Kate Ferdinand

Do you think it’s uncool to be excited? Artist Yungblud wants us to marvel at the world; it’s life-affirming to be properly enthusiastic about stuff. In this chat, Fearne and Yungblud talk about why we need to be done with being cool and distant. Instead, they share how to make sure you’re not dulling yourself down or putting filters on your real character. Yungblud wears his heart – and his pain – on his sleeve, and explains why sharing dark thoughts can be a beautiful thing. Social media, he says, has helped us be more fearless because there will always be a tribe somewhere who will accept us. Plus, how did Yungblud change the way he plays gigs when he realised loads of his fans are socially anxious? You Need To Exist is published by Happy Place Books, and it’s out on August 15th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12 Aug 202458min

Do you get frustrated by everyone asking you “what’s next?” Presenter Alex Jones reckons there’s too much pressure to bypass being content in the moment, particularly when it comes to our careers. In this chat, live from the Happy Place Festival, Fearne and Alex say there’s no shame – in fact there’s real beauty – in sitting still and enjoying the moment. There’s also a nice bit of gossip about Dolly Parton, Jared Leto, Art Garfunkel, and Richard & Judy... Massive thanks to British Airways Holidays for sponsoring the Happy Place Festival Talk Stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 Aug 202444min

Are you having the sex you want? Comedian and author Sofie Hagen reckons there are loads of things standing in the way of pleasure – everything from gender identity and body image, to parenting and the cost of living crisis. In this Book Club episode – recorded live at the Happy Place Festival – Sofie tells Fearne why they haven’t had sex for 3000 days and counting... and why they’ve written about it in ‘Will I Ever Have Sex Again?’ What does sex mean to you? Sofie wonders if it’s about ‘enjoying bodies’, but how can you relax into desire if you have self-loathing around your body, or don’t trust that others will enjoy your body? Plus, do you think labels around gender and sexuality are restrictive or liberating? Fearne and Sofie chat about their thoughts, and Sofie also explains why your PTSD, anxiety, or OCD is trying to protect you. Will I Ever Have Sex Again is the Happy Place Book Club read for July, and is out now.Thank you to Bonnier for the use of the Will I Ever Sex Again audiobook, read by Sofie Hagen. Listen to Book Club Meets: Fearne Cotton Listen to Book Club Meets: Jo Cheetham Listen to Book Club Meets: Jennie Godfrey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Aug 202438min

Do you have the confidence to speak up and say “no”? Rachel Stevens has learnt it’s ok to stand up for yourself and have a voice. In this chat with Fearne – live from the Happy Place Festival – Rachel talks about how emotions are messy, and they’re better spoken out loud imperfectly than not at all. They also chat about the early years of S Club 7; the band gave Rachel safety and structure when she needed to escape from a difficult family life. But over time it wore down her autonomy and independence; she explains how she found her voice so that you can too. Plus, are you a worrier? Fearne and Rachel both share what they’re anxious about every single day. Rachel’s book, Finding My Voice, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29 Jul 202437min

Petrified that your parenting is screwing your kid up? Crying out for support from people around you? Fearne’s pulled together some stories and advice from Happy Place guests who’ll make you feel more empowered and less alone in raising children. Not a parent? Not to worry! You’ll learn just as much about how to regulate your own emotions, how your childhood is affecting your behaviour today, and why feminism might have sold women an unrealistic dream... You’ll hear from Paloma Faith on the pressure for women to ‘have it all’, Kate Ferdinand on caring for her blended family, and Gabor Maté on why we all need wider community support. Kate Silverton asks: “are kids being ‘naughty’ or are they just really struggling to regulate their nervous system?” Alain De Botton explains how your childhood is still be affecting your actions, and Zayn reflects on how fatherhood has changed him for the better. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains some chat about suicide, so take care while listening Listen to Paloma Faith’s episode Listen to Kate Ferdinand’s episode Listen to Gabor Maté’s episode Listen to Kate Silverton’s episode Listen to Alain de Botton episode Listen to Zayn’s episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 Jul 202437min

Would you describe yourself as a workaholic? Fashion designer Zandra Rhodes has an insatiable sense of drive that’s fuelled her iconic career since the 1960s. In this chat with Fearne, Zandra is honest about how she threw herself into work as a way to cope with things like the death of the love of her life, and her own cancer diagnosis. Zandra is very clear that we need our own sense of creativity, colour, and vibrancy in life. She explains why it’s so vital to have self-belief, and how to make sure you’re not compromising your own values and style for other people. There’s also the story of when Zandra was carted away in a police car for growing marijuana... Zandra’s book, Iconic: My Life in 50 Objects, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 Jul 202448min

Do you think of yourself as a victim of circumstance? Ella Mills – the founder of Deliciously Ella – used to live with a sense that life was unfair to her. Now, she knows that ultimately the only person in charge of your life is you. In this chat with Fearne, Ella talks about realising apathy was a symptom of depression, and explains why sometimes you have to hit rock bottom in order to acknowledge what needs to change. Ella and Fearne also talk about why the way we eat has become so emotive and divisive. They reckon we should be focusing on sharing joyful knowledge that will make us all healthier and more energetic, so chat through some simple ways to feel good about what you’re eating. Ella’s latest recipe book, Healthy Made Simple, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15 Jul 202451min

Make yourself comfy in a quiet space. Lie down if you can. Meditation teacher Rob da Bank is here to guide you through a Yoga Nidra practice. This is 20 minutes of uninterrupted time for you, to feel a little more self-love, and to move you into a deeply restful place through guided mental imagery, intention setting, and breathing exercises. Head back to the Happy Place feed to listen to Fearne’s chat with Rob da Bank. For even more of Rob’s Yoga Nidra practices, download the Happy Place app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 Jul 202419min