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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465 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes465

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May 25 · 58 min
"Why does criticism hurt so much?" Dr Julie on triggers and behaviour patterns
Ever looked in the mirror and told yourself “I am enough” ...and not believed a word of it? Psychologist Dr Julie Smith reckons affirmations only work to boost confidence if – deep down – you already believe them. In this chat with Fearne, Julie explains why your brain needs evidence, not mantras, to change your critical inner voice and build self-worth. She also talks through why criticism from others can hit so hard, and why the discomfort felt is often an echo of a much older wound. Julie breaks down how the patterns we developed in childhood keep replaying in adulthood. Julie also talks about her breast cancer diagnosis, and how it tested everything she’d been teaching everyone else about fear, agency, and mental health. Plus, what’s the simple therapy exercise that could change how you carry pain? Dr Julie’s best-selling book, Open When, is available now in paperback. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Dr Julie’s first Happy Place episode Estelle Bingham Adele Roberts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 21 · 56 min
Dr Louise Newson: Anxiety! Joint pain! The perimenopause symptoms you’re ignoring
One in six women arriving at Dr Louise Newson's menopause clinic have suicidal thoughts. 92% see those thoughts reduce with natural hormones, so why are women still being prescribed antidepressants instead? In this chat with Fearne, Louise explains why women are being misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when the root cause is hormonal. Fearne admits she's the woman with her head in the sand about perimenopause, so Louise walks her through what the many (many!) different symptoms could look like, and how to talk to a GP about how you’re feeling mentally and physically. Plus, is there any truth to the myth that HRT causes breast cancer? Why is testosterone the most misunderstood hormone in women's health? And would the contraceptive pill be approved if it was created today...? Louise’s new book, The Power of Hormones, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Liz Earle Cally Beaton Naomi Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 18 · 50 min
Fear can be wonderful or destructive! How to negotiate with doubt, with Joseph Fiennes
Without something creative to pour himself into, actor Joseph Fiennes says he'd eat himself alive. In this chat with Fearne, Joseph thinks about why if he doesn't have a challenge to wear him out, restlessness and doubt will take over entirely. They also explore the strange duality of loving your craft... but dreading the judgment that comes with it. Joseph has played England football manager Gareth Southgate on stage, and now on TV; he draws parallels between their principles around negotiating fear and encouraging vulnerability in men. Plus, Joseph explains what struggling with reading and writing taught him about knowing who he is, and reveals the hilarious reality of forgetting your lines mid-Shakespeare... You can watch Joseph in Dear England on the BBC from May 24th. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Gareth Southgate Pippa Grange Jack Whitehall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 14 · 14 min
I still get triggered! Fearne on how to heal, cope with hangxiety, and having an empty nest
Fearne isn’t a massive fan of the relentless pressure to reach a definitive state of happiness. It’s just not realistic, so she’s dropping into your feed every week for some chat about what’s making her – and you! – feel great, and what’s making us feel completely crap. This is the cosy corner where there’s no judgement allowed! All of us can 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: -Why walks are the best for deep and meaningfuls -Going clubbing and feeling 18 again -Why you’re only ever as happy as your unhappiest child -How to make the ‘sexiest salad’ ever (according to Fearne) -Coping with The Fear that comes with a hangover -A plea to stop chatting on speakerphone on the train -How to say goodbye to your child when they leave home -Dealing with triggers when you’re trying to heal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 11 · 48 min
Sex scenes are liberating! Nafessa Williams on Rivals, racism, and self-belief
Sex scenes involve a lot more padding and tape than you might expect! Rivals actress Nafessa Williams has found being at the centre of one of TV’s sexiest shows both nerve-wracking and incredibly liberating. In this chat with Fearne, Nafessa explores what it means to play the only black woman in a white man's world in 1980s Britain, and why she sees her acting as her contribution to activism and representation. Do you consider yourself to be ambitious and driven? Nafessa wonders if you rest as hard as you work... because you should! Plus, how to manifest the life you want, without forgetting the key component: action! Watch Rivals series 2 on Disney+ from May 15th. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Rhonda Byrne Leigh-Anne Pinnock Afua Hirsch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 7 · 26 min
Play therapy rewires the brain! Facing childhood traumas, with The King’s Trust
Everyone deserves the chance at a fulfilling life. Shauna Tiffany grew up in foster care, feeling ashamed of and responsible for her parents’ choices. Creative play therapy helped her work through her childhood trauma, and now – with the support of The King’s Trust – she’s built her own business doing the same thing for other children and families. In this chat with Fearne, Shauna explains how she’s learnt to believe in herself because of the way others have chosen to believe in her. Emotional support has made her feel worthy of great opportunities, and practical advice has empowered her to turn ideas into reality, so they chat about how to gently chip away at increasing self-confidence. Plus, Fearne’s got a big surprise for Shauna... Check out Shauna’s work at Lighthouse Therapy Hub. Find out more about The King’s Trust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 4 · 1 hr 17 min
Nicole LePera: "Your nervous system is screaming at you!" Healing anxiety and panic
Were you praised as a child for being ‘good’, for keeping quiet, or not making a fuss? Psychologist Dr Nicole LePera reckons that praise may have taught you to disconnect from your emotions entirely. In this chat with Fearne, Nicole explains how even well-intentioned parenting can leave us with patterns that run our adult lives on autopilot. She talks through the practical process of reparenting your inner child, starting with something as simple as finding a childhood photograph. We hold our emotions in our bodies, so she also shares ways to tune in with your body throughout the day to release stress. Nicole also explains why your nervous system keeps you stuck in familiar patterns even when you logically know better, and why shame, people pleasing, and perfectionism are all protective strategies we developed to survive childhood. Plus, why does healing require what Nicole calls a return to ‘radical honesty’? Nicole’s book, Reparenting the Inner Child, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Chiwetel Ejiofor Philippa Perry Break Free From People Pleasing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 30 · 39 min
Book Club Meets: Rekindling intimacy in marriage, with Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees
Adam and Jules have been married for 25 years and are stuck in a bit of a rut. Adam stumbles across some old mixtapes he and Jules made for each other when they were young and falling in love, and when they play them... they get to travel back in time to different moments in their relationship. Will remembering the passion they used to have get the future of their relationship back on track, or will it just spark absolute chaos? You & Me, You & Me, You & Me was our Happy Place Book Club pick for April. In this chat with Fearne, authors Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees – themselves a married couple – explain why they wanted to explore rekindling intimacy in the empty nest phase, and reveal how they write together on a practical level. What do you reckon, if you could go back in time to tweak some of the decisions you’d made – would you? Maybe it would make you even more grateful for the happiness you have now... Thank you to Vintage Digital for the use of the You & Me and You & Me and You & Me audiobook, narrated by Rory Kinnear and Sally Phillips. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Emma Gannon Book Club Meets: Maggie O’Farrell Book Club Meets: Nussaibah Younis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 27 · 59 min
"You can't be a people pleaser and a leader!" Emma Grede on self-belief and female ambition
When was the last time you told someone exactly how much you earn? Entrepreneur Emma Grede - who co-founded Good American with Khloe Kardashian - says that when women avoid talking about money, money avoids them. In this chat with Fearne, Emma explains why ambition isn't a dirty word, and why she wants every determined woman to know her worth. Fearne and Emma also explore why you can't be a people pleaser and a leader, and why getting comfortable with failure and self-doubt is non-negotiable. As a mum of four, Emma has some big thoughts about mum guilt, and talks about why it’s so important that kids see their mums chasing their goals and loving what they do. Plus, why you’ll never catch Emma working from home, or cutting her kids’ sandwiches into heart shapes... Emma’s book, Start With Yourself, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Ashley James Chris Appleton Carol Vorderman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 23 · 59 min
“I was overweight and unhappy!” Liz Earle’s perimenopause and midlife reinvention
What if your best decade is still ahead of you? At 62, broadcaster and healthy aging expert Liz Earle is fitter, stronger, and happier than ever. In this chat with Fearne, Liz shares how she went from overwhelmed, overweight, and exhausted during perimenopause, to thriving in her 60s. She shares the small lifestyle shifts that transformed her health, and why women in midlife shouldn’t feel selfish moving themselves up the priority list. Fearne and Liz dig into the science of aging well, including the power of sunlight (and whether we should be wearing SPF year-round!), and why we should be prioritising sleep and strength training. Plus, what happened when Liz’s younger boyfriend took her clubbing for the first time at 60 years old...? Liz’s book, How To Age, is out now. Listen to Liz’s podcast, Age Better, here! If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Naomi Watts Callie Beaton Poorna Bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 20 · 1 hr
Philippa Perry: Why everyone has an inner critic, and how to stop believing yours
Should you give your inner critic have a name? Psychotherapist and author Philippa Perry reckons giving that nagging voice in your head a silly name is the first step to stopping it running your life. In this chat with Fearne, Philippa explains why not feeling ‘good enough’ is often less about truth and more about habit. She shares how to tell the difference between a helpful critical inner voice and a self-sabotaging one, and why negative thought patterns keep us stuck. Fearne and Philippa also chat about the power of shame, and why talking about the things you feel most embarrassed about is the fastest way to shrink them. Plus, how is your phone eating away at your ability to connect IRL? And what can you do if you can’t access therapy? Philippa talks through some of her favourite self-therapy exercises. Philippa’s novel, Shrink Solves Murder, is out on May 7th. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Philippa’s first Happy Place episode Flo Perry Bryony Gordon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 16 · 11 min
I don’t identify as middle aged! Fearne's talking hormones and single parenting
What’s been going on for you this week? What are you happy about, and what’s making you not so happy? Fearne’s here with more chat about what’s putting her, Team Happy Place team, and you lot in a good mood, and what’s feeling a bit heavier. 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: -Whether Instagram quotes are cringe or uplifting -Why midlife is about coming back to who you were as a teen -Prioritising her friendships -The joy of a morning routine -Examples of positive masculinity -Teenagers’ attitudes unfortunately not being a myth -The struggle of being a single parent working full time -Picking which jacket to wear for the weather (spoiler: you won’t make the right decision) -How good it can be to have a good cry -Hormones being a bit of a nightmare Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 13 · 59 min
Bryony Gordon: How people pleasing fuelled my OCD, alcoholism, and eating disorder
You’ve heard of fight or flight, but what about fawn – the idea of appeasing others to stay safe? Author and mental health advocate Bryony Gordon thinks there’s a reason so many women feel under pressure to people please. In this chat with Fearne, Bryony explores how she feels people pleasing has fuelled parts of her OCD, alcoholism, and eating disorders over the years. Fearne and Bryony also chat about body image, and both reveal some of the insecurities that have consumed them... that likely no one else has noticed. Bryony reckons feeling ‘too much’ and ‘not enough’ are two sides of the same coin, and offers advice on how to confidently take up space. (Or, as she puts it: “step into your mother*cking majesty!”) Bryony’s novel, People Pleaser, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Break free from people pleasing Poorna Bell Will Poulter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 9 · 15 min
Women spend HOW MUCH on period products? Mooncups, AI slop, and joining a choir
There’s way too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness, and it’s just not realistic, so Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some chat about what’s making her feel great, and what’s making her feel completely crap. This is the cosy corner where there’s no judgement allowed! All of us can 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: -Why she’s decided to present some TV again -How to get back into something you haven’t done in ages -The importance of seeking out good news when the world gets too heavy -What singing – karaoke or in a choir, whatever you like – does for your nervous system -The difference between the hands of town men and countryside men and why this is relevant when you get a flat tyre -AI slop and how to trust what you see online -How much women will spend on period products in their lifetime Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 6 · 59 min
Jimmy Carr: “Men half-arse things!” My thoughts on feminism, parenting, and success
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? It’s a question comedian Jimmy Carr reckons will help direct your life path. In this chat with Fearne, Jimmy explains how he strives for greatness for himself, without falling into the trap of comparing himself to others. He talks about how to define success for yourself, why talent without hard work means very little, and why he doesn’t fear cancel culture. Jimmy also explains why feminism still doesn’t really serve mothers and matriarchs, and why you’ll never hear him say he’s “babysitting” his own kids. Plus, do all comedians have a bit of a troubled childhood...? Jimmy chats about how his anxieties fuel his jokes. Get your tickets for Jimmy’s Laughs Funny tour at the London Palladium! If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Bjorn Natthiko Lindeblad Joel Dommet Mo Gilligan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 2 · 15 min
“I had to say ‘c*ck’ at The Royal Albert Hall!” Fearne’s talking about sex and being more creative
What’s going on for you? What are you happy about, and what’s making you not so happy? Fearne’s here with more chatter about what’s putting her and the Happy Place team in a good mood this week, and what can bugger off. This is the 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: -Whether she looks more intelligent now she wears glasses -Reading a sexual fantasy out at The Royal Albert Hall -Why having a creative hobby can be game changing -The transitional weather where your jacket is never right -Books with great premises but rubbish execution -Being aggy on social media just for the sake of it -Whether it’s worth writing sh*tty texts and emails Listen to the Happy Place episodes mentioned in this chat: Gillian Anderson Tom Daly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 30 · 1 hr 2 min
Carol Vorderman: My ‘facelift’ became folklore! Can women have beauty and brains?
It’s an age-old question: can women have both brains and beauty? (Spoiler: obviously yes!) Broadcaster Carol Vorderman says the more people comment on her body... the more thigh high boots and tight skirts she’ll wear! In this chat with Fearne, Carol charts her early life, from her family running away with the circus, to living out of a car, to being one of the first girls to read engineering at Cambridge University. She also reveals who wrote her first application to Countdown back in the day... because it wasn’t her! Carol is very politically active, and explains why everything about our lives is political. Care about the pressure put on kids and parents by schools? Where your taxes go? Women’s bodily autonomy? It’s more important than ever, she says, to both use your vote, and live with hope. What can we learn from Carol about making the best of what we’ve been given? And why do we all have a responsibility to stand up for what we believe in? You can watch Carol on Celebrity Quizzing on Channel 5. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Ashley James Poorna Bell Kate Winslet Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 26 · 14 min
“I wish I was chic-er!” Fearne on personal style and learning new skills
What’s been going on for you this week? What are you happy about, and what’s making you not so happy? Fearne’s here with more chat about what’s putting her and the Happy Place team in a good mood, and what’s feeling a bit rubbish ...and Fearne has really really been feeling rubbish this week... This is a comforting 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 explores: -Wandering around art galleries because it’s not just an elitist thing -Learning new skills, namely: sign language -What goes down in the Wednesday Waffle WhatsApp chat -Whether it’s important for your wardrobe to have a signature style -Norovirus (hope you’re not eating right now) -Being a stricter parent when you’re (incredibly) ill -Loads of scenarios where people are unnecessarily rude in public -The great tea vs coffee debate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 23 · 53 min
Ruth Langsford: “We all go through sh*t!” My life with divorce and dementia
How do you cope when you’re going through a really rough time? Broadcaster Ruth Langsford has needed a balance of big cries, therapy, and just choosing to dust herself off and get to work. In this chat with Fearne, Ruth talks through the ways counselling and female friendships are moving her through the grief of her divorce. She also shares what she’s learnt about caring for parents with dementia, without overwhelming yourself in the process. Fearne and Ruth compare their experiences of mum guilt, and why it’s so important for young boys in particular to see the women in their life working. Plus, Ruth reveals the sliding doors moment that led her to her TV presenting career... Ruth’s book, Feeling Fabulous, is out now. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains conversations about grief after suicide. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Kate Winslet Ben West Elizabeth Gilbert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 19 · 12 min
“Why are we always rushing?” Slowing down by writing by hand and lying in
There’s probably a bit too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness isn’t there? It’s not realistic gang! So Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some candid chat about what’s making her feel great, and what’s making her feel completely rubbish ...and this episode is brought to you by new original Paramount Plus show The Madison. This is the cosy little corner where all of us can 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 joy of having a great TV series on the go -Dreaming of escaping to a hazy golden farm in Montana -The small but delicious joy of beautiful stationary -The frustration of waking up too early at the weekend -The debate about whether to feed foxes or not -How to toilet train kittens -The madness of how much we all rush through the day -BTS of some of the roles on Team Happy Place Episodes 1-3 of The Madison are available to stream now on Paramount Plus. Episodes 4-6 will be available to stream on 21 March. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.