Kirsty Young, host of Desert Island Discs, discusses the challenges of communication in the digital age. They emphasize the importance of meaningful connections, seeking advice from friends, trusting instincts, finding time for oneself, and the power of listening.

Alexandra Shulman, former editor of British Vogue, shares her insights on leadership, work-life balance, and self-confidence. She reflects on her career growth, navigating difficult bosses, and finding her own path. Shulman discusses writing as catharsis, pushing boundaries, and the balance between gut feeling and practicality.

Zephyr Wildman, who experienced the death of her husband, shares her journey through grief and finding happiness amidst the darkness. Topics include navigating through difficult experiences, the impact of blame and personal responsibility, breaking the shame culture around depression, and the power of yoga and meditation in healing.

It's hard enough speaking in public about your mental health - so how is it to be the figurehead?  Stephen Fry speaks to Fearne about his work as president of the charity Mind, and the issues he is forced to confront when speaking to others about their own problems. Along the way we hear how Stephen likes to unwind, his new life as a vegetarian, and the many, many wonderful turns of phrase that makes spending time with Stephen such a lovely experience.Subscribe to Happy Place now at officialfearnecotton.com/happyplaceThanks to our sponsors Garnier and their Commit to Care initiative. Find out more here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the age of 24, Matt Haig was working in Ibiza with his girlfriend when he had a life-changing panic attack. Today he talks to Fearne about what happened next, his slow road to recovery and acceptance - and how the author of Reasons To Stay Alive found writing and talking about his experiences has helped him and others.This episode contains references to suicide and suicidal thoughts. If you're in the UK and in need of someone to talk to someone, this is a great list of people.For those outside the UK, you can call: Argentina: 02234930430 Australia: 131114 Austria: 017133374 Belgium: 106 Bosnia & Herzegovina: 080 05 03 05 Botswana: 3911270 Brazil: 212339191 Canada: 5147234000 (Montreal); 18662773553 (outside Montreal) Croatia: 014833888 Denmark: +4570201201 Egypt: 7621602 Finland: 010 195 202 France: 0145394000 Germany: 08001810771 Holland: 09000767 Hong Kong: +852 2382 0000 Hungary: 116123 India: 8888817666 Ireland: +4408457909090 Italy: 800860022 Japan: +810352869090 Mexico: 5255102550 New Zealand: 045861048 Norway: +4781533300 Philippines: 028969191 Poland: 5270000 Russia: 0078202577577 Spain: 914590050 South Africa: 0514445691 Sweden: 46317112400 Switzerland: 143 USA: 18002738255 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paloma Faith discusses the balance between ambition and addiction, her journey to success, the experience of pregnancy, staying true to oneself, confidence and embracing imperfections, confrontation, creativity, restlessness, and the addictive nature of success.

Over her amazing career she's made millions laugh - and isn't shy of a good chuckle herself. But what makes Dawn French happy? And what are the difficult decisions has she made over her sixty years that have helped her stay so positive?Fearne travels to Cornwall, to Dawn's family home, to find out...Subscribe to Happy Place now at officialfearnecotton.com/happyplaceThanks to our sponsors Garnier, who have launched a fab new initiative called Commit To Care. Find out more here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fearne drops in to Tom and Lance's flat in south London to celebrate the news of their first baby, and to learn what makes them happy.Amongst the joy and goodwill messages, there have been some negative comments. We hear the way in which they deal with people’s opinions and continue to celebrate the good news.They discuss the fine details of surrogacy, what it means for them as a gay couple to start a family, and how they think it will impact their already busy and successful lives.New to the podcast? Subscribe to Happy Place now at officialfearnecotton.com/happyplaceThanks to our sponsors Garnier, who have launched a fab new initiative called Commit To Care. Find out more here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.