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© Fearne Cotton 2020
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Fearne Cotton talks to incredible people about life, love, loss, and everything in-between as she reveals what happiness means to them.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sometimes the braver thing isn’t trying to keep going. Writer Emma Gannon hit real burnout, admitted she was overwhelmed, and embarked upon a year of doing... nothing.A Year of Nothing was our Happy Place Book Club pick for February. In it, Emma charts stepping away from the noise and rediscovering joy in life’s simplest pleasures, from dog borrowing and dopamine dressing to relearning how to swim and embracing a child-free life.In this chat with Fearne, she explains how to stop being so mean to yourself, and how to rebuild your identity when you feel you’ve lost it. Often, she says, it’s not about ‘finding yourself’... it’s about unlearning all the stuff everyone else has heaped on top of you!Emma wants to be strong and do big things with her life, but appreciates she had to stop in order to grow.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Emma’s first Happy Place chatBook Club Meets: Maggie O’FarrellBook Club Meets: Nussaibah Younis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1It’s time to stop being filled with jealousy and judgement of others! Boy George admits he used to love hating people, but now actively chooses compassion and kindness.In this chat with Fearne, Boy George explains how this philosophy has helped him celebrate his own and other peoples’ successes more fully. He also talks about why he loves fame now, but would have done his early fame differently, and about the solace he gets from talking to his late mum.Plus, he’s writing songs about everything from global war to scrubbing his floors with ChatGPT, so does Boy George see a future where art and AI co-exist?If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Samantha RenkeZandra RhodesLulu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There’s probably a bit too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness isn’t there? It’s just not realistic. So Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some honest chat about what’s making her feel great, and what’s making her feel completely rubbish.This is a cosy little corner for all of us to explore what’s been on our minds, what’s been getting us down, inspiring us, and making us laugh. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!In this chat, Fearne covers:-The delights (or not) of the sauna / ice plunge combo-Rewatching old episodes of 90s TV shows-Why she’ll not be going skiing any time soon -(And what happened last time she went skiing with James Blunt)-Being in your era of not caring what people think of you-What happens when you’re solo parenting at Centre Parcs- How to look for the silver linings but also admit when life’s crapWatch Fearne’s TV show with James Blunt here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What more do you want from life? What more do you want for yourself? Award-winning journalist and author Poorna Bell reckons it’s time to start really asking ourselves these questions.In this chat with Fearne, Poorna explains why it’s important to aim for goals you set for yourself, not the ones set by society. They talk about why challenging the narrative that women become invisible as they age is so important, and why we should be turning to elders for life wisdom.Poorna also reflects on what she wishes she’d known about marriage before her wedding, and how we can all strengthen our relationships with our parents and children.Poorna’s book, She Wanted More, is out now.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Poorna’s first Happy Place episodeAshley JamesPaloma Faith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How are we feeling gang? What are you happy about, and what’s making you not so happy? Fearne’s back with more chatter about what’s putting her and the Happy Place team in a good mood this week, and what can absolutely get in the bin.This is a lovely little space for all of us to explore what’s been on our minds. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!In this chat, Fearne covers:-Feeling stupid when you’re with really clever people-Why we should properly get into tree hugging-Painting by numbers to get away from screens-Not RSVPing being rude... but also don’t say yes if you’re not going to go-Bringing back letter writing-One of Team Happy Place reckoning Harry Hill is fit* *watch the Stewart Lee episode of Harry Hill’s podcast on Spotify to see the moment in question Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why do we change our hair when we want to start over? Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton knows that when someone sits in his chair, he has their future confidence in his hands.In this chat with Fearne, Chris explains that everyone from the Kardashians to cancer patients have opened up to him about their insecurities, and he’s seen the profound impact that looking more like yourself on the outside can have on how you feel about yourself on the inside.He’s also fascinated by the self-limiting beliefs people have about who they are. Think you’re not classy enough for a sleek bob? Not cool enough to dye your hair? Chris says think again!Chris has dealt with a lot of his own shame and fears too. He was bullied at school, struggled to acknowledge his sexuality, and had huge imposter syndrome when he first arrived in Hollywood, so has lots of thoughts on finding your true self again.Plus, Chris gives Fearne a little consultation, and he reckons she can go much bolder with her hair...Chris’ book, Your Roots Don’t Define You, is out now.CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank conversation about suicidal ideation, so take care while listening.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Afua Hirsch Caroline Hirons Olivia Atwood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fed up of constantly striving for ultimate happiness? Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some far more realistic chat about what’s making her feel great, and what’s making her feel rubbish.This is a safe space for all of us to get stuff off our chests. No judgement here! Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!So, what’s putting us in our happy place this week... and what things really are not?In this chat, Fearne covers:-Why changing your mind and opinions is a good thing-How to make cervical screenings less scary-Why trying new things is important even if you can’t really be arsed-Boxing being a fun outlet for a bit of anger-Being ok with saying “I don’t know”-Moving through extreme panic and anxiety-Coming to terms with it not being warm in the UK for A WHILE yet...plus Fearne gets an unexpected call from her son Rex!Not seen the cervical screening Instagram post? Here it is! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You’re a bimbo. A nag. Too mumsy. Too bossy. Ever had any of those labels put on you? Far from harmless words, Ashley James is clear they all work to shrink women and girls.In this chat with Fearne, Ashley recalls her first experiences of street harassment, and the way she victim blamed herself.They also explore the shame that keeps women silent about their altered bodies after giving birth; Ashley talks about her own post-partum body, including the reality of piles, prolapse, and vaginismus.Wondering if marriage is right for you? Ashley runs through her pros and cons. Plus, are we still allowed to watch and enjoy wildly problematic films like Grease...?Ashley’s book, Bimbo, is out on February 12th.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Gabor Maté Louise Thompson Jane Goodall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You might have recently seen Hamnet at the cinema, but did you read the book along with the Happy Place Book Club in January?In this chat, Fearne and author Maggie O’Farrell talk about how Jessie Buckley’s award-winning performance brought Agnes to life in the film, why it’s vital to remember women’s place in history, and why Maggie chose not to name Shakespeare in the book.Maggie uses her intuition when she’s writing, and talks about why she doesn’t really plan what voice or tense to style she’s going to write in.Plus, Maggie reveals some of the Elizabethan pursuits she took up during her research phase, including flying Kestrels and making herbal cold remedies... And Fearne reads out what she reckons is "the sexiest paragraph ever written"!Thank you to Tinder Press for use of the Hamnet audiobook, narrated by Jessie Buckley.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Book Club Meets: Nussaibah YounisBook Club Meets: Elizabeth DayBook Club Meets: Elizabeth Gilbert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you find it hard to look in the mirror? Have you found yourself controlling what you eat or exercise you do? Actor Sam Claflin has struggled with his body image since he was a child.In this chat with Fearne, Sam explains what having body dysmorphia means to him, and reflects on how it continues to affect everything from the food he eats to his willingness to watch his own films back.Fearne and Sam are both chronic people pleasers, and share how they’re working to stop putting everyone else’s comfort before their own. Sam also thinks about how he was brought up to think about what masculinity is, and what he’s doing to make sure his own son grows up with gentler male role models.You can watch Sam in Vanished on Amazon Prime from February 27th.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Riley Keogh Jame Laing Katherine May Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There’s a bit too much pressure on reaching an unwavering state of happiness isn’t there? It’s just not realistic. So Fearne’s going to be dropping into your feed every week for some candid nattering about what’s making her feel great, and what’s making her feel crap. This is a cosy little corner for all of us to explore what’s been on our minds, what’s been getting us down, inspiring us, and making us laugh. Wanna join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!Today: what joyful little moments are getting Fearne and Team Happy Place through the grey winter, and what are we all leaving firmly in 2025?In this chat, Fearne covers:-The joy (or, maybe not) of finding your inner child through skipping-Transitioning from being a gym-bunny to an intuitive exerciser-Being constantly infantilised by others-Reaching your gardening and electric blanket era-How to deal with mansplaining-A reminder for you to stop people pleasing, please-Why treating yourself to a little gift is a very good idea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Everyone deserves a safe and dignified birth, but when Louise Thompson gave birth to son Leo, she was left with post-traumatic stress disorder.In this chat with Fearne, Louise talks through how her PTSD manifests, the way she disassociates, and the therapies she’s tried to work through it, including CBT and EMDR.She explains why her own experience has led her to petition the government. She wants to appoint a Maternity Commissioner to improve maternity care for mums and babies in the UK.Four years post-birth, Louise is reflecting on the ways she’s grown from her trauma, and is exploring how she can allow herself to slow down while maintaining her ambitious nature.Louise and Fearne also both share how they use busyness as a distraction from their uncomfortable thoughts, and wonder what being ‘likeable’ even means...Sign Louise’s Maternity Commissioner petition here If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Davina McCall Liberty Mills Ellie Simmonds Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Struggling to know if you’ve achieved enough? If you’re happy enough? Worry everything you’ve built could fall apart? Even national treasures Ant and Dec don’t feel like they’ve ‘made it’.In this chat with Fearne – their first ever podcast appearance – Ant and Dec explain that nearly four decades into their careers they’re still laughing together just as much as they did at the beginning, but now they’ve got far more gratitude for each day they get to be on TV.Both Ant and Dec have children, and explore how fatherhood has changed them... and challenged them at times too. They also share why it’s so vital to have an open mind and let your worldview expand as you’re introduced to new ideas and opinions.Plus, can Fearne convince Ant and Dec to swear on air, and how do they really feel about the PJ and Duncan days...?You can listen to Hanging Out With Ant and Dec from January 22nd.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Greg JamesPaddy McGuinness Prue Leith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What would you do if you weren’t afraid? That’s the question spiritual teacher and intuitive guide Sonia Choquette wants you to think about.In this chat with Fearne, Sonia explains how to have more agency over your own mindset. It’s time to stop thinking the worst, and start expecting the best!Sonia talks through how neuroscience is showing that our guts, skins, and organs are all conscious entities. Once we understand this, we understand why it’s so vital not to surpress our body’s intuition.Do you have repeated physical ailments? Sonia wonders that tending to your emotional troubles could dramatically impact your physical health. Plus, laughter can put you firmly back in your physical body, so is the secret to stopping overthinking to start taking the mick out of your anxious thoughts...?Sonia’s book, Soul Mastery, is out now.Follow Sonia on Instagram.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Sonia’s first Happy Place episodeEstelle BinghamNatalie Lue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you constantly replay conversations, wondering if you said the wrong thing? You’re in good company; actor Erin Doherty’s biggest demon is overthinking.In this chat, Fearne and Erin explore how fearful cancel culture has made us all, as well as how to have the courage to speak your mind, even if it means being disliked.Erin has an unapologetic attitude towards ambition, and explains why she wants to see more queer characters on screen. Plus, how do you feel about long-distance relationships? Erin and her girlfriend tried it for a while...Fearne and Erin also bond over their love of the Kardashians.You can watch Erin in A Thousand Blows on Disney+ from January 9th.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Ashley Walters Naomi Watts Kate Winslet Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fundamentally tells the story of Nadia, an academic who's been disowned by her puritanical mother and dumped by her lover, so she decides to get away by accepting a UN job in Iraq.Meanwhile, Sara is a precocious and sweary East Londoner who joined ISIS at just fifteen, and Nadia is astounded at how similar they both are: they’re feisty and opinionated, they’re from a Muslim background, and they both love a Dairy Milk and rude pick-up lines...In this Book Club chat with Fearne, author Nussaibah Younis explains how she managed to write an incredibly funny book based on her own experience of creating a de-radicalisation programme... Satire and comedy, she says, is vital in examining tough topics.They also natter about how you’d react if you had to hang out with your teenage self, and why doing the job you love can sometimes mean giving up a little bit of yourself.Thank you to Weidenfeld & Nicolson for the use of the Fundamentally audiobook, narrated by Sarah Slimani.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Book Club Meets: Elizabeth Day Book Club Meets: Elizabeth Gilbert Book Club Meets: Aisha Muharrar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Which episodes of Happy Place have stayed with you this year?Reflecting on some of the chats she’s had this year, Fearne explores her own OCD diagnosis, how she copes when she’s gripped by shame, and why her attitude towards periods has shifted.She also talks about just how powerful her friendship with Davina McCall is, and why her recent episode with Malala has prompted conversations about women’s rights with her own kids.Listen to the full episodes here:Afua HirschWill PoulterCharlie MackesyAshley WaltersDavina McCallMalala Yousafzai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You’ve heard Fearne talking about them loads over the years... now it’s time to meet her best school mates! This episode is basically your girls’ Whatsapp chat come to life; Becky, Rebecca, Lucy, Ally, and Fran are here to talk through navigating Christmas when you’re co-parenting, sober, grieving, single, or just desperately trying to find a new place to put the bloody Elf on the Shelf.Everyone’s wearing their sequinned outfits, and like any good girls get together, there are cheeky games that elicit stories about teenage club nights, muting the school mums chat, and sliding into Craig David’s DMs… Oh, and you lot have been sending in your festive dilemmas too! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Footballer Chloe Kelly has played a huge part in the Lioness’ immense success over the last few years, but severe anxiety has meant she’s often had to put on a brave face in public.In this chat with Fearne, Chloe opens up for the first time about how emotional stress led to hair loss, and why being sick often felt like the only way to release the anxiety. She talks through the work she’s done with a psychiatrist to break this habit, and the actions her family and friends took that helped bring her out of this dark place.Fearne and Chloe also explore how taking yourself out of an environment that isn’t good for you – whether that’s a workplace, relationship, or particular location – can change your mental health.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Leah Williamson Mary Earps Sarina Wiegman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Grief can make you feel unnervingly vulnerable; this is how Kate Winslet reflects on losing her mum in 2017. In this chat, Fearne and Kate share their own experiences of both grieving and co-parenting at Christmas.Regularly labelled as “fat” by the media, Kate explains what effect that scrutiny had on her self-esteem, and why it’s made her even more passionate about setting an example to younger women by ageing naturally.Kate also offers advice on how to live by your own gut instinct, rather than other people’s opinions, and how to approach difficult conversations with loved ones.Having recently made her directorial debut, Kate talks through what really goes on behind the scenes on a set, the safe environment she hopes to create for her actors, and the double standards applied to men and women in the film industry.Goodbye June is in cinemas from December 12th, and on Netflix on December 24th.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Joanna Page Trinny Woodall Dr Jenna Macciochi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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love this episode, I wish I had friends like this, the memories of drinking in our 20s and 30s, and the rest. xx
Jeez this has been speeded up surely? So fast not a relaxing listen at all!
Hi Fearn , just listened to the podcast with Owen O’Kane. Wow the tears flowed. Thankyou so much xx
I love this chat with Tulisa. I always liked her. Im glad she's in a better place ❤️
What a fantastic podcast! Fearne Cotton's Happy Place dives deep into the nuances of life, love, and happiness with inspiring guests. It's a great reminder of how personal stories can connect us all. Speaking of connections, developments like Faisal Town Phase 2 are creating vibrant communities that foster happiness and well-being, making them ideal places for those seeking a fulfilling lifestyle. Keep up the great work, Fearne!
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"Make choices for your own happiness because life is short" ❤️ Best advice Jess Glynn. Really enjoyed this episode, thank you.
This is wonderful. Thank you Leigh - Anne and Fern, so inspiring ❣🙏
this was so powerful!! loved it.
Lovely Billy Potter getting up and making a drink as if he is chatting to a friend ♡
sadly, it is now nearing 7 minutes before the actual podcast begins. This is a shame. I used to like this podcast.
sorry rs sss#'#'#@####Brexitcast ,,.98,;3'the way mx,
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the man is a genius - fab episode ❤️🥰😍
oh wow! so interesting and inspiring
amazing episode!
Really enjoyed this episode ! Loved every part of it
Great combo of ppl.
I really enjoyed this episode. Sam comes across as a truly nice guy who deserves all of his success through his own hard work. I had the pleasure of seeing him live at a very small gig in Manchester in Gorrilla just before he announced he was doing Eurovision. he was amazing and his voice is beautiful.