Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss

• Ep 129. The Son of a Bank Robber Who Chose a Different Path, with Peter Norris

  In this episode, Ash is joined by author Peter Norris, a CEO, world-class athlete and the son of one of Australia’s most notorious bank robbers.Peter’s early years were shaped by instability, violence, and addiction, but what unfolds in this conversation is not just a story of survival, it’s one of profound transformation.Peter opens up about the pivotal moments that changed the trajectory of his life: the unlikely mentors who showed him kindness, the brave choices that led him away from generational trauma, and the deep belief that no matter where you come from, you can choose a different path.Now a powerful leader and passionate advocate for vulnerable children, Peter shares how fostering has helped him heal parts of his own past, and how writing his memoir became a cathartic and courageous act of service.This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the impact of compassion, and the radical power of choosing to break the cycle.The episode highlights are:00:00 Introduction to Peter's Journey02:55 Life as a Criminal's Son05:48 The Impact of Addiction08:57 Childhood Memories and Trauma12:11 The Search for Normalcy14:56 The Role of Family Dynamics17:59 Early Signs of Criminal Influence21:06 Coping Mechanisms and Resilience24:10 Reflections on Intuition and Trust26:54 The Absence of a Mother29:55 Life in State Care33:08 Turning Adversity into Motivation36:03 Navigating Early Life Challenges39:15 Lessons in Leadership and Kindness42:11 A Pivotal Decision at 1346:56 The Impact of Family and Routine51:17 Fueling the Fire for Success52:50 The Journey of Fostering54:56 The Power of Lived Experience55:43 The Birth of a Book01:00:35 Bravery and Authenticity in Life ChoicesYou can visit Pete’s website here.Or purchase the book here.To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website ⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok ⁠⁠Facebook Website⁠ 

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• Ep 128. Sobriety, Spirit & Showing Up Fully: Sheridan Rose Shaw on Leading with Heart

  In this heartfelt episode, Ash is joined by Sheridan Rose Shaw, an award-winning creative director celebrated for her work in the hairdressing industry. She shares her powerful journey of recovery, identity, and self-acceptance.Sheridan speaks openly about her path to sobriety, the transformative impact of breathwork, and the complex reality of parenting while navigating her own healing. Together, Ash and Sheridan explore what it means to live a life beyond just sobriety. They discuss how to navigate recovery while living a big full life, showing up authentically and the courage it takes to lead with vulnerability and purpose.Sheridan also opens up about the struggles she faced getting clean in her early 20s, and the reason why she continues to put in the work today, never taking her recovery for granted. From honesty and spiritual growth, to creating meaningful experiences for others and embracing opportunities with an open heart. This is a raw and empowering conversation about resilience, passion, and the beauty of coming home to yourself.The episode highlights are:00:00 Introduction to Authenticity and Recovery02:55 Sheridan's Journey in Hairdressing and Sobriety06:00 The Role of Breathwork in Recovery09:02 Parenting and Relationships in Recovery11:58 Living Life Beyond Recovery14:56 Judgment and Community in Recovery17:57 The Photo: Hiding Behind a Smile22:16 Navigating Personal Transformation23:30 The Challenge of Authenticity24:47 Faking It in Client Services25:50 Compartmentalizing Emotions27:18 Reflections on Past Struggles30:32 The Journey of Recovery32:51 Understanding Rock Bottom35:13 Embracing Sensitivity as Strength36:26 Leadership and Team Dynamics39:03 Creating Meaningful Client Experiences40:34 The Power of Passion and Purpose42:34 The Role of Substance in Pain Management44:50 The Drive for Continuous Growth50:19 The Power of Unconditional Love52:11 Facing Fears and Embracing Change54:42 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Hard Work56:15 Learning from Failure and Resilience01:01:09 Navigating Relationships in Recovery01:07:20 Spiritual Growth and Connection01:17:35 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling LifeYou can connect with Sheridan through her Instagram or her Salon Mamawest. To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website ⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok ⁠Website⁠ 

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• Ep 127. GRIT Over Glory: Former AFL Star Steven Baker on Grief, Identity & Redemption

  In this raw and inspiring conversation, Ash is joined by former AFL player Steven Baker who opens up about his story including life after football, hitting rock bottom and turning his life around. After being unexpectedly cut from his AFL career, Steven spiraled into grief, substance abuse, and deep depression, especially following the death of his father. He opens up about how a life of discipline and team camaraderie gave way to escapism, endless partying, and identity loss.Ash and Steven explore the emotional aftermath of elite sport, the stigma around men’s mental health, and what finally helped Steven turn things around. From creating a GRIT model for schools, to competitive boxing, to daily gratitude and appreciation practices.Steven shares a powerful message of mental resilience, vulnerability, and hope.The episode highlights are:00:00 Introduction to Authenticity and Resilience02:03 Stephen Baker: From AFL Star to Inspirational Speaker07:58 Facing Personal Struggles: The Dark Side of Fame12:03 The Impact of Grief and Depression19:57 Finding Strength Through Fitness and Community21:58 The Power of Gratitude and Resilience26:00 Turning Points: A Journey from Darkness to Light30:42 Breaking the Silence: Men's Mental Health32:00 Building a Morning Routine for Success39:07 Giving Back: Inspiring the Next Generation42:04 Finding Motivation in Dark TimesYou can connect with Steven on his Instagram here. To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website ⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok ⁠⁠Facebook Website⁠

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• Ep 126. Inside the Messy Middle: Divorce, Identity & Rebuilding from Rock Bottom with Shannon Pirie

  In this powerful episode, Ash is joined by Shannon Pirie, a global beauty executive with decades of experience and a heart-first approach to leadership. From the outside, Shannon’s life looked picture-perfect. But behind the scenes, she was enduring one of the most painful and transformative years of her life: losing her marriage, dream home, and job in quick succession.Shannon opens up about hitting emotional rock bottom, crawling her way through survival mode, and rebuilding one step (and one shuffle) at a time. She speaks candidly about the shame of losing everything, the complexities of grief and forgiveness, and how she began a deep physical and emotional transformation, walking herself back to life, one mile at a time.Now based in Redondo Beach and reconnecting with her truest self, Shannon reflects on the power of female friendships, spiritual surrender, and the courage to live honestly even in the middle of the mess. This is an episode about resilience, grace, and choosing peace in the absence of the perfect ending.The episode highlights are:00:00 Introduction to Shannon's Journey03:01 Navigating Personal Struggles and Professional Life05:59 The Impact of Divorce on Identity08:53 The Role of Work in Personal Crisis11:53 Reflections on Loss and Healing15:05 Understanding Financial Security and Relationships18:00 The Path to Self-Discovery and Growth26:42 The Turning Point: Divorce and Transformation32:41 Loss and Identity: Selling the Dream Home38:54 The Unraveling: Job Loss and Self-Reflection46:51 Physical Transformation: The Journey of Weight Loss56:15 Finding Purpose in the Middle: Navigating Life's Challenges01:01:11 Embracing Life's Challenges01:08:39 The Power of Community and Friendship01:15:44 Finding Truth and Surrendering to Life01:21:09 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling LifeYou can connect with Shannon through Instagram here. To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website ⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok ⁠⁠Facebook Website⁠ 

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• Ep 125. The Power of EMDR: Rewiring Trauma and Reclaiming Your Truth, with Boaz Gilboa

  In this episode, Ash Butterss sits down with Boaz Gilboa, founder of MindCalmr, osteopath, and trauma-informed coach, to explore what it really takes to reclaim emotional freedom after trauma. Boaz opens up about his journey through divorce, addiction, and family dysfunction, and how programs like NA, ACOA, CODA, and Debtors Anonymous each played a unique role in his growth. He shares how his experience with EMDR inspired him to create MindCalmr, a platform making high-quality trauma processing tools free and accessible.Ash and Boaz discuss the connection between nervous system dysregulation, self-sabotage, and inherited beliefs, how trauma can manifest in subtle ways, and why personal truth is never absolute. This conversation is both intellectually rich and deeply practical, providing tools and reflections for anyone seeking to break free from old patterns and step into a life of authenticity, compassion, and emotional sovereignty.The episode highlights are:00:00 Unmasking the Truth Behind the Smile03:10 Beau's Journey: From Science to Healing06:05 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Personal Growth09:13 Navigating the 12-Step Fellowships12:01 Exploring Codependency and Self-Worth15:13 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects18:03 The Role of Parenting in Emotional Development21:03 Finding Balance in Parenting and Self-Care24:12 The Journey of Financial Responsibility26:59 Defining Codependency and Its Manifestations32:05 Emotional Independence in Relationships34:52 Choosing Yourself: The Journey of Separation36:44 The Impact of Parenting on Future Generations37:56 Exploring EMDR Therapy and Its Benefits43:03 Redefining Truth in Healing48:40 The Connection Between Trauma and Self-Sabotage52:42 Developing a Personal Higher Power57:17 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling LifeYou can connect with Boaz through the MindCalmr website here. To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website ⁠https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok ⁠⁠Facebook Website⁠ 

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