How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

John Bishop - ‘I’ve always wanted someone to say: you’re good enough’


Published: 14 May 2025 at 05:00 Europe/London

Listen on

Episode notes

John Bishop has been a hugely successful stand-up comedian for 25 years. Yet that wasn’t his first dream, which was to play football. We discuss his failure to do so professionally, his challenges at school, the working-class upbringing that shaped him and how comedy saved his marriage when he and his wife were at the ‘decree nisi stage’ of divorce. Plus: skincare tips and why making people laugh is like stripping. Yes, really.


Tickets for John Bishop’s 25 Years of Stand Up tour:

https://www.johnbishoponline.com/


‘Those four letters - love - are loaded with so much’ - Elizabeth and John answer YOUR questions in our subscriber series, Failing with Friends. Join our community of subscribers here: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content


Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com


🌎 Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code [howtofail] at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/howtofail


Production & Post Production Coordinator: Eric Ryan

Mix Engineer: Matias Torres Sole

Senior Producer: Selina Ream

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 [email protected]


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Recent Episodes