Episoder
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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.
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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.
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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
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What you eat is having a direct effect on your mood and behaviour. Naturopath and functional medicine practitioner Lucinda Miller wants to help your brain thrive.
In this chat with Fearne, Lucinda talks about her own ADHD diagnosis and how changing her eating habits has changed her ability to cope with day-to-day life.
Learn what it means to have a neurodivergent brain, and how symptoms can be managed with diet and nutrition. A neurodivergent brain may use five times the brain area of a neurotypical brain to do just one simple task, so proper fuelling with nutritious food is essential.
Lucinda talks through the nutrients that best support emotional regulation, memory and mood, regardless of whether you’re neurodivergent or not. Plus, how the antibiotics you took years ago might still be affecting your gut health, and in turn, how your brain functions.
Lucinda’s book, Brain Brilliance, is out now.
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Can you confidently say: “I like myself”? What would it take for you to get to that place?
The Happy Place Festival Talk Stage hosted loads of speakers across the weekend at Chiswick House and Gardens, and Fearne wants to bring you in on the Festival magic!
You’ll hear parts of the talks given by Gabby Bernstein, Roxie Nafousi, Lisa Snowdon, Paul C Brunson, Will Young, and Dawn O’Porter, and learn a little bit from each of them about how to unapologetically be yourself.
During this episode, you’ll explore what limiting beliefs are holding you back, how to get clarity around who you want to be, and how to identify what values are important to you (not the ones you’re being told to value!)
Then, how to align your behaviour with your values to make tangible change for your future self, and – of course – how to put boundaries in place with other people so your values aren’t compromised...
Listen to Gabby Bernstein’s full episode
Listen to Paul C Brunson’s full episode
Listen to Will Young’s full episode
Listen to Dawn O’Porter’s full episode
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The bad times are intimately connected to the good. Author Matt Haig thinks happiness is only happiness because sadness exists.
In this chat, Fearne and Matt talk about how hindsight can be an incredibly healing perspective shifter. He’s found closure, progress, and contentment by revisiting memories that were previously traumatising.
How good are you at facing up to your traumas rather than running away? Matt explains how he stopped finding excuses and blaming external factors – people or places – when really there was internal work to do. Plus, by trying to avoid triggers, are we just making ourselves more anxious?
Fearne and Matt also chat about our ever-shifting notions of success, and why it’s useful to feel like a failure sometimes.
Matt’s novel, The Life Impossible, is out on August 29th.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about suicidal ideation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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We don’t get lucky, we create our own luck. Jason Donovan has achieved great success, but has worked incredibly hard to actively create his happy lifestyle.
In this chat with Fearne – live from the Happy Place Festival – Jason explains how we can choose to view moments of adversity as moments for change and reinvention.
Are you completely single-minded in your pursuit of your dreams, or do you like to have a realistic plan B? Fearne and Jason wonder where the best balance lies.
Plus, Fearne reveals the extent of her teenage obsession with Jason, and Jason reveals the secret to a long marriage...
Jason is in ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ on the West End in September 2024, and will be touring his solo music with ‘Doin’ Fine 25’ from February 2025.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Do you think it’s uncool to be excited? Artist Yungblud wants us to marvel at the world; it’s life-affirming to be properly enthusiastic about stuff.
In this chat, Fearne and Yungblud talk about why we need to be done with being cool and distant. Instead, they share how to make sure you’re not dulling yourself down or putting filters on your real character.
Yungblud wears his heart – and his pain – on his sleeve, and explains why sharing dark thoughts can be a beautiful thing. Social media, he says, has helped us be more fearless because there will always be a tribe somewhere who will accept us.
Plus, how did Yungblud change the way he plays gigs when he realised loads of his fans are socially anxious?
You Need To Exist is published by Happy Place Books, and it’s out on August 15th.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Do you get frustrated by everyone asking you “what’s next?” Presenter Alex Jones reckons there’s too much pressure to bypass being content in the moment, particularly when it comes to our careers.
In this chat, live from the Happy Place Festival, Fearne and Alex say there’s no shame – in fact there’s real beauty – in sitting still and enjoying the moment.
There’s also a nice bit of gossip about Dolly Parton, Jared Leto, Art Garfunkel, and Richard & Judy...
Massive thanks to British Airways Holidays for sponsoring the Happy Place Festival Talk Stage.
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Are you having the sex you want? Comedian and author Sofie Hagen reckons there are loads of things standing in the way of pleasure – everything from gender identity and body image, to parenting and the cost of living crisis.
In this Book Club episode – recorded live at the Happy Place Festival – Sofie tells Fearne why they haven’t had sex for 3000 days and counting... and why they’ve written about it in ‘Will I Ever Have Sex Again?’
What does sex mean to you? Sofie wonders if it’s about ‘enjoying bodies’, but how can you relax into desire if you have self-loathing around your body, or don’t trust that others will enjoy your body?
Plus, do you think labels around gender and sexuality are restrictive or liberating? Fearne and Sofie chat about their thoughts, and Sofie also explains why your PTSD, anxiety, or OCD is trying to protect you.
Will I Ever Have Sex Again is the Happy Place Book Club read for July, and is out now.
Thank you to Bonnier for the use of the Will I Ever Sex Again audiobook, read by 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.
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Do you have the confidence to speak up and say “no”? Rachel Stevens has learnt it’s ok to stand up for yourself and have a voice.
In this chat with Fearne – live from the Happy Place Festival – Rachel talks about how emotions are messy, and they’re better spoken out loud imperfectly than not at all.
They also chat about the early years of S Club 7; the band gave Rachel safety and structure when she needed to escape from a difficult family life. But over time it wore down her autonomy and independence; she explains how she found her voice so that you can too.
Plus, are you a worrier? Fearne and Rachel both share what they’re anxious about every single day.
Rachel’s book, Finding My Voice, is out now.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Petrified that your parenting is screwing your kid up? Crying out for support from people around you? Fearne’s pulled together some stories and advice from Happy Place guests who’ll make you feel more empowered and less alone in raising children.
Not a parent? Not to worry! You’ll learn just as much about how to regulate your own emotions, how your childhood is affecting your behaviour today, and why feminism might have sold women an unrealistic dream...
You’ll hear from Paloma Faith on the pressure for women to ‘have it all’, Kate Ferdinand on caring for her blended family, and Gabor Maté on why we all need wider community support.
Kate Silverton asks: “are kids being ‘naughty’ or are they just really struggling to regulate their nervous system?” Alain De Botton explains how your childhood is still be affecting your actions, and Zayn reflects on how fatherhood has changed him for the better.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains some chat about suicide, so take care while listening
Listen to Paloma Faith’s episode
Listen to Kate Ferdinand’s episode
Listen to Gabor Maté’s episode
Listen to Kate Silverton’s episode
Listen to Alain de Botton episode
Listen to Zayn’s episode
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Would you describe yourself as a workaholic? Fashion designer Zandra Rhodes has an insatiable sense of drive that’s fuelled her iconic career since the 1960s.
In this chat with Fearne, Zandra is honest about how she threw herself into work as a way to cope with things like the death of the love of her life, and her own cancer diagnosis.
Zandra is very clear that we need our own sense of creativity, colour, and vibrancy in life. She explains why it’s so vital to have self-belief, and how to make sure you’re not compromising your own values and style for other people.
There’s also the story of when Zandra was carted away in a police car for growing marijuana...
Zandra’s book, Iconic: My Life in 50 Objects, is out now.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Do you think of yourself as a victim of circumstance? Ella Mills – the founder of Deliciously Ella – used to live with a sense that life was unfair to her. Now, she knows that ultimately the only person in charge of your life is you.
In this chat with Fearne, Ella talks about realising apathy was a symptom of depression, and explains why sometimes you have to hit rock bottom in order to acknowledge what needs to change.
Ella and Fearne also talk about why the way we eat has become so emotive and divisive. They reckon we should be focusing on sharing joyful knowledge that will make us all healthier and more energetic, so chat through some simple ways to feel good about what you’re eating.
Ella’s latest recipe book, Healthy Made Simple, is out now.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Make yourself comfy in a quiet space. Lie down if you can. Meditation teacher Rob da Bank is here to guide you through a Yoga Nidra practice.
This is 20 minutes of uninterrupted time for you, to feel a little more self-love, and to move you into a deeply restful place through guided mental imagery, intention setting, and breathing exercises.
Head back to the Happy Place feed to listen to Fearne’s chat with Rob da Bank.
For even more of Rob’s Yoga Nidra practices, download the Happy Place app.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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We’re all so used to being in a constant fight or flight mode, you might not even realise that your body has the potential to be in a much calmer state.
In this chat with Fearne, DJ and meditation teacher Rob da Bank explains how practicing Yoga Nidra is a way to help your body digest stress. He also talks about why we all need to slow down to combat burnout, and how sauna and cold water therapy can help with this.
Plus, Fearne and Rob both share the stressful behind the scenes realities of organising big festivals – Happy Place Festival and Bestival respectively – as well as how they see their time as Radio One DJs now...
Now you’ve heard about the benefits of Yoga Nidra, you can find a quiet space and do a practice yourself. Head back to the Happy Place feed and you’ll find another episode – Rob will guide you through a beautiful Yoga Nidra there.
For even more of Rob’s Yoga Nidra practices, download the Happy Place app.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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It can feel awful when other people judge you, but it can be even worse when you judge yourself. Despite his immense achievements, Former European, Commonwealth and World Champion 400m medallist Iwan Thomas is no stranger to self-loathing.
In this chat with Fearne, Iwan talks about the innate need to make our parents proud throughout our lives, as well as how becoming a dad himself has changed his outlook on life. They also try to figure out the balance of pushing your kid to believe in themselves, without stressing them out with too much pressure.
Iwan is honest about the reality of feeling he couldn’t talk to even his closest friends about his mental health during his lowest moments, as well as how he’s learnt to open up.
Iwan’s memoir, Brutal, is out on July 4th.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Summer body ready? How about your summer skin and hair? Fearne knows you might be feeling the pressure to look a certain way – both right now, and across your lifetime – so she’s reflecting on Happy Place episodes that stick two fingers up to made up beauty standards and body ideals.
You'll learn how to challenge all those social norms dictating how we should look, with some help from chair of the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation, Rob Wilson, broadcaster Amanda De Cadanet, and activist Emma Dabiri.
Plus, hear some deeply personal stories of how things like age, race, disability, and weight all intersect with self worth from Beverley Knight, Jono Lancaster, Adele Roberts, and Emily Ratajkowski. They talk about the moments they personally saw through the cultural crap and embraced their bodies for themselves …and you can too!
Watch 'What Is How To' on YouTube
Listen to Amanda De Cadanet’s episode
Listen to Emma Dabiri’s episode
Listen to Beverley Knight’s episode
Listen to Jono Lancaster’s episode
Listen to Adele Roberts’ episode
Listen to Emily Ratajkowski’s episode
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Do you feel burnt out, but also like you’re not achieving enough? Entrepreneur Grace Beverley believes implementing clear boundaries can be the secret to success.
In this chat with Fearne, Grace talks through the hard and fast lifestyle rules she sticks to in order to keep her mental health in check, and why self-care needs to be reframed as a valid form of productivity.
And stick around to the end, because there are some proper productivity hacks for your daily to do list!
Grace also explains the various routes for businesses to get funding... and why they’re so often not available to women (only 2% of venture capital funding goes to female founders in the UK!) They chat about why it’s so dire for society that we’re not investing in women. Getting angry, she says, can have a positive effect in galvanizing change, especially around gender and diversity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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It’s important to live without regrets, to try everything, but also to know when to quit. Jon Bon Jovi feels leaving a legacy isn’t about competing with others, but about being able to say you’ve been the best version of yourself.
In this chat with Fearne, Jon talks about why he reckons being hard working trumps talent, and why he continues to demand excellence from himself, even 40 years into his career. Jon also opens up about the reality of working with a bandmate with addictions, and how he’s been able to steer clear of rock’n’roll excesses (for the most part) himself.
Are you good at celebrating your successes? Between them, Fearne and Jon wonder if the Americans are better at boldly owning achievements than Brits...
Bon Jovi’s new album, Forever, is out now.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Se mer
