Failure Throwback: Jameela Jamil

Jameela Jamil is an actor, activist, and founder of the I Weigh movement. From teaching English to starring in The Good Place, Jameela shares the highs, lows, and radical honesty that define her journey. This episode first went out in February 2021.

We talk about:

Her struggle to be a "good" celebrity

Body image battles and self-kindness

Financial missteps and learning to thrive

Calling out media hypocrisy and sparking global change

Packed with truth bombs and bold insight, this episode is for anyone navigating life, self-worth, and the pressure to fit in.

✨ IN THIS EPISODE:

02:35 Challenges and Criticisms

03:35 Embracing Failure and Progress

08:47 Navigating Public Criticism

15:14 The Pressure of Being a Female Celebrity

26:57 Mental Health

30:09 Empathy and Self-Reflection

30:25 Struggles with Body Image

31:21 The Impact of Diet Culture

32:26 Realisations and Recovery

36:55 Navigating Compliments and Criticisms

42:25 Financial Failures and Lessons

47:59 Life in Los Angeles

52:02 Future Plans and Activism

💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER:

“I failed at being the kind of woman the media wanted me to be—and thank God for that.”

“I spent years trying to be kind to my body. Now I’m trying to be kind to myself.”

“If you’re not being criticised, you’re probably not saying anything worth hearing.”

🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS:

Elizabeth’s upcoming one-off show at Cadogan Hall on 21 Sep for her new novel One of Us: ⁠fane.co.uk/elizabeth-day

Elizabeth’s Substack: theelizabethday.substack.com

Join the How To Fail community: howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content

📚 WANT MORE?

Phoebe Waller-Bridge – The Fleabag creator opens up about creative failure, imposter syndrome, and the messy beauty of storytelling: link.chtbl.com/Xr_yQtIZ

Dolly Alderton – Journalist and author who dives into romantic missteps, self-worth, and the chaos of growing up: link.chtbl.com/5pFApeKP

💌 LOVE THIS EPISODE?

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Website: www.elizabethday.org

Substack: theelizabethday.substack.com

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