Best Friend Therapy

Getting in on the ground floor with a new podcast can be a bit of a gamble.

Some start with so much promise but then peter out as the creators see they are not destined to become the next Serial, leaving you irked that you faithfully stuck with them through their difficult initial episodes.

If you’re looking for a safe bet, then podcast royalty Elizabeth Day’s new effort is likely to go the distance.

The previous series by Day, above, was How To Fail which was based on a simple, compelling premise – the great and good explaining times when they weren’t so great and good.

Stanley Tucci was a guest recently and spoke candidly of how he failed to learn how to swim; how to direct; and how to care for his wife when she was dying of cancer.

Jessica Ennis-hill talked about how she couldn’t deal with injury, while Ed Miliband spoke of his crippling anxiety and failure to earn his degree.

With successful people it’s easy to believe their path was littered with a steady stream of achievements but, like the rest of us ordinary schmos, they encountered failure all the time.

For her new project, Day is teaming up with her friend, therapist Emma Reed Turrell, with Best Friend Therapy

The pair hold intimate, honest, funny conversations about what’s on our minds to get deeper into our minds.

Every week, they say they will tackle the challenges we all face in daily life with compassion and practical wisdom.

And, while it’s not a substitute for actual therapy this is a podcast that holds your hand through the tough times and offers reassurance on the days you might need it.and, heaven knows, we all do from time to time. Day is a truly excellent host and is also now one of the hosts of Open Book on Radio 4.