Adam Kay: "I was told to man up!" Coping with PTSD and mental health stigma

Are you ditching your values to fit in? Todd Rose on avoiding peer pressure

Jul 6, 20261h 19mSummary

In this episode of Happy Place, host Fearne Cotton sits down with scientist, professor, and social entrepreneur Todd Rose to explore the psychological phenomenon of collective illusions. Rose, the co-founder of the think tank Populace, explains how society is caught in a cycle where people frequently conform to opinions or behaviors they do not privately support simply because they mistakenly believe that everyone else agrees with them. The discussion highlights how our biology, specifically our hardwired need for belonging, often clashes with the digital age. Rose details how social media amplifies the loudest, most extreme voices, leading people to self-silence or misrepresent their true beliefs to fit in. The conversation goes beyond politics, examining how these illusions manifest in the mundane decisions of everyday life. Rose also reveals the significant personal cost of inauthenticity, noting that the constant pressure to be "likable" and the habit of self-silencing can lead to chronic stress and negative health outcomes. Ultimately, the episode serves as a thought-provoking challenge for listeners to begin questioning their assumptions, practice speaking their truth, and embrace the personal and social rewards of authentic living.

I love chatting to strangers! Fearne’s being spontaneous and sleeping better on holiday

Jul 2, 202613 minSummary

In this episode of Happy Place, host Fearne Cotton explores the art of taking holidays seriously and shares insights on how to fully embrace the restorative power of travel. Drawing from a recent trip to Rome, Fearne discusses the psychological benefits of stepping outside one's comfort zone, noting how travel transforms her into a more spontaneous and open version of herself. She highlights the joy of engaging in unplanned, meaningful conversations with strangers—experiences she rarely seeks out in her busy daily routine at home. Beyond personal reflections, the episode features contributions from the Happy Place team, covering essential travel topics such as the hunt for unique, functional souvenirs and the luxury of uninterrupted time for reading. Fearne also candidly addresses the reality of travel anxieties, particularly the pressure she feels during the first twenty-four hours of a trip, and shares the collective struggle of packing to return home. Ultimately, the episode serves as a thoughtful guide on how to shed daily stresses, cultivate mindfulness while away, and truly reconnect with oneself through the magic of new experiences.

Book Club Meets: I wrote a loveable psychopath! Race and female rage, with Imani Thompson

Jun 25, 202624 minSummary

In this episode of the Happy Place Book Club, host Fearne Cotton sits down with debut author Amani Thompson to discuss her acclaimed novel, Honey. The conversation explores the creation of Ersa, the book's complex protagonist who finds herself navigating a series of accidental and intentional encounters with toxic men. Thompson shares her creative process, detailing how she balanced the darker, satirical elements of the story with themes of race, gender politics, and university life. The discussion delves into why Thompson chose a protagonist who challenges traditional reader empathy, drawing comparisons to other complex anti-heroes. The author also reflects on her own academic background in sociology, explaining how it informed her exploration of power dynamics and human behavior. Beyond the heavy themes, the two discuss the technical aspects of writing, including the importance of rhythm, the influence of music on her prose, and the surreal experience of seeing her debut work on shelves. The episode offers an insightful look into how a young author can weave intricate social commentary into an engaging, genre-bending story that encourages readers to wrestle with difficult moral questions.

Are you a witch? Believe in your magic and the power of ritual, with Poppy Jamie

Jun 22, 20261h 0mSummary

In this episode, Fern Cotton sits down with author and former television host Poppy Jamie to discuss her new book, The Book of Magical Living. The conversation explores the tension between modern society’s obsession with logic, data, and quantification and the human need for intuition, mystery, and connection to the invisible world. Jamie argues that while science and goal-setting have their place, they often distract from the small, meaningful moments—or "glimmers"—that foster genuine well-being and optimism. A central theme of the discussion is the power of ritual and the importance of trusting one’s "gut instinct." Jamie shares her deeply personal journey through two late-term pregnancy losses, explaining how embracing a sense of mystery and signs—which she refers to as "coordinated instances" rather than coincidences—provided her with resilience during the most traumatic moments of her life. The hosts also touch upon the societal pressure to perform and achieve, encouraging listeners to strip away the expectations placed upon them to rediscover their authentic selves. Ultimately, the episode serves as an invitation to reawaken one’s sense of wonder and live with a more open, intuitive perspective.

“Outrageous, saucy behaviour!” What’s going down in Fearne’s WhatsApp groups?

Jun 18, 20268 minSummary

In this episode of Happy Place, Fearne Cotton dives into the simple joys and minor frustrations that shape our daily lives. The conversation kicks off with a celebration of supportive friendships, specifically highlighting how her long-standing WhatsApp group with girlfriends provides a vital, judgment-free space for laughter and connection. Fearne shares how a shared trip down memory lane regarding 1980s pop culture—sparked by a recent documentary—turned into a hilarious, hours-long digital exchange that served as a perfect mood booster. Beyond her own musings, Fearne opens the floor to listeners to share their current highlights and gripes. The discussion moves through a variety of relatable topics, from the retro charm of outdoor lidos and the nostalgia of hanging laundry in the garden to the modern-day annoyance of chaotic social media algorithms. Fearne also offers a candid look at her own recent struggles, including a humorous reflection on the perils of overindulging in red wine and the universal challenge of uncontrollable late-night worries. Throughout the episode, the focus remains on finding humor in the everyday, practicing self-compassion, and acknowledging the importance of staying connected to the things and people that bring us comfort.

"Life's too short for bad sex!" Grace Campbell is speaking up about pleasure and shame

Jun 15, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of Happy Place, host Fearne Cotton sits down with comedian and author Grace Campbell for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about shame, self-perception, and the importance of radical honesty. The two discuss their shared desire to move beyond superficial small talk and connect on a deeper level, reflecting on their initial meeting and the mutual energy they felt. A central theme of the discussion is the exhausting nature of seeking male validation and the societal pressures placed on women. Campbell opens up about her personal journey with mental health, her recent ADHD diagnosis, and the power of language—specifically how constantly labeling oneself as crazy can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. She emphasizes the necessity of breaking free from these internal narratives and external perceptions. They also tackle the stigma surrounding female pleasure and the importance of sexual empowerment, with Campbell noting that too many women still deprioritize their own satisfaction. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a "shame-busting" exercise, encouraging listeners to embrace authenticity, prioritize their own well-being, and recognize that life is too short to live in secrecy or perform perfection for others.

Yoga! Shopping! Talks! DJs! How the Happy Place Festivals come to life

Jun 11, 202638 minSummary

In this episode of Happy Place, host Fern Cotton sits down with Nikki Darling, a key member of the production team, to pull back the curtain on the multi-year journey of the Happy Place Festivals. What began as a small pop-up in 2018 has evolved into a significant annual event, requiring year-round planning, complex logistics, and constant creative problem-solving. The discussion highlights the challenges of producing large-scale events, from managing unpredictable weather—such as high winds and extreme heat—to refining guest experiences based on direct attendee feedback. The pair reflects on how they have adapted the festival over time, including improving facilities, enhancing accessibility, and introducing new elements like quiet zones for those who experience overstimulation. A central theme is the importance of cultivating a safe, alcohol-free atmosphere that allows everyone to focus on personal well-being. From diverse workshops and live talks to the carefully curated shopping village, the festival aims to be an inclusive space where attendees can step away from the pressures of daily life, try something new, and ultimately feel better than when they arrived.

Ashley Roberts: If you don’t scream your body will! Anxiety, insomnia, and Pussycat Dolls' comeback

Jun 8, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of Happy Place, host Fern Cotton sits down with radio presenter and former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts to discuss the evolution of mental health, the pressures of fame, and the transformative power of breathwork. The conversation highlights Roberts' journey from the intense, often toxic environment of a global girl group in the early 2000s to a more grounded, self-compassionate life in her forties. Reflecting on the grueling demands of her past career, Roberts shares how the pressure to maintain perfection led to physical burnout and a disconnection from her lifelong passion for dance. She and Cotton bond over the challenges of being "shit sleepers" and the importance of finding tools—such as breathwork—to maintain stability. The two also explore the beauty of aging, noting that their forties have brought a newfound sense of confidence and a diminished desire to seek external validation. As the Pussycat Dolls prepare for a comeback, Roberts explains that this chapter feels different, defined by better communication, mutual support, and a shared desire to inspire joy rather than just chasing industry success.

Book Club Meets: Tradwives and the manosphere, with Caro Claire Burke

Jun 4, 202630 minSummary

In this episode of the Happy Place Book Club, Fern Cotton sits down with author Caro Claire Burke to discuss her gripping thriller, Yesteryear. The conversation centers on the novel’s protagonist, Natalie, a modern-day influencer who portrays the perfect tradwife life—complete with handmade bread and a picturesque barn—while concealing a reality supported by industrial appliances and hidden staff. The story takes a surreal turn when Natalie is abruptly thrust into the 1800s, forced to live out the traditional fantasy she once curated for her millions of online followers. The discussion explores why such stories are culturally relevant, touching on the rise of the manosphere, the performative nature of motherhood on social media, and the intense societal pressures placed upon women to be perfect. Burke shares insights into her creative process, describing how the book was written in a whirlwind two-month period during a time of personal burnout. The two reflect on the necessity of creative resilience, the struggle of dealing with rejection, and the importance of maintaining a delusional belief in one’s work. Finally, they touch upon the excitement of the novel’s ongoing film adaptation.

Mary Berry: "I didn't want to leave the house!" How gardening helped me through grief

Jun 1, 202649 minSummary

In this episode of Happy Place, host Fern Cotton sits down with the legendary culinary icon Mary Berry for an insightful conversation about life, longevity, and the restorative power of gardening. With a career spanning decades, Berry reflects on her early years during wartime, where gardening was a necessity under the Dig for Britain campaign, to her current role as a television favorite and celebrated author. The discussion explores the deep connection between cooking and gardening, two passions that have defined Berry’s life. She explains how gardening serves as a form of meditation and physical exercise, offering a necessary escape and mental clarity even in the most challenging times. Berry shares moving anecdotes about her upbringing, the resourcefulness required during the war, and the profound impact of nature on her well-being. Perhaps most poignantly, she opens up about the loss of her son and how keeping busy—through her cooking classes and finding solace in the outdoors—helped her navigate through deep grief. With warmth and wisdom, Berry encourages listeners to embrace the patience required by gardening, emphasizing that it is never too late to start, whether with a small window box or a humble raised bed.