In this final solo episode of 2024, Cass reflects on the importance of recognising personal achievements over the past year, emphasising the need to focus on gains rather than gaps. She shares plans for a new subscriber version of the podcast launching in 2025, aimed at fostering community and providing more exclusive content.

Cass also shares her recent ADHD diagnosis, discussing the personal challenges associated with it, why you might question whether you have it or not, and concludes with a hopeful outlook for the upcoming year, encouraging listeners to embrace change and growth.

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This week, Cass talks with author and social researcher, Rebecca Huntley, who shares her experience of childhood trauma, traditional therapy, and how she ultimately found herself seeking MDMA therapy from an underground healer. The conversation delves into her experiences with MDMA therapy, the profound emotional shift she experienced and how as a result, for the first time, she felt safe in her body. Cass and Rebecca discuss the future of MDMA therapy in Australia as it is now an authorised treatment for PTSD, emphasising the need for proper support and preparation for those considering this therapeutic approach.

Rebecca's book, "Sassafras" is out now.

Order it HERE from Booktopia, Australia.

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In this episode, Cass discusses the challenges of people pleasing, especially during the holiday season. She explores the roots of this behaviour, including childhood experiences, personality traits, and societal expectations. Cass emphasises the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and recognising when helping others compromises your own well-being. She encourages listeners to prioritise their needs and to be honest in their relationships, asserting that saying no is not selfish but rather a necessary step towards authenticity and emotional health.

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This week, Cass is joined by Lisa Messenger and Sarah Megginson, two colleagues and friends whose lives were changed forever when Sarah offered to be a gestational surrogate for Lisa. In this episode, we discuss Lisa's gruelling six-years and 16 rounds of IVF, and the significant financial, physical, and emotional toll of infertility. The episode delves into the legal and emotional complexities of surrogacy in Australia, the vital role of hope and resilience, and the deepening of Lisa and Sarah's friendship through this profound experience. Both women stress the importance of asking for help, the power of connection, and the broader applicability of their story to anyone facing adversity.

Connect with Sarah & Lisa:

The Power of Two book at Booktopia

www.instagram.com/lisamessenger

www.instagram.com/sarahmegginsonmoney

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Imogen shares her experience of losing her mum in tragic circumstances, and the profound impact it had on her, and how co-creating the 'Good Mourning' podcast and community with her friend, Sally Douglas quite literally saved her life. In this conversation, Imogen shares what she has learned about grief from her own experience, including all the things no-one tells you, and how to support someone who has lost someone they love.

Find out more about Imogen, Sal and Good Mourning:

www.goodmourning.com.au

The breathwork healer Imogen mentioned, Rebecca Jax

Get a month's free trial of the Pause Breathwork app

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Cass responds to a listener question about how to live with uncertainty. She discusses the psychological concept of 'Intolerance of Uncertainty', its impact on mental health, particularly anxiety and worry, and explains how worry serves as a mental behaviour that provides an illusion of control but ultimately detracts from present joy. Cass emphasises the importance of understanding the physiological aspects of anxiety and offers practical strategies for managing uncertainty and worry, including mindfulness, breathing techniques, and cognitive tools.

Take the IU Scale here: https://www.phenxtoolkit.org/protocols/view/650701

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This week, Cass and Dr Anastasia Hronis delve into the complexities of dopamine, its role in pleasure and motivation, and how modern conveniences can lead to excessive dopamine activation. Anastasia is the author of 'The Dopamine Brain' and she's here to assure you that you do not need a "Dopamine Detox". Instead, she discusses the importance of finding balance between hedonic and eudaimonic pleasures, the significance of identifying personal values, and practical strategies for managing dopamine-driven behaviours. The conversation emphasises the need for meaningful alternatives to quick dopamine hits and highlights the benefits of music, movement, and social connections in enhancing well-being.

Connect with Dr Anastasia Hronis:

www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiahronis

www.instagram.com/anastasia.hronis

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Cass explores the concept of being fully committed to goals while remaining unattached to the outcomes. She discusses the balance between giving your all and not letting the results define your self-worth. Through examples and personal insights, Cass emphasises the importance of understanding commitment, non-attachment, and the role of personal values in achieving true fulfilment. The conversation also touches on spiritual concepts of ego and essence, encouraging listeners to find peace in their journey towards their goals.and

Takeaways

• It's possible to want something deeply while not needing it for your self-worth.
• Your character and values should define you, not your achievements or failures.
• Understanding what you can control helps in managing expectations and reducing anxiety.
• Surrendering control can lead to greater peace and acceptance of outcomes.
• Ego often leads to attachment and competition, while essence connects us to a greater purpose.
• Finding joy in the journey can paradoxically lead to greater success.

Connect with Cass:

www.cassdunn.com

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.