Does the idea of a networking event make your stomach do backflips while your friends seem to thrive in the chaos? 

In this season finale of But Are You Happy, host Ashani Dante and clinical psychologist Dr. Anastasia Hronis pull back the curtain on our social personalities. We’re moving beyond the simple labels to find out where you actually sit on the spectrum and why "summer social season" can feel so different for everyone.

You'll also learn: 

• The five major personality traits and how extroversion fits in
• Why the "chaotic middle" might be exactly where you land
• The clinical red flags to look out for
• Why walking a banana on a leash (yes, really) is a legitimate way to overcome the fear of being judged

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. 

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!

We’re giving away a Your Reformer Pilates bed (worth $3,400) Subscribe here to enter. 

CREDITS:

Hosts: Ashani Dante & Dr Anastasia Hronis

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever looked at a fandom, wellness community, or online movement and thought… this feels a little culty?

In this episode of But Are You Happy, host Ashani Dante and clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis unpack why the word cult gets thrown around so easily and what actually separates cults from fandoms like Swifties, Beliebers, or other high-devotion communities.

You’ll also learn:

• What a cult actually is (and why there’s no single definition)

• Why charismatic leaders hold so much power

• How belonging, meaning, and identity make people vulnerable to high-demand groups

• What “cult-like” red flags to look out for, including isolation, fear, shame, and groupthink

• Why it can be so hard to leave a cult, even when doubts creep in

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. 

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!

We’re giving away a Your Reformer Pilates bed (worth $3,400) Subscribe here to enter. 

CREDITS:

Hosts: Ashani Dante & Dr Anastasia Hronis

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Tina Matolov

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly the one listening, supporting, and showing up for others, until one day you hit a wall and think, I can't do this anymore? 

In this episode of But Are You Happy, host Ashani Dante and clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis unpack empathy fatigue; why being the “strong,” supportive one can leave you emotionally drained, and how to tell the difference between compassion and burnout.

You’ll also learn:

• What empathy fatigue actually is (and why it’s more common than you think)

• How constant emotional labour impacts your mental health

• Why setting boundaries doesn’t make you selfish

• Practical ways to protect your energy while still caring about others

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. 

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!

We’re giving away a Your Reformer Pilates bed (worth $3,400) Subscribe here to enter. 

CREDITS:

Hosts: Ashani Dante & Dr Anastasia Hronis

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Tina Matolov

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating family and friends you might not agree with can be… a lot.

It’s the season of parties, BBQs, long lunches, and gatherings you may have been voluntold to attend, and with that often comes complicated family dynamics and people you might have very mixed feelings about seeing. 

In this episode of But Are You Happy, clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis and co-host Ashani Dante share practical tools for navigating difficult conversations, setting boundaries, and showing up in a way that feels better for you this season.

You’ll also learn:

• Why family comments can hit such a big nerve
• Why we fall back into old family roles so easily
• How to avoid erupting in difficult conversations
• What topics are safe to talk about with someone who has different politics

Watch the podcast on YouTube here.  

And if you’re looking for more to listen to - every Mamamia podcast is curating your summer listening right across our network from pop culture to beauty to powerful interviews, there’s something for everyone. Listen here: https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/

Subscribe to be in the running to WIN THE ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY: Royal Caribbean Cruise Giveaway! Click here for more information

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. 

Help us understand how you're looking after your mental health. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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: Tina Matolov

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money, money, money. Spending on gifts, travel, food, and everything else feels almost unavoidable around the holiday periods. But what about the stress and panic that hits every time you open Apple Pay or tap your card at the checkout?

In this episode of But Are You Happy, clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis and co-host Ashani Dante unpack the financial pressures of the holidays. They’ll also share practical ways to shift your focus from consumption to connection, helping you enjoy the season without the overwhelm.

You’ll also learn:

• Why we feel pressured to “keep up” with peers when it comes to generosity and gift-giving

• The psychology of money and how your upbringing shapes your financial mindset

• Real examples of how money influences attitudes and behaviour

• How to avoid FOMO and set healthy limits around your spending

Watch the podcast on YouTube here.  

And if you’re looking for more to listen to - every Mamamia podcast is curating your summer listening right across our network from pop culture to beauty to powerful interviews, there’s something for everyone. Listen here: https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/

Subscribe to be in the running to WIN THE ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY: Royal Caribbean Cruise Giveaway! Click here for more information

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. 

Help us understand how you're looking after your mental health. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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: Tina Matolov

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We want to have some honest conversations to support you through events where alcohol is present and maybe even invite you to consider a sober-curious 2026.

In this episode of But Are You Happy, clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis and co-host Ashani Dante explore the psychology of alcohol: why social drinking becomes such a big part of the holidays, and how you can approach this time of year more mindfully.

You’ll also learn:

• How alcohol affects the brain and the body
• How alcohol impacts men and women differently
• The social psychology of drinking and why it feels hard not to
• What a sober curious lifestyle looks like

Watch the podcast on YouTube here.  

And if you’re looking for more to listen to - every Mamamia podcast is curating your summer listening right across our network from pop culture to beauty to powerful interviews, there’s something for everyone. Listen here: https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/

Subscribe to be in the running to WIN THE ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY: Royal Caribbean Cruise Giveaway! Click here for more information

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. 

Help us understand how you're looking after your mental health. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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: Tina Matolov

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thought bullies would disappear after high school? Turns out, those people grow older, but don’t always grow up. Now they’re the ones causing trouble at work, in social circles, and even at events. Unfortunately, bullying in adulthood is far more common than many of us realise.

In this episode of But Are You Happy, clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis and co-host Ashani Dante break down why adult bullying happens and share practical strategies for dealing with it. 

You’ll also learn:

• Why people bully, and who tends to be their targets
• How people who are being bullied are impacted
• What the bystander effect is 
• How to reclaim your voice after experiencing bullying

Watch the podcast on YouTube here.  

Subscribe to be in the running to WIN THE ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY: Royal Caribbean Cruise Giveaway! Click here for more information

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. 

Help us understand how you're looking after your mental health. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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: Tina Matolov

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you experienced grief? Most of us have. We often think of grief as something we feel when someone passes away, and that’s true, but we also grieve friendships that fade, jobs we lose, or opportunities that slip away. 

So is there really a “right” or “wrong” way to grieve? We’re not so sure. What we do know is that grief brings a whole mix of emotions, along with pressure to “move on” or “accept” before we’re ready. But grief is a process, not a deadline.

In this episode of But Are You Happy, clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis and co-host Ashani Dante explore grief in all its forms, and what healthy versus unhealthy grieving can look like.

You’ll also learn:

• What the 5 stages of grief are and why they matter
• Why your grieving process is unique to you
• How to grieve in a healthy way
• What closure looks like and whether finding it is helpful

Watch the podcast on YouTube here.  

Subscribe to be in the running to WIN THE ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY: Royal Caribbean Cruise Giveaway! Click here for more information

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. 

Help us understand how you're looking after your mental health. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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: Tina Matolov

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever caught yourself doing 10 other things around the house instead of locking in and focusing on the one task or goal you really need to complete? 

In this episode of But Are You Happy, clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis and co-host Ashani Dante talk all about that relatable thing of procrastination. Anastasia breaks down what's really going on in the brain when we put things off and why it happens in the first place.

You’ll also learn:

• The difference between productive and perfectionist procrastination

• How to adapt your environment to become more productive
• How to start building more momentum
• Why it's important to be kind to your inner critic when setting important goals

Watch the podcast on YouTube here.  

Subscribe to be in the running to WIN THE ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY: Royal Caribbean Cruise Giveaway! Click here for more information

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. 

Help us understand how you're looking after your mental health. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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: Tina Matolov

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you think you might have OCD and are wondering whether you need a diagnosis? Or do you already know you’re living with it and feel frustrated by the myths, stereotypes, and misunderstandings that surround it?

In this episode of But Are You Happy, clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis breaks down what OCD actually is, how it shows up in everyday life, and the evidence-based treatments that can genuinely help.

You’ll also learn:

• The different types of obsessive themes that can occur with OCD

• How intrusive thoughts and compulsions operate and impact daily life

• What to do if you think you might have OCD

• How clinical psychologists use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in therapy

Watch the podcast on YouTube here. 

Subscribe to be in the running to WIN THE ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY: Royal Caribbean Cruise Giveaway! Click here for more information 

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. 

Help us understand how you're looking after your mental health. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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: Tina Matolov

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you someone who just can’t put your phone down?

In this episode of But Are You Happy, clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis explores how constant phone use can affect both our mental and physical well-being—and what we can do to build healthier habits.

You'll also learn:

• Why our phones are designed to be so addictive
• Whether social media is helping us connect or pulling us further apart
• Simple ways to cut back on screen time
• How to pause the doom-scrolling cycle

Family tech agreements: eSafety website resource.

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. 

Help us understand how you're looking after your mental health. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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: Tina Matolov

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.