But Are You Happy?

4.6 (34)
Mental Health

Join Ashani Dante and Clinical Psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis as they give you the no-bullsh*t self-development and mental health information you really need. Because no, another personality quiz won’t fix you.

2d ago

Why Group Chats Feel So Exhausting (And What To Do About It)

You know that feeling when you open your group chat and there are 287 unread messages... so you immediately close it again? Whether you're the ghost who never replies, the lurker silently catching up on conversations, or the friend who feels guilty every time they leave someone on read, you're not alone. Group chats were supposed to make us feel more connected, so why do they leave so many of us feeling overwhelmed instead? In this episode of But Are You Happy?, host Ashani Dante is joined by Milly Rose Bannister, award-winning founder of the youth mental health charity ALLKND, to unpack the hidden psychology behind group chat overwhelm and why staying connected can sometimes feel like another item on your to-do list. Together, they explore why our brains aren't built for constant digital communication, the fear of social rejection that keeps us checking our notifications, and the emotional labour involved in reading tone, self-editing and trying to keep everyone happy. The conversation also explores why women often carry the invisible mental load of staying socially connected, how digital communication can fuel overthinking and social anxiety, and why conflict is so much harder to navigate over text than it is face-to-face. Millie shares practical strategies for setting healthier boundaries with group chats, communicating your needs without guilt, and creating friendships that prioritise genuine connection over constant availability. Finally, they discuss why the healthiest group chats aren't necessarily the busiest ones—and why making new memories together offline might be the secret to stronger relationships. Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Watch But Are You Happy on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. CREDITS: Guest: Milly Rose Bannister Host: Ashani Dante Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio and Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4d ago · Bonus

Your Bladder Has Been Trying To Get Your Attention

Missed your weekly dose of health news? In What The Health, GP Dr Ginni Mansberg and comedian Cath Mahoney are unpacking the stories everyone’s talking about—from why HRT patches are still hard to find and what alternatives are finally arriving, to the simple strength training “sweet spot” linked to a longer, healthier life. They’re also getting to the bottom of a viral TikTok trend: can testosterone cream really give you better skin, or is it a recipe for breakouts and unwanted hair? In Are You Well?, Dr Ginni reveals how much water women actually need, why dehydration can leave you feeling flat and foggy, and the warning signs of pre-diabetes that many people miss. And in Asking for a Friend, she answers your real-life questions—from spotting with Mirena to unexpected odours and whether perimenopausal brain fog is normal or something more serious. GET IN TOUCH Leave us an 'Asking for a Friend' voice note here. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. Support independent women’s media and get our biggest offer of the year. Subscribe here for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30. CREDITS Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Cath Mahoney Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Executive Producer: Simone Skinner-Smith Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Social Producers: Elly Moore & Marlena Cacciotti Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on. Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10 · Video

How To Stop Overthinking What People Think Of You

Have you ever replayed a conversation over and over in your head, convinced someone was criticising you? Or spiralled after your boss said, "Can we have a chat?" only to discover it was nothing at all? The truth is, our brains are wired to take things personally. But that doesn't mean every awkward interaction, delayed reply or offhand comment is actually about you. In this episode of But Are You Happy?, host Ashani Dante is joined by clinical psychologist Anita Shimmins to unpack why we take things so personally, where those reactions come from, and how we can stop letting them control our relationships and self-worth. Together, they explore why our brains interpret social rejection as a threat to our survival, how childhood experiences, attachment styles and past trauma shape the stories we tell ourselves, and why social media makes it even harder to separate fact from fiction. The conversation also explores why criticism hurts so much, how to tell the difference between what actually happened and the meaning you've attached to it, and why taking something personally isn't always a bad thing. Anita shares a simple four-step exercise to help you challenge your assumptions in the moment, along with practical strategies for having difficult conversations, setting healthy boundaries and communicating your needs with confidence. Because sometimes the most important shift isn't changing what other people say—it's changing the story your brain tells you about it. Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Watch But Are You Happy on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. CREDITS: Guest: Anita Shimmins Host: Ashani Dante Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio and Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 3 · Video

What First Nations People Know About Wellbeing That We Don't

Have you ever wondered why modern life can leave us feeling so disconnected, even when we're doing everything we're told should make us feel well? This NAIDOC Week, But Are You Happy? explores a different way of understanding mental health — one grounded in connection, community and relationships rather than simply treating illness. In this episode, host Ashani Dante is joined by proud Gamilaraay man, psychologist and Director of First Nations Strategy at the Black Dog Institute, Dr Clinton Schultz. Together, they unpack what First Nations perspectives on social and emotional wellbeing can teach all of us about living healthier, more connected lives. Clinton shares his own extraordinary journey from childhood trauma and addiction to becoming one of Australia's leading voices on First Nations mental health. He explains why Aboriginal concepts of wellbeing begin with relationships — to ourselves, to each other, to Country and to community — and why those connections have been central to keeping First Nations peoples strong for tens of thousands of years. The conversation also explores the often unseen impact of racism on mental health, why repeated experiences of discrimination don't leave people enough time to heal, the unique challenges facing young First Nations people today, and what it truly means to be an ally. Finally, Clinton shares why connection to Country remains one of the strongest protective factors for wellbeing, and the lessons all Australians can take from First Nations ways of healing, belonging and caring for one another. Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Watch But Are You Happy on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. CREDITS: Guest: Dr Clinton Schultz Host: Ashani Dante Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio and Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 26 · Video

Why You Don't Trust Anyone Anymore (And How To Change That)

You’ve probably heard the advice to "trust your gut." But what happens when your gut missed something that broke your heart? Whether you've been cheated on, lied to, blindsided by someone you loved, or simply had your trust shaken, rebuilding it can feel impossible. Not just trust in other people, but trust in yourself. In this episode of But Are You Happy?, host Ashani Dante is joined once again by clinical psychotherapist Sarah Bays to unpack what trust actually is, why betrayal can completely dismantle our sense of safety, and how we begin putting ourselves back together afterwards. Together, they explore why rebuilding trust isn't about pretending you'll never get hurt again, but learning to believe you'll survive if you do. Sarah explains the difference between trusting others and trusting yourself, why rushing to forgive can sometimes delay healing, and how to tell the difference between genuine remorse and empty apologies. They also unpack the role our childhood plays in shaping how we trust, the hidden ways past pain sabotages new relationships, and why overprotecting yourself can end up costing you the connection you're searching for. The conversation also explores why your nervous system often knows more than your conscious mind, how curiosity is more powerful than self-blame after betrayal, and the importance of accepting uncertainty rather than trying to eliminate it. Finally, Sarah shares practical strategies for rebuilding confidence in your instincts, navigating forgiveness without abandoning your boundaries, and learning to stay open to love without losing yourself. Support independent women’s media and get our biggest offer of the year. Subscribe here for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30. Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Watch But Are You Happy on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. CREDITS: Guest: Sarah Bays Host: Ashani Dante Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio and Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 19 · Video

How To Fight Back Against Hustle Culture, High Cortisol and Burnout

You’ll want to send this episode to your friends who are perpetually exhausted, overcommitted, or anyone whose version of "rest" is actually just deep scrolling on the couch while their mind continues to run at 100 miles an hour. Did you know that sleep doesn't automatically equal recovery? Or have you noticed that after a supposedly lazy weekend, you sometimes wake up on Monday morning feeling more depleted than you did on Friday night? In this episode of But Are You Happy?, host Ashani Dante sits down with clinical psychologist, speaker, and mental health consultant Shuktika Bose to explore why modern rest no longer feels restorative. We go beyond the superficial self-care trends to uncover the psychological gap between simply stopping your body and actually switching off your brain. Together, they discuss why your nervous system keeps draining your battery like 40 background apps running on a phone, even when you are physically lying still. They break down the seven distinct types of rest, revealing why sleeping won't fix your exhaustion if you're actually lacking sensory, mental, or emotional downtime. Shuktika exposes the "earned rest" trap, examining how our culture has conditioned us to view a break as a reward for good behavior rather than a basic biological requirement. Finally, they confront the uncomfortable nature of stillness itself, and why stopping our frantic schedules can feel deeply threatening by forcing us to face the messy emotions we've been running from. The conversation also explores the heavy mental load carried by women juggling unpaid labor, challenging the toxic assumptions of hustle culture and offering small, realistic micro-habits—like the 90-second transition ritual—to help your body safely complete the stress cycle and find genuine peace. Support independent women’s media and get our biggest offer of the year. Subscribe here for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30. Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Watch But Are You Happy on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. CREDITS: Guest: Shuktika Bose Host: Ashani Dante Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio and Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 12 · Video

The 'Understanding Depression' Episode Everyone Should Listen To

You’ll want to send this episode to every friend who casually drops the phrase "I'm so depressed" when they're just having a bad day, or anyone trying to figure out where normal sadness ends and something much heavier begins. Have you noticed how casually we throw around major mental health terms over coffee, accidentally minimizing a condition that deeply impacts both the brain and the body? In this episode of But Are You Happy?, host Ashani Dante sits down with clinical psychologist Julie Chapman to explore the complex reality of depression. We go beyond the casual slang to uncover what it truly means. Together, they discuss the danger of casual language and why confusing ordinary sadness with a clinical episode does a disservice to both. Julie breaks down why depression looks completely different from the outside depending on who is experiencing it, meaning those closest to you might only ever see the tiniest cracks. They look at how a major life shift, like a relationship breakdown or having children, can shatter the protective people-pleasing structures keeping our underlying pain at bay, while confronting the physical reality of mental illness to dismantle the myth that we are just heads on sticks. The conversation also explores the relationship between our minds and bodies, challenging common assumptions about what a depressive episode looks like and offering practical insights into recognising a system failure before the spiral takes over. Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Watch But Are You Happy on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. CREDITS: Guest: Julie Chapman Host: Ashani Dante Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio and Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 5 · Video

Catching Feelings In Your Situationship? We Got You.

Are you being "breadcrumbed" (do you even know what 'breadcrumbing" is?). Are you trapped in a loop of romantic ambiguity, where you're getting just enough intimacy to stay hooked, but left staring at your phone wondering if you're even allowed to call them when you're having a bad day? In this episode of But Are You Happy, host Ashani Dante talks with clinical psychotherapist Sarah Bays to pull back the curtain on the confusing world of situationships. We’re moving beyond the surface level to explore the psychological tightrope of living in relational limbo, unpacking why we consistently compromise our own needs just to avoid the terrifying discomfort of real vulnerability. Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Watch But Are You Happy on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. CREDITS: Host: Ashani Dante Guest: Sarah Bays Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio and Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See All (100)

Australia's #1 podcast for women is where inquisitive minds come for great conversation — with an occasional side serve of chaos. Covering news, pop culture, and big ideas, plus the small stuff that matters, Mamamia Out Loud features a rotating panel of hosts, including Mia Freedman, Jessie Stephens, Holly Wainwright, Clare Stephens, Amelia Lester, and Em Vernem. It's your daily dose of conversation that feels like catching up with your funniest and sharpest friends in the group chat. It’s conversation at its most addictive.

4.6 (240)

Society & Culture
Riveting stories. Fascinating lives. Australia’s #1 interview podcast, with Kate Langbroek.

3.8 (206)

Society & Culture
Butter, the erotic series where female pleasure comes first.

3.4 (5)

Sexuality
Foreign Policy editor Amelia Lester reassures her Australian friend Mia Freedman that despite a bankrupt, washed up reality star with a criminal record leading the free world things might be... fine.

3.6 (50)

News

View Subscription FAQs

Ashani Dante

Host
Sarah Bays

Guest
Ben Vasilou

Guest
Anita Shimmins

Guest
Millie Rose Bannister

Guest

4.6

out of 5

34 Ratings

Thoughtful & thought provoking.

05/06/2023

BroBrooklyn

Claire makes guest feel comfortable and in a space they are able to open up & share their experiences & reflections. She is an amazing listener and wonderfully thoughtful interviewer.
Loving it

04/24/2023

clare.lo.ash

Really enjoying this podcast so far!! So refreshing to hear some very candid conversations that manage to be light and funny without the toxic positivity. Thank you!!
Another Earnest American fan

04/12/2023

Andre Bears

All I want to say is I love The Twins AND I appreciate both of your very talented selves keeping me entertained on almost a daily basis. Every Mamamia podcast makes me think I like that particular host best, this podcast is no different. The first episode was so insightful, raw, and honest, can’t wait to hear more from you Claire! (No I did not retype this 9 times to not sound like a complete simp).
A true journalist

04/06/2023

Daliasoles

I’m an American who somehow stumbled upon Clare and Jessie’s other podcast so I of course raced to listen to this new podcast by Clare and I have to say that it did not disappoint! Clare, I could listen to you and your friends talk all day long. You keep the content entertaining even to someone who has no idea who these people are!! Congrats on your new podcast. You have a lifelong fan in me -Dalia

Join Ashani Dante and Clinical Psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis as they give you the no-bullsh*t self-development and mental health information you really need. Because no, another personality quiz won’t fix you.