Episode 117. Learning to Grow Through What You Go Through, with Rod Butterss
Ep 117. Learning to Grow Through What You Go Through, with Rod Butterss
In this deeply personal episode, Ash sits down with her dad, Rod Butterss, a seasoned entrepreneur, former AFL club president, and long-time member of the recovery community.
Together, they reflect on life in recovery, the reality of relapse, cultivating self-awareness, and what it means to truly reinvent yourself at any stage of life.
Rod opens up about his recent relapse after more than a decade of sobriety and the humility and courage it took to come back and start again. With honesty and warmth, he shares stories from his life, including his busy childhood in a household of 12, navigating trauma, addiction, enormous success, financial loss, and rebuilding with purpose.
Ash and Rod explore the emotional landscape of identity, love, intimacy, and grief, and how Rod is using this chapter of his life to reflect, heal, and deepen his spiritual practices. They also discuss his ambitious new venture in biotechnology and why he's more committed than ever to living in alignment and being of service.
This is a story about second chances, self-reflection, and the power of choosing to grow through what you go through.
The episode highlights are:
00:00 Introduction to Transformation and Recovery
02:59 The Importance of Family Bonds
05:49 Navigating Recovery and Self-Education
08:56 Public Perception vs. Personal Struggles
11:59 The Role of Vulnerability in Recovery
15:01 Understanding Relapse and Its Impact
18:06 Exploring Childhood Trauma and Relationships
20:54 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance
23:56 The Power of Intuition and Energy
26:50 Grief, Masculinity, and Emotional Expression
31:07 Navigating Grief and Coping Strategies
34:30 Resilience and Life's Unexpected Turns
39:20 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Generosity
45:32 Taking Steps Towards Change and Recovery
49:03 Understanding Choices and Personal Growth
55:51 Facing Addiction and Seeking Help
You can connect with Rod Butterss on his Linkedin.
To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website.
Follow and connect with Ash on:
You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: @ashbutterss
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
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