My work makes me a better parent! Coping with mum guilt and taking the pressure off

My work makes me a better parent! Coping with mum guilt and taking the pressure off

Author: Fearne Cotton July 13, 2026 Duration: 47:16

We’re heading into the summer holidays. Hands up if you’re already a bit anxious about any mum guilt creeping in...?


Fearne definitely is, so she’s reflecting on the Happy Place episodes that explore how different women are choosing to navigate working and parenting. No judgement here gang – we all need to take the pressure off being perfect in every area of our lives!


In this episode –


-Entrepreneur Emma Grede chats about why parenting isn’t that deep, and why it’s important for her kids to see her fulfil her own dreams


-Artist Sophie Ellis-Bextor explains why she’s stopped minimising the importance of her career, and how she includes her children in her work day


-Olympic Rower Helen Glover explores how having children encouraged her to get back into a career she thought she’d retired from


-Artist Paloma Faith wonders just how much of a toll the silent emotional load of working both in and out of the house is taking on women


-Broadcaster Ruth Langsford reflects on how she chose between being at home or at work in her early days of parenting, and what she tells young mothers in the same

position


-Actor Joanna Page remembers the times she had to breastfeed on TV sets and explains why motherhood now ultimately comes before her career



By the way, tickets for the 2027 London Happy Place festival are on sale now! Just head to happyplaceofficial.co.uk to get your tickets.



Listen to the full Happy Place episodes –


Emma Grede


Sophie Ellis-Bextor


Helen Glover


Paloma Faith


Ruth Langsford


Joanna Page


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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: 50

Happy Place
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