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.

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465 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes465

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Sep 12, 2025 · 49 min
Book Club Meets: Namaste Motherf*ckers! How to nail midlife, with Cally Beaton
Cally Beaton spent much of her career in male-dominated board rooms. She, in her own words, was a ‘boring businessperson’. Now? She’s a stand up comedian! Namaste Motherfuckers was the Happy Place Book Club pick for August. It’s Cally’s manifesto for embracing the radical change that comes with midlife and menopause, proving it’s never too late to reinvent your life. In this chat with Fearne, Cally explains that she’s particularly passionate about better understanding perimenopause after being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, and is candid about being a single mum to an autistic child. Thank you to Headline Home for the use of Namaste Motherf*ckers audiobook, narrated by Cally Beaton. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Emily Henry Book Club Meets: Lorna Tucker Book Club Meets: Lisa Jewell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 8, 2025 · 46 min
Vogue Williams: My health anxiety is bad! How to stop catastrophising
Have you noticed your body changing with age? Vogue Williams has suddenly become aware that she needs to make a point of staying physically and mentally strong. In this chat with Fearne, Vogue explains why having a drink and having fun are just as important as exercising and sleeping well when it comes to feeling good. She talks through how her health anxieties have manifested in the past, and how she’s used medication and therapy to move her through difficult periods of heartbreak and grief. Vogue explores why she and husband Spencer Matthews are so good together. Plus, why she got kicked out of a yoga class, and why Big Brother’s Nasty Nick lives in her head rent free... Vogue’s memoir, Big Mouth, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Spencer Matthews Joanne McNally Millie Mackintosh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 1, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Prue Leith: “You can’t have it all!” How to ask for help with work and family
Can women have it all? Renowned restauranteur, cookery writer, and Great British Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith doesn’t think so. In this chat with Fearne, Prue explains why she’s glad she built her career before having children, and why no one should feel ashamed of asking for help with their business or family in order to keep everything afloat. Prue – who had the confidence to found a restaurant when she’d never worked in one – gives advice on never letting a lack of knowledge get in the way of starting a new passion project. She also tells the story of finding love again at 70 after being widowed, and explains why she’s so passionate about legalising assisted dying. The Great British Bake Off returns to Channel 4 on Tuesday 2nd September. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Zandra Rhodes Davina McCall Richard E. Grant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 29, 2025 · 44 min
“Self-care isn’t selfish!” How to keep fit and have fun
Fearne’s been loving the UEFA Women’s EUROS, so this episode celebrates the huge summer of sport we’re having by listening back to some brilliant sportspeople who’ve told their stories on Happy Place. Plus, if you’ve been inspired to move your own body more, how can you set your own fitness goals and – most importantly! – enjoy the process? In this episode – -Broadcaster Gabby Logan reflects on just how momentous it was when the Lionesses won the EUROs in 2023 -UFC fighter Molly McCann explains what happens when you’re on your period as an athlete -Olympic rower Helen Glover chats about how motherhood made her even more ambitious for herself -DJ Adele Roberts inspires with her story of setting the world record as the fastest female to run the London Marathon with a stoma bag -Comedian Joel Dommett laughs about his own marathon attempts going tits up -Psychologist Pippa Grange shares what she knows about goal setting from working with England’s football team Listen to the full episodes here – Gabby Logan Molly McCann Helen Glover Adele Roberts Joel Dommett Pippa Grange Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 25, 2025 · 41 min
Your mental state manifests physically! How your body impacts your brain
Do you notice your body telling you when your brain is struggling? We’re headed back to this year’s Happy Place Festival in Gunnersbury Park, where loads of our guest speakers took to the Talk Stage to talk about the power of the mind-body connection... In this episode – - Breath and mindset coach Richie Norton explores the mind-body connection and how you can always start over with your physical and mental health -Broadcaster Julia Bradbury explains how nature has a very real impact on how healthy our bodies are, and how she approached her cancer diagnosis -Rizzle Kicks Jordan Stephens and therapist Donna Lancaster team up to talk about the groundbreaking physical effect one of Donna’s retreats had on Jordan’s body -Midlife wellness author Liz Earle talks through the best immunity-boosting morning routine -Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes chats about how to set (and stick to!) physical goals that will influence your mind too Get your tickets for the Happy Place Festival in Tatton Park 2025 here! If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Seasons will change, so will you Tell self-limiting beliefs to bugger off How to stick two fingers up to beauty standards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 21, 2025 · 40 min
Sara Cox: I need to be left alone! How to take your holiday reading seriously
Are you obsessed with finding the best books – yes, multiple – to read on holiday? Broadcaster Sara Cox is! Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Fearne and Sara share their thoughts on how to take your holiday reading more seriously. They natter about the joy of reading a novel set in the country you’re holidaying in, and whether the vivid descriptions of a location have inspired them to travel there themselves. They also swap their own experiences of writing books, and reveal the beautiful locations that have informed elements of their own novels. Plus, Sara explains why she’s trying to stop writing about characters who are useless and dysfunctional in her books, and why she’s re-living her party-girl days... You can find a list of all of Fearne and Sara’s recommended reads below! British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, offer a 24hr holiday helpline, and allow you to book with a low deposit. All holidays include a generous baggage allowance per person. Go to Ba.com/holidays to find out more. Fearne and Sara’s reading list: Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby Van Pelt Girls – Kirsty Capes Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden Butter – Asako Yuzuki The Convenience Store Woman – Sayaka Murata The Island – Victoria Hislop Daisy Jones And The Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid Carrie Soto Is Back – Taylor Jenkins Reid Girl On A Train – Paula Hawkins The Compound – Aisling Rawle Ma’am Darling – Craig Brown Lady In Waiting – Anne Glenconner Chocolat – Joanne Harris The Thousand Lights Hotel - Emylia Hall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 18, 2025 · 57 min
Why don’t you like yourself? Gabby Bernstein: How to stop numbing difficult emotions
Getting lost in anxiety, shame, or self-loathing? Spiritual leader Gabby Bernstein wants you to acknowledge all the messy parts of your true character. Spoiler: you’re not going suddenly to like yourself overnight, but acknowledging the uncomfortable bits will get you there sooner! In this chat with Fearne, Gabby explains how ‘protector parts’ like perfectionism, people pleasing, and numbing out can spiral into extreme self-soothing behaviours like drug or porn addiction if they’re not dealt with. Fearne and Gabby chat about anxiety as a protection mechanism, exploring why being focused on the heart palpitations and hyper-vigilance is stopping you dealing with your deeper wounds. Plus, Fearne notices that her OCD is back so Gabby takes a moment to help her check in with her current stress levels – you can follow along with this exercise too! Gabby’s latest book, Self-Help, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Mel Robbins Natalie Lue Tell Self-Limiting Beliefs To Bugger Off Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 11, 2025 · 40 min
Book Club Meets: I’m obsessed with romance scams! Gaslighting and misogyny, with Lisa Jewell
Do you love a true crime scam documentary? Our latest Happy Place Book Club read is for you! Iconic author Lisa Jewell has written Don’t Let Him In, a thriller about a perfect man... who’s a fraudulent liar. In this chat with Fearne, live from The Happy Place Festival, Lisa explains how she got into the mind of a psychopath despite being a very honest person herself. They explore how people fall for charming romance scammers, and how Lisa has become a relentlessly happy person. Plus, Lisa’s written 24 novels but has given up on trying to be a ‘professional’ kind of person – she explains how to sod the rules and build confidence in your own process. If you’re new to Happy Place Book Club episodes, don’t worry, there are no spoilers here! If you want to join the Book Club, we’re on Instagram @happyplacebookclub, and Book Club episodes are released the first Friday of every month! Thank you to Penguin Audio for the use of Don't Let Him In audiobook, narrated by Richard Armitage, Joanna Froggatt, Louise Brealey, Gemma Whelan and Tamryn Payne. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Emily Henry Book Club Meets: Lorna Tucker Book Club Meets: Clare Leslie Hall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 7, 2025 · 45 min
Clara Amfo: “I’m afraid of being bored!” How to take your holiday hobbies seriously
Are holidays for switching off... or for fun activities? Broadcaster Clara Amfo is big into travelling solo so she can unapologetically indulge her own passions, like live music and salsa dancing. Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Fearne and Clara share their thoughts on how to take your holiday hobbies and passions more seriously, including signing up for local classes, and swapping partying for fitness retreats. They also reminisce on the moment Fearne passed the Radio 1 Live Lounge over to Clara, and chat about how to know when you’re ready to move on from a chapter in your life. Plus, do you find your personality getting lost so you’re more palatable to others? Clara has some advice to stop that happening... British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, offer a 24hr holiday helpline, and allow you to book with a low deposit. All holidays include a generous baggage allowance per person. Go to Ba.com/holidays to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 4, 2025 · 49 min
Davina McCall: “What if I don’t make it?” Embracing life after a brain tumour
Are you living the life you want to live? Broadcaster Davina McCall’s recent health scare has shown her the importance of living boldly, with no regrets. In this chat, live from The Happy Place Festival, best pals Fearne and Davina share how having tumours removed within a few months of each other brought them closer together. Davina explains how you can turn fear into joy through mindset changes, and how to apologise so you’re not carrying the weight of guilt anymore. She also reflects on how being in Narcotics Anonymous finally enabled her to like herself, warts and all. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Mel Robbins Trinny Woodall Dannii Minogue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 28, 2025 · 44 min
“I’m used to making mistakes!” Harriet Kemsley on how to stop worrying about being cringe
It’s ok to make mistakes! Comedian Harriet Kemsley says her dyspraxia meant she learnt very early on not to take herself too seriously. In this chat with Fearne, live from The Happy Place Festival, Harriet explains how to get through the cringe part where you’re really rubbish at something new, and why it builds resilience for all parts of your life. Harriet also chats about the chaos that comes with co-parenting and dating after divorce, and has the final word on that eye-roll stereotype that men don’t like funny women... If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Florence Given Joanne McNally Joel Dommett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 25, 2025 · 46 min
Release yourself from the male gaze: How to have more orgasms!
It’s National Orgasm Day on July 31st, so Fearne is listening back to Happy Place conversations about female sexuality, fantasy, and – obviously – orgasms, so that we can reclaim our bodies and desires as our own... In this episode – - Crystal Hefner describes what it was like living as a sexualised woman at the Playboy House -Emily Ratajkowski unpacks how we can remove our sexuality from the male gaze -Dita Von Teese gives her take on nudity and building confidence in your body -Gillian Anderson chats about what she learnt from collecting essays on women’s fantasies -Miranda July explains why she included a particularly taboo fantasy in her novel All Fours -Florence Bark talks through how to get to know your own anatomy better, so you can properly lean into all that pleasure your body is capable of Listen to the full episodes here – Crystal Hefner Emily Ratajkowski Dita Von Teese Gillian Anderson Miranda July Florence Bark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 24, 2025 · 37 min
Richard E. Grant: Nigella recommends restaurants to me! Take your holiday food and drink seriously
Be honest... do you pick your holiday destination based on the food you can eat there? You’re in good company – that’s just what Richard E. Grant does! Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Fearne and Richard share their thoughts on how to take your holiday food and drink more seriously, including asking mates (Nigella Lawson, if you’re Richard!) for recommendations, looking for restaurants with small menus, and testing ingredient quality via a Caesar salad starter. They also get into a heated debate about whether perusing the aisles of a foreign supermarket is the best way, or the worst way, to spend your holiday! And Richard offers to pack Fearne’s suitcase for a very specific reason... Plus, Richard explores why grieving can make us more likely to notice the little joys in life, as well as wondering if we all need praise and accolades to some extent. British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, offer a 24hr holiday helpline, and allow you to book with a low deposit. All holidays include a generous baggage allowance per person. Go to Ba.com/holidays to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 21, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
How Trinny Woodall deals with rejection: Learning from failure and feedback
Are you more confident in your work life than in your personal life? Or vice versa? Entrepreneur and beauty & fashion icon Trinny Woodall is aware of where she needs to build her own self-worth. In this chat, Fearne and Trinny explore everything that comes with being the founder and CEO of Trinny London, being brazen enough to back your own ideas to women earning more than their male partners. Plus, Trinny is candid about her business endeavours that went pretty sideways, and explains how to be direct in asking for feedback without fear of rejection. Trinny is also open about the huge moments that changed her life, including her time in rehab and dealing with grief. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about suicide, so do take care while listening. In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Dita Von Teese Grace Beverley Millie Mackintosh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 16, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Rita Ora: "It's all about what your body needs!" Body confidence starts with self-care
The size zero trend... the circle of shame... the fad diets... Millennial women who grew up during the 2000s now have the lowest body confidence of any generation, and Rita Ora understands the pressure for women to look a certain way all too well. In this chat, brought to you by Dove, Fearne and Rita explore the factors that might have influenced their relationships with their bodies over time – from magazines, to catwalks, to so-called health hacks. As part of Dove’s Self Esteem Project, Fearne and Rita chat about how to focus more on how your body feels, than how it looks. Millennial women are 1.3x more likely to define self-care as working on their appearance, so, how can we create self-care routines that really listen to what our individual bodies need to be strong and energised instead? Rita also opens up about how she manages the anxiety that comes from her internal chatter. If you want more support, Dove has created a journal full of body confidence exercises to help in building better awareness about our internalized beauty belief systems that might be more harmful to you than helpful. You can find it at dove.com/why2k. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 14, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Life doesn’t end at 40! How to live well for longer, with Dr Jenna Macciochi
Hit midlife? What do you want to do with the second part of your life? Immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi wonders that despite living longer now, we’re not necessarily living as healthily or as fully as possible during that time. In this chat with Fearne, Jenna talks through how we can keep our bodies as resilient as possible as we age, so we have the strength to properly embrace the fun parts, and better cope with the shit parts. Jenna breaks down the science of immunity and its relationship with ageing, but there’s no mad biohacking here, just simple advice to make sure your body is a comfortable home to live in: we’re talking food to support your gut microbiome, oral hygiene, and reducing stress. Plus, there’s chat about how your social life is affecting your immune system! (Spoiler – you’ve got an excuse to hang out with your mates more!) Jenna’s book, Immune To Age: The Game Changing Science of Immune Health, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Bob Waldinger Emily English Liberty Mills Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 10, 2025 · 37 min
Tess Daly: “I’m rubbish at switching off!” Take your holiday wellness seriously
How good are you at switching off on holiday? Are you even any good at taking a proper holiday in the first place? Broadcaster Tess Daly reckons wellness is being physically and mentally able to turn up for everything in life that demands your time... And that includes prioritising time off from a busy schedule! Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Fearne and Tess share their advice on how to take your holiday wellbeing more seriously, including making lists ahead of time, locking your phone away, having your feet rubbed, and eating delicious local bread and desserts. Plus, Tess reveals Strictly’s contingency plan for if things go wrong on the dancefloor, and the incredibly sweet vow renewal husband Vernon Kay organised for her… British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, offer a 24hr holiday helpline, and allow you to book with a low deposit. All holidays include a generous baggage allowance per person. Go to Ba.com/holidays to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 7, 2025 · 54 min
Dita Von Teese: “You don’t look like a Playboy girl!” How to value your unique differences
Do you find stripping and nudity empowering or degrading? Burlesque performer Dita Von Teese says feminism is about respecting each other’s choices, even if they wouldn’t be your own. In this chat with Fearne, Dita charts her life from working in strip clubs in the 90s, to performing in sold out burlesque shows now. Painfully shy as a kid, Dita explains how turning herself into a femme fatale helped her feel confident and powerful in her own skin. Fearne and Dita talk about the joy of getting older and understanding more about how to handle your sexuality, and Dita reveals how she makes herself feel more sensual if she’s not particularly in the mood... There’s also advice about how to own your unique look and characteristics, and be more assertive in using your voice. Dita’s new show, Diamonds and Dust, is on at London’s Emerald Theatre now! Dita is also returning to the UK’s grand stages in early 2026 with her most enchanting show to date: Nocturnelle. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Munroe Bergdorf Florence Given Zandra Rhodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 4, 2025 · 30 min
Book Club Meets: Sliding doors and the power of a name, with Florence Knapp
Has your name influenced who you’ve become? Would you have different characteristics, would people react differently to you, would your life have turned out differently, if you had a different name? These are the questions author Florence Knapp grapples with in her book The Names – our Happy Place Book Club read for June. In this chat, Fearne and Florence share their own experiences of having slightly unusual names, and how they shaped them. Florence also explains the long journey she’s been on to get a novel published, having started writing in the late ‘90s, and wonders that she likes getting lost in fictional worlds because she’s naturally introverted. Thank you to Phoenix for the use of The Names audiobook, narrated by Dervla Kirwan, and to composer and musician Jeni Saint for the opening music. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Emily Henry Book Club Meets: Lorna Tucker Book Club Meets: Clare Leslie Hall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 30, 2025 · 57 min
“Feel it, process it, move on!” Mary Earps: How to find gratitude after hardship
Do you trust your gut to make the best decision for yourself? Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has had to make some bold, brave choices recently. In this chat with Fearne, Mary explains how she knew retiring from international football was right for her, and they both explore the importance of having different chapters and challenges in your life. Having experienced periods of real mental darkness, Mary talks through the practices that now ground her in the present. She also reckons setting life goals might just be setting you up for disappointment. Should we be focusing on progress, instead of perfection? Mary has advice on how to be ok with not being good at everything! Plus, Mary recalls the euphoric day the Lionesses won the 2022 EUROs, and reflects on the emotional impact it’s had on women across the world. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Sarina Wiegman Leah Williamson Molly McCann Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.