"Functional Freeze" is not a term you'll find in textbooks but it describes a nervous system shutdown response that develops when you’ve been in chronic stress for too long. Because you’re still “functioning” on the outside, it can be easy to miss. In this episode, I break down how this response develops, why it’s so misunderstood, and most importantly, what you can do to gently thaw and come back into connection, energy, and presence.

I'm covering:

• What functional freeze actually is (and why it’s not in the DSM).
• The nervous system science behind why you can look fine while feeling flat, foggy, or emotionally distant on the inside.
• Real-life examples of how functional freeze shows up in daily life, work and relationships.
• What your nervous system actually needs to shift out of freeze (hint: it’s not more discipline, hustling, or mindset work)

If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who might be quietly struggling. And if you have questions on this topic, send them through. I'd love to answer them in a future “Therapy Hour” episode on www.crappytohappy.supercast.com

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www.cassdunn.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]
www.crappytohappypod.com
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Megan Dalla-Camina is a globally recognised expert in women’s leadership, empowerment and feminine wisdom who spent almost two decades climbing the ladder in some of the world’s biggest corporate environments before a major burnout changed everything. 

She’s the founder of Women Rising (a global leadership program in 68 countries), a best-selling author, and she’s completing a PhD in women’s spirituality and leadership.

Megan and I dive into why so many women are still feeling overwhelmed, undervalued or “not enough,” and how much of that comes from the invisible forces around us—not from personal failings.

We talk about the systemic biases that shape women’s experience at work, the six Paradoxes of Power, and how these external pressures become the inner critic narratives we’re all so familiar with.

Megan breaks down her 13 Inner Critic Archetypes (yes, all your favourites are there: the Perfectionist, the People Pleaser, the Ideal Mother…), and we explore how each archetype has a light side and a shadow side that can either support us or hold us back.

And because I couldn’t resist, we also go into Megan’s PhD research on women’s spirituality and feminine wisdom—which is absolutely fascinating—and why reconnecting with your inner knowing is a profound act of self-leadership. 

Key Takeaways

• You are not the problem. Many of the challenges women face at work are rooted in systemic and cultural bias, not personal inadequacy.
• Internalised patriarchy becomes your inner critic. The “not enough” stories we tell ourselves often come from generations of societal messaging that we’ve absorbed without realising.
• Megan identifies Six Paradoxes of Power that shape women’s experience. From the confidence paradox to the motherhood and visibility paradoxes, Megan breaks down how these mixed messages keep women stuck.
• She has identified 13 Archetypes of the Inner Critic. Identifying your dominant archetype gives you a clearer understanding of your patterns and how to shift them.
• Only 8% of women say they’re thriving at work. Megan shares fresh research on why the majority of women feel overloaded or undervalued—and what helps change that.
• Practical tools make a difference. Megan talks through simple but powerful strategies like practising assertive phrases, building allies, and learning to name bias in real time.
• Feminine wisdom is a source of real power. Reconnecting with intuition, inner knowing, and spiritual grounding isn’t “soft”—it’s a powerful counterbalance to systems that have traditionally suppressed the feminine.

Connect with Megan

https://megandallacamina.com/

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Join the Crappy to Happy Club! Find out more at:

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www.cassdunn.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]
www.crappytohappypod.com
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Understanding what gives you a sense of meaning and purpose in life is crucial to wellbeing, but we all have times where we feel lost or directionless. In today's ep, I'm sharing Michael Steger's Meaning Framework, and its three key elements of Coherence, Purpose, and Significance. These pillars help us make sense of our experiences and guide us towards living a more intentional and fulfilling life. I'll share practical insights on how to diagnose feelings of disconnection and suggestions for realigning with what truly matters to you as a way to regain a sense of meaning again. Takeaways:

• Finding meaning in life is crucial for overall satisfaction and well-being, helping us navigate tough times.
• Michael Steger's Meaning Framework highlights three pillars which contribute to our sense of meaning in life: coherence, purpose, and significance.
• Coherence gives life a narrative that makes sense, helping us understand our experiences and challenges better.
• Purpose fuels our actions, providing motivation to engage in meaningful activities aligned with our values.
• Significance is the sense that you matter and that your life is of value.

Grab your FREE Flow Reformer with your 1-month free trial of the Good Movement Club HERE

Join the Crappy to Happy Club! Find out more at:

www.crappytohappy.supercast.com

Connect with Cass:
www.cassdunn.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]
www.crappytohappypod.com
www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

In January, I commenced ADHD medication and now 11 months later, I'm sharing my experience of how it has impacted my productivity and mood. While my experience has been mostly positive, there are some negative effects that I wasn't expecting and even now, I'm still figuring out the right balance for me.In this episode, I'm sharing as honestly as possible what I was struggling with before, how the medication has improved things and the reality that it isn't a cure-all. If anyone is considering seeking a diagnosis and not sure whether they want to take medication for ADHD symptoms, I hope sharing my experience is helpful.**This is my personal experience. I am not a medical professional and when it comes to medication, every person's experience will be different. You should talk to your health care provider about what the treatment options are and what you might expect.Takeaways:

• The diagnosis of ADHD can be a turning point and a catalyst for healing your relationship with yourself, giving you a better understanding of your past experiences
• Medication for ADHD can enhance focus and productivity, but there are some things it doesn't improve such as ability to prioritise
• It's essential to prioritise self-care such as eating regularly, getting sufficient sleep and taking breaks
• Personal experiences with ADHD medication reveal both benefits and challenges in daily life.

Grab your FREE Flow Reformer with your 1-month free trial of the Good Movement Club HERE

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www.crappytohappy.supercast.com

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www.cassdunn.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]
www.crappytohappypod.com
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Dermot Whelan was one of Ireland's most successful radio hosts and television presenters for over 20 years. When he had a panic attack on the way to performing at a comedy festival, he decided to put aside his scepticism and explore how meditation could help him manage the stress and anxiety that came along with working in such a fast-paced, high pressure career.

Dermot now combines mindfulness with comedy in a way that allows him to pursue both of his passions while offering audiences a pathway to exploring the benefits of meditation that is light-hearted, realistic and relatable.

Dermot is performing his "Busy and Wrecked" standup show in Sydney, Australia on Friday 28th November.

For tickets and UK/Ireland tour dates, go to https://dermotwhelan.com/tour-dates/

In this conversation, we explore how humour can serve as a powerful tool for connection and healing, and how Dermot's dedication to meditation has improved his personal life and shaped his professional endeavours. With two best-selling books under his belt, Dermot continues to inspire others to embrace mindfulness in their everyday lives, proving that it’s possible to laugh while we navigate the challenges of modern life.

Connect with Dermot:
www.dermotwhelan.com
www.instagram.com/dermotwhelanofficial
Tickets for Busy & Wrecked Tour: https://dermotwhelan.com/tour-dates/

Grab your FREE Flow Reformer with your 1-month free trial of the Good Movement Club HERE

Join the Crappy to Happy Club! Find out more at:

www.crappytohappy.supercast.com

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www.cassdunn.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]
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Our expectations shape our experience of the world, influencing not just our perceptions but even our physiology. In this episode, I'm talking about the Expectancy Effect. Our brain acts as a prediction machine, constructing our reality based on what we anticipate. This phenomenon affects everything from social interactions to health outcomes. By understanding how proactively priming our own brain to expect good things, we can actively create a more fulfilling life. Takeaways:

• Our expectations shape not just our perceptions but also our physiological experiences, creating our reality.
• The expectancy effect shows that our brain acts as a prediction machine, shaping what we see based on past experiences.
• Engaging in positive visualisation can significantly improve recovery outcomes and overall well-being, according to psychological studies.
• Understanding the science behind our expectations can empower us to shift our mindset and improve our life experiences.

Grab your FREE Flow Reformer with your 1-month free trial of the Good Movement Club HERE

Join the Crappy to Happy Club! Find out more at:

www.crappytohappy.supercast.com

Connect with Cass:
www.cassdunn.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]
www.crappytohappypod.com
www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

Dr. Kate Mason unpacks the false dichotomy that suggests women must choose between being liked and being respected, and explains how this mindset leads to self-doubt and diminished confidence. Kate shares practical strategies for overcoming common communication pitfalls women fall into, such as over-apologising and minimising their contributions. This episode is a must-listen for any woman looking to assert herself confidently while still being true to her authentic self.Takeaways:

• Women often prioritise being liked over being respected because they're conditioned to believe they must choose one or the other.
• The idea that likability and authority are mutually exclusive is a misconception that needs to be challenged.
• Striving for connection and presence is a more effective strategy than trying to be confident.
• Presenting as calm is a great way to demonstrate leadership and executive presence
• Over-preparing can undermine confidence and authenticity; practising a lighter touch approach is often more effective.

Connect with Dr Kate Mason
https://www.katemason.co/
Book: Powerfully Likeable out on 9 September 2025



Grab your FREE Flow Reformer with your 1-month free trial of the Good Movement Club HERE

Join the Crappy to Happy Club! Find out more at:

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Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]
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This year marks 8 whole years since we launched the Crappy to Happy pod! Join me to reflect on where it all began, which was with my friend and co-host, Tiffiny Hall, who is marking her own huge milestone this week.Moments like this in our lives remind us of the importance of pausing to appreciate how far we've come, both in our lives and in our pursuit of goals. As I reminisce about starting this podcast back in 2017, I invite you to consider your own significant moments and how they have shaped your life narrative. When we mark important dates or events, we get a chance to review, celebrate, and maybe even reconsider the path forward. Takeaways:

• Celebrating milestones, like the eight-year mark of this podcast, helps us reflect on our personal journeys and growth.
• It's essential to use significant events in our lives as opportunities for reflection, celebration, and reassessment of our paths.
• Milestones create a narrative for our lives, allowing us to evaluate where we are and where we want to go next.

Grab your FREE Flow Reformer with your 1-month free trial of the Good Movement Club HERE

Join the Crappy to Happy Club! Find out more at:

www.crappytohappy.supercast.com

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www.cassdunn.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]
www.crappytohappypod.com
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*Audio problem now fixed! Pick up from 25min where the audio problem occurredJennifer Moss joins me to discuss the profound shifts in the workplace over the last decade and the impact they've had on our wellbeing. She shares compelling evidence that happier employees enhance the bottom line, making it clear that investing in effective wellbeing strategies is not just logical but essential. Jen emphasises the importance of getting the foundational elements right, like psychological safety and fair pay, rather than the typical perks that often miss the mark. Jen has the lowdown on whether workplace satisfaction varies across generations, what the optimal model is for hybrid working, and strategies that individuals can apply to enhance their workplace happiness. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unfulfilled at work, tune in for actionable steps you can take to regain control and advocate for your own happiness, or to create a thriving workplace for your team. Takeaways

• Happiness at work depends heavily on foundational needs being met, not perks.
• Generational differences impact attitudes to work and motivational drivers.
• There is an optimal model for hybrid work that enhances employee engagement but most organisations are getting it wrong.
• Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping workplace happiness and culture but individuals can take proactive steps to improve their work satisfaction.
• Relationships at work significantly affect overall well-being and job satisfaction.
• Creating a culture of kindness is key to enhancing employee morale and productivity.

Connect with Jen:https://www.jennifer-moss.com/
Jen's latest book:Why Are We Here? Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants
Unlocking Happiness at Work: 10th Anniversary Edition
The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress & How We Can Fix It

Research Mentioned in This Episode

• Social contagion theory
• Positive Gossip Fuels Creativity
• Groups that eat together perform better together
• The optimal model for hybrid work

Grab your FREE Flow Reformer with your 1-month free trial of the Good Movement Club HERE

Join the Crappy to Happy Club! Find out more at:

www.crappytohappy.supercast.com

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www.cassdunn.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]
www.crappytohappypod.com
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Anger is an emotion we often struggle to navigate. In this solo episode, I'm sharing the recent experience of one of my clients, who was grappling with intense feelings of anger. As a psychologist, I recognise that anger often masks deeper vulnerabilities like sadness and fear, but this episode isn't just about identifying what's underneath anger; it's about understanding the importance of expressing our anger in healthy ways.

Many of us, particularly women, have been socialised to suppress anger, and unresolved anger impacts our own physical and mental health. I emphasise in this episode that anger has a purpose, and that is to alert us to injustice and motivate us to take action. Therefore, it's crucial to acknowledge and express our anger rather than bottle it up.

I provide practical advice on how to navigate these feelings, and the importance of clear, assertive communication without veering into aggression. By sharing my client's experience (with her permission), I hope to encourage you to embrace your anger as a valid emotion and learn to express it constructively.

This isn't just about venting but learning to advocate for yourself, communicating with intention, and ultimately finding resolution, whether that be with another person, or within yourself.Takeaways:

• Anger often serves as a protector, alerting us to deeper vulnerabilities that we need to address.
• We need to find healthier ways to express anger rather than suppressing or denying it
• It's crucial for us to differentiate between being assertive and being aggressive in our communication.
• Expressing anger constructively involves being clear about our feelings without resorting to accusations.
• Understanding that anger is a natural emotion, and learning how to express it can improve our well-being.

Grab your FREE Flow Reformer with your 1-month free trial of the Good Movement Club HERE

Join the Crappy to Happy Club! Find out more at:

www.crappytohappy.supercast.com

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www.cassdunn.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]
www.crappytohappypod.com
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