Happy Place

Sociopathy should be understood as a spectrum disorder. It’s a disorder that affects roughly 5% of the population – similar to the number of people who have depression or anxiety. Patric Gagne is a sociopath.

In this chat with Fearne, Patric explains the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath. Sociopaths have access to inherent emotions like sadness and happiness, but struggle with learned social emotions like remorse, guilt, empathy, and love. There’s also a huge feeling of apathy for Patric, which in the past led her to anti-social behaviours like stealing cars and breaking into houses.

Fearne also points out the benefits of not caring what others think of you; while she people pleases a lot, she can see the freedom in having a lack of a filter. They chat about how to function in a relationship when you have to communicate any kind of mental disorder or illness too.

Patric’s memoir, Sociopath, is this month’s Happy Place Book Club read. Come and be part of the Book Club discussions on Instagram @happyplacebookclub.

Sociopath is out now.

Listen to Book Club Meets: Jo Cheetham

Listen to Book Club Meets: Jennie Godfrey

Thanks to Bluebird (an imprint of Pan Macmillan) for the Sociopath audiobook extract.

TAKE PART IN OUR HAPPY PLACE SURVEY HERE: http://bit.ly/happyplacesurvey2024

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Nobody’s worse off than you; everyone just experiences things differently. This is what 27 year old Ashleigh has come to understand about her own trauma. Previously, she minimised her own experiences, thinking it can’t be that bad, but learnt that until she acknowledged her own pain she couldn’t move forward.

In this chat with Fearne, Ashleigh explains how PTSD led her to develop facial tics and a stammer, isolating her personally and professionally. They talk about how to cope when those around you don’t understand what you’re going through, plus, how the Prince’s Trust have given her game-changing support to start her own business helping others with mental health struggles.

Fearne is a Goodwill Ambassador for Mental Health and Wellbeing for The Prince’s Trust. They help support young people aged 11-30, and believe that every single young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter their background, or their personal challenges. They offer support into education, training, and jobs; that’s exactly what they did for Ashleigh.

As well as catching up on Ashleigh’s progress, Fearne has a very special surprise for her at the end of the episode...

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How’s your mental health doing today? Do you ever wish people understood what was actually going on in your mind?

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Fearne looks back at some of the conversations she’s had on Happy Place that shine a light on particular mental health conditions.

There’s OCD with Tuppence Middleton, cyclothymia with Matt Edmondson, and psychosis with David Harewood. Plus, neuroscientist TJ Power chats about how to increase serotonin levels, and sleep physiologist Stephanie Romiszewski talks through how to combat insomnia.

Hopefully you’ll find a moment’s solace from connecting over stories you might recognise if you have any of these mental health conditions yourself, and if you don’t... you may well know someone who does...

CONTENT WARNING: as David recalls racist abuse, this episode contains offensive and distressing language.

Watch Stephanie Romiszewski

Listen to Tuppence Middleton

Listen to Matt Edmondson

Listen to David Harewood

Listen to TJ Power

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It can be tiring being anything but yourself. Musician Zayn has learnt to lean into what really makes him content.

In this chat with Fearne, Zayn talks through the quiet lifestyle he loves in Pennsylvania: painting, being outdoors, spending time with his daughter, and staying off his phone. He also explains how fatherhood has changed him, whether he's the parent he thought he would be, and what impact the new depths of emotion he feels has had on his music.

They chat about how to find the balance between sharing enough information with others to really connect on a deep level, while keeping some things private just for you. Plus, Zayn gives Fearne a very thoughtful gift...

Zayn’s new album, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS is out now.

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Do you turn to food for comfort? Actor Rebel Wilson spent a lifetime using food to numb herself from difficult emotions.

In this chat with Fearne, Rebel shares why she felt safe using her body as a barrier to true intimacy, not having sex until she was 35. Knowing that she was medically obese, Rebel made 2020 her ‘year of health’, but it was working through her trauma that made the most difference, not a specific diet or exercise plan.

Fearne also shares the realities of her bulimia, including the secrecy and isolation that can come with shame.

Rebel talks about feeling like a ‘loser’ at school and making a concerted effort to become popular through speaking to five new people each day, and being a part of theatre and sports teams for connection.

Plus, Rebel explains why it felt so important to speak her truth about what happened on certain sets in her memoir...

Rebel’s book, Rebel Rising, is out now.

Listen to How To Laugh When You’ve Been To Hell And Back

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Would you choose uncertainty over unhappiness? Happy Place Book Club novel, The List of Suspicious Things, is the first book Jennie Godfrey has written. She was working in a corporate job before she had a moment of clarity and quit her job with no plan B to become a writer.

In this chat with Fearne, Jennie explains why, having suffered with anxiety, she took control and chose an uncertain future over an unhappy present, with a little help from an episode of Happy Place...!

The List of Suspicious Things centres around the murders of the Yorkshire Ripper. It sounds like a grim subject, but this story – told through the eyes of a young teenage girl – is incredibly warm and charming. Jennie also reveals her family’s own connection to Peter Sutcliffe, the man known at the time as the Yorkshire Ripper.

Plus, you’ve been sending your voice notes, reminiscing about the teenage culture of the 1970s.

Join the Happy Place Book Club on Instagram @happyplacebookclub – DM your messages and voicenotes about May’s read, Sociopath, to have your thoughts shared on the podcast!

...and don’t worry, there are no plot spoilers in this episode!

Listen to Daisy May Cooper's episode.

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What are you dreams trying to tell you about yourself? Neurosurgeon Rahul Jandial feels dreaming is a vital part of being human.

In this chat with Fearne, Rahul explains that while our waking brain is generally ruled by the logical executive network... the dreaming brain liberates creative and divergent thinking. We dream, he says, to keep our minds open so they’re able to adapt if our world suddenly changes.

They also talk about the role dreams play as our ‘nocturnal therapists’. Dreams allow us a safe space to rehearse real life scenarios we might be anxious or confused about.

Sometimes our dreams can reflect what’s happening in our waking life, but what if what you’re experiencing in your dream life is flagging something that you haven’t even recognised about yourself yet? Rahul talks about how to use your dreams as a psychological thermometer.

Rahul’s book, This Is Why You Dream, is out now.

Listen back to Professor David Nutt’s episode about psychedelics

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‘If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry’, as the saying goes. These heightened emotions often sit very close to each other, and there’s a split second where we can decide whether to despair, or to see the funny side of a situation. 

Today, Fearne revisits Happy Place conversations that highlight the crossroads where people have decided to cope with shitty incidents by laughing at them, or at themselves.

Amongst other guests, Adele Roberts tells the absurd story of what happened to her stoma the night before running the London Marathon, and Dawn French chats about owning the moments you were a bit of a twat.

...and for a really good laugh, there are some behind the scenes outtakes as Fearne attempted to record some calming – and unexpectedly erotic – sleepy stories for the Happy Place app...

Listen to Fats Timbo’s episode

Listen to Adele Roberts’ episode

Listen to Dawn French’s episode

Listen to Vicky Pattison’s episode

Download the Happy Place app

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When was the last time you enjoyed some silence? Musician Norah Jones appreciates the importance of silence – it allows us to tune into what our minds are trying to tell us.

In this chat with Fearne, Norah explains that the rare moments of quiet are when creativity flows most freely. They talk about the feeling of being embarrassed by your work when you’re young, but that it’s important to be ever evolving and honing your craft just by getting on and doing it.

Norah’s new album, Visions, is out now.

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How often do you connect with strangers? There’s something magical about those fleeting moments of intimacy and connection.

Today, Fearne introduces an episode of Where Are You Going, a podcast that sees host Catherine Carr chatting to strangers and asking a simple question: “where are you going?” The stories people end up sharing with her go to all sorts of unexpected places – some are funny or loving, and others moving or shocking.

In this episode, Catherine meets women who’ve been cold water swimming, and a group of childhood friends who’ve found solace and connection in fishing.

New episodes of Where Are You Going? are released every Tuesday and Friday. You can listen back to over 100 episodes wherever you’re listening to this right now.

Follow Where Are You Going? on Instagram at @whereareyougoingpodcast and get in touch with Catherine on X @catherineecarr.

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Perfection has taken on a life of its own in recent years. Dawn French worries that the pursuit of perfection is stopping us from being who we are, and from making mistakes we can grow from.

In this chat, Fearne and Dawn explore why when we have low tolerance for others making mistakes, we’re likely judging ourselves for our mistakes too. So, in order to have more self-compassion, we have to talk about the cringey times we’ve held inside for fear for being shamed.

They also discuss the best ways to apologise when we’re in the wrong, and to allow space for robust debate that might just change our minds. Plus, why it’s so important to be able to say “I don’t know”.

Dawn’s book, The Twat Files, is out now.

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Cancer, and having a stoma, has changed DJ and broadcaster Adele Roberts’ perception of her own body for the better. It’s shown her it’s ok to cry, and it’s ok to ask for help.

In this chat with Fearne, Adele talks through the symptoms of bowel cancer, what the experience has taught her about positive mindset, as well as the realities of going through chemo.

They also chat about why it’s never too late to embrace and practice a new passion later in life, and why it’s important not to write off the entire day just because it started a bit crap.

Personal Best, Adele’s memoir, is out on the 11th of April.

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Don’t underestimate the power your voice has. This is the key message to come from Happy Place Book Club read, Killjoy, which tells the incredible true story of the No More Page 3 campaign, and the unlikely everyday women who made a generational change possible.

Fearne chats to author Jo Cheetham about their early memories of Page 3, street harassment, and how cultural messages can affect the way we relate to our own bodies.

They also talk about acknowledging anger and channelling that rage into something productive, and Jo shares how self-sabotage nearly stopped her writing this book in the first place.

Join the Happy Place Book Club on Instagram @happyplacebookclub – DM your messages and voicenotes about April’s read, The List Of Suspicious Things, to have your thoughts shared on the podcast!

...and don’t worry, there are no Killjoy plot spoilers in this episode!

This episode features extracts from the audiobook of Killjoy, narrated by Jo Cheetham, with thanks to Picador.

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“Am I mad, or did it happen?” This is a question that poet Lemn Sissay regularly finds himself asking. Having grown up in care, he has no family members to bear witness to his life experiences; is his understanding of his own identity correct?

In this chat with Fearne, Lemn talks through why it’s important for us not to compare trauma, that everything’s relative, and no one deserves more or less empathy. He also exposes the reality of the care system in the UK, and offers practical ways for all of us to help those who’ve been in care better integrate into society.

Between them, they suggest how to watch out for when you’re performing to a crowd, rather than being present – that’s where a true feeling of belonging lies – and how to mitigate the negative voices that want to knock your confidence.

Lemn’s latest poetry collection is Let the Light Pour In and his memoir is My Name Is Why. Both are published by Canongate.

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A disciplined lifestyle isn’t restrictive, it’s freeing. That’s how dietician, nutritionist, and plant-based cook Radhi Devlukia-Shetty feels about the habits, boundaries, and guidelines she's implemented. They allow her to be in control, rather than outside factors controlling how she lives.

In this chat with Fearne, Radhi explains why committing to something – and following through – increases self-worth as it proves you can trust yourself. Trusting your instincts is something she wants you to be doing more of when it comes to nourishing food in particular. They chat through some practical ways to transition into eating more plant-based food, especially by using spices that invigorate and give you energy.

Plus, why is it important to check your own mental health when you realise you’re gossiping about other people...?

Radhi’s recipe book, JoyFull, is out now.

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How can you support your child’s healthy brain development? How can you strengthen your connection with your children? And have you already messed them up too badly to make a change? These are all questions broadcaster-turned-child therapist Kate Silverton answers in her new book, There’s Still No Such Thing As Naughty.

Kate joined Fearne on the podcast earlier this week to discuss how to help your child regulate their emotions, how screens affect development, neurodivergence, and more. Now, you can listen to an exclusive extract from Kate’s new book, all about separation anxiety.

Listen to Kate’s Happy Place episode here.

There’s Still No Such Thing As Naughty is out on March 28th.

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Did you learn to regulate your emotions as a child? Broadcaster turned child therapist Kate Silverton says our ability to regulate our emotions has been found to be the best indicator of future happiness.

In this chat with Fearne, Kate definitively explains why it’s never too late to change your relationship with your kids regardless of how much you think you’ve already messed up. Kate talks through why it’s not about changing our children, it’s about changing their environment. Similarly, it’s not that you’re bad at parenting, it’s that you’re being expected to parent while under often more stress and with less community support.

Fearne and Kate also chat about why all of these conversations are relevant even if you’re not a parent, because all these things – soothing anxiety, acknowledging emotions, cultivating resilience – also relate to our relationships with our own parents, and ourselves...

Plus, Kate gives her take on how best to help children with neurodiversity, and how screens are really affecting our brains.

Kate’s book, There’s Still No Such Thing As Naughty, is out on the March 28th. 

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How often do you honour your emotions, and ask yourself “how are you, in this moment?” Spiritual coach and meditation teacher Kirsty Gallagher guides you through a meditation that helps you connect with your inner wisdom, and to get beneath the noise and chaos of the outside world.

So, find yourself somewhere quiet and comfortable for this gorgeous 10 minute meditation. While you’re doing that, you can first listen to a chapter from Kirsty’s new book, The Goddess Path, which is published by Happy Place Books. It’s a powerful read that will help you reclaim your self-worth, establish boundaries, and cultivate your intuition.

For more of Kirsty’s meditations, download the Happy Place app.

Kirsty’s book, The Goddess Path is out now.

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Some people are born driven; Zara Larsson is one of them. Sixteen years into her career, she’s still got huge ambitions for what she wants to achieve and what she expects of herself.

In this chat, Fearne and Zara talk about how to make sure we’re content and satisfied in the moment, while acknowledging that we continuously want to evolve and grow. We have to be curious about our human potential by pushing our own boundaries.

Plus, Fearne and Zara realise they’re the total opposite person – one being an introvert who craves time alone, the other being an extrovert who thrives on social interaction.

Zara’s new album, Venus, is out now.

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Change is scary but liberating. Grief has galvanised musician Jess Glynne, changing her outlook on life and making her more fearless.

In this chat with Fearne, Jess explains why learning that life is short has helped her trust her gut and make decisions that really serve her personally and professionally, rather than internalising other people’s feedback.

Fearne and Jess also talk through how to forgive both yourself and others for fucking up. We’re all going to make mistakes, so they chat about how we can give each other some grace and a space to learn, rather than creating a culture of fear.

Jess’ new album – Jess – is out on April 26th, and her latest single, Enough, is out now.

Listen to Glennon Doyle's episode of Happy Place here!

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Distress can be transformed into growth. Having had breast cancer, a double mastectomy, and Crohn’s, music icon Anastacia knows all too well how to be resilient through health scares.

In this chat, Fearne and Anastacia discuss how mindset and perspective can make a huge difference to our reality, especially for someone like Anastacia, who says she’s both an anxious and an optimistic person.

Plus, given the voices in her head that often told her she wasn’t pretty enough, Anastacia also gives advice on how to be ok with not looking like everyone else on the internet, and how to resist the urge to always use filters when posting online.

Anastacia’s new album, Our Songs, is out now. It celebrates the music Anastacia fell in love with while in Germany and presents 12 English-language interpretations of German top hits from the 1980s.

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What do you want to say that you’re not saying? After decades in the music industry Natasha Bedingfield has learnt from experience that being true to ourselves has to be more important than being liked.

In this chat, Fearne and Natasha explore practical ways to speak up and assert yourself, with Natasha drawing inspiration from the way legends like Tina Turner physically take control of their voice in order to be seen and heard.

Plus, not concerned by prescriptive parenting guidelines, they share their own unique techniques, proving every family should feel able to live by the rules that make most sense to all the individual characters in the mix.

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The Playboy mansion was supposed to be a place of freedom, expression and empowerment for Crystal Hefner, but it turned out to be the total opposite. As one of the girlfriends – and then wife – of Hugh Hefner, she had to be seen and not heard.

In this chat with Fearne, Crystal explains how living in the Playboy mansion saw her pitted against other women and picked apart for her appearance. Recognising the financial abuse in particular, she began saving her own money, which eventually created a foundation from which to rebuild her life, and self-worth, when Hef died. 

Fearne and Crystal also chat about how to start discovering what you like, and what makes you happy, after previously living for other people. Plus, how to move away from feeling your self worth hinges on your appearance. 

Crystal’s book, Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself, is out now.

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A good life isn’t necessarily a comfortable, easy life. Neuroscientist Tj Power knows that an element of effort and challenge is vital in keeping our minds happy.

In this chat with Fearne, Tj explains why it’s an issue for our mental health that the modern world enables us to get dopamine hits with zero effort. Similarly, he reckons being bored is a really solid antidote to being overstimulated and anxious.

They talk through ways to naturally boost and balance brain chemicals like oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, using his science-backed DOSE method. Plus, Tj offers tips on how to reinforce positive behaviours and habits rather than dwelling on the shit parts of life.

TJ’s book, The DOSE Effect, will be out later this year.

Listen to the Happy Place episode about tackling the Shitty Committee in your mind here!

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Are we making ourselves unhappy by setting unrealistic expectations for our relationships? Matchmaker Paul C Brunson thinks we might just be.

In this chat, Fearne and Paul explore attachment theory, communication styles, and the idea that instead of looking for ‘the one’ we should prioritise doing more of the things that light us up. Plus, Paul explains why the biggest rule of dating is to find the person you want to break the rules with...

Paul’s book, Find Love, is published by Happy Place Books on February 1st.

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When judge ourselves less, we judge each other less too, and vice versa. Activist and broadcaster Emma Dabiri’s academic work critiques the image-conscious society we live in.

In this chat, Fearne and Emma explore attitudes to everything from ageing, to weight, to race. Plus, Emma explains how much of our beauty culture is specific to the West, by comparing it to other cultures around the world.

They also talk about how we can critique beauty culture while still loving the magic of self-expression and adornment and art.

Emma’s book, Disobedient Bodies: Reclaim Your Unruly Beauty, is out now.

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Fearne wants to f*ck Blue Monday and help you make it whatever kind of Monday you want!

Today, she’s revisiting past podcast conversations (and some never heard before on the show!) to help you address the Shitty Committee in your mind. No matter how loud those rubbish voices in your heard are right now, these chats might just trigger a tiny mindset or perspective shift that’ll help you feel better able to cope when those shitty voices next pop up.

If you’re in need of a real mood boost, head over to @happyplaceofficial on Instagram to watch the F*ck Blue Monday video, and join in the conversation.

Watch Julia Samuel’s What Is How To video

Listen to Vex King’s episode

Listen to Ruby Wax’s episode

Listen to Sonia Choquette’s episode

Listen to Tim Peake’s episode

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The character trait you feel most tortured by is probably your best one too. Musician Tom Odell feels his perfectionism can make life challenging, but acknowledges it also plays a part in his success.

In this chat, Tom talks about feeling fewer physical symptoms of anxiety since his last chat with Fearne in 2019, as well as how music helps him feel emotions more deeply, and understand them with more clarity. Plus, they talk about how a wedding day can bring out real tenderness in people.

Tom's new album, Black Friday, is out on January 26th. His UK tour in March is sold out and final tickets are available for his headline shows at Alexandra Palace Park (July 19th), Dublin (June 26th) and Halifax Piece Hall (June 30th). 

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Imposter syndrome is likely to affect all of us at some point in our life; Michelle Keegan still feels it every time she finishes an acting job.

In this chat with Fearne, Michelle talks about her disciplined work ethic, as well as how she’s learnt to cope well with the amount of rejection in her industry. They also chat about why setting boundaries – especially drawing lines between personal and professional life – is so important. Plus, they wonder why it still feels important in adulthood to seek validation from our parents.

Fool Me Once is available to watch on Netflix now.

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What if instead of New Year New Me, we switched it to New Year More Me? ‘Tapping Queen’ Poppy Delbridge shares a simple way to unlock the potential we already have inside us.

In this chat with Fearne, Poppy talks through the practice of tapping, and how it can help with everything from dealing with phobias, to breaking negative thought patterns, and visualising the future you want. 

They also talk about why acknowledgement and acceptance are big parts of moving forward from your current difficult situation. Plus, there’s a live tapping session to help you go confidently into the new year.

If you want to enjoy the benefits of tapping sign up to the Happy Place App today and discover a range of Poppy’s practices that can help with anything from anxiety to motivation or simply bringing a moment of happiness in your day!  Sign up through App Store or Google Play store.  https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/happy-place-fearne-cotton/id1635145849

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Which parts of your life are put under a microscope over the festive period? Maybe you notice niggling difficulties amongst family members, or perhaps as we approach the new year you want a bit of motivation to help you take control of the life you want to live.

In this episode, Fearne chats about the Happy Place conversations that have had a tangible impact on her own life in 2023, as well as the episodes that could be particularly helpful for all of us at this time of year.

Fearne reflects on her chats with Jay Shetty, Kesha, Professor David Nutt, and many others, covering issues including arguments, addiction, and cultivating a kinder relationship with yourself.

Listen to the full episodes -

Bob Waldinger: https://pod.fo/e/17c1d1

Jay Shetty: https://pod.fo/e/164c7d

Kesha: https://pod.fo/e/17dee1

Professor David Nutt: https://pod.fo/e/19146b

Raynor Winn: https://pod.fo/e/15c075

Bronnie Ware: https://pod.fo/e/18f064

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Breaking patterns of intergenerational trauma could have a profound effect on the state of the modern world. Writer Alain de Botton believes love – or a lack thereof – is at the heart of our personal and societal issues.

In this chat with Fearne, Alain explains why so-called ‘attention seekers’ are precisely the people who need to be wrapped in love and attention. He also talks about why our defence mechanisms usually have real logic behind them, and why we should be curious about other peoples’ odd characteristics rather than getting frustrated by them.

Plus, he answers the simplest and most complex of questions: what actually is a healthy mind?

Alain’s book, A Therapeutic Journey: Lessons From the School of Life is out now.

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Why does having deep conversations matter, and why are podcasts the perfect place to have those conversations? In this episode, Fearne sits down with Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes from High Performance, Elizabeth Day from How To Fail, and Rangan Chatterjee from Feel Better Live More to reflect on what their shows have taught them.

They chat about how conversations on their podcasts have affected their personal lives, and why it’s important to acknowledge that everyone has a story, and that everyone knows something you don’t know...

Plus, Fearne and Jake reveal the weirdest TV gigs they’ve done in the past!

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Ask your inner child what brings them most joy: that’s how we can start to find happiness and purpose as adults. DJ, producer, singer, and songwriter John Newman has recently pivoted his career in order to better serve his inner child.

In this chat with Fearne, John talks about how rejection in his childhood, coupled with the intoxicating feeling of being wanted by everyone as a famous artist, led him down a volatile path. Fame, he says, is a drug that was having an impact on those around him as well as himself.

They also chat about what happens when you’re fearful of letting anything ‘negative’ touch you, as well as what impact being aware of death from a young age can have.Through doing the inner work, inviting practices such as manifestation into his life, and reconnecting with his innate passion for music, John is entering his most exciting chapter yet.

John’s smash hit single Call Your Name, with DJ/producer Alesso, is out now.

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Are you approaching the festive season without loved ones? Comedian, presenter, and author Matt Lucas has been thinking a lot about what it’s like to be grieving around this time of year.

In this chat with Fearne, Matt talks through some of the personal experiences that led him to write a children’s book about a boy who’s approaching Christmas without his mum. They also share that creativity has the ability to pull them out of depressions.

Plus, using parts of his own life as examples, Matt explains why we might need to think more about the prison population, and why it’s important to understand the back story of what it means to be gay in the UK.

Matt’s musical children’s book, The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas, is out now.

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Stripped of her character and confidence, Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock felt she was fading away in the band.

In this chat with Fearne, Leigh-Anne details the moment it clicked how big a part racism was playing, and why she now feels a duty to speak out. She explains how – as well as re-building her self-worth through therapy – she finds it helpful to ask herself what her fearless children would do. Fearne and Leigh-Anne also wonder whether we always have to know exactly who we are, or whether we can just let ourselves be...

Leigh-Anne’s book, Believe, is out now, published by Headline and available at all good bookshops.

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Do you know how to set boundaries without feeling like a mean-spirited person? Singer songwriter LeAnn Rimes has learnt to give herself permission to politely say no.

In this chat, Fearne and LeAnn share their experiences of learning to find fun when life had been so business-oriented for both of them from such a young age. They also compare notes on step-parenting, and talk about how children can trigger important revelations about your own insecurities. Plus, they chat about the concept of wellness, and why we need to be careful not to just let it become another stick to beat ourselves with...

LeAnn will be performing at the O2 Arena in London on the 8th May 2024.

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What other people think about you is their own business. Actress, musician, and talk show host Jada Pinkett Smith looks internally for her self-worth.

In this chat with Fearne, Jada explains why it’s so important to take responsibility for how you feel about yourself. They also talk about why we’re sometimes just as afraid to embrace our own light as we are to acknowledge the shadow parts of ourselves. Plus, Jada details the difference between trauma and adversity, and makes it clear the latter is both necessary and transformative.

Jada’s book, Worthy, is out now.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about suicidal thoughts, so do take care while listening.

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Sport should unite people; that’s what England women’s football coach Sarina Wiegman believes, and it’s something she achieved when the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022.

In this chat with Fearne, Sarina explains that succeeding at a high level is important because it provides a platform to drive meaningful cultural change. She also talks about why a good leader should be empathetic to the individual characters of those they’re managing, and why clarity – being clear and honest in communication – is a key value of hers.

Sarina’s book, What it Takes: My Playbook on Life and Leadership, is out on the 9th November.

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In moments of worry, it can be useful to zoom out and see the bigger picture. As an astronaut, Major Tim Peake is one of the few people who’s been able to physically gain this kind of perspective, looking back at the planet from space.

In this chat with Fearne, Tim explains how his experiences have built resilience that he can bring back into his everyday life back on Earth, as well as how he analyses and compartmentalises risk in a potentially dangerous job. He also talks about coming to the realisation that not setting long-term goals, but instead working with two-year visions, has helped him enjoy the journey more.

Tim’s book, Space: The Human Story, is out now.

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Have you spoken to your parents and grandparents about their own life experiences? For Sir Lenny Henry, it’s been important to document his family’s stories.

In this chat with Fearne, Lenny talks about his community’s culture of overcoming big life events as a collective, explains how his humour won him allies when he was being bullied, and thinks about what still needs to be done to tackle racism in the UK.

You can catch episode one of Three Little Birds on ITVX now, and episode two will be on ITV on Sunday 29 October. Lenny’s latest children’s book, The Boy With Wings: Clash of the Superkids, is out now.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode frankly discusses incidents of racism.

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The band is 34 years old, but Take That feel they’re just getting started. In this chat with Fearne, Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald, reveal if they can see themselves on stage well into their 70s and 80s...

Plus, they chat about how much of a positive impact having children has had both on their own characters, and on the logistics of being in a band. They also explain what it takes to be physically capable of performing huge live shows – the gym and nutrition both play a part.

Take That’s new album, This Life, is out on November 24th.

Tickets for the 2024 tour are on sale now, just visit: https://takethat.com/

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Can you look at yourself and say ‘I am happy’? Supermodel Ellie Goldstein, who was born with Down’s Syndrome, says she can.

In this chat with Fearne, Ellie and her mum Yvonne talk about the obstacles she’s overcome to grace the covers of Vogue and Glamour, as well as become the UK ambassador for a Barbie doll based on a person with Down’s Syndrome.

They chat about the importance of making sure kids feel a part of a community. It doesn’t matter how quickly they pick up a hobby, or how good they are at it – what matters is that they’re enjoying themselves.

Against All Odds By Ellie Goldstein (with foreword by Katie Piper) is out now.

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There’s beauty in letting go and not having your life mapped out for you. That’s something musician Rick Astley has learnt in the years after calling it quits on his successful music career when he was just 27.

In this chat with Fearne, Rick gives some brilliant insights into what the music industry was like thirty years ago, how it’s changed, and how it hasn’t. Plus, he reflects on who his parents were and how, despite a difficult childhood, he’s able to see them as multifaceted humans rather than just parents.

Rick’s new album, Are We There Yet, is out on October the 13th.

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Parenting your parent isn’t something any child thinks they’ll need to do, but TV personality, podcaster, and author Vicky Pattison found herself looking after her alcoholic dad. This in turn made her reassess her own relationship with alcohol.

In this chat, live from the Happy Place Festival, Fearne and Vicky talk about everything from social anxiety, to PMDD, to cultivating a positive body image. They also explore the idea that we often think we have to wait until we’re a ‘better version’ of ourself before we can do something we’ve always wanted to do. Vicky reckons we should just take a chance – take the risk – right now.

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Do you notice yourself reacting to situations, rather than taking the time to respond with a clear mind? Visionary writer Vex King explains why consciously responding rather than quickly reacting can have a positive effect on your mental health.

In this chat with Fearne, live from the Happy Place Festival, Vex talks about the significance of gratitude, and why it’s important to sit with our feelings. Plus, he explains the difference between pain and suffering, as well as how to allow yourself to be vulnerable with new people.

Vex's new book, Closer to Love: How to Attract the Right Relationships and Deepen Your Connections, is out now.

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What happens after you’ve ticked achieving your big dream off the to do list? Broadcaster Nick Grimshaw had always wanted to present the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, which he did, extremely successfully. Then in 2021, he left the station, and has had to carve out new goals.

In this chat with Fearne, live from the Happy Place Festival, Nick talks about how he’s created a new routine – and reveals the slightly misguided wellness hacks he tried out along the way... They also explore why it’s useful to make your goals as specific as possible, as well as the idea of feeling like an outsider.

Nick’s autobiography, Soft Lad, is out now in paperback.

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Fabulousness and seriousness can co-exist. In fact performer Billy Porter is clear that it’s important that they do co-exist. 

In this chat with Fearne, Billy explains why he feels artists have an obligation to speak truth to power if they can, and together they explore why art in all its forms can be such a powerful medium for all of us when we feel we have something to say. Plus, he explains why his singing voice – his greatest gift – became his armour against an often cruel world.

Billy’s single, Broke A Sweat, is out now.

CONTENT WARNING: In this episode Billy tells stories of his own life experiences that include homophobic language.

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Have you noticed yourself repeating negative patterns of behaviour throughout your life? Comedian and best-selling author Ruby Wax has become aware she was doing this in order to feel safe after a tumultuous childhood.

In this chat with Fearne, Ruby acknowledges that her depression will most likely always come back, but working to understand it means she has the tools to cope a little better each time it does. They also talk about why it’s so important for mental health that we allow people to be multi-faceted humans.

Ruby’s book, I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was, is out now.

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How many times have you looked at a couple and labelled them ‘goals’? Couple goals is a phrase Tom and Giovanna Fletcher are keen to steer clear of, because they acknowledge all relationships go through their highs and lows, and that’s ok.

In this chat with Fearne, live from the Happy Place Festival in Chiswick, Tom and Gi explain how they manage family time alongside thriving creative careers, as well as why it’s so important to be aware of your own difficult behaviours in a relationship. Plus Fearne reveals how Tom played a big part in helping her speak about her own mental health.

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If outward accomplishment is coupled with great internal distress, is that really success? It’s a question Tan France had to ask himself when his business was doing brilliantly, but his mental health wasn’t.

In this chat, Fearne and Tan swap thoughts about the realities of having a new born baby, and why it’s so important to establish what marriage means to you before you get married. They also chat about the power of using clothes to express creativity and identity.

You can watch Tan on all-new Say Yes To The Dress UK on Really from the 16th of August, and can catch up on Discovery+.

This interview took place prior to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank conversation about suicidal ideation, so do take care while listening.

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More exercise, more therapy, and less alcohol: these are some of the things artist Tom Grennan knows he needs in order to stay mentally well.

In this chat with Fearne, live from the Happy Place Festival in Chiswick, Tom explains how he’s learnt to ‘flip’ negative thoughts to positive ones using small language changes. They also share how anxiety manifests for each of them – from crying to trouble sleeping. Plus, how has Tom’s mum affected the way he interacts with crowds at his gigs?

Tom’s album, What Ifs and Maybes, is out now.

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Psychedelics have been stigmatised and criminalised for over 50 years, but David Nutt, a professor of neuropsychopharmacology and a leading worldwide authority on drugs, feels we’re on the cusp of a major revolution in psychiatric medicine and neuroscience that could see psychedelics being used to treat mental health conditions.

In this chat with Fearne, David explains the difference between the brain and the mind, and how psychedelics switch the latter off so the former can heal and lay down new thinking patterns. They discuss the potential therapeutic purposes of these drugs for conditions including PTSD, addiction, anxiety, and eating disorders.

David’s new book, Psychedelics, has recently been published by Yellow Kite and is available as a hardback, ebook and audio book. 

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Engaging with death can help us live more in the present. That’s one of the many lessons Bronnie Ware, who worked in palliative care, has discovered over the years.

In this chat, Fearne and Bronnie explore the idea of using death as a tool for living well. Bronnie’s collected stories about the most common regrets of the dying – everything from wishing they’d had the courage to express their feelings, to wishing they hadn’t worked so hard, and wishing they’d stayed in touch with friends.

Bronnie’s book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, is out now.

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Is success down to luck, or obsessive hard work? For chart-topping artist Jason Derulo routine and discipline are at the heart of his success.

In this chat with Fearne, Jason explains why he feels it’s his obsession with his craft that’s helped him create the life he dreamed of as a kid. They also wonder when taking risks is reckless, and when it’s important in order to keep growing. Plus, why is it often the case that we grow most immediately after failure?

Jason’s book, Sing Your Name Out Loud, is out now.

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Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Artist Dua Lipa is definitely the latter, choosing to unwind by surrounding herself with old friends, going to galleries, and exploring new restaurants.

In this chat Fearne and Dua talk about the role yoga, meditation, and boundaries play in their lives, and Dua wonders how her childhood moving between London and Kosovo shaped her resilient character.

Service95 is the name of Dua’s newsletter – you can sign up for all her cultural recommendations, listen to the accompanying podcast At Your Service, and sign up to the Service95 Book Club at service95.com.

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Born with a facial difference that meant he felt he didn’t fit in, Jono Lancaster has spent a lifetime practicing self-acceptance. Having been abandoned at birth, his adoptive mum provided immense support and care, but the confidence he felt at home was often chipped away at by the rest of the world.

In this chat with Fearne, Jono talks about how severe lows have forced him to take control of his inner narrative, transforming those lows into strength. He also explains why representation of facial differences is so important on TV and in film, and the positive impact it would have on his own sense of self if it wasn’t just the villains who have scars, burns, and other differences.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank conversation about suicidal ideation, so do take care while listening. 

Jono’s book, Not All Heroes Wear Capes, is published by Happy Place Books on July 20th, and is available to pre-order now.

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It starts with you. Those are the words life coach Sam Adams lives by. She also likes to wonder how our lives would be different if we believed the universe was conspiring for us, not against us, as our paranoid minds might be telling us.

In this episode, Fearne celebrates 100 million podcast downloads by meeting Sam, Matt, and Mel, Happy Place listeners who’ve all been through their own tough stuff, but have been open to learning about themselves along the way.

While Sam shares the origins of her own low self-worth, Matt Kendall’s story begins with a painful break up. Recognising that he’d made mistakes in the relationship, and that he hadn’t shown up for his partner, he began looking into attachment theory, and the role toxic masculinity was perhaps playing.

Mel Anderton also joins Fearne; after losing her son to suicide in 2015, she’s been working to explore the question ‘is suicide preventable, or inevitable?’ Working in mental health in Greater Manchester, Mel is now able to reflect on how her son’s experience of medical and mental health services might have been different today thanks to progress being made in this area.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank conversation about suicide, so do take care while listening.  

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There’s a difference between routine, and real ritual. Kirsty Gallagher is a moon mentor, a soul alignment coach, and a yoga and meditation teacher; she says ritual is so important because it’s about being present.

In this chat with Fearne, Kirsty explains why there’s also a difference between ritual and superstition. Kirsty’s work teaches us how to live back in alignment with an ancient cycle, a rhythm and flow guided by the moon, that aims to connect us back to our inner wisdom and purpose. Plus, what can we learn from nature about living in rhythmic cycles, and the power of making visceral sounds?

Kirsty is the bestselling author of books including Lunar Living and Sacred Seasons.

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Getting older is something to be celebrated. Queen of British Soul, West End star, and Olivier winner Beverley Knight is celebrating turning 50 by releasing new music, and is clear that life has only continued to get better as she’s become more confident in her own skin over the years.

In this chat, Fearne and Beverley talk about the importance of celebrating artistic expression, and why it’s freeing not to care what other people think about how we dress. Plus, Beverley describes the moment her body gave her a clear signal that she needed to slow down for her own physical and mental wellbeing.

Beverley’s album, The Fifth Chapter, is out September 29th.

Beverley will be on tour in the UK during October and November, get your tickets here: https://www.beverleyknight.com/live-events

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Do you have main character energy? Comedian, model, and social media megastar Fats Timbo reckons we should all have the confidence to play the main role in our own lives, but that being confident is a skill that needs to be learned.

In this chat with Fearne, she explains why so much of life is how we choose to perceive it. We can choose whether to laugh or cry at a certain situation... and Fats’ family definitely taught her to laugh. She also talks about how, having been born with achondroplasia, the loving support she experienced at home wasn’t necessarily mirrored out in the rest of the world.

Fats’ book, Main Character Energy, is out now.

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Masturbation should be as big a part of your self care routine as your meditation, breathwork, or morning walk. Content creator and sex & relationships expert Florence Bark feels masturbation is central to our self-esteem and wellbeing.

In this chat with Fearne, Florence explains why it’s so important to understand our own anatomy, and why masturbation should be prioritised as much as partnered sex. Plus, they chat about how to begin overcoming the shame society has made so many of us feel around sex and bodies.

Florence’s book is called This Book Will Make You Feel Something, and is out now.

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Is it art if no one sees or hears it? In this chat, musician Kesha joins Fearne to talk about our sometimes obsessive relationship with feedback, and why your own opinion of your work is the only one that should really matter. 

As the artist behind pop track Tik Tok, Kesha had been known for being a burst of high energy for her fans, but more recently she’s been compelled to expose different sides of herself, including the ‘ugly’ emotions and behaviours, as she calls them. In this chat, she and Fearne both share their experiences of eating disorders and panic attacks.

Kesha’s new album, Gag Order, sees her getting intimate with herself at a time when she’s had a lot of outside noise to contend with, and it's out now.

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Are you aware of the importance of relationships and human connection to your happiness? Psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and Zen priest Robert ‘Bob’ Waldinger leads the world’s longest scientific study of happiness, and has found relationships to be crucial.

In this chat, Bob tells Fearne how much of a role genetics plays in happiness, and how much we really do have control over. They also talk about the difference between being around people and really being present with them, as well as how to start prioritising relationships over other traditional markers of success.

Bob’s book, co-authored with Marc Schulz, is called The Good Life and is out now.

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Giving yourself permission to enjoy something is a discipline that requires practice. This is just one of the many lessons snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan has learnt as he’s changed his approach to the game over the years.

In this chat with Fearne, Ronnie talks about how he would now always choose happiness over traditional markers of success, and how his challenging childhood made him incredibly resilient and able to cope with change, injustice, and adversity. 

In Ronnie's latest book, Unbreakable, he shares what it takes to be the very best in your field. It's out on 11th May. 

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In this special episode in partnership with The National Lottery, Fearne speaks to East Londoner Steve Barnabis who's dedicated his life to saving children from knife crime. He’s spent his entire career working to improve the lives of young people, to tackle youth violence, and create safe spaces for children and teens to express themselves.

After meeting the Royals at a Big Lunch event last year, Steve, together with his organisation Project Zero, and the local community, will be putting on his own Coronation Big Lunch over the bank holiday weekend. The Big Lunch, made possible by National Lottery Players, brings millions of people together annually to boost community spirit, whilst encouraging neighbours to share friendship, food and fun.

In this chat with Fearne, Steve explains how understanding the root causes of knife violence – mental health, school performance, home life anxieties – is the key to reducing anti-social and offending behaviour, and promoting social inclusion. He also opens up about how knife crime has directly affected his family.

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Kate Ferdinand found herself with three step children when she fell in love and moved in with now-husband Rio six years ago. Since then, she’s become a supportive voice for others with blended families.

In this chat, Fearne and Kate talk about how proud they both are of the relationships their step and biological children have, as well as why their fear of rejection is stronger with their step children than their biological children. Plus, Kate explains why she feels consistency and communication have been the most important principles in creating a harmonious family.

Kate’s book, How To Build A Family, is published by Happy Place Books and is out on May 11th.

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Self-compassion is vital in manifesting. Meditation teacher and mentor Joey Hulin knows we have to believe that we deserve good things in order to lean into going after them.

In this chat with Fearne, Joey explains that manifesting means intentionally thinking about, and working hard towards the things we want in our lives. We have to really embody our desires if we’re to achieve our dreams. They also chat about where science and mysticism meet, the concept of luck, and whether we should be doing spells...

Joey’s new book, ‘Your Manifesting Year’ is published by Happy Place Books, and is out now.

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Are you conscious of the importance of connecting with nature? Does it help you better connect with yourself? That’s certainly the case for Charlotte Church.

After years in the spotlight as a singer, Charlotte has now created The Dreaming – a wellness retreat in the heart of Wales. In this chat with Fearne, she explains how things like being outside, the power of sound, and generally having a slower pace of life have helped her heal from grief. They also talk about the importance of play as adults.

You can book your stay at The Dreaming here: https://www.thedreaming.co.uk/

Use Code "HAPPYPLACE" for 10% off a retreat.

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Setting boundaries might feel uncomfortable and sound callous, but best-selling author Melissa Urban believes setting boundaries is one of the kindest things you can do in any relationship.

In this chat with Fearne, Melissa explains how to start small when it comes to learning to set boundaries – casually saying ‘no’ to another glass of wine, for example – before moving on to setting boundaries with people in your life who might be seriously draining your energy. Plus, she tells Fearne why over-explaining often makes our lives more difficult.

Melissa’s book, ‘The Book of Boundaries: Set the limits that will set you free’, is out now from Vermilion. 

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In this special episode, Fearne chats to fellow podcaster and great friend Elizabeth Day about the episodes of both Happy Place and How To Fail that have changed their lives.

Talking to Roman Kemp about mental health has made Fearne think about how she should chat to her own children about depression, and Elizabeth took a lot away from her episode on how to relieve your own suffering with Mo Gawdat.

Having listened to a Happy Place episode with Rio and Kate Ferdinand, they both share their experiences of parenting step-children, as well as reflecting on episodes with Emily Ratajkowski, Phoebe-Waller Bridge, and Alexandra Burke.

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Are you conscious of fear and shame driving your behaviour? Cyclist Bradley Wiggins feels those emotions have dictated a lot of his decision making across his life.

In this chat with Fearne, Bradley explains that putting all his energy into become a great cyclist was a distraction from childhood traumas. In order to cope with the aftermath of being groomed by a coach as a teenager, and having an absent father, he created a larger than life public-facing character. Now, he’s figuring out who he really is, and what he really cares about.

Find out more about NSPCC’s Listen Up Speak Up campaign: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/listen-up-speak-up/

Join Team Mind for Ride London: https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/donate-or-fundraise/take-on-an-active-challenge/cycle-for-mind/2023-ridelondon-essex-100/?bs=1

Content warning: This episode contains frank chat about child abuse, so do take care while listening.

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Spencer Matthews was 10 years old when his older brother Michael became the youngest Brit to reach the summit of Everest in 1999. On his descent, he encountered a number of unfortunate circumstances and was never seen again. Over two decades later, Spencer decided to retrace his brother’s steps in the hope of recovering his body, and in the process piece together an image of who his brother was.

In this chat with Fearne, Spencer talks about the emotions that have surfaced for him as a result of this operation – thought to be the highest search and recovery mission in history. He also explores how he’s starting to understand how his alcoholism might have been linked to the feelings he hasn’t given voice to until now.

Finding Michael is streaming now on Disney+.

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PTSD, social anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, and imposter syndrome are just some of the things Ian Redpath and Jeremy Chopra have experienced between them. Known collectively as All On The Board, Ian and Jeremy are the TFL customer service assistants who write the supportive, fun, moving words on tube station boards and post them on social media.

In this chat with Fearne, Ian and Jeremy discuss the importance of being kind to one another, and the power of feeling less alone when you’re going through a rough time. They also talk through some of the overwhelming experiences of working on the Underground that have particularly stuck with them over the years – for better or for worse.

All On The Board: Your Daily Companion is out now:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/All-Board-Companion-Inspiring-comforting/dp/1399705202/ref=asc_df_1399705202/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=570430330025&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5476132799832649149&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045987&hvtargid=pla-1643506561360&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

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How often do you cultivate quiet moments that are just for you? Best-selling author Katherine May believes being alone doesn’t necessarily mean feeling lonely. In this chat, Fearne and Katherine talk about how nature retreats and blooms across the seasons, and why it might be helpful for us to think of each of our own years in a similar way.

Plus, they chat about why we find it harder to be wrong than we used to; how can we better cultivate community in order to keep being curious about different experiences and opinions? Katherine also talks about learning she’s autistic later in life.

Katherine’s latest book, Enchantment, is out March 9th: https://linktr.ee/enchantmentbook 

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For author Taylor Jenkins Reid, fame is a brilliant lens through which to examine societal expectations of women. The female celebrities in her glamourous novels all navigate the restrictions put on their behaviour in very different ways, in turn mirroring how all women – famous or not – might feel compelled to act.

In this chat, Fearne and Taylor share how much of their own self-worth is wrapped up in their perception of what they’ve achieved, across both a day and an entire lifetime. Plus, Taylor explains why we don’t necessarily know who we are until we give a lot of activities and jobs a try, and why pure, unadulterated joy is just as good a reason as any to do something.

Daisy Jones and The Six is available to stream on Amazon Prime from 3rd March.

Carrie Soto is Back is out now in hardback:

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/441945/carrie-soto-is-back-by-reid-taylor-jenkins/9781529152128

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Women are often made to look after the emotional needs of their families, while simultaneously denying their own. Gabor Maté – who has decades of experience as a doctor working with mental illness, trauma, and addiction – says that’s having a very real physical effect on our bodies by way of autoimmune diseases.

In this chat, Fearne and Gabor discuss the relationship between mental stress and physical outcomes, as well as the way in which the political systems we live in are having a huge impact on our personal mental health.

The Myth Of Normal, the book that Gabor has written with his son Daniel, is available to buy now.

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We need to be intentional about finding, and keeping, love in our lives. #1 Sunday Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host of On Purpose and Chief Purpose Officer of Calm Jay Shetty thinks the purpose of life is to understand how to love ourselves, each other, and the world.

In this chat with Fearne, Jay talks about why he’s fascinated by the place where ancient wisdom meets modern science; it’s at this intersection that he believes the rules of love lie. They also talk about why we might have to put ourselves in uncomfortable situations in order to find the greatest self-love – we have to recognise the tough things we’ve experienced in order to find confidence and pride.

Jay's second book, ‘8 Rules of Love’ is available to buy at 8RulesofLove.com and wherever books are sold.

To catch Jay on his first ever world tour 'Love Rules', in Glasgow, Salford, Birmingham and London from May 19-24, go to JayShettyTour.com for tickets and VIP Packages. 

Follow Jay on Instagram and subscribe to his podcast On Purpose. 

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Music can change your state of mind. Shania Twain, the best selling female artist in country music history, has been using songwriting as therapy as she works through a difficult period in her life.

In this chat with Fearne, Shania explains how the repetition of words in the songs she writes can act like therapeutic mantras, both evoking and releasing emotions. Shania also talks about being resilient, and the relationship she’s had with fear and optimism across a tumultuous life. Plus, she shares her feelings about her changing body over time.

Shania’s new album, Queen of Me, is out now.

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Does music have the power to emotionally transport you? It certainly does for actress Joanna Lumley and composer Stephen Barlow. Married for nearly 40 years, they share a huge passion for classical music in particular.

In this chat with Fearne, Joanna and Stephen explain how music and performing are threads that have always woven their lives together, as well as wondering that sometimes external noise and chatter has to be quietened in order for us to be creative.

Joanna & The Maestro is available to listen to on all podcast platforms.

Listen on Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/joanna-lumley-the-maestro/id1663272172

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How does sexual harassment – both online and in real life – affect a person’s sense of self worth? This is one of the many questions actor and comedian Emily Atack has been asking herself and others in her new documentary, and as she campaigns for parliament to change the law around cyberflashing.

In this chat, Emily and Fearne share their experiences of everything from catcalling and being sent unsolicited photos online, to the way the world has made them feel about their own bodies. Plus, they try to unravel why it is that society struggles to allow women to be sexy and smart at the same time.

Emily Atack: Asking For It? will air on BBC Two and iPlayer at 9pm on Tuesday 31st January.

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It’s important to let the down days happen, to acknowledge them as part of the human experience rather than trying to fight them. Clinical psychologist and online educator Dr Julie believes the goal of therapy shouldn’t be to make ourselves be constantly happy all the time.

In this chat, Fearne and Dr Julie explore why anxieties and fears can sometimes serve us, and why it’s healthy to allow space in our lives for all emotions to come and go. Dr Julie also talks through some of the tools we can all try to use when we’re in distress that – if practiced regularly – could have a real impact on our mental health.

Dr Julie’s book, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?, is out now.

You can follow Dr Julie on Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@drjuliesmith

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The human spirit is capable of enduring more than we might think. That’s something long distance walker and writer Raynor Winn discovered when she and her husband Moth became homeless the same week Moth was told he was terminally ill.

In this chat with Fearne, Raynor talks about turning anger into positivity, the physically healing benefits of walking, and why we should leave space for the ‘magic’ or unexpected to happen in life.

Raynor’s latest book, Landlines, is out now.

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There’s great power in physical touch. Jambo Truong believes that self-touch is the greatest path to self-love, and holding others is where we’ll find real connection. In this chat with Fearne, Jambo explains the physical signs we can spot in ourselves and others when we’re truly connected to our deepest passions. They also explore practical ways we can all be kinder to ourselves.

Find out more about Jambo’s meditation, yoga, and bodywork sessions, which he runs in person and online, on his website www.jambodragon.com.

You can also try Jambo’s meditations for yourself, along with lots of other practices including yoga and tapping, on the Happy Place app. Head to the Happy Place website to find out more and start a free 14 day trial today.

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Meditation is chaos – it’s ok if you can’t completely quiet your mind. In fact, meditator, poet, and New York Times best-selling author Yung Pueblo says that’s kind of the main point.

In this chat with Fearne, he explains that while meditation isn’t a ‘click your fingers and all your problems go away’ solution, it can have a very powerful effect on how you reactto your problems. They also discuss how acknowledging that everything is always changing can help us be more present and appreciate the moment now.

‘Lighter’ by Yung Pueblo is out now, and is a guide to deep healing and self love.

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Do you ever feel like you’re in your own way? Like the only obstacle stopping you achieving success is your own lack of self-belief? This is something pop icon and Queen front man Adam Lambert has spent a career navigating.

In this chat with Fearne, Adam opens up about how he came to understand that he has anxiety. Looking back, he’s clear that having to supress his queer identity for a long time compounded his stress, and that while becoming famous alleviated some stresses, it created many others, including a huge pressure to constantly perform at a high level. They also talk about the positive impact Adam’s personally found taking medication has had on his mental health.

Adam’s single, Ordinary World, is out now, and you can pre-order his album, High Drama’, now too.

Britain Get Singing airs on ITV on Christmas Eve.

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When was the last time you impressed yourself by doing something you didn’t think you could? Bear Grylls reckons putting ourselves in slightly uncomfortable situations is where we grow.

In this chat with Fearne, Bear explains why those who take on epic adventures or challenges have to be really good at being mindful and living in the present, and what lessons about mental resilience we can all learn there. They also talk about why being negative and being optimistic are both just habits, so positivity is a skill we can learn.

Bear’s book, Mind Fuel, is out now.

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Kelsey’s husband, The Wanted’s Tom Parker, publicly announced in October 2020 that he had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. He died in March 2022. Since then, Kelsey’s been learning how to navigate her own grief as well as that of their small children.

In this chat, she and Fearne explore the idea that we’re all allowed to be multiple things at once; Kelsey is clear she needs space to be strong and resilient, and fall apart at the same time.

Kelsey’s new documentary, Kelsey Parker: Life After Tom,is out now on ITVBe.

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This is the 200th episode of Happy Place! To celebrate, Fearne replays some of her favourite moments from the show, revealing behind the scenes anecdotes and explaining why these conversations have been so important to her. Dave Grohl, Jada Pinkett Smith, and David Harewood all make an appearance. Plus, she hears from you about your favourite moments too. You’ve been sending voicenotes to Fearne and asking her your questions, including which guest she’s been most nervous to interview, and what advice she’d have for a woman heading into her 30s.

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Do you ever feel held back by shame or judgement? Not just from others but perhaps from yourself too? Do you default to self-deprecation? In this chat with Fearne, comedian, musician, and producer Tim Minchin talks about how he’s learnt to let himself appreciate his own talents.

They also chat about their own parenting choices, knowing full well that their children’s characters will be shaped by them, and the importance of a diagnosis for neurodivergence. Plus, Tim has some interesting thoughts about why we shouldn’tnecessarily be seeking happiness.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, which Tim wrote the original music and lyrics for, is in UK cinemas on the 25th of November.

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Model, NY Times best-selling author of My Body, and host of new podcast “High Low with EmRata,” Emily Ratajkowski has spent a lot of time thinking deeply about being a woman working in an industry that wants to commodify and objectify you. In this chat, Fearne and Emily explore female sexual empowerment, implicit gender roles, choosing to expose or cover up your body, and the tricky complexities and hypocrisies within all of those areas.

High Low with EmRata is available to listen to wherever you’re listening to Happy Place right now.

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Stereotypes – the cat lady, the mother, the wife – can make us feel we need to play a part to fit the role others have cast us as. Broadcaster and author Dawn O’Porter wonders whether, far from being an entirely negative thing, sometimes that’s a necessary survival method.

In this chat, Fearne and Dawn share their experiences of grief after losing their cats, as well as their thoughts on making a point of crying when they’re alone. Dawn says she has a bit of a rebellious spirit, and explores how she’s very much a product of her early years.

Dawn’s novel, Cat Lady, is available now.

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Are you ok? It’s a question that’s often worth repeating with the people we love. Capital Breakfast Show host Roman Kemp lost his best friend and radio producer to suicide in 2020, and is now more adamant than ever that we must keep asking our friends and family if they’re really ok.

In this chat with Fearne, Roman explains why he feels it’s important to share both his ongoing grief, and stories of his own mental health with the nation each day. They also talk about why it’s important to be bold about using the word suicide; in naming it, we’re more able to do something about it.

Roman’s book, Are You Really Ok? is out now.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about suicide throughout, so do take care while listening. 

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We don’t just feel grief after a bereavement, we can feel it as a result of many different types of loss: loss of health, loss of a childhood, loss of the creative part of yourself. Coach and therapist Donna Lancaster explains why grief is valid in all these scenarios, and how to work through the heart break both mentally andphysically.

In this chat, Fearne and Donna explore how to be an emotional detective – how to be curious and search for the things in your past that have made you who you are – and how to recognise what your personal boundaries are.

‘The Bridge: A nine step crossing into authentic and wholehearted living’ by Donna Lancaster is available now (Penguin Life, £16.99).

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When others share their grief, it gives us permission to feel it ourselves. That’s what Richard E Grant has learnt over the last year as he’s shared every part of his own grieving process online. His wife Joan died in 2021, but before she did she told Richard he must try to find a ‘pocketful of happiness’ in each day.

In this chat with Fearne, he explains why being given permission to be happy was so powerful. They also talk about how to set boundaries with family members, especially during difficult times, and how a trauma can show who your friends really are.

Richard’s memoir, A Pocketful of Happiness, is out now.

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It’s been an incredible few months for sport, and broadcaster Gabby Logan has been at the heart of it, reporting as the Lionesses made history. In this chat with Fearne, she talks about how we now need to capitalise on successes like these for the future of women in sport.

Gabby also shares her experience of watching someone she loves go through addiction, the impact that having a devoted mentor has had on her career, and what intense breathwork has taught her about emotion.

Gabby’s book, The First Half, is out on October 13th.

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Unrelenting positivity isn’t always healthy. Over a career spanning decades, best-selling artist Craig David has learnt that sometimes it’s best to lean into pain in order to validate how you’re feeling. In this chat with Fearne, Craig explains why his desire to people please was ultimately hurting him, and explores the childhood experiences that led to an addiction to exercise.

Craig’s book, published by Happy Place Books, is called What’s Your Vibe: Tuning Into Your Best Life, and it’s out on October 6th.

His new album, 22, is out now.

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Nerves and excitement are very closely related, but following a stratospheric rise to fame thanks to Eurovision, Sam Ryder makes a point to choose to feel the excitement. In this chat with Fearne, he reveals the truth about those glitzy afterparties and why he’d rather be at home playing with Lego... They also talk about how to understand what your purpose is, and why cool is the enemy.

Sam’s album, ‘There’s Nothing But Space, Man!’ is out on November 18th, and you can get your tickets for his world tour here: https://www.sam-ryder.com/

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How good are you at being alone, both with your thoughts, and physically in public places? Rylan says that last year was the first time he really had to confront his own mental health, but doing so has helped him appreciate the joy in spending time alone.

In this chat with Fearne, Rylan talks about how he’s been able to manifest what he wanted his life to look like, and not seek permission from others when it comes to deciding what he can and can’t do. They also share experiences of whether they’ve personally found it more helpful to stop or continue working during difficult times.

Rylan’s new book, TEN: The Decade That Changed My Future, is published by Seven Dials on the 29th September in Hardback, Audio and Ebook.

You can join Rylan in his first exclusive event to celebrate the launch of TEN on the 21st September at Royal Festival Hall. Buy tickets here https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/literature-poetry/evening-rylan?eventId=907414

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