Ep 121. The Truth About Recovery (That No One Talks About), with Ian Cron
Episode description
In this latest episode, Ash sits down with Ian Cron, a bestselling author, psychotherapist, Enneagram teacher, and Episcopal priest, to explore the power of recovery, the importance of spiritual growth, and what it really means to heal from the inside out.
Ian opens up about his decades-long journey in and out of 12-step recovery, including a relapse in 2020 after many years of sobriety. He shares the turning point that brought him back to the steps, and how going through the process with fresh eyes gave him a new understanding of addiction, spirituality, and lasting transformation.
Drawing on his latest book, The Fix, Ian reframes the 12 steps as a universal design for living, offering clarity for anyone seeking to heal broken relationships with self, others, and a higher power. Ash and Ian also discuss the connection between personality, behavior, and healing, the role of the Enneagram in understanding ourselves more deeply, and why true recovery goes far beyond just giving up a substance.
This episode is a heartfelt and intellectually rich conversation about grace, growth, and spiritual freedom, whether you identify as being in recovery or not.
The episode highlights are:
00:00 Introduction to Ian Cron and His Journey
04:35 Daily Life and Morning Routines
07:30 Hiding Behind a Smile: The Photo Story
12:18 The Impact of the 12 Steps
18:59 The Spiritual Awakening Through the Steps
24:09 Overcoming Resistance to a Higher Power
29:10 The Journey to Self-Discovery
33:14 Understanding the Enneagram and Addiction
37:13 The Nature of Addiction and Self-Soothing
39:56 The Concept of Being a 'Dry Drunk'
43:30 Navigating Recovery and Sharing Stories
47:41 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life
You can connect with Ian Cron on Instagram here or through his website here.
Buy The FIX on Amazon 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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