In this week’s episode I sat down with life and sobriety coach Michelle McDonald. Since getting sober in 2021, Michelle has been on a mission to support other people in recovery through the creation of connection and community. Michelle believes connection is everything and she credits her sobriety for not only developing a deeper connection with her loved ones, but even more so, a deeper and more meaningful connection with herself. In this conversation we spoke about topics including: The impor...
Oct 29, 2023•58 min•Season 3Ep. 70
In this week’s episode I sat down with Australia’s foremost Blues Musician, Ash Grunwald. On the 1st of January 2018, Ash, (persuaded by his wife Danni Carr), decided to ditch the booze for 12 months. What happened in the year that followed would change the trajectory of Ash’s life forever. In sobriety, Ash tapped into his superpower and developed a mindset that enabled him to go from striving to thriving in all facets of his life. It’s now been over five years since he took his 12-month sobriet...
Oct 22, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 69
In this week’s episode I’m joined by Courtney Anderson, a Sober Coach, Podcast Host and the author of Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriving in your first three months without alcohol. Courtney is the founder of National Sober Day and the founder of Sober Vibes, an online community for the sober and sober curious. She believes in empowered sobriety and breaking stigmas of addiction and recovery. We spoke about a range of topics including: How to prioritise sobriety as a busy parent – 5:00 Seeing life ...
Oct 15, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 68
In this week’s episode I’m joined by Addiction, Trauma and Codependency Coach Drew Wild. Drew is on a mission to change the conversation around addiction, challenging people to approach the understanding of these compulsions through the lens of trauma. He believes trauma underpins most dependencies and is prevalent for those who are unable to process their emotions. With his own lived experience in drug and alcohol addiction, Drew speaks from a place of understanding and embodiment while living ...
Oct 08, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 67
In this week’s episode I’m chatting with sobriety hype girl and host of the Happiest Sober podcast, Madeline Forrest. Having made the decision to get sober at 27 years old, Maddy is now on a mission to inspire others to create an awesome alcohol-free life. Maddy is so full of energy and epitomizes the positive changes you can expect when you choose to live life sober. When she’s not running her online community, you’ll find her hosting sober retreats all around the world. This conversation was j...
Oct 01, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 66
In this week’s episode I sat down with worldwide speaker, best-selling author, and facilitator for Access Consciousness, Brendon Watt. Brendon specialises in helping others to overcome addiction, as he too walks the path of recovery and sobriety. We touched on a range of interesting topics including: Happiness being an inside job – 2:30 Accessing consciousness – 10:00 Showing up authentically – 21:00 Not being ruled by your thoughts and emotions – 28:28 Being blindsided by relapse – 39:11 Sittin...
Sep 24, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 65
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with Coach, Mentor and mum of two Karina McKenna. Karina was just 23 years old when she gave up drinking and has spent the past 13 years navigating how to do life sober. In this conversation Karina shares how she’s managed to face adversity without anything to blunt the edges and the lessons she’s learnt in the messiness of life. We dove into a range of topics including: Running away from reality – 6:14 Generational Trauma – 14:30 Surviving a car accident ...
Sep 17, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 64
In this week’s episode I sat down with host and creator of the Sober Friend’s podcast Matt Jerr. Despite being exposed to heavy drinking and the negative impacts of addiction from a young age, Matt struggled to admit he had a problem with alcohol because he wasn’t a daily drinker. As someone who was high-functioning and good at hiding their drinking, Matt disguised his habit behind the label of “wine connoisseur,” until his mental health started to decline and there was nowhere left to hide. Thr...
Sep 10, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 63
In this week’s episode I’m joined by multi-talented actress and former model Brandy Ledford. There’s a high chance you’ve seen Brandy on your screens as she’s appeared in critically acclaimed movies and TV series including Baywatch, Modern Family and Rat Race. Yet Brandy’s focus today goes beyond her successful acting career. With over 11 years of sobriety, Brandy’s ultimate goal is to spread positivity and use her experiences to make a difference within the recovery community. This is a spiritu...
Sep 03, 2023•56 min•Season 3Ep. 62
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with PhD student and fellow sober human, Aaron Thomas. Aaron Is currently working in the field of Clinical Psychology – specifically, looking at behavioural neuroscience, or put simply, why people make decisions. Some of Aaron’s most fascinating research is around the hereditary nature of addiction which he explains can be highlighted through the study of genetic mutations. Aaron shares why addiction is in fact scientifically proven to be a disease and how...
Aug 27, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Season 3Ep. 61
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down Health and Wellness Coach Deb Masner. Deb is a mum of two, a registered nurse, podcaster and a self-proclaimed alcohol free badass. She’s also the founder of Alcohol Tipping Point – a place where you can find free resources to support your sober journey. As a registered nurse Deb has a deep understanding of the negative impact alcohol has on the body and she’s sharing these insights here with us on the podcast. After years of trying to moderate, Deb made t...
Aug 20, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 60
In this week’s episode I’m chatting with Matt Pink, an alcohol-free coach and entrepreneur. Matt quit drinking in April 2020 and since that time has taken the sober world by storm. He’s not only published a best-selling book but is also the co-founder of Dryy – an online and offline community that welcomes anyone wanting to try an alcohol-free lifestyle. Matt’s life today couldn’t be more different than the one he was living 10 years ago. After experiencing a life-changing tragedy in 2013, Matt ...
Aug 13, 2023•49 min•Season 3Ep. 59
It’s an extra special episode this week as we celebrate one whole year of Behind The Smile, and to mark the occasion I’ve invited back to the show, my dad Rod. Dad was the first ever guest to join me on Behind The Smile and his episode (Ep 2. From Manic to Mindful) is still one of the most popular episodes to date!! This time, we decided to hand the power over to you and have answered some of the brilliant questions you, the listeners sent in. Here are the questions we covered in this chat: What...
Aug 06, 2023•55 min•Season 3Ep. 58
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with sobriety speaker, author and fitness coach Justine Whitchurch. Justine made the decision to quit drinking after developing an unhealthy relationship with alcohol while trying to self-medicate her mental health. Making the decision to get sober changed the course of Justine’s life and she’s spent the best part of the last decade finding her purpose in fitness and helping others. Today, Justine is a passionate sobriety advocate, promoting a booze free l...
Jul 30, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 57
In this week’s episode I’m chatting with AOD support worker and sober human Ian Burchall. Ian made the decision to get clean and sober on the 15th of December 2016 after his dependence on substances took him to his darkest hour. In recovery, Ian found what he’d been searching for all along, a spiritual solution and a deeper connection to self. From living a life driven by fear to finding himself on a continual path of growth, Ian’s story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. We covered a number...
Jul 23, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 56
In today’s bonus episode I’m joined by a returning guest and friend of the show, Alcohol and Binge Drinking Coach Kathryn Elliott, to discuss some heavier topics relating to sobriety. Neither Kath nor I had any idea when we booked this interview that the topics would be so relevant to the place Kath would be in at the time of recording. Navigating grief and hard conversations is a whole new experience in sobriety and Kath was so gracious to join me for this episode, to share with you all her exp...
Jul 20, 2023•48 min•Season 3Ep. 55
In this week’s episode I’m chatting with mother of two and business director Deb Pascoe. Deb describes how she drank for the best part of 35 years however her relationship with alcohol started to unravel when she moved to Singapore in her late 40s. Deb was self-medicating her declining mental health with booze, but struggled to see her drinking as problematic as she was holding down a job and her relationship. It wasn’t until concerned family members intervened that Deb took an honest look at he...
Jul 16, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 54
In this week’s episode I’m chatting with Australia’s leading masculinity mentor Tyran Mowbray. Tyran started his recovery journey nine years ago when he gave up porn. Six years after that he stopped using drugs and as of 2021 he reframed his relationship with alcohol. Tyran is doing powerful work in supporting men to break down their walls and barriers of self-criticism and eliminate shame around their natural healthy masculine expression. Tyran’s personal journey has taken him from the mountain...
Jul 09, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 53
In today’s bonus episode we’re kicking off Season 3 of Behind The Smile Podcast! And to say a big thank you I’ve decided to share with you all the secret sauce that makes up my morning routine. Over the past few years, I’ve had countless people ask me “what’s your secret?” The truth is, there’s a number of ingredients I put into the recipe I call life, but one of the key elements is my morning routine. If there’s a question or topic you’d like me to cover in future episodes, be sure to let me kn...
Jul 06, 2023•27 min•Season 3Ep. 52
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with mum of three, podcast host and sober coach Teri MacGilbert, aka @SassySoberMum. Teri grew up in an environment where daily drinking was the norm. As an adult she came to find herself being drawn to alcohol as a way to comfort and manage stress. After a few short sober stints, Teri ditched the drink for the last time in April 2019 and hasn’t looked back. In choosing the sober path, Teri has broken a generational drinking cycle and is now an example to ...
Jul 02, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 51
In this week’s episode I sat down with drug and alcohol counsellor Benn Veenker. Benn made the decision to get clean and sober on the 31st of August 2012 and has made it his life’s work to help other people rehabilitate from addiction. Benn shares openly about his journey to rehab and the steps he took to turn his life around. His story is a heart-warming testimony of the healing that can occur when you choose to show up every single day in your recovery. How even loved ones lost can re-emerge a...
Jun 24, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 50
In today’s bonus episode, I’m joined by AA member Robert P, to discuss the evolution of a movement known as Secular AA. I knew very little about this topic before speaking to Robert and jumped at the opportunity to learn more about an alternate approach to sobriety. As a passionate member of AA with over thirty years sobriety, Robert offers great insights into this lesser-known branch of a worldwide organisation. If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please re...
Jun 22, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 49
In this week’s episode I’m chatting with author, podcaster and mum of three Victoria Vanstone. Vic grew up in the UK, in an environment where drinking and socialising went hand-in-hand. As a result, Vic developed an identity as “the party-girl,” and was forever surrounded by people who drank the same way she did. Vic continued drinking and partying into her thirties however the impact on her mental health was starting to take its toll. Crippled with anxiety and a looming sense of guilt and shame...
Jun 18, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 48
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with best-selling author, former professional heavyweight boxer and Ted X speaker, Ed Latimore. Growing up in the projects, Ed was exposed to numerous adverse childhood experiences, and turned to alcohol in his teenage years as a way to be socially accepted. Ed knew he had a problem with drinking when he found himself turning to the bottle in an attempt to change the way he felt. Unable to hide behind a smile any longer, he made the decision to get sober i...
Jun 11, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 47
In today’s bonus episode, I’m joined by my friends Mitch and Gab to share with you all what really goes on inside the walls of a rehab. Having all had our own unique experiences in rehab, we chat about everything from what an average day looks like, to the things you least expect and also our biggest lessons. If you love Behind The Smile and want to support the show you can do this easily by hitting FOLLOW in your podcast app and leaving a review! You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG he...
Jun 10, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 46
In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with Cole Chance, an American yoga teacher who now calls Australia home. Cole has been a seeker all her life. This journey has taken her to the depths of addiction, all around the world and now onto the path of yoga and recovery. As a trauma-informed yoga teacher with over nine years sobriety, Cole shares a wealth of experience and wisdom. In this conversation we talk about: Wearing a crown and a smile to rehab – 7:00 Life as a seeker – 15:00 Discovering t...
Jun 04, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 45
In this week’s episode I’m speaking with ex-military, fitness and sobriety coach Jon Wynn. Jon grew up in regional Australia and was exposed to drinking at a young age however he didn’t start abusing alcohol and other drugs until he joined the military. After receiving a gunshot wound on tour in Afghanistan, he returned home with a sense of invincibility coupled with an insatiable urge to drown out the noise in his head. Struggling with PTSD, Jon felt as though he couldn’t ask for help for fear ...
May 28, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 44
In this week’s episode, I sat down with actress, singer, dancer and international DJ, Dena Amy. Best known for her role as Abigail in the Netflix series Dance Academy and playing to thousands of people at Coachella, Dena’s life on the outside looked like a dream. But the truth was, Dena was self-medicating with prescription pills to ease the pressure of life as a global performer. After realising she’d developed an addiction to Xanax, Dena set about her long and often painful journey to recovery...
May 21, 2023•56 min•Season 2Ep. 43
In this week’s episode I’m joined by Mindset and Leadership Coach Lewis Huckstep. As a young boy Lewis was diagnosed with asperges and struggled with anxiety, resulting in him feeling uncomfortable in his own skin. In an attempt to seek approval from his dad, he chased the dream of becoming a professional athlete and was contracted to a pro club by the time he was 15 years old. By age 18, he knew his calling was in business and so he turned his attention to entrepreneurship. Lewis achieved great...
May 14, 2023•51 min•Season 2Ep. 42
In this week’s episode I sat down with Sober Coach and mum of two Jen Hirst, who recently celebrated ten years of sobriety! Jen shares how she went from being an anxious perfectionist and workaholic who used alcohol daily to manage stress and social anxiety, to a sobriety coach, speaker and founder of Lighthouse Sobriety. I absolutely loved this conversation with Jen and we covered a lot including: Perfectionism – 5:00 Hiding Behind The Smile – 17:08 Self-medicating with Adderall – 28:30 The gif...
May 07, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 41
