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.

Connect with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: hello@crappytohappypod.com

www.crappytohappypod.com

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to "Beyond Happy", the subscriber only podcast featuring bonus content, meditations and more!

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

cassdunn.substack.com

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.

Service providers and solopreneurs struggling with self-doubt

Book a call with me to share your experience.

Connect with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: hello@crappytohappypod.com

www.crappytohappypod.com

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to "Beyond Happy", the subscriber only podcast featuring bonus content, meditations and more!

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

cassdunn.substack.com

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/

Connect with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: hello@crappytohappypod.com

www.crappytohappypod.com

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to "Beyond Happy", the subscriber only podcast featuring bonus content, meditations and more!

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

cassdunn.substack.com

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.

Connect with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: hello@crappytohappypod.com

www.crappytohappypod.com

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to "Beyond Happy", the subscriber only podcast featuring bonus content, meditations and more!

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

cassdunn.substack.com

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

Connect with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: hello@crappytohappypod.com

www.crappytohappypod.com

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to "Beyond Happy", the subscriber only podcast featuring bonus content, meditations and more!

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

cassdunn.substack.com

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.

Connect with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: hello@crappytohappypod.com

www.crappytohappypod.com

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to "Beyond Happy", the subscriber only podcast featuring bonus content, meditations and more!

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

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

*Audio problem now fixed! Pick up from 25min where the audio problem occurred

Jennifer 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

***********************

Connect with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: hello@crappytohappypod.com

www.crappytohappypod.com

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts

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/

Connect with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo

Contact Crappy to Happy:

Email: hello@crappytohappypod.com

www.crappytohappypod.com

www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod

www.tiktok.com/@crappytohappypod

Want more?

Upgrade to Paid in the Spotify or Apple podcasts App to get immediate access to "Beyond Happy", the subscriber only podcast featuring bonus content, meditations and more!

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

cassdunn.substack.com

2025 Cassandra Dunn