Happy Place

23 year old Brandon is the regional winner of the Enterprise category at the 2025 King's Trust Awards. In this chat with Fearne, Brandon explains how, before starting his braille business with the help of The Trust, he had applied for over a thousand jobs without any success. He always struggled to get past the interview stage either due to a lack of experience or due to his visual impairment. Fearne and Brandon explore misconceptions about his visual impairment, the importance of supportive mentorship, and why starting a business has to come with some hilarious trial and error! Plus, Brandon tells the story of how not being able to access shower instructions led to him setting a hotel fire alarm off, proving just how vital it is that public spaces are accessible for everyone. ...and stick around to the end of the episode because there’s a big surprise in store for Brandon! All Things Dotty makes accessible products for visually impaired people, their families, and businesses – everything from braille menus and greetings cards, to colouring books and art work. You can visit the website here!Find out more about The King’s Trust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you find yourself running a mental list of what you’ve got to do tomorrow...next month... instead of living in the moment? Comedian and presenter Joel Dommett is getting better at appreciating the present.In this chat, Fearne and Joel debate if it’s a good or bad thing to set career goals, and explore how to focus on the process rather than an outcome. Joel also has some advice about faking confidence in order to build it, and explains why his marathon efforts brought out his shadow side...Plus, Joel justifies some of his more questionable tattoos, and reveals some big behind the scenes gossip from The Masked Singer!Joel’s Happy Idiot tour has been extended into the autumn; get your tickets here. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Mo Gilligan Julian Clary Joanne McNally  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joined by Natalie Lue, a seasoned writer and founder of Baggage Reclaim, this discussion dives deep into the pitfalls of people-pleasing. Natalie shares the anxiety that fuels the need to say 'yes' even when it feels wrong, impacting self-esteem and well-being. She reveals five ways this behavior manifests, from overachieving to rescuing others. The conversation emphasizes embracing the empowering practice of saying 'no' to foster genuine self-identity and set healthy boundaries.

Mel Robbins, an award-winning podcast host and best-selling author of The Let Them Theory, joins to share powerful insights on reclaiming personal power. She emphasizes the transformative 'let them' mindset, encouraging listeners to prioritize their own feelings over others' behaviors. Mel also explores how jealousy can guide personal ambitions, urging self-awareness in navigating relationships. Her strategies promote confidence, emotional energy reclamation, and the freedom to disengage from toxic situations.

Emily Henry, author of Great Big Beautiful Life and acclaimed fiction writer, discusses the impact of generational trauma on ambition and self-discovery. She shares insights on whether our drive truly comes from within or is influenced by others' expectations. The conversation shines a light on how reading fiction can help us reflect on our own values and moral decisions. Additionally, Emily explores the struggles of authorship, including self-doubt and the importance of character development shaped by family dynamics.

Munroe Bergdorf, an influential activist, writer, and model, tackles the societal misdirection of fear towards trans individuals. She discusses the implications of a recent UK Supreme Court ruling, linking trans rights to broader issues like abortion rights. Munroe emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the complexities of identity, exploring the challenges faced by trans women in society. The conversation delves into mental health, grief, and the empowering journey of advocating for bodily autonomy and equality.

Florence Given, a prominent author and social media influencer known for her advocacy of feminism and self-worth, joins the discussion. She dives into the dangers of conforming to societal expectations and challenges the idea of being labeled as 'nice.' The conversation addresses how external opinions can undermine personal identity, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance. Other guests share empowering stories about navigating motherhood, career ambitions, and the journey to reclaim individuality, showcasing the joy found in embracing imperfection.

Ashley Walters, an actor, director, and recording artist known for his work in Top Boy, shares his journey of transformation after facing challenges like prison and addiction. He discusses the mindset shifts that helped him take accountability and embrace failure as a stepping stone. Ashley emphasizes the importance of tackling challenges head-on and destigmatizing discussions about addiction. A heartwarming moment with his daughter prompted his decision to stop drinking, highlighting the personal stakes behind his reinvention.

Retired paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds shares her insights about the emotional complexities of having children with potential disabilities. She reflects on conversations with her parents regarding her own experiences with dwarfism, and discusses the societal pressures surrounding parenthood decisions. Ellie also delves into the challenges of retiring from sport, emphasizing the importance of identity beyond achievements. This candid dialogue explores genetic testing, the power of storytelling, and the significance of support systems in navigating difficult parenting choices.

Mo Gilligan, a Triple BAFTA-winning comedian and vibrant content creator, shares insights on the often unseen struggles behind his success. He discusses how fleeting comments can linger and impact self-esteem. The conversation touches on the liberating joy of laughter amidst personal challenges and mental health issues. Mo reflects on the balancing act between ambition and contentment, and the transformative power of therapy. He also emphasizes the beauty of celebrating achievements while navigating the highs and lows of comedy.