Happy Place

TikToker Chris Olsen shot to stardom during the pandemic. But while all eyes were on his viral videos, he was struggling to forgive himself for the challenges of his past.In this candid conversation, Chris sits down with Fearne in New York City to talk about fame, recovery, and his journey to self-forgiveness.He talks about the addiction that consumed his late teenage years, and the life-changing intervention staged by his friends and family.He also reflects on his time in rehab, and why the worst version of yourself doesn’t have to define you.Chris’ book, I Think My Therapist Hates Me: A Memoir, is out now.A warning that this episode contains references to alcohol and drug addiction. If you’re affected by these issues, please listen with care.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Jesse Tyler FergusonSpencer MatthewsMillie Gooch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Entertainment personality Megan McKenna was once advertised in a straitjacket. She was nicknamed Mental Megan, branded mouthy, and edited down to her worst moments on camera. Now, she can see that none of that was who she really was.In this chat with Fearne, live from the Happy Place Festival, Megan explores how she’s learnt to live more authentically. For her, that means less drinking and more home cooking for her young family.Megan also opens up about the anxieties and sleep issues she’s been left with after a traumatic robbery. Fearne has some gentle advice for when your body feels unsafe, and your mind is spiralling.Plus, Megan reveals what really goes on behind the scenes on reality TV shows, from being plied with alcohol, to being nudged into confrontations by producers.Megan’s latest cookbook, Love Gluten Free, is out now.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Olivia AtwoodMichelle KeeganTulisa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When mysterious symbols appear as graffiti around Oxford, lexicographer Martha Thornhill recognises them from an alphabet created by a deceased writer whose papers she once worked on. But this is no publicity stunt, and tensions intensify when further graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer...Countdown’s Susie Dent has written Death Writ Large, a murder mystery that cleverly weaves her linguistic skills around a killer plot. In this chat, live from the Happy Place Festival, Susie teaches Fearne a few new words (confelicity, anyone?) and explains where phrases like Flaming Nora come from. Plus, why is it actually really good for you to swear, and how can naming emotions help you manage them?In October, we’ll be reading Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley and Agatha Christie.Thank you to Zaffre for the use of the Death Writ Large audiobook, narrated by Louise Brealey.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Book Club Meets: Chloe AshbyBook Club Meets: Candice Carty-WilliamsBook Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke 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 not realistic guys. 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:-Running – both the joy of it, and the sadness when you can’t because you’re injured-In a similar vein: why skipping is so fun... but also makes you pee yourself-The little interactions with strangers that make your day-‘Friends’ chatting behind your back-Whether we’ve started hibernating for winter a little too early  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 really not floating your boat? Fearne’s here with more chat about what’s putting her, Team Happy Place, and you lot in a good mood, and what’s feeling a bit heavier too.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 wholesome dream of growing your own food-Finally being paid to create the stuff you love-Being in awe of Marilyn Monroe-Sending your kid to high school when they’re not ready to cope-Why there’s always something on the Being A Grown Up to do list-The dull details of buying new white goods-The people who insist on being tw*ts to strangers 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.

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 MillerAlex PartridgeJordan Stephens 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 GrantTess DalyClara AmfoSara Cox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.