Crappy to Happy

In this final solo episode of 2024, Cass reflects on the importance of recognising personal achievements over the past year, emphasising the need to focus on gains rather than gaps. She shares plans for a new subscriber version of the podcast launching in 2025, aimed at fostering community and providing more exclusive content. Cass also shares her recent ADHD diagnosis, discussing the personal challenges associated with it, why you might question whether you have it or not, and concludes with a hopeful outlook for the upcoming year, encouraging listeners to embrace change and growth.Subscribe to Cass' newsletter at her website: www.cassdunn.comConnect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xowww.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

This week, Cass talks with author and social researcher, Rebecca Huntley, who shares her experience of childhood trauma, traditional therapy, and how she ultimately found herself seeking MDMA therapy from an underground healer. The conversation delves into her experiences with MDMA therapy, the profound emotional shift she experienced and how as a result, for the first time, she felt safe in her body. Cass and Rebecca discuss the future of MDMA therapy in Australia as it is now an authorised treatment for PTSD, emphasising the need for proper support and preparation for those considering this therapeutic approach.Rebecca's book, "Sassafras" is out now.Order it HERE from Booktopia, Australia.Connect with Cass:www.cassdunn.comwww.instagram.com/cassdunn_xowww.instagram.com/crappytohappypod  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Cass discusses the challenges of people pleasing, especially during the holiday season. She explores the roots of this behaviour, including childhood experiences, personality traits, and societal expectations. Cass emphasises the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and recognising when helping others compromises your own well-being. She encourages listeners to prioritise their needs and to be honest in their relationships, asserting that saying no is not selfish but rather a necessary step towards authenticity and emotional health. Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod Email: podcast@cassdunn.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Cass is joined by Lisa Messenger and Sarah Megginson, two colleagues and friends whose lives were changed forever when Sarah offered to be a gestational surrogate for Lisa. In this episode, we discuss Lisa's gruelling six-years and 16 rounds of IVF, and the significant financial, physical, and emotional toll of infertility. The episode delves into the legal and emotional complexities of surrogacy in Australia, the vital role of hope and resilience, and the deepening of Lisa and Sarah's friendship through this profound experience. Both women stress the importance of asking for help, the power of connection, and the broader applicability of their story to anyone facing adversity.Connect with Sarah & Lisa:The Power of Two book at Booktopiawww.instagram.com/lisamessengerwww.instagram.com/sarahmegginsonmoneyConnect with Casswww.cassdunn.comwww.instagram.com/cassdunn_xowww.instagram.com/crappytohappypod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imogen shares her experience of losing her mum in tragic circumstances, and the profound impact it had on her, and how co-creating the 'Good Mourning' podcast and community with her friend, Sally Douglas quite literally saved her life. In this conversation, Imogen shares what she has learned about grief from her own experience, including all the things no-one tells you, and how to support someone who has lost someone they love. Find out more about Imogen, Sal and Good Mourning: www.goodmourning.com.au The breathwork healer Imogen mentioned, Rebecca Jax Get a month's free trial of the Pause Breathwork app Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cass responds to a listener question about how to live with uncertainty. She discusses the psychological concept of 'Intolerance of Uncertainty', its impact on mental health, particularly anxiety and worry, and explains how worry serves as a mental behaviour that provides an illusion of control but ultimately detracts from present joy. Cass emphasises the importance of understanding the physiological aspects of anxiety and offers practical strategies for managing uncertainty and worry, including mindfulness, breathing techniques, and cognitive tools. Take the IU Scale here: https://www.phenxtoolkit.org/protocols/view/650701 Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Cass and Dr Anastasia Hronis delve into the complexities of dopamine, its role in pleasure and motivation, and how modern conveniences can lead to excessive dopamine activation. Anastasia is the author of 'The Dopamine Brain' and she's here to assure you that you do not need a "Dopamine Detox". Instead, she discusses the importance of finding balance between hedonic and eudaimonic pleasures, the significance of identifying personal values, and practical strategies for managing dopamine-driven behaviours. The conversation emphasises the need for meaningful alternatives to quick dopamine hits and highlights the benefits of music, movement, and social connections in enhancing well-being. Connect with Dr Anastasia Hronis: www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiahronis www.instagram.com/anastasia.hronis Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cass explores the concept of being fully committed to goals while remaining unattached to the outcomes. She discusses the balance between giving your all and not letting the results define your self-worth. Through examples and personal insights, Cass emphasises the importance of understanding commitment, non-attachment, and the role of personal values in achieving true fulfilment. The conversation also touches on spiritual concepts of ego and essence, encouraging listeners to find peace in their journey towards their goals.and Takeaways It's possible to want something deeply while not needing it for your self-worth. Your character and values should define you, not your achievements or failures. Understanding what you can control helps in managing expectations and reducing anxiety. Surrendering control can lead to greater peace and acceptance of outcomes. Ego often leads to attachment and competition, while essence connects us to a greater purpose. Finding joy in the journey can paradoxically lead to greater success. Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cass talks with Jessica McGuire, a physiotherapist and author of The Nervous System Reset, about the importance of the nervous system in physical and emotional health. Jessica explains the role of the vagus nerve in regulating our emotions, balancing our physical health, and facilitating social interactions. She explains the different states of the nervous system and provides strategies for regulating a dysregulated nervous system.   Connect with Cass www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod Connect with Jessica www.jessicamaguire.com www.instagram.com/repairing_the_nervous_system  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode, Cass discusses the concept of upper limit problems as described in the book 'The Big Leap' by Gay Hendricks. Upper limit problems refer to self-imposed limitations that prevent individuals from achieving greater success, happiness, and fulfillment. Cass explores the four core beliefs that contribute to upper limit problems. She also highlights the importance of expanding one's capacity for feeling good and offers strategies for overcoming upper limit problems. Connect with Cass www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod Book: The Big Leap by Gay HendricksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode of Crappy to Happy, Cass discusses the importance of quality friendships and what makes them thrive. She highlights three key ingredients of high-quality friendships: consistency, positivity, and vulnerability. Cass emphasises the need for regular contact, positive interactions, and the ability to share personal and intimate experiences. She encourages listeners to assess their own friendships and take responsibility for their contribution to the relationship. Cass also emphasises the importance of opening our circles and making an effort to connect with new people. She concludes by sharing her own plan to reach out and invite someone new to an event. Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode, Cass explores the concept of narrative identity theory and how the stories we tell ourselves about our lives shape our sense of self and well-being. She discusses the importance of personal agency, belonging, redemption, meaning-making, and coherence in our life stories. Cass emphasises the power of reframing our narratives to focus on growth, learning, and positive outcomes rather than solely on suffering and struggle. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own narrative identities and consider how they can reshape their stories to enhance their psychological well-being. Connect with Cass: Leave a voice note --> www.cassdunn.com/podcast www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod email: podcast@cassdunn.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Cass recaps what she covered in her live online workshop, "How to Cultivate Unshakeable Self-Confidence". She outlines the key difference between self-doubt and the imposter experience, which runs much deeper, and the importance of having tools and strategies which address both. She shares her views on the limitations of 'mindset' strategies for cultivating confidence and why emotional work, somatic (body based) tools, and strategies to mine your unconscious beliefs are all necessary for a lasting transformation. She takes you through an exercise to heal old childhood wounds that might be contributing to your feelings of unworthiness. Cass' signature program, "Beyond Confident" is now open for enrolment and there is an earlybird offer available until 1 August, 2024. Find out more about the program: www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident Link to access the earlybird price for a LIMITED TIME ONLY: https://www.cassdunn.com/offers/6AuCE62i  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode, Cass shares one of the common reasons people struggle to make progress on the things they say that want to achieve. "Competing commitments", sometimes called competing desires or conflicting values, are the (often unconscious) desires that run counter to your stated goal, and cause you to spin your wheels or sabotage your progress. When you uncover your competing commitments, you're in a position to examine the truth of your assumptions and resolve the inner conflict that's been hindering your progress. Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cass talks with fellow psychologist, Ariane Beeston about Ariane's experience of severe postpartum depression and psychosis. They discuss the feelings of failure that can prevent new mothers from asking for help, the lack of support available for mums beyond their babys' infancy, and the added shame of being a mental health professional experiencing mental illness. Ariane speaks candidly about how she was able to fool people into believing she was fine even when she wasn't, what it was like being admitted to an inpatient psychiatric facility, and what ultimately helped her to heal and recover. *original version of this ep had overlapping audio through the last 5 minutes. This has been fixed. Apologies! Her book, "Because I'm Not Myself, You See" is out now in all bookstores. Connect with Ariane: https://www.arianebeeston.com/ Centre for Perinatal Excellence Connect with Cass: https://www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod Send me a voice note!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode, Cass discusses the importance of goal-setting, but understanding why you want the things you want when you're aspiring to achieve or create something in your life. She talks about the trap of attaching your happiness to a goal or outcome, and offers some tips for how you can overcome that. Cass also discusses the concept of "memetic desire", which is when social trends influence your goals, causing you to aspire to things that aren't aligned with your authentic desires or values, potentially leading to dissatisfaction, negative comparison and feeling behind in life. If you're thinking about what you want to achieve in the second half of 2024, be sure to give this ep a listen. Send a voice message! www.cassdunn.com/podcast Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod www.tiktok.com/@cassdunn__  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cass chats with Monique Mitchelson, a clinical psychologist and host of The Neurodivergent Woman podcast, about neurodiversity in women, specifically autism and ADHD. Monique shares that neurodivergence is often under-diagnosed, especially in girls and that many women are doing life in 'hard mode' when they don't have an accurate diagnosis. Monique shares some of the masking and compensatory strategies that neurodivergent individuals often use to navigate a neurotypical world. The conversation explores the challenges in receiving a diagnosis and accessing appropriate support. It delves into the social model of disability and the importance of creating an inclusive and accessible society for neurodivergent individuals. The high prevalence of co-occurring mental health conditions and physical health issues is discussed, along with the need for appropriate support and understanding.  Connect with Monique and check out The Neurodivergent Woman podcast. Connect with Cass:  www.cassdunn.com (Join my mailing list!) www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo ep, Cass shares her decision to take an extended break from alcohol after quitting drinking for (almost) two years in 2020 and then taking it up again in 2022. She highlights all the best things she experienced during two years of being alcohol-free, as a way to remind herself of the benefits to be gained from staying sober, and as motivation to anyone else who might be toying with the idea of giving up their evening glass of wine, but is worried about how they'd cope without it. Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod www.tiktok.com/@cassdunn__  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johann Hari began taking Ozempic in 2023, and subsequently spent 12 months traveling the world talking to experts about every aspect of the obesity crisis and the new weight loss medications which offer a solution to the millions of people who struggle to lose weight on their own. In his book, "Magic Pill", he details the extraordinary benefits of these new medications, as well as outlining 12 disturbing risks which we, as individuals and as a society need to be aware of because, like it or not, these drugs are here to stay. Johann discusses with Cass the damaging stigma around obesity, the problem with the 'willpower' argument when it comes to weight-loss, and the real cause of the problem which is a faulty food system. They talk about the body positive movement and the need to reduce weight stigma while also acknowledging health risks of obesity, the need for much stricter controls around access, and the risk of an increase in eating disorders. Johann shares his own internal conflict about taking Ozempic, and some of the factors each individual must weigh up when making the personal decision about whether to take it or not.  Connect with Johann and buy 'Magic Pilll www.johannhari.com Connect with Cass and share your thoughts www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode, Cass discusses the fear of making the wrong decision and the desire for certainty. Cass emphasises the importance of taking action as a way of gaining clarity, as well as the importance of getting comfortable with uncertainty. She also explores the role of the body in decision-making and suggests practicing feeling into what feels right or wrong. Cass encourages listeners to trust themselves and know that they will be okay regardless of the decision they make. Takeaways Fear of making the wrong decision often leads to analysis paralysis and indecision. Taking action, even if it's not the perfect decision, can provide clarity and feedback. Getting comfortable with uncertainty and accepting that there is no guarantee of making the right decision is key. Cultivating a sense of safety and trust within oneself is crucial for confident decision-making. Listening to the body and practicing feeling into what feels right or wrong can help in decision-making. Take 60% off the Pause Breathwork 21-Day Embodiment Journey Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod www.tiktok.com/@cassdunn__See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.