Ashley James: You’re a bimbo! Mumsy! Bossy! How we shrink confidence out of girls

It’s time to stop being filled with jealousy and judgement of others! Boy George admits he used to love hating people, but now actively chooses compassion and kindness.In this chat with Fearne, Boy George explains how this philosophy has helped him celebrate his own and other peoples’ successes more fully. He also talks about why he loves fame now, but would have done his early fame differently, and about the solace he gets from talking to his late mum.Plus, he’s writing songs about everything from global war to scrubbing his floors with ChatGPT, so does Boy George see a future where art and AI co-exist?If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Samantha RenkeZandra RhodesLulu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s probably a bit too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness isn’t there? It’s just not realistic. So Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some honest chat about what’s making her feel great, and what’s making her feel completely rubbish.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. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!In this chat, Fearne covers:-The delights (or not) of the sauna / ice plunge combo-Rewatching old episodes of 90s TV shows-Why she’ll not be going skiing any time soon -(And what happened last time she went skiing with James Blunt)-Being in your era of not caring what people think of you-What happens when you’re solo parenting at Centre Parcs- How to look for the silver linings but also admit when life’s crapWatch Fearne’s TV show with James Blunt here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What more do you want from life? What more do you want for yourself? Award-winning journalist and author Poorna Bell reckons it’s time to start really asking ourselves these questions.In this chat with Fearne, Poorna explains why it’s important to aim for goals you set for yourself, not the ones set by society. They talk about why challenging the narrative that women become invisible as they age is so important, and why we should be turning to elders for life wisdom.Poorna also reflects on what she wishes she’d known about marriage before her wedding, and how we can all strengthen our relationships with our parents and children.Poorna’s book, She Wanted More, is out now.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:Poorna’s first Happy Place episodeAshley JamesPaloma Faith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How are we feeling gang? What are you happy about, and what’s making you not so happy? Fearne’s back with more chatter about what’s putting her and the Happy Place team in a good mood this week, and what can absolutely get in the bin.This is a lovely little space for all of us 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 covers:-Feeling stupid when you’re with really clever people-Why we should properly get into tree hugging-Painting by numbers to get away from screens-Not RSVPing being rude... but also don’t say yes if you’re not going to go-Bringing back letter writing-One of Team Happy Place reckoning Harry Hill is fit* *watch the Stewart Lee episode of Harry Hill’s podcast on Spotify to see the moment in question Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do we change our hair when we want to start over? Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton knows that when someone sits in his chair, he has their future confidence in his hands.In this chat with Fearne, Chris explains that everyone from the Kardashians to cancer patients have opened up to him about their insecurities, and he’s seen the profound impact that looking more like yourself on the outside can have on how you feel about yourself on the inside.He’s also fascinated by the self-limiting beliefs people have about who they are. Think you’re not classy enough for a sleek bob? Not cool enough to dye your hair? Chris says think again!Chris has dealt with a lot of his own shame and fears too. He was bullied at school, struggled to acknowledge his sexuality, and had huge imposter syndrome when he first arrived in Hollywood, so has lots of thoughts on finding your true self again.Plus, Chris gives Fearne a little consultation, and he reckons she can go much bolder with her hair...Chris’ book, Your Roots Don’t Define You, is out now.CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank conversation about suicidal ideation, so take care while listening.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Afua Hirsch Caroline Hirons Olivia Atwood  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fed up of constantly striving for ultimate happiness? Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some far more realistic chat about what’s making her feel great, and what’s making her feel rubbish.This is a safe space for all of us to get stuff off our chests. No judgement here! Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!So, what’s putting us in our happy place this week... and what things really are not?In this chat, Fearne covers:-Why changing your mind and opinions is a good thing-How to make cervical screenings less scary-Why trying new things is important even if you can’t really be arsed-Boxing being a fun outlet for a bit of anger-Being ok with saying “I don’t know”-Moving through extreme panic and anxiety-Coming to terms with it not being warm in the UK for A WHILE yet...plus Fearne gets an unexpected call from her son Rex!Not seen the cervical screening Instagram post? Here it is! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 YounisBook Club Meets: Elizabeth DayBook 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.