Matt Haig: Self-criticism, anxiety triggers, and imagination

Model and influencer Nara Smith is one of TikTok’s most recognisable faces. With over 15 million followers across social media, she’s become known for her aesthetic cooking videos and signature ASMR-style voice. Think making skittles from scratch, wearing haute couture. In this wide-ranging chat with Fearne, Nara talks about raising four young children alongside a flourishing career, pushing against society’s need to put women in boxes and the challenge of making friends when you’re just so busy. She also opens up about her life behind the camera, the warped sense of reality created by the content we consume online, and the pressure she feels to be perfect. Plus, Nara reveals her love for builders tea - and the shocking number of sugars she’ll take in her cuppa! Nara Smith’s cook book, Homemade, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Chris Olsen Megan McKenna Miquita Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The iconic Miss Marple returns to the page with her first murder mystery in over fifty years. This time, it’s set against the mountaintop Grand Alpine Hotel. A guest has been killed. In the frame for their murder is a notorious actress, a high-flying politician, an inscrutable political wife, a reckless friend and a shrewd doctor… It’s up to Miss Marple to find the culprit before they get away…or even kill again. In this special live Book Club episode, recorded at The Pig near Bath hotel, Fearne is joined by author Lucy Foley to talk about her book, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel. They discuss the challenge of taking on Agatha Christie’s beloved character half a century after her last outing, going back to a more analogue form of storytelling and taking inspiration from our elders. Our November book pick is This is What Happens When Women Read, by Julianna Glasse. Thank you to Harper Collins for the use of the Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel audio book, narrated by Hugh Kermode. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Susie Dent Book Club Meets: Imani Thompson Book Club Meets: Candice Carty-Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor Will Mellor burst onto the nation’s screens as Jambo from Hollyoaks in 1995. Since then he’s tackled the ups and downs of fame, the heartbreak of loss and the joy of becoming a father. He and Fearne talk about going back 30 years (!), discuss the complex relationship he has with his dad and why Fearne thinks more dads should cry. They also talk about the tough journey of working through grief, and what can fall into your lap when you’re ready to give up. Plus, Will leaves us with a striking mental image of Prince William at a urinal. Will’s debut memoir, Where There’s a Will: My Story is out on the 5th of November 2026. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Steven Graham and Orly Klein Miquita Oliver Ant and Dec Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That moment you want the ground to swallow you whole - we’ve all been there! On this week’s Happy Place Hotline, Fearne helps listener Charlotte get an embarrassing moment off her chest, and shares some of her own red-faced experiences. We also hear from Olivia, who feels like she’s carrying the weight of friends, family and colleagues on her shoulders. Plus, Rosie asks Fearne a very relatable question - how do you stop resisting rest? Got something you want to share with Fearne? The Happy Place Hotline is open! Email [email protected], or send us a DM or voice note on Instagram @happyplaceofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When did you last look at the sky? Sleep expert Dr Sophie Bostock takes Fearne from her windowless studio onto the streets of London to remind her what daylight looks like, before they delve into how we get good quality rest. Fearne unpacks her own longstanding battle with switching off her racing thoughts and getting good sleep, and gets some tips from Sophie on how to quieten a busy mind, and stop fighting sleep. Plus, Sophie shares her upcoming adventure - rowing unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean. A journey of 3,000 miles which will see her having to sleep in 2 hour intervals, something which will undo years of work establishing a sleep routine. So what will she learn about sleep as she faces the waves? You can follow Sophie’s incredible journey across the Atlantic here. If you have questions about Melatonin, NICE has published guidance for both adults and children. We'd love to hear from you - email Fearne at [email protected] If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Adam Kay Dr Nicole LePera Poorna Bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.