Rachel Stevens: Self-worth, worrying, and S Club whirlwinds

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.