To Fail content and are looking for something to read during lockdown, there is a book! How To Fail: Everything I've Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong is out now and available to order here*Alain de Botton is the founder of The School of Life You can see a video of this podcast recording on their YouTube channel.* How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted by Elizabeth Day, produced by Naomi Mantin and recorded, edited and mixed by Chris Sharp. We love hearing from you! To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com* Social Media:Elizabeth Day @elizabdayAlain de Botton @alaindebotton  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  3. Elizabeth Day Leaves Joe Marler Speechless!

    May 14

    Elizabeth Day Leaves Joe Marler Speechless!

    Elizabeth Day meets Dr. Marler having built a long career of her own out of understanding other people. As the host of How To Fail, and an author fascinated by what lies beneath the surface, she seems like the perfect person for Joe to analyse. Joe sets out to investigate Elizabeth’s love of reality TV, celebrity gossip and people-watching, and whether all of it points to something deeper. But as the conversation turns to imposter syndrome, introversion and the feeling of never quite fitting in, the session becomes unexpectedly-revealing for both doctor and client. Along the way, Elizabeth explains why she’d thrive on The Traitors, shares some hot celebrity gossip and helps Joe confront a few feelings he definitely wasn’t expecting to discuss. Listen to How To Fail with Elizabeth Day: https://swap.fm/l/vJ6aiaG9Pl3H1r10Ww1V Featuring Joe Marler (@joemarler17) and Jake Bhardwaj (@jakebhardwajtv)Follow the show on Instagram: @willseeyounowshowJoe Marler Will See You Now is a Platform Media Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  4. Angela Scanlon in for Graham Norton - Ore Oduba & Elizabeth Day

    04/03/2023

    Angela Scanlon in for Graham Norton - Ore Oduba & Elizabeth Day

    It's almost Easter and Angela Scanlon has a CRACKING show for you as she sits in on The Graham Norton Radio Show Podcast with Waitrose. This weekend: Ore Oduba celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Rocky Horror Show and is set to star as Brad Majors. Elizabeth Day has a brand new book Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict. We have 3 lucky callers playing our Waitrose Eggcelent Easter Competition. And Show Chef Martha has the perfect Easter treats including Hot Cross Buns and a leg of lamb. Give us a follow @VirginRadioUK to see more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. I wear tinted moisturiser - but careful, no f***ing shimmer

    07/10/2024 ·  Bonus · Subscribers Only

    I wear tinted moisturiser - but careful, no f***ing shimmer

    This week, Danny Dyer gives us excellent advice, including how to get a glow-on in the mornings and whether or not one listener should go on a reality TV show. Plus: we answer your emails and discuss moving abroad, feeling stuck and why everyone has talent. Do you have something to share of your own? Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com How to Fail Live presented by Hayu: https://mailer.brackets.digital/h/r/44ABE7D32748CB322540EF23F30FEDED Production & Post Production Manager: Lily Hambly Studio and Mix Engineer: Gulliver Tickell and Josh Gibbs Senior Producer: Selina Ream 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

  6. How Not To Play it Safe - with Simon Cowell

    05/07/2025 ·  Bonus · Subscribers Only

    How Not To Play it Safe - with Simon Cowell

    Simon joins Elizabeth to answer your questions and discuss your failures, including how to feel more fulfilled in life, who you’d share your last ever Rolo with, how to navigate life after becoming a single teenage mum and how 80 is the new 60. To hear Simon tackling your failures join our community of subscribers here: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Do you have something to share of your own? Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com Production & Post Production Coordinator: Eric Ryan Mix Engineer: Josh Gibbs Producer: Hannah Talbot Executive Producer: Carly Maile 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

  7. S17, Ep9 Mae Muller on failing to win Eurovision - but finding her voice

    06/28/2023

    S17, Ep9 Mae Muller on failing to win Eurovision - but finding her voice

    Mae Muller is a queen, icon and a legend and I won't hear anyone say differently. At 25, she is one of the hottest new talents in music. She was Great Britain's 2023 Eurovision entry with her own track, I Wrote A Song, and sure she came second last, but that didn't dim her shine for one single second. Her debut album, Sorry I'm Late, is released in September.She joins me to chat about failing to win Eurovision and the pressure she felt in the run-up to the competition; failing in school exams and failling to recognise toxic relationships in her teens. She is funny, feisty, smart and wholly without pretension and I adored this conversation with her. Listen now to feel more joyful about life.--Pre-order Mae's debut studio album, I'm Sorry I'm Late, here.--How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted and produced by Elizabeth Day. To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com--Social Media:Elizabeth Day @elizabdayHow To Fail @howtofailpodMae Muller @maemuller Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  8. S11, Ep8 How to Fail: Maggie O'Farrell

    07/14/2021

    S11, Ep8 How to Fail: Maggie O'Farrell

    For our season finale, I bring you the glorious Maggie O'Farrell. She is one of my favourite authors, and her books include the highly acclaimed novels After You'd Gone, The Hand That First Held Mine, Instructions for a Heatwave and the bestselling memoir I Am, I Am, I Am. Her most recent work of fiction, Hamnet, imagined the untold story of Shakespeare’s son who died at the age of 11. It won the 2020 Women’s Prize.She joins me to talk about resurrecting the untold stories of women, how to be a writer and a parent (Cyril Connolly and his 'pram in the hallway' come in for a bit of a bashing) as well as how she applies concepts of success and failure to her books. She talks about her stammer and her failure to do a PhD and we also discuss how a childhood illness changed her forever, and the various physical repercussions that she still lives with. Plus: why she always finds the back of a tapestry far more interesting than the front...*Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell is out now. You can buy all her books here.*My new novel, Magpie, is out on 2nd September. I'd love it if you felt like pre-ordering as it really helps authors! You can do that here.*How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted by Elizabeth Day, produced by Naomi Mantin and Chris Sharp. We love hearing from you. To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com*Social Media:Elizabeth Day @elizabdayHow To Fail @howtofailpod     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  9. S2 E9: Elizabeth Day: The queen of failure on how being bullied drove her to succeed

    05/31/2023

    S2 E9: Elizabeth Day: The queen of failure on how being bullied drove her to succeed

    Elizabeth Day has absolutely revolutionised how we think about failure. Her chart-topping podcast How To Fail is currently in its 17th season, and led to a bestselling book of the same name. She's a bestselling author of 9 books and prior to podcasting, she was a writer at some of the UK’s best-known publications. Elizabeth has made so many of us rethink what failure means and show us that it’s absolutely key in achieving success. There is so much to learn from her wisdom and I know you'll love this conversation as much as I did.

  10. ON REJECTION… With Mel B and Nicole Scherzinger

    11/24/2025

    ON REJECTION… With Mel B and Nicole Scherzinger

    We all face rejection, no matter who we are. In this episode we revisit conversations with two extraordinary women who have faced rejection and overcome it: Spice Girl Mel B opens up about her unsuccessful audition for The Sound of Music and the pain of feeling like she didn’t fit the mould because of how she looked while Nicole shares what life was like before the Pussycat Dolls - the endless auditions, doors slammed-shut and the struggle to land her big break. Hearing these stories from women who have gone on to achieve so much is a powerful reminder that feelings of doubt and fears around not being ‘enough’ are universal. But as Mel and Nicole remind us, the true test of character is in how we respond to them. Listen to Mel B’s full episode of How to Fail here: swap.fm/l/MelB Listen to Nicole Scherzinger’s full episode of How to Fail here: swap.fm/l/NicoleScherzinger 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: Elizabeth’s Substack: https://theelizabethday.substack.com/ Join the How To Fail community: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content 💌 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps more people discover these stories 👋 Follow How To Fail & Elizabeth: Instagram: @howtofailpod @elizabday TikTok: @howtofailpod @elizabday Website: www.elizabethday.org Have a failure you’re trying to work through for Elizabeth to discuss? 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

  11. 🎤 How To Fail LIVE: Craig David on racism, bullying and having the courage to open his heart again

    12/09/2022

    🎤 How To Fail LIVE: Craig David on racism, bullying and having the courage to open his heart again

    All this week, I'll be dropping the recordings of our How To Fail live shows, held at Shoredtich Town Hall earlier this year.On our final night, we welcomed Craig David to the stage and we were treated to a beautiful, vulnerable conversation (with added singing!) Craig brought such generosity and open-heartedness to this event, both with me and with the audience. Listen to be uplifted, inspired and also to hear Craig's note-perfect rendition of Fill Me In during the Q&A.--This episode was recorded live at Shoreditch Town Hall on 8th October 2022 and sponsored by Stripe & Stare https://stripeandstare.com/--What's Your Vibe? by Craig David is out now https://www.waterstones.com/book/whats-your-vibe/craig-david/9781529109726--How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted and produced by Elizabeth Day. To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com--Social Media:Elizabeth Day @elizabdayHow To Fail @howtofailpod Craig David @craigdavid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  12. *Magic Moments* Elizabeth Day on Authenticity, Vulnerability and a Sense of Self

    01/09/2023 ·  Bonus

    *Magic Moments* Elizabeth Day on Authenticity, Vulnerability and a Sense of Self

    In the lead up to the release of Caggie's first book Saturn Returns. This special mini series brings her favourite moments from the last three years back to the forefront: "I’m bringing you another moment from the past in the lead up to the big launch, and I am joined by the Queen of podcasting herself. The one and only Elizabeth Day. Elizabeth, very, very kindly agreed to be my first ever podcast guest, which was so incredibly kind of her. This episode really highlights what the heart of Saturn Returns is; authenticity. So I hope you enjoy this episode as we continue to go through past catalogue." Elizabeth Day on how failure can reveal your authentic self. Caggie talks to the author, journalist and host of the How to Fail podcast about society's expectations of women and the pressures we put on ourselves, fertility, self abandonment in romantic relationships and how all our failures and experiences ultimately lead to a stronger sense of self.  --- Follow or subscribe to "Saturn Returns" for future episodes, where we explore the transformative impact of Saturn's return with inspiring guests and thought-provoking discussions. Follow Caggie Dunlop on Instagram to stay updated on her personal journey and you can find Saturn Returns on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.  Order the Saturn Returns Book. Join our community newsletter here.  Find all things Saturn Returns, offerings and more here.

  13. Amy Jackson Westwick - I Was A Magnet For Narcissists

    Apr 1

    Amy Jackson Westwick - I Was A Magnet For Narcissists

    Amy Jackson Westwick is a major Bollywood film star with some 14 million followers on social media. Yet she grew up in a working class family in Liverpool. So how did a teenager from Merseyside become one of the most recognisable British actors working in Bollywood? Today on How To Fail, she tells us her story. We discuss growing up too fast, how she broke free from a cycle of narcissistic relationships and how she now manages a blended family (Amy has two sons - one with her husband, the actor Ed Westwick, and one from a previous partner). Plus: what she learned from her years in Bollywood and why she’s ’a petty cow’. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Intro 03:13 Chasing Security Not Fame 04:08 Finding Yourself Again 06:35 Growing Up Too Fast 06:50 Liverpool Childhood Roots 11:27 Pageants to Bollywood Break 24:04 Perfect Family Fantasy 25:21 Romanticising Love 26:40 Back To Back Relationships 27:30 People Pleasing Patterns 29:06 Narcissists And Boundaries 31:53 Leaving And Healing 36:39 Blended Family Reality 39:52 Step Parenting Rules 47:05 Listening To Yourself 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: Security comes in so many different forms - and for me it's peace of mind. If it doesn't feel right, then it's not right... you've got to actually know how you're feeling and not be afraid to voice it. [On narcissistic relationships]: I confused controlling behavior for somebody who was loving and caring, and in actual fact it was the complete opposite. 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: Amy’s podcast ‘What’s the Tea Amy?’ is out now The Testaments, a new Hulu original series, streaming April 8 exclusively on Disney+ Join the How To Fail community: www.howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Elizabeth’s Substack: www.theelizabethday.substack.com 📚 WANT MORE? Lily Allen - on early fame, mistakes, relationships and motherhood: swap.fm/l/8Otj3tpmbH5SF4xjVHTJ Gillian Anderson - on body image, rebellion and refusing to fit in with other people’s expectations: swap.fm/l/7NyZMzkfVOpGyDtlB6k0 💌 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps more people discover these stories 👋 Follow How To Fail & Elizabeth: Instagram: @elizabday TikTok: @howtofailpod Podcast Instagram: @howtofailpod Website: www.elizabethday.org Elizabeth and Amy answer listener questions in our subscriber series, Failing with Friends. Join our community of subscribers here: www.howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Have a failure you’re trying to work through for Elizabeth to discuss? Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com Production & Post Production Coordinator: Eric Ryan Engineer: Matias Torres Assistant Producer: Shania Manderson Senior Producer: Hannah Talbot Executive Producer: Alex Lawless 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

  14. Emma Dabiri - ‘I’ve never had much desire to conform to society’s expectations of me’

    04/23/2025 ·  Bonus · Subscribers Only

    Emma Dabiri - ‘I’ve never had much desire to conform to society’s expectations of me’

    Emma joins Elizabeth to answer listener questions from the live audience in Dublin. They answer questions on what advice Emma would give to white, Irish-born teachers to support students who feel othered in school in Ireland; what advice would you give to someone who feels their singleness is a failure; what does success look like; when to know when to stop fertility treatment, and Elizabeth and Emma’s thoughts on Botox among other things! To hear Emma tackling your failures join our community of subscribers here: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Do you have something to share of your own? Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com Production & Post Production Coordinator: Eric Ryan Mix Engineer: Richie Lee Live Engineer: Will Kontargyris 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

  15. S12, Ep3 How to Fail: Phil Wang

    09/15/2021

    S12, Ep3 How to Fail: Phil Wang

    Today my guest is the excellent Phil Wang, stand-up comedian and soon-to-be published author. As a comic, Wang has appeared on a host of comedy panel shows including Would I Lie To You? and 8 out of 10 Cats. During the pandemic, he became the first UK comedian to tape and release a Netflix special at a sold-out London Palladium.His new memoir, Sidesplitter: How To Be From Two Worlds At Once examines his dual identity as the son of a white British mother and a Chinese-Malaysian father.He joins me to talk about failed shows, failed sporting endeavours and failing to learn Mandarin. We also discuss racism, introversion, height and why we're perfectly matched tennis partners.--Sidesplitter by Phil Wang is out on 16th September. You can preorder it here.--My new novel, Magpie, is out now. You can order it here.---How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted by Elizabeth Day, produced by Naomi Mantin and Chris Sharp. We love hearing from you. To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com---Social Media:Phil Wang @PhilNWangElizabeth Day @elizabdayHow To Fail @howtofailpod    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  16. S8, Ep6 How to Fail: Glennon Doyle

    07/08/2020

    S8, Ep6 How to Fail: Glennon Doyle

    This week, I bring you the utterly sensational Glennon Doyle. She is the author of three books, the latest of which, Untamed, is a memoir that defies easy categorisation - somewhat like the woman herself. Untamed is thrilling, original and brave. In it, Glennon dismantles our socialised preconceptions of what women should be and challenges us all to look at the boxes we're trapped in that are not of our own making. She joins me to talk about all of this, and about why women are taught to 'look outward for permission, approval and consent' when we should be looking 'inward for wisdom' (I KNOW! THIS IS GENUINELY HOW SHE SPEAKS!) But, don't worry, there's also plenty of amazing stuff in here whatever gender you are. We also discuss her failure to have a thick skin (and how she protects herself from judgement), her failure to keep her family together (and what this taught her about love) and her failure to be fully comfortable with her own body image (despite years of trying). Every sentence she utters contains a revelation, which is why when the time came to edit this interview I just...couldn't. So I've let it run at full length, with no cuts, exactly how it happened. Enjoy.*I've written a new book! Failosophy: A Handbook For When Things Go Wrong is out in October. It's a practical, inspirational and reassuring guide to the seven principles of failure I've developed since doing this podcast. Packed full of contributions from loads of former guests, as well as listener stories, it is also beautifully illustrated by Paul Blow and I would love it if you wanted to pre-order a signed copy here. *How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted by Elizabeth Day, produced by Naomi Mantin and Chris Sharp. We love hearing from you! To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com* Social Media:Elizabeth Day @elizabdayGlennon Doyle @glennondoyleHow To Fail @howtofailpod           Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  17. I Still Live With My Parents Aged 40 - Help! With Jennette McCurdy

    Feb 19 ·  Bonus · Subscribers Only

    I Still Live With My Parents Aged 40 - Help! With Jennette McCurdy

    Jennette McCurdy and I dive into listener questions including one from a 40-year-old listener who still lives with her parents and doesn’t want to feel a failure because of it. Then there’s the listener who feels dependent on their therapist and can’t seem to break the cycle, plus another who started a ‘dream job’ but has found they in fact… hate it. I then spend the final few minutes reflecting on my time with Jennette: the most inspiring, brave and articulate woman. To hear Jennette McCurdy tackling your failures join our community of subscribers here: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Do you have something to share of your own? Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com Production & Post Production Coordinator: Eric Ryan Sound Engineer: Matias Torres Assistant Producer: Shania Manderson Senior Producer: Hannah Talbot Executive Producer: Alex Lawless 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

  18. Sir Tony Robinson - ‘I learned comedy as a defence mechanism’

    08/06/2025

    Sir Tony Robinson - ‘I learned comedy as a defence mechanism’

    Recorded with a live audience in Cambridge, this captivating conversation delves deep into the life and career of a cultural force of the last half-century. Known of course for his iconic role as Baldrick in Blackadder, Sir Tony's sharp intelligence and dry humour have had a formative influence on generations.  In this candid discussion, he opens up about the unexpected turns and profound challenges that have shaped his extraordinary journey as an actor, presenter, documentary maker and writer. You'll hear his deeply personal reflections on fatherhood, insights into the creative process behind his recently announced novel, and the powerful lessons learned from a lifetime of experiences, both public and private.  Prepare for an engaging, wise, and moving conversation that explores the transformative power of vulnerability and the importance of finding meaningful connection. This is a unique opportunity to hear a national treasure like never before. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Intro 00:45 Tony Robinson's Early Life and Career 03:13 Fatherhood and Family 04:55 Writing and Publishing a Novel 10:50 The Impact of Blackadder 13:16 Challenges and Conflicts in Blackadder 16:33 Height and Personal Insecurities 20:42 Childhood and Adolescence Struggles 22:41 Growing Up in the Shadow of WWII 24:49 The Ups and Downs of Gambling 27:28 Early Career and Poker Lessons 29:29 Child Actor Earnings and Capitalism 34:23 Dealing with Alzheimer's in the Family 37:03 Reflecting on Personal Failures 44:56 Finding Meaningful Relationships 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: “The trick is to minimise when you’re losing.” “If someone gouges the oak tree when it's young, it's almost obscene. When you look at it, it's horrible. But gradually, as the oak grows older and wider and bigger, and the bark becomes more twisted and more sophisticated, that gouge becomes not only a thing of beauty, but probably the most beautiful and defining thing about that oak tree." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: Sir Tony’s new book: The House of Wolf Elizabeth’s upcoming one-off show at Cadogan Hall on 21 Sep for her new novel One of Us: ⁠⁠https://www.fane.co.uk/elizabeth-day⁠ Elizabeth’s Substack: ⁠https://theelizabethday.substack.com/⁠ Join the How To Fail community: ⁠https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content 📚 WANT MORE? Stephen Merchant, on height, stand-up and turning 50 https://listen.sonymusic-podcasts.link/ighNsQn7 Richard Osman, on professional failure, food addiction and his fear of joining in https://link.chtbl.com/oo_ct3h3 💌 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps more people discover these stories 👋 Follow How To Fail & Elizabeth: Instagram: @elizabday TikTok: Podcast Instagram: @howtofailpod Website: ⁠www.elizabethday.org⁠ Substack: https://theelizabethday.substack.com/ Elizabeth and Sir Tony Robinson answer YOUR questions live in Cambridge in our subscriber series, Failing with Friends. Join our community of subscribers here: ⁠howtofailpod.com⁠   Have a failure you’re trying to work through for Elizabeth to discuss? Click here to get in touch: ⁠howtofailpod.com⁠  Production & Post Production Coordinator: Eric Ryan   Live Show Engineer: Will Kontargyris Sound Engineer: Matias Torres Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali Senior Producer: Hannah Talbot Executive Producer: Carly Maile 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  19. SPECIAL EP: On Fertility and Finding Your Family… with Rebecca Coxon

    Mar 9

    SPECIAL EP: On Fertility and Finding Your Family… with Rebecca Coxon

    In this one‑off special, Elizabeth sits down with author Rebecca Coxon to discuss family, fertility and the secrets that have shaped her life: after uploading her DNA to an ancestry site, Rebecca discovered that the man who raised her was not her biological father – a revelation that sent her on a remarkable search for the truth about her origins. Her memoir Inconceivable launches Elizabeth’s new imprint, Big Day Books. Rebecca writes with clarity and compassion about being a donor‑conceived IVF triplet, later donating her own eggs and facing fertility treatment herself – a story of family secrets, shame, resilience and deep love. You don’t need personal experience of IVF or DNA surprises to be moved by this conversation. Rebecca is thoughtful, emotionally perceptive and quietly courageous. She speaks about having her identity reshaped overnight, the coexistence of gratitude and grief, and the invisible threads that bind us across generations. This is a discussion about truth, belonging and the ethics and emotions of creating new life – and about redefining family not by biology alone, but through love, choice and understanding. A deeply honest, intimate and ultimately hopeful discussion – and a very special moment for How to Fail. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Intro 01:15 Donor Conceived Truth 02:52 Test Results Moment 05:26 Endometriosis Reality 07:57 Choosing Egg Donation 08:36 US Donor Market 10:26 Recipient Letter Impact 13:58 Dating And Time Pressure 15:53 James And IVF Collapse 20:50 Meeting Donor Rodney 30:47 Pregnancy After Book 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: The experience of watching your friends have babies. Every milestone in their lives feels like a splinter in mine. I'm still on the shoreline waiting for my time, and I'm standing alongside people who are struggling." — Rebecca describes the mindset she had while finishing her book, just before discovering she was pregnant. 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: Rebecca’s new book Inconceivable is available to buy now: www.bigdaybooks.co.uk/inconceivable Join the How To Fail community: www.howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Elizabeth’s Substack: www.theelizabethday.substack.com 💌 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps more people discover these stories 👋 Follow How To Fail & Elizabeth: Instagram: @elizabday TikTok: @howtofailpod Podcast Instagram: @howtofailpod Website: www.elizabethday.org Production & Post Production Coordinator: Eric Ryan Engineer: Matias Torres Assistant Producer: Shania Manderson Senior Producer: Hannah Talbot Executive Producer: Alex Lawless 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

  20. S17, Ep6 Diana Evans: the bestselling author on writing routines, dealing with her inner critic and living life to the fullest

    06/07/2023

    S17, Ep6 Diana Evans: the bestselling author on writing routines, dealing with her inner critic and living life to the fullest

    TW: SuicideDiana Evans is the award-winning, bestselling author of A House for Alice, Ordinary People, The Wonder and 26a. Her third novel, Ordinary People, was one of my favourites of the year when it was published in 2018 - and it was shortlisted for the Women's Prize. Now, she's written a critically acclaimed follow-up, A House for Alice, set against the backdrop of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Diana joins me to discuss how she writes (and manages failure in her writing), the curse of perfectionism, the importance of tackling social justice in fiction and her abject inability to complete her list of '10 Things To Do Before I'm 50' in time. She also talks movingly about the death of her twin sister by suicide and how this forever shapes the life she now lives.Thank you Diana, for opening up to me and for the magical words you put on the page.--A House for Alice by Diana Evans is out now.--How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted and produced by Elizabeth Day. To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com--Social Media:Elizabeth Day @elizabdayHow To Fail @howtofailpodDiana Evans @dianaevansop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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