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.

Beyond Confident is an online, small group coaching program that helps you to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome and cultivate unshakeable self-confidence.

Register to hear when enrolments open:

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to bonus content, meditations and more!

To get invitations to live calls and chats with Cass, join via Spotify or Substack:

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]

www.crappytohappypod.com

Socials

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Find out how to work with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Subscribe to Cass's "Eternal Optimist" Newsletter

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Couples Therapist, Tarah Kerwin opens up about how her past trauma affected her relationship with her husband EJ, also a therapist. Despite their professional expertise, they both realised they needed to address their personal issues to save their marriage and build a thriving partnership.

Cass and Tarah discuss the importance of self-awareness, emotional safety, understanding the impact of early attachment wounds and building compassionate communication skills. This episode will offer hope to anyone going through relationship difficulties that healing is possible, and that with the right tools, your relationship can be stronger than ever.

Takeaways:

• Past traumas often act as triggers in present relationships but with self-awareness, they can be powerful catalysts for growth.
• Even if one partner is less willing to work on the issues, there is great value in having individual therapy around relationships.
• No-one is taught how to communicate intimacy needs but this is a skill that can be learned.
• Even the most fractured relationships can be restored and rebuilt to be stronger than ever if both people are willing to do the work.

Connect with Tarah and learn about her Relationship Renovation program:

www.relationshiprenovation.com

Resources mentioned in this episode:

https://www.tarabrach.com/rain/

For more episodes on relationships, go to the playlist:

https://feeds.captivate.fm/crappy-to-happy/better-relationships/

Beyond Confident is an online, small group coaching program that helps you to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome and cultivate unshakeable self-confidence.

Register to hear when enrolments open:

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to bonus content, meditations and more!

To get invitations to live calls and chats with Cass, join via Spotify or Substack:

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]

www.crappytohappypod.com

Socials

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Find out how to work with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Subscribe to Cass's "Eternal Optimist" Newsletter

https://cassdunn.substack.com

2025 Cassandra Dunn

As adults, we don't often put ourselves in the position of being a novice. In this episode, I'm sharing why I've gone back to basics in my professional life, and the uncomfortable truth that despite years of experience, stepping back into a learner's role can trigger our ego by forcing us to confront our poor practices.

Through my experiences, I highlight the importance of intellectual humility and the courage to unlearn old patterns in order to grow and stay relevant. Embracing the discomfort of being a beginner not only supports personal growth, mental agility and psychological flexibility but it enhances our cognitive abilities and keeps our passion for learning alive.

I also share an incredible study highlighting the impact on our cognitive wellbeing from continuing to learn new skills as we age.

Takeaways:

• Embracing the beginner's mindset is essential for continuous growth in our professional lives.
• Experiencing discomfort when learning new skills can lead to significant personal and professional development.
• Our ego often hinders us from acknowledging our need to learn and grow, especially as experts.
• Humility in accepting feedback and criticism is crucial for maintaining relevance in our careers.

Beyond Confident is an online, small group coaching program that helps you to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome and cultivate unshakeable self-confidence.

Register to hear when enrolments open:

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to bonus content, meditations and more!

To get invitations to live calls and chats with Cass, join via Spotify or Substack:

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]

www.crappytohappypod.com

Socials

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Find out how to work with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Subscribe to Cass's "Eternal Optimist" Newsletter

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Understanding the critical role of hormone therapy is essential for women at every stage of life, not just those who are navigating the complexities of menopause and beyond.

In my second conversation with Dr. Louise Newson, we discuss how to know if your hormone levels are low, whether it's possible to take too high a dose, and also the potential consequences of not replacing your lost hormones as you get older, such as increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and even dementia.

We dive into the difference between hormonal contraceptives and bio-identical hormones, and why even young women could benefit from targeted hormone therapy.

Many women are still unaware of the profound benefits hormone therapy can offer so in this episode we aim to shed light on this topic and empower women to advocate for their health.

Takeaways:

• Hormone therapy is not just for menopause and can offer significant benefits to younger women suffering from hormonal imbalances.
• HRT is crucial for peri-and menopausal women to balance hormones and reduce the risk of various health issues such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
• Understanding the difference between hormonal contraceptives and bio-identical hormones is vital for informed health decisions.
• Many women still believe misconceptions about HRT, which can lead to unnecessary suffering and health risks.
• Listening to women's symptoms and experiences is essential in addressing their health needs effectively.
• The risks associated with not taking hormones often outweigh the fears surrounding hormone replacement therapy.
• Natural hormones may be more beneficial than synthetic options, and women should advocate for their health choices.

Listen to Part 1 with Dr Louise Newson here:

https://www.crappytohappypod.com/dispelling-myths-about-menopause-and-hrt-with-dr-louise-newson-part-1/

Connect with Dr Louise Newson

www.drlouisenewson.co.uk

www.instagram.com/menopause_doctor

Beyond Confident is an online, small group coaching program that helps you to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome and cultivate unshakeable self-confidence.

Register to hear when enrolments open:

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to bonus content, meditations and more!

To get invitations to live calls and chats with Cass, join via Spotify or Substack:

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]

www.crappytohappypod.com

Socials

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Find out how to work with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Subscribe to Cass's "Eternal Optimist" Newsletter

https://cassdunn.substack.com

This week, we are kicking off a new 8-part series in the Beyond Happy subscriber-only podcast, focused on how to build self-trust so you can stop second guessing and start living freely and authentically, knowing you've got your own back.

This first episode is available for all Crappy to Happy listeners and focuses on what it means to cultivate self-trust and why so many of us struggle with it.

Self-trust is the belief in your own abilities, judgments, and decisions, as well as the inner assurance that you can handle whatever challenges life throws your way.

In this episode, I'm sharing how a lack of self-trust can manifest in your daily life, from second guessing your decisions, doubting your own value, watering down your personality or opinions, deferring to others to make decisions, and overthinking just about everything. Self trust is not just about making the right choices or never making a mistake; it's about knowing that you don't have to be perfect and you've got your own back.

I highlight the consequences of lacking self-trust, such as decision fatigue, anxiety, burnout, inauthentic relationships, and feeling disconnected from your power and purpose.

My aim with this series is to empower you to recognise your own worth and begin the journey of rebuilding self-trust, setting the stage for the upcoming series of episodes that will provide tools and strategies for this essential work.

Takeaways:

• Building self-trust involves believing in your abilities, judgments, and decisions, even when mistakes happen.
• Self-trust is crucial for decision-making; it allows us to move forward without excessive second-guessing ourselves.
• Recognising past experiences that eroded self-trust helps us understand current patterns of self-doubt.
• Overcoming the fear of judgment is essential to express ourselves authentically and regain self-trust.

Get access to the full 8-episode series by upgrading to paid in Spotify or Apple or subscribe at https://substack.cassdunn.com

***Register to hear more about Beyond Confident and be first to know when enrolments open***

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]

www.crappytohappypod.com

Socials

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Find out how to work with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Subscribe to Cass's "Eternal Optimist" Newsletter

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Dr. Louise Newson is a physician, hormone specialist and one of the world's leading voices in transforming menopause care. We discuss the misconceptions about menopause and hormone treatment, the benefits that HRT can provide even for women without overt symptoms, and how it can play a significant role in maintaining long-term health.

Dr Louise highlights that hormonal changes affect every cell in our bodies, leading to surprising symptoms that women may not initially connect to their hormonal shifts. We explore the lesser-known effects of menopause that are frequently overlooked.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a vital, but often misunderstood topic for women navigating the confusing journey of perimenopause and menopause. Dr Louise answers all my questions.

Takeaways:

• Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to a wide range of symptoms beyond hot flushes.
• It's crucial for women to understand that many common symptoms are often misattributed and could be linked to hormonal changes.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can significantly improve quality of life by alleviating symptoms and reducing long-term health risks.
• Many women remain unaware of the benefits of HRT, even if they don't have obvious symptoms, making education vital.
• Testosterone plays an extremely important role in women's health, affecting mood, energy, and cognitive function.
• Despite the benefits and advancements in understanding HRT, misconceptions and fears still prevent many women from receiving appropriate treatment.

Connect with Dr Louise Newson

www.drlouisenewson.co.uk

www.instagram.com/menopause_doctor

Beyond Confident is an online, small group coaching program that helps you to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome and cultivate unshakeable self-confidence.

Register to hear when enrolments open:

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to bonus content, meditations and more!

To get invitations to live calls and chats with Cass, join via Spotify or Substack:

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]

www.crappytohappypod.com

Socials

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Find out how to work with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Subscribe to Cass's "Eternal Optimist" Newsletter

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Your feedback is important!

To receive a FREE subscription to Beyond Happy, the subscriber only podcast and community, please take a minute to fill in our listener survey so we can keep making the show the best it can be.

Note: Updated link (this is a Google form where your email address is optional).

https://forms.gle/tmmuaKgn82c8TKjZA

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 affirming the qualities and aspirations that align with your ideal self, leads to enhanced satisfaction and personal growth for both you and your partner.

Whether you’re in a romantic relationship or nurturing close friendships, this episode is all about fostering connections that bring out the best in both you and those you care about.

Takeaways:

• The Michelangelo phenomenon highlights how those closest to you can help reveal your best self, promoting personal growth.
• Affirmation from a partner can help to chip away at self-doubt, allowing you to express your truest self.
• It's important to assess if your relationships support your growth or hold you back based on outdated perceptions.
• Being a supportive partner means affirming strengths and aspirations, not imposing our own ideals on others.
• Personal growth is often viewed as an individual pursuit, but relationships can significantly enhance this journey.
• To foster healthy relationships, we should communicate our personal goals and encourage each other’s growth.

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 studying neuroscience, emphasising the importance of curiosity and personal exploration over societal expectations.

We discuss how these tiny experiments can help us redefine success, allowing for growth without the pressure of rigid outcomes. Prepare to rethink your approach to goals and discover how to cultivate a more enriching and curious existence.

Takeaways:

• The concept of linear goals is often misleading, as achieving them doesn't guarantee happiness.
• Tiny experiments encourage us to embrace uncertainty and explore personal growth opportunities.
• Instead of pursuing rigid ambitions, we should focus on curiosity and experimentation in our lives.
• Learning in public allows us to connect with others and enhances our personal growth journey.

Connect with Anne-Laure:

www.nesslabs.com

Buy 'Tiny Experiments: How to live freely in a goal obsessed world".

Beyond Confident is an online, small group coaching program that helps you to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome and cultivate unshakeable self-confidence.

Register to hear when enrolments open:

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to bonus content, meditations and more!

To get invitations to live calls and chats with Cass, join via Spotify or Substack:

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]

www.crappytohappypod.com

Socials

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Find out how to work with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Subscribe to Cass's "Eternal Optimist" Newsletter

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Your feedback is important!

To receive a FREE subscription to Beyond Happy, the subscriber only podcast and community, please take a minute to fill in our listener survey so we can keep making the show the best it can be.

Note: Updated link (this is a Google form where your email address is optional).

https://forms.gle/tmmuaKgn82c8TKjZA

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 with those pressures and the stories we're tell ourselves that are contributing to our chronic stress.

We’ll discuss the signs of burnout, the different forms it can take, and how it can manifest not just in our jobs, but in roles like parenting and caregiving. Tune in to reflect on your own unhelpful patterns, and to consider how you might take proactive steps to help you manage stress better and nurture your well-being.

Takeaways:

• Burnout is a consequence of unresolved stress, resulting in feelings of exhaustion and detachment.
• It's crucial to recognise the personal traits that may contribute to chronic stress and burnout.
• Perfectionism, people-pleasing, imposter syndrome and undiagnosed neurodivergence can significantly increase your risk of burnout.
• Understanding your own limits and setting realistic expectations can help prevent the downward spiral into burnout.

Beyond Confident opening in July. Register to hear when enrolments open:

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Beyond Confident is an online, small group coaching program that helps you to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome and cultivate unshakeable self-confidence.

Register to hear when enrolments open:

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to bonus content, meditations and more!

To get invitations to live calls and chats with Cass, join via Spotify or Substack:

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]

www.crappytohappypod.com

Socials

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Find out how to work with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Subscribe to Cass's "Eternal Optimist" Newsletter

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Your feedback is important!

To receive a FREE subscription to Beyond Happy, the subscriber only podcast and community, please take a minute to fill in our listener survey so we can keep making the show the best it can be.

Note: Updated link (this is a Google form where your email address is optional).

https://forms.gle/tmmuaKgn82c8TKjZA

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 recognising when our emotional needs aren’t being met.

I share insights on how to navigate those tough conversations that can feel daunting but are essential for connection. Ultimately, we discuss the deeper emotional issues behind surface-level complaints and how reconnecting with a shared vision for the future can reignite the spark in a relationship.

So, if you're feeling a bit lost or disconnected, this episode just might offer some helpful perspectives.

Takeaways:

• Feeling disconnected in relationships is a common theme that many women experience, especially in long-term partnerships, and it's important to address this.
• To improve your relationship, it's crucial to understand your own emotional patterns and responsibilities without self-judgement or blame.
• Effective communication requires clarity about what you want to achieve from difficult conversations, focusing on positive intentions rather than complaints.
• Deep emotional needs often underlie surface complaints about behaviour; recognising and expressing these needs is essential for resolving relationship issues.

You might also want to check out these episodes:

Cracking the Code on Relationships with Dr Sue Johnson, founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples

https://www.crappytohappypod.com/cracking-the-code-on-relationships-with-dr-sue-johnson/

The Key to Successful Relationships with Dr Ann Kelley

https://www.crappytohappypod.com/the-key-to-successful-relationships-with-dr-ann-kelley/

Beyond Confident is an online, small group coaching program that helps you to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome and cultivate unshakeable self-confidence.

Register to hear when enrolments open:

www.cassdunn.com/beyond-confident

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to bonus content, meditations and more!

To get invitations to live calls and chats with Cass, join via Spotify or Substack:

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: [email protected]

www.crappytohappypod.com

Socials

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Find out how to work with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Subscribe to Cass's "Eternal Optimist" Newsletter

https://cassdunn.substack.com

Your feedback is important!

To receive a FREE subscription to Beyond Happy, the subscriber only podcast and community, please take a minute to fill in our listener survey so we can keep making the show the best it can be.

Note: Updated link (this is a Google form where your email address is optional).

https://forms.gle/tmmuaKgn82c8TKjZA