In the latest episode of Thanks A Million, the podcast that explores Gratitude Lists of big names in TV, film, wellbeing, books, comedy and more, Angela Scanlon welcomes broadcaster, podcaster and author Fearne Cotton.
The conversation includes Fearne talking about about her love for Terry Wogan, the difficult decision leaving Radio 1, her body telling her she should stop covering for Zoe Ball on Radio 2, depression being part of her everyday life, her feelings on another lockdown, not deserving a break and her Happy Place plans.
Fearne reveals how special Terry Wogan was to her, talking about their real connection and special friendship. She describes working with him on Children In Need for 10 years and how he “left a huge Terry-shaped hole in the broadcasting world”.
Leaving Radio 1 was difficult, she explains why and how she had no work and no safety net around the time her second child, Honey was born.
Fearne loved covering for Zoe Ball on Radio 2 and gives the background as to why she decided not to do it anymore, admitting: “I cried my eyes out making that decision, like I bawled my eyes out because I didn’t want to not do it.”
Depression was a part of her everyday life at one point and she opens up about it to Angela giving an insight into how it has affected her and how she’s dealt with it and worked at rebuilding her confidence.
Happy Place is Fearne’s brand, it includes a book, podcast, festival and more. She talks about her plans to grow it and says: “I think that’s the driving force behind everything that I’m doing now with Happy Place is wanting people to not feel alone or alienated or ostracised because of what they’re feeling or what they’re experiencing.”
Fearne’s ok with another lockdown but says she does worry about others she knows and those she doesn’t know, because things are getting worse. She says: “All I can do is be there for my friends and family that I know are struggling in varying ways.”
We also hear about how hard Fearne is on herself and how she doesn’t give herself a break because she doesn’t think she deserves it and explains what she believes the difference between wellness as a brand and authentic wellness is.
“I think it’s about learning and talking and listening,” She says.
Thanks A Million with Angela Scanlon is available on Apple, Spotify and all podcast providers
