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

Follow and connect with Ash on: 

⁠Instagram⁠ 

⁠TikTok ⁠

⁠Facebook 

Website⁠