Happy Place cover art

Happy Place

Happy Place

By: Fearne Cotton
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Fearne Cotton talks to incredible people about life, love, loss, and everything in-between as she reveals what happiness means to them.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fearne Cotton 2020
Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Alan Cumming: “I allow people to be abusive!” How to build self-worth and say no
    May 28 2026

    Alan Cumming's dad told him he was worthless, and his mum told him he was precious. Figuring out how he feels about himself has been a life’s work.


    In this chat with Fearne, Alan’s open about the ways he’s allowed people to treat him badly, and how he’s learnt to get comfortable with confrontation and setting boundaries. He also explains why the rage in the script of his new TV show triggered painful childhood memories.


    Fearne and Alan share their experiences of oscillating between relentless, excited creativity (constantly manifesting bigger and better jobs) and a desire to rest (Alan’s fantasies about becoming a tradwife...!)


    Plus, what really happens on the Traitors’ set and how on earth does Alan manage to keep that poker face all the time?


    Alan will be creatively involved in four different productions at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre this year, and you can watch Alan in Channel 4’s new show Tip Toe from May 31st.


    If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:


    Nicole LePera


    Shauna Tiffany


    Zayn

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    51 mins
  • "Why does criticism hurt so much?" Dr Julie on triggers and behaviour patterns
    May 25 2026

    Ever looked in the mirror and told yourself “I am enough” ...and not believed a word of it? Psychologist Dr Julie Smith reckons affirmations only work to boost confidence if – deep down – you already believe them.


    In this chat with Fearne, Julie explains why your brain needs evidence, not mantras, to change your critical inner voice and build self-worth. She also talks through why criticism from others can hit so hard, and why the discomfort felt is often an echo of a much older wound. Julie breaks down how the patterns we developed in childhood keep replaying in adulthood.


    Julie also talks about her breast cancer diagnosis, and how it tested everything she’d been teaching everyone else about fear, agency, and mental health.


    Plus, what’s the simple therapy exercise that could change how you carry pain?


    Dr Julie’s best-selling book, Open When, is available now in paperback.


    If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:


    Dr Julie’s first Happy Place episode


    Estelle Bingham


    Adele Roberts

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    59 mins
  • Dr Louise Newson: Anxiety! Joint pain! The perimenopause symptoms you’re ignoring
    May 21 2026

    One in six women arriving at Dr Louise Newson's menopause clinic have suicidal thoughts. 92% see those thoughts reduce with natural hormones, so why are women still being prescribed antidepressants instead?


    In this chat with Fearne, Louise explains why women are being misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when the root cause is hormonal. Fearne admits she's the woman with her head in the sand about perimenopause, so Louise walks her through what the many (many!) different symptoms could look like, and how to talk to a GP about how you’re feeling mentally and physically.


    Plus, is there any truth to the myth that HRT causes breast cancer? Why is testosterone the most misunderstood hormone in women's health? And would the contraceptive pill be approved if it was created today...?


    Louise’s new book, The Power of Hormones, is out now.


    If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:


    Liz Earle


    Cally Beaton


    Naomi Watts

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    57 mins
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All stars
Most relevant
Wonderful, insightful, inspiring. Love them and so look forward to them weekly. take so much from them, thank you 😊

Fantastic podcasts so glad I found them, enjoying

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Love this podcast it's warm, insightful, enlightening and Fearne approaches the topics with honesty, integrity and curiosity which is so refreshing. Expert guests from a wide range of fields all contribute to educating the listener and getting us talking about and paying attention to our own mental health and well being. Fearne's making the world a better place one podcast at a time.

Life changing

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Whoa! what a great podcast series, Ferne is a fantastic host and asked some great questions bringing out the best in each and every guest .

Inspirational , insightful and full of little gems you can apply to your own life...

Fantastic, a great find to listen to, thank you Ferne .

AN ABSOLUTE MUST LISTEN

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I loved this conversation. Listened to it whilst walking the dog with a smile on my face. So refreshing to get people being honest at last. Love these podcasts. Ferne, you’re amazing x

Brilliant

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This was an amazing podcast to listen to ❤ I laughed and cried while listening.

amazing podcast

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