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

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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

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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.

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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

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In this special solo episode of Behind the Smile, Ash Butterss marks a huge milestone—five years of sobriety. Reflecting on her journey from rock bottom to a life beyond her wildest dreams, Ash shares the raw truth about what it really takes to break free from addiction and step into a life of clarity, peace, and purpose.

From walking into rehab convinced she’d learn to “drink like a lady” to realising she needed to create an entirely new life, Ash opens up about the lessons, struggles, and profound shifts that have shaped her over the last five years. She talks about overcoming shame, rebuilding self-trust, and learning to surrender to something bigger than herself.

If you’re navigating your own transformation, whether in sobriety or any other area of life, this episode is filled with wisdom, hope, and a powerful reminder that real change happens one small step at a time.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Celebrating Five Years of Sobriety

02:55 Reflecting on the Journey to Recovery

06:10 The Transformation of Life Post-Rehab

09:00 Understanding the Roots of Addiction

11:55 The Role of Self-Discovery in Sobriety

15:11 Building a New Life After Addiction

17:57 The Importance of Community and Support

20:55 Facing Challenges in Early Sobriety

23:45 The Shift in Perspective on Alcohol

26:48 Embracing Change and Growth

30:03 The Power of Small Steps in Recovery

32:57 Finding Freedom in Sobriety

36:12 A Message of Hope and Encouragement

The episode I referenced is called: Ep 61. Impulsivity, genetics and the science of addiction with Aaron Thomas

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

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In the latest episode of Behind the Smile, host Ash speaks with Dean Beattie, a longevity coach who’s overcome his own struggles with addiction. Having been sober for over 20+ years now, Dean shares candidly about the challenges he’s faced in recovery including healing his relationship with his family, overcoming financial fears and forming healthy intimate relationships. 

He reflects on the role of validation in his life and how he found the strength to get sober at the age of 28, ultimately transforming his life through the 12-step program and mindfulness practices. Dean also discusses the impact of grief, the role of therapy, and the significance of support systems for men. He also highlights the need for authentic connections and the benefits of holistic practices like yoga. 

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Behind the Smile: Introduction to Authenticity

05:05 Dean's Journey: From Addiction to Recovery

10:09 The Impact of Childhood on Addiction

14:52 The Role of Validation and Intimacy in Addiction

20:05 The Turning Point: Getting Sober at 28

25:08 The Transformation: Life After Recovery

29:28 Taking Ownership and Finding Peace

31:17 Navigating Grief and Loss

34:33 The Role of Therapy and Healing Modalities

37:15 Confronting Temptations and Living Authentically

40:30Making Amends and Family Dynamics

43:45 Men's Mental Health and Support Systems

46:34The Impact of Role Models on Men

48:26 Yoga: A Path to Connection and Healing

52:36 The Men's Reboot Program: A Holistic Approach

You can connect with  Dean Beattie on Instagram here or through his website here.

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

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In this week’s episode, Ash sits down with Jodi Clark, a business mentor and alcohol-free coach, to discuss her journey towards sobriety and self-discovery.

Jodi shares how it was actually a 100-day weight-loss challenge that motivated her to go alcohol free, yet after seeing the positive impact it had on her mental health and relationships, she decided to stay sober for good. In this conversation, Jodi shares her transformative journey towards sobriety, discussing the profound impact it has had on her self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Along her journey, Jodi has built a community supporting other women to go alcohol free and reflects openly on the challenges of balancing work and family life while pursuing her passion for helping others. Jodi also highlights the significance of vulnerability and authenticity in her journey, encouraging listeners to embrace their own paths to wellness.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Jodie Clark and Her Journey

02:56 Daily Life and Finding Joy in Work

06:03 Setting Intentions for the New Year

08:58 Hiding Behind a Smile: Jodie's Photo Reflection

11:59 The Impact of Alcohol on Jodie's Life

15:02 The Turning Point: A Hundred Day Challenge

17:57 The Journey to Sobriety and Self-Discovery

26:58 Transformative Journey: The Impact of Sobriety

33:12 Building Self-Esteem Through Sobriety

39:04 Creating a Supportive Community: SoberFlourish

45:05 Navigating Life's Challenges: Balancing Work and Family

51:02 Embracing Vulnerability: Lessons from the Journey

You can connect with Jodi Clark onInstagram here. Or on her Sober Flourishwebsite here.

To access your free guided meditations, head to theFreebie Page on Ash’s website.

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In this latest episode, Ash has a deep conversation with psychotherapist Alex Crouch, who shares his journey of overcoming alcoholism and the impact it had on his life. Alex discusses his childhood experiences growing up in the USSR before moving to Australia, his struggles to fit in, and how alcohol became a coping mechanism. He reflects on the consequences of his addiction, the lessons learned and the impact he now wants to make in the world. 

The conversation highlights the path to recovery, the significance of authenticity, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and healing. The conversation also delves into men's mental health, the impact of societal pressures, and the complexities of relationships and self-esteem in recovery. 

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Authentic Living

02:57 Alex's Journey Through Addiction

05:48 The Impact of Alcohol on Identity

09:06 Consequences of Alcohol Abuse

11:58 Childhood Experiences and Their Influence

14:46 Family Dynamics and Addiction

17:51 The Search for Connection

20:54 Transitioning to Adulthood and Relationships

24:11 The Illusion of Happiness

26:52 Understanding Emotional Suppression

29:50 The Path to Recovery and Healing

31:42 The Journey to Recovery Begins

39:19 Understanding the Rock Bottom Experience

46:17 Men's Mental Health Crisis

54:08 Navigating Relationships and Self-Esteem

01:00:39 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life

You can connect with Alex Crouch through his website here.

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

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In the latest episode of BTS, Ash speaks with Mel Watkins, a Psychotherapist specialising in addiction and mental health. Mel shares her personal journey of overcoming substance abuse, navigating relationships, and finding her purpose in helping others. The conversation delves into the complexities of addiction, the importance of self-care, and the impact of family dynamics on mental health. Mel's candid reflections on her past struggles and her path to sobriety provide valuable insights for anyone facing similar challenges. 

In this conversation, Mel shares her journey from working in the heavy party culture of events to getting sober and the profound impact that’s had on all areas of her life. She discusses the cycles of infidelity and alcoholism, the complexities of love addiction, and the importance of self-compassion and seeking specialised support in recovery. She highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and the necessity of understanding one's own needs for a fulfilling life.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Mel Watkins and Her Journey

02:59 Daily Life and Self-Care as a New Mom

05:53 Navigating Social Situations in Sobriety

09:07 Hiding Behind a Smile: Mel's Past Struggles

12:03 The Impact of Alcohol on Relationships

15:08 Realizations and Turning Points in Sobriety

18:04 The Journey to Becoming a Therapist

20:58 Childhood Experiences and Family Dynamics

23:54 The Complexity of Addiction in Family

27:03 Finding Purpose in Helping Others

37:11 Navigating Change: From Events to Mental Health Support

39:26 The Cycle of Infidelity and Alcoholism

43:42 Overcoming Infidelity: The Path to Sobriety

48:52 Understanding Love Addiction and Avoidance

56:56 Breaking the Cycle: Steps Towards Recovery

You can connect with Mel Watkins on Instagram here and through her website here.

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

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