In this latest episode, Ash sits down with Ian Cron, a bestselling author, psychotherapist, Enneagram teacher, and Episcopal priest, to explore the power of recovery, the importance of spiritual growth, and what it really means to heal from the inside out.

Ian opens up about his decades-long journey in and out of 12-step recovery, including a relapse in 2020 after many years of sobriety. He shares the turning point that brought him back to the steps, and how going through the process with fresh eyes gave him a new understanding of addiction, spirituality, and lasting transformation.

Drawing on his latest book, The Fix, Ian reframes the 12 steps as a universal design for living, offering clarity for anyone seeking to heal broken relationships with self, others, and a higher power. Ash and Ian also discuss the connection between personality, behavior, and healing, the role of the Enneagram in understanding ourselves more deeply, and why true recovery goes far beyond just giving up a substance.

This episode is a heartfelt and intellectually rich conversation about grace, growth, and spiritual freedom, whether you identify as being in recovery or not.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Ian Cron and His Journey

04:35 Daily Life and Morning Routines

07:30 Hiding Behind a Smile: The Photo Story

12:18 The Impact of the 12 Steps

18:59 The Spiritual Awakening Through the Steps

24:09 Overcoming Resistance to a Higher Power

29:10 The Journey to Self-Discovery

33:14 Understanding the Enneagram and Addiction

37:13 The Nature of Addiction and Self-Soothing

39:56 The Concept of Being a 'Dry Drunk'

43:30 Navigating Recovery and Sharing Stories

47:41 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life

You can connect with Ian Cron on Instagram here or through his website here. 

Buy The FIX on Amazon here. 

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website:

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In this episode, Ash sits down with Kate Goold, a working mum of two who recently celebrated her first year alcohol-free. Kate’s journey began with chronic physical pain and three hip replacements in four years—an ordeal that left her on crutches, in and out of hospitals, and barely able to care for her children. But what began as a decision to help her body heal physically sparked something much deeper: a complete emotional and spiritual transformation.

Kate shares her experience with chronic pain, debilitating depression, and self-medicating, all while trying to maintain the appearance of having it together. She opens up about the turning point that led her to quit drinking, the unexpected grief and growth that came with that choice, and the clarity she’s found in sobriety.

Now 18 months into her alcohol-free journey, Kate is showing up for herself and her family in a way she never thought possible. She reflects on identity, boundaries, motherhood, and what it means to truly come home to yourself. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible and even one small decision can lead to a million changes.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Authenticity and Sobriety

03:03 Kate's Journey to Sobriety

06:09 Daily Life and New Routines

09:07 Transformative Fitness and Mental Health

12:08 The Role of Forgiveness and Discipline

14:49 Hiding Behind a Smile: The Struggles of Depression

18:02 Self-Medicating and the Impact of Pain

20:57 Turning Point: The Decision to Quit Drinking

23:58 Preparation for Sobriety

26:55 Reflections on Alcohol and Confidence

34:10 Navigating Sugar Cravings and Caffeine Choices

35:36 The Journey of Alcohol Abstinence

36:35 Building a New Life Without Alcohol

37:48 The Importance of Community Support

38:53 Facing Social Situations Sober

40:31 Realizing the Lifelong Commitment to Sobriety

41:31 Embracing New Experiences and Overcoming FOMO

43:08 Learning from Mistakes and Staying Vigilant

44:32 The Evolution of Friendships

46:29 Finding Deeper Connections

47:59 The Impact of Sobriety on Parenting

49:27 Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

51:25 The Role of Mental Health in Sobriety

53:00 Cherishing Everyday Moments

54:33 Advice for Those Considering Sobriety

56:06 The Journey of Self-Respect and Boundaries

You can connect with Kate Goold on Instagram here.

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website: ⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠

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In this week’s episode, Ash sits down with Andrew Campbell, founder of Hush Property and a respected figure in Melbourne’s high-end real estate market. Known for selling luxury homes with discretion and heart, Andrew shares a side of himself few ever see—the man behind the polished exterior, and the deeply personal journey that shaped him.

Andrew opens up about losing his father at age 22, growing up with a mother living with bipolar disorder, and how work became both a coping mechanism and an addiction. From battling insecurities and being bullied at school to navigating grief, divorce, financial setbacks, and public criticism, Andrew reflects on the moments that brought him to his knees and the mindset shifts that helped him stand back up.

Now 50, and entering what he calls his “second act,” Andrew shares how cold immersion, gut health, affirmations, inner child work, and spiritual practices have helped him redefine what success truly means. This is a powerful story of vulnerability, fatherhood, and the quiet transformation that happens when someone decides to stop performing and start living.

The episode highlights are:

04:31 Daily Life and Holistic Wellbeing

07:12 Hiding Behind a Smile: Andrew's Struggles

13:00 Childhood Reflections: The Fat Boy Struggle

15:14 Family Dynamics: Growing Up with Mental Illness

18:03 The Impact of Grief: Losing a Father at 22

22:07 Navigating Young Adulthood: Partying and Loss

25:23 Coping with Mental Illness in the Family

27:24 Career Transition: From Personal Trainer to Real Estate

27:43 From Business Setbacks to Real Estate Success

30:05 The Drive for Success and Competitive Spirit

31:14 Overcoming Financial Struggles and Criticism

34:49 Navigating Criticism and Embracing Change

36:30 The Power of Self-Talk and Mindset

38:11 Health Practices: Cold Water, Sauna, and Gut Health

41:34 The Importance of Following Your Intuition

44:41 Reality TV: A New Challenge and Branding Opportunity

49:24 Personal Growth and Comfort in One's Skin

52:50 Looking Ahead: Family and Presence Over Material Success

55:03 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life

You can connect with Andrew Campbell on his Instagram or through the Hush website. 

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website ⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠

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In this powerful episode, Ash sits down with Katharine McLean, a holistic counselor, trauma-informed mentor, and founder of The Light Becomes Her. With over 23 years of experience guiding others through healing, Katharine shares her deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and inner transformation.

After decades of high-functioning alcohol use and hidden drug addiction, Katharine hit rock bottom while leading mental health teams by day and battling inner chaos by night. 

In this conversation, Ash and Katharine dive into the root causes of addiction, childhood trauma, and the disconnection from self that fuels destructive behaviors. Katharine opens up about how she used inner child work, subconscious reprogramming, and spiritual practices to rebuild her identity from the inside out.

This is an intimate and enlightening conversation about healing the nervous system, rewiring belief systems, and stepping into a life of authenticity, service, and grace. If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible beyond addiction, this episode will leave you inspired.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Katharine McLean

03:05 Katharine's Daily Life and Practices

05:54 Overcoming Barriers to Ecstatic Dance

08:59 Hiding Behind a Smile: Katharine's Photo Story

14:55 The Reality of Addiction: Functioning Alcoholism

20:00 Childhood Experiences and Their Impact

28:02 Seeking Approval and Relationship Patterns

31:00 The Role of Inner Child Work in Healing

38:16 The Illusion of Quick Fixes

41:46 Meditation as a Tool for Transformation

45:46 The Breaking Point: A Journey to Sobriety

52:30 From Recovery to Empowerment: Building a Business

56:29 Emotional Regulation: The Mind-Body Connection

01:01:35 Navigating Business and Personal Growth

01:06:36 The Power of Choice in Recovery

You can connect with Katharine McLean on her Instagram or through her website. 

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website ⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠

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In this deeply personal episode, Ash sits down with her dad, Rod Butterss, a seasoned entrepreneur, former AFL club president, and long-time member of the recovery community.

Together, they reflect on life in recovery, the reality of relapse, cultivating self-awareness, and what it means to truly reinvent yourself at any stage of life.

Rod opens up about his recent relapse after more than a decade of sobriety and the humility and courage it took to come back and start again. With honesty and warmth, he shares stories from his life, including his busy childhood in a household of 12, navigating trauma, addiction, enormous success, financial loss, and rebuilding with purpose.

Ash and Rod explore the emotional landscape of identity, love, intimacy, and grief, and how Rod is using this chapter of his life to reflect, heal, and deepen his spiritual practices. They also discuss his ambitious new venture in biotechnology and why he's more committed than ever to living in alignment and being of service.

This is a story about second chances, self-reflection, and the power of choosing to grow through what you go through.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Transformation and Recovery

02:59 The Importance of Family Bonds

05:49 Navigating Recovery and Self-Education

08:56 Public Perception vs. Personal Struggles

11:59 The Role of Vulnerability in Recovery

15:01 Understanding Relapse and Its Impact

18:06 Exploring Childhood Trauma and Relationships

20:54 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance

23:56 The Power of Intuition and Energy

26:50 Grief, Masculinity, and Emotional Expression

31:07 Navigating Grief and Coping Strategies

34:30 Resilience and Life's Unexpected Turns

39:20 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Generosity

45:32 Taking Steps Towards Change and Recovery

49:03 Understanding Choices and Personal Growth

55:51 Facing Addiction and Seeking Help

You can connect with Rod Butterss on his Linkedin.

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠⁠⁠

Follow and connect with Ash on: 

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In this latest episode, Ash sits down with beauty corporate executive and fitness instructor Niki Kiskiras. Beyond her career achievements, Niki shares her deeply personal journey of self-discovery, overcoming societal expectations, and reclaiming her independence after ending her marriage in her late 20s.

Coming from a traditional Greek-Australian background, Niki opens up about the immense shame and fear she faced when making the decision to leave her marriage, a life path she had followed because it was what was “expected.” She reflects on the pressure to present a perfect life while internally feeling lost, the guilt of disappointing her family, and the reality of choosing herself despite cultural norms and external judgment.

Ash and Niki explore how fitness became a powerful tool for self-liberation, how her relationships evolved post-divorce, and why she ultimately stepped into a life of authenticity, personal growth, and fearless reinvention. They also discuss Nikki’s decision to freeze her eggs as an act of self-empowerment, navigating grief in unexpected moments, and what it means to truly invest in oneself.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Transformation and Authenticity

02:52 Niki's Journey: From Corporate to Fitness Instructor

06:05 The Impact of Family and Cultural Background

08:57 Navigating Life's Challenges and Personal Growth

12:08 Hiding Behind a Smile: The Wedding Photo Story

14:57 The Decision to Separate: Fear and Shame

17:54 Finding Authenticity and Purpose

21:02 The Role of Fitness in Personal Transformation

23:45 Living Consciously: The Relationship with Alcohol

31:05 Navigating Personal Growth and Friendships

36:01 The Journey of Egg Freezing

42:30 Understanding Relationship Needs

52:24 The Reality Behind Social Media

57:31 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life

You can connect with Niki Kiskiras on her fitness page Instagram.

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠⁠

Follow and connect with Ash on: 

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In this episode, Ash sits down with Alcohol and Midlife Coach, Belinda Stark, who shows that it’s never too late to transform your life after making her own significant changes in her mid-50s. After running a successful fashion business for over a decade, Belinda made the bold decision to change careers, inspired by her own journey of overcoming depression, breast cancer, divorce, and a complex relationship with alcohol.

Belinda shares her personal struggles, including postnatal depression and hospitalisation after the birth of her second son, the moment she realised alcohol was no longer serving her, and how she finally found the courage to step into sobriety. She reflects on the tools that helped her along the way, the challenges of reprogramming deep-seated beliefs, and the incredible shifts she has experienced in her relationships, self-esteem, and overall happiness.

Ash and Belinda also discuss the importance of self-compassion, navigating midlife reinvention, and why it’s never too late to make a change.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Transformation and Resilience

02:39 Belinda Stark: A Journey of Courage

08:28 Hiding Behind the Smile: The Struggles Within

18:02 Childhood Influences and Early Habits

22:50 The Turning Point: Acknowledging Alcoholism

26:36 Facing Breast Cancer: A Life-Altering Diagnosis

30:09 Overcoming Health Challenges

33:08 The Role of Mindset in Recovery

35:16 The Journey to Sobriety Begins

39:39 Tapering vs. Cold Turkey: Finding What Works

40:59 Navigating Social Situations Sober

47:27 Tools for Sustaining Sobriety

49:02 Transforming Relationships Through Sobriety

53:44 Empowering Change in Midlife

55:53 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life

You can connect with Belinda Stark on Instagram or through her website. 

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website ⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠

Follow and connect with Ash on: 

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In this latest episode, Ash has a deep and powerful conversation with Ryan Trainor, exploring his transformative journey from a successful entrepreneur to a more authentic and balanced human.

They discuss the importance of curiosity, connection, and the need to let go of control in life. Ryan shares his experiences with mental health, the pressures of success, and the impact of childhood on his quest for relevance. The conversation also touches on the use of psychedelics for personal growth and the empowerment that comes from taking responsibility for your relationships and experiences.

Ash and Ryan explore the constructs of reality, the importance of community and connection, and the journey of personal growth through challenges. They discuss the need for open conversations, the impact of facing rock bottom, and the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Transformation and Authenticity

01:47 Ryan Treanor's Entrepreneurial Journey and Wake-Up Call

03:06 Curiosity and Connection in Life

09:13 Letting Go of Control and Embracing Faith

11:24 Hiding Behind a Smile: The Cost of Success

18:15 Childhood Influences and the Quest for Relevance

24:39 Empowerment Through Responsibility and Relationships

27:19 Exploring Psychedelics and Personal Growth

32:04 The Constructs of Reality

34:06 Defining Our Avatars

36:25 The Need for Connection

37:51 Navigating Community and Authenticity

40:13 The Power of Open Conversations

44:20 Facing Rock Bottom

49:32 Meditation and Mindfulness

53:25 Shifting Desires and Values

57:16 Creating Meaningful Memories

01:00:14 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life

You can connect with Ryan Trainor on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Listen to Ash and her dad’s episode on Trainable here.

To access your⁠⁠⁠ free guided meditations⁠⁠⁠, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website

Follow and connect with Ash on: 

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In this episode, Ash welcomes back a friend of the show, Kath Elliott, an alcohol mindset coach now entering her sixth year of sobriety. Kath returns to share openly about her recent experience of navigating divorce in sobriety. 

Kath discusses the fears that held her back, and how she ultimately made the decision to choose herself. Ash and Kath go on to discuss the emotional rollercoaster of grief, self-discovery, and learning to sit with discomfort, and how Kath found clarity through sobriety. 

The ladies also explore dating sober, redefining wealth beyond finances, and the power of stepping into life’s unknowns with courage. If you’ve ever questioned whether staying is harder than leaving, or if you’re afraid of what’s on the other side of a massive life transition—this episode is for you.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Welcome Back: A Familiar Face

03:08 Navigating Life Changes: Grief and Divorce

05:55 The Decision to Separate: A Journey of Intuition

08:49 The Impact of Sobriety on Relationships

11:57 Children and Separation: A Delicate Balance

14:52 Redefining Success: Lessons from Marriage

18:02 Embracing the Unknown: The Power of Self-Love

20:52 Facing Fears: Financial and Emotional Challenges

24:09 The Journey of Dating Sober

26:54 Wealth Beyond Money: Redefining Abundance

30:06 Looking Ahead: Love and New Beginnings

33:08 Non-Negotiables for an Authentic Life

You can connect with Kath Elliot on Instagram or through her website.

To access your⁠⁠ free guided meditations⁠⁠, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website

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In this episode of Behind the Smile, Ash is joined by former reality TV star Davey Lloyd, who you might recognise from shows including The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise. Now a builder living in Sydney, Davey opens up about his struggles with addiction which took him to the brink of death after overdosing in 2023. 

In this candid conversation, Davey shares his harrowing journey through addiction, a life-threatening seizure, and the path he is now on in recovery. He reflects on the moments that led to his near-death experience, the emotional turmoil that followed, and the transformative power of rehabilitation. Davey discusses the importance of self-discovery, the challenges of maintaining sobriety, and his commitment to helping others facing similar struggles. 

This interview is as raw and unfiltered as it gets. 

The episode highlights include:

03:02 Valentine's Day Reflections and Sobriety

06:04 Daily Life and Struggles with Motivation

08:57 Understanding Addiction and Mental Health

11:58 The Impact of Childhood on Adult Behavior

14:49 The Burden of Shame and Guilt

18:05 Living Amends and Personal Growth

21:02 The Slow Process of Recovery

23:46 Learning to Connect Authentically

27:09 The Reality of Hair Loss and Substance Abuse

28:58 The Overdose Experience and Its Aftermath

32:31 The Turning Point: A Life-Altering Experience

39:06 Confronting Addiction: The Aftermath of a Seizure

48:35 Rehabilitation: A Journey of Self-Discovery

55:08 Finding Balance: Life After Rehab

01:01:15 Looking Ahead: Writing a Memoir and Advocacy

You can connect with Davey Lloyd on Instagram here. 

To access your⁠ free guided meditations⁠, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website

Follow and connect with Ash on: 

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