Will Young On The Importance Of Connection And Removing Trauma | Fearne Cotton's Happy Place

In this week's conversation with Fearne, Will Young discovers the importance of actively connecting to others and physically moving trauma out of his body when he finds himself in a low place.
What is something that you try to do when you find yourself in a low place?
If you’re a high achiever, do you ever wonder if you sometimes use success to mask the pain? Performer Will Young recognises this is something he did for many years.
In this chat with Fearne, he explains how he spent much of his career comparing himself to others in a way that was crippling for his mental health, and they both explore why they struggle to deal with rejection. Will’s podcast, The Wellbeing Lab, is out now and Will’s new book Be Yourself and Happier: The A-Z of Wellbeing is out on April 21 via Penguin Books.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains conversations about suicidal thoughts.
William Robert Young is a British singer-songwriter and actor who came to prominence after winning the 2002 inaugural series of the ITV talent contest Pop Idol, making him the first winner of the worldwide Idol franchise.
Follow Will Young on socials here:
Twitter: willyoung
Instagram: willyoungofficial
Facebook: willyoung
You can pre-order Fearne’s new book Speak Your Truth here: amzn.to/2HwAkek
Listen to the Happy Place podcast here podfollow.com/happyplace or you can watch it on KZbin here: bit.ly/3pSerHr
ABOUT HAPPY PLACE
Fearne's HAPPY PLACE is a place to celebrate honesty, authenticity and community. Fearne delves into life, love, loss and everything in-between by chatting to inspiring individuals who have made a change in their own lives or help other people to find different ways of seeing life as she reveals what happiness means to them.
Happy Place is a space that is safe for all where difference is celebrated and the extraordinary is discovered. A place to focus on the positives and to help you find the joy every day - big or small.
Still haven't subscribed to Fearne Cotton's Happy Place on KZbin? ► bit.ly/371zqza
ABOUT FEARNE COTTON
Fearne Cotton is an English television and radio presenter, mother, broadcaster, writer and founder of Happy Place, a place where Fearne holds difficult but important conversations to encourage self-care and self-appreciation, creating a positive impact on the world, giving everyone a voice and actively listening.
CONNECT WITH FEARNE COTTON
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[@fearnecotton]

What is something that you try to do when you find yourself in a low place? 💛

[@clairepoyzer1]

Listen to Eckhart Tolle! And ‘try’ (or don’t try as he reminds me) to remain present 🙏🏻☺️

[@joanneanthony5931]

I generally go for a walk or do a puzzle to try and focus my mind on something else ☺

[@Thecottagebookworm]

Wander around my garden just looking at nature, little bit of weeding as they are a constant companion 😊

[@strawberrysherbet33]

For me it's doing yoga. But I find it so easy to come up with excuses of why I can't do it that day even though I know I will feel better for it!

[@kerrieaylmer674]

Going out with the dog no phone ❤️ 🐶

[@FRASERMCGREGOR72]

I've always been in love with Will. He's the real deal. Honesty, transparency, and incredibly intelligent and self aware. Fraser x

[@Lisa-lz2ul]

Can we please get Will back on radio 2, his playlists (and I mean no offence to anyone else in broadcasting) are absolute gold. What a lovely human being

[@sarahlou3781]

This has totally lifted me and has been such an insightful chat. I have had crippling agoraphobia since 2018 and am beginning to feel that there is not much point to anything as each day is like running a marathon in the mind. CBT and medication just isn't getting me past the front door. So much useful information to consider in this Podcast. Wish I could have a mini Fearne and Will in my pocket 😊, as it has made me feel like I am not going mad and has calmed me down enough to be able to try other things.

[@_Claire_88]

Nevermind equine therapy, this was Will Young therapy 💛 love hearing from people with lived experience! So relatable & so much wisdom to be obtained. Great episode, Fearne 💛

[@_Claire_88]

Also Fearne get on your spiky mat asap, it’s wonderful.

[@taylorjai4438]

Fantastic interview. I love Will and could listen to him for hours. I met him a few times years ago through work. We shared a few ciggies. He was lovely then, and still lovely now. A beautiful soul inside and out. Also, I'm gutted about him not being on R2 anymore. He was fantastic and a complete joy.

[@seagreentangerine2065]

Will Young, he's exceptionally articulate, humble and real. He's also very kind and to be honest, he could have carried this chat on his own, he's so soothing 💖

[@ruthtouhey7382]

Late to the Will fan base game, but thank gawwd there are real people in the “celebrity” field.

[@susanspenceclarke6260]

hi, you with Will Young, wow, one of the best chats/conversations i have ever seen and i watch a lot of podcasts. It was brilliant in so many ways, the connection you two had just oozed out of the screen, it was totally engaging, i wanted to join in! I really enjoy your podcasts Fearne and, so far, this is my uber favourite please have him on again, what a fabulous guy.

[@jessicarees8091]

Needed to see this today. For someone who struggles hugely with rejection anxiety, it is a calming revelation to hear that two of my favourite celebrities and role models when I was a teenager struggled with this too. Will and Fearne speak with humour, honesty and intelligence about their struggles. Both natural and a breath of fresh air compared to the usual media-trained celebrity who's had a lot of surgery.

[@hollycade6351]

This is one of my favourite ever episodes of HP ♥️

[@ST-pp3fk]

Fantastic interview. Thank you to you both for your honesty and humour.

[@lindar8583]

Loved this, so honest. I totally agree about looking after our bodies, as I believe it remembers trauma and life long issues. So having a massage with hot stones and reiki is such bliss...at least once a month. This helps me to balance my body, my heart and my mind. 😊 Oh and a shakti mat is fab too

[@k80fdy]

I didn't really know what to expect from this Podcast with Will but I found him refreshingly honest and even hearing you Fearne, talk about how you read all the books, learn from others but still fall short of putting those things into practice all the time. It's easy to beat yourself up or think you're not 'doing it right' when you slip away from specific practices but to know you both do that too, was really encouraging to hear and made me feel normal! Thank you - Great podcast and Will is a joy!

[@rainbowrose9299]

You two are legends. I love this. I love you two. You should do a double act. Or a doubling podcast too..... every now and then maybe? Awesome.

[@SalemEverett]

Brilliant episode! And it was so refreshing to hear someone openly speak about depersonalisation and dissociation, I’ve always found it so difficult to explain to others so it’s comforting knowing I’m not alone in that

[@rumdo5617]

Well done Will. That would have been a useful book for me when I was going through my extended unravelling. I didn’t have the finances for a big house and expensive treatments though so I hope there are useful suggestions for people on low incomes.

[@coraduncan8559]

A great conversation. Thanks for this 🙏❤️

[@danielwhitehead644]

Such a joy to listen to you both!

[@audrajeanelliott-davies4681]

As a Pilates teacher and Mindfulness coach. I learn so much from every podcast you do . Thanks Will for talking about disassociation which my son has. Love your podcast keep going 👍 Audrajean

[@lisajb9356]

This was great! Thank you! 💚

[@bonnieroots3019]

This was absolutely amazing....thank you Will Young..pure and honest. Bravo x

[@paulculshaw4779]

Loved this! One of the best ones (or one of my personal favourites) - the energy between you both was brilliant! Thank you! x

[@Sarah123.-.1]

You're both brilliant, thank you.

[@stickyandsweetie]

This is lovely Fearne..thankyou 💛

[@lozb1631]

wow loved this! as you were both talking I could feel myself agreeing and saying that's me! brilliant episode and brilliant chemistry between dear me and will x

[@denismichaeljames]

You both have great energy together. Love this chat. Best therapy. Your mutual honesty and friendship is so helpful.

[@appolonia5763]

Love will and the happy place, what a lovely informative and enlightening conversation ! I really learned some things here 👌🏽thank you 💕

[@gilliangamble8901]

Love these two

[@mellmoi7571]

You two have a beautiful ease with each other. That’s the best secret sauce for anxiety.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@gillstanley7904]

Wonderful podcast Fearne. Lovely to hear your repor with Will and hear about your shared experience and ways of dealing with issues. Will seemed very relaxed and happy, as I hope you were after your chat.

[@cclose8007]

Thank you both for talking about nervous system. Hard relate here!

[@victorianoble2341]

What a lovely gent and what an amazing sense of humour, very wise words, I once bumped into Will at about 5am on the railway track at Glastonbury, I greeted him like he was an old friend, he did look slightly confused but was still very sweet 🙈 (I must have been a real sight) great episode 💕

[@laurenemery2502]

I was feeling so sad and anxious and this podcast has absolutely lifted my spirit's you two are fabulous and do down to earth it's so refreshing

[@joanneanthony5931]

Thank you to both of you for such honesty and sharing how you cope with situations. I have low self esteem and it effects so much of my life , therapy is out of the question as its too expensive and I would struggle with my anxiety to attend any sessions so listening to you helps . Thank you❤

[@meganbower2149]

I’m back again for another listen, this is such a great podcast! Thank you it’s so informative, funny, relatable. I’ve got so much from this & will be looking into some suggestions. You have such a great rapport, it’s very comforting & uplifting.

[@hannahbrown1487]

I don’t think I’ve ever listened to a podcast where I related to every minute. Love you both, always have. One of those podcasts I need to listen to again before the week is out because there’s so much in it to digest. ❤️

[@1976shoegal]

Amazing interview. Love Will 😍 love how you are both so open & honest. Bless you both 🥰😘🌈☀️

[@beckyjones5722]

Just EXCELLENT! Thankyou x

[@Mehreen786_]

I just love listening to your podcasts, find them so soothing and relaxing, yet informative at the same time. Really diverts my mind when having a bad moment :) Thank you..p.s. have been watching you Fearne since you and Stephen did FingerTips..it was my fav childhood show..me and my mum used to watch it :)

[@lauramilly2150]

This interview has made me subscribe to the channel!! Just great. I really found it so interesting. Thank you 😊

[@cordyshort1400]

Fantastic interview 👏 x

[@abbieblake6429]

Loved listening to this podcast. So interesting. I relate to you both so much thanks for the words of wisdom ❤❤

[@annemcgarry8569]

Really enjoyed the chat with Will such a lovely man ❤️💚

[@Abundance63]

Wonderful podcast .. so interesting .. thank you both ❤️🥰

[@freedomfields75]

Loved this honest look at the nonsense! More of you both please, was fab viewing & listening ❤️

[@ryanfisher916]

Thanks for doing these Fearne, love the podcast. I’ve started doing what you suggested in the one with Russell Brand of going for a walk with no tech, just walking and being grateful. It really helps.

[@julesjay6786]

Great insights from both of you. Can see Will has come a long way on his personal development journey. He will need to be strong enough to face more sadness in his life since this podcast was recorded. Much love 💕

[@ritcha02]

What a beautiful connected conversation. A delight to watch. Wishing you both peace and happiness on your continuous healing journeys. X

[@99-Solar7]

Loved this. Never comment on anything but had to say I felt like I was chatting with mates with you round a table after this. Thank you both 😍

[@juliehennessy9773]

What an amazing podcast - wise words from wise souls. 🙏 Will - I really enjoyed listening to you on jo whileys show. R2s loss. I look fwd to hearing you back with your own show soon. 💕 x

[@clairesamuel7058]

great listen,thank you

[@moshihus]

This is great! All I can say to everyone is love yourself first...be happy in your own company...everything you seek answers for, you have the answers already....just meditate and ask the question you need answered. The answers are already within you and yes there are others outside who can help (and charge!) you find your way but in the end, you have to do the work yourself. Don't judge....just observe! Much love to you all.

[@jamesdarbyshire203]

I really enjoyed this ☺

[@lauracecchini2511]

Brilliant.....thanks so much :-)

[@natashagreen7732]

Will get the book hope my help my anxiety x 👍🙌

[@blakjaxx]

American here in California discovered your podcast because of Will found it fascinating and informative. I look forward to checking out your other episodes

[@Emma-hd8ob]

This is one of the best podcasts you have done fearne ,love will young for his normality and soul x

[@Emma-hd8ob]

When I'm in a low place I read your book and listen to this podcast

[@EmmaSWright]

I really felt watching this like you were a regular podcasting duo - natural & engaging 😍 where do I subscribe to the Fearne & Will show?

[@rainbowrose9299]

Touch is just as important I think, as talking sometimes.

[@loz606]

Love this podcast, found it very helpful, thank you so much. Will you be having Will back again, I really hope so!

[@eileenvaughan6702]

EXCELLENT ......

[@carolmccabe4359]

Beautiful man

[@laurenpaterson3475]

Great talk about books and he so funny and easy relatable great insight on horse therapy childhood trauma tends to being stuck in flight and flight mode

[@angelikalove3825]

Great show Fern, it's so amazing watching you and your audience being 'real' people - the press brings such unrealistic messages out there. I've stopped reading papers/magazines or watching TV ages ago and my life has become a little more peaceful. Like you guys, I've done a lot of reading and therapy and my life is better than it has been, but with room for approvement. 💖 I'm learning how to better deal with my emotional stuff now. Firstly through Matt Kahn, who teaches to say to our emotions, it's ok to feel this way and I've added that it's safe to feel this way. Lately I've added to breathe through the emotions. The most important thing is to acknowledge what we feel and not run away from it, so not easy 🤪

[@ttp436]

I think the first step to recovery of any type of behavioural addiction’s is acknowledging them. Being able to own them and apologise for them and to yourself. Forgive yourself and when faced with it ask to be forgiven. Finally laugh at them. Being able to see the funny side of things will always help.

[@ttp436]

Thanks Fern & Will. I enjoyed listening to this chat even tho it reminded me of being with the in crowd and not being able to get a word in. 😂

[@zircon1664]

Breathe and Have gratitude (only just sorted this… now age 61)💜 Love your podcast by the way 😘

[@alexanderjames8176]

We all feel s*it but for a 1st I respect Fern for listening and I really respect you Will for sharing your heart.

[@geraldinemckeown283]

I’m always fascinated by the camera work switching to focus between conversations x

[@mrspinballpotter2299]

Most of my opinions of Will Young where negative but that’s totally flipped on it’s head after watching this. Fantastic, thank you x

[@karenbent6942]

I don't know if you'll read this comment Fearne, but I've just read a book called What Happened To You by Dr Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey. He's a neuroscientist and his explanation of the relationship between different areas of the brain and the nervous system is so helpful. I'm sure you'd learn loads from it + it's only 99p on Kindle at the moment!

[@angelite921]

Fearne and Will..thank you for being your authentic selves 💖 I love this pod cast. I have learnt a lot about nervous system healing on a body level from a somatic experiencing and neuroplasticity expert called Irene Lyon.. I would love to watch a pod cast with you both! She and her online courses are next level in healing and feeling safe in our bodies and our world. Thank you for all that you do 💖💖💖💖 you are such a bright light ✨️

[@geraldinemckeown283]

I’m always fascinated by how the camera can switch to focus on who’s talking in a timely manner … great podcast

[@Jac-Jay]

There's a couple of cameras and it's all in the editing

[@maggiedennis3371]

Will - You are my therapist…

[@narendrapantham]

Nice sharing🇮🇳🇮🇳🎊🎊

[@Dion_Mustard]

two very down to earth people. i don't see them as "celebs". i'd love to have a cuppa with them both :)

[@laurentivoli1183]

When you are sitting, put your fingers on the base of your back, bring your energy to centre.....works wonders.

[@Darkwoods360]

5 HTP supplement is fantastic for mood and anxiety. It’s natural and really takes the edge off frazzled nerves. Also eating an animal based diet with lots of clean animal fats is great for the nervous system as your brain and nerves are made of cholesterol x

[@petefulwell3367]

i would love to meet will he sounds a very nice guy .

[@alecporter1784]

Yes it’s hard to imagine in your 40s what you will be like when your 60, but at 66 it’s actually ok, it’s just about accepting the change, I remember being 10 and knowing I would I would have to give up my toys and being anxious about that but it is navigating the change

[@romatravellergirl3530]

I wish Will Young was my friend

[@laurenpaterson3475]

Marissa peer says as a family has roles the high achiever the rebel the sick person her work amazing

[@francishughes2016]

JEEZ, Ferne Cotton is the last person that you would want to open up to, but Will loves her because they are both on the same shallow, self-centred, vain level, they are doing what they love best, = talking about themselves.

[@andrewhoard3779]

I love this but when u have money u can be this self indulgence

[@raisingrealitybylindycowli8160]

[@knowplacelikesones8073]

crazy 20 years ago for pop idol, i voted for gareth gates

[@traceybuchanan9153]

do you know what, flavour of the month happens every where in fame and in everyday day life

[@loveeternal5317]

This felt authentic I have now subscribed but didn't like the Minnie Driver interview that put me off your podcast it felt out of reach and somehow too Hollywood lives of the privileged 🙄

[@jane9875]

Should be doing for the Love of Dogs instead of alison !!

[@samanthabeattie2187]

Famous PEOPLE ARE THE ONES WHO CANT DO IT THEM SELFS ITS TH3 NEED OF VALIDATION...THAT I DONT NEED.......

[@Jac-Jay]

They have people giving them validation for doing sweet FA these days so unless they're very mentally sound then they're going to come to rely on it,the like of Will Young and Fearne here have put the work in to better themselves,some of today's "celebs" don't want to put in the effort.

[@terimorris6394]

He’s starting to look like Elton John more and more

[@DanielKirkHall]

I have been a fan of Will Young since his audition process on ITV2 and have seen him live a dozen times even joining my ex wife to see him together on his last q&a tour However This has to be the most pretentious podcast I have ever witnessed in my life. This conversation is so far removed from reality it begars belief. The majority of people who have mental health issues can't evan afford a copy of Johan Hari's book let alone a psychotherapist or equine therapist This conversation was delusional and to be honest nothing but offensive.