Belly Laughs and Brutal Honesty

2025 — the year of shedding, showing up, and saying it all out loud.

In this Season One finale, I look back on the highs, lows, and everything-in-between moments that made this year one for the books. From bingo card wins to behind-the-mic breakthroughs, I share what I let go of, what I learned, and what I’m taking into 2026.

There’s reflection, a few tears, plenty of laughs — and a sneaky thank-you Easter egg for the OG listeners who’ve been here since day one.

Laughing. Crying. Trying.BLBH returns Feb 2026.

00:40 Reflecting on the Past Year

02:56 Embracing the Lunar New Year

04:36 Personal Growth and Achievements

06:47 Sharing My Story on a Podcast

11:28 2025 Bingo Card Review

19:59 Looking Forward to 2026

24:55 Wrapping Up Season One

Part 1 - Behind the Smile with Ash Butterss and Gabby Williamson

Part 2 - Behind the Smile with Ash Butterss and Gabby Williamson

Healing isn’t linear. Shame can’t survive being spoken. And sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is tell the truth — even through tears.

This unfiltered solo episode was recorded mid–vulnerability hangover — the messy, shame-filled aftermath of sharing my recovery story out loud. No intro, no polish, just truth. If you’ve ever felt the ache of “have I said too much?”, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I talk about:

• The crash that can follow deep vulnerability (aka the vulnerability hangover)

• How shame and gratitude can co-exist

• Why telling our truth, even shakily, matters

• The fine line between protecting others and honouring ourselves and the heartache that can bring

• How connection, service, and honesty are saving my life — one day at a time

If this brings anything up for you, please know you’re not alone. There are people who get it, and help is always available.

Resources Mentioned

If you or someone you love needs support, please reach out to:

• Lifeline — 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au

• Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au

• DirectLine (Victoria) — 1800 888 236 | directline.org.au

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) — aa.org.au

• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) — na.org.au

Today I chat about how I broke up with my skinny jeans (yes, finally!) and discovered the wide-leg life is comfier than I ever imagined. Plus: the Big Brother application fail, the cockatoos hell-bent on destroying my garden dreams, and the reality of being totally codependent with my cat, Alfie.

This one’s for anyone stepping out of their comfort zone — or just here to laugh at mine.

Episode Guide:
00:38 Gab's Life Update and Podcast Schedule
02:08 A Day at Chadstone Shopping Center
04:23 Therapy Insights and Personal Growth
07:18 Breaking the Skinny Jeans Habit
12:33 Big Brother 2026 and Cat Tales
19:39 Upcoming Episode Teaser and Conclusion

ICYMI: This episode is worth a listen if you’re navigating sobriety, big feelings, or social situations without alcohol or drugs.

From sober joy and safe people to late periods and life panic — this one’s got elation, ovary chaos and a lot of big feelings.

I recorded this right after a recovery wedding where I laughed so hard my face hurt. No booze, no awkwardness, just full-body joy. And then… I spiral. A late period sends me head-first into hormones, grief, perimenopause panic and all the “what ifs” around motherhood and timing.

Big feelings, big love, and no filters. You’ve been warned.

Mentioned:

• Recovery joy & safe sober celebration

• The shame we still carry around periods

• Learning to live with (and not panic about) perimenopause

• Grieving the family I thought I’d have — and still loving the life I’ve got

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Belly Laughs and Brutal Honesty
00:38 A Sober Celebration
02:25 The Joy of Sober Living
05:39 Breaking Stigmas Around Addiction
08:09 Navigating Perimenopause and Hormonal Changes
11:33 Reflections on Motherhood and Life Choices
16:07 Conclusion and Gratitude

This week, I’m talking about the p-word (podfade — don’t panic, we’re fine), why I’m half-seriously thinking about applying for Big Brother 2026, and how my inner 90s kid still calls the shots.

Expect plenty of nostalgia, sliding doors moments, reality TV life lessons, and a shameless love letter to the analog phones and questionable RnB tracks that soundtracked my childhood.

Mentioned:

• The reality TV contestant who proved kindness can win

• Sliding doors moments that change your path

• 90s pop culture memories that shaped a generation

If you grew up without social media, lived through the golden age of reality TV, or have ever wondered “Could I survive a reality show?”, you’ll feel right at home here.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Belly Laughs and Brutal Honesty
00:38 Overcoming Podfade and Staying Consistent
02:46 Nostalgia Trip: Big Brother and the Early 2000s
05:54 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
11:30 The Joy of Nostalgia and Childhood Memories
15:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This one got a little heavier than planned, but sometimes that’s what voice journaling is for.
In this episode, I talk through therapy decisions, pausing my ADHD diagnosis and a moment of raw grief over a photo from my brother’s wedding. I also get real about weight, clothing sizes, and the shame I’ve carried about my body - even in recovery. It’s emotional. It’s honest. And it's always a reminder that there is hope.

00:00 – Introduction and Trigger Warning

00:38 – Welcome to the Podcast

01:17 – Creative Funk and Self-Discovery

02:12 – Vocabulary and Reading

06:42 – Therapy and Mental Health

13:29 – Body Image and Self-Esteem

17:09 – Conclusion and Gratitude

18:18 – Wrap-Up

Mentioned

He Would Never by Holly Wainwright: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QhiVb5PtBiHArfBlGRc3K

Facing Codependency by Pia Mellody: https://www.booktopia.com.au/facing-codependence-pia-mellody/book/9780062505897.html

Dr. Daniel Amen – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc_amen/

No Bad Parts: The Internal Family SystemsPodcast with Dr. Richard Schwartz: https://www.internalfamilysystems.com/podcast

Support Resources

Butterfly Foundation: https://butterfly.org.au/

Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

This one’s a little different — a reflective drop straight from the heart. Just me, a memory, and a game of Uno that turned into a full-blown identity crisis (and breakthrough).

In this bonus ep, I’m sharing the chaotic, hilarious, and unexpectedly healing origin story of how Belly Laughs & Brutal Honesty got its name — from a hospital lounge full of rehab patients to the first time I felt real joy… and real truth. It’s about belly laughs that made me cry. Brutal honesty that saved my life. And why those two things still keep me sane today.

If you’ve ever tried to control a card game in a mental health ward or thought being “honest” meant just being blunt — this one’s for you.

00:00 – A different kind of episode — and why I’m sharing this now
00:40 – The backstory: where the name came from
01:35 – Enter: belly laughs (and Uno chaos)
02:11 – Rehab, egos, and the game that cracked me open
05:40 – Brutal honesty and learning to tell myself the truth
08:33 – What still keeps me sane, grounded, and growing

You’re not alone. If this brings up anything for you, please reach out:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 — ⁠lifeline.org.au⁠

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 — ⁠beyondblue.org.au

In this second episode, Gab reflects on the positive feedback and surprising stats from the podcast's first week, including international listeners and touching messages. She discusses her reluctance to appear on video due to body image concerns, her efforts to reduce screen and call time, and the ongoing journey of self-acceptance. Gab also shares humorous insights into navigating adulthood and personal growth, especially regarding mental health topics like C-PTSD and ADHD.

00:00 - Welcome to Belly Laughs and Brutal Honesty

00:39 - Reflecting on Podcast Beginnings

01:47 - Listener Feedback and Personal Connections

04:36 - Family Reactions and Emotional Moments

06:41 - Weekly Accountability Check-In

09:39 - Body Image and Self-Acceptance

13:01 - Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

You’re not alone. If this brings up anything for you, please reach out:

Well here we go! I’m Gab — 40‑something, single, three‑years sober, and still wondering when adulthood was meant to start. In this first episode, I unpack life before sobriety, the turning point that got me here, and why I’m finally hitting record on these voice journals I’ve been rambling into my phone for years. It’s real, unfiltered, and just the beginning of figuring out how to actually do this adult life thing.

00:00 - Introduction and Purpose

01:48 - The Journey Begins

01:59 - Not Just Another Sobriety Podcast

05:09 - Personal Story and Background

06:37 - Life in Recovery

10:00 - Future Topics and Exploration

12:07 - Conclusion

You’re not alone. If this brings up anything for you, please reach out:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 — lifeline.org.au

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 — beyondblue.org.au