Nick Grimshaw Happy Place podcast

43:21

Are you able to balance being resilient with being vulnerable? Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor has spent time figuring out when to keep moving forward, and when to let painful emotions wash over him. In this chat with Fearne, Chiwetel reflects on how a childhood trauma has shaped his character – everything from his fierce ambition to his optimistic outlook. He also reveals the moments self-doubt has almost proved insurmountable (including when he first got the script for 12 Years A Slave...!) Plus, is ‘acceptance’ of your past ever truly possible, or is the simple realisation that life WILL go on regardless good enough? And, do you worry you’ve let your own life pass in a blur? Chiwetel explains how he’s learnt to live in the present. Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy is out in UK cinemas now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Lenny Henry David Tennant Norah Jones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
Is your routine a strait-jacket? How to enact change, with Donna Ashworth 53:08

11 days ago53:08

53:08

Do you dream of pivoting your career or lifestyle later in life? Poet Donna Ashworth did just that. She began to question the busy, fast-paced, perfectionist lifestyle she assumed was the norm, and decided to start posting and performing her beautiful poetry in her 40s... In this chat with Fearne, Donna explains how she copes with the nerves that come with doing something so new, including hypnotherapy and simply admitting out loud that she’s anxious. She also reflects on how she realised she’d been living with depression and eating disorders for a long time. If you’re not happy it’s up to you to apply change or you can’t expect different outcomes. Donna talks through how to work out if your routine is deliciously comforting for you, or if it’s become a strait-jacket that’s holding you back. Plus, she shares why it’s helpful for others if you’re able to disclose your own ugly truths and flaws. Donna’s latest book of poetry, To The Women, is out on the 13th of February. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Naomi Watts Poppy Delbridge Kate Silverton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
Book Club Meets: Choose to be happy, with David Larbi 21:43

14 days ago21:43

21:43

What is happiness to you? And do you think you deserve to be happy? Our Happy Place Book Club pick for January was Frequently Happy, by author and poet David Larbi. In his book, he combines poetry and journal prompts to help you find the glimmers in your lovely, ordinary life. We’ll have objectively terrible days, and days that are clearly the best ever, but most days fall somewhere in between... In this chat with Fearne, David explains that while not every day is good, there’s something good in every day if you choose to look for it. They also chat about how to stop falling back into negative thought patterns, and why the journal prompts in Frequently Happy could be helpful if you’re not sure where to start with acknowledging and getting clarity on how you feel. Plus, there’s advice on how to move past your fear of criticism so you can share your creativity with the world, because ultimately you’ll never be able to please everyone anyway! Listen to Book Club Meets: Dame Harriet Walter Listen to Book Club Meets: Liane Moriarty Listen to Book Club Meets: Miranda July Listen to Book Club Meets: Gillian Anderson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
Naomi Watts talks menopause: “Women grin and bear it” 43:17

18 days ago43:17

43:17

Actor Naomi Watts went through early menopause at 36. She was experiencing symptoms she couldn’t explain, like itchy skin, night sweats, and anxiety, but struggled to find any real information or stories about this midlife transition. In this chat with Fearne, Naomi explains why she’s become passionate about shining a spotlight on previously taboo topics like fertility, menopause, and sex. She talks about how it felt to be told she was peri-menopausal while she was in the middle of her fertility journey, and how she’s changed her lifestyle to help manage her symptoms. Fearne and Naomi chat about the way women are told that simply being a woman means you have to suffer and your body will be a place of pain. How can we re-write the narrative to celebrate the beauty of our bodies and cycles? Plus, how to fight back against the ingrained idea that older women aren’t of great use or value to society... Naomi’s book, Dare I Say It, is published by Happy Place Books and it’s out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Gillian Anderson Anastacia Caroline Hirons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
What REALLY happens at therapy? 35:41

21 days ago35:41

35:41

Do you want to make 2025 the year you start therapy? Maybe you’re still a bit hesitant because you’re not completely sure how it works or what it might feel like... Fearne has pulled together a load of Happy Place chats that will help you get a clearer idea of the benefits of therapy, and in turn make you feel bold enough to send that first booking email. Plus, she talks through the ways therapy has really helped her be more at peace with the past, and stop being so horrible to herself too. You’ll hear from Dr Julie and Owen O’Kane on what the point of therapy is (and isn’t!). Leigh-Anne Pinnock has learnt the importance of finding the right therapist for you, and her Little Mix band mate Perrie Edwards explains why she now brings her therapist to work. Then, MMA fighter Molly McCann has used therapy to unlock more sporting and career success after a difficult childhood, and DJ Fat Tony shares how he’s changed as a result of trauma therapy... Listen to Dr Julie’s episode Listen to Owen O’Kane’s episode Listen to Leigh-Anne Pinnock’s episode Listen to Perrie Edwards’ episode Listen to Molly McCann’s episode Listen to DJ Fat Tony’s episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
Millie Mackintosh: “I would drink to forget” Self-esteem, shame, and sobriety 1:03:52

25 days ago1:03:52

1:03:52

When does a coping mechanism become a problem? Millie Mackintosh talks through the big moments she realised her drinking was affecting both her own health and the people she loves. In this chat Fearne and Millie cover panic attacks and intrusive thoughts, which can both get particularly bad when secrecy and shame are driving risky behaviours. Then, how do you start to forgive yourself for the things you’re not proud of? And how can you talk to yourself kindly when you fall back into old patterns of behaviour? Plus, Millie explains how ADHD can interact with addiction, and what small lifestyle changes have made a huge difference to her physical and mental health. Do you want to drink less? Fearne and Millie chat about how they learnt to enjoy social events without alcohol. Millie's book, Bad Drunk, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Lucinda Miller Brene Brown Vicky Pattison CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains conversations about sexual assault Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
Sophie Ellis-Bextor: “I’m a healthy amount of delusional!” How to sustain career success 54:02

5 weeks ago54:02

54:02

How loud are the voices in your head that tell you you’re definitely going to screw up that big opportunity? Sophie Ellis-Bextor is trying to make a point of talking to herself more kindly. In this chat, Fearne and Sophie talk about reminding yourself that your thoughts aren’t facts; sometimes you have to override the voice that says you’re not good enough and just get on with it to prove yourself wrong. Sophie explains why being dropped by her label at 20 encouraged her to take responsibility for her own career, and offers advice on how not to get distracted by what other people are doing with their lives. What should you tell yourself when you think you’re going to give up on a passion? They also chat about not worrying where an opportunity will lead you, instead enjoying it as an adventure in its own right. Plus, why was Sophie petrified her BAFTA performance would be awful? Sophie has announced her biggest ever UK headline tour in May and June 2025! If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Natasha Bedingfield Perrie Edwards Paloma Faith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
“The shame was intense!” How Ben West coped with his brother’s suicide 1:06:51

6 weeks ago1:06:51

1:06:51

Ben West was 17 when his younger brother died by suicide. He’s since gone on to become a mental health campaigner, and has found humour can help communicate deeply traumatic messages. In this chat with Fearne, Ben talks through what signs to look for if you’re concerned about someone’s mental health. Then, how do you break the awkward silence when you both know you need to talk about a big topic like poor mental health? You’ll be able to approach the conversation in a compassionate, rather than confronting, way. Or, maybe you’re the one keeping big thoughts and feelings inside but have become a master of masking your truth. Fearne shares her experience of feeling defensive and telling people she’s ‘fine’ when they asked concerned questions. Ben also takes a thorough look at the mental health system and explains the reality of what care looks like in the UK (and what he’s doing to change it for the better!) Plus, how have people like Andrew Tate affected boys’ mental health? And why is finding the right therapist is a bit like dating...? CONTENT WARNING: This episode is all about the reality of suicide. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Richard E. Grant Ashley Cain Roman Kemp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
Eat for energy not weight loss! Em the Nutritionist: food impacts mood 46:02

7 weeks ago46:02

46:02

Making better food choices isn’t about changing who you are, but about making you the most energetic, vibrant version of you. Emily English, aka Em the Nutritionist, talks through how food directly impacts mood. In this chat Fearne and Em both share their experiences of having eating disorders. Was it more about weight and appearance or control and secrecy? They also offer advice for those trying to support a loved one who has a difficult relationship with food. So, how has Em gone from weighing out spinach leaves to piling plates with delicious nutritious foods? Her mindset is all about adding energising foods and movement into your life rather than restricting or taking away joy! Plus, Em explains that we’re all allowed to – and should – eat differently to each other (and to that person you follow online!), and they talk through how to build sustainable habits you’re actually going to be able to stick to. Emily’s recipe book, So Good, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Ella Mills Lucinda Miller Radhi Devlukia-Shetty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
Book Club Meets: Women speaking their minds, with Dame Harriet Walter 28:16

7 weeks ago28:16

28:16

Do you find yourself keeping quiet when you have plenty to say? Dame Harriet Walter – who has played 21 of Shakespeare’s female characters – has written She Speaks, which goes between the lines and imagines what Shakespeare’s women might really have wanted to say. She Speaks was our Happy Place Book Club read for December. In this chat with Fearne, Harriet explains why she felt it was so important to finally let these female characters speak their minds. Harriet also expands on the characters in order to comment on modern day issues like the way ageing women are treated. Fearne and Harriet chat about whether art mirrors the social hierarchy of its day, or perhaps offers an alternative worldview. Plus, Harriet reveals how female actors keep themselves in character when they’re waiting (often a long time) to speak on stage... Thank you to Little Brown Audio for the use of She Speaks audiobook, narrated by Harriet Walter. Listen to Book Club Meets: Liane Moriarty Listen to Book Club Meets: Miranda July Listen to Book Club Meets: Gillian Anderson Listen to Book Club Meets: Patric Gagne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
From panic attacks to psychopaths: Fearne takes you BTS at Happy Place 46:40

8 weeks ago46:40

46:40

It’s been a big year on Happy Place! Who was Fearne “shitting her pants” to meet? Who does she want to go for a spicy marg with? And who is she surprised went viral? In this episode, Fearne reflects on the 2024 episodes that you really resonated with, and that have changed the way she lives her own life too. Plus, she’s got a lot of behind the scenes gossip to share! You’ll hear from Michelle Keegan about being a happy little hermit at home, Perrie Edwards about coping with panic attacks, and Patric Gagne about being a sociopath. Then, Kate Silverton chats about why kids aren’t ‘naughty’, Paloma Faith calls out the idea of women ‘having it all’, and Zayn explains why he’s not losing his Bradford accent any time soon... Listen to Michelle Keegan’s episode Listen to Perrie Edwards’ episode Listen to Patric Gagne’s episode Listen to Kate Silverton’s episode Listen to Paloma Faith’s episode Listen to Zayn’s episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
Joanne McNally: “I’m problematically independent” Being an introverted extrovert 48:14

9 weeks ago48:14

48:14

Sometimes you have to just power through the self-loathing. Doing stand up comedy has helped Joanne McNally build resilience, take responsibility, and not take things so personally. In this chat, Fearne and Joanne share experiences of being hyper-independent; but can trusting and relying on yourself go too far? They chat about learning to delegate and ask for help too. Joanne was adopted as a baby, and she opens up about the process of piecing her identity together when she met her birth parents. Are you able to find the funny in distressing periods of your life? Joanne points out that in taking the piss out of yourself you ultimately have to take accountability for your own part in a difficult situation. Plus, Fearne and Joanne make some big admissions about their own pelvic floor health... If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Spencer Matthews Dawn French Matt Lucas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
Get fillers or age as you are! Caroline Hirons shares the skincare you NEED at every age 52:30

10 weeks ago52:30

52:30

Do you feel pressured to look a certain way as you age? CEO and beauty expert Caroline Hirons reckons it’s no one else’s business if you want to get tweakments or simply wash your face at night. In this chat, Fearne and Caroline pivot looking after your face from something you do to look good... to something you do to feel good. Concerned about the texture or structure of your skin? Caroline clarifies when you might want to get tweakments, and when you just need a solid skincare routine. Caroline also talks through the effect hormones, diet, alcohol, and stress are having on the way you look, and explains why you should avoid washing your face in a hot shower! Plus, do you secretly love being busy and rushed off your feet? Fearne and Caroline bond over being ambitious women, but get real about how impossible it is to get any kind of work / life balance if you run a business... If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Olivia Atwood Emma Dabiri Matt Haig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
Olly Alexander: “I couldn’t accept my identity” Queer joy and mental distress co-exist 46:04

11 weeks ago46:04

46:04

There should be no shame in being who you are. Musician and actor Olly Alexander has felt first hand how grappling with your identity can lead to poor mental health. In this chat with Fearne, Olly explains why he feels there’s such a high level of mental distress in the queer community, and how acting in It’s A Sin helped him unpack his own lived experience. Both Fearne and Olly share their experiences of poor body image, wondering if bulimia felt like a helpful tool to regain control in an intimidating world. How can you go from disliking your body to recognising the brilliant things it can do for you? Plus, how to let yourself off the hook when you’ve messed up at work or in a social situation, and what to do when you don’t feel you’ve ‘achieved’ enough to be of value... Olly’s solo album, Polari, is out in February. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about suicide, self-harm, and bulimia, so take care while listening. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Perrie Edwards Rebel Wilson YungBlud Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Happy Place

1
Book Club Meets: Fate, mortality, and psychics, with Liane Moriarty 34:08

11 weeks ago34:08