Break free from people pleasing, with Keisha Buchanan, Megan Barton-Hanson, and Jade Scott

Break free from people pleasing, with Keisha Buchanan, Megan Barton-Hanson, and Jade Scott

Author: Fearne Cotton March 16, 2026 Duration: 1:06:31

Have you ever changed yourself to fit in with other people? Or dulled your character so they don’t think you’re ‘too much’? Do you compare yourself a lot or sacrifice your own needs so not to cause a fuss?


Fearne has done all these things and more over the years in a bid to be more likeable. But it’s time to stop shapeshifting to make ourselves palatable to others!


Sugababes Keisha Buchanan, Love Island’s Megan Barton-Hanson, and The Traitor’s Jade Scott join Fearne to reflect on their own experiences of people pleasing and being disliked.


They share advice on being okay with people not ‘getting’ you, allowing yourself to be multifaceted, and speaking up for yourself. This is all about building the confidence to live life on your own terms, not the life others want you to live.


Fearne’s new book, Likeable, is out now.


If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:


Natalie Lue


Emma Gannon


Poorna Bell


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


In a world that often feels loud and demanding, Happy Place offers a different kind of conversation. Here, Fearne Cotton sits down with a wide range of fascinating people-from artists and athletes to experts and everyday heroes-to explore the nuanced realities of human experience. These discussions gently peel back the layers on topics like mental resilience, physical well-being, cultural shifts, and the complexities of our relationships, moving far beyond simple soundbites. The core of this podcast lies in its authentic curiosity about how individuals navigate life's inevitable highs and lows. Rather than prescribing a single path to joy, each episode uncovers personal definitions of contentment and peace, often found in unexpected moments or hard-won perspectives. Listening feels like being part of a thoughtful, intimate dialogue where vulnerability is welcomed and stories are shared without pretense. Whether the conversation touches on overcoming loss, finding creative inspiration, or building a healthier society, Fearne guides it with empathy and a genuine desire to understand. This collection of interviews provides a quiet space for reflection, reminding us that happiness is not a constant state but a deeply personal and evolving journey. Tune in for a sincere exploration of what it means to live fully across all facets of life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Happy Place
Podcast Episodes
Seasons change, so will you: Become the thriving person you want to be [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:28
Fearne is marking the summer solstice by reflecting on the Happy Place episodes that’ll help you connect with nature, mysticism, and in turn, your inner self. It’s time to get back in touch with who we really are deep do…
How to stop saying “yes” when you mean “no”, with Natalie Lue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:38
Who would you choose to be if you weren’t shit scared about what other people might think about you? Writer and speaker Natalie Lue has noticed that people pleasing is often a response to anxiety.In this chat with Fearne…
Feel walked over? Mel Robbins on turning pain into personal power [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:57
Do you feel deep injustice at how others treat you? Mel Robbins is an award-winning podcast host and best-selling author; she says if other people want to behave in a shitty way... let them!In this chat with Fearne, Mel…
The Good Girl rebellion: How to stop caring if you’re likeable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:36
Fearne’s been thinking a lot lately about how much of her life she’s spent people pleasing as a result of wanting to be liked. So today, how to break free from the ‘good girl’ your family, friends, colleagues, and societ…
Ashley Walters: Prison changed my mindset! How to reinvent yourself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:54
How have you come back from your rock bottom? Ashley Walters has reinvented himself over and over again, through music, acting, directing, parenthood, prison, and addiction.In this chat with Fearne, Ashley talks through…