Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss

Ep 177. What It Takes To Be A Sober Solo Mum, with Alisha Burns

Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss

Show Notes

This week, Ash sits down with Alisha Burns, founder of Solo Mum Society, to talk about the deeply personal road that led her to motherhood on her own terms. Alisha shares the heartbreak of infertility, the emotional weight of hidden struggles, and the quiet strength it took to move through a life that often looked fine from the outside while feeling very different underneath.

She opens up about the role alcohol played in her life, the pressure of social expectations, and the long process of learning to trust herself again. Ash and Alisha explore what it means to choose donor conception, to step into solo motherhood by choice, and to build a life that feels honest, intentional, and aligned with who you really are.

Throughout the conversation, Alisha reflects on the changing shape of family, the power of community support, and the liberation that can come from letting go of the version of life you thought you were meant to have. At its heart, this episode is about grief, growth, and the courage to create a future rooted in authenticity, independence, and love.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses pregnancy loss.

Episode chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Alicia Burns and Her Journey 03:01 Navigating Motherhood and Business 06:01 Hiding Behind a Smile: Alicia's Photo Reflection 09:11 Infertility Struggles and Emotional Toll 12:09 The Impact of Alcohol on Coping Mechanisms 15:04 The End of a Marriage and New Beginnings 17:58 Finding Strength in Adversity 20:53 The Journey to Motherhood: Donor Conception 23:48 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change 30:45 The Journey of Single Motherhood 32:08 Navigating Isolation and Connection 34:29 The Impact of Alcohol Culture 38:52 Realizations and Transformations 43:35 Embracing Independence and Self-Discovery 46:25 The Changing Landscape of Family Dynamics 49:54 Empowerment Through Intentional Choices 52:46 Building Community and Support 54:40 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life

Website - www.solomumsociety.com Instagram - @noneedforprincecharming

Upcoming Workshops:

The Reconnection Ritual | June 21st | Buy Tickets Here

Join Ash on retreat in 2026!

Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026

Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterss TikTok @behindthesmilewithashb Website⁠ www.ashbutterss.com

Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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