Happy Place

Book Club Meets: Fertility pressures, medical racism, and hen parties, with Candice Carty-Williams

<p>This month in the Happy Place Book Club, we’ve been reading Queenie Is Working On It, by Candice Carty-Williams. This is the much anticipated follow up to 2019’s Queenie.... and <em>this</em> time, Queenie Jenkins is questioning whether she wants kids, being priced out of the housing market in the place she grew up, and coping with horrible heartbreak too.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne – live from the Happy Place Festival – Candice explains why she felt it was so important to write about big topics like medical racism and fertility pressures, as well as why for her characters come first and the plot is just a side quest. Also, we all think hen parties are the absolute worst, right??</p><br><p>Thank you to Trapeze for the use of the Queenie Is Working On It audiobook, narrated by Shvorne Marks.</p><br><p><em>You can listen to the Queenie Is Working On It audiobook, from </em><a href="http://bookshop.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>bookshop.org</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/12835/9781409199014" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here.</em></a></p><p><em>&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>If you'd like to WIN a year's supply of audiobooks, enter our competition with </em><a href="http://bookshop.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>bookshop.org</em></a><em> </em><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/win-a-year-of-audiobooks-with-happy-place" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here.</em></a><em> Competition closes on August 22nd.&nbsp;</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/42730d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/40a0df" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Club Meets: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/4390eb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Club Meets: Imani Thompson</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Sam Thompson: "My mind doesn’t switch off!" People pleasing and ADHD hyperfocus

<p>Sam Thompson has made a career out of making people laugh, but behind the pranks and infectious energy, there’s a lot of panic and overthinking.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Sam shares how anxiety and undiagnosed ADHD shaped everything from his relationships to his self-confidence, and why it took years of therapy before he understood the patterns he kept repeating. Who do <em>you</em> call in a crisis? Sam has three people he goes to for very specific reasons when he’s spiralling.</p><br><p>Sam and Fearne also debate the people-pleaser and non-people-pleaser ways to leave a party, and Sam reveals some of the (amazing!) BTS goss from his content creation with Pete Wicks.</p><br><p>Plus, why was Sam willing to <em>pay </em>to go on I’m A Celeb...??</p><br><p>Sam’s book, You, Me, and ADHD is available now.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/38069e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Louise Thompson</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/340299" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jamie Laing</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/37b877" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ant and Dec</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Sophie Ellis-Bextor: “I want my kids to be intrepid!” How to make your holiday magical

<p>Sophie Ellis-Bextor is playing over 20 festivals around the world this summer. Given she travels so much for work, it’s even more important to make family holidays properly magical.</p><br><p>Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat with Fearne – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Sophie explains that she and her husband have meetings to discuss the travel itinerary. They share the joy of collecting stamps in your passport, and get deep into their recommendations for Paris, Puglia, Ibiza, and Japan.</p><br><p>Fearne and Sophie also realise they both turn into a slightly different person on holiday... a more uninhibited version of themselves. There are more glam outfits and fewer routines!</p><br><p>Plus, how does Sophie stay so chilled while packing for seven people in the family, and how does she feel about screens on holiday?</p><br><p><em>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 </em><a href="http://Ba.com/holidays" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Ba.com/holidays</em></a><em> to find out more.</em></p><br><p>Listen to other episodes of The Happy Place Guide To Holidays:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/301465" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Richard E Grant</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2f8a92" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tess Daly</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/30c12c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Clara Amfo</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/318d58" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sara Cox</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

"Little Joe would’ve watched Heartstopper in secret!" Joe Locke: queer representation matters

<p>Joe Locke was doing his A levels on the Isle of Man when Heartstopper came out on Netflix. Two days later he had 3 million new Instagram followers.</p><br><p>In this chat, Fearne and Joe both share their experiences of being thrust into the spotlight as teenagers, and how it’s affected them mentally. He explores his fear that his success might just be a fluke, and why he's so keen to prove he belongs in the industry.</p><br><p>They also chat about how vital it is to have LGBTQ+ representation like Heartstopper on TV, and why Joe came out twice. Plus, what can we all learn from Joe’s experience of having to grow up <em>fast </em>about giving ourselves permission to be young and messy?</p><br><p>You can watch Joe in Heartstopper Forever on Netflix now.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/28dfd0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Olly Alexander</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/390271" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chris Appleton</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2b6890" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Julian Clary</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Fearne on the loneliness of chronic pain and why she likes breaking rules

<p>There’s probably a bit too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness isn’t there? It’s just not realistic. So Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some honest chat about what’s making her (and you lot) feel great, and what’s making us all feel completely rubbish.&nbsp;</p><br><p>This is a cosy little corner for all of us to explore what’s been on our minds, what’s been getting us down, inspiring us, and making us laugh. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!</p><br><p><strong>In this chat, Fearne explores:</strong></p><br><p>-Trying random new hobbies in midlife and actually being good at them</p><br><p>-A bit of reminiscing about her 90s TV presenting days</p><br><p>-Admiring nature through a camera lens</p><br><p>-Going to the doctor and having your pain believed immediately</p><br><p>-Why she’s not a fan of following rules (and what happened when she disobeyed them at The Vatican)</p><br><p>-Taking time off work for poor mental health</p><br><p>-Why wearing a bra in the heat is SO AWFUL</p><br><p>-Why wearing clothes full stop is a mad concept</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

My work makes me a better parent! Coping with mum guilt and taking the pressure off

<p>We’re heading into the summer holidays. Hands up if you’re already a bit anxious about any mum guilt creeping in...?</p><br><p>Fearne definitely is, so she’s reflecting on the Happy Place episodes that explore how different women are choosing to navigate working and parenting. No judgement here gang – we all need to take the pressure off being perfect in every area of our lives!</p><br><p>In this episode –</p><br><p>-Entrepreneur Emma Grede chats about why parenting isn’t that deep, and why it’s important for her kids to see her fulfil her own dreams</p><br><p>-Artist Sophie Ellis-Bextor explains why she’s stopped minimising the importance of her career, and how she includes her children in her work day</p><br><p>-Olympic Rower Helen Glover explores how having children encouraged her to get back into a career she thought she’d retired from</p><br><p>-Artist Paloma Faith wonders just how much of a toll the silent emotional load of working both in and out of the house is taking on women</p><br><p>-Broadcaster Ruth Langsford reflects on how she chose between being at home or at work in her early days of parenting, and what she tells young mothers in the same</p><p>position</p><br><p>-Actor Joanna Page remembers the times she had to breastfeed on TV sets and explains why motherhood now ultimately comes before her career</p><br><p><br></p><p>By the way, tickets for the 2027 London Happy Place festival are on sale <em>now</em>! Just head to happyplaceofficial.co.uk to get your tickets.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Listen to the full Happy Place episodes –</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/407334" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Emma Grede</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2a124c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sophie Ellis-Bextor</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/283976" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Helen Glover</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/245bab" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Paloma Faith</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/3b8e28" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ruth Langsford</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/32ed95" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Joanna Page</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Overwhelmed and exhausted? Decompress with this breathwork session from Self Space

<p>Is your nervous system exhausted today? Perhaps you’ve been holding everything together, holding everything inside for a little bit too long? Find somewhere quiet and comfortable, and join Jodie Cariss for a little decompression session.</p><br><p>Jodie’s a psychotherapist and the founder of Self Space, a mental health service offering straightforward access to flexible therapy. She’ll guide you through some breathwork, body release, and visualisations that’ll allow you to let go of the mental and physical tension you’re holding.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://theselfspace.com/?utm_term=self%20space&amp;utm_campaign=B2C_Online_(Excluding+London)&amp;utm_source=adwords&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;hsa_acc=6529518307&amp;hsa_cam=23483647172&amp;hsa_grp=192954460458&amp;hsa_ad=793839457571&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-549286336697&amp;hsa_kw=self%20space&amp;hsa_mt=p&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23483647172&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA97FoJwjVXPfGjuSGQr5p5aSQEunW&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwwpDQBhAuEiwAa-4Wo4rnUvEXGKkQ9rVhscnQwy1HdOo5IMc8C3-1QX7Sdt-AsswY3oj4DxoCaGUQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Find out more about Self Space</a>.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Are you ditching your values to fit in? Todd Rose on avoiding peer pressure

<p>Smoking and going to that cool gig... think you left caving to peer pressure behind at high school? Scientist and social entrepreneur Todd Rose says we’re still desperately doing our best to fit in, whether we realise it or not!</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Todd explains that it feels important to hold the ‘correct’ opinions in the eyes of our social group. Why? As humans we’re wired to want to belong to a community, so often misrepresent our values for fear of upsetting others.</p><br><p>The word ‘authenticity’ is thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? Todd explains how to make sure your public self aligns with your public self so you’re not living in a state of confusion and anxiety.</p><br><p>Plus, why <em>not </em>speaking your mind has very real implications on your physical health, and how self-silencing is affecting everything from your friendships to how you vote.</p><p>Todd’s book, Collective Illusions, is out now.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/41e114" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr Julie Smith</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/23da85" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Patric Gagne</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/3ab356" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Break free from people pleasing</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

I love chatting to strangers! Fearne’s being spontaneous and sleeping better on holiday

<p>Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Fearne gets into what she and Team Happy Place absolutely love about a holiday, and which bits can be a bit rubbish. (<em>No one</em> wants to pack to go home when the swimsuits are still wet...)</p><br><p>How do <em>you </em>take your holidays more seriously? Join the chat on Instagram @happyplaceofficial and @britishairwaysholidays.</p><br><p><strong>In this chat, Fearne explores:</strong></p><p>-How a spa holiday induced a 10/10 sleep</p><p>-Soaking up the history of places like Rome</p><p>-Why you’re a more relaxed (more fun??) version of yourself on holiday</p><p>-Chatting with strangers in cool little shops</p><p>-The brilliant trinkets you come home with (personalised wax seal, anyone?)</p><p>-Why nothing will beat the first Negroni abroad</p><p>-Having uninterrupted reading time&nbsp;</p><p>-Why the first 24 hours on holiday can make her a little bit anxious</p><p>-The perils of being a last-minute packer</p><br><p><em>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 </em><a href="http://ba.com/holidays" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Ba.com/holidays</em></a><em> to find out more.</em></p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Adam Kay: "I was told to man up!" Coping with PTSD and mental health stigma

<p>Just man up. This is essentially what Adam Kay was told when a traumatic day at work left him with PTSD.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, former doctor Adam explains why he made the decision to leave the medical profession, and puts a spotlight on the poor mental health of our NHS workers. Adam talks about how, in his case, the job left him feeling paranoid and overcautious, and how he turned to diary writing to process his emotions.</p><br><p>They chat about how we can all chip away at any mental health stigma in both the workplace and at home with loved ones, and offer advice for how to put together your own mental health toolkits for crises of varying severity.</p><br><p>A Particularly Nasty Case by Adam Kay is out in paperback 2nd July (published by Orion).</p><br><p>CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank conversation about suicide.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/40cd32" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nicole LaPera</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/385d6d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sam Claflin</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/340299" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jamie Laing</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Book Club Meets: I wrote a loveable psychopath! Race and female rage, with Imani Thompson

<p>Yrsa really doesn’t intend to kill anyone... but the Cambridge professor sitting opposite her has manipulated her friend and stolen her research. So, when she flicks a bee into his drink, she just thinks he’ll get a nasty little sting... but now he’s dead. And it’s a sweet, sweet feeling for Yrsa: finally having some control...</p><br><p>Honey, written by Imani Thompson, was our Happy Place Book Club read for June. In this chat with Fearne, Imani explains how getting fired from a job was the catalyst she needed to start writing, and just how surreal it feels to have a debut novel published in her 20s.</p><br><p>They also explore the big themes in the novel, including race, intersectional feminism, female anger, and revenge.</p><br><p>In July, we’ll be reading Queenie Is Working On It, by Candice Carty-Williams.</p><br><p>Thank you to The Borough Press for use of the Honey audiobook, narrated by Chloe Sommer.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/42730d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/40a0df" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Club Meets: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/39d084" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Club Meets: Emma Gannon</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Are you a witch? Believe in your magic and the power of ritual, with Poppy Jamie

<p>Did you listen when your gut told you to turn down that job... and did you seize a better opportunity after?</p><br><p>What about when you were tired but something told you to go to the party anyway? Did you meet your partner there?</p><br><p>Entrepreneur and author Poppy Jamie says there’s no such thing as a coincidence.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Poppy explains why our collective exhaustion comes down to trusting logic and data over our gut instinct and inner wisdom. They talk about why it’s the inexplicable moments in life that expand our understanding of what’s possible.</p><br><p>Poppy has been diagnosed with near-infertility and couldn't see how motherhood was possible; she explains how a true belief in magic, intuition, and the wise women around her have helped her cope.</p><br><p>Plus, Poppy has an incredible announcement that was prophesised many years ago...</p><br><p>Poppy’s book, The Book of Magical Living, published by New River, is out now.</p><br><p>CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank conversation about pregnancy loss and abortion.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/376871" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sonia Choquette</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2c3bf2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Estelle Bingham</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/ba4b1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rhonda Byrne</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

“Outrageous, saucy behaviour!” What’s going down in Fearne’s WhatsApp groups?

<p>What’s been going on for you this week? What are you happy about, and what’s making you not so happy? Fearne’s here with more chat about what’s putting her, Team Happy Place team, and you lot in a good mood, and what’s feeling a bit heavier.</p><br><p>This is our space to explore what’s been on our minds. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!</p><br><p><strong>In this chat, Fearne explores:</strong></p><p>-The joyful chaos of the girls’ WhatsApp group&nbsp;</p><p>-Taking time to chill before a big life change</p><p>-Why it feels so good putting the washing out in the garden</p><p>-The time she unfortunately became a bit of a kn*b after red wine</p><p>-Tiredness messing with your day</p><p>-Worrying about things you can’t control</p><p>-How to speak more kindly to your body</p><p>-The rage she feels at the Instagram algorithm&nbsp;</p><br><p><em>Happy Place episodes mentioned in this chat:</em></p><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/1f8394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Take That</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

"Life's too short for bad sex!" Grace Campbell is speaking up about pleasure and shame

<p>Comedian Grace Campbell used to call herself crazy before anyone else could get in there first. Now, Grace wonders whether telling herself this story was affecting how other people interacted with her...</p><br><p>In this chat, Fearne and Grace explore how your inner self-talk will impact how others perceive you. So, how has Grace re-framed her ADHD, OCD, and anxieties? And given Grace has spent a lot of time seeking male validation, how has she become ok with so many men finding her “annoying”?</p><br><p>Grace also reflects on her childhood, growing up amongst the political elite thanks to her dad Alastair Campbell. She explains how she learnt to speak up for herself by watching the powerful men around her.</p><br><p>Plus, why life is too short for bad sex and a lack of orgasms!</p><br><p>You can get your tickets for Grace’s stand up tour <a href="https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/grace-campbell/?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnFYExKCMHZj_rt2mM-jrqVWMIPnHrHLJ7AxAB-AiYxAhTF2dfJ6ohKKo4kgg_aem_YWdncwDFp_Wn0dA11xl5biu5o04P&amp;brid=YWdncwEZOaBxLNQJCdaqJvvoSN2i&amp;utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/26738b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gillian Anderson</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/17fbd0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Florence Bark</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/27b9a0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Miranda July</a></p><p><strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Yoga! Shopping! Talks! DJs! How the Happy Place Festivals come to life

<p>Are you coming to one of the Happy Place Festivals this year? We hope so! Have you been before and wondered how it all comes together? Maybe you’re unsure about coming and want to know what the vibe’s like...</p><br><p>Fearne’s joined by Team Happy Place’s Nicky Darling – she heads up all the live events – to get the behind the scenes goss on what it takes to make sure you have a gorgeous time at the festivals.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>They chat about –</strong></p><br><p>-Why it takes a whole year to plan the festivals</p><br><p>-Making sure there’s something for everyone, including yoga, breathwork, arts and crafts, shopping, book signings, live poetry, and DJs</p><br><p>-How <em>your </em>feedback changes future festivals</p><br><p>-Learning the hard way that more toilets and food trucks are needed</p><br><p>-The new area for 2026: The Happy Hub, where there’ll be hula-hooping, line dancing, and a silent disco</p><br><p>-Who’ll be doing brilliant talks on stage this year</p><br><p>-What happens when the weather doesn’t play ball</p><br><p>-Fearne’s mum living for the festivals’ logistical dramas</p><br><p>-Encouraging more men to come along – there’s loads for you too guys!</p><br><p>-The naughtiest things people have been found doing at the festivals</p><br><p>-The joy of surprising someone with the title of Happy Place Hero</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In 2026 the Happy Place Festival will be at Old Deer Park in London on the 11th and 12th of July, and Tatton Park in Cheshire on the 5th and 6th of September.</p><br><p><a href="https://www.happyplaceofficial.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get your tickets now</a>!</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Ashley Roberts: If you don’t scream your body will! Anxiety, insomnia, and Pussycat Dolls' comeback

<p>For Ashley Roberts, dance was her self-expression and meditation. Then, at the height of her Pussycat Dolls fame the art she loved became tangled up in extreme burnout and body shaming.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Ashley explains how discovering breathwork brought her back to herself after a period of intense anxiety and physical ill-health. Now, the Pussycat Dolls are making a comeback in their 40s, and this time round they’re doing it with a bigger focus on having more fun and giving fewer f*cks.</p><br><p>There’s a lot of mental illness in her family, so Ashley talks about the mental health toolkit she’s creating for herself, as well as the grief of losing her dad to suicide. Plus, she and Fearne both suffer from insomnia, so share what works – and what really doesn’t – for each of them.</p><br><p>The Pussycat Dolls will be touring Europe in summer 2026.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/205bb3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Leigh-Anne Pinnock</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/20397f" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LeAnne Rimes</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/245bab" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Paloma Faith</a></p><p><strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Book Club Meets: Tradwives and the manosphere, with Caro Claire Burke

<p>Natalie Heller is a tradwife influencer online. She’s got the perfect life: a brood of beautiful children and a handsome cowboy husband who eat her homemade bread and jams in their gorgeous red barn. What her millions of followers don’t know is that she’s got a whole army of hidden staff and industrial kitchen appliances helping her out.</p><br><p>Then, one day... she wakes up in the 1800s, and is forced to live this traditional fantasy for real.</p><br><p>Yesteryear was our Happy Place Book Club read for May. In this chat, author Caro Claire Burke joins Fearne to talk about the manosphere, motherhood, religion, and modern feminism. Plus, what does Caro make of Anne Hathaway turning her book into a film?</p><br><p>In June, we’ll be reading Honey by Imani Thompson.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/40a0df" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Club Meets: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/39d084" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Club Meets: Emma Gannon</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/388539" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Club Meets: Maggie O’Farrell</a></p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Mary Berry: "I didn't want to leave the house!" How gardening helped me through grief

<p>Mary Berry has been married for 60 years and says she and her husband have never had a cross word. Her secret? Do a lap of the garden before saying the thing you might regret.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Mary shares the simple principles that have guided her life: be kind, contribute to community, and prioritise time in nature.</p><br><p>Mary’s 91, and her mum lived to 105. She believes a busy mind makes a happy person, so offers advice for getting into your gardening era (Fearne’s not quite there yet) regardless of how much outdoor space you have.</p><br><p>Mary also reflects on the wartime childhood in Bath that saw her school being bombed and her family needing to grow their own food. Plus, how do you move through the grief of losing a child?</p><br><p>Mary’s book, My Gardening Life, is out now.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/1428b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mary Berry’s first Happy Place chat</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/3b8e28" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ruth Langsford</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/4049a9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Liz Earle</a></p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Alan Cumming: “I allow people to be abusive!” How to build self-worth and say no

<p>Alan Cumming's dad told him he was worthless, and his mum told him he was precious. Figuring out how he feels about himself has been a life’s work.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Alan’s open about the ways he’s allowed people to treat him badly, and how he’s learnt to get comfortable with confrontation and setting boundaries. He also explains why the rage in the script of his new TV show triggered painful childhood memories.</p><br><p>Fearne and Alan share their experiences of oscillating between relentless, excited<em> </em>creativity (constantly manifesting bigger and better jobs) and a desire to rest (Alan’s fantasies about becoming a tradwife...!)</p><br><p>Plus, what really happens on the Traitors’ set and how on earth does Alan manage to keep that poker face all the time?</p><br><p>Alan will be creatively involved in four different productions at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre this year, and you can watch Alan in Channel 4’s new show Tip Toe from May 31st.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/40cd32" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nicole LePera</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/40f973" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shauna Tiffany</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/23b207" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zayn</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

"Why does criticism hurt so much?" Dr Julie on triggers and behaviour patterns

<p>Ever looked in the mirror and told yourself “I am enough” ...and not believed a word of it? Psychologist Dr Julie Smith reckons affirmations only work to boost confidence if – deep down – you already believe them.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Julie explains why your brain needs evidence, not mantras, to change your critical inner voice and build self-worth. She also talks through why criticism from others can hit so hard, and why the discomfort felt is often an echo of a much older wound. Julie breaks down how the patterns we developed in childhood keep replaying in adulthood.</p><br><p>Julie also talks about her breast cancer diagnosis, and how it tested everything she’d been teaching everyone else about fear, agency, and mental health.</p><br><p>Plus, what’s the simple therapy exercise that could change how you carry pain?</p><br><p>Dr Julie’s best-selling book, Open When, is available now in paperback.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/15d94a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr Julie’s first Happy Place episode</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2c3bf2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Estelle Bingham</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/22e78e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Adele Roberts</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Dr Louise Newson: Anxiety! Joint pain! The perimenopause symptoms you’re ignoring

<p>One in six women arriving at Dr Louise Newson's menopause clinic have suicidal thoughts. 92% see those thoughts reduce with natural hormones, so why are women still being prescribed antidepressants instead?</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Louise explains why women are being misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when the root cause is hormonal. Fearne admits she's the woman with her head in the sand about perimenopause, so Louise walks her through what the many (many!) different symptoms could look like, and how to talk to a GP about how you’re feeling mentally and physically.</p><br><p>Plus, is there any truth to the myth that HRT causes breast cancer? Why is testosterone the most misunderstood hormone in women's health? And would the contraceptive pill be approved if it was created today...?</p><br><p>Louise’s new book, The Power of Hormones, is out now.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/4049a9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Liz Earle</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/329307" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cally Beaton</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2a7df4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Naomi Watts</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Fear can be wonderful or destructive! How to negotiate with doubt, with Joseph Fiennes

<p>Without something creative to pour himself into, actor Joseph Fiennes says he'd eat himself alive.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Joseph thinks about why if he doesn't have a challenge to wear him out, restlessness and doubt will take over entirely. They also explore the strange duality of loving your craft... but dreading the judgment that comes with it.</p><br><p>Joseph has played England football manager Gareth Southgate on stage, and now on TV; he draws parallels between their principles around negotiating fear and encouraging vulnerability in men.</p><br><p>Plus, Joseph explains what struggling with reading and writing taught him about knowing who he is, and reveals the hilarious reality of forgetting your lines mid-Shakespeare...</p><br><p>You can watch Joseph in Dear England on the BBC from May 24th.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/a9ea8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gareth Southgate</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/108a8a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pippa Grange</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/358875" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jack Whitehall</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

I still get triggered! Fearne on how to heal, cope with hangxiety, and having an empty nest

<p>Fearne isn’t a massive fan of the relentless pressure to reach a definitive state of happiness. It’s just not realistic, so she’s dropping into your feed every week for some chat about what’s making her – and you! – feel great, and what’s making us feel completely crap.</p><br><p>This is the cosy corner where there’s no judgement allowed! All of us can explore what’s been on our minds, what’s been getting us down, inspiring us, and making us laugh. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!</p><br><p><strong>In this chat, Fearne covers:</strong></p><br><p>-Why walks are the best for deep and meaningfuls</p><br><p>-Going clubbing and feeling 18 again</p><br><p>-Why you’re only ever as happy as your unhappiest child</p><br><p>-How to make the ‘sexiest salad’ ever (according to Fearne)</p><br><p>-Coping with The Fear that comes with a hangover</p><br><p>-A plea to stop chatting on speakerphone on the train</p><br><p>-How to say goodbye to your child when they leave home</p><br><p>-Dealing with triggers when you’re trying to heal</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Sex scenes are liberating! Nafessa Williams on Rivals, racism, and self-belief

<p>Sex scenes involve a lot more padding and tape than you might expect! Rivals actress Nafessa Williams has found being at the centre of one of TV’s sexiest shows both nerve-wracking and incredibly liberating.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Nafessa explores what it means to play the only black woman in a white man's world in 1980s Britain, and why she sees her acting as her contribution to activism and representation.</p><br><p>Do you consider yourself to be ambitious and driven? Nafessa wonders if you rest as hard as you work... because you should! Plus, how to manifest the life you want, without forgetting the key component: action!</p><br><p>Watch Rivals series 2 on Disney+ from May 15th.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/ba4b1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rhonda Byrne</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/205bb3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Leigh-Anne Pinnock</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2b12ae" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Afua Hirsch</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Play therapy rewires the brain! Facing childhood traumas, with The King’s Trust

<p>Everyone deserves the chance at a fulfilling life. Shauna Tiffany grew up in foster care, feeling ashamed of and responsible for her parents’ choices. Creative play therapy helped her work through her childhood trauma, and now – with the support of The King’s Trust – she’s built her own business doing the same thing for other children and families.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Shauna explains how she’s learnt to believe in herself because of the way others have chosen to believe in her. Emotional support has made her feel worthy of great opportunities, and practical advice has empowered her to turn ideas into reality, so they chat about how to gently chip away at increasing self-confidence.</p><br><p>Plus, Fearne’s got a big surprise for Shauna...</p><br><p><a href="https://www.lighthousetherapyhub.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out Shauna’s work at Lighthouse Therapy Hub.</a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Find out more about The King’s Trust.</a></p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Nicole LePera: "Your nervous system is screaming at you!" Healing anxiety and panic

<p>Were you praised as a child for being ‘good’, for keeping quiet, or not making a fuss? Psychologist Dr Nicole LePera reckons that praise may have taught you to disconnect from your emotions entirely.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Nicole explains how even well-intentioned parenting can leave us with patterns that run our adult lives on autopilot. She talks through the practical process of reparenting your inner child, starting with something as simple as finding a childhood photograph. We hold our emotions in our bodies, so she also shares ways to tune in with your body throughout the day to release stress.</p><br><p>Nicole also explains why your nervous system keeps you stuck in familiar patterns even when you logically know better, and why shame, people pleasing, and perfectionism are all protective strategies we developed to survive childhood.</p><br><p>Plus, why does healing require what Nicole calls a return to ‘radical honesty’?</p><br><p>Nicole’s book,<strong> </strong>Reparenting the Inner Child, is out now.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2add68" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chiwetel Ejiofor</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/401e76" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Philippa Perry</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/3ab356" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Break Free From People Pleasing</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Book Club Meets: Rekindling intimacy in marriage, with Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees

<p>Adam and Jules have been married for 25 years and are stuck in a bit of a rut. Adam stumbles across some old mixtapes he and Jules made for each other when they were young and falling in love, and when they play them... they get to travel back in time to different moments in their relationship. Will remembering the passion they used to have get the future of their relationship back on track, or will it just spark absolute chaos?</p><br><p>You &amp; Me, You &amp; Me, You &amp; Me was our Happy Place Book Club pick for April. In this chat with Fearne, authors Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees – themselves a married couple – explain why they wanted to explore rekindling intimacy in the empty nest phase, and reveal how they write together on a practical level.</p><br><p>What do you reckon, if you could go back in time to tweak some of the decisions you’d made – would you? Maybe it would make you even more grateful for the happiness you have now...</p><br><p>Thank you to Vintage Digital for the use of the You &amp; Me and You &amp; Me and You &amp; Me audiobook, narrated by Rory Kinnear and Sally Phillips.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/39d084" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Club Meets: Emma Gannon</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/388539" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Club Meets: Maggie O’Farrell</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/37108f" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Club Meets: Nussaibah Younis</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

"You can't be a people pleaser and a leader!" Emma Grede on self-belief and female ambition

<p>When was the last time you told someone exactly how much you earn? Entrepreneur Emma Grede - who co-founded Good American with Khloe Kardashian - says that when women avoid talking about money, money avoids them.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Emma explains why ambition isn't a dirty word, and why she wants every determined woman to know her worth. Fearne and Emma also explore why you can't be a people pleaser and a leader, and why getting comfortable with failure and self-doubt is non-negotiable.</p><br><p>As a mum of four, Emma has some big thoughts about mum guilt, and talks about why it’s so important that kids see their mums chasing their goals and loving what they do.</p><br><p>Plus, why you’ll never catch Emma working from home, or cutting her kids’ sandwiches into heart shapes...</p><br><p>Emma’s book, Start With Yourself, is out now.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/38b6c2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ashley James</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/390271" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chris Appleton</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/3ca7d3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Carol Vorderman</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

“I was overweight and unhappy!” Liz Earle’s perimenopause and midlife reinvention

<p>What if your best decade is still ahead of you? At 62, broadcaster and healthy aging expert Liz Earle is fitter, stronger, and happier than ever.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Liz shares how she went from overwhelmed, overweight, and exhausted during perimenopause, to thriving in her 60s. She shares the small lifestyle shifts that transformed her health, and why women in midlife shouldn’t feel selfish moving themselves up the priority list.</p><br><p>Fearne and Liz dig into the science of aging well, including the power of sunlight (and whether we should be wearing SPF year-round!), and why we should be prioritising sleep and strength training.</p><br><p>Plus, what happened when Liz’s younger boyfriend took her clubbing for the first time at 60 years old...?</p><br><p>Liz’s book, How To Age, is out now.</p><br><p>Listen to Liz’s podcast, Age Better, <a href="https://podfollow.com/1230372957" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/2a7df4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Naomi Watts</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/329307" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Callie Beaton</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/394770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Poorna Bell</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Philippa Perry: Why everyone has an inner critic, and how to stop believing yours

<p>Should you give your inner critic have a name? Psychotherapist and author Philippa Perry reckons giving that nagging voice in your head a silly name is the first step to stopping it running your life.</p><br><p>In this chat with Fearne, Philippa explains why not feeling ‘good enough’ is often less about truth and more about habit. She shares how to tell the difference between a helpful critical inner voice and a self-sabotaging one, and why negative thought patterns keep us stuck.</p><br><p>Fearne and Philippa also chat about the power of shame, and why talking about the things you feel most embarrassed about is the fastest way to shrink them.</p><br><p>Plus, how is your phone eating away at your ability to connect IRL? And what can you do if you can’t access therapy? Philippa talks through some of her favourite self-therapy exercises.</p><br><p>Philippa’s novel, Shrink Solves Murder, is out on May 7th.</p><br><p>If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:</p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/14288" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Philippa’s first Happy Place episode</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/151f3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Flo Perry</a></p><br><p><a href="https://pod.fo/e/3fc78f" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bryony Gordon</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>