Ep 170. Long-Term Sobriety and What It Takes to Keep Growing, with Campbell Butterss
Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssShow Notes
This week’s episode is four years in the making, as Ash sits down with her brother, Campbell Butterss, for a conversation that is both deeply personal and authentically honest. Cam reflects on their shared upbringing, growing up in an environment that was at times unpredictable. The subtle dynamics and unspoken patterns that shaped them both, and how sport became an outlet and a way to navigate emotions he didn’t yet have the words for. At sixteen years sober, Cam opens up about his journey into sobriety at 26, the moments that led him to take a more honest look at his relationship with alcohol, and the support systems that helped him find a new way forward. Ash and Cam explore the evolving nature of family and friendships in recovery, what shifts, what stays the same, and what it takes to step out of old roles and into something more aligned. They also touch on the realities of Campbell’s career in real estate, and the tools he’s developed to move through uncertainty and pressure without falling back into old patterns. Woven throughout the conversation are themes of growth, perspective, and the grounding influence of fatherhood, as Campbell shares how becoming a dad has shaped the way he lives, leads, and shows up today.
Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Retreats 01:19 Meet Campbell Butters: A Personal Journey 02:33 The Importance of Family and Relationships 04:37 Navigating Life's Challenges: A Personal Reflection 06:51 Finding Purpose in Real Estate 09:02 The Roller Coaster of Real Estate 12:16 Tools for Resilience in a Volatile Industry 14:58 Hiding Behind a Smile: The Struggles of 2009 19:00 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics 21:38 The Role of Sport in Escaping Reality 26:11 The Impact of Alcohol on Life Choices 29:28 Lessons Learned from Family Success 31:10 Teenage Rebellion and Authority Issues 33:05 The Journey Begins: A Geographical Escape 34:34 The Struggles of Alcoholism: A Year of Excess 37:48 The Turning Point: Realizations and Recovery 41:08 Finding Support: The Early Days of Sobriety 43:12 Facing Second Rock Bottom: Dealing with Trauma 47:18 Spiritual Awakening: The Role of Spirituality in Recovery 51:26 Family Dynamics: Navigating Relationships in Recovery 54:10 Friendship Changes: The Pain of Growing Apart 01:00:43 Fatherhood: The Greatest Gift and Responsibility 01:03:16 Non-Negotiables: Keys to a Fulfilling Life
You can connect withCampbell using the links below: Instagram: Campbell Butterss Website: Marshall White Real Estate
Follow and connect with Ash on: Instagram @ashbutterss TikTok @behindthesmilewithashb Website www.ashbutterss.com
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Join Ash on retreat in 2026!
The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026
Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026
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