Ep 154. The Raw Reality of Recovery, Relapse and Rebuilding with Gabby Williamson (Part One)

In this two-part episode, I sit down with my close friend Gabby Williamson to lift the lid on the reality of living life in recovery. In part one of this conversation we talk about how, in her mid thirties, Gabby had everything that was supposed to add up to a good life - an impressive marketing career, a busy social calendar, and a carefully curated image. Behind the scenes, though, she was unraveling, using substances to cope with unresolved pain, mounting pressure, and a growing sense of disconnection from herself.

Gabby shares the story of what happened when her life finally collided with the truth. She talks about hitting rock bottom and entering rehab at 39, and how that experience became the doorway to resilience, gratitude, and a completely new way of living. Her journey stretches back to childhood challenges, early substance use, and the impact of boarding school on her sense of identity, tracing how those early wounds shaped the choices she made in adulthood.

Ash and Gabby explore the realities of navigating concerts, parties, and dating in recovery, and what it means to show up to those spaces without the old crutches. Gabby reflects on past relationships, the societal expectations that kept her performing a role, and the ongoing work of embracing her authentic self. She also speaks about motherhood, the weight of her decisions, and the profound growth that comes with redefining love, intimacy, and connection through a sober lens.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:55 Life in Recovery and Daily Routines

05:53 Navigating Social Situations in Sobriety

08:58 Experiences at Concerts and Events

11:58 Reflections on Past Relationships and Self-Perception

15:06 The Impact of Substance Abuse on Life

18:12 The Role of Gratitude in Recovery

20:51 Hiding Behind a Smile: Personal Struggles

23:48 Childhood and Early Exposure to Substance Use

37:31 Childhood Trauma and Early Coping Mechanisms

40:31 The Impact of Boarding School on Identity

46:32 Escalation of Substance Use in Adolescence

51:29 Navigating Relationships and Emotional Connections

01:00:06 Reflections on Motherhood and Personal Choices

01:06:32 Dating in Recovery and Redefining Relationships

Connect with Gabby: 

IG: @bellylaughsbrutalhonesty and @gabriellesiobhan 

Podcast: Belly Laughs and Brutal Honesty 

Follow and connect with Ash on: 

⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterss

Website⁠ www.ashbutterss.com

Upcoming Workshops:

A Return To You | One Day Retreat 

Sunday 22nd February, 2026

Tickets available here. 

Join Ash on retreat in 2026!

The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026 

Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026

Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here!

Support Services

If this conversation has brought anything up for you, please know you don’t have to go through it alone. Support is always available. You can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for mental health support and guidance, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 for free counselling.