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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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49 episodes
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Avg 42 min
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S48 · E5
Today · 17 min
Happy Place Hotline: Making connections and finding joy
It’s that time again - the hotline is open! On this week’s Happy Place Hotline, Fearne helps busy listener Hannah find ways to slow down. We also hear from Claire in Norfolk, who feels like she’s doing life alone and wants to find connection. Plus, Steve brings a tear to Fearne’s eye with his love of painting. Got something you want to share with Fearne? Email hello@happyplaceofficial.com, or send us a DM or voice note on Instagram @happyplaceofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S48 · E4
Monday · 51 min
Nara Smith: “I have a real issue with people trying to put women in boxes” Influence and identity
Model and influencer Nara Smith is one of TikTok’s most recognisable faces. With over 15 million followers across social media, she’s become known for her aesthetic cooking videos and signature ASMR-style voice. Think making skittles from scratch, wearing haute couture. In this wide-ranging chat with Fearne, Nara talks about raising four young children alongside a flourishing career, pushing against society’s need to put women in boxes and the challenge of making friends when you’re just so busy. She also opens up about her life behind the camera, the warped sense of reality created by the content we consume online, and the pressure she feels to be perfect. Plus, Nara reveals her love for builders tea - and the shocking number of sugars she’ll take in her cuppa! Nara Smith’s cook book, Homemade, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Chris Olsen Megan McKenna Miquita Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S48 · E3
November 5 · 34 min
Book Club Meets: Bringing back Miss Marple, with Lucy Foley
The iconic Miss Marple returns to the page with her first murder mystery in over fifty years. This time, it’s set against the mountaintop Grand Alpine Hotel. A guest has been killed. In the frame for their murder is a notorious actress, a high-flying politician, an inscrutable political wife, a reckless friend and a shrewd doctor… It’s up to Miss Marple to find the culprit before they get away…or even kill again. In this special live Book Club episode, recorded at The Pig near Bath hotel, Fearne is joined by author Lucy Foley to talk about her book, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel. They discuss the challenge of taking on Agatha Christie’s beloved character half a century after her last outing, going back to a more analogue form of storytelling and taking inspiration from our elders. Our November book pick is This is What Happens When Women Read, by Julianna Glasse. Thank you to Harper Collins for the use of the Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel audio book, narrated by Hugh Kermode. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Susie Dent Book Club Meets: Imani Thompson Book Club Meets: Candice Carty-Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S48 · E2
November 2 · 47 min
Will Mellor: “Wait another day, don’t give up” Fame, family and managing grief
Actor Will Mellor burst onto the nation’s screens as Jambo from Hollyoaks in 1995. Since then he’s tackled the ups and downs of fame, the heartbreak of loss and the joy of becoming a father. He and Fearne talk about going back 30 years (!), discuss the complex relationship he has with his dad and why Fearne thinks more dads should cry. They also talk about the tough journey of working through grief, and what can fall into your lap when you’re ready to give up. Plus, Will leaves us with a striking mental image of Prince William at a urinal. Will’s debut memoir, Where There’s a Will: My Story is out on the 5th of November 2026. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Steven Graham and Orly Klein Miquita Oliver Ant and Dec Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S48 · E1
October 29 · 18 min
Happy Place Hotline: Excruciating embarrassment and resisting rest
That moment you want the ground to swallow you whole - we’ve all been there! On this week’s Happy Place Hotline, Fearne helps listener Charlotte get an embarrassing moment off her chest, and shares some of her own red-faced experiences. We also hear from Olivia, who feels like she’s carrying the weight of friends, family and colleagues on her shoulders. Plus, Rosie asks Fearne a very relatable question - how do you stop resisting rest? Got something you want to share with Fearne? The Happy Place Hotline is open! Email hello@happyplaceofficial.com, or send us a DM or voice note on Instagram @happyplaceofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S47 · E10
October 26 · 1 hr 6 min
Dr Sophie Bostock: “I think about rest as protection” Sleep, stress and feeling safe
When did you last look at the sky? Sleep expert Dr Sophie Bostock takes Fearne from her windowless studio onto the streets of London to remind her what daylight looks like, before they delve into how we get good quality rest. Fearne unpacks her own longstanding battle with switching off her racing thoughts and getting good sleep, and gets some tips from Sophie on how to quieten a busy mind, and stop fighting sleep. Plus, Sophie shares her upcoming adventure - rowing unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean. A journey of 3,000 miles which will see her having to sleep in 2 hour intervals, something which will undo years of work establishing a sleep routine. So what will she learn about sleep as she faces the waves? You can follow Sophie’s incredible journey across the Atlantic here. If you have questions about Melatonin, NICE has published guidance for both adults and children. We'd love to hear from you - email Fearne at hello@happyplaceofficial.co.uk If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Adam Kay Dr Nicole LePera Poorna Bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S47 · E9
October 22 · 20 min
Happy Place Hotline: Ending friendships and embracing hibernation
The Happy Place Hotline is officially open… and we want to hear from YOU! This is a bonus dose of Happy Place, inspired by your stories. Whether you have a dilemma, or problem that needs solving, thoughts on a recent episode of Happy Place, or just want to get something off your chest - Fearne is here to listen! We have a shiny new email address hello@happyplaceofficial.com, where you can send all your correspondence. And, as always, you can send us a DM or voice note on Instagram @happyplaceofficial So, what are you waiting for? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S47 · E8
October 19 · 55 min
Gemma Cairney: “We need mischief in our lives” Sisterhood and challenging the status quo
How do you find joy in the darkest of times? Broadcaster, writer and DJ Gemma Cairney has some ideas. She joins Fearne in the Happy Place studio to talk about sisterhood, shame and subverting the status quo. Fearne and Gemma go way back. From their heady days on Radio 1, to trudging through the fields of Glastonbury, they reflect on the industry that tried to mould them as young women. Gemma opens up about growth, the messiness of the human experience and the beauty we should see in the world around us - even if it is intense and terrifying. Plus, she shares more about the women in her imagined sisterhood, from Erykah Badu to Marsha P. Johnson, and the bottle of wine she shared with her hero, Grace Jones. Gemma’s book, The Immortal Sisterhood: 12 Guiding Stars to Grow, Heal and Navigate Life, is available now in paperback. We'd love to hear from you - email Fearne at hello@happyplaceofficial.co.uk If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Miquita Oliver Phillipa Perry Ashley Roberts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S47 · E7
October 15 · 1 hr 5 min
Chris Olsen: “Addiction is so complicated because there’s no right answer”
TikToker Chris Olsen shot to stardom during the pandemic. But while all eyes were on his viral videos, he was struggling to forgive himself for the challenges of his past. In this candid conversation, Chris sits down with Fearne in New York City to talk about fame, recovery, and his journey to self-forgiveness. He talks about the addiction that consumed his late teenage years, and the life-changing intervention staged by his friends and family. He also reflects on his time in rehab, and why the worst version of yourself doesn’t have to define you. Chris’ book, I Think My Therapist Hates Me: A Memoir, is out now. A warning that this episode contains references to alcohol and drug addiction. If you’re affected by these issues, please listen with care. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Jesse Tyler Ferguson Spencer Matthews Millie Gooch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S47 · E6
October 12 · 52 min
Jesse Tyler Ferguson: “If things don’t scare you, what’s the point?” Facing fear head-on
Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson spent 11 years on our screens as Mitchell Pritchett in the hit series, Modern Family. But when the opportunity presented itself to be alone on stage, in front of a sell-out audience, a different feeling started to creep in. In this chat with Fearne, Jesse opens up about the fear that drives him. He reflects on how he’s learned to work through it, and what he does to lean in and embrace the challenges ahead. He also talks about how playing Mitchell helped him prepare for fatherhood, and the impact his relationship with his onscreen daughter had on him becoming a dad. Plus, Jesse shares some of the White House secrets he learned when interviewing former First Lady, Jill Biden. You can catch Jesse as Truman Capote in Tru at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London until the 14th November 2026. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Joe Lycett Joseph Fiennes Caitlin Moran Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S47 · E5
October 8 · 51 min
“I know I’m safe but my body doesn’t!” Megan McKenna is coping with PTSD and sleep paralysis
Entertainment personality Megan McKenna was once advertised in a straitjacket. She was nicknamed Mental Megan, branded mouthy, and edited down to her worst moments on camera. Now, she can see that none of that was who she really was. In this chat with Fearne, live from the Happy Place Festival, Megan explores how she’s learnt to live more authentically. For her, that means less drinking and more home cooking for her young family. Megan also opens up about the anxieties and sleep issues she’s been left with after a traumatic robbery. Fearne has some gentle advice for when your body feels unsafe, and your mind is spiralling. Plus, Megan reveals what really goes on behind the scenes on reality TV shows, from being plied with alcohol, to being nudged into confrontations by producers. Megan’s latest cookbook, Love Gluten Free, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Olivia Atwood Michelle Keegan Tulisa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S47 · E4
October 5 · 1 hr 1 min
Stephen Graham and Orly Klein: "Consent, compassion, condom!" The advice teenage boys need
What part do male role models need to play in young boys’ lives? How do we raise young men with empathy and love? What should masculinity even mean? Adolescence’s Stephen Graham has teamed up with psychology researcher Orly Klein to answer these questions. In this chat with Fearne, Stephen and Orly explore what they’ve learnt about manhood, fatherhood, and generational trauma through asking lots of dads to write letters to their sons. They chat about why we need to stop treating boys like they’re a problem to be fixed, and why it’s so important to offer them positive messages so they don’t fall into the hands of toxic influencers. Plus, Stephen reveals how he felt about filming each Adolescence episode in one take... Stephen and Orly’s book, Letters To Our Sons, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Ashley Walters Caitlin Moran Sam Claflin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S47 · E3
October 1 · 39 min
Book Club Meets: Murder mysteries and naming emotions, with Susie Dent
When mysterious symbols appear as graffiti around Oxford, lexicographer Martha Thornhill recognises them from an alphabet created by a deceased writer whose papers she once worked on. But this is no publicity stunt, and tensions intensify when further graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer... Countdown’s Susie Dent has written Death Writ Large, a murder mystery that cleverly weaves her linguistic skills around a killer plot. In this chat, live from the Happy Place Festival, Susie teaches Fearne a few new words (confelicity, anyone?) and explains where phrases like Flaming Nora come from. Plus, why is it actually really good for you to swear, and how can naming emotions help you manage them? In October, we’ll be reading Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley and Agatha Christie. Thank you to Zaffre for the use of the Death Writ Large audiobook, narrated by Louise Brealey. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Chloe Ashby Book Club Meets: Candice Carty-Williams Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S47 · E2
September 28 · 58 min
Miquita Oliver: "I thought I hated you Fearne, I was actually scared!" Debunking female rivalry
Back in the noughties, Miquita Oliver thought Fearne Cotton was an irritatingly gorgeous, successful presenter – everything she wasn’t. Fearne was jealous Miquita was part of the TV cool gang. In reality? Fearne worried she was an unsophisticated nerd, and Miquita was feeling like the fat, ugly sidekick. In this episode, live from the Happy Place Festival, Fearne and Miquita chat for the first time in decades, finally able to see that it was press cruelty that created their feud. They talk through how to cope if you feel projection, assumption, or a misunderstanding have created a rift between you and a friend. Miquita also explores why she felt the need to drink to stay in a haze for much of her younger years, and why getting curious about why she felt like sh*t was the first step to getting her life back on track. Plus: how to dream bigger for yourself, and why adults need to play more! If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Matt Edmondson and Mollie King Ruth Langsford Ashley James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S47 · E1
September 24 · 10 min
Am I too old to run?! Fearne on why movement is vital for mental health
There’s probably a bit too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness isn’t there? It’s not realistic guys. So Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some honest chat about what’s making her (and you lot) feel great, and what’s making us all 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 explores: -Running – both the joy of it, and the sadness when you can’t because you’re injured -In a similar vein: why skipping is so fun... but also makes you pee yourself -The little interactions with strangers that make your day -‘Friends’ chatting behind your back -Whether we’ve started hibernating for winter a little too early Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S46 · E10
September 21 · 57 min
Tom Read Wilson: “My quirks are my superpower!” Be ok with people not liking you
We’ve all got quirks. Tom Read Wilson realised early on that no one else was going to celebrate his differences if he didn’t own them himself. In this chat with Fearne, live from the Happy Place Festival, Tom explains how he learnt to honour his eclectic personality. Fearne and Tom both have a history of extreme people pleasing, so they share what they’ve learnt about self-advocating and getting good at uncomfortable confrontation. Why does turning 40 seem to be when the real honesty kicks in? The I’m A Celeb jungle had a profound impact on Tom, particularly the digital detox part... he explores the huge physical and mental impact giving up his phone has had. Plus, Tom delights in finding the perfect whimsical words, and wonders that language is the key to unlocking better mental health. Tom’s new children’s book, Pricklepaper’s Letter Magic, is out on the 24th of September. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Todd Rose Joe Lycett Ruby Wax Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S46 · E9
September 17 · 10 min
Fearne: “There are good eggs out there!” How to ignore the tw*ts and stay positive
What’s been going on for you this week? What are you happy about, and what’s really not floating your boat? Fearne’s here with more chat about what’s putting her, Team Happy Place, and you lot in a good mood, and what’s feeling a bit heavier too. This is our space 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 explores: -The wholesome dream of growing your own food -Finally being paid to create the stuff you love -Being in awe of Marilyn Monroe -Sending your kid to high school when they’re not ready to cope -Why there’s always something on the Being A Grown Up to do list -The dull details of buying new white goods -The people who insist on being tw*ts to strangers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S46 · E8
September 14 · 1 hr 15 min
Caitlin Moran: "I’m two years anxiety-free!” How I finally calmed my nervous system
Writer Caitlin Moran's anxiety started when she was 13, when she accidentally let a family secret slip. That anxiety kept her wired for the next 30 years. In this chat with Fearne, Caitlin explains how choosing to be hopeful and see the good in life means she’s now two years anxiety-free. They also talk about how social media has drastically altered our perception of reality, and just how unkind (or kind!) a place the world really is. Angrily posting on Instagram at 3am? It’s not going to change society, but volunteering to pick letter... well... that might! Caitlin talks about the severe dread she feels when meeting up with her best friends; do you have that social anxiety too? Because Fearne does... Plus, how could presuming everyone’s having a really bad day make you a happier person? Caitlin’s book, How To Be Hopeful, is out on September 17th. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Todd Rose Lucas Jones Nicole LaPera Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S46 · E7
September 10 · 11 min
Fearne: Why your 40s are ace and how to cope with imposter syndrome
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 (and you lot) feel great, and what’s making us all 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 explores: -Why being middle aged is actually ace -The iconic TV show that is Below Deck -Loving having grown up kids -How to lean into the cosiness of autumn -Dressing like a teenage boy in a 90s American TV show -Coping with imposter syndrome at work -Why on earth there have to be so many school Whatsapp groups -How to block out chronic pessimists Ps, you heard Fearne, if anyone has a contact for Below Deck’s Captain Sandy… slide into our DMs @happyplaceofficial! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S46 · E6
September 7 · 48 min
What if the universe is trying to tell you something? How to trust your intuition
Do you ever feel like the universe is trying to tell you something? Call it spirituality, intuition, or science... we’ve all had moments that feel like a bit of a sign – a gentle nudge in a certain direction. In this episode, Fearne looks at the Happy Place moments that have explored the things we can't always explain… This is a curious dive into what happens when we leave a little room for mystery, wonder, and the possibility that there might be more to life than meets the eye. In this episode – -Poet and actor Lucas Jones’ take on why whether we call it religion, spirituality, or science, we’re all ultimately searching for meaning -Spiritual leader Gabby Bernstein is clear that the best thing you can do to change the world is tend to your inner world first -Musician Charlotte Church reflects on why she turned to nature to heal from trauma -Moon mentor Kirsty Gallagher explains how to live in tandem with the moon’s cycles -Holistic therapist Estelle Bingham explores the magic and the science behind the energy in your heart -Intuitive guide Sonia Choquette chats about how to trust your own gut instinct more -Entrepreneur Poppy Jamie shares a beautiful story that explains why she puts her faith in the universe CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains a number of conversations about trying to conceive and baby loss. A FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Early Bird tickets for our London and Tatton Happy Place Festivals 2027 are out now. Head to happyplaceofficial.co.uk to get your Early Bird tickets. Listen to the full Happy Place episodes – Lucas Jones Gabby Bernstein Charlotte Church Kirsty Gallagher Estelle Bingham Sonia Choquette Poppy Jamie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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