Happy Place

How do you cope when you’re going through a really rough time? Broadcaster Ruth Langsford has needed a balance of big cries, therapy, and just choosing to dust herself off and get to work.In this chat with Fearne, Ruth talks through the ways counselling and female friendships are moving her through the grief of her divorce. She also shares what she’s learnt about caring for parents with dementia, without overwhelming yourself in the process.Fearne and Ruth compare their experiences of mum guilt, and why it’s so important for young boys in particular to see the women in their life working.Plus, Ruth reveals the sliding doors moment that led her to her TV presenting career...Ruth’s book, Feeling Fabulous, is out now.CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains conversations about grief after suicide.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Kate WinsletBen WestElizabeth Gilbert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever changed yourself to fit in with other people? Or dulled your character so they don’t think you’re ‘too much’? Do you compare yourself a lot or sacrifice your own needs so not to cause a fuss?Fearne has done all these things and more over the years in a bid to be more likeable. But it’s time to stop shapeshifting to make ourselves palatable to others!Sugababes Keisha Buchanan, Love Island’s Megan Barton-Hanson, and The Traitor’s Jade Scott join Fearne to reflect on their own experiences of people pleasing and being disliked.They share advice on being okay with people not ‘getting’ you, allowing yourself to be multifaceted, and speaking up for yourself. This is all about building the confidence to live life on your own terms, not the life others want you to live.Fearne’s new book, Likeable, is out now.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Natalie LueEmma GannonPoorna Bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You wouldn’t talk to your best mate in the critical way you talk to yourself. For Radio One DJs Matt Edmondson and Mollie King, their friendship has made them both believe in themselves more.In this chat with Fearne, Matt and Mollie talk about the insecurities they have, and how freeing it is to realise no one else thinks those things about you. For Mollie, having children has helped her be a lot kinder to herself too.Fearne is less bothered about ruffling feathers in the workplace than she used to be, and shares advice on how to confidently speak your mind, and they all wonder why everyone’s trying to be ‘cool’. What does that even mean?!Plus, was it Matt or Mollie who put Fearne and her Radio One show on their vision board back in the day...?You can listen to Matt and Mollie’s new podcast, Novel Idea, now!Get your tickets for Fearne’s book tour here.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Matt’s first Happy Place chatNick GrimshawAnnie Mac  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time to stop being filled with jealousy and judgement of others! Boy George admits he used to love hating people, but now actively chooses compassion and kindness.In this chat with Fearne, Boy George explains how this philosophy has helped him celebrate his own and other peoples’ successes more fully. He also talks about why he loves fame now, but would have done his early fame differently, and about the solace he gets from talking to his late mum.Plus, he’s writing songs about everything from global war to scrubbing his floors with ChatGPT, so does Boy George see a future where art and AI co-exist?If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Samantha RenkeZandra RhodesLulu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What more do you want from life? What more do you want for yourself? Award-winning journalist and author Poorna Bell reckons it’s time to start really asking ourselves these questions.In this chat with Fearne, Poorna explains why it’s important to aim for goals you set for yourself, not the ones set by society. They talk about why challenging the narrative that women become invisible as they age is so important, and why we should be turning to elders for life wisdom.Poorna also reflects on what she wishes she’d known about marriage before her wedding, and how we can all strengthen our relationships with our parents and children.Poorna’s book, She Wanted More, is out now.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Poorna’s first Happy Place episodeAshley JamesPaloma Faith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do we change our hair when we want to start over? Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton knows that when someone sits in his chair, he has their future confidence in his hands.In this chat with Fearne, Chris explains that everyone from the Kardashians to cancer patients have opened up to him about their insecurities, and he’s seen the profound impact that looking more like yourself on the outside can have on how you feel about yourself on the inside.He’s also fascinated by the self-limiting beliefs people have about who they are. Think you’re not classy enough for a sleek bob? Not cool enough to dye your hair? Chris says think again!Chris has dealt with a lot of his own shame and fears too. He was bullied at school, struggled to acknowledge his sexuality, and had huge imposter syndrome when he first arrived in Hollywood, so has lots of thoughts on finding your true self again.Plus, Chris gives Fearne a little consultation, and he reckons she can go much bolder with her hair...Chris’ book, Your Roots Don’t Define You, is out now.CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank conversation about suicidal ideation, so take care while listening.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Afua Hirsch Caroline Hirons Olivia Atwood  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’re a bimbo. A nag. Too mumsy. Too bossy. Ever had any of those labels put on you? Far from harmless words, Ashley James is clear they all work to shrink women and girls.In this chat with Fearne, Ashley recalls her first experiences of street harassment, and the way she victim blamed herself.They also explore the shame that keeps women silent about their altered bodies after giving birth; Ashley talks about her own post-partum body, including the reality of piles, prolapse, and vaginismus.Wondering if marriage is right for you? Ashley runs through her pros and cons. Plus, are we still allowed to watch and enjoy wildly problematic films like Grease...?Ashley’s book, Bimbo, is out on February 12th.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Gabor Maté Louise Thompson Jane Goodall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.