Happy Place

Have you noticed that your memory and rational thinking disappear when you’re anxious? Ruby Wax wants you to retrain your focus and attention in a digital world that’s always trying to steal it. In this chat with Fearne – live from the Happy Place Festival – Ruby explains the difference between mental health and mental illness, and why she calls meditation ‘mind gym’. She also explores why laughing – getting into your body – is one of the greatest things you can do for your mental health. Ruby also tells some raucous stories about the celebrities she’s interviewed. Why did Trump want her kicked off his plane? And what was her read of OJ Simpson? You can get tickets for Ruby’s tour Absolutely Famous here . Join Ruby’s Frazzled Café here . If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Ruby’s first Happy Place episode Ruby’s second Happy Place episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You know how your mood dips when you’re hangry? Well, being thangry is a thing too! Thirst – being dehydrated – can have a very real impact on everything from your stress levels to cognitive function and physical performance. We’re heading back to this year’s Happy Place Festival, where the Talk Stage was sponsored by Phizz, the UK’s number-one selling hydration brand. In this chat with Fearne, Dan Cray, CEO and Co-Founder of Phizz, and Dr Paul Anastasiades, Head of Product Development and Co-Founder, explore what hydration really means, why it’s so easy to overlook, and how getting it right can help us feel more energised, focused and more like ourselves. They also explain why effective hydration isn’t just about drinking more water, but about getting the right balance of electrolytes and nutrients to help your body perform at its best. Plus, how much water should you actually be drinking each day? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month in the Happy Place Book Club, we’ve been reading Queenie Is Working On It, by Candice Carty-Williams. This is the much anticipated follow up to 2019’s Queenie.... and this time, Queenie Jenkins is questioning whether she wants kids, being priced out of the housing market in the place she grew up, and coping with horrible heartbreak too. In this chat with Fearne – live from the Happy Place Festival – Candice explains why she felt it was so important to write about big topics like medical racism and fertility pressures, as well as why for her characters come first and the plot is just a side quest. Also, we all think hen parties are the absolute worst, right?? Thank you to Trapeze for the use of the Queenie Is Working On It audiobook, narrated by Shvorne Marks. You can listen to the Queenie Is Working On It audiobook, from bookshop.org , here. If you'd like to WIN a year's supply of audiobooks, enter our competition with bookshop.org here. Competition closes on August 22nd. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke Book Club Meets: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees Book Club Meets: Imani Thompson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you aware of what can trigger big emotions in you? How to do you act on those difficult emotions? Comedian Paul Whitehouse and his wife Dr Mine Conkbayir MBE – who has a PhD in neuroscience – talk about learning to emotionally regulate. In this chat with Fearne – live from the Happy Place Festival – Mine explains what led to her late ADHD diagnosis, and the childhood trauma that plays into her own behaviour. Meanwhile Paul’s had physical health scares, and explores how his lifestyle has changed as a result. They all talk about how the education system needs to change for neurodiverse children, why labels might be useful for some and not for others, and how to calm others with your own behaviour. Plus, why do this married couple choose not to live together? Listen to Paul and Mine’s podcast I’m ADHD! No You’re Not! wherever you’re listening to this right now! If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Lucinda Miller Alex Partridge Jordan Stephens Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Thompson has made a career out of making people laugh, but behind the pranks and infectious energy, there’s a lot of panic and overthinking. In this chat with Fearne, Sam shares how anxiety and undiagnosed ADHD shaped everything from his relationships to his self-confidence, and why it took years of therapy before he understood the patterns he kept repeating. Who do you call in a crisis? Sam has three people he goes to for very specific reasons when he’s spiralling. Sam and Fearne also debate the people-pleaser and non-people-pleaser ways to leave a party, and Sam reveals some of the (amazing!) BTS goss from his content creation with Pete Wicks. Plus, why was Sam willing to pay to go on I’m A Celeb...?? Sam’s book, You, Me, and ADHD is available now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Louise Thompson Jamie Laing Ant and Dec Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is playing over 20 festivals around the world this summer. Given she travels so much for work, it’s even more important to make family holidays properly magical. Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat with Fearne – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Sophie explains that she and her husband have meetings to discuss the travel itinerary. They share the joy of collecting stamps in your passport, and get deep into their recommendations for Paris, Puglia, Ibiza, and Japan. Fearne and Sophie also realise they both turn into a slightly different person on holiday... a more uninhibited version of themselves. There are more glam outfits and fewer routines! Plus, how does Sophie stay so chilled while packing for seven people in the family, and how does she feel about screens on holiday? British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, offer a 24hr holiday helpline, and allow you to book with a low deposit. All holidays include a generous baggage allowance per person. Go to Ba.com/holidays to find out more. Listen to other episodes of The Happy Place Guide To Holidays: Richard E Grant Tess Daly Clara Amfo Sara Cox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Locke was doing his A levels on the Isle of Man when Heartstopper came out on Netflix. Two days later he had 3 million new Instagram followers. In this chat, Fearne and Joe both share their experiences of being thrust into the spotlight as teenagers, and how it’s affected them mentally. He explores his fear that his success might just be a fluke, and why he's so keen to prove he belongs in the industry. They also chat about how vital it is to have LGBTQ+ representation like Heartstopper on TV, and why Joe came out twice. Plus, what can we all learn from Joe’s experience of having to grow up fast about giving ourselves permission to be young and messy? You can watch Joe in Heartstopper Forever on Netflix now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Olly Alexander Chris Appleton Julian Clary 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 (and you lot) feel great, and what’s making us all 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 explores: -Trying random new hobbies in midlife and actually being good at them -A bit of reminiscing about her 90s TV presenting days -Admiring nature through a camera lens -Going to the doctor and having your pain believed immediately -Why she’s not a fan of following rules (and what happened when she disobeyed them at The Vatican) -Taking time off work for poor mental health -Why wearing a bra in the heat is SO AWFUL -Why wearing clothes full stop is a mad concept Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re heading into the summer holidays. Hands up if you’re already a bit anxious about any mum guilt creeping in...? Fearne definitely is, so she’s reflecting on the Happy Place episodes that explore how different women are choosing to navigate working and parenting. No judgement here gang – we all need to take the pressure off being perfect in every area of our lives! In this episode – -Entrepreneur Emma Grede chats about why parenting isn’t that deep, and why it’s important for her kids to see her fulfil her own dreams -Artist Sophie Ellis-Bextor explains why she’s stopped minimising the importance of her career, and how she includes her children in her work day -Olympic Rower Helen Glover explores how having children encouraged her to get back into a career she thought she’d retired from -Artist Paloma Faith wonders just how much of a toll the silent emotional load of working both in and out of the house is taking on women -Broadcaster Ruth Langsford reflects on how she chose between being at home or at work in her early days of parenting, and what she tells young mothers in the same position -Actor Joanna Page remembers the times she had to breastfeed on TV sets and explains why motherhood now ultimately comes before her career By the way, tickets for the 2027 London Happy Place festival are on sale now ! Just head to happyplaceofficial.co.uk to get your tickets. Listen to the full Happy Place episodes – Emma Grede Sophie Ellis-Bextor Helen Glover Paloma Faith Ruth Langsford Joanna Page Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your nervous system exhausted today? Perhaps you’ve been holding everything together, holding everything inside for a little bit too long? Find somewhere quiet and comfortable, and join Jodie Cariss for a little decompression session. Jodie’s a psychotherapist and the founder of Self Space, a mental health service offering straightforward access to flexible therapy. She’ll guide you through some breathwork, body release, and visualisations that’ll allow you to let go of the mental and physical tension you’re holding. Find out more about Self Space . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Smoking and going to that cool gig... think you left caving to peer pressure behind at high school? Scientist and social entrepreneur Todd Rose says we’re still desperately doing our best to fit in, whether we realise it or not! In this chat with Fearne, Todd explains that it feels important to hold the ‘correct’ opinions in the eyes of our social group. Why? As humans we’re wired to want to belong to a community, so often misrepresent our values for fear of upsetting others. The word ‘authenticity’ is thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? Todd explains how to make sure your public self aligns with your public self so you’re not living in a state of confusion and anxiety. Plus, why not speaking your mind has very real implications on your physical health, and how self-silencing is affecting everything from your friendships to how you vote. Todd’s book, Collective Illusions, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Dr Julie Smith Patric Gagne Break free from people pleasing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Fearne gets into what she and Team Happy Place absolutely love about a holiday, and which bits can be a bit rubbish. ( No one wants to pack to go home when the swimsuits are still wet...) How do you take your holidays more seriously? Join the chat on Instagram @happyplaceofficial and @britishairwaysholidays. In this chat, Fearne explores: -How a spa holiday induced a 10/10 sleep -Soaking up the history of places like Rome -Why you’re a more relaxed (more fun??) version of yourself on holiday -Chatting with strangers in cool little shops -The brilliant trinkets you come home with (personalised wax seal, anyone?) -Why nothing will beat the first Negroni abroad -Having uninterrupted reading time -Why the first 24 hours on holiday can make her a little bit anxious -The perils of being a last-minute packer British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, offer a 24hr holiday helpline, and allow you to book with a low deposit. All holidays include a generous baggage allowance per person. Go to Ba.com/holidays to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just man up. This is essentially what Adam Kay was told when a traumatic day at work left him with PTSD. In this chat with Fearne, former doctor Adam explains why he made the decision to leave the medical profession, and puts a spotlight on the poor mental health of our NHS workers. Adam talks about how, in his case, the job left him feeling paranoid and overcautious, and how he turned to diary writing to process his emotions. They chat about how we can all chip away at any mental health stigma in both the workplace and at home with loved ones, and offer advice for how to put together your own mental health toolkits for crises of varying severity. A Particularly Nasty Case by Adam Kay is out in paperback 2nd July (published by Orion). CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank conversation about suicide. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Nicole LaPera Sam Claflin Jamie Laing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yrsa really doesn’t intend to kill anyone... but the Cambridge professor sitting opposite her has manipulated her friend and stolen her research. So, when she flicks a bee into his drink, she just thinks he’ll get a nasty little sting... but now he’s dead. And it’s a sweet, sweet feeling for Yrsa: finally having some control... Honey, written by Imani Thompson, was our Happy Place Book Club read for June. In this chat with Fearne, Imani explains how getting fired from a job was the catalyst she needed to start writing, and just how surreal it feels to have a debut novel published in her 20s. They also explore the big themes in the novel, including race, intersectional feminism, female anger, and revenge. In July, we’ll be reading Queenie Is Working On It, by Candice Carty-Williams. Thank you to The Borough Press for use of the Honey audiobook, narrated by Chloe Sommer. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke Book Club Meets: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees Book Club Meets: Emma Gannon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you listen when your gut told you to turn down that job... and did you seize a better opportunity after? What about when you were tired but something told you to go to the party anyway? Did you meet your partner there? Entrepreneur and author Poppy Jamie says there’s no such thing as a coincidence. In this chat with Fearne, Poppy explains why our collective exhaustion comes down to trusting logic and data over our gut instinct and inner wisdom. They talk about why it’s the inexplicable moments in life that expand our understanding of what’s possible. Poppy has been diagnosed with near-infertility and couldn't see how motherhood was possible; she explains how a true belief in magic, intuition, and the wise women around her have helped her cope. Plus, Poppy has an incredible announcement that was prophesised many years ago... Poppy’s book, The Book of Magical Living, published by New River, is out now. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank conversation about pregnancy loss and abortion. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Sonia Choquette Estelle Bingham Rhonda Byrne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: -The joyful chaos of the girls’ WhatsApp group -Taking time to chill before a big life change -Why it feels so good putting the washing out in the garden -The time she unfortunately became a bit of a kn*b after red wine -Tiredness messing with your day -Worrying about things you can’t control -How to speak more kindly to your body -The rage she feels at the Instagram algorithm Happy Place episodes mentioned in this chat: Take That Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian Grace Campbell used to call herself crazy before anyone else could get in there first. Now, Grace wonders whether telling herself this story was affecting how other people interacted with her... In this chat, Fearne and Grace explore how your inner self-talk will impact how others perceive you. So, how has Grace re-framed her ADHD, OCD, and anxieties? And given Grace has spent a lot of time seeking male validation, how has she become ok with so many men finding her “annoying”? Grace also reflects on her childhood, growing up amongst the political elite thanks to her dad Alastair Campbell. She explains how she learnt to speak up for herself by watching the powerful men around her. Plus, why life is too short for bad sex and a lack of orgasms! You can get your tickets for Grace’s stand up tour here ! If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Gillian Anderson Florence Bark Miranda July Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you coming to one of the Happy Place Festivals this year? We hope so! Have you been before and wondered how it all comes together? Maybe you’re unsure about coming and want to know what the vibe’s like... Fearne’s joined by Team Happy Place’s Nicky Darling – she heads up all the live events – to get the behind the scenes goss on what it takes to make sure you have a gorgeous time at the festivals. They chat about – -Why it takes a whole year to plan the festivals -Making sure there’s something for everyone, including yoga, breathwork, arts and crafts, shopping, book signings, live poetry, and DJs -How your feedback changes future festivals -Learning the hard way that more toilets and food trucks are needed -The new area for 2026: The Happy Hub, where there’ll be hula-hooping, line dancing, and a silent disco -Who’ll be doing brilliant talks on stage this year -What happens when the weather doesn’t play ball -Fearne’s mum living for the festivals’ logistical dramas -Encouraging more men to come along – there’s loads for you too guys! -The naughtiest things people have been found doing at the festivals -The joy of surprising someone with the title of Happy Place Hero In 2026 the Happy Place Festival will be at Old Deer Park in London on the 11th and 12th of July, and Tatton Park in Cheshire on the 5th and 6th of September. Get your tickets now ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Ashley Roberts, dance was her self-expression and meditation. Then, at the height of her Pussycat Dolls fame the art she loved became tangled up in extreme burnout and body shaming. In this chat with Fearne, Ashley explains how discovering breathwork brought her back to herself after a period of intense anxiety and physical ill-health. Now, the Pussycat Dolls are making a comeback in their 40s, and this time round they’re doing it with a bigger focus on having more fun and giving fewer f*cks. There’s a lot of mental illness in her family, so Ashley talks about the mental health toolkit she’s creating for herself, as well as the grief of losing her dad to suicide. Plus, she and Fearne both suffer from insomnia, so share what works – and what really doesn’t – for each of them. The Pussycat Dolls will be touring Europe in summer 2026. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Leigh-Anne Pinnock LeAnne Rimes Paloma Faith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Heller is a tradwife influencer online. She’s got the perfect life: a brood of beautiful children and a handsome cowboy husband who eat her homemade bread and jams in their gorgeous red barn. What her millions of followers don’t know is that she’s got a whole army of hidden staff and industrial kitchen appliances helping her out. Then, one day... she wakes up in the 1800s, and is forced to live this traditional fantasy for real. Yesteryear was our Happy Place Book Club read for May. In this chat, author Caro Claire Burke joins Fearne to talk about the manosphere, motherhood, religion, and modern feminism. Plus, what does Caro make of Anne Hathaway turning her book into a film? In June, we’ll be reading Honey by Imani Thompson. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees Book Club Meets: Emma Gannon Book Club Meets: Maggie O’Farrell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.