Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss

By Ashleigh Butterss

In a world full of social media promoting "perfect lives", many of us are afraid to show our true authentic selves. The good, the bad and the ugly. Behind the Smile with Ash Butterss is a podcast that... more

5

2929 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss:

How many episodes does Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss have?

The podcast currently has 134 episodes available.

Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss episodes:

February 04, 2024 Ep 84. The Other Side of Mental Health and Addiction, with Joe Fishburn
In this week’s episode, I sat down with Joe Fishburn, a psychiatric mental health nurse with extensive experience working in hospital systems, community response teams, ED and primary health care settings.
Joe talks about the undercurrent of stigma faced by those experiencing mental health challenges and the impact developmental trauma has on the development of complex personality disorders. Joe shared his thoughts on how we can support children in their early years to prevent complex mental health disorders arising and why divorce doesn’t need to have a negative impact on families.
We also discussed the increase in ADHD diagnoses, and the challenges faced in receiving treatment.
To round things out, Joe reaffirmed the importance of lived experiences in care provision, and the power of peer support.
In this conversation we touch on:
Joe's Role at First Step - 2:58
Legal Support - 11:34
The Stigma Around Mental Illnesses - 19:18
Nature vs. Nurture - 23:59
Neurodiversity - 27:53
ADHD - 32:18
Medication during Addiction Recovery - 34:24
The Impact of Mental Illness and Addiction on Families - 51:46
You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠⁠@ashbutterss⁠
Head to ⁠⁠⁠ashbutterss.com/behind-the-smile-podcast ⁠⁠⁠for the show notes.
You can find more about First Step here: https://www.firststep.org.au/
If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:
• A healthcare professional
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)
• CheckPoint (global)
If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST ⁠⁠
...more
1h 2min
January 28, 2024Ep 83. Building an Empire while in the Grips of Addiction, with Christina Galbato
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Christina Galbato, a dynamic entrepreneur and the brains behind 'Create Her Empire.' She opens up about her journey from a secret alcohol addiction to embracing life in sobriety.
Christina shares how her addiction resulted in both mental and physical health problems, affected her relationships, and damaged her self-esteem. Despite achieving huge success in her career, she was fighting a secret battle, all the while hiding behind a smile.
Today, at almost three years sober, Christina is priortising her personal development and is committed to her recovery more than ever before.
We spoke about a range of topics including:
Drinking Habits - 7:30

Keeping Up Appearances - 11:15

It Works Until it Doesn't Anymore - 18:19

Endless Cycle - 23:54

Bargaining with Yourself - 26:18

The First 90 Days - 29:32

Moving and Growing - 39:15

Staying on the Path - 41:51

Dating in Sobriety - 44:01

Sobriety Comes First - 53:02

You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠@ashbutterss
Head to ⁠⁠ashbutterss.com/behind-the-smile-podcast ⁠⁠for the show notes.
You can find Christina Galbato using the links below:
Website: https://christinagalbato.com/
Instagram: @christinagalbato, @createherempire

If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:
• A healthcare professional
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)
• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below:⁠⁠ ⁠YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST ⁠
...more
57min
January 21, 2024Ep 82. Unmasking Bipolar, with Sara Schley
In this episode, I talk to Sara Schley, an organizational consultant, spiritual leader, author, entrepreneur and bipolar human, about her journey with Bipolar II. Sara speaks about her experiences with cognitive dysfunction, her late diagnosis (25 years later), and the importance of the correct medications in the successful management of bipolar disorder. Sara also shares how medical misdiagnoses can lead to further complications. Drawing on personal experience and research, the conversation delves into some prominent triggers for bipolar disorder and the importance of overall health management. Sara also shares some key takeaways including her Emergency Mental Health Team (EMHT) system and advises on measures for supporting someone living with bipolar.

In this conversation we discuss:
Living with a Bipolar Brain - 2:55

The Spiral - 9:56

Misdiagnosis - 17:30

Feeling Like Yourself Again - 21:50

The Power of Advocacy in Mental Health - 26:54

Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II - 29:51

Stigma Kills - 34:56

Understanding Triggers - 41:54

The Importance of Support Networks in Mental Health - 50:16

Self-Care - 53:45

You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠@ashbutterss ⁠
Head to ⁠ashbutterss.com/behind-the-smile-podcast ⁠for the show notes.

You can find Sara Schley using the links below:
Website: https://saraschley.com/
Book: Brainstorm: From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum

If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:
• A healthcare professional
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)
• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below:⁠ ⁠YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:
• A healthcare professional
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)
• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below:⁠ ⁠YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST
...more
58min
January 14, 2024Ep 81. Addressing the Stigma of Porn Addiction, with Jeremy Lipkowitz
In this episode, I'm joined by Jeremy Lipkowitz, a meditation teacher, coach, and porn addiction recovery expert. Jeremy shares his personal recovery story and emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and self-compassion in overcoming addiction.
He talks about the harmful effects porn can have on mental health, relationships, and self-esteem, as well as the broader implications of the porn industry.
Jeremy discusses his approach to recovery, which involves understanding the neurological aspects of addiction, cultivating healthy habits, and creating supportive communities. He stresses the importance of treating oneself as a friend in the healing journey and how shame can impede recovery.
Despite the stigma associated with porn addiction, Jeremy encourages open conversation around it and urges those struggling to treat these issues as obstacles on the path to a fulfilling life.

We touched on a range of interesting topics, including:
How Addiction Works - 5:45

The Benefits of Meditation Retreats - 9:16

Escapism - 18:20

The Impact of Porn on Perception and Intimacy - 27:25

The Novelty Trap - 30:32

What Defines a Porn Addict? - 34:18

The Role of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion in Recovery - 45:52

Learning How to be Your Own Best Friend - 52:56
You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠@ashbutterss
Head to ⁠ashbutterss.com/behind-the-smile-podcast ⁠for the show notes.
You can find Jeremy Lipkowitz using the links below:
Instagram: @jeremylipkowitz
Podcast: Unhooked: Breaking Porn Addiction

If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:
• A healthcare professional
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)
• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below:⁠ ⁠YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST
...more
59min
January 07, 2024Ep 80. How Nutrition Can Heal Your Relationship with Alcohol, with Dr. Brooke Scheller
In this week’s episode I sat down with Doctor of Nutrition and Author, Dr. Brooke Scheller. Dr. Scheller is on a mission to help people heal their relationship with alcohol through nutrition, and her new book How to Eat to Change How You Drink is full of helpful tips and information to support anyone looking to change their drinking habits.
In this conversation, Dr. Scheller discusses the role of nutrition in mental health and how nutrients can impact mood and the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin. She explains how alcohol depletes key nutrients and can contribute to anxiety and depression.
We discuss the role of supplements such as B vitamins, amino acids, and magnesium to support alcohol recovery, along with exploring the negative effects of alcohol on sleep and the cravings for carbs and sugar that often follow disrupted sleep.
Finally, we talk about the importance of community in sobriety and Dr. Scheller shares her three non-negotiables for a happy, joyous, and free life: community, self-development, and wellness.
Some of the key points we cover include:
Hiding Behind a Smile – 8:30

A Family Disease – 15:00

How Nutrition Helps Us Heal in Recovery – 19:00

The Different Drinking Archetypes – 29:00

Making A Choice Before You Can’t – 34:12

Sugar Cravings in Sobriety – 35:30

The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health – 40:50

Supplements to Support Alcohol Recovery – 43:00

Alcohol's Impact on Sleep and Cravings – 47:27

The Importance of Community in Sobriety – 52:00

You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: @ashbutterss
Head to ashbutterss.com/behind-the-smile-podcast for the show notes.

You can find Brooke using the links below:
Instagram: @drbrookescheller
Website: www.functionalsobriety.com
Book: How to Eat to Change How You Drink

If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:
• A healthcare professional
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)
• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below: ⁠YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST
...more
1h 4min
December 31, 2023Ep 79. Why NY Resolutions Rarely Stick and What to Try Instead with Psychotherapist Diane Young
To kick off the New Year, I’m sitting down with Trauma and Addiction Specialist Diane Young to discuss all things New Year’s Resolutions!
In this conversation we explore the concept of setting intentions instead of New Year's resolutions and the benefits of taking small steps towards change. The conversation delves into the differences between heavy drinkers and grey area drinkers and the continuum of drinking behaviour. It also addresses the connection between childhood trauma and eating disorders, as well as the role of boundaries in relationships.
Some of the ideas we cover include:
Increased Awareness of Mental Health – 4:23

Setting Intentions Instead of New Year's Resolutions – 6:15

Taking Small Steps Towards Change – 8:45

Differentiating Heavy Drinkers and Grey Area Drinkers – 10:32

Understanding Heavy Drinkers and Grey Area Drinkers – 15:03

The Benefits of Alcohol-Free Challenges –21:00

The Impact of Alcohol on Mental Health – 24:06

The Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Eating Disorders – 28:28

Setting Intentions for Food and Body Image – 31:44

Healing Childhood Trauma and Filling the Inner Void – 37:50

The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Body Image – 39:07

The Importance of Boundaries in Relationships – 41:36

The Power of Self-Care and Self-First – 45:02

Setting Intentions for the New Year – 50:47
You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: @ashbutterss
You can find Diane using the links below:
@dianeyoungandassociates
Diane Young Website
If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:
• A healthcare professional
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)
• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below: YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST
...more
54min
December 27, 2023 Ep 78. SOLO EP: 36 Life Lessons that have made a huge impact on my world!
It’s my birthday this week and I’m turning 36, so to celebrate I wanted to give you all a gift! In this week’s solo episode, I’m sharing with you all my 36 game changing lessons that have made a huge impact on my life!
These lessons span across all facets of the human experience including relationships, mindset, career and health. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Behind the Smile episode without discussing recovery, but these lessons are really applicable to anyone wanting to expand their mind and step into the very best version of themselves.
As this is also the final episode for 2023, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for you continued support for the show this year. Let’s continue to normalise the conversation around mental health, trauma and addiction, because when we recover loudly, no one need suffer in silence.
Until next time.

You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠@ashbutterss ⁠
Head to ⁠ashbutterss.com/behind-the-smile-podcast⁠ for the episode show notes.
Get your⁠ free guided meditations ⁠with Ash Butterss!

If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:
• A healthcare professional
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)
• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below: ⁠⁠YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST ⁠
...more
1h 15min
December 17, 2023Ep 77. Losing your identity and ignoring red flags, with Isabella Ferguson
In this week’s episode I sat down with registered counsellor, alcohol coach and podcast host Isabella Ferguson.
Bella identifies as having been a “grey-area” drinker throughout her 20-year drinking career, which came to an abrupt halt in February 2020 after entering a rehab facility.
Today, Bella’s life couldn’t look more different. She’s left her former industry of law and is now a corporate wellness speaker as well as heading up a busy counselling practice focusing on helping people address their relationship with alcohol and regain balance in their lives.
In this conversation we covered a range of topics including:
Stress Reduction – 2:00

Hiding Behind a Smile – 9:23

The Need to Fit In – 15:30

Corporate Drinking Culture – 24:20

The Flashing Red Drinking Zone – 31:30

The Opportunity to Start Again – 42:30

Finding Your Voice – 50:00

Sober Rock Bottoms – 53:00

Non-Negotiables – 55:15

Check out Bella’s Behind The Smile photo on Ash’s website here.
You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: @ashbutterss

You can find Bella using the links below:
Instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella
Website: Isabella Ferguson
Podcast: Not Drinking Today
Podcast: De-Stress For Success with Isabella Ferguson
Book: Drink by Anne Dowsett Johnston

If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:
• A healthcare professional
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)
• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below: YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST
...more
59min
December 11, 2023Ep 76. Overcoming anxiety and social phobia with Meg Webb
In this week’s episode I sat down with Sober Coach, Teacher’s Aide and mum of three, Megan Webb.
From early childhood, Meg experienced crippling anxiety and by the age of 17, she’d developed a social phobia. Made worse by alcohol, Meg fell into a terrible cycle of self-medication which only fuelled her crippling mental health condition.
After years of unsuccessfully trying to manage her drinking, Meg knew she needed to make a change. She felt unfulfilled and knew deep down that there was so much more to life. This is what led to Meg making the decision to quit drinking for the final time on the 31st of December 2021.
In this conversation we covered a range of topics including:
Detoxing from alcohol – 2:17

Hiding Behind a Smile – 8:50

Anxiety and Social Phobia – 16:55

Managing Alcohol and Relationships – 27:33

Drinking away the pain – 33:00

The turning point – 35:00

Life Changes and Spiritual Connection – 41:12

The Importance of Kindness and Understanding – 44:36

Check out Meg’s Behind The Smile photo on Ash’s website here.
You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: @ashbutterss
You can find Meg using the links below:
Instagram: @glassfulfilled
Website: Glass Fulfilled
Podcast: Not Drinking Today

If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:
• A healthcare professional
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)
• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below: YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST
...more
50min
December 03, 2023Ep 75. From Soccer Mum to Jailhouse Shot Caller: The Many Lives of Lara Love Hardin
In this week’s episode I sat down with New York Times Best Selling Author, Prison Reform Advocate and mother of four, Lara Love Hardin.
Lara’s recently released memoir, The Many Lives of Mama Love, recounts her slide from soccer mum, to opioid addict, to jailhouse shot caller and her unlikely comeback to becoming a highly successful ghost writer and published author.
Lara’s journey from shame to redemption is now inspiring others as she works to help previously incarcerated women rebuild their lives.
We spoke on a range of topics including:
Secrets make you sick – 5:30

Self-medicating with prescription pills – 10:37

The moment Lara’s life changed forever – 19:00

Losing the power of choice – 24:30

Shedding the shame – 30:00

Surviving an impossible system – 35:30

You can check out Lara's Behind the Smile photo here at www.ashbutterss.com
You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: @ashbutterss

You can find Lara using the links below:
Instagram: @laralovehardin
Website: Lara Love Hardin
www.thegemmaproject.org

If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:
• A healthcare professional
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)
• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below: ⁠YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST
...more
52min

FAQs about Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss:

How many episodes does Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss have?

The podcast currently has 134 episodes available.

More shows like Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss

The Melissa Ambrosini Show by Melissa Ambrosini

The Melissa Ambrosini Show

949 Listeners

This Naked Mind Podcast by Annie Grace

This Naked Mind Podcast

2,581 Listeners

Addiction Unlimited Podcast by Angela Pugh

Addiction Unlimited Podcast

499 Listeners

Soberful by Veronica Valli & Chip Somers

Soberful

467 Listeners

A Sober Girls Guide Podcast by A Sober Girls Guide

A Sober Girls Guide Podcast

437 Listeners

Alcohol Free Life - Janey Lee Grace by Janey Lee Grace

Alcohol Free Life - Janey Lee Grace

126 Listeners

Over The Influence: The Alcohol Free Podcast by Over The Influence

Over The Influence: The Alcohol Free Podcast

91 Listeners

The Hello Someday Podcast For Sober Curious Women by Casey McGuire Davidson

The Hello Someday Podcast For Sober Curious Women

693 Listeners

Sober Powered: The Neuroscience of Being Sober by Gillian Tietz, MS, CPRC

Sober Powered: The Neuroscience of Being Sober

1,201 Listeners

How I quit alcohol by Danni Carr

How I quit alcohol

192 Listeners

Sober Awkward by soberawkward

Sober Awkward

354 Listeners

Sober Stories from Everyday People by sassysobermum

Sober Stories from Everyday People

67 Listeners

2 Sober Girls Podcast by Erinn + Michaela

2 Sober Girls Podcast

193 Listeners

Happiest Sober Podcast by Madeline Forrest

Happiest Sober Podcast

207 Listeners

Soberly Speaking by Julia Rangiheuea

Soberly Speaking

13 Listeners