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Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson spent 11 years on our screens as Mitchell Pritchett in the hit series, Modern Family. But when the opportunity presented itself to be alone on stage, in front of a sell-out audience, a different feeling started to creep in. In this chat with Fearne, Jesse opens up about the fear that drives him. He reflects on how he’s learned to work through it, and what he does to lean in and embrace the challenges ahead. He also talks about how playing Mitchell helped him prepare for fatherhood, and the impact his relationship with his onscreen daughter had on him becoming a dad. Plus, Jesse shares some of the White House secrets he learned when interviewing former First Lady, Jill Biden. You can catch Jesse as Truman Capote in Tru at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London until the 14th November 2026. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Joe Lycett Joseph Fiennes Caitlin Moran 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 Atwood Michelle Keegan Tulisa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What part do male role models need to play in young boys’ lives? How do we raise young men with empathy and love? What should masculinity even mean? Adolescence’s Stephen Graham has teamed up with psychology researcher Orly Klein to answer these questions. In this chat with Fearne, Stephen and Orly explore what they’ve learnt about manhood, fatherhood, and generational trauma through asking lots of dads to write letters to their sons. They chat about why we need to stop treating boys like they’re a problem to be fixed, and why it’s so important to offer them positive messages so they don’t fall into the hands of toxic influencers. Plus, Stephen reveals how he felt about filming each Adolescence episode in one take... Stephen and Orly’s book, Letters To Our Sons, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Ashley Walters Caitlin Moran Sam Claflin 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 Ashby Book Club Meets: Candice Carty-Williams Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 King Ruth Langsford Ashley James 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.

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 Rose Joe Lycett Ruby Wax 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.

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 Rose Lucas Jones Nicole LaPera 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 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 pessimists Ps, you heard Fearne, if anyone has a contact for Below Deck’s Captain Sandy… slide into our DMs @happyplaceofficial! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 universe CONTENT 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 Jones Gabby Bernstein Charlotte Church Kirsty Gallagher Estelle Bingham Sonia Choquette Poppy Jamie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 dislikes Chris McCausland Sophie Ellis-Bextor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you feel the morning after drinking the night before? For Millie Gooch the hangxiety was huge, so she stopped drinking and founded Sober Girl Society. In this chat, Fearne and Millie explore how to recognise when the silly, lols-in-the-group-chat stories from nights out have morphed into moments that are risky, dangerous, and not really you. For Millie, she had to be honest with herself about what she was trying to forget or avoid by drinking. She talks through how to get comfortable with sitting in uncomfortable emotions. Millie also explains why she didn’t know she was neurodivergent until she stopped drinking; how do the effects of alcohol get mixed up with symptoms of menopause, ADHD, and OCD? Millie’s book, Hangxiety, is out on the 8th of September. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about sexual assault. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Millie Mackintosh Professor David Nutt Louise Newson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For 20 years Maggie and Will have spent idyllic summers in the south of France with their friends Lydia and Roland. This year though, tension is brewing and loyalties are being tested. Their young kids are all there too, and they might end up stumbling upon secrets that were being kept from them... August’s Happy Place Book Club read is Family Friends. In this chat with Fearne, author Chloe Ashby explains why she wanted to explore relationship dynamics around the age of 40. Each character has brought a bit of extra baggage to this year’s holiday, so through them Chloe wonders at what point doing one bad thing makes you a bad person. Plus, why was it controversial to include a teenage holiday romance? Thank you to Penguin for the use of the Family Friends audiobook, narrated by Sally Scott. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Candice Carty-Williams Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke Book Club Meets: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you find yourself cringing at your younger self? Did you lose yourself in the early part of parenthood? Do you wonder if who you’re being is who you really are? It’s check, check, and check for comedian Joe Lycett. In this chat with Fearne, Joe reflects on how much of his stage persona has become who he actually is, why paternity leave triggered a lot of existential crises all at once, and how he’s come out the other side caring a lot less about what anyone thinks. Fearne and Joe also wonder if the art of losing your inhibitions is gone forever thanks to camera phones, and why playing around and making mistakes is so important as an adult. Plus, how have Ant and Dec accidentally changed how Joe behaves at hotels? And, why is it you can always trust that you'll find community at the pub? Joe loves the human chaos of it, so he’s opening his own, but only for one hour a week... The Lycett Arms airs live on Channel 4 on Friday nights at 10pm, starting Friday 4th September.  If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Alain De Botton Ant and Dec Philippa Perry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.