About this episode

Ruby Wax discusses mental health, meditation, and the importance of laughter in this episode of Happy Place.

Have you noticed that your memory and rational thinking disappear when you’re anxious? Ruby Wax wants you to retrain your focus and attention in a digital world that’s always trying to steal it. In this chat with Fearne – live from the Happy Place Festival – Ruby explains the difference between mental health and mental illness, and why she calls meditation ‘mind gym’. She also explores why laughing – getting into your body – is one of the greatest things you can do for your mental health. Ruby also tells some raucous stories about the celebrities she’s interviewed. Why did Trump want her kicked off his plane? And what was her read of OJ Simpson? You can get tickets for Ruby’s tour Absolutely Famous here . Join Ruby’s Frazzled Café here . If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Ruby’s first Happy Place episode Ruby’s second Happy Place episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Fearne Cotton

Guest: Ruby Wax

Topics covered

• mental health
• meditation
• anxiety
• celebrity stories
• laughter
• focus

Keywords

• Ruby Wax
• mental health
• meditation
• anxiety
• laughter
• celebrity stories
• digital focus

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Happy Place Festival, Frazzled Café

Books & works: Absolutely Famous

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• “I did things I’d never do sober” Consent concerns and social anxiety, with Millie Gooch · August 30, 2026 · 1h 0m
• Book Club Meets: Holiday romance and friendship in your 40s, with Chloe Ashby · August 26, 2026 · 35 min
• Joe Lycett: "Nerves and excitement are the same!" How to reframe anxiety · August 23, 2026 · 55 min

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