Zandra Rhodes: Self-belief, workaholics, and sentimental hoarding

You’re a bimbo. A nag. Too mumsy. Too bossy. Ever had any of those labels put on you? Far from harmless words, Ashley James is clear they all work to shrink women and girls. In this chat with Fearne, Ashley recalls her first experiences of street harassment, and the way she victim blamed herself. They also explore the shame that keeps women silent about their altered bodies after giving birth; Ashley talks about her own post-partum body, including the reality of piles, prolapse, and vaginismus. Wondering if marriage is right for you? Ashley runs through her pros and cons. Plus, are we still allowed to watch and enjoy wildly problematic films like Grease...? Ashley’s book, Bimbo, is out on February 12th. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:   Gabor Maté   Louise Thompson   Jane Goodall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You might have recently seen Hamnet at the cinema, but did you read the book along with the Happy Place Book Club in January? In this chat, Fearne and author Maggie O’Farrell talk about how Jessie Buckley’s award-winning performance brought Agnes to life in the film, why it’s vital to remember women’s place in history, and why Maggie chose not to name Shakespeare in the book. Maggie uses her intuition when she’s writing, and talks about why she doesn’t really plan what voice or tense to style she’s going to write in. Plus, Maggie reveals some of the Elizabethan pursuits she took up during her research phase, including flying Kestrels and making herbal cold remedies... And Fearne reads out what she reckons is "the sexiest paragraph ever written"! Thank you to Tinder Press for use of the Hamnet audiobook, narrated by Jessie Buckley. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Nussaibah Younis Book Club Meets: Elizabeth Day Book Club Meets: Elizabeth Gilbert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you find it hard to look in the mirror? Have you found yourself controlling what you eat or exercise you do? Actor Sam Claflin has struggled with his body image since he was a child. In this chat with Fearne, Sam explains what having body dysmorphia means to him, and reflects on how it continues to affect everything from the food he eats to his willingness to watch his own films back. Fearne and Sam are both chronic people pleasers, and share how they’re working to stop putting everyone else’s comfort before their own. Sam also thinks about how he was brought up to think about what masculinity is, and what he’s doing to make sure his own son grows up with gentler male role models. You can watch Sam in Vanished on Amazon Prime from February 27th. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:   Riley Keogh   Jame Laing   Katherine May Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a bit too much pressure on reaching an unwavering state of happiness isn’t there? It’s just not realistic. So Fearne’s going to be dropping into your feed every week for some candid nattering about what’s making her feel great, and what’s making her feel crap.  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. Wanna join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial! Today: what joyful little moments are getting Fearne and Team Happy Place through the grey winter, and what are we all leaving firmly in 2025? In this chat, Fearne covers: -The joy (or, maybe not) of finding your inner child through skipping -Transitioning from being a gym-bunny to an intuitive exerciser -Being constantly infantilised by others -Reaching your gardening and electric blanket era -How to deal with mansplaining -A reminder for you to stop people pleasing, please -Why treating yourself to a little gift is a very good idea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone deserves a safe and dignified birth, but when Louise Thompson gave birth to son Leo, she was left with post-traumatic stress disorder. In this chat with Fearne, Louise talks through how her PTSD manifests, the way she disassociates, and the therapies she’s tried to work through it, including CBT and EMDR. She explains why her own experience has led her to petition the government. She wants to appoint a Maternity Commissioner to improve maternity care for mums and babies in the UK. Four years post-birth, Louise is reflecting on the ways she’s grown from her trauma, and is exploring how she can allow herself to slow down while maintaining her ambitious nature. Louise and Fearne also both share how they use busyness as a distraction from their uncomfortable thoughts, and wonder what being ‘likeable’ even means... Sign Louise’s Maternity Commissioner petition here   If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:   Davina McCall   Liberty Mills   Ellie Simmonds   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.