Happy Place

Fearne Cotton

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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Our Editor's Take

Happy Place is an interview podcast. The show's host is Fearne Cotton. She has worked as a cohost on British television since she was 15 years old.

Every week, Cotton sits down with a personality for a chat on the podcast. Rather than focusing on projects, they discuss their histories and inner lives. The result is a series of intimate conversations with some of the world's most interesting people.

Many guests on the Happy Place podcast are UK musicians and actors. Michelle Keegan started her career on Coronation Street, a British soap opera. Since then, she has starred in several popular series. In her chat with Cotton, Keegan reveals that she struggles with imposter syndrome. The two women agree that the industry pits women against one another. In another episode, Cotton talks with Leigh-Anne Pinnock. She was a member of Little Mix, a girl band with a feminist message. Pinnock admits that she had to suppress her real self to fit into the mold of her persona. She explains what it's like to rediscover herself.

Some of Cotton's guests have different kinds of careers. Poppy Delbridge is an energy coach who has introduced tapping to British audiences. Delbridge believes that Rapid Tapping® has many benefits. They include reduced stress, better sleep, and brighter skin. She and Cotton discuss the place of acknowledgment in moving forward.

Alain de Botton is an author whose work popularizes philosophical concepts. In his talk with Cotton, he talks about the place of love in society. To him, a love-filled outlook can transform people and those with whom they interact.

Cotton's guests on the podcast are all fascinating people. Cotton's skills as an interviewer make the conversations flow. She is unafraid to share her own experiences and perspectives. As a result, the talks feel more like an exchange. Cotton's openness and empathy are key components of Happy Place.

Listeners who like to learn new things might enjoy the Happy Place podcast. Fans of the interviewees may discover a new dimension of the people they admire.

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Perrie Edwards: Friendship Break Ups, The Cost of Fame and Facing Criticism as a Working Mum

Perrie Edwards: Friendship Break Ups, The Cost of Fame and Facing Criticism as a Working Mum

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.

Episodes

Perrie Edwards: Friendship Break Ups, The Cost of Fame and Facing Criticism as a Working Mum

Perrie Edwards: Friendship Break Ups, The Cost of Fame and Facing Criticism as a Working Mum

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.

Understanding neurodiversity: managing ADHD and getting diagnoses

Understanding neurodiversity: managing ADHD and getting diagnoses

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.

Tulisa: Abundance mindset, court cases, and hobbit holes

Tulisa: Abundance mindset, court cases, and hobbit holes

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.

Olivia Attwood: Botox, catastrophising, and trolls

Olivia Attwood: Botox, catastrophising, and trolls

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.

David Tennant: Internal voices, LGBTQ+ activism, and 80s nostalgia

David Tennant: Internal voices, LGBTQ+ activism, and 80s nostalgia

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.

Leah Williamson: Switching off, determination, and women’s football

Leah Williamson: Switching off, determination, and women’s football

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.

Alex Partridge: Neurodiversity, masking, and workplace inclusion

Alex Partridge: Neurodiversity, masking, and workplace inclusion

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.

Gary and Emma Neville: Menopause, anxiety attacks, and opposites attracting

Gary and Emma Neville: Menopause, anxiety attacks, and opposites attracting

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.

Gemma Styles: ADHD, rejection, and radical honesty

Gemma Styles: ADHD, rejection, and radical honesty

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.

Gillian Anderson: Sexual fantasies, orgasm gaps, and shame

Gillian Anderson: Sexual fantasies, orgasm gaps, and shame

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.

Book Club Meets: Soulmates, swiping culture, and difficult decisions, with Holly Gramazio

Book Club Meets: Soulmates, swiping culture, and difficult decisions, with Holly Gramazio

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.

Lucinda Miller: Neurodivergence, brain health, and ultraprocessed foods

Lucinda Miller: Neurodivergence, brain health, and ultraprocessed foods

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tell self-limiting beliefs to bugger off: Live from Chiswick Festival

Tell self-limiting beliefs to bugger off: Live from Chiswick Festival

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.

Matt Haig: Self-criticism, anxiety triggers, and imagination

Matt Haig: Self-criticism, anxiety triggers, and imagination

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.

Jason Donovan: Reinvention, creating luck, and floppy flowers

Jason Donovan: Reinvention, creating luck, and floppy flowers

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.

Yungblud: Dark thoughts, social anxiety, and being disliked

Yungblud: Dark thoughts, social anxiety, and being disliked

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.

Alex Jones: Making mistakes, being present, and chaotic family holidays

Alex Jones: Making mistakes, being present, and chaotic family holidays

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Book Club Meets: Orgies, PTSD, and bodies, with Sofie Hagen

Book Club Meets: Orgies, PTSD, and bodies, with Sofie Hagen

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.

Rachel Stevens: Self-worth, worrying, and S Club whirlwinds

Rachel Stevens: Self-worth, worrying, and S Club whirlwinds

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.

How your childhood affects your parenting style

How your childhood affects your parenting style

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.