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It's Happy Place's 7th birthday! To celebrate, Fearne's put down her own trusty notebook and let her presenter mate Alex Jones turn the interview tables!In this chat, Alex asks Fearne about Happy Place's evolution from a podcast, to a book publisher, to a festival, and now a marketplace too.Fearne opens up about feeling bleak and being on anti-depressants before she created Happy Place, as well as all the moments she's cocked up personally and professionally over the last seven years. Do you have imposter syndrome and a deep desire to be liked? Fearne chats about how to cope with those feelings. Fearne's also got better at admitting she's ambitious and proud of her work, and wants you to be allowed to feel good when you're good at something too!You'll hear some exclusive BTS stuff: how does Fearne pick guests for the show? What does she look club in Book Club author? And how the bloody hell does she manage her time as a brand founder, presenter, mum, and mate?? (Spoiler: she tells Alex about the reality of bringing her kids to work!)Plus, Fearne answers the questions you've voicenoted her on Instagram! One of you has sparked an important conversation about fertility, and Fearne and Alex cover other big topics like taking more time to consider death and grief.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Alex JonesElizabeth GilbertBjorn Nathikko LindebladYungBludPaloma Faith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Does anxiety or darkness drive you to create? Is creativity the ultimate catharsis? For musician Pete Doherty making art has, at times, been a matter of survival. In this chat with Fearne, Pete explains why taking drugs was less about trying to escape, and more about what he was trying to find. Now he's stopped taking drugs, how does he unlock and express his creativity differently? Pete also confirms that ‘addict' is the right word to describe his behaviour, but that our attitude towards addiction needs to change. Fearne and Pete catch up about the early days of The Libertines, and what Pete labels as ‘the chaos and risk of youth'. He describes how he was sold on the enticing mythologies of a rock n roll lifestyle, but is now much more comfortable living quietly in rural France with his family and dogs. For contributions to #2 of Pete's ‘On Strap' fanzine please post to: 'ON STRAP' FANZINE c/o The Heavy HorseHôtel le Rayon VertRue Général Leclerc76790 EtretatNormandieFRANCE Pete's fifth solo studio album, Felt Better Alive, is out May 16th. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: DJ Fat Tony Matt WillisWhat Really Happens At Therapy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
So many of us have had to shut down our heart and numb our emotions to survive. Estelle Bingham is dubbed ‘The Heart Whisperer'; she knows the greatest anxiety can come from suppressing parts of ourselves. In this chat with Fearne, Estelle – a holistic therapist and healer – explains how when the mind is spiralling out of control, the heart can bring us back to stillness. She shares how to feel your emotions in your body instead of just analysing them in your head. Fearne has done her own personal work with Estelle, and they talk though how Estelle's guidance can banish shame and put a circuit breaker in negative thought patterns. Plus, why Estelle reckons the type of manifesting you see on Instagram is “a load of old cobblers”, and how she would recommend manifesting joy instead... Estelle's book, Manifest Your True Essence, is out on April 8th. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Florence Given Gabby Bernstein Joey Hulin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you had a second chance at your first big love, would you take it? What about if you were already married to a very different kind of person? This is the dilemma Beth is faced with in Broken Country, the Happy Place Book Club novel for March. In this chat Fearne and author Clare Leslie Hall talk about why first love can be so intoxicating, and why it's only human to feel the pull between very different lifestyles, knowing there are multiple ways you could be happy...Clare explains that Broken Country used to be a very different book, and she almost abandoned it entirely, so what can we learn about being patient with our creative blocks?Plus, if you ever fancy going to Dorset – where the book is set - Fearne and Clare go off on a tangent about all the best places to visit... Thank you to John Murray Press for the use of Broken Country audiobook, narrated by Hattie Morahan. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Listen to Book Club Meets: Holly Bourne Listen to Book Club Meets: David Larbi Listen to Book Club Meets: Dame Harriet Walter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We change all the time, which means self-love is an ongoing practice; we're constantly learning to love the person we are today. Musician Teddy Swims wants you to be able to look in the mirror and see what a great person you are every day.In this chat with Fearne, Teddy explains why he and his partner chose to go to couples therapy to help them prepare to become parents, as well as the incredible impact having an emotionally articulate father had on his ability to process his own big feelings. Fearne and Teddy both see music, art, writing, and creativity in general as cathartic outlets for emotions, but can this sometimes tip into wallowing in the same negative thought patterns over and over again?Plus, Fearne spotted a tattoo gun on Teddy's dressing room table... will she let him tattoo her even though he's “not very good yet”...?Teddy's album, I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), is out now.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Olly AlexanderYung BludJon Bon Jovi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Has fear ever stopped you from making the changes you want to make in life? Even if you know what you want, how do you turn your big goals into manageable daily habits? And what role does mindset play in enacting real change? The Happy Place Festival Talk Stage hosted loads of speakers across the weekend at Tatton Park last summer, who all explored these questions, and Fearne wants to bring you in on the Festival magic! In this episode you'll hear from: -Dr Rangan Chatterjee on making transformative change that lasts, and learning to listen to your own gut instinct to create the life that works best for you -Founder of mental health and wellbeing app Shoorah, Lorri Haines, on how to build routines and habits that over time lead to positive lifestyle changes -Life coach Michelle Elman on the beautiful confidence that comes from feeling fearful but doing the scary thing anyway -Musician Beverley Knight and her husband James O'Keefe, founder of men's mental health retreats Unguarded Warrior, on trusting that you have the answers and power to make changes inside you already -Broadcaster Adele Roberts and her partner Kate Holderness on what a cancer diagnosis has taught them both about coping with change you didn't ask for Tickets for the 2025 Happy Place Festivals in Gunnersbury Park and Tatton Park are available now at happyplacefestival.com. Listen to Rangan Chatterjee's Happy Place episode Listen to Beverley Knight's Happy Place episode Listen to Adele Roberts' Happy Place episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Introducing Rachel Kettlewell. She's the founder of Fearne & Rosie, the jam challenger on a mission to spread goodness up and down the country, packing as much fruit into as many mouths, hearts and minds as possible. Having launched a little over 5 years ago she's now stocked in over 5000 stocking points including the likes of Asda, Co-op and Tesco. Hailing from Withington, Manchester, the brand itself is named after her two first-borns, Fearne & Rosie. Before she became a real fruit queen, she worked as a teacher and in the charity sector. Two areas that are still massively important to her today working with both FareShare and schools to provide kids with better for you options. But it hasn't been all bread, butter and jam for Rachel. The food industry can at times feel fairly gate-kept, requiring a lot of start-up capital just to get off the ground. And when it comes to distribution there are a number of unwritten retail rules that you are expected to follow. Lucky for her, a combination of straight talk and common sense has seen her though. In this episode we talk about the hidden power of naivety, why more competition in jam is a good thing, and what the future has in-store for Fearne & Rosie (the jam not the kids).
Coping with mental health conditions is never easy, but it does get easier; that's what actor Will Poulter has learnt through his own experiences with OCD, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. In this chat with Fearne, Will explains how OCD has manifested for him ever since he was a young kid. He also talks through why finding reasons to be grateful for the lessons mental health conditions have taught you can be helpful. If you're honest with yourself... would you give yourself or others more grace if they had to take time off work because they'd broken their leg, as opposed to because their mental health was poor? Fearne and Will unpack that one, as well as discussing the importance of personalisation in looking after our brains. The same medication, meditation practice, or diet, is going to affect us all differently. Plus, do you constantly worry that you've said the wrong thing and pissed someone off? Fearne and Will have been there and offer their advice for overcoming that spiral... You can see Will in UK cinemas in Death of a Unicorn from April 4th, and Warfare from April 18th. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Joanna Lumley Mel Robbins Tuppence Middleton Jordan Stephens Chiwetel Ejiofor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is it a compliment to be called ‘nice'? Singer Louise Redknapp isn't so sure. She's always been the good girl, but she's ready to embrace – and express – different facets of her character now. In this chat with Fearne, Louise explains that being in a 90s girlband, and being married to a sports star, forced her to be shiny and polished at all times. That led to a crippling fear about saying or doing the wrong thing, but she's learning to trust her own gut instinct. Fearne and Louise chat about how never knowing her dad, and becoming a mother herself, have impacted her confidence and identity. Plus, can gratitude combat overwhelm?Louise's fifth studio album, Confessions, will be released on May 23rd.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Anastacia Shania Twain Naomi Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can laughter ease anxiety? Comedian Julian Clary certainly thinks so. After living through some incredibly dark events and anxious times, he's decided to choose to laugh and think positive thoughts. In this chat with Fearne, Julian talks about feeling naturally happier and more comfortable in his skin as he got older. Most things, he says, just aren't as important as you think they are, and that's a freeing realisation. Julian also explains why he's embraced causing outrage and even offence. Fearne and Julian share how they've each combatted poor sleep, and the sleeping aids, medications, and techniques that have worked for them. Plus, Julian's not a massive fan of therapy, so he turns the tables on Fearne and quizzes her about her experience of it... A Fistful of Clary, Julian's western-themed stand-up tour, will be heading out round the UK from 30th April. Get your tickets now: julianclary.co.uk If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Olly Alexander David Tennant Scott Mills Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nicki, Lauren, Charlotte and Steffi have been friends since university. Now in their thirties, life is pulling them in different directions - but the girls are reunited when Charlotte organises the baby shower from hell for pregnant Nicki.Tensions are high as these women are forced to confront their own and eachother's views about motherhood... while also dealing with a fire at the baby shower. February's Happy Place Book Club novel was So Thrilled for You, by Holly Bourne.In this chat, Fearne and Holly talk about how wildly the pretty Pinterest version of motherhood is from the raw, battlefield of a reality. Holly reckons if we want the world to be a better, happier place we need to be supporting mums emotionally and practically. How have you navigated some friends having babies, some struggling to conceive, and some not wanting them at all? Fearne and Holly explore the judgements, assumptions, and irritations that can arise between old friends when everyone's lives look so different. Plus, how to cut out the noise and trust your gut when you're working on a creative project...Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for the use of So Thrilled For You audiobook, narrated by Emily Spowage, Evie Ward-Drummond, Kelly Hotten, Paul Hezberg and Rosalind Lailey. Listen to Book Club Meets: David Larbi Listen to Book Club Meets: Dame Harriet Walter Listen to Book Club Meets: Liane Moriarty Listen to Book Club Meets: Miranda July Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dynamo brought epic magic into a lot of people's lives, but now Steven Frayne is taking off the mask and choosing to notice the moments of magic he's experienced around him. In particular, that's the people – friends, family, doctors, strangers – who've helped him find joy again after hitting rock bottom. In this chat with Fearne, Steven talks about the devastating reality of trialling different medication for Crohn's and the effect this has on mental health, as well as what he's learnt from experiencing so much physical pain. Can we choose to connect over pain rather than isolating ourselves from others? Steven also explains how being an easy target for bullies at school meant he learnt how to problem solve and hustle, but what do you do when success comes and you don't know how to cope with it? Steven's show, Up Close and Magical, is at The Underbelly in Soho, and is opening on the 28th March. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about suicidal ideation so do take care while listening. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Kesha Ben West Adam Pearson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you get rid of your body hair? Do you hate your periods? Are you debating a nose job? Why? Writer and broadcaster Afua Hirsch has been tracing how we've become so loathing of our bodies. In this chat with Fearne, Afua explains where our modern, Western notions of beauty come from, and why she's advocating for us to celebrate how powerful our bodies are. She's rediscovering and reclaiming rituals her ancestors will have done before Western ideals became the norm, and points out that wanting to change your facial features to conform to beauty trends will erase your ancestry. Fearne and Afua chat about a desire for more fluidity around sexuality and identity, as well as why we should respect the wisdom that comes with age rather than fearing it. Plus, how to dig deep and ask yourself: “Do I think this, or have I been taught this?” Afua's book, Decolonising My Body, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Emma Dabiri Adele Roberts Rebel Wilson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you able to balance being resilient with being vulnerable? Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor has spent time figuring out when to keep moving forward, and when to let painful emotions wash over him. In this chat with Fearne, Chiwetel reflects on how a childhood trauma has shaped his character – everything from his fierce ambition to his optimistic outlook. He also reveals the moments self-doubt has almost proved insurmountable (including when he first got the script for 12 Years A Slave...!) Plus, is ‘acceptance' of your past ever truly possible, or is the simple realisation that life WILL go on regardless good enough? And, do you worry you've let your own life pass in a blur? Chiwetel explains how he's learnt to live in the present.Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy is out in UK cinemas now.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Lenny HenryDavid TennantNorah Jones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you dream of pivoting your career or lifestyle later in life? Poet Donna Ashworth did just that. She began to question the busy, fast-paced, perfectionist lifestyle she assumed was the norm, and decided to start posting and performing her beautiful poetry in her 40s... In this chat with Fearne, Donna explains how she copes with the nerves that come with doing something so new, including hypnotherapy and simply admitting out loud that she's anxious. She also reflects on how she realised she'd been living with depression and eating disorders for a long time. If you're not happy it's up to you to apply change or you can't expect different outcomes. Donna talks through how to work out if your routine is deliciously comforting for you, or if it's become a strait-jacket that's holding you back. Plus, she shares why it's helpful for others if you're able to disclose your own ugly truths and flaws. Donna's latest book of poetry, To The Women, is out on the 13th of February. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Naomi Watts Poppy Delbridge Kate Silverton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is happiness to you? And do you think you deserve to be happy? Our Happy Place Book Club pick for January was Frequently Happy, by author and poet David Larbi. In his book, he combines poetry and journal prompts to help you find the glimmers in your lovely, ordinary life. We'll have objectively terrible days, and days that are clearly the best ever, but most days fall somewhere in between... In this chat with Fearne, David explains that while not every day is good, there's something good in every day if you choose to look for it. They also chat about how to stop falling back into negative thought patterns, and why the journal prompts in Frequently Happy could be helpful if you're not sure where to start with acknowledging and getting clarity on how you feel. Plus, there's advice on how to move past your fear of criticism so you can share your creativity with the world, because ultimately you'll never be able to please everyone anyway! Listen to Book Club Meets: Dame Harriet Walter Listen to Book Club Meets: Liane Moriarty Listen to Book Club Meets: Miranda July Listen to Book Club Meets: Gillian Anderson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Actor Naomi Watts went through early menopause at 36. She was experiencing symptoms she couldn't explain, like itchy skin, night sweats, and anxiety, but struggled to find any real information or stories about this midlife transition. In this chat with Fearne, Naomi explains why she's become passionate about shining a spotlight on previously taboo topics like fertility, menopause, and sex. She talks about how it felt to be told she was peri-menopausal while she was in the middle of her fertility journey, and how she's changed her lifestyle to help manage her symptoms. Fearne and Naomi chat about the way women are told that simply being a woman means you have to suffer and your body will be a place of pain. How can we re-write the narrative to celebrate the beauty of our bodies and cycles? Plus, how to fight back against the ingrained idea that older women aren't of great use or value to society... Naomi's book, Dare I Say It, is published by Happy Place Books and it's out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Gillian Anderson Anastacia Caroline Hirons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you want to make 2025 the year you start therapy? Maybe you're still a bit hesitant because you're not completely sure how it works or what it might feel like...Fearne has pulled together a load of Happy Place chats that will help you get a clearer idea of the benefits of therapy, and in turn make you feel bold enough to send that first booking email. Plus, she talks through the ways therapy has really helped her be more at peace with the past, and stop being so horrible to herself too.You'll hear from Dr Julie and Owen O'Kane on what the point of therapy is (and isn't!). Leigh-Anne Pinnock has learnt the importance of finding the right therapist for you, and her Little Mix band mate Perrie Edwards explains why she now brings her therapist to work.Then, MMA fighter Molly McCann has used therapy to unlock more sporting and career success after a difficult childhood, and DJ Fat Tony shares how he's changed as a result of trauma therapy...Listen to Dr Julie's episodeListen to Owen O'Kane's episodeListen to Leigh-Anne Pinnock's episodeListen to Perrie Edwards' episodeListen to Molly McCann's episodeListen to DJ Fat Tony's episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lazy Girl's Guide to Podcasting: A Podcast about Podcasting and Podcasting Tips
Fearne Cotton has managed to attract a massive audience for her Happy Place Podcast, even with episode titles that primarily feature just the name of her guests. This raises the intriguing question of how she gets away with this, especially when indie podcasters are often advised to use SEO-rich titles to attract listeners.In this episode, I delve into the reasons behind Fearne's success, highlighting her established brand and the loyal following she's built over the years. Unlike indie podcasters, who may struggle to gain visibility, Fearne's fame and the broader Happy Place movement provide her listeners with a clear understanding of what to expect.I also share essential tips for indie podcasters on crafting compelling episode titles that can help them attract their ideal audience and stand out in the crowded podcasting landscape.Takeaways:Celebrity podcasts can thrive with simple episode titles due to their established brand. Indie podcasters, however, need to utilise SEO-rich titles to attract new listeners effectively. Fearne Cotton's podcast success illustrates the importance of building a loyal audience over time. Episode titles should highlight the benefits of the content to engage potential listeners. Creating specific and descriptive titles helps clarify what listeners can expect from each episode. Trial and error with title formats can improve visibility and listener engagement for indie podcasts.Episodes Mentioned:Ep 104: Why SEO is So Important in Podcasting - https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep104/Ep 107: 5 Ways to Boost Your Podcast's Google Ranking - https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep107/Links Mentioned:ListenNotes - https://www.listennotes.com/Happy Place Podcast - https://www.happyplaceofficial.co.uk/podcast/This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
When does a coping mechanism become a problem? Millie Mackintosh talks through the big moments she realised her drinking was affecting both her own health and the people she loves. In this chat Fearne and Millie cover panic attacks and intrusive thoughts, which can both get particularly bad when secrecy and shame are driving risky behaviours. Then, how do you start to forgive yourself for the things you're not proud of? And how can you talk to yourself kindly when you fall back into old patterns of behaviour? Plus, Millie explains how ADHD can interact with addiction, and what small lifestyle changes have made a huge difference to her physical and mental health. Do you want to drink less? Fearne and Millie chat about how they learnt to enjoy social events without alcohol.Millie's book, Bad Drunk, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Lucinda Miller Brene Brown Vicky Pattison CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains conversations about sexual assault Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How loud are the voices in your head that tell you you're definitely going to screw up that big opportunity? Sophie Ellis-Bextor is trying to make a point of talking to herself more kindly. In this chat, Fearne and Sophie talk about reminding yourself that your thoughts aren't facts; sometimes you have to override the voice that says you're not good enough and just get on with it to prove yourself wrong. Sophie explains why being dropped by her label at 20 encouraged her to take responsibility for her own career, and offers advice on how not to get distracted by what other people are doing with their lives. What should you tell yourself when you think you're going to give up on a passion? They also chat about not worrying where an opportunity will lead you, instead enjoying it as an adventure in its own right. Plus, why was Sophie petrified her BAFTA performance would be awful? Sophie has announced her biggest ever UK headline tour in May and June 2025!If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Natasha Bedingfield Perrie Edwards Paloma Faith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hello there! We're back after our end of 2024 hiatus, we hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year and that you're raring to go, with us, to dive into some great new Star Wars this year.In this week's episode, it's all about Skeleton Crew, highlighting its unique approach to storytelling and character development. We discuss how the show successfully avoids the typical reliance on established Star Wars characters, instead focusing on a fresh narrative centred around a group of kids on a mysterious planet.We reflect on the blend of familiar themes reminiscent of classic films like The Goonies and Stand By Me while praising the performances of the child actors, particularly Wim and Fearne, who experience significant character growth throughout the series.Also, we wax on the creative choices made in design and storytelling, emphasizing how the series manages to feel distinctly Star Wars without adhering to the usual tropes.With an overall rating of eight out of ten, we certainly thought it was a solid series. Enough to get a season 2 in the future? Who knows. For now, sit back, grab some blue milk and join us for our review of Skeleton Crew.About Spark of Rebellion:This is Spark of Rebellion, the weekly Star Wars podcast for casual fans and veterans alike.We are your hosts, Garry and Mark and every single Saturday we release a brand new episode bringing you the latest news, reviews & discussion on all things Star Wars. Tell all of your Star Wars loving friends that the show is available to listen to, completely free anywhere you can find podcasts.Get merch and other goodies!Want to support us? Throw some beer money our way with a Tip or if you want to grab yourself a laptop sticker, some sweet merchandise, guest opportunities and even a producer credit on the show, you can do that too with a Spark of Rebellion Membership. Hit the link below now and show your support for the Rebellion!Support Spark of Rebellion, A Star Wars PodcastJoin us on social to chat Star WarsWe chat about Star Wars every week between episodes on the socials so come and get involved either on our Instagram for behind-the-scenes tomfoolery or over on X/Twitter Twitter.Now, go explore and may the Force be with you... always!This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Ben West was 17 when his younger brother died by suicide. He's since gone on to become a mental health campaigner, and has found humour can help communicate deeply traumatic messages. In this chat with Fearne, Ben talks through what signs to look for if you're concerned about someone's mental health. Then, how do you break the awkward silence when you both know you need to talk about a big topic like poor mental health? You'll be able to approach the conversation in a compassionate, rather than confronting, way. Or, maybe you're the one keeping big thoughts and feelings inside but have become a master of masking your truth. Fearne shares her experience of feeling defensive and telling people she's ‘fine' when they asked concerned questions. Ben also takes a thorough look at the mental health system and explains the reality of what care looks like in the UK (and what he's doing to change it for the better!) Plus, how have people like Andrew Tate affected boys' mental health? And why is finding the right therapist is a bit like dating...? CONTENT WARNING: This episode is all about the reality of suicide. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Richard E. Grant Ashley CainRoman Kemp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Making better food choices isn't about changing who you are, but about making you the most energetic, vibrant version of you. Emily English, aka Em the Nutritionist, talks through how food directly impacts mood. In this chat Fearne and Em both share their experiences of having eating disorders. Was it more about weight and appearance or control and secrecy? They also offer advice for those trying to support a loved one who has a difficult relationship with food. So, how has Em gone from weighing out spinach leaves to piling plates with delicious nutritious foods? Her mindset is all about adding energising foods and movement into your life rather than restricting or taking away joy! Plus, Em explains that we're all allowed to – and should – eat differently to each other (and to that person you follow online!), and they talk through how to build sustainable habits you're actually going to be able to stick to. Emily's recipe book, So Good, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Ella Mills Lucinda Miller Radhi Devlukia-Shetty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you find yourself keeping quiet when you have plenty to say? Dame Harriet Walter – who has played 21 of Shakespeare's female characters – has written She Speaks, which goes between the lines and imagines what Shakespeare's women might really have wanted to say. She Speaks was our Happy Place Book Club read for December. In this chat with Fearne, Harriet explains why she felt it was so important to finally let these female characters speak their minds. Harriet also expands on the characters in order to comment on modern day issues like the way ageing women are treated. Fearne and Harriet chat about whether art mirrors the social hierarchy of its day, or perhaps offers an alternative worldview. Plus, Harriet reveals how female actors keep themselves in character when they're waiting (often a long time) to speak on stage... Thank you to Little Brown Audio for the use of She Speaks audiobook, narrated by Harriet Walter. Listen to Book Club Meets: Liane Moriarty Listen to Book Club Meets: Miranda July Listen to Book Club Meets: Gillian Anderson Listen to Book Club Meets: Patric Gagne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's been a big year on Happy Place! Who was Fearne “shitting her pants” to meet? Who does she want to go for a spicy marg with? And who is she surprised went viral? In this episode, Fearne reflects on the 2024 episodes that you really resonated with, and that have changed the way she lives her own life too. Plus, she's got a lot of behind the scenes gossip to share! You'll hear from Michelle Keegan about being a happy little hermit at home, Perrie Edwards about coping with panic attacks, and Patric Gagne about being a sociopath. Then, Kate Silverton chats about why kids aren't ‘naughty', Paloma Faith calls out the idea of women ‘having it all', and Zayn explains why he's not losing his Bradford accent any time soon... Listen to Michelle Keegan's episode Listen to Perrie Edwards' episode Listen to Patric Gagne's episode Listen to Kate Silverton's episode Listen to Paloma Faith's episode Listen to Zayn's episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sometimes you have to just power through the self-loathing. Doing stand up comedy has helped Joanne McNally build resilience, take responsibility, and not take things so personally. In this chat, Fearne and Joanne share experiences of being hyper-independent; but can trusting and relying on yourself go too far? They chat about learning to delegate and ask for help too. Joanne was adopted as a baby, and she opens up about the process of piecing her identity together when she met her birth parents. Are you able to find the funny in distressing periods of your life? Joanne points out that in taking the piss out of yourself you ultimately have to take accountability for your own part in a difficult situation. Plus, Fearne and Joanne make some big admissions about their own pelvic floor health... If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Spencer Matthews Dawn French Matt Lucas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you feel pressured to look a certain way as you age? CEO and beauty expert Caroline Hirons reckons it's no one else's business if you want to get tweakments or simply wash your face at night. In this chat, Fearne and Caroline pivot looking after your face from something you do to look good... to something you do to feel good. Concerned about the texture or structure of your skin? Caroline clarifies when you might want to get tweakments, and when you just need a solid skincare routine. Caroline also talks through the effect hormones, diet, alcohol, and stress are having on the way you look, and explains why you should avoid washing your face in a hot shower! Plus, do you secretly love being busy and rushed off your feet? Fearne and Caroline bond over being ambitious women, but get real about how impossible it is to get any kind of work / life balance if you run a business... If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Olivia Atwood Emma Dabiri Matt Haig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There should be no shame in being who you are. Musician and actor Olly Alexander has felt first hand how grappling with your identity can lead to poor mental health. In this chat with Fearne, Olly explains why he feels there's such a high level of mental distress in the queer community, and how acting in It's A Sin helped him unpack his own lived experience. Both Fearne and Olly share their experiences of poor body image, wondering if bulimia felt like a helpful tool to regain control in an intimidating world. How can you go from disliking your body to recognising the brilliant things it can do for you? Plus, how to let yourself off the hook when you've messed up at work or in a social situation, and what to do when you don't feel you've ‘achieved' enough to be of value... Olly's solo album, Polari, is out in February. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about suicide, self-harm, and bulimia, so take care while listening. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Perrie Edwards Rebel Wilson YungBlud Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is your fate already pre-determined? Or do you feel you have true free will to dictate your own destiny? ...and if you could, would you want to find out when you're going to die? These are the questions Liane Moriarty's Here One Moment grapples with. Here One Moment was our Happy Place Book Club read for November, and Liane joins Fearne to chat about why she wanted to explore chaos, chance, mortality, and psychic abilities in this novel. Fearne and Liane talk about the importance of having ‘main character energy' in your own life, while also acknowledging that others are living their own fully formed lives too. Plus, how good are you at expressing yourself creatively without worrying how your efforts will be received? They talk through how to find intrinsic motivation for creative pursuits rather than relying on external praise...Thank you to Penguin Audio for the use of Here One Moment audiobook, narrated by Caroline Lee.Listen to Book Club Meets: Miranda July Listen to Book Club Meets: Gillian Anderson Listen to Book Club Meets: Patric Gagne Listen to Book Club Meets: Holly Gramazio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How quickly does your social battery drain? Do you know what you need to do to recharge it? Broadcaster Scott Mills admits he's worked too hard and not relaxed enough in the past, but that's all changing now... This episode is brought to you by British Airways Holidays, so Scott tells Fearne what he now does to take his holidays more seriously, including locking his phone away because – spoiler – nothing bad happens when you properly switch off from the world! Scott has advice if you feel like it's too late to meet the love of your life... He reflects on his recent wedding, as well as revealing how the grand gesture of a helicopter ride in the early days of dating nearly ruined the whole relationship! How would you cope if you felt a relationship was moving a little too fast, or too slow, for you...? Plus, is it Fearne or Scott who reckons they were ‘The White Wine Queen' during their chaotic Radio 1 days? They both think about when habitual drinking becomes problematic. If you're ready to take your holidays more seriously, head to BA.com/holidays If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Rylan Jason Donovan Will Young Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How good are you at letting yourself feel your feelings? Actor Riley Keough thinks it's important to embrace the sad and angry moments as much as the joyful, hopeful ones. In this chat with Fearne, Riley explains how her own grief at losing her brother and mum has taught her that fighting or repressing emotions only makes you more anxious in the long term. Riley's mum was Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis Presley. Riley talks about Lisa's ability to live in a place of truth – she'd never do anything that didn't feel authentic to her. What can we all learn about how to lean into our own pleasure? It's liberating to not care if others like you! Fearne and Riley also discuss how impactful it can be when divorced parents are able to co-parent with grace. Plus, Riley reveals why she thinks her mum and Michael Jackson had such a deep connection. Lisa Marie Presley's memoir, which Riley finished, is called From Here To The Great Unknown, and it's out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Taylor Jenkins Reid Gabor Mate Ashely Cain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How good are you at saying no to people, plans, and dynamics that don't serve you...? Just in time for the festive season (A huge work load! Time with family! Social events!) Fearne is reflecting on Happy Place chats that'll help you stop people pleasing and start setting boundaries... In this episode: Melissa Urban is the queen of boundaries – what are they, and how do we set them? Life coach Michelle Elman talks about why we're often reluctant to set boundaries, and Kirsty Gallagher explains how to take ‘radical responsibility' for our own lives. Plus, there's LeAnn Rimes on navigating difficult family dynamics, Grace Beverley on setting boundaries for work life balance, and Michelle Keegan on saying no to social events because sometimes we just want to be happy little hermits at home! If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Melissa Urban Michelle Elman Kirsty Gallagher LeAnn Rimes Grace Beverley Michelle Keegan Tell self-limiting beliefs to bugger off Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Did you have dreams of being extraordinary when you were a kid? For many of us, adult life starts chipping away at those big hopes and goals, but actor and disability campaigner Adam Pearson has no interest in being ‘normal' or ‘mediocre'. In this chat with Fearne, Adam explains how never having the luxury of being invisible – he was born with neurofibromatosis – has given him confidence to really stand out. So how did he go from being bullied at school to boldly starring on the big screen? They talk about systemic ableism within the film and TV industries, and Adam explains why it shouldn't be the job of the disability community to fix a problem they didn't create... but often is. Plus, why is it that it's always the movie villains who are facially disfigured, never the heroes?Plus, the three types of people you need in your life: a truth teller, a confidant, and a ride or die... If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Jono Lancaster Samantha Renke Sophie Morgan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You've got to give new things a go and not give up when you're a bit crap at first. Team GB Olympic rower Helen Glover is clear that a huge part of her success is thanks to her mindset that it's better to try and fail than not try at all. In this chat with Fearne, Helen explains how to have the discipline to stick at stuff that feels important to you, even if it doesn't always feel easy. By her own admission, Helen “couldn't have been further from an Olympian” when she started training... At Tokyo 2020, Helen was the first mum to represent Great Britain in rowing at an Olympic Games. She's passionate about pushing back on the perception that age or parenthood should be a barrier in anything you're trying to achieve. She and Fearne unpick the narrative that says women probably won't be all that ambitious once they've had kids! Plus, what's the weirdest place you've found yourself breastfeeding in? Fearne and Helen share theirs... If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Molly McCann Leah Williamson Adele Roberts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How good are you at being honest with other people? Go on, be honest with yourself about that one! Coleen Rooney would always rather tell the truth before a situation escalates. In this chat with Fearne, Coleen explains how she's instilling that honesty is the best policy in her four sons, as well as why she's so grateful to have a village around her to help raise her boys. With four children, Coleen is in a lot of school gate WhatsApp groups, so she and Fearne spill what really goes down in those wild group chats... They also chat about how she and husband Wayne prioritise time as a couple, especially after so many years together, and what it was really like being thrust into the public eye as a teenager just because her boyfriend was a footballer. Plus, Coleen has dealt with some incredibly stressful situations in her life, so what does she do to make sure it doesn't overwhelm her? Coleen is an ambassador for the protein, vitamins and collagen brand Applied Nutrition. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Lemn Sissay Ashley John Baptiste Gary and Emma Neville Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you cringe at other people's joy? Author and illustrator Florence Given reckons cringing at others is telling you something about how you feel about yourself... In this chat Fearne and Florence get into how to really start living unapologetically as your full delicious self. Cringing at others might be showing you're a bit pissed off that someone else is able to do something you want permission to. Florence explains how anxiety from being bullied at school kick-started her questioning everything the world was telling her. Why do I have to be ‘pretty'? Why am I ‘too much'? Why do I care about being liked? You can't let other people shrink your self-expression; Florence talks Fearne through how to not take comments and opinions personally. Plus, why resting feels like such a radical thing to do... Florence's book, Women Living Deliciously, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Paloma Faith Beverley Knight Caitlin Moran Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Would you rip up your current life and reinvent yourself if you had the chance? Do you have desires you'd want to explore? Maybe there are hidden parts of yourself you've never had the chance to get to know? Which societal rules would you want to ignore? Author Miranda July asks all these questions in October's Happy Place Book Club novel: All Fours. She picks apart how we can fall into the monotony of every day routine instead of acknowledging the wild emotions and longings inside us. In this chat, Fearne and Miranda talk about fluctuating hormones, pressures of motherhood, sexual fantasies (some of which may or may not involve tampons), and menopause as an incredibly exciting and sacred transitional period. Fearne asks Miranda to help her be even more painfully unfiltered in her own writing, while Miranda exclusively reveals how she originally intended the novel to end. Plus, what about this book made Fearne say it was the ‘one of the hottest, sexiest things' she'd ever read...?Thank you to Canongate Books for the use of All Fours audiobook, read by Miranda July. Listen to Book Club Meets: Gillian Anderson Listen to Book Club Meets: Patric Gagne Listen to Book Club Meets: Holly Gramazio Listen to Book Club Meets: Sofie Hagen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A panic attack can feel like you're dying from a heart attack; this is something former Little Mix member Perrie Edwards has experienced numerous times over the last few years. In this chat, Perrie talks about how her anxiety feels like her adult is ‘going offline', leaving the child in her crying for help, and Fearne shares how she's managed to stop having panic attacks (for now, at least). You might be good at advocating for the people you love, but how good are you at advocating for yourself and your own needs? Possibly a bit rubbish? Perrie explains how she's got better at speaking her mind, as well as getting emotional about how important friendships are to her. Plus, why do Fearne and Perrie both reckon the term ‘hands-on dad' can fuck right off...? Perrie's new single, You Go Your Way, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Jesy Nelson Leigh-Anne Pinnock Poppy Delbridge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's ADHD Awareness Month, so Fearne's reflecting on some of the conversations she's had about neurodiversity on the show that'll hopefully help you understand either yourself, or someone you love, even better... First, what are the signs and symptoms of ADHD? Do you recognise more of the hyperactive & impulsive symptoms like rashly spending money and substance addiction, or the inattentive ones like problems with working memory and organisation? Then there's chat about how having undiagnosed ADHD can lead to mental health problems, why there's so much shame in the neurodivergent community, and how to advocate for your needs in the workplace. Can ADHD be managed with lifestyle factors like nutrition and movement, or might you or a loved one benefit from medication? Plus, why it's so important to differentiate between neurodivergence and the emotional dysregulation everyone can experience. Watch Dr Shy Mashru on What Is How To Listen to Gemma Style's episode Listen to Alex Partridge's episode Listen to Jordan Stephen's episode Listen to Lucinda Miller's episode Listen to Kate Silverton's episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You can choose to be bitter, or you can choose to be at peace. This is something Tulisa has learnt after numerous testing life experiences: that we each have the power to choose contentment over anger.In this chat with Fearne, Tulisa talks about the real sink or swim moments that could have seen her drown, but helped build resilience instead, including multiple high profile court cases.She explains how she's got to a point where she genuinely doesn't mind if she's liked or not – something Fearne wants to learn how to get better at – as well as how being a young carer for her mum still affects her today.Plus, Tulisa explains the strange reason Britney Spears has a British accent in the song Scream & Shout...If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Matt Haig YungBlud Zayn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Botox, fillers, and surgeries – you're judged if you do and you're judged if you don't. Love Islander & documentary maker Olivia Attwood is clear that the critical narrative about women's looks is just a tactic used to control us regardless of what we choose to do to our bodies. In this chat, live from the Happy Place Festival, Fearne and Olivia ask if our mental health is suffering in our pursuit of physical perfection. Plus, they're both candid about what work they have and haven't had done. Olivia also opens up about how fearful and shy she used to be. Maybe you often feel blocked by a lack of self-confidence; Olivia explains how making a point of putting herself in situations that scared her helped build her self-worth. Olivia Attwood's ITV2 show ‘Bad Boyfriends' is out now on ITV and ITVX, and episodes of her podcast So Wrong It's Right drop every Thursday. Stick two fingers up to beauty standards – listen to our body image episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you get stage fright? You might not be an actor but perhaps you feel the fear when it comes to work presentations or small talk at parties... well, even critically acclaimed actor David Tennant has anxieties around performing under pressure. He reckons little bit of fear can be good to keep you from getting complacent though... In this chat, Fearne and David talk through how to work through those moments when you feel your brain is going to give up on you. The naivety of youth can give you a sense of self-confidence, but with age comes the security of having more concrete experiences of things going well to drawn on. This is a really useful coping mechanism to have in your back pocket for when anxiety starts to creep in. Plus, LGBTQ+ ally David gives his take on whether celebrities like him should use their voice for social activism, and verifies some of the stories Fearne read online about him... The Rivals is on Disney+ from October 18th. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Jason DonovanBillie PiperDawn French Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You're more capable than you think you are. Footballer Leah Williamson has learnt that setbacks are often an opportunity to prove and strengthen your resilience. In this chat with Fearne, Leah explains how getting through a major injury has made her love the person she is now more than the one she was before because of the way she looks after herself. Leah talks about the importance of listening to your own body, and trusting what it's trying to tell you rather than ignoring or overriding it. There's also food for thought on why we shouldn't feel guilty for taking proper time out from our relentless lives.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Sarina Wiegman Molly McCann Iwan Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bells Hells learn just how resilient the Fey can be when it comes to matters of the mind and seek answers from Fearne's estranged, strange father... BEACON We're excited to bring you even MORE with a Beacon membership! Start your 7-day free trial today at https://beacon.tv/join and get unparalleled access to the shows you love completely ad-free! You'll receive NEW Beacon exclusive series, instant access to VODs & podcasts, live event pre-sales, merch discounts, & a private Discord. YOUTUBE MEMBERS / TWITCH SUBSCRIBERSTwitch Subscribers and YouTube Members gain instant access to VODs of our shows, moderated live chats, and custom emojis & badges: https://www.youtube.com/criticalrole/join https://www.twitch.tv/criticalrole "It's Thursday Night (Critical Role Theme Song)" by Peter Habib and Sam RiegelOriginal Music by Omar Fadel, Hexany Audio, Ghiya Rushidat, Karam Salem, Neal Acree, and Colm R. McGuinness"Welcome to Marquet" Art Theme by Colm McGuinnessAdditional Music by Universal Production Music, Epidemic Sounds, and 5 AlarmCharacter Art by Hannah FriederichsAnimated Introduction by Kamille Areopagita, Kevin Areopagita, Mark Adams and Peggy Shi Due to the improv nature of Critical Role and other RPG content on our channels, some themes and situations that occur in-game may be difficult for some to handle. If certain episodes or scenes become uncomfortable, we strongly suggest taking a break or skipping that particular episode.Your health and well-being is important to us and Psycom has a great list of international mental health resources, in case it's useful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources
Do you A) assume everyone probably hates you? B) react impulsively to criticism? C) feel intense shame about the way your brain works? These are all things UNILAD founder Alex Partridge has felt across his life, but at 34 he was diagnosed with ADHD and his character started to make a little more sense...In this chat with Fearne, live from the Happy Place Festival, Alex explains how his diagnosis allowed him to reframe the characteristics he had previously been troubled by, turning shame into compassion.If you personally don't have a neurodivergent brain, you probably work with someone, have a family member, or are in a relationship with someone who does, so Alex talks through ways you can help create an environment for them to thrive in.Plus, there are loads of really practical coping mechanisms you can enact yourself if you're the anxious one, or the one with ADHD. Listen to Alex's podcast, ADHD Chatter. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Gemma Styles Lucinda Miller Jordan Stephens Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you a Gary or an Emma? He thrives with a super social, demanding itinerary, and she's all about lovely calm solitude. Gary Neville has had an ambitious drive instilled in him by his parents and his football career; his wife Emma is more reserved and serene, but they reckon opposites definitely attract. Fearne had two goals for this chat, live at the Happy Place Festival: to get Gary into wellness, and to marry the subjects of football and menopause... Emma experienced early menopause, and Gary admits to some of the errors he's made in talking to her about her symptoms, but they also talk through the ways he's helped her build her confidence along the way (spoiler: there were spreadsheets involved). Do you ever wonder if you're selfish for putting yourself first? Emma explains how she found the self-belief to start a new career later in life after slightly losing her identity to motherhood. Meanwhile, Gary explains why his football career has made him into a solution-finder who wants to control problems in a practical way rather than dwelling on the emotional. What has he learnt about validating how his partner feels? Plus, has your relationship with alcohol changed as you age? Gary definitely can't drink the way he used to... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Your brain isn't broken; this is the reassurance influencer Gemma Styles wants you to have. Your brain is doing its best to cope with modern society – we need to be fixing our systems not blaming our brains for poor mental health. In this chat with Fearne, Gemma – who's an ambassador for MQ Mental Health Research – explains why understanding the science behind how her ADHD brain works helps her be kinder to herself. Do you compare and despair whenever you scroll through social media? Gemma has over 10 million followers on Instagram and offers advice for checking in with yourself on how being online is really making you feel. Plus, are you the type of person who leaves every social interaction convinced you've pissed someone off? Fearne and Gemma have some useful thoughts to make you feel less alone on that one... Gemma's book, Why Am I Like This, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is your deepest sexual desire? Where do you think it comes from? Gillian Anderson has collected a series of anonymous fantasies in her new book, Want, and she wonders that at the heart of so many fantasies is the longing to be seen for who we really are. In this chat Fearne and Gillian explore why a lack of self-esteem might be affecting women's experience of sex, and what a deeply personal fantasy might say about gender relations in wider society. Gillian offers advice about how to ‘act as if...', that is, fake it ‘til you make it if you're lacking confidence in the bedroom. She talks about how stepping into sexy, strong characters on screen has allowed her to embrace that power in her real life. Plus, learn how to think of fantasy as a creative and empowering act, one that allows you to literally write your own life story. Gillian's book, Want, is our Happy Place Book Club pick for September, and it's out now.Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing for the use of Want audiobook, read by Gillian Anderson and Anonymous. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Would you be a different version of you if you'd surrounded yourself with different people? This is something the plot of The Husbands, the Happy Place Book Club pick for August, explores. In this chat with Fearne, live at the Happy Place Festival, author Holly Gramazio explains why she wanted to examine the idea that different relationships could significantly impact your lifestyle and personality. She reckons there's more than one way for you to be happy and for you to be yourself; there's not necessarily a clear, correct choice about who you should date, what job you should have, or where you should live. Fearne and Holly also give advice about how to start writing a novel if you feel you have one in you, including finding a friend who's rubbish at lying to read your drafts...Thank you to Penguin Audio for the use of The Husbands audiobook, read by Miranda Raison. Listen to Book Club Meets: Sofie Hagen Listen to Book Club Meets: Fearne Cotton Listen to Book Club Meets: Jo Cheetham Listen to Book Club Meets: Jennie Godfrey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.