Happy Place

Should you give your inner critic have a name? Psychotherapist and author Philippa Perry reckons giving that nagging voice in your head a silly name is the first step to stopping it running your life.In this chat with Fearne, Philippa explains why not feeling ‘good enough’ is often less about truth and more about habit. She shares how to tell the difference between a helpful critical inner voice and a self-sabotaging one, and why negative thought patterns keep us stuck.Fearne and Philippa also chat about the power of shame, and why talking about the things you feel most embarrassed about is the fastest way to shrink them.Plus, how is your phone eating away at your ability to connect IRL? And what can you do if you can’t access therapy? Philippa talks through some of her favourite self-therapy exercises.Philippa’s novel, Shrink Solves Murder, is out on May 7th.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Philippa’s first Happy Place episodeFlo PerryBryony Gordon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/

What’s been going on for you this week? What are you happy about, and what’s making you not so happy? Fearne’s here with more chat about what’s putting her, Team Happy Place team, and you lot in a good mood, and what’s feeling a bit heavier.This is our space to explore what’s been on our minds. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!In this chat, Fearne explores:-Whether Instagram quotes are cringe or uplifting-Why midlife is about coming back to who you were as a teen-Prioritising her friendships -The joy of a morning routine-Examples of positive masculinity-Teenagers’ attitudes unfortunately not being a myth-The struggle of being a single parent working full time-Picking which jacket to wear for the weather (spoiler: you won’t make the right decision)-How good it can be to have a good cry-Hormones being a bit of a nightmare Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’ve heard of fight or flight, but what about fawn – the idea of appeasing others to stay safe? Author and mental health advocate Bryony Gordon thinks there’s a reason so many women feel under pressure to people please.In this chat with Fearne, Bryony explores how she feels people pleasing has fuelled parts of her OCD, alcoholism, and eating disorders over the years.Fearne and Bryony also chat about body image, and both reveal some of the insecurities that have consumed them... that likely no one else has noticed. Bryony reckons feeling ‘too much’ and ‘not enough’ are two sides of the same coin, and offers advice on how to confidently take up space. (Or, as she puts it: “step into your mother*cking majesty!”)Bryony’s novel, People Pleaser, is out now.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Break free from people pleasingPoorna BellWill Poulter  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s way too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness, and it’s just not realistic, so Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some chat about what’s making her feel great, and what’s making her feel completely crap.This is the cosy corner where there’s no judgement allowed! All of us can explore what’s been on our minds, what’s been getting us down, inspiring us, and making us laugh. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!In this chat, Fearne covers:-Why she’s decided to present some TV again-How to get back into something you haven’t done in ages-The importance of seeking out good news when the world gets too heavy-What singing – karaoke or in a choir, whatever you like – does for your nervous system-The difference between the hands of town men and countryside men and why this is relevant when you get a flat tyre-AI slop and how to trust what you see online-How much women will spend on period products in their lifetime Hosted o

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? It’s a question comedian Jimmy Carr reckons will help direct your life path.In this chat with Fearne, Jimmy explains how he strives for greatness for himself, without falling into the trap of comparing himself to others. He talks about how to define success for yourself, why talent without hard work means very little, and why he doesn’t fear cancel culture.Jimmy also explains why feminism still doesn’t really serve mothers and matriarchs, and why you’ll never hear him say he’s “babysitting” his own kids.Plus, do all comedians have a bit of a troubled childhood...? Jimmy chats about how his anxieties fuel his jokes.Get your tickets for Jimmy’s Laughs Funny tour at the London Palladium!If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Bjorn Natthiko LindebladJoel DommetMo Gilligan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s going on for you? What are you happy about, and what’s making you not so happy? Fearne’s here with more chatter about what’s putting her and the Happy Place team in a good mood this week, and what can bugger off.This is the space for all of us to explore what’s been on our minds. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial! In this chat, Fearne covers:-Whether she looks more intelligent now she wears glasses-Reading a sexual fantasy out at The Royal Albert Hall-Why having a creative hobby can be game changing-The transitional weather where your jacket is never right-Books with great premises but rubbish execution-Being aggy on social media just for the sake of it-Whether it’s worth writing sh*tty texts and emails Listen to the Happy Place episodes mentioned in this chat:Gillian AndersonTom Daly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s an age-old question: can women have both brains and beauty? (Spoiler: obviously yes!) Broadcaster Carol Vorderman says the more people comment on her body... the more thigh high boots and tight skirts she’ll wear!In this chat with Fearne, Carol charts her early life, from her family running away with the circus, to living out of a car, to being one of the first girls to read engineering at Cambridge University. She also reveals who wrote her first application to Countdown back in the day... because it wasn’t her!Carol is very politically active, and explains why everything about our lives is political. Care about the pressure put on kids and parents by schools? Where your taxes go? Women’s bodily autonomy? It’s more important than ever, she says, to both use your vote, and live with hope.What can we learn from Carol about making the best of what we’ve been given? And why do we all have a responsibility to stand up for what we believe in?You can watch Carol on Celebrity Quizzing on Channel 5.If you liked

What’s been going on for you this week? What are you happy about, and what’s making you not so happy? Fearne’s here with more chat about what’s putting her and the Happy Place team in a good mood, and what’s feeling a bit rubbish ...and Fearne has really really been feeling rubbish this week...This is a comforting space for all of us to explore what’s been on our minds. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!In this chat, Fearne explores:-Wandering around art galleries because it’s not just an elitist thing-Learning new skills, namely: sign language-What goes down in the Wednesday Waffle WhatsApp chat-Whether it’s important for your wardrobe to have a signature style-Norovirus (hope you’re not eating right now)-Being a stricter parent when you’re (incredibly) ill-Loads of scenarios where people are unnecessarily rude in public-The great tea vs coffee debate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you cope when you’re going through a really rough time? Broadcaster Ruth Langsford has needed a balance of big cries, therapy, and just choosing to dust herself off and get to work.In this chat with Fearne, Ruth talks through the ways counselling and female friendships are moving her through the grief of her divorce. She also shares what she’s learnt about caring for parents with dementia, without overwhelming yourself in the process.Fearne and Ruth compare their experiences of mum guilt, and why it’s so important for young boys in particular to see the women in their life working.Plus, Ruth reveals the sliding doors moment that led her to her TV presenting career...Ruth’s book, Feeling Fabulous, is out now.CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains conversations about grief after suicide.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Kate WinsletBen WestElizabeth Gilbert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s probably a bit too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness isn’t there? It’s not realistic gang! So Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some candid chat about what’s making her feel great, and what’s making her feel completely rubbish ...and this episode is brought to you by new original Paramount Plus show The Madison.This is the cosy little corner where all of us can explore what’s been on our minds, what’s been getting us down, inspiring us, and making us laugh. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!In this chat, Fearne covers:-The joy of having a great TV series on the go-Dreaming of escaping to a hazy golden farm in Montana-The small but delicious joy of beautiful stationary-The frustration of waking up too early at the weekend-The debate about whether to feed foxes or not-How to toilet train kittens-The madness of how much we all rush through the day-BTS of some of the roles on Team Happy Place Episodes 1-3

Have you ever changed yourself to fit in with other people? Or dulled your character so they don’t think you’re ‘too much’? Do you compare yourself a lot or sacrifice your own needs so not to cause a fuss?Fearne has done all these things and more over the years in a bid to be more likeable. But it’s time to stop shapeshifting to make ourselves palatable to others!Sugababes Keisha Buchanan, Love Island’s Megan Barton-Hanson, and The Traitor’s Jade Scott join Fearne to reflect on their own experiences of people pleasing and being disliked.They share advice on being okay with people not ‘getting’ you, allowing yourself to be multifaceted, and speaking up for yourself. This is all about building the confidence to live life on your own terms, not the life others want you to live.Fearne’s new book, Likeable, is out now.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Natalie LueEmma GannonPoorna Bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you a bit of a people pleaser? Wish you could care a little less what people think about you? To celebrate her new book, Likeable: How I Broke Free From The Need To Please, Fearne’s looking at all the ways she sacrificed her needs and self-expression in order to be more palatable to others... In this chat, Fearne covers:-The real personal impact of people pleasing-How exhausting it is showing up as a performative version of yourself-Catching yourself feeling like a saintly martyr when you’re putting others’ needs first-Peer pressure making you change yourself to fit in-Why differing opinions don’t have to mean conflict-How to be both kind and boundaried-Prioritising and voicing your own needs-Being ok with some people not liking you Fearne’s new book, Likeable, is out now!Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!Listen to Fearne and Friends Christmas special Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You wouldn’t talk to your best mate in the critical way you talk to yourself. For Radio One DJs Matt Edmondson and Mollie King, their friendship has made them both believe in themselves more.In this chat with Fearne, Matt and Mollie talk about the insecurities they have, and how freeing it is to realise no one else thinks those things about you. For Mollie, having children has helped her be a lot kinder to herself too.Fearne is less bothered about ruffling feathers in the workplace than she used to be, and shares advice on how to confidently speak your mind, and they all wonder why everyone’s trying to be ‘cool’. What does that even mean?!Plus, was it Matt or Mollie who put Fearne and her Radio One show on their vision board back in the day...?You can listen to Matt and Mollie’s new podcast, Novel Idea, now!Get your tickets for Fearne’s book tour here.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Matt’s first Happy Place chatNick GrimshawAnnie Mac  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f

Sometimes the braver thing isn’t trying to keep going. Writer Emma Gannon hit real burnout, admitted she was overwhelmed, and embarked upon a year of doing... nothing.A Year of Nothing was our Happy Place Book Club pick for February. In it, Emma charts stepping away from the noise and rediscovering joy in life’s simplest pleasures, from dog borrowing and dopamine dressing to relearning how to swim and embracing a child-free life.In this chat with Fearne, she explains how to stop being so mean to yourself, and how to rebuild your identity when you feel you’ve lost it. Often, she says, it’s not about ‘finding yourself’... it’s about unlearning all the stuff everyone else has heaped on top of you!Emma wants to be strong and do big things with her life, but appreciates she had to stop in order to grow.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Emma’s first Happy Place chatBook Club Meets: Maggie O’FarrellBook Club Meets: Nussaibah Younis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati

It’s time to stop being filled with jealousy and judgement of others! Boy George admits he used to love hating people, but now actively chooses compassion and kindness.In this chat with Fearne, Boy George explains how this philosophy has helped him celebrate his own and other peoples’ successes more fully. He also talks about why he loves fame now, but would have done his early fame differently, and about the solace he gets from talking to his late mum.Plus, he’s writing songs about everything from global war to scrubbing his floors with ChatGPT, so does Boy George see a future where art and AI co-exist?If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Samantha RenkeZandra RhodesLulu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 feel great, and what’s making her feel completely rubbish.This is a cosy little corner for all of us to explore what’s been on our minds, what’s been getting us down, inspiring us, and making us laugh. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!In this chat, Fearne covers:-The delights (or not) of the sauna / ice plunge combo-Rewatching old episodes of 90s TV shows-Why she’ll not be going skiing any time soon -(And what happened last time she went skiing with James Blunt)-Being in your era of not caring what people think of you-What happens when you’re solo parenting at Centre Parcs- How to look for the silver linings but also admit when life’s crapWatch Fearne’s TV show with James Blunt here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info

What more do you want from life? What more do you want for yourself? Award-winning journalist and author Poorna Bell reckons it’s time to start really asking ourselves these questions.In this chat with Fearne, Poorna explains why it’s important to aim for goals you set for yourself, not the ones set by society. They talk about why challenging the narrative that women become invisible as they age is so important, and why we should be turning to elders for life wisdom.Poorna also reflects on what she wishes she’d known about marriage before her wedding, and how we can all strengthen our relationships with our parents and children.Poorna’s book, She Wanted More, is out now.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Poorna’s first Happy Place episodeAshley JamesPaloma Faith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How are we feeling gang? What are you happy about, and what’s making you not so happy? Fearne’s back with more chatter about what’s putting her and the Happy Place team in a good mood this week, and what can absolutely get in the bin.This is a lovely little space for all of us to explore what’s been on our minds. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!In this chat, Fearne covers:-Feeling stupid when you’re with really clever people-Why we should properly get into tree hugging-Painting by numbers to get away from screens-Not RSVPing being rude... but also don’t say yes if you’re not going to go-Bringing back letter writing-One of Team Happy Place reckoning Harry Hill is fit* *watch the Stewart Lee episode of Harry Hill’s podcast on Spotify to see the moment in question Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do we change our hair when we want to start over? Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton knows that when someone sits in his chair, he has their future confidence in his hands.In this chat with Fearne, Chris explains that everyone from the Kardashians to cancer patients have opened up to him about their insecurities, and he’s seen the profound impact that looking more like yourself on the outside can have on how you feel about yourself on the inside.He’s also fascinated by the self-limiting beliefs people have about who they are. Think you’re not classy enough for a sleek bob? Not cool enough to dye your hair? Chris says think again!Chris has dealt with a lot of his own shame and fears too. He was bullied at school, struggled to acknowledge his sexuality, and had huge imposter syndrome when he first arrived in Hollywood, so has lots of thoughts on finding your true self again.Plus, Chris gives Fearne a little consultation, and he reckons she can go much bolder with her hair...Chris’ book, Your Roots Don’t

Fed up of constantly striving for ultimate happiness? Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some far more realistic chat about what’s making her feel great, and what’s making her feel rubbish.This is a safe space for all of us to get stuff off our chests. No judgement here! Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!So, what’s putting us in our happy place this week... and what things really are not?In this chat, Fearne covers:-Why changing your mind and opinions is a good thing-How to make cervical screenings less scary-Why trying new things is important even if you can’t really be arsed-Boxing being a fun outlet for a bit of anger-Being ok with saying “I don’t know”-Moving through extreme panic and anxiety-Coming to terms with it not being warm in the UK for A WHILE yet...plus Fearne gets an unexpected call from her son Rex!Not seen the cervical screening Instagram post? Here it is! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.