All Episodes

This week, Cass is talking about Parasocial Relationships; that is the one-sided relationship between a media figure and a fan. She discusses how even 'micro-influencers' can be the object of parasocial relationships and how social media has fuelled the intensity of those connections. Are they all bad though? Let's look at the benefits of parasocial interactions for both the public figure and the fan.You can download the Celebrity Attitude Scale HERE. Connect with Cass:www.crappytohappypod.comh...

This week, Cass sits down with Astrid Jorgensen, founder and Director of the iconic Pub Choir. Astrid shares the story of how pub choir got started, the tipping point when pub choir became a global sensation, and the surprising and inspiring lessons she learned from pivoting to ‘Couch Choir’ during covid lockdowns.Tickets to Pub Choir’s shows in Australia, the UK and the USA are available at pubchoir.com.au Connect with Cass:www.crappytohappypod.comhello@crappytohappypod.com www.instagram.com/c...

It's a full circle moment on Crappy to Happy as Tiff Hall returns to join Cass behind the mic. This time, not as a cohost but as guest, to reflect on the last few years of challenges: including bouncing forward post babies, business diversification and a changing relationship to her body.If you've not met Tiff before she's one of Australia's most trusted health and fitness experts. She's a personal trainer, author, journalist and best known for her television appearances on Gladiators, and The B...

Before starting her executive coaching company for CEO's and Founders, 'Reset', Liz Tran spent a decade in tech, most recently as the only female executive at a top venture capital firm. For most of her career, Liz Tran was sure that if people knew about her spiritual practices, they would never respect her as a business person. She worked in a world where numbers and spreadsheets were everything, so how could she admit that she believed in scientifically indefensible forces like the Tarot or fe...

Steph Claire Smith is a model, a business owner, author, podcast host, and she is a wife and mum to two-year-old Harvey. Together with her best friend Laura Henshaw, Steph co-founded KIC (formerly known as Keep It Cleaner): a wellness app with a mission to kick toxic wellness rules out the window.Today, Steph joins Cass to talk unpack: where KIC all began why this mission matters so much to her the gender bias she experiences as a founder and also the primary breadwinner in her family and th...

Around 85% of women will become a mother and most agree that pregnancy and parenthood are experiences that profoundly change us physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually. Sadly though, mothers, minds and brains are mostly absent from popular pregnancy books and social media posts unless of course there is a discussion about what can go terribly wrong: baby blues, postnatal depression and of course the dreaded baby brain.Today, Dr. Sarah joins Cass to chat about the upside of pregnanc...

These days it seems like everyone is a Narcissist. The term 'narcissism' is a bit of a buzzword that is used to describe anyone who comes across as a little self absorbed, or 'full of themselves', but is that true? Is everyone a narcissist? And what is the distinction between a narcissist and the rest of us?In this episode, Cass breaks down: the DSM criteria for a diagnosis of Narcissism and how it is outdated the different presentations of Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism (or overt and cov...

Not all of us have experienced huge childhood trauma. We’ve not been neglected, or physically, emotionally, or sexually abused in our formative years, and even today, there may not be anything inherently wrong with our life. You likely have a roof over your heads, food in your belly, an incoming coming in; for which you feel like you should be grateful for... Yet there’s still a sense of not being entirely happy, feeling empty or anxious in some ways, and not feeling enough.If this is you, and e...

As promised, this week Cass gives us a little history lessons in modern psychology and the evolution of therapy over the last 30-40 years. We've certainly come a long way since the days of reward or punishment. But what are the modern approaches and how has therapy evolved throughout recent decades?Cass explains what Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), are and how these approaches fit within modern advances in neuroscience and nervous system regulation...

Debra Silverman holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology, and has more than four decades of experience as an astrologer and psychotherapist. Over the past 40 years of professional experience and private practice, she has specialised in helping thousands of individuals achieve emotional health and wisdom based on their unique personality and the four elements: water, air earth, and fire Her knowledge of the stars and planetary interactions has piqued the interest of creatives and leaders, y...

Cass gets a lot of questions about accessing psychology services within Australia. It's not the most linear or straightforward of processes, between Medicare rebates, GP visits, and mental health plans... it can be quite confusing accessing the mental health services we need. Let alone knowing how do you find someone who is a good fit for you?So in this solo episode Cass answers all of these questions and more. Connect with Cass:www.crappytohappypod.comhello@crappytohappypod.com www.instagram.c...

Melissa Ambrosini is the bestselling author and host of the podcast, The Melissa Ambrosini Show. Named a 'self-help guru' by Elle Magazine, Melissa is on a mission to inspire women to create the most exciting and meaningful life possible. Her latest book, Time Magic, was co-authored with her singer, songwriting, film producing, former Sneaky Sound System member, husband: Nick Broadhurst.And with all the success these two have, on top of parenting an active toddler, we are going to catch up with ...

ADHD, especially in adult women, has been a hot topic on social media of late... with questions being raised around its diagnosis being a current trend. Even more so, since the BBC Panorama program, released an expose on private clinics in the UK, misdiagnosing ADHD.So what is all the fuss about? This week, after watching the documentary, Cass weighs in with her thoughts on why there's been an increase in ADHD diagnosis in recent years, and pulls apart the various holes in the BBC exposé (and th...

The past few years there’s been a focus on individuals, being called to start to recognise and unpack our privilege, and look at behaviours or actions that might be harmful to others. The new age world has come under fire for things like cultural appropriation, toxic positivity and victim blaming. But is it all bad?Does that mean we need to walk away from these new age spiritual practices altogether? Or is there a way we can do them that is in integrity and causes no harm? Today, we are joined b...

Lately, there's been a noticeable increase in people behaving badly on the internet, so this week Cass asks the very valid question,'Why are people on the internet so mean?'. Cass explores the history of this phenomenon, where it began, how it's evolving, what are the contributing factors, and how we, as individuals and communities, can better cope and change things. If you found this episode fascinating, check out these episodes in our back catalogue: Why you can't focus with Johann Hari Not g...

Today, Cass is joined by Dr Kristy Goodwin. Dr Kristy is a Digital wellbeing & productivity researcher, consultant, speaker and author. Her latest book is called Dear Digital, We Need to Talk. It’s a guilt free guide to taming your tech habits and thriving in a digital world.There’s no doubt the pandemic has had some major impacts on our life as we know it, and perhaps none more profound than our reliance on digital to live, connect and work. This almost over reliance has left us with a pretty h...

In this episode, Cass Dunn answers another listener question. This time around the links between unhealthy spending habits and childhood trauma.Why is it that sometimes when we find ourselves in times of stress, we hit the shops for a quick fix? Why do we do compulsively shop even though we know we shouldn't and we'll end up feeling guilt, shame or regret? And what are the links between your relationship with money, and self worth? Remember, Cass is not offering personal psychological advice and...

Debbie Haski-Leventhal grew up inside a religious cult. She escaped at 18 years old, after experiencing a life of abuse, poverty and servitude, and wondered if she’d ever experience a life of purpose and meaning.Debbie went on to become a Professor at Macquarie University, and a scholar of corporate social responsibility, responsible management education and volunteerism. Her latest book, Make it Meaningful, in which she shares her own, an other’s, stories exploring ideas of purpose, impact, val...

In this weeks episode, Clinical Psychologist, Cass Dunn breaks down everything 'quitting'. And answers the question: how do we know when to hold, or fold?We hear, and are often sold, the idea that the only thing stopping us from success is that we give up too easily or early. But what if that isn't the case? What if some things just are never going to work and we are wasting our time hanging on - like the 90s poster of the cat clinging to dear life from the edge of the cliff. Cass shares the 'su...

In this week’s episode Cass is joined by Lyndi Cohen - also known as the Nude Nutritionist. Lyndi is an anti diet dietitian, best selling author, and host of the ‘No Wellness Wankery’ podcast. Her latest book is Your Weight is Not The Problem… and that’s really the topic of our conversation today. In a world that places so much emphasis on, particularly women’s physical body and being thin and beautiful, how can we move away from a diet, and weight, obsessed culture and into a place where we are...

Procrastination is a universal struggle. When we leave things up to the very last minute, or we delay things and make it a 'future you' problem, it adds stress and overwhelm to our lives. So knowing all this, why do we continue to procrastinate and what can we do about it?This week we have another listener question. Why do we procrastinate? What does the science say, and what can we do about it? Listen to Cass' latest audiobook, The Imposter Solution, on Audible here. And get on the waitlist for...

Many of us have been touched in some way by dementia. Perhaps you've had Grandparents or parents affected by dementia, or you're worried about your own parents, or yourself.In this conversation, Cass and Dr Ginni Mansberg explore some simple changes you can make now, in your 40s, 50s and 60s, to save your brain. You can learn more about Dr Ginni at drginni.com.au Connect with Cass:www.crappytohappypod.comhello@crappytohappypod.com www.instagram.com/crappytohappypodwww.tiktok.com/crappytohappypo...

Have you heard about 'schemas' and 'schema therapy' but don't quite understand how it works? Responding to a listener voicemail, I explain schema therapy and walk through the 18 maladaptive schemas to help you understand them and recognise them within yourself. Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo Contact Crappy to Happy: Email: hello@crappytohappypod.com www.crappytohappypod.com www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod Are you a coach...

Maria Thattil was propelled into the spotlight when she was crowned Miss. Universe Australia in 2020. She then went on to place in the Top 10 of the International Competition in 2021. She was the third woman of colour to represent Australia in the pageants history. Maria is a fierce activist for social causes and uses her platform to champion social justice issues like mental health and gender equality. Connect with Maria: https://www.instagram.com/mariathattil/?hl=en Connect with Cass:...