Time with Tim Fletcher

The Myth of the Problem Child with Andrea Ashley of AdultChildPod | Ep. 20

Time with Tim Fletcher

Show Notes

What does it really mean to be the “problem child” in a dysfunctional family? In this powerful conversation, Andrea Ashley (host of The Adult Child Podcast) joins Tim Fletcher and Andy Carlson to share her story of growing up with an alcoholic parent, being scapegoated, and turning to addiction as a teen. Andrea opens up about the shame that shaped her identity, the turning points in her recovery, and how she transformed pain into purpose through her community. Together, they explore how addiction is often just a symptom, why sobriety alone isn’t enough, and what it takes to heal from complex trauma.

Follow Andrea Instagram | https://instagram.com/adultchildpod Linktree | https://linktr.ee/adultchildpodcast

Subscribe to stay tuned!

Connect with us: Website: www.timfletcher.ca YouTube: @TimFletcher YouTube (Podcast): @TimeWithTimPodcast Instagram: @timfletcherco Facebook: TimFletcherCo TikTok: @timfletcher_co

Have a question for Tim Fletcher? Submit it here! https://bit.ly/TimewithTimQuestionBox

Intro/Outro Music: ‘Take Your Pick’ by Aaron Lieberman YouTube Audio Library License - Royalty-Free

Disclaimers: The Time with Tim Fletcher Podcast is for informational purposes only to provide understanding, learning, and awareness about complex trauma. No information published here can replace professional evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis, please contact your local crisis hotline at

More from Time with Tim Fletcher

May 14, 2026

Dr. Ingrid Clayton is a clinical psychologist, therapist, author, and trauma survivor whose work has helped many people find language for the impact of complex trauma. In this conversation, she brings insight into fawning, self-abandonment, and the long process of healing and reconnecting with the self.

Apr 16, 2026

Jenna Miscavige is an ex-Scientologist, author, speaker, and advocate who uses her platform to talk honestly about her background in Scientology and the trauma it inflicts. A year ago, we spent 4 episodes speaking with Jenna about her upbringing and how growing up in Scientology has impacted her life now. One year later, she joins us for a candid check-in on relationships, dissociation, conflict, and the ongoing work of repair.

Apr 2, 2026

Morag Clark is a Coach and Facilitator with Tim Fletcher Co's LIFT Live Program who is deeply passionate about helping people understand and work with the 12 Basic Needs. She also facilitates the ALIGN With Your Needs course and leads its bi-weekly webinars, supporting people as they explore how unmet needs shape their lives and how healing can begin in practical, meaningful ways. Drawing from her own long-term recovery journey, Morag brings a compassionate, grounded perspective to the LIFT program and her own work. Her heart is to help people move from a dark and heavy view of life toward greater freedom, joy, and wholeness.

See all episodes →