

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

13 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 46min
Overthinking is my demon! Erin Doherty on changing old behaviour patterns
In this engaging conversation, Erin Doherty, the talented English actor known for her role as Princess Anne in The Crown, discusses her battle with overthinking and the societal pressures of cancel culture. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and shares her journey of moving in with her girlfriend after a long-distance relationship. Erin advocates for more queer storytelling on screen and reflects on her craft as an exploration of humanity. Plus, she shares her love for Keeping Up With The Kardashians as a fun escape from reality.

Jan 2, 2026 • 40min
Book Club Meets: I could have been radicalised! ISIS brides and teen angst, with Nussaibah Younis
Nussaibah Younis, an author and former aid worker, dives into her debut novel, Fundamentally, which humorously tackles serious themes through the intertwining lives of two women from different backgrounds. She shares her transition from academic writing to fiction, emphasizing the importance of satire in discussing heavy topics like radicalization. Their discussion touches on the awkwardness of hanging out with your teenage self and her journey of crafting relatable, strong characters, blended with laugh-out-loud moments and real-world experiences from her time in Iraq.

Dec 29, 2025 • 51min
OCD, perimenopause, and hitting rock bottom: This year on Happy Place
In this thought-provoking discussion, themes of mental health and women's empowerment come to the forefront. The conversation dives into Fearne's personal journey with OCD and the powerful role of friendships, particularly with Davina McCall. Insightful chats about reclaiming menstrual narratives and the impact of societal shame highlight the path to recovery. Malala Yousafzai emphasizes the importance of autonomy and choice for women, adding layers to the dialogue on identity and activism. Each story inspires reflection on personal growth and resilience.

Dec 22, 2025 • 44min
Fearne’s mates have joined the chat! Divorce, overwhelm, and festive drinking games
Fearne reunites with her school friends for a candid chat about navigating the festive season. They tackle co-parenting during Christmas, sobriety challenges, and the bittersweet feelings around grief. Nostalgic stories from their youth spice up the conversation, alongside cheeky games that lead to hilarious confessions about crushes and bad gifts. The group shares advice on self-care, handling family judgment, and making the most of being single during the holidays. It’s a joyful, heartfelt celebration of enduring friendships and finding joy amidst the chaos.

Dec 15, 2025 • 44min
Chloe Kelly: “I was riddled with anxiety!” My experience with hair loss and panic attacks
Chloe Kelly, a key player for the Lionesses, shares her journey with anxiety, hair loss, and panic attacks. She discusses the turning point of realizing how emotional stress affected her wellbeing, leading to crucial changes in her environment. Chloe opens up about her struggles with compulsive vomiting and how therapy helped her reclaim her mental health. Emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships, she highlights the joy of finding solace at home with loved ones, including her dogs, and the tools that fostered her recovery.

19 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 58min
Kate Winslet: “The media called me fat!” Why I’m embracing wrinkles and championing women
In this conversation with Fearne Cotton, award-winning actress and filmmaker Kate Winslet opens up about the vulnerability of grief after losing her mother. She candidly discusses the harsh media scrutiny she's faced regarding her body image, and how that fuels her passion for championing women's natural aging. Kate shares insights from her directorial debut, highlighting the gender double standards in filmmaking and the importance of creating safe environments on set. She also reflects on co-parenting challenges during the holidays and encourages honest family conversations.

Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 12min
Book Club Meets: “Women are survivors and scapegoats!” Rage and revenge, with Elizabeth Day
Elizabeth Day, a novelist and podcaster, dives into themes of power, class, and female rage through her latest novel, *One Of Us*. She discusses how women are often portrayed as victims and scapegoats in society. The conversation touches on the disappointments of revenge and the impact of reality TV on public perception and politics. Elizabeth also shares her journey through perimenopause and motherhood, influenced by her own fertility experiences. This lively chat balances humor and insight while tackling serious societal issues.

12 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 51min
“Shame keeps you silent!” Tell the truth to improve your self-worth
Jamie Laing, an entrepreneur and TV personality, opens up about his struggles with an eating disorder and the deep shame that came with it. He emphasizes the importance of discussing these issues to break the silence. The conversation touches on how shame isolates us, with insights from various guests, including comedian Dawn French who humorously highlights the value of mistakes. Mental health activist Ben West and singer Lulu share their own experiences with shame, reinforcing the theme that vulnerability fosters connection and healing.

Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 4min
Jack Whitehall: “Just act like you’re confident!” How to cope with embarrassing moments
Jack Whitehall, a comedian and actor known for his roles in stand-up and shows like Malice, discusses how to handle embarrassment with style. He shares hilarious tales of dying on stage and how comedy helps him deflect serious moments. Jack reflects on navigating family pressures, his journey from awkward TV beginnings to embracing his posh persona, and the importance of resilience in the face of criticism. Plus, he reveals his love for family Sunday roasts as his ultimate happy place!

Nov 17, 2025 • 53min
Spencer Matthews: "I lack empathy!" Managing addiction and victim mentality
In this engaging conversation, Spencer Matthews—an entrepreneur and reality TV star known for his role in Made in Chelsea—discusses his journey from shame around alcohol to embracing endurance challenges. He shares how running marathons changed his perspective, and his upcoming PROJECT SE7EN, where he aims to complete seven Ironman triathlons across all continents in 21 days for mental health awareness. Spencer also reflects on seeking approval from his parents and the joy of fatherhood, emphasizing how channeling addictive tendencies into positive pursuits has transformed his life.


