But Are You Happy?

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.