The Origin of a Unique Concept
“How to Fail With Elizabeth Day” is a podcast that celebrates the things that haven’t gone right. Each week, a new guest shares their personal failures and the valuable lessons they’ve learned from them. In October 2017, Elizabeth Day found herself at a crossroads. Two years after her divorce and recovering from a sudden breakup, she was 38 and facing an uncertain future. Instead of succumbing to despair, Day decided to turn her personal struggles into a source of strength and inspiration.
Drawing from Experience
As an award-winning novelist and journalist for the Observer, Day had 17 years of experience interviewing celebrities. She decided to leverage this skill to create a podcast where people could share what they had learned from their failures. This idea led to the birth of “How To Fail With Elizabeth Day.”
Instant Hit with Listeners
In an age obsessed with the curated perfection of social media, the podcast struck a chord. People were reluctant to admit their failures, but Day’s show provided a platform for honest and candid conversations. The podcast became an instant hit, achieving 200,000 downloads after just eight episodes and securing her a book deal.
Elizabeth Day’s Personal Journey
Elizabeth’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of failure. From her difficult school days to the trauma of failed IVF cycles and a miscarriage, she shares her deeply personal experiences. Despite these challenges, she finds humour and wisdom in her journey, stating, “Failure has taught me lessons I would never otherwise have understood.”
Inspirational Interviews
Each week, a new guest shares their personal stories of failure and the valuable lessons they have learned. Marathon runner and author Lisa Jackson discussed the highs and lows of her running career. She emphasised that embracing failure has been crucial to her personal growth and athletic achievements. Jesse Tyler Ferguson from “Modern Family” shared his struggles with sport and his journey with his sexuality. Elizabeth’s thoughtful, honest conversations with a variety of interesting people make for absolutely fascinating listening.
Why Listeners Love the Podcast
Listeners appreciate the podcast’s intelligence and sincerity. Elizabeth Day balances curiosity and empathy perfectly, creating a space where guests feel comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities. The show normalises the angst of being human, and listeners feel a sense of solidarity and comfort in knowing they are not alone.
A Refreshing Perspective
The podcast is praised for its refreshing take on failure. By guiding her subjects through their personal failures, Elizabeth Day helps us see that we are all cut from the same cloth. Her down-to-earth approach and great voice add to the show’s appeal.
Noteworthy Episodes
Episodes like the interview with Ramla Ali. In an inspiring episode, Elizabeth interviews Ramla Ali, the first Somali boxer to compete in the Olympics. Ramla shares her journey from fleeing civil war in Somalia to becoming a trailblazer in the boxing world. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience and determination of boxing through Adversity
A Jewel of a Podcast
Overall, “How To Fail With Elizabeth Day” is a jewel of a podcast. It offers thoughtful, honest conversations that inspire and uplift. Whether you’re looking for motivation or just an interesting listen, this podcast won’t disappoint.
