S16, Ep4 How To Fail: Spencer Matthews on alcoholism, the death of his brother and surviving reality TV

How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

SPENCER MATTHEWS! I confess, I enjoyed this conversation SO MUCH. It's not just because I'm an unabashed viewer of Made in Chelsea from the early days.* It's also because I've watched Spencer transcend his (decidedly not great) reality TV persona to become a successful entrepreneur, broadcaster, husband and father. I've always had a soft spot for him even though I've never actually known him, partly because he's got a great sense of humour and real self-awareness. All of which makes him a delight to interview.
He joins me to talk about his failures in reality TV, his realisation that alcohol was becoming a problem in his life, the subsumed grief he felt after his beloved older brother Mike died while climbing Everest and his own desire to pursue extreme sporting endeavours. Please listen, even if you have preconceptions. We got on so well, and I really valued his openneness - I truly felt I could ask Spencer anything: and I often did.
*If you're also a die-hard MIC fan, I get him to talk about that iconic break-up scene with Louise by Putney Bridge. It's a riveting insight into how reality TV is made. You're welcome.
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Spencer's podcast, Big Fish, is available to listen to here
Clean Co non-alcoholic spirits are available to buy here
The Michael Matthews Foundation, set up in memory of Spencer's late brother, is a charity which funds education projects in Africa and Asia. You can find out more, and donate, here.
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How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted and produced by Elizabeth Day. To contact us, email [e-mail]
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Social Media:
Elizabeth Day @elizabday
How To Fail @howtofailpod
Spencer Matthews @spencermatthews

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