Happy Place

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

Back in the noughties, Miquita Oliver thought Fearne Cotton was an irritatingly gorgeous, successful presenter – everything she wasn’t. Fearne was jealous Miquita was part of the TV cool gang. In reality? Fearne worried she was an unsophisticated nerd, and Miquita was feeling like the fat, ugly sidekick. In this episode, live from the Happy Place Festival, Fearne and Miquita chat for the first time in decades, finally able to see that it was press cruelty that created their feud. They talk through how to cope if you feel projection, assumption, or a misunderstanding have created a rift between you and a friend. Miquita also explores why she felt the need to drink to stay in a haze for much of her younger years, and why getting curious about why she felt like sh*t was the first step to getting her life back on track. Plus: how to dream bigger for yourself, and why adults need to play more!If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Matt Edmondson and Mollie KingRuth LangsfordAshley James

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 

We’ve all got quirks. Tom Read Wilson realised early on that no one else was going to celebrate his differences if he didn’t own them himself. In this chat with Fearne, live from the Happy Place Festival, Tom explains how he learnt to honour his eclectic personality.Fearne and Tom both have a history of extreme people pleasing, so they share what they’ve learnt about self-advocating and getting good at uncomfortable confrontation. Why does turning 40 seem to be when the real honesty kicks in?The I’m A Celeb jungle had a profound impact on Tom, particularly the digital detox part... he explores the huge physical and mental impact giving up his phone has had.Plus, Tom delights in finding the perfect whimsical words, and wonders that language is the key to unlocking better mental health.Tom’s new children’s book, Pricklepaper’s Letter Magic, is out on the 24th of September.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Todd RoseJoe LycettRuby Wax

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

Writer Caitlin Moran's anxiety started when she was 13, when she accidentally let a family secret slip. That anxiety kept her wired for the next 30 years.In this chat with Fearne, Caitlin explains how choosing to be hopeful and see the good in life means she’s now two years anxiety-free.They also talk about how social media has drastically altered our perception of reality, and just how unkind (or kind!) a place the world really is. Angrily posting on Instagram at 3am? It’s not going to change society, but volunteering to pick letter... well... that might!Caitlin talks about the severe dread she feels when meeting up with her best friends; do you have that social anxiety too? Because Fearne does... Plus, how could presuming everyone’s having a really bad day make you a happier person?Caitlin’s book, How To Be Hopeful, is out on September 17th.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Todd RoseLucas JonesNicole LaPera

There’s probably a bit too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness isn’t there? It’s just not realistic. 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:-Why being middle aged is actually ace-The iconic TV show that is Below Deck-Loving having grown up kids-How to lean into the cosiness of autumn-Dressing like a teenage boy in a 90s American TV show-Coping with imposter syndrome at work-Why on earth there have to be so many school Whatsapp groups-How to block out chronic pessimistsPs, you heard Fearne, if anyone has a contact for Below Deck’s Captain Sandy… slide into our DMs @happyplaceofficial!

Do you ever feel like the universe is trying to tell you something? Call it spirituality, intuition, or science... we’ve all had moments that feel like a bit of a sign – a gentle nudge in a certain direction.In this episode, Fearne looks at the Happy Place moments that have explored the things we can't always explain… This is a curious dive into what happens when we leave a little room for mystery, wonder, and the possibility that there might be more to life than meets the eye.In this episode –-Poet and actor Lucas Jones’ take on why whether we call it religion, spirituality, or science, we’re all ultimately searching for meaning-Spiritual leader Gabby Bernstein is clear that the best thing you can do to change the world is tend to your inner world first-Musician Charlotte Church reflects on why she turned to nature to heal from trauma-Moon mentor Kirsty Gallagher explains how to live in tandem with the moon’s cycles-Holistic therapist Estelle Bingham explores the magic and the science behind the energy in your heart-Intuitive guide Sonia Choquette chats about how to trust your own gut instinct more-Entrepreneur Poppy Jamie shares a beautiful story that explains why she puts her faith in the universeCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains a number of conversations about trying to conceive and baby loss.A FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Early Bird tickets for our London and Tatton Happy Place Festivals 2027 are out now. Head to happyplaceofficial.co.uk to get your Early Bird tickets.Listen to the full Happy Place episodes –Lucas JonesGabby BernsteinCharlotte ChurchKirsty GallagherEstelle BinghamSonia ChoquettePoppy Jamie

What does a truly restful holiday look like to you? Do you want novelty or routine? Horticulturalist Monty Don relaxes most when he knows the drill: same Greek island, same terrace for breakfast, same collapsable travel kettle packed!Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat with Fearne – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Monty explains the difference between all the globe-trotting he does for work, and a proper switching-off holiday.They chat about the excitement of stepping off a plane into an entirely different culture, as well as why you won’t find either of them staying up late for a social dinner.Monty also explores why it was important to be one of the first people to talk about his mental health in the media decades ago, and what more still needs to be done to support those with depression. Plus, how does Seasonal Affective Disorder manifest for Monty?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:Fearne’s holiday likes and dislikesChris McCauslandSophie Ellis-Bextor