
Happy Place
Fearne Cotton talks to incredible people about life, love, loss, and everything in-between as she reveals what happiness means to them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Apr 14, 2025 • 55min
Pete Doherty: “I was seen a wreck head!” The truth behind the headlines
In this engaging conversation, musician Pete Doherty, frontman of The Libertines and Babyshambles, reflects on his journey from tumultuous fame to a quieter life in rural France. He discusses how creativity was often intertwined with addiction, revealing it was less about escape and more about seeking meaning. Pete candidly addresses his struggles, the chaos of youth, and the importance of redefining our perspectives on addiction. He also shares humorous anecdotes about parenting and the joys of simple pleasures, like walks with his dog.

Apr 7, 2025 • 59min
Manifesting won’t make you happy: Express true emotion with Estelle Bingham
In this engaging conversation, Estelle Bingham, known as 'The Heart Whisperer,' shares her insights as a holistic therapist and healer. She emphasizes the importance of feeling emotions in the body rather than just analyzing them, highlighting how this practice can combat anxiety and shame. Estelle challenges the trendy notion of manifesting joy through superficial means, advocating instead for authentic emotional expression. By reconnecting with our true selves and embracing vulnerability, we can cultivate deeper joy and personal growth.

Apr 4, 2025 • 27min
Book Club Meets: First loves and sliding doors, with Clare Leslie Hall
Joining the conversation is Clare Leslie Hall, author of "Broken Country," which navigates the complexities of first love and the choices that define happiness. Clare shares how her narrative transformed over time and the struggles of overcoming creative blocks. The duo also explores the enchanting beauty of Dorset—its beaches and local treasures—and how such experiences fuel storytelling. Plus, they discuss the emotional rollercoaster of writing a love triangle and the lasting impact of early relationships.

7 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 42min
“Don’t talk to yourself like that!” Teddy Swims on learning self-compassion
Join musician Teddy Swims, known for his heartfelt lyrics, as he dives into self-compassion and personal growth. He shares how therapy helped him and his partner prepare for parenthood, while reflecting on the emotional lessons learned from his father. Teddy and the host discuss how creativity, like songwriting, serves as a cathartic outlet but warns against getting lost in negative thoughts. Plus, they humorously explore tattooing, and the healing power of art in navigating life's challenges.

10 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 35min
Feel the fear and make the change: Live from Tatton Festival
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a health expert, emphasizes the power of personal intuition in making sustainable lifestyle changes. Lorri Haines, founder of the Shoorah app, shares her strategies for building positive habits amid life’s chaos. Life coach Michelle Elman dives into embracing fear as a pathway to confidence and personal growth. The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and fostering resilience in the face of challenges, ultimately celebrating the transformative power of community support.

10 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
Will Poulter on OCD and intrusive thoughts: “It’s never easy but it gets easier!”
In this illuminating conversation, actor Will Poulter opens up about his journey with OCD and mental health, sharing the insights he's gained over the years. He emphasizes that coping can get easier with time and the importance of practicing self-compassion. Will discusses the common struggles of intrusive thoughts and the need for personalized approaches to mental health care. He also reflects on navigating fame while managing anxiety, and the powerful role of therapy and open conversations in overcoming mental health challenges.

Mar 17, 2025 • 51min
Louise Redknapp: “I don’t feel good enough” Coping with loneliness and low self-esteem
Is it a compliment to be called ‘nice’? Singer Louise Redknapp isn’t so sure. She’s always been the good girl, but she’s ready to embrace – and express – different facets of her character now. In this chat with Fearne, Louise explains that being in a 90s girlband, and being married to a sports star, forced her to be shiny and polished at all times. That led to a crippling fear about saying or doing the wrong thing, but she’s learning to trust her own gut instinct. Fearne and Louise chat about how never knowing her dad, and becoming a mother herself, have impacted her confidence and identity. Plus, can gratitude combat overwhelm?Louise's fifth studio album, Confessions, will be released on May 23rd.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Anastacia Shania Twain Naomi Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 10, 2025 • 54min
Julian Clary on easing anxiety: “I just forgot to have a panic attack!”
Comedian Julian Clary, known for his vibrant performances in pantomime and cabaret, shares his unique take on navigating anxiety with humor. He discusses how laughter has helped him confront dark times and emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance as he ages. Julian challenges societal norms about therapy, quizzing Fearne on her experiences, while revealing his unconventional views on creativity and outrage. Together, they navigate the complexities of sleep issues, coping mechanisms, and the liberating realization that not everything is as crucial as it seems.

Mar 7, 2025 • 36min
Book Club Meets: The mess of motherhood, with Holly Bourne
Nicki, Lauren, Charlotte and Steffi have been friends since university. Now in their thirties, life is pulling them in different directions - but the girls are reunited when Charlotte organises the baby shower from hell for pregnant Nicki.Tensions are high as these women are forced to confront their own and eachother’s views about motherhood... while also dealing with a fire at the baby shower. February’s Happy Place Book Club novel was So Thrilled for You, by Holly Bourne.In this chat, Fearne and Holly talk about how wildly the pretty Pinterest version of motherhood is from the raw, battlefield of a reality. Holly reckons if we want the world to be a better, happier place we need to be supporting mums emotionally and practically. How have you navigated some friends having babies, some struggling to conceive, and some not wanting them at all? Fearne and Holly explore the judgements, assumptions, and irritations that can arise between old friends when everyone’s lives look so different. Plus, how to cut out the noise and trust your gut when you’re working on a creative project...Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for the use of So Thrilled For You audiobook, narrated by Emily Spowage, Evie Ward-Drummond, Kelly Hotten, Paul Hezberg and Rosalind Lailey. Listen to Book Club Meets: David Larbi Listen to Book Club Meets: Dame Harriet Walter Listen to Book Club Meets: Liane Moriarty Listen to Book Club Meets: Miranda July Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 3, 2025 • 55min
The Dynamo mask protected me: Steven Frayne copes with Crohn’s and feeling unworthy
Dynamo brought epic magic into a lot of people’s lives, but now Steven Frayne is taking off the mask and choosing to notice the moments of magic he’s experienced around him. In particular, that’s the people – friends, family, doctors, strangers – who’ve helped him find joy again after hitting rock bottom. In this chat with Fearne, Steven talks about the devastating reality of trialling different medication for Crohn’s and the effect this has on mental health, as well as what he’s learnt from experiencing so much physical pain. Can we choose to connect over pain rather than isolating ourselves from others? Steven also explains how being an easy target for bullies at school meant he learnt how to problem solve and hustle, but what do you do when success comes and you don’t know how to cope with it? Steven’s show, Up Close and Magical, is at The Underbelly in Soho, and is opening on the 28th March. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about suicidal ideation so do take care while listening. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Kesha Ben West Adam Pearson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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