Chris Appleton - ‘I Felt Shame Before I Felt Love’
From How To Fail With Elizabeth Day by Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment
March 25, 2026 · 45 min · Season 20 · Episode 154
About this episode
Chris Appleton discusses his journey through shame, imposter syndrome, and the challenges he faced growing up, alongside his success as a celebrity hair stylist.
Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton has a slew of devoted clients including Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner and Martha Stewart, as well as millions of Instagram followers and a regular slot offering advice on The Drew Barrymore Show. His memoir, Your Roots Don’t Define You, is a New York Times bestseller. But growing up was hard on Appleton: he was the middle of five children and struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia at school. He was bullied by his classmates for being gay - something he didn’t yet understand about himself. At 16, he left school to work full-time and began a serious relationship with his colleague, Kate. By 19, he was a father. In this episode we discuss imposter syndrome, the darkest moments of his life, shame and the work he’s done to overcome the hurdles he’s faced. And, of course, we talk about the Kardashians. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: 02:33 Imposter Syndrome as Fuel 04:24 Red Carpets and Online Pressure 05:27 Hair as Celebrity Identity 07:15 Memoir and Health Wake Up 08:48 Dash the Dog and Comfort 11:02 Shame Coming Out and Healing 22:26 Kids First After Divorce 23:05 Holiday Triggers and Boundaries 24:31 Success Doesn't Heal 25:18 Inner Child Healing Work 27:22 Envy…
People in this episode
Host: Elizabeth Day
Guest: Chris Appleton
Topics covered
- imposter syndrome
- bullying
- dyslexia
- coming out
- parenthood
- celebrity culture
- mental health
Keywords
- Kardashians
- memoir
- social media
- self-acceptance
- healing
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Your Roots Don’t Define You
Books & works: I Felt Shame Before I Felt Love, The Drew Barrymore Show, Your Roots Don’t Define You, How To Fail, How To Fail & Elizabeth, Failing with Friends
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