When Poorna discovered her husband's heroin addiction, she described it as an earthquake. What followed next was unimaginable and now, several years' later, she tells Fearne about her experiences and how she has come to terms with them. Trigger warning: contains references to suicide. If you're in the UK and in need of someone to talk to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. For those outside the UK, you can call: Argentina: 02234930430 Australia: 131114 Austria: 017133374 Belgium: ...
Dec 10, 2018•52 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Fresh from announcing the big Spice Girls reunion, Melanie C joins Fearne for the first ever *live* edition of Happy Place. The singer discusses the high of Girl Power and the impact it had on her life, both positive and negative... and how the years afterwards brought greater understanding of her relationship with depression and herself. This recording took place at the Google Pixel 3 Curiosity Rooms in central London - a series of free workshops, talks, podcasts and more. Go visit th...
Dec 03, 2018•48 min•Season 2Ep. 4
When Kris was just 23 years old, she was told by doctors that she had an incurable breast cancer. You'd be forgiven for thinking that this is Kris' story ends... but, ten years on, she tells Fearne that whilst it changed her life in many ways, some of them were for the better. If you would like to find out more about the charity Kris set up, CoppaFeel!, visit their website: coppafeel.org Thanks to Kris, and to the sponsors of this episode, Fiit. Discover their new offering, Fiit Free, and m...
Nov 19, 2018•44 min•Season 2Ep. 2
We're back for season two! And there's no better way to start than with Gary Barlow. In this chat with Fearne, the celebrated songwriter and Take That frontman talks candidly about his life after the group split. From depression and food obsessions, to his renewed sense of family and his slow recovery. Gary's new book, A Better Me, is available to buy now. This episode of Happy Place is sponsored by Fiit, the fitness app that helps you train with professionals from your own living room. Find out...
Nov 12, 2018•47 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Surprise! We have a special bonus episode for you this week, in which Fearne talks to broadcaster and BFF Emma Willis about beauty: whether that's inner, outer or imagined. In return, we'd love it if you could vote for Happy Place in the British Podcast Awards - it's really simple and free to do: just head to britishpodcastawards.com/vote . Thanks to Garnier for supporting this podcast through their Commit to Care initiative. For more information on their work, just search Garnie...
May 07, 2018•25 min
Gok Wan is a hard worker - and it’s his eye for detail and relentless drive that has endeared him to millions of TV viewers. But it’s also responsible for some of the more difficult times of his life, including extreme waves of anorexia. In this searingly honest chat with Fearne, Gok talks about his childhood, how fashion turned his life around, and the many paths he’s taken to his happy place. Thanks to Garnier for supporting this podcast through their Commit to Care initiative. For m...
Apr 30, 2018•50 min•Season 1Ep. 10
When she's not playing Cersei Lannister in the hit show Game of Thrones, Lena Headey could kick back and relax. Not Lena. In this delightfully sweary interview with Fearne, the pair discuss life outside the set - from avoiding small talk at parties to visiting Syrian refugee camps and facing demons on social media. Thanks to Garnier for supporting this podcast through their Commit to Care initiative. For more information on their work, just search Garnier&...
Apr 23, 2018•29 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Can you be successful and stay grounded? After twelve years presenting radio's biggest interview show, Desert Island Discs, there are few people better placed to understand than Kirsty Young. From Nobel-winning scientists to Hollywood royalty (and actual royalty), Fearne talks to Kirsty about what makes them tick - and what words of wisdom they've shared with her over the years. Thanks to Garnier for supporting this podcast through their Commit to Care initiative. For more information ...
Apr 16, 2018•39 min•Season 1Ep. 8
What does it take to run one of the most influential magazines on the planet? And what do you need to be a great leader? Alexandra Shulman spent 25 years as the editor of British Vogue - here she tells Fearne about the things she learnt about herself, and how to cope once you decide to walk away from the job you love. Thanks to Garnier for supporting this podcast through their Commit to Care initiative. For more information on their work, just search Garnier Commit to Care. H...
Apr 09, 2018•41 min•Season 1Ep. 7
We will all lose someone close to us, and the way we cope with that is never certain. But the way Zephyr speaks about the death of her husband has been an inspiration to Fearne. In this episode we hear stories of bereavement, raising a family on your own, and finding a happy place amongst the darkness. There's also a farting dog. Thanks to Garnier for supporting this podcast through their Commit to Care initiative. For more information on their work just search Garnier Commit to Care. Hosted on ...
Apr 02, 2018•49 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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 no...
Mar 26, 2018•42 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 tho...
Mar 19, 2018•47 min•Season 1Ep. 4
How do you stop ambition becoming addiction? Paloma Faith has walked that tightrope for many years now, and is still hitting new career highs. So how does she do it, and stay grounded in reality? The singer reveals to Fearne how she keeps it altogether, from the new energy of motherhood, to guilty pleasures and the occasional bout of revenge. Subscribe to Happy Place now at officialfearnecotton.com/happyplace Thanks to our sponsors Garnier - the amazing video that Fearne mentions at the sta...
Mar 12, 2018•35 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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/happyplace Thanks to our sponsors Garnier, who have launched a fab new initiative called Commit To Care. Find out more here . Hosted o...
Mar 05, 2018•46 min•Season 1Ep. 2
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 t...
Mar 05, 2018•40 min•Season 1Ep. 1
