In this latest episode, Ash has a deep conversation with psychotherapist Alex Crouch, who shares his journey of overcoming alcoholism and the impact it had on his life. Alex discusses his childhood experiences growing up in the USSR before moving to Australia, his struggles to fit in, and how alcohol became a coping mechanism. He reflects on the consequences of his addiction, the lessons learned and the impact he now wants to make in the world. 

The conversation highlights the path to recovery, the significance of authenticity, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and healing. The conversation also delves into men's mental health, the impact of societal pressures, and the complexities of relationships and self-esteem in recovery. 

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Authentic Living

02:57 Alex's Journey Through Addiction

05:48 The Impact of Alcohol on Identity

09:06 Consequences of Alcohol Abuse

11:58 Childhood Experiences and Their Influence

14:46 Family Dynamics and Addiction

17:51 The Search for Connection

20:54 Transitioning to Adulthood and Relationships

24:11 The Illusion of Happiness

26:52 Understanding Emotional Suppression

29:50 The Path to Recovery and Healing

31:42 The Journey to Recovery Begins

39:19 Understanding the Rock Bottom Experience

46:17 Men's Mental Health Crisis

54:08 Navigating Relationships and Self-Esteem

01:00:39 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life

You can connect with Alex Crouch through his website here.

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website

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In the latest episode of BTS, Ash speaks with Mel Watkins, a Psychotherapist specialising in addiction and mental health. Mel shares her personal journey of overcoming substance abuse, navigating relationships, and finding her purpose in helping others. The conversation delves into the complexities of addiction, the importance of self-care, and the impact of family dynamics on mental health. Mel's candid reflections on her past struggles and her path to sobriety provide valuable insights for anyone facing similar challenges. 

In this conversation, Mel shares her journey from working in the heavy party culture of events to getting sober and the profound impact that’s had on all areas of her life. She discusses the cycles of infidelity and alcoholism, the complexities of love addiction, and the importance of self-compassion and seeking specialised support in recovery. She highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and the necessity of understanding one's own needs for a fulfilling life.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Mel Watkins and Her Journey

02:59 Daily Life and Self-Care as a New Mom

05:53 Navigating Social Situations in Sobriety

09:07 Hiding Behind a Smile: Mel's Past Struggles

12:03 The Impact of Alcohol on Relationships

15:08 Realizations and Turning Points in Sobriety

18:04 The Journey to Becoming a Therapist

20:58 Childhood Experiences and Family Dynamics

23:54 The Complexity of Addiction in Family

27:03 Finding Purpose in Helping Others

37:11 Navigating Change: From Events to Mental Health Support

39:26 The Cycle of Infidelity and Alcoholism

43:42 Overcoming Infidelity: The Path to Sobriety

48:52 Understanding Love Addiction and Avoidance

56:56 Breaking the Cycle: Steps Towards Recovery

You can connect with Mel Watkins on Instagram here and through her website here.

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In this week’s episode, Ash welcomes back Patrick Kennedy to hear how he’s been managing life’s ups and downs in sobriety since recording their last episode together 18 months ago.

They explore the challenges faced after the initial phase of sobriety, the importance of emotional health, and the significance of building connections within the recovery community. Patrick shares his experiences with daily routines, the impact of physical fitness, and his dabbling into breathwork.

Patrick opens up vulnerably around his recent journey through heartbreak, and how at 3 years sober, he once again found himself hiding behind a smile. Ash and Patrick also discuss the role of spirituality in recovery, and the ongoing struggle to trust your own thoughts.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction and Journey of Sobriety

03:09 The Reality of Recovery

05:58 Daily Life and New Discoveries

08:45 Building Connections in Recovery

12:05 Emotional Sobriety vs. Physical Sobriety

15:00 Finding Gratitude and Moving Forward

17:58 Breathwork and Emotional Release

20:56 Reflections on a Photo from the Past

27:27 Navigating Heartbreak and Public Appearances

32:41 The Role of Faith in Recovery

37:04 Trusting Your Own Thinking

44:25 The Importance of Connection and Community

47:14 Reflections on Early Sobriety

50:09 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life

You can connect with Patrick on Instagram at pks_pack and pkenners_

You can access free meditations through Ash’s Website here.

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In this episode of Behind the Smiles, Ash engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jacintha Field, a family and child counselor, about her transformative journey through personal challenges, including divorce and parenting. Jacintha shares her experiences with mental health, the importance of self-love, and the tools she has developed to support children in emotional distress. 

The discussion emphasizes the significance of boundaries, vulnerability, and the healing power of compassion, both for oneself and others. In this conversation, Ash Butterss discusses the complexities of parenting, particularly focusing on emotional regulation in children, the importance of self-worth, and the need for compassion and empathy in parenting. She emphasises the significance of allowing children to express their emotions, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the importance of self-regulation for parents. The discussion also touches on effective communication with children and the role of personal experiences in shaping parenting approaches.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Jacintha Field

02:25 Jacintha's Journey of Transformation

07:40 The Impact of Separation and Self-Discovery

13:22 Navigating Divorce and Parenting

15:20 Establishing Boundaries and Self-Care

22:19 Finding Strength in Vulnerability

26:09 Understanding Domestic Violence and Self-Worth

28:04 Emotional Regulation in Children

30:53 Compassion and Empathy in Parenting

33:09 Navigating Child Meltdowns

36:03 Communicating with Children as Adults

38:51 The Importance of Boundaries

41:39 Regulating Your Own Emotions as a Parent

46:23 Finding Inner Peace and Self-Compassion

You can connect with Jacintha Field on Instagram here. https://www.instagram.com/jacinthafield/

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website ⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠

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To kick off season four of Behind The Smile, Ash welcomes Hayley Lloyd, a business and authority building mentor. Hayley shares her journey from a corporate hustler who struggled with substance abuse, to a successful seven-figure coach who is five years clean and sober. The conversation delves into Hayley's daily practices, the significance of visioning days for entrepreneurs, and her personal struggles with trauma and the facade of strength. Hayley reflects on her chaotic childhood and how it shaped her resilience and approach to life and business. 

In this conversation, Hayley and Ash explore the profound impact of family dynamics on emotional development, the role of alcohol as a coping mechanism, and the aftermath of trauma. They discuss their journeys towards sobriety, the challenges faced in relationships during recovery, and the healing that comes through spiritual awakening. This chat emphasises the importance of addressing underlying emotions and the transformative power of self-acceptance and accountability. In this conversation, Hayley shares her transformative journey from alcoholism to sobriety, which awakened her spiritual gifts and led her to a deeper understanding of inner authority. She discusses the importance of authenticity in personal and professional life, the role of spiritual practices in her coaching, and the significance of maintaining meaningful connections. Hayley highlights the necessity of somatic work and breathwork in healing and personal growth, and she outlines her non-negotiables for living an authentic life.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Hayley Lloyd and Her Journey

06:11 The Importance of Visioning Days

12:03 The Impact of Childhood on Personal Strength

26:51 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Emotions

33:31 Experiencing Trauma and Its Aftermath

40:32 Navigating Relationships in Recovery

50:46 Awakening Spiritual Gifts Through Sobriety

57:20 Understanding Inner Authority

01:09:31 Non-Negotiables for an Authentic Life

You can connect with Hayley Lloyd on Instagram here. https://www.instagram.com/hayleyjunelloyd/

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website.

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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.

The episode highlights are:

03:23 Increased Awareness of Mental Health

05:15 Setting Intentions Instead of New Year's Resolutions

07:45 Taking Small Steps Towards Change

09:32 Differentiating Heavy Drinkers and Grey Area Drinkers

13:12 The Inner Knowing and Loneliness in Addiction

14:03 Understanding Heavy Drinkers and Grey Area Drinkers

18:27 The Continuum of Drinking Behavior

20:57 The Benefits of Alcohol-Free Challenges

23:06 The Impact of Alcohol on Mental Health

26:05 The Expansiveness of Recovery

27:28 The Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Eating Disorders

30:44 Setting Intentions for Food and Body Image

34:28 The Role of Sugar in Disordered Eating

36:50 Healing Childhood Trauma and Filling the Inner Void

38:07 The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Body Image

40:36 The Importance of Boundaries in Relationships

44:02 The Power of Self-Care and Self-First

49:47 Setting Intentions for the New Year

To access your free Self-Love guided meditation, head to Ash’s free Facebook community: Holistic House

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It’s my birthday this week and I’m turning 37, so to celebrate I wanted to give you all a gift! In this week’s solo episode, I’m sharing with you all my 37 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.

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

Check out the show notes here.

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)

Welcome to The Unedited Woman series! In this episode, Ash has a deep conversation with Emotional Regulation Coach Amy Mason. They explore the journey of self-discovery, the importance of emotional regulation, and the impact of relationships on personal well-being. Amy shares her transformative journey from a reactive lifestyle to one of conscious response, detailing her struggles with a long-term relationship and the physical manifestations of stress.

The conversation emphasises the need for self-reflection, the significance of inner peace, and the challenges of transitioning from a career in hairdressing to coaching. She discusses the challenges of leaving her salon, the discovery of breathwork, and how it has positively impacted her lifestyle choices, including giving up alcohol and caffeine and prioritising her health. The conversation also highlights the importance of self-care and the benefits of investing in yourself.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Regulation Coaching

03:00 Understanding Emotional Regulation

05:51 Amy's Journey: From Reactive to Responsive

09:10 Life Before Transformation: Relationships and Struggles

12:01 The Impact of Stress on Health

14:56 The Importance of Self-Reflection

17:47 The Breaking Point: Leaving a Long-Term Relationship

21:08 Navigating the Aftermath of a Breakup

24:01 Transitioning from Hairdressing to Coaching

27:06 The Role of Connection in the Beauty Industry

34:03 Navigating Life Changes and Career Transitions

36:52 Discovering Breathwork: A Life-Changing Journey

40:57 The Impact of Breathwork on Lifestyle Choices

44:13 Transforming Health: The Shift from Alcohol to Wellness

55:49 Creating a Retreat Experience: Nurture and Nourish

01:00:52 Investing in Yourself: The Importance of Self-Care

Click here to find out how you can join Ash and Amy on their Nurture and Nourish Retreat in March, 2025!

You can connect with Amy Mason on Instagram here.

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website.

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Welcome to The Unedited Woman series! In this episode, Ash shares her transformative experience attending a breathwork facilitator training in the Snowy Mountains. She discusses her initial scepticism towards breathwork, her journey of discovery, and the profound impact it has had on her life. Ash delves into the science behind breathwork, explaining how it can heal emotional trauma, improve overall wellness, and enhance focus. She emphasises the importance of breathwork in personal transformation and invites listeners to explore this powerful practice for themselves.

Episode highlights include:

00:00 Transformative Breathwork Experience

05:00 The Science Behind Breathwork

24:08 Emotional and Physical Healing Through Breathwork

34:52 Breathwork as a Tool for Transformation

Book your 1:1 Breathwork Session with Ash here.

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website. ⁠

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Welcome to The Unedited Woman series! In this episode, Ash welcomes Danni Carr for a heartfelt conversation about nervous system regulation, personal growth, and their upcoming workshops and retreats. They discuss the importance of understanding one's nervous system, the benefits of practices like yoga nidra, and how these tools can enhance relationships and overall well-being. Danni shares her journey of sobriety and the insights gained from her experiences, emphasising the significance of self-awareness and emotional regulation. The episode concludes with an exciting announcement about their upcoming retreat in Bali and the release of Danni’s new book, 'How I Quit Alcohol.'

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to The Unedited Woman Podcast

02:34 Exploring the Nervous System Workshops

07:55 Danni's Journey to Nervous System Regulation

12:39 The Importance of Body Awareness

18:06 Yoga Nidra: A Path to Inner Peace

19:56 Who Can Benefit from Nervous System Workshops?

26:01 The Impact of Nervous System Regulation on Relationships

31:45 Announcing the Nervous System Reset Retreat

33:10 Danni’s Book Release: How I Quit Alcohol

Find out more about Ash and Danni’s Bali Retreat here.

You can connect with Danni Carr on Instagram here.

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website.

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Welcome to The Unedited Woman series! In today’s episode, Ash is having her Human Design chart read live on the podcast.

Ash is joined by Human Design expert Aviva Joffe to explore the transformative power of human design. They discuss the origins of human design, Aviva's personal journey into this field, and the significance of understanding one's energy type. The conversation delves deeper as Aviva reads Ash’s Human Design chart live on the podcast, highlighting the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and trusting one's intuition. Aviva shares insights on how to navigate decisions using the sacral response and the impact of emotional awareness on personal growth. Finally, Ash gets emotional as she discovers her life’s mission for helping other women is in perfect alignment with her chart.

The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Human Design

03:11 Understanding Human Design and Its Origins

05:48 Aviva's Journey to Human Design

08:54 Energy Types in Human Design

12:08 The Role of Generators and Projectors

14:50 Self-Care and Boundaries

17:59 The Importance of Following Your Sacral Response

21:08 Navigating Decisions and Trusting Your Gut

23:54 Emotional Awareness and Empathy

27:09 The Significance of Defined Energy Centers

29:59 Self-Love and Life Purpose

32:49 Conclusion and Resources

You can connect with Aviva on Instagram here.

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website .⁠

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