Fearne Cotton: "I'm completely out of my depth!" Happy Place turns seven
To celebrate seven years of the Happy Place podcast, we’re bringing you an episode with a difference. The tables have turned this week and instead of Fearne interviewing a guest interviewee, she’ll be in the hot seat. Asking the questions? None other than Fearne’s good friend, it’s the One Show’s Alex Jones!
Fearne and Alex cover a lot of ground in this special episode and Fearne is typically honest and candid about her life and her work, all while wearing the most fabulous dress. It’s a beautiful conversation.
7 MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM THE 7TH ANNIVERSARY EPISODE
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Episode 1 with Dawn French: A dream beginning
“She texted back and went, ‘What’s a podcast?’ Brilliant.”
Fearne reminisces about her very first official guest, comedy icon Dawn French. With zero podcasting experience, Fearne travelled to Cornwall where Dawn welcomed her with homemade pasties and open arms. That raw, warm and honest first conversation set the tone for what Happy Place would become.
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The launch of the Happy Place Festival
“I always have a little cry on the Sunday… My faith in humanity is slightly restored.”
What began as a small pop-up has become a major wellness event. Fearne reflects on the nerves, chaos and beauty of creating something real and inclusive, from unexpected weather disasters to the joy of hugs and heartfelt stories from festival-goers.
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Why Happy Place doesn't shy away from difficult subjects
“We hadn’t covered death before. It was confronting. But we can chat about this stuff very openly.”
From pandemic panic attacks to deep discussions on grief and mortality, Fearne shares how Happy Place creates space for the tough conversations that often get swept under the carpet. She is rightly proud of these conversations that have healed listeners and Fearne alike.
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Publishing books by Paloma Faith and Yungblud
“It’s like what I used to love about radio - spotting raw talent early and helping it grow. But now it’s with books.”
Fearne champions new voices through the Happy Place book imprint, publishing bold, unfiltered stories. From Paloma Faith’s sharp take on motherhood to Yungblud’s raw creativity, these books echo the podcast’s core mission: truth and connection.
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Fearne’s tips on how to write a book
“That first bit might be a pile of shit but get it down. You’re in the flow once you’re writing every day.”
Listener Megan wrote in to ask Fearne for her advice on writing. Fearne shares practical advice on how to start (and keep going). Her biggest tip? Don’t wait for the perfect moment! Just write.
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How Fearne reads so much!
“There’s no better combo than reading in the bath. I rarely watch TV, I just read!”
Between bedtime rituals, reading outside her daughter’s door and trading screen time for bath-time books, Fearne reveals her secret to devouring so many titles, even while prepping for interviews.
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What is Fearne’s happy place?
“It’s not euphoria, it’s low-key contentment… where I’m just sort of accepting of myself.”
After years of asking others, Fearne shares her own happy place. For her, it’s not just a place, it’s a feeling. Sometimes it’s being by the sea in Dorset. Other times, it’s being around her loved ones. But more often than not, it’s a quiet moment of self-acceptance and ease.
Here’s To Seven More Years of Happy Place!
Whether you’ve been listening since Dawn French in episode one or you’re just joining the party, this anniversary episode is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when we speak from the heart.
So grab your headphones, press play and maybe, just maybe, wear the dress today.