Crappy to Happy

Do your partner and closest friends support and validate your ideal self? Today, we're diving into the intriguing concept of the Michelangelo phenomenon in relationships. This idea suggests that the people closest to us can help us reveal our best selves, much like Michelangelo chipping away at stone to uncover a beautiful sculpture. Tune in to hear how actively supporting each other's growth by a...

Neuroscientist, Anne-Laure Le Cunff challenges the traditional notion of linear goal-setting in our lives, urging us instead to embrace "tiny experiments" as a more fulfilling and adaptive approach. In this episode, we explore the concept of liminal spaces—those uncomfortable periods of transition that often provoke anxiety. Anne-Laure shares her journey from a successful career at Google to study...

Today, we're diving into the ever-relevant topic of burnout, which has become a pervasive issue for many people. I want to unpack how personal traits such as perfectionism, people-pleasing tendencies, and unrealistic self-expectations, can inadvertently contribute to our own risk of burnout. Of course there are external pressures from our workplaces; but it’s important to look at how we interact w...

Feeling disconnected in relationships is a theme that's been surfacing a lot lately in my coaching sessions, and I think it’s something that many of us can relate to. In this episode, I dive into the common struggles women face in long-term partnerships, particularly the sense of not being heard or satisfied. We explore the importance of owning our part in relationship dynamics while also recognis...

We're kicking off our brand new series for paid subscribers, "Mindfulness... and then what?", where we'll dive deep into how to truly incorporate mindfulness into your life for real benefits. I know, I know—mindfulness is one of those buzzwords that can make people roll their eyes, but stay with me! This month, we’re all about getting practical and relevant with mindfulness, addressing the stress,...

Today’s episode dives deep into a crucial question: who are you when you’re at your best? I’m inviting you to explore the qualities that make you shine and how to create the conditions in your life that allow you to be at your best more of the time. We discuss the importance of understanding both our best selves and our not-so-great moments, drawing connections between our moods, circumstances, an...

Hi from my mum's wardrobe. I'm on holiday in Australia and taking a break from my packing to share a personal update that highlights how unpredictable life can be. My family has recently faced some unexpected challenges, including my husband’s work being impacted by significant global events and unexpected health issues with his father. Meanwhile, we live in another country with no clear end date,...

Carli McConkey was a naive 21yr old seeking self-improvement when she was recruited into a new age cult where she spent over 13yrs trapped and enslaved. Carli bravely shares her experience of being manipulated, coerced, and abused, explaining the psychological tactics employed by cult leaders to maintain control. After finally escaping, Carli’s struggles continued when she fought and won a defamat...

The recent World Happiness Report highlights a striking link between social trust and voting preferences, revealing that individuals with low social trust are more prone to supporting right-wing political parties. In this episode, I dive into this fascinating finding, which highlights how our personal dissatisfaction with life often translates into political choices that can influence societal out...

Amie McNee joins me in the studio to share her insights on the transformative power of creativity and the importance of claiming your artistic voice. Her new book, "We Need Your Art", is a rallying cry for those who feel they aren't "real" artists and encourages everyone to embrace their creative impulses. Amie passionately argues that art is not just for the privileged few; it's an essential part...

Today, I'm celebrating a huge milestone: 100 days alcohol-free! It feels amazing, and I want to share my journey with you—from the challenges to the triumphs. I also dive deep into the reasons behind my decision, including some personal revelations about ADHD and how it has shaped my relationship with alcohol. It’s not just about quitting drinking but understanding why we turn to these habits in t...

Dr. Michelle McQuaid joins me in this episode to dive deep into the concept of "good girl conditioning" and how it impacts women's mental health and well-being. We explore the societal expectations that shape our beliefs from a young age, often leading to exhaustion and a sense of emptiness, despite achieving external markers of success. Dr. McQuaid shares her personal journey of discovering these...

This week, we're diving into parts work, with an introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and how you can apply it as a tool for self-healing. We'll explore how recognising and connecting with different parts of yourself - like your inner child or your inner perfectionist - can lead to greater self-awareness, self-compassion and personal growth. The episode highlights the importance o...

Announcing the launch of my new paid subscriber version of Crappy to Happy, called Beyond Happy, kicking off next week! This isn't just more Crappy to Happy; it’s also an opportunity to dive deeper into personal growth and happiness with exclusive content, tools, resources and a vibrant community. Apple listeners, your options for subscribing are: Subscribe directly in the App OR or if you prefer...

This episode encourages listeners to carve out time for activities that bring them joy without the pressure of achieving specific goals or outcomes. Cass shares insights into the importance of finding a passion project, i.e. engaging in creative outlets or hobbies that allow for personal expression and fulfilment. By reconnecting with activities that light you up, you not only enhance your own men...

Cass is joined by Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa, a neuroscientist, best-selling author and host of the incredibly popular "Do You F*cking Mind?" podcast. The conversation explores how Alexis discovered her love for cognitive neuroscience and how she uses her knowledge to optimise her own health, happiness and success. She urges listeners to conduct an inventory of what they identify with to foster flex...

As the new year unfolds, it brings a fresh opportunity to reflect on what will truly make you happy. This episode of Crappy to Happy offers a guiding light for anyone looking to set meaningful goals in 2025 and give yourself the best chance of achieving them. Cass shares how her personal experience with ADHD has prompted a shift in her goal-setting strategies. Rather than allowing the diagnosis to...

This is an encore episode: Throwing back to 2019 when Cass interviewed Ariel Garten, the founder of the Muse Brain Sensing Headband. Meditation is a thousand year old practice but Ariel has found a way to bring that practice into the 21st century with her breakthrough technology Muse: The Brain Sensing Headband . Her mission is to help you do a deep dive in understanding your brain, getting real t...

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 cha...

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 b...

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...

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...

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...

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 physiologi...

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 pleas...