This week, Ash sits down with sobriety advocate, author, and entrepreneur, Ian Fee, for a conversation that challenges everything you think you know about recovery.

After 34 years of heavy drinking, Ian reached a point where he was willing to try anything to get sober. What followed was one of the most confronting decisions of his life, undergoing 10 days of radical aversion therapy designed to make alcohol physically repulsive. 

Ian shares what it was really like inside that experience, including daily alcohol-induced vomiting, sedatives and intense therapy. This was the doorway that led him to sobriety and the opportunity to rebuild his life. From losing almost everything to slowly repairing, Ian opens up about healing relationships, restoring self-respect, and learning how to live day by day without escaping himself.

Along with losing 85 pounds, Ian has formed a whole new identity and now lives a life that is full of gratitude, purpose and meaning. 

Episode chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ian Fee's Journey

06:11 The Impact of Sobriety on Daily Life

12:53 Reflections on Family and Presence

18:57 The Evolution of Drinking Habits

21:00 Turning Point: Aversion Therapy Experience

23:37 Exploring Aversion Therapy for Sobriety

26:00 The Turning Point: Realizing the Need for Change

28:31 The Shift in Relationships and Support Systems

32:02 Finding Purpose Through Storytelling

33:04 Building a Foundation for Recovery

38:12 Healing Relationships with Children

40:47 Non-Negotiables for a Happy Life

You can connect with Ian using the links below:

Website: makeitgreat.me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-fee-6391b112/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Great/100034784122106/

Link to Book: https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Ride-Sobriety-Transformation-Oblivion/dp/B0DHYR1YST/

Follow and connect with Ash on: 

⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterss

TikTok @behindthesmilewithashb

Website⁠ www.ashbutterss.com

Follow and connect with Ash on: 

⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterss

TikTok @behindthesmilewithashb

Website⁠ www.ashbutterss.com

Join Ash on retreat in 2026!

The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026 

Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026

Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here!

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