In this episode I catch up with Holly Matthews - former TV actress, best-selling author and founder of The Happy Me Project - for a rich and honest conversation about what it really means to find joy in the messiness of life.

Holly shares her inspiring journey from child actress to confidence coach and how losing her husband to brain cancer became a catalyst for helping others embrace their authentic selves. Together we explore the power of laughter, creativity and daily rituals as tools for healing and resilience.

Expect real talk about neurodiversity, overcoming “too-much-ness” and finding moments of joy even in grief. Whether you’re navigating loss or simply want to show up more fully as yourself, this episode is a reminder that embracing your weird is not just okay - it’s your superpower.

Holly Matthews is a former TV actress (Byker Grove, Waterloo Road, Casualty) and singer (Signed to Sony at 18, appeared on TOTP’S, MTV, Disney) who learnt how to use her ‘weird’ to stand out from the crowd.

After the death of her husband to brain cancer in 2017, when she was just 32, the Mum of 2 began her mission to help others to embrace their own ‘weird’, build their confidence and feel ‘more happy and less crappy’.

The Happy Me Project runs events across the UK, is an online coaching membership, podcast and has seen Holly asked to speak and create workshops for Aldi, SEND prison, Sainsburys and wellbeing festivals across the UK.

Her TED Talk has been watched by over half a million people and she is the go to ‘no-nonsense’, confidence expert at the BBC, where producers call her their ‘motivator in chief’.

Holly’s books The Happy Me Project & Find Your Confidence are best sellers and award winning (Find Your Confidence just won best wellbeing book of 2025 by Health & Wellbeing Magazine) with her bite size and actionable style appealing to our busy and distractible lives.

Holly recently opened up about being neurodivergent and has since been an advocate for this community, working alongside ADHD 360, appearing on ADHD Chatter, ADHD Beyond The Label (Bloomberg TV) and being nominated for a National Diversity Award.

Holly’s relatable and lighthearted approach to self development has seen her amass a large online following and become a regular contributor to UK publications such as Psychologies Magazine, Closer, Hello, Daily Mail, Metro, The Mirror and chatting on the sofa with Lorraine.

You can find out more about Holly - HERE

About your host Cat Googe AKA The Joy Queen:

🌻 Follow me over on instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠

🌻 Check out where to see me live this year - ⁠HERE⁠

🌻 Download my free guide 5 Quick & Juicy Joy Hacks ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠

Woo hoo welcome to Season 3 of Live Your Best Laugh! Excited to be back with another season full of rich and honest conversations about what feeling Joy-FULL really means.

In this episode I invite you to pause and reflect on what really matters when it comes to living with purpose and joy. I explore the urgency of making meaningful choices in the present because time is precious and fulfilment isn’t something to put off for “one day.” And how stepping out of your comfort zone, taking intentional action, and surrounding yourself with the right people can spark ripples of good far beyond yourself.

You’ll also get a sneak peek at the inspiring conversations coming up this season, including stories of resilience, hope and radical self-leadership. If you’re ready for a gentle nudge to choose joy, embrace your uniqueness and create a life that feels rich with meaning - this episode is your invitation to start right now.

About your host Cat Googe AKA The Joy Queen:

🌻 Follow me over on instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠

🌻 Check out where to see me live - ⁠HERE⁠

🌻 Download my free guide 5 Day Soul Reset - HERE

What a dreamy way to close out festival season and to finish up Season 2 of Live Your Best Laugh!

Om & Bass was the perfect blend of soul-nourishing practices, joyful connection and wild, playful energy.

Facilitating laughter yoga in the Shala was an absolute highlight - the gorgeous souls that joined my session brought all the energy and the vibe was pure magic. But this weekend wasn’t just about giving; I made intentional space to receive and soak up all the goodness on offer.

From deep sound healing and heart-opening yoga flows, to liberating ecstatic dance and chakra raving, every moment felt like a gentle invitation to reset and expand.

I left feeling lighter, more connected and reminded of the power of gathering with open-hearted humans who just “get it.”

Another thing I love about Om & Bass is their commitment to making a difference - your ticket helps support Yoga Stops Traffick, raising vital funds to help end human trafficking. It’s a festival that truly makes an impact far beyond the fields.

If you’re craving a festival that’s as much about deep rest and soul nourishment as it is about dancing your heart out and making new connections, get Om & Bass on your radar for next year. It’s a total treat and a reminder that joy, healing and making a difference can all co-exist.

Find out more about Om & Bass - HERE

I've loved recording The Festival Diaries showcasing the incredible festivals I've had the privilege to be part of. Over 2000 people came to my workshops over the summer...deep, deep gratitude for every single heartbeat always. YOU are the magic.

Keep your eyes peeled for Season 3 coming soon!

About your host Cat Googe AKA The Joy Queen:

🌻 Check out my membership - HERE

🌻 Follow me over on instagram - HERE

🌻 Find out more about me and my work - HERE