Nicole LePera: "Your nervous system is screaming at you!" Healing anxiety and panic

Nicole LePera: "Your nervous system is screaming at you!" Healing anxiety and panic

Author: Fearne Cotton May 4, 2026 Duration: 1:17:08

Were you praised as a child for being ‘good’, for keeping quiet, or not making a fuss? Psychologist Dr Nicole LePera reckons that praise may have taught you to disconnect from your emotions entirely.


In this chat with Fearne, Nicole explains how even well-intentioned parenting can leave us with patterns that run our adult lives on autopilot. She talks through the practical process of reparenting your inner child, starting with something as simple as finding a childhood photograph. We hold our emotions in our bodies, so she also shares ways to tune in with your body throughout the day to release stress.


Nicole also explains why your nervous system keeps you stuck in familiar patterns even when you logically know better, and why shame, people pleasing, and perfectionism are all protective strategies we developed to survive childhood.


Plus, why does healing require what Nicole calls a return to ‘radical honesty’?


Nicole’s book, Reparenting the Inner Child, is out now.


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


Chiwetel Ejiofor


Philippa Perry


Break Free From People Pleasing


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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: 100

Happy Place
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