Munroe Bergdorf: “I’m scared for my safety!” Bodily autonomy & femininity as armour

Yrsa really doesn’t intend to kill anyone... but the Cambridge professor sitting opposite her has manipulated her friend and stolen her research. So, when she flicks a bee into his drink, she just thinks he’ll get a nasty little sting... but now he’s dead. And it’s a sweet, sweet feeling for Yrsa: finally having some control... Honey, written by Imani Thompson, was our Happy Place Book Club read for June. In this chat with Fearne, Imani explains how getting fired from a job was the catalyst she needed to start writing, and just how surreal it feels to have a debut novel published in her 20s. They also explore the big themes in the novel, including race, intersectional feminism, female anger, and revenge. In July, we’ll be reading Queenie Is Working On It, by Candice Carty-Williams. Thank you to The Borough Press for use of the Honey audiobook, narrated by Chloe Sommer. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke Book Club Meets: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees Book Club Meets: Emma Gannon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you listen when your gut told you to turn down that job... and did you seize a better opportunity after? What about when you were tired but something told you to go to the party anyway? Did you meet your partner there? Entrepreneur and author Poppy Jamie says there’s no such thing as a coincidence. In this chat with Fearne, Poppy explains why our collective exhaustion comes down to trusting logic and data over our gut instinct and inner wisdom. They talk about why it’s the inexplicable moments in life that expand our understanding of what’s possible. Poppy has been diagnosed with near-infertility and couldn't see how motherhood was possible; she explains how a true belief in magic, intuition, and the wise women around her have helped her cope. Plus, Poppy has an incredible announcement that was prophesised many years ago... Poppy’s book, The Book of Magical Living, published by New River, is out now. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank conversation about pregnancy loss and abortion. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Sonia Choquette Estelle Bingham Rhonda Byrne 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 making you not so happy? Fearne’s here with more chat about what’s putting her, Team Happy Place team, and you lot in a good mood, and what’s feeling a bit heavier. 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 joyful chaos of the girls’ WhatsApp group  -Taking time to chill before a big life change -Why it feels so good putting the washing out in the garden -The time she unfortunately became a bit of a kn*b after red wine -Tiredness messing with your day -Worrying about things you can’t control -How to speak more kindly to your body -The rage she feels at the Instagram algorithm  Happy Place episodes mentioned in this chat: Take That Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian Grace Campbell used to call herself crazy before anyone else could get in there first. Now, Grace wonders whether telling herself this story was affecting how other people interacted with her... In this chat, Fearne and Grace explore how your inner self-talk will impact how others perceive you. So, how has Grace re-framed her ADHD, OCD, and anxieties? And given Grace has spent a lot of time seeking male validation, how has she become ok with so many men finding her “annoying”? Grace also reflects on her childhood, growing up amongst the political elite thanks to her dad Alastair Campbell. She explains how she learnt to speak up for herself by watching the powerful men around her. Plus, why life is too short for bad sex and a lack of orgasms! You can get your tickets for Grace’s stand up tour here! If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Gillian Anderson Florence Bark Miranda July   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you coming to one of the Happy Place Festivals this year? We hope so! Have you been before and wondered how it all comes together? Maybe you’re unsure about coming and want to know what the vibe’s like... Fearne’s joined by Team Happy Place’s Nicky Darling – she heads up all the live events – to get the behind the scenes goss on what it takes to make sure you have a gorgeous time at the festivals.   They chat about – -Why it takes a whole year to plan the festivals -Making sure there’s something for everyone, including yoga, breathwork, arts and crafts, shopping, book signings, live poetry, and DJs -How your feedback changes future festivals -Learning the hard way that more toilets and food trucks are needed -The new area for 2026: The Happy Hub, where there’ll be hula-hooping, line dancing, and a silent disco -Who’ll be doing brilliant talks on stage this year -What happens when the weather doesn’t play ball -Fearne’s mum living for the festivals’ logistical dramas -Encouraging more men to come along – there’s loads for you too guys! -The naughtiest things people have been found doing at the festivals -The joy of surprising someone with the title of Happy Place Hero   In 2026 the Happy Place Festival will be at Old Deer Park in London on the 11th and 12th of July, and Tatton Park in Cheshire on the 5th and 6th of September. Get your tickets now!   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.