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  • In this final episode of Behind the Smile with Ash Butterss, I find myself caught between waves of emotion, from sadness to gratitude to a deep sense of excitement. They say all good things must come to an end, but within that ending lies the seeds of new beginnings.

    Throughout this journey I’ve always emphasised the importance of practicing what I preach, being guided by my intuition and leading with vulnerability. Now I’m taking my own advice, as I step into this next chapter.

    Behind the Smile has been so much more than a series of episodes; it’s been a life-changing experience. I’ve had the privilege of shining a light on taboo conversations that for so long were kept in the dark. Yet with each conversation, I believe we moved one step close to removing the stigma around mental health, trauma and addiction.

    To you, the listeners, who tuned in week after week, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your dedication and passion for the show fuelled this journey for me and made it all the more meaningful. I’m truly humbled by the messages you’ve sent and the stories you’ve shared with me.

    As I say farewell to you all, I want to remind you to continue stepping out from behind the smile and sharing your truth. Because when we recover loudly, no one need suffer in silence.

    In this episode I talk about:

    A Journey of Connection – 1:24 The Mission – 2:20 Embracing Change – 7:20 The Highlights – 9:30 Trusting Your Intuition – 14:39 How To Start a Podcast – 18:18 Listener Love – 21:32 Where to Next – 24:36

    If you’re not on my weekly newsletter list, be sure to sign up at www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources to stay connected and up to date on exciting announcements to come!

    You can follow Ash on IG here: @ashbutterss

  • This week I sat down with Lissie Turner, also known as Mel Bampton from Triple J’s ‘Mel in the Morning’ and creator of ‘Like a Version’. Now an author, speaker, founder of The Prana Project and internationally accredited senior yoga teacher and therapist, Lissie shares her profound journey from a life of prominence and partying to one of sobriety, dedicated to compassionate living, mental health, and yoga therapy.

    Lissie offers an unflinchingly honest look at her personal trials, including redefining her identity post-fame, navigating the complex responsibility of motherhood and dealing with what life throws at you.

    Lissie also shares an intimate crossroads moment and how meditation, yoga, and love allowed her to heal her relationship with her children.

    Some of the highlights from this conversation include:

    Spiritual Fitness - 3:21 A Wild Ride - 9:58 Coloring Outside the Lines - 28:09 The Path to Radio - 34:58 Refinement with Age - 41:47 Creation of ‘Like a Version’ - 44:29 Sobriety and Loss of Identity - 52:24 The Yoga Framework - 58:54 Healing Relationships - 1:04:38 “There Is Nothing Absolute, and Everything Is Relevant” - 1:13:56

    You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠⁠⁠@ashbutterss⁠

    You can find Lissie Turner using the links below:

    Instagram: @_the_prana_project and @lissieturner

    Website: https://www.thepranaproject.com/

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  • In this week’s episode, I sat down with Dr. David Wiss, a registered dietitian nutritionist who specialises in treating eating disorders and substance abuse.

    David shares his journey from hustling in the streets of West LA in the 90’s, his experience during the opioid epidemic, drug abuse and incarceration to becoming a thought leader in the intersection of nutrition and mental health. He provides insight into his work, exploring topics such as the impact of adverse childhood experiences on eating habits, the controversial concept of food addiction, and the relationship between diet culture, body positivity, and overall health.

    David also shares his inspiration to launch Wise Mind Nutrition, an app that provides evidence-based nutrition education that tracks lifestyle patterns and co-creates a customised plan to help improve overall health.

    In this conversation we talk about:

    Counterculture - 6:22 The Real David - 9:41 Childhood Influences - 11:20 The Hustle Begins - 14:05 Navigating the Opioid Epidemic - 15:40 From Supermax to Second Chances - 18:35 Nutrition In Recovery - 26:21 Food Addiction - 33:29 Cross Addiction - 41:19 Practical Advice for Nurturing Recovery Through Nutrition - 44:30 Personal Reflections - 50:36

    You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠⁠@ashbutterssYou can find Dr. David Wiss using the links below:

    Wise Mind Nutrition

    Tiktok: @wise_mind_nutrition

    Website: https://wisemindnutrition.com/

    Instagram: @wisemindnutrition

    Dr. David Wiss

    Instagram: @drdavidwiss

    Website: https://www.nutritioninrecovery.com/

    Tiktok: @drdavidwiss

    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 ⁠⁠

  • In this studio episode, I’m joined by Empowerment Specialist Laura Corcoran who is known for assisting women in boosting their energy, confidence, and magnetism. With a background in psychology, Laura merges conventional therapeutic methods with holistic healing modalities.

    Deeply rooted from her own experiences, Laura talks us through the essential practice of embracing stillness, establishing personal boundaries, articulating personal truths, and the critical role of mentorship in the journey of healing.

    She also generously shares her narrative of metamorphosis, turning life's hurdles into stepping stones for development, and underscores the importance of self-investment.

    In this conversation we cover a range of topics including:

    Having a Daily Routine: 7:15 Manifestations: 11:34 Unpacking Core Beliefs - 15:58 People Pleasing and Attachment - 27:32 “Psychologists become Psychologists to Heal Themselves” - 37:21 Vulnerability is a Strength - 47:33 Finding the Balance - 50:30 The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth and Healing - 59:02 Self-care Practices - 1:02:00

    You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠@ashbutterss

    You can find Laura Corcoran using the link below:

    Instagram: @hersuccessfulmind

    Website: https://www.lauracorcoran.com.au/

    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 ⁠⁠

  • In this studio episode, I sit down with David Titeu - a mindset coach, mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the mental health support app, Linkmate.
    David takes us through his personal journey, from struggling with the weight of parental expectations and trying to fit in, to his battles with substance abuse as a coping mechanism. 
    Throughout our conversation, David and I talk about the significance of initiating open and candid dialogues surrounding mental health, the importance of self-care, and the profound impact of cultivating a positive self-image.
    David also talks about the differences in mental health between men and women, the challenges men face in expressing their feelings, the persistent stigma surrounding seeking help, and the transformative influence of fostering connections and receiving peer support.


    Parental Expectations and Career Struggles - 9:37
    Coping Mechanisms - 14:37
    Memories That Shape Our Adulthood - 16:11
    Seeking Help - 23:44
    Linkmate - 28:16
    Addressing the Stigma in the Corporate World - 32:10
    Mental Health: Men vs. Women - 41:45
    Personal Check-Ins - 47:35
    Showing Love, Conscious Control, and Healthy Habits - 55:42


    You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠@ashbutterss

    You can find David Titeu using the links below:
    Website: https://www.thedmtexperience.com.au/intro-to-coaching
    Instagram: @davidtiteu
    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 ⁠⁠

  • In this week’s episode, I sat down with recovery and social justice warrior, Nicole Obrigavitch.

    Nicole went from being a practicing lawyer, wife and mother, to dealing drugs and having a price on her head. A police operation led to her eventual arrest and conviction which saw her spend three years in prison.

    Since getting clean and sober in 2018, Nicole has fought to rebuild her life and give back.

    Today, as the Executive Director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatoon, Nicole works tirelessly to support women and gender diverse people that have come into conflict with the justice system

    Nicole is living proof of the power in recovery and emphasises the importance of transparency, accountability, and resilience in her journey to redemption.

    In this conversation we covered a range of topics including:

    Childhood and Early Exposure to Alcohol - 04:34

    Relapse and the Impact on Her Life - 08:44

    Progression from Alcohol Abuse to Drug Trafficking - 15:11

    Incarceration and Rehabilitation - 37:05

    The Struggle with Intimate Partner Violence - 43:10

    The Fight Against Systemic Racism - 45:51

    Second Chances - 52:54

    Non-Negotiables - 59:11

    You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠⁠⁠@ashbutterss⁠You can find Nicole Obrigavitch using the links below:Instagram: @not_anonymous_nic

    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 ⁠⁠

  • In this episode, I’m joined by Dom McKenna – a husband, father, business owner, and fitness advocate from Melbourne.

    Dom candidly shares his struggles with substance abuse, shedding light on the pivotal moments that led him towards recovery. With raw honesty, he reflects on the ongoing challenges he faces in combating his 'isms' and how they continue to shape his life.

    But that's not all - Dom also offers invaluable insights into managing a successful business alongside his wife, the crucial role of habits in achieving success in all aspects of life, the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, and the unwavering dedication required to uphold sobriety, nurture relationships, prioritise health, and thrive in business.

    We touched upon a range of topics, such as:

    Dating in Early Sobriety - 5:04 Held Hostage by Addiction - 8:08 The Role of Environment in Addiction - 11:44 Reflections on Anonymity and Recovery - 35:17 Dealing with Criticism and Opinions - 39:35 Navigating Relationships in Recovery - 41:12 Work-Life Balance is BS - 56:16 Non-negotiables - 1:10:00

    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 Dom McKenna using the links below:

    Instagram: @dommckenna

    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 ⁠⁠

  • In this week’s solo episode, I’m celebrating four years of continuous sobriety and in the spirit of stepping out from behind the smile, I wanted to reveal the reality of what this journey has looked like. Let’s call it, the not so sexy side to sobriety. 

    I’ve divided the years into eras, with each era being a rollercoaster of challenges and growth. From those early days in rehab, to navigating recovery in a global pandemic, losing a baby, a divorce, a toxic situationship, to discovering my true self, falling in love and undergoing a complete transformation of mind, body and spirit, these past four years have been quite the journey. 

    To say it’s been easy would be misleading, but I don’t regret getting sober for one minute. It’s hands down been the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. 

    To those of you who’ve played a part in my recovery, big or small, I deeply thank you.

    You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠⁠@ashbutterss⁠

    Head to ⁠⁠⁠ashbutterss.com/behind-the-smile-podcast ⁠⁠⁠for the show notes.

    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)

    LISTEN TO THE BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST HERE
    ⁠Listen on Apple⁠⁠ ⁠
    ⁠Listen on Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠

    If you enjoyed this episode and would like to support the show you can buy me a coffee:
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE HERE

  • In this studio episode, I sit down with Jess Jackson, a meditation teacher and founder of the Bondi born skincare brand 'Good Living Only'.

    Jess talks openly about her initial hesitation towards sobriety and the challenges she faced in accepting her new lifestyle. She also reflects on the experiences that led her to make this transformative decision and how making the decision to truly own her sobriety has freed her from the shame she once felt.

    We also explore her move to Sydney, her Singapore setback, and the role meditation plays in her life. Jess emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, communicating boundaries, and focusing on self-care practices.

    Some of the key topics covered include:

    Grounding Yourself - 7:40

    External Validation - 13:10

    Band-Aid Fix - 22:47

    Embracing Change - 31:21

    Stepping into a New Identity - 36:00

    Being Vulnerable - 46:14

    10 Steps Forward, 20 Steps Back - 49:33

    Creating Space - 54:42

    You can find Jess Jackson using the links below:

    Website: https://www.goodlivingonly.com/

    Instagram: @jessinbondi, @goodlivingonly

    Tiktok: @goodlivingonly

    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)

    LISTEN TO THE BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST HERE

    Listen on Apple

    Listen on Spotify

    If you enjoyed this episode and would like to support the show you can buy me a coffee:

    ⁠⁠SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE HERE

  • In this episode, I sat down with Sabrina Zohar, a wildly successful entrepreneur, podcast host, and dating coach. In this candid conversation we spoke about mental health, relationships, and the not so sexy reality behind success.

    Sabrina is one of the most authentic humans I’ve ever met and was so open sharing her journey from battling depression post-breakup, finding solace in her work, and redefining interpersonal relationships.

    Emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional resilience, Sabrina also spoke about how she managed to detach from behaviors that no longer served her and how she did the work to create a healthy loving relationship.

    As a dating coach, I had to ask Sabrina about Attachment Styles - a topic that’s hotly debated and discussed right now.

    Some of the highlights from this conversation include:

    Accountability - 6:56

    Struggles and Triumphs - 7:40

    Drinking to Fit In - 15:59

    First Impressions - 20:49

    Sitting with Anxiety - 24:09

    Attachment Theory - 29:53

    Non-Negotiables - 38:24

    You can find Sabrina Zohar using the links below:

    Tiktok: sabrina.zohar

    Instagram: @sabrina.zohar, Do The Work 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)

    LISTEN TO THE BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST HERE

    ⁠Listen on Apple⁠⁠ ⁠

    ⁠Listen on Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠

    If you enjoyed this episode and would like to support the show you can buy me a coffee:

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE HERE

  • 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 ⁠⁠

  • 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 ⁠

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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 ⁠

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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