Shows / Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss
Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss
Behind the Smile is a mental health, recovery and personal growth podcast hosted by TEDx speaker and coach Ash Butterss. Exploring alcohol, addiction, sobriety, trauma and emotional wellbeing, it reveals the raw reality behind the facade of people's "perfect lives." After getting sober in 2020 and leaving corporate life, Ash now shares raw conversations, expert insights and powerful stories to help you heal, grow and reconnect with your true self. Expect honesty, practical tools and real talk…
Episodes
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 69. Mastering your mindset with Aussie Blues legend, Ash Grunwald
In this week’s episode I sat down with Australia’s foremost Blues Musician, Ash Grunwald. On the 1st of January 2018, Ash, (persuaded by his wife Danni Carr)…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 68. Sobriety isn’t a death sentence, with Courtney Anderson
In this week’s episode I’m joined by Courtney Anderson, a Sober Coach, Podcast Host and the author of Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriving in your first three…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 67. The real reason why almost everyone is addicted to something, with Drew Wild
In this week’s episode I’m joined by Addiction, Trauma and Codependency Coach Drew Wild. Drew is on a mission to change the conversation around addiction…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 66. Why you’re never too young to choose an alcohol-free life, with Madeline Forrest
In this week’s episode I’m chatting with sobriety hype girl and host of the Happiest Sober podcast, Madeline Forrest. Having made the decision to get sober at…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 65. How to not be ruled by your thoughts and emotions with Brendon Watt
In this week’s episode I sat down with worldwide speaker, best-selling author, and facilitator for Access Consciousness, Brendon Watt. Brendon specialises in…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 64. Finding purpose in the pain, with Karina McKenna [VIDEO]
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with Coach, Mentor and mum of two Karina McKenna. Karina was just 23 years old when she gave up drinking and has spent…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 63. The diary of a high functioning wine connoisseur, with Matt Jerr [VIDEO]
In this week’s episode I sat down with host and creator of the Sober Friend’s podcast Matt Jerr. Despite being exposed to heavy drinking and the negative…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 62. Returning from relapse and finding faith with Brandy Ledford [VIDEO]
In this week’s episode I’m joined by multi-talented actress and former model Brandy Ledford. There’s a high chance you’ve seen Brandy on your screens as she’s…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 61. Impulsivity, genetics and the science behind the disease of addiction, with Aaron Thomas [VIDEO]
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with PhD student and fellow sober human, Aaron Thomas. Aaron Is currently working in the field of Clinical Psychology –…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 60. It’s not your fault but it is your responsibility, with Health and Wellness Coach Deb Masner
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down Health and Wellness Coach Deb Masner. Deb is a mum of two, a registered nurse, podcaster and a self-proclaimed alcohol…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 59. Why you don’t need to quit drinking forever to experience the benefits of sobriety, with Matt Pink
In this week’s episode I’m chatting with Matt Pink, an alcohol-free coach and entrepreneur. Matt quit drinking in April 2020 and since that time has taken the…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 58. One year of Behind the Smile, with special guest Rod Butterss
It’s an extra special episode this week as we celebrate one whole year of Behind The Smile, and to mark the occasion I’ve invited back to the show, my dad Rod…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 57. From surviving to thriving with Justine Whitchurch
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with sobriety speaker, author and fitness coach Justine Whitchurch. Justine made the decision to quit drinking after…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 56. The search for a spiritual solution, with Ian Burchall
In this week’s episode I’m chatting with AOD support worker and sober human Ian Burchall. Ian made the decision to get clean and sober on the 15th of December…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 55. BONUS EPISODE: Grief and Hard Conversations with Kathryn Elliott
In today’s bonus episode I’m joined by a returning guest and friend of the show, Alcohol and Binge Drinking Coach Kathryn Elliott, to discuss some heavier…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 54. The progressive nature of alcohol addiction, with Deb Pascoe
In this week’s episode I’m chatting with mother of two and business director Deb Pascoe. Deb describes how she drank for the best part of 35 years however her…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 53. Porn addiction, embracing intimacy and dismantling the masculine archetype with Tyran Mowbray
In this week’s episode I’m chatting with Australia’s leading masculinity mentor Tyran Mowbray. Tyran started his recovery journey nine years ago when he gave…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 52. BONUS SOLO EP: Season 3 and My Morning Routine
In today’s bonus episode we’re kicking off Season 3 of Behind The Smile Podcast! And to say a big thank you I’ve decided to share with you all the secret sauce…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 51. Breaking the generational cycle and becoming a sassy sober Mum, with Teri MacGilbert
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with mum of three, podcast host and sober coach Teri MacGilbert, aka @SassySoberMum. Teri grew up in an environment…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 50. The difference between getting sober and actually living life in recovery, with Benn Veenker
In this week’s episode I sat down with drug and alcohol counsellor Benn Veenker. Benn made the decision to get clean and sober on the 31st of August 2012 and…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 49. BONUS EPISODE: Unpacking Secular AA with Robert P
In today’s bonus episode, I’m joined by AA member Robert P, to discuss the evolution of a movement known as Secular AA. I knew very little about this topic…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 48. The anxiety that comes with being a socially acceptable binge drinker, with Victoria Vanstone
In this week’s episode I’m chatting with author, podcaster and mum of three Victoria Vanstone. Vic grew up in the UK, in an environment where drinking and…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 47. Leaving the world a better place than how you found it, with Ed Latimore
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with best-selling author, former professional heavyweight boxer and Ted X speaker, Ed Latimore. Growing up in the…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 46. BONUS EPISODE: What really goes on inside a rehab, with Mitch & Gab
In today’s bonus episode, I’m joined by my friends Mitch and Gab to share with you all what really goes on inside the walls of a rehab. Having all had our own…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 45. You can be high or you can be happy, with Cole Chance
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with Cole Chance, an American yoga teacher who now calls Australia home. Cole has been a seeker all her life. This…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 44. War of the mind: one soldier’s story of PTSD, self-medication and recovery, with Jon Wynn
In this week’s episode I’m speaking with ex-military, fitness and sobriety coach Jon Wynn. Jon grew up in regional Australia and was exposed to drinking at a…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 43. The dark side behind the bright lights of fame, with Dena Amy
In this week’s episode, I sat down with actress, singer, dancer and international DJ, Dena Amy. Best known for her role as Abigail in the Netflix series Dance…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 42. Healing your trauma and living a fulfilled life that’s in alignment with your values, with Lewis Huckstep
In this week’s episode I’m joined by Mindset and Leadership Coach Lewis Huckstep. As a young boy Lewis was diagnosed with asperges and struggled with anxiety…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 41. Own your morning, own your day and showing up no matter what, with Sober Coach Jen Hirst
In this week’s episode I sat down with Sober Coach and mum of two Jen Hirst, who recently celebrated ten years of sobriety! Jen shares how she went from being…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssBONUS EPISODE - Ep 40. How I manifested speaking on stage with Gabby Bernstein
Life has been super busy lately with lots of exciting things happening so I’m sliding in with a cheeky bonus episode to keep you all up to date with my world…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 39. Making the choice to be better than yesterday, with Luc Zoratto
In this week’s episode I sat down with Luc Zoratto, an alcohol-free life coach and marathon runner from Toronto, Canada. Luc and I talk about the challenge of…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 38. Creating a life you no longer want to escape from, with Kath Elliott
In this week’s episode I sat down with Kath Elliott, the Alcohol Mindset Coach. Kath’s world was completely rocked when just six weeks after making the…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 37. Designing your habits around the person you want to become, with RJ Singh
In this week’s episode, I sat down with ultra-endurance athlete and father of two, RJ Singh. RJ shares how he went from being a promising Olympian, to bouncing…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 36. Finding the key to freedom, with Laura Cathcart Robbins
My guest this week is the extremely talented Laura Cathcart Robbins. Laura is the host of the brilliant podcast, The Only One in The Room, and has recently…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 35. Facing your fears with Josh (Anon.)
In this week’s episode I sat down with Josh, a lawyer and father of three who made the decision to quit drinking on the 23rd of July, 2015. Josh was terrified…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 34. Don't wait until you want to stop, with Sober Coach, Casey McGuire Davidson
In this week’s episode, I sat down with sober coach and fellow podcaster Casey McGuire Davidson. Casey recently celebrated 7 years of sobriety and joined me to…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 33. Knocking on death's door with Mike Faria
Mike Faria is lucky to be alive. In January 2020, he was taken to hospital in the back of an ambulance and placed in an induced coma to prevent his vital…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 32. Embracing your true authentic sober self and leaning into uncomfortability with Maz Compton
In this week’s episode I sat down with breakfast radio and podcast host, Maz Compton.From landing her dream job as an MTV VJ to becoming the host of Sydney’s…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 31. The insanity of alcohol addiction with Will Hitchins
In this week’s episode I sat down with fellow sober podcaster Will Hitchins to chat about his road to recovery. Will is one half of the awesome duo that makes…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 30. Ask Me Anything! A reflection on three years of sobriety
In this week’s episode, to celebrate my three-year sobriety milestone, I’ve put myself back in the interview seat and invited my BFF Georgia back onto the show…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 29. When the solution (alcohol) stops working with Simon A
In this week’s episode I sit down with recovered alcoholic Simon who shares his story of addiction and sobriety. Simon has a way of describing vividly the way…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 28. Love Addiction with trauma and addiction specialist, Diane Young
When we think of addiction, most of us go straight to thoughts of alcohol or drugs, but what if I told you that you could be addicted to love? And that Love…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 27. Becoming someone you can be proud of with Sober Motivation's Brad Mcleod
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with Brad Mcleod, the genius behind one of Instagram’s most popular recovery pages, Sober Motivation.Brad made the…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 26. Getting comfortable in being uncomfortable, with Danni Carr
Danni Carr is a trauma-informed sobriety coach and podcast host who celebrated 5 years of sobriety on the 1st of January, 2023.Danni met her husband, musician…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 25. One man's relentless pursuit of recovery with Carlo La Marchesina
Carlo La Marchesina is lucky to be alive. During his 18 years of heavy drinking and IV drug use, Carlo made over 40 attempts to get clean. Today, he is closing…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 24. Trauma-informed recovery with Mandy Manners
In this week’s episode I’m speaking with Mandy Manners, a trauma-informed wellbeing and sobriety coach from France.Mandy has been in recovery for over five…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 23. The importance of getting honest with yourself, with Sober Dave
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Dave Wilson, aka Sober Dave to discuss his journey into recovery.Dave got sober on the 7th of January 2019 and since…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 22. Kicking off Season Two with Ask Me Anything!
To kick off season two, I’m answering all of your burning questions.A big thank you to everyone that sent in questions over Instagram last week!In this week’s…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 21. Season Finale: Magic Moments of 2022
To close out what has been an incredible debut season, I’m sharing with you all a few of my favourite magic moments from some of the most popular episodes of…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 20. Navigating family dynamics, travelling sober and New Years resolutions with Ash Butterss
For my final solo episode of the year, I wanted to share with you all some key strategies to help navigate what can be a challenging time of year for many of…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 19. How to develop Emotional Sobriety with Gill Tietz
In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with the host of the Sober Powered Podcast, Gill Tietz, to discuss all things “Emotional Sobriety”.Gill started her…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 18. Demystifying "Grey-Area" Drinking with Sarah Rusbatch
In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Sobriety and Grey-Area Drinking Coach, Sarah Rusbatch.Sarah made the decision to give up alcohol in April 2019…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 17. How getting sober prepared one woman for the greatest battle of her life
To kick off this week's episode I'm sharing my Top 5 Tips to help you prepare for the Silly Season! We then dive into another powerful guest episode as I sit…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 16. How to change your relationship with alcohol, with Sobriety Coach Lucy Quick
In this week’s episode, I’m speaking with Lucy Quick, the founder and CEO of Thrivalist, a company dedicated to helping women change their relationship with…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 15. Harm Reduction VS Abstinence: Exploring the risks and benefits with Robbie Shaw
In this week’s episode I sit down with Robbie Shaw, host of Champagne Problems, a podcast that examines sobriety through the lens of health and wellness.After…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 14. Reclaiming your personal power with Nat Commons
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Yoga Teacher and mentor Nat Commons as she shares her own personal story of recovery. From an early age, Nat…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 13. The impact of addiction on families and how rehab can provide the gateway to recovery with Toby Lawrence
In this week’s episode I sit down with Toby Lawrence, the CEO of Arrow Health, one of Australia’s leading treatment centres for drug and alcohol addiction.Toby…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 12. Discovering what it means to truly find yourself with Patrick Kennedy
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Patrick, a 29-year-old recovering alcoholic who began his sobriety journey on the 27thMay, 2021.Pat shares openly about…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 11. Understanding Codependency: How the scars of childhood trauma can show up in adulthood with Diane Young
This week, I’m sitting down with Psychotherapist and Trauma/Addictions Specialist Diane Young, to discuss the impact of childhood trauma and how this often…
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 10. Alcoholism: The Disease of Denial with Chantal Horton
In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Psychologist and mum of two Chantal, who got sober while living in Dubai back in May 2017. Chantal shares how she…