You will want to send this episode to your husband, brother, boyfriend, son and all the men in your life. 

Did you know that some online influencers use a rented facade of Lamborghinis and mansions just to trap young men into harmful algorithmic loops? Or have you noticed the boys in your life changing how they act the second they are in a group?

In this episode of But Are You Happy, host Ashani Dante sits down with guest Ben Vasilou, CEO of The Man Cave, to pull back the curtain on the rise of the manosphere and modern masculinity. We’re moving beyond the surface level to explore the real-world harm this toxic content has on young people and our personal relationships.

Together, they dive into how the manosphere operates as a lucrative business model targeting the isolation of young men, while sharing practical ways guys can find the courage to call out their mates' bad behaviour in everyday moments. The episode also addresses the heavy emotional burden of shame and fear that well-intentioned men carry, busting the myth of hyper-masculinity - proving these rigid stereotypes are just environmental conditioning, and that true masculinity is simply learning to be a good human being.

Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here.

Watch But Are You Happy? on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. 

Feedback: [email protected]

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.

Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.

If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.

CREDITS:

Host: Ashani Dante

Guest: Ben Vasilou

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio and Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti

Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever feel like staying up for hours perfecting a single email, or completely paralyzed by the fear of failing at a new project?

In this episode of But Are You Happy, host Ashani Dante pulls back the curtain on the sneaky reality of chronic perfectionism. We’re moving beyond the surface level to explore the inner turmoil and emotional load that comes with tying your entire self-worth to your performance. Joining the conversation is clinical psychologist Anita Shimmins from Inlight Psychology to unpack why we carry this deep underlying fear of failure and how it subtly infiltrates our work, our parenting, and our relationships.

Together, Ashani and Anita explore why perfectionism is actually a protective coping strategy built to shield us from shame. You will learn the distinct psychological archetypes of perfectionism, how chronic pressure can show up physically in the body, and why hitting a major life goal often brings a temporary wave of relief rather than true joy. More importantly, this episode breaks down actionable, evidence-based strategies from schema and exposure therapy, sharing how to actively test your fears by making small mistakes on purpose and how to start replacing unrelenting standards with a realistic, self-compassionate lens.

Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here.

Watch But Are You Happy? on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. 

Feedback: [email protected]

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.

Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.

If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.

CREDITS:

Host: Ashani Dante

Guest: Anita Shimmins

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio and Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti

Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new season of But Are You Happy? Is coming your way. You told us you wanted deep-dive, informative conversations with leading experts about all the things impacting your self-development and mental health. We got you. You’ll be hearing from experts such as Sarah Bays, Millie Rose Bannister and Ben Vasilou, on topics ranging from situationships, navigating tricky group chats, and pushing back against perfectionism. 

Same great show, new conversations. 

Don’t forget to click “follow” [+] on your podcast app so you don’t miss a thing.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struggling to say no... to anyone?

In this bonus episode, Ashani delivers the pep talk you need to start advocating for yourself and setting healthier boundaries, whether it’s at work, with friends, or with the people asking a little too much of you right now.

Watch the podcast on YouTube here.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Both services are available 24/7 for free, confidential mental health support. 

GET IN TOUCH

Want to get in touch with us? DM @butareyouhappypod on Instagram or send us a voice memo. Our hosts are ready to hear your dilemmas—think of it as free therapy!

Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here.

Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and check it out here!

Win a $2,000 Bed Threads voucher. Subscribe to Mamamia here before April 30 to be automatically entered. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply.

CREDITS:

Host: Ashani Dante

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode, Ashani gives you a reassuring pep talk for when you're feeling anxious before a presentation, event, or any situation that feels overwhelming, and the self-talk shifts that can help you calm your nerves and show up anyway.

Watch the podcast on YouTube here.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Both services are available 24/7 for free, confidential mental health support. 

GET IN TOUCH

Want to get in touch with us? DM @butareyouhappypod on Instagram or send us a voice memo. Our hosts are ready to hear your dilemmas—think of it as free therapy!

Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here.

Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and check it out here!

Win a $2,000 Bed Threads voucher. Subscribe to Mamamia here before April 30 to be automatically entered. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply.

CREDITS:

Host: Ashani Dante

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode, Dr Anastasia Hronis offers a calming 10-minute reset to help you step out of the chaos of daily life.

This guided exercise invites you to engage your senses: sight, touch, and sound, to ground your attention. If your mind wanders, that’s okay. Gently bring it back and continue. A practical, soothing way to reconnect with the present moment.

Watch the podcast on YouTube here.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Both services are available 24/7 for free, confidential mental health support. 

GET IN TOUCH

Want to get in touch with us? DM @butareyouhappypod on Instagram or send us a voice memo. Our hosts are ready to hear your dilemmas—think of it as free therapy!

Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here.

Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and check it out here!

Win a $2,000 Bed Threads voucher. Subscribe to Mamamia here before April 30 to be automatically entered. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply.

CREDITS:

Hosts: Dr Anastasia Hronis

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever “set a boundary” because a TikTok told you it was the only way to protect your peace?

In this episode of But Are You Happy, hosts Ashani Dante and Dr. Anastasia Hronis unpack the idea of weaponised boundaries and explore how to tell whether yours are healthy gates or rigid walls that might be keeping people out unnecessarily.

You’ll also learn:

• How to identify the boundaries that are actually right for you
• How to communicate your needs clearly without turning the other person into the villain
• Why resentment is often a key sign that you’ve been ignoring your own boundaries
• Why “no contact” can be an important tool for safety, but shouldn’t be used as a shortcut to avoid difficult conversations

Watch the podcast on YouTube here.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Both services are available 24/7 for free, confidential mental health support. 

GET IN TOUCH

Want to get in touch with us? DM @butareyouhappypod on Instagram or send us a voice memo. Our hosts are ready to hear your dilemmas—think of it as free therapy!

Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here.

Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and check it out here!

Win a $2,000 Bed Threads voucher. Subscribe to Mamamia here before April 30 to be automatically entered. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply.

CREDITS:

Hosts: Ashani Dante & Dr Anastasia Hronis

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever caught your reflection, noticed a new grey hair or a random ache, and felt that sudden wave of existential dread about where the time has gone?

In this episode of But Are You Happy, hosts Ashani Dante and Dr. Anastasia Hronis unpack the physical realities of ageing, explore how death anxiety fuels our worries, and share healthier ways to relate to the passage of time.

You’ll also learn:

• Why your biological age doesn’t always match how old you feel
• How to slow the “quickening” of time by breaking out of rigid routines
• How to acknowledge and process the quiet grief of outgrowing your younger self
• Ways to find perspective and empowerment by connecting with your elders

Watch the podcast on YouTube here.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Both services are available 24/7 for free, confidential mental health support. 

GET IN TOUCH

Want to get in touch with us? DM @butareyouhappypod on Instagram or send us a voice memo. Our hosts are ready to hear your dilemmas—think of it as free therapy!

Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here.

Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and check it out here!

Win a $2,000 Bed Threads voucher. Subscribe to Mamamia here before April 30 to be automatically entered. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply.

CREDITS:

Hosts: Ashani Dante & Dr Anastasia Hronis

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you noticed the word narcissist being thrown around a lot lately and found yourself wondering whether someone’s actually a narcissist… or just unpleasant?

In this episode of But Are You Happy, clinical psychologist Dr. Anastasia Hronis breaks down what narcissism really is, how to recognise it, and what you can do if there’s a narcissist in your life.

You’ll also learn:

• Where Narcissistic Personality Disorder comes from
• The key red flags and behaviours to watch for in a narcissistic relationship
• How to navigate life with a narcissist, whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member
• The difference between a narcissist you can manage and one who can't be reasoned with

If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic, family, or sexual violence, you can contact 1800RESPECT — the national counselling and support service — on 1800 737 732.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Both services are available 24/7 for free, confidential mental health support. 

Want to get in touch with us? DM @butareyouhappypod on Instagram or send us a voice memo. Our hosts are ready to hear your dilemmas—think of it as free therapy!

CREDITS:

Hosts: Ashani Dante & Dr Anastasia Hronis

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on. 

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been told you’re “too much” or “too sensitive,” only to find yourself caught in an exhausting cycle - loving someone intensely one moment, then wanting to push them away the next?

In this episode of But Are You Happy, hosts Ashani Dante and Dr. Anastasia Hronis unpack Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) with clarity and compassion. They explore the why behind the intense emotional swings and relationship struggles that define BPD, shifting the conversation away from judgment and toward real clinical understanding.

You’ll also learn:

• How BPD develops
• What’s happening in the brain and body when emotions take longer to settle after a trigger
• How healing involves balancing self-acceptance with meaningful behavioural change
• Why BPD isn’t a fixed “label,” and what recovery can actually look like

Watch the podcast on YouTube here.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Both services are available 24/7 for free, confidential mental health support. 

GET IN TOUCH

Want to get in touch with us? DM @butareyouhappypod on Instagram or send us a voice memo. Our hosts are ready to hear your dilemmas—think of it as free therapy!

Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here.

Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and check it out here!

CREDITS:

Hosts: Ashani Dante & Dr Anastasia Hronis

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.