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Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss

Ashleigh Butterss
Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss
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  • Ep 146. Haunted by the Badge: Jay Prothero’s Battle with PTSD and Redemption
    After decades on the front line, retired police officer Jay Prothero found himself fighting a different kind of battle—the one inside his own mind. In this raw and powerful conversation, Jay opens up about the toll that years of trauma, high pressure, and suppressed emotion took on his mental health.He shares how anxiety, depression, and PTSD slowly crept in, and how alcohol became his escape from the pain he didn’t know how to face. But Jay’s story goes far deeper than his time in uniform. It’s also about the heartbreak of watching his own child spiral into ice addiction, and the painful, messy road toward family healing.Together, Ash and Jay unpack what it truly means to break the silence, to face yourself with honesty, and to rebuild a life grounded in authenticity, courage, and hope.Episode chapters:00:00 Introduction to Jay Prothero's Journey04:14 The Power of Ice Baths and Breathwork08:49 Hiding Behind a Smile: Jay's Struggles with Mental Health17:35 The Impact of a Police Career on Mental Health26:22 The Journey to Recovery: Jay's Path to Healing35:13 Parenting Through Addiction: Jay's Experience with His Son43:30 Living Authentically: Jay's Non-Negotiables for HappinessYou can connect with Jay through:Instagram @freezeyourself_au @breathe_with_jay Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterssWebsite⁠ www.ashbutterss.comJoin Ash on retreat in Bali in  2026! All the details can be found at https://www.ashbutterss.com/bali-retreat-2026. Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here!
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  • Ep 145. Psychologist Dr. Julia Nicholls Opens Up About Her Personal Battle with Psychosis and Post-Natal Depression
    Psychosis is one of the most misunderstood experiences in mental health, often clouded by fear, stigma, and silence. In this powerful episode, Ash sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Julia Nicholls, who courageously shares her personal journey through postnatal depression and psychosis.What makes Julia’s story so extraordinary is not just her vulnerability, but the fact that she’s a mental health professional who found herself on the other side of the system she once worked within. Together, Ash and Julia unpack the misconceptions surrounding psychosis, the shame that still shadows mental health struggles, and the raw reality of asking for help when you’re expected to have the answers.Julia also opens up about the healing process of writing a memoir with her husband, revealing how storytelling and connection became powerful tools for recovery. This conversation is a reminder that even those who guide others through their darkest moments are not immune to them—and that speaking openly about our pain can be the very thing that sets us free.Key Highlights:The importance of taking time for self-care and rest.Reflective practice is crucial for psychologists to maintain objectivity.Hiding behind a smile is common among those struggling with mental health.Early motherhood can be particularly challenging for mental health.The inner critic can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy in new parents.Mental health practitioners also need support and can face stigma.Postnatal psychosis is often misunderstood and can manifest in various ways.Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for severe depression.Open communication is essential for healing in relationships affected by mental health issues.Seeking help is vital, and there are many resources available.Episode chapters:[00:00] Introduction and Retreat Announcement[03:15] Meet Dr. Julia Nicholls[10:45] Understanding Postnatal Depression[20:30] The Stigma of Mental Health in Professionals[30:00] Exploring Psychosis and Misconceptions[40:15] The Role of ECT in Recovery[50:00] Healing and Open Communication[60:00] Closing Thoughts and ResourcesYou can connect with Dr. Julia Nicholls using the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-nicholls-105679a3Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjulianicholls/Website: https://drjulianicholls.com/Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterssWebsite⁠ www.ashbutterss.comJoin Ash on retreat in Bali in  2026! All the details can be found at https://www.ashbutterss.com/bali-retreat-2026. Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here!
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  • Ep 144. How 14 Minutes Can Change Your Life, with Mental Health Advocate, Cooper Chapman
    In this episode, Ash sits down with former pro surfer turned mental health trailblazer, Cooper Chapman, for a raw and inspiring conversation about purpose, mindset, and creating real change from the inside out.After years chasing trophies and external success, Cooper realised the waves he truly needed to ride were the ones within. What followed was a powerful shift, one that led him to build The Good Human Factory and dedicate his life to helping others nurture their mental wellbeing.Cooper opens up about what he’s learned along the way, from the quiet power of small daily habits to the freedom that comes when we stop seeking validation outside ourselves. He shares the story behind the 1% Good Club, a global movement encouraging people to spend just 14 minutes a day on gratitude, mindfulness, and self-reflection, because big change always starts small.Together, Ash and Cooper explore the importance of community, balance, and practical self-care routines that actually stick. Cooper’s message is simple yet profound: mental health isn’t a destination, it’s a daily practice of showing up with compassion, curiosity, and consistency.Key highlights include:Cooper's journey from pro surfer to mental health advocate.The importance of small, consistent actions for mental health.The 1% Good Club encourages daily mental health practices.External validation can impact mental wellbeing.Community support enhances accountability in mental health.Mindfulness and gratitude are key practices for mental health.Mental health is a continuous journey, not a destination.Finding balance in life is essential for wellbeing.Nature and connection to the earth are vital for mental health.It's okay to take a break and prioritise self-care.Episode chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Retreat and Guest00:45 Cooper Chapman's Journey and Book Launch01:54 The Impact of External Validation06:40 Navigating Long-Distance Relationships11:27 Finding Balance in Life and Work13:32 Hiding Behind a Smile: Cooper's Struggles19:32 Shifting Mindsets and Mental Health Advocacy26:27 The Birth of the Good Human Factory33:55 The 1% Good Club: A Community for Mental Health38:52 Daily Practices for Mental Wellbeing51:41 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling LifeYou can connect with Cooper using the links below:Instagram - @cooperchapman + @thegoodhumanfactoryWebsite - thegoodhumanfactory.com1% Good Club Book - Buy Here!Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterssWebsite⁠ www.ashbutterss.comJoin Ash on retreat in Bali in 2026! All the details can be found at https://www.ashbutterss.com/bali-retreat-2026. Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here!If you need support with your mental health, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Or if you'd prefer to text lifeline, you can reach a support team member on 0477 13 11 14.
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  • Ep 143. Healing as a Mother: Rebuilding Trust After Addiction and Starting Over with Jo Kinna
    In this heartfelt episode, Ash is joined by breathwork facilitator and sober mum, Jo Kinna, for a powerful conversation about rebuilding life after addiction. Jo opens up about the deeply personal journey of repairing her relationship with her children, navigating the pain of divorce, and discovering her true purpose in the middle of life’s most challenging season.Through honesty and vulnerability, she shares how breathwork, meditation, and community became essential tools in her healing and how they continue to support her sobriety today. Jo’s story is one of resilience, showing that even after years of struggle, it’s possible to create meaningful connection, inner peace, and a life aligned with your true self.This episode shines a light on the courage it takes to start over, the strength found in repairing broken bonds, and the hope that comes when you embrace mid-life as a new beginning.The episode highlights are:00:00 Introduction to the Retreat and Podcast Themes01:52 Jo's Journey: From Addiction to Recovery06:27 Daily Practices: Meditation and Breathwork11:03 Navigating Social Anxiety and Relationships14:40 The Impact of Trauma on Addiction18:29 The Cycle of Addiction: A Personal Story23:00 Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help27:57 The Role of Community in Recovery32:42 Life After Rehab: Challenges and Growth37:25 Finding Purpose: Breathwork and Teaching42:03 Future Aspirations and Continued Growth46:32 Closing Thoughts and Non-NegotiablesJoin Jo at her next event The Gift of Pause on November 12th at Merkabar Studio in Cheltenham - Event Details & Tickets Here! You can connect with Jo Kinna on Instagram here @beyondthewave__Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterssWebsite⁠ www.ashbutterss.comJoin Ash on retreat in Bali in  2026! All the details can be found at https://www.ashbutterss.com/bali-retreat-2026. Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here!
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  • Ep 142. Why Outward Success Will Never Be Enough, with Nick Jonsson
    In this episode, we’re joined by Nick Jonsson, a global keynote speaker and mental health advocate. Nick shares his inspiring journey from reaching the heights of corporate success to his journey of personal recovery, discussing the challenges of hitting rock bottom and getting sober, along with balancing travel, work, and family life. He opens up about his hidden struggles behind his smile, the isolation that comes with success, losing a close friend to suicide and the physical manifestations of stress. Nick emphasises the importance of surrendering to change, building connections, and sharing stories to combat loneliness. He also talks passionately about the role of fitness in his recovery. This episode offers a profound look at vulnerability, resilience, and the transformative power of connection in the pursuit of mental and emotional well-being.The episode highlights are:00:00 Introduction to Nick Jonsson's Journey02:52 The Importance of Routine in Recovery05:43 Behind the Smile: The Struggle with Executive Loneliness08:25 The Downward Spiral: From Success to Isolation11:31 The Roots of Anxious Overachievement14:12 The Impact of Drinking Culture on Mental Health16:57 Hitting Rock Bottom: The Psychosomatic Illness19:55 The Turning Point: Finding Hope and Connection23:44 The Power of Surrender28:33 Building Connections in Recovery30:24 Honoring Simon: A Catalyst for Change35:35 Understanding Smiling Depression39:09 The Journey of Self-Discovery42:51 Encouraging Vulnerability in Men46:37 Fitness as a Key to Recovery49:03 Living Authentically: Non-Negotiables for LifeYou can connect with Nick through:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nick-jonssonYouTube: www.youtube.com/c/NickJonssonInstagram: www.instagram.com/jonssonnickFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/jonsson.nickFollow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterssWebsite⁠ www.ashbutterss.comJoin Ash on retreat in Bali in  2026! All the details can be found at https://www.ashbutterss.com/bali-retreat-2026.  Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here!#behindthesmilewithashbutterss #recoveryjourney #lonliness #mentalhealthmatters #depression #resilience #breakthestigma #vulnerability #mensmentalhealth #recoveryispossible
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About Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss

In a world full of social media promoting "perfect lives", many of us are afraid to show our true authentic selves. The good, the bad and the ugly. Behind the Smile with Ash Butterss is a podcast that aims to reveal the truth that lies behind the masks we wear. After making the decision to get sober in 2020, Ash set out on a mission, quitting her corporate job and diving deeply into the world of self-development and recovery. Her mission is to smash through the stereotype that surrounds mental health, trauma and addition, to help people live a fulfilled life connected to their purpose.
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