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.

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Book Club Meets: Chloe Ashby

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Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke
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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!

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Matt Edmondson and Mollie King

Ruth Langsford

Ashley James
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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

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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
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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.