Elizabeth Day

It's so interesting talking to you because I feel that there are certain elements that I really relate to.

And I mentioned in the introduction that you were bullied at school and I was slightly too, I mean, nowhere near the level that you experienced.

It didn't get physical with me.

But I also worked incredibly hard and still do.

And I wonder whether you feel, as I do reflecting on this, that there's something about hard work that you think makes you feel lovable or makes you feel safe?

Do you feel you have to work to a certain level in order to be accepted or loved?

Well, you said to me when you were writing about this failure that it gives you a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction.

But you also admitted that you've neglected relationships as a result of it and self-care.

So what are some of the extremes that work has taken you to in that respect?

And with something like Half Man, where you are wearing so many different hats, how hard do you work?

Like, practically, what does your day look like?

You once uprooted your life and moved to a different city for work.

Yes.

Didn't you?

Tell us that story.

As I mentioned earlier, your career started out doing stand-up shows.

I mean, they weren't straight comedy.

There was sort of theatrical aspect too.

And you have been very open about the fact that you know what it's like to perform to no one.

For one person to turn up and for you to take him to the bar.