Episode 120. One Decision to Change Your Entire Life, with Kate Goold
Ep 120. One Decision to Change Your Entire Life, with Kate Goold
In this episode, Ash sits down with Kate Goold, a working mum of two who recently celebrated her first year alcohol-free. Kate’s journey began with chronic physical pain and three hip replacements in four years—an ordeal that left her on crutches, in and out of hospitals, and barely able to care for her children. But what began as a decision to help her body heal physically sparked something much deeper: a complete emotional and spiritual transformation.
Kate shares her experience with chronic pain, debilitating depression, and self-medicating, all while trying to maintain the appearance of having it together. She opens up about the turning point that led her to quit drinking, the unexpected grief and growth that came with that choice, and the clarity she’s found in sobriety.
Now 18 months into her alcohol-free journey, Kate is showing up for herself and her family in a way she never thought possible. She reflects on identity, boundaries, motherhood, and what it means to truly come home to yourself. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible and even one small decision can lead to a million changes.
The episode highlights are:
00:00 Introduction to Authenticity and Sobriety
03:03 Kate's Journey to Sobriety
06:09 Daily Life and New Routines
09:07 Transformative Fitness and Mental Health
12:08 The Role of Forgiveness and Discipline
14:49 Hiding Behind a Smile: The Struggles of Depression
18:02 Self-Medicating and the Impact of Pain
20:57 Turning Point: The Decision to Quit Drinking
23:58 Preparation for Sobriety
26:55 Reflections on Alcohol and Confidence
34:10 Navigating Sugar Cravings and Caffeine Choices
35:36 The Journey of Alcohol Abstinence
36:35 Building a New Life Without Alcohol
37:48 The Importance of Community Support
38:53 Facing Social Situations Sober
40:31 Realizing the Lifelong Commitment to Sobriety
41:31 Embracing New Experiences and Overcoming FOMO
43:08 Learning from Mistakes and Staying Vigilant
44:32 The Evolution of Friendships
46:29 Finding Deeper Connections
47:59 The Impact of Sobriety on Parenting
49:27 Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
51:25 The Role of Mental Health in Sobriety
53:00 Cherishing Everyday Moments
54:33 Advice for Those Considering Sobriety
56:06 The Journey of Self-Respect and Boundaries
You can connect with Kate Goold on Instagram here.
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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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)
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