<p>Growing up on the streets of London, Damo H learned at an early age how to outrun pain, but it always caught up. In this candid and moving episode, Damo traces his journey through childhood trauma, the shadow of addiction, and the relentless pursuit of healing.</p><p>He recounts how alcohol first became his refuge, how physical injury and prescription medication complicated his path, and how new beginnings in Australia brought a new set of challenges. The rock bottoms came again and again, each one forcing him to confront the reality of his disease.</p><p>Through service, community, and the support of a 12-step program, Damo found answers that went deeper than sobriety. He shares how recovery reshaped his family, revived his passion for photography, and gave him a sense of purpose. With honesty and hope, Damo reveals what it means to rebuild life from the ground up, and how after years of struggle, he’s learning to embrace happiness, gratitude, and authentic connection.</p><p>Episode Chapters:</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Letting Go Ritual</p><p>00:51 Meet Damo H: A Journey Begins</p><p>02:57 Daily Life and Recovery Practices</p><p>05:59 The Role of Service in Recovery</p><p>08:47 Childhood and Family Dynamics</p><p>12:01 The First Drink: A Turning Point</p><p>14:55 Growing Up in London: The Streets and Gangs</p><p>18:11 The Impact of Alcoholism on Relationships</p><p>20:50 Moving to Australia: New Beginnings</p><p>24:09 Career and Alcoholism: A Fragile Balance</p><p>27:08 Rehab and the Road to Sobriety</p><p>30:00 Family Tragedies and Resilience</p><p>32:04 Reflections on Sobriety and Happiness</p><p>36:24 The Slippery Slope of Addiction</p><p>39:54 The Return to Alcohol</p><p>46:11 Rock Bottoms and Revelations</p><p>50:40 A New Approach to Sobriety</p><p>01:01:30 Building a New Life in Sobriety</p><p>01:07:20 Non-Negotiables for a Happy Life</p><p><br></p><p>Follow and connect with Ash on: </p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashbutterss/%20%E2%81%A0"><u>⁠Instagram⁠</u></a><u> @ashbutterss</u></p><p><a href="http://www.ashbutterss.com"><u>Website⁠ </u><strong>www.ashbutterss.com</strong></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Upcoming Workshops:</strong></p><p><strong>The Letting Go Ritual: Breathwork, Yin, and Intention Setting for 2026</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-letting-go-ritual-breathwork-yin-and-intention-setting-for-2026-tickets-1849411372199?aff=oddtdtcreator"><u>Tickets available here. </u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>A Return To You | One Day Retreat </strong></p><p>Sunday 22nd February, 2026</p><p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-return-to-you-one-day-retreat-tickets-1855565048009?aff=oddtdtcreator"><u>Tickets available here. </u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Join Ash on retreat in 2026!</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.ashbutterss.com/the-embodied-woman-retreat"><u>The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026 </u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.ashbutterss.com/bali-retreat-2026"><u>Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026</u></a></p><p><br></p><p>Watch Ash’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfclluaXT4Q"><u>TEDx Talk here</u></a>!</p><p><br></p>

Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss

Ashleigh Butterss

Ep 151. From the Streets of London to a Quiet Sober Life, with Damo H

NOV 30, 202569 MIN
Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss

Ep 151. From the Streets of London to a Quiet Sober Life, with Damo H

NOV 30, 202569 MIN

Description

<p>Growing up on the streets of London, Damo H learned at an early age how to outrun pain, but it always caught up. In this candid and moving episode, Damo traces his journey through childhood trauma, the shadow of addiction, and the relentless pursuit of healing.</p><p>He recounts how alcohol first became his refuge, how physical injury and prescription medication complicated his path, and how new beginnings in Australia brought a new set of challenges. The rock bottoms came again and again, each one forcing him to confront the reality of his disease.</p><p>Through service, community, and the support of a 12-step program, Damo found answers that went deeper than sobriety. He shares how recovery reshaped his family, revived his passion for photography, and gave him a sense of purpose. With honesty and hope, Damo reveals what it means to rebuild life from the ground up, and how after years of struggle, he’s learning to embrace happiness, gratitude, and authentic connection.</p><p>Episode Chapters:</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Letting Go Ritual</p><p>00:51 Meet Damo H: A Journey Begins</p><p>02:57 Daily Life and Recovery Practices</p><p>05:59 The Role of Service in Recovery</p><p>08:47 Childhood and Family Dynamics</p><p>12:01 The First Drink: A Turning Point</p><p>14:55 Growing Up in London: The Streets and Gangs</p><p>18:11 The Impact of Alcoholism on Relationships</p><p>20:50 Moving to Australia: New Beginnings</p><p>24:09 Career and Alcoholism: A Fragile Balance</p><p>27:08 Rehab and the Road to Sobriety</p><p>30:00 Family Tragedies and Resilience</p><p>32:04 Reflections on Sobriety and Happiness</p><p>36:24 The Slippery Slope of Addiction</p><p>39:54 The Return to Alcohol</p><p>46:11 Rock Bottoms and Revelations</p><p>50:40 A New Approach to Sobriety</p><p>01:01:30 Building a New Life in Sobriety</p><p>01:07:20 Non-Negotiables for a Happy Life</p><p><br></p><p>Follow and connect with Ash on: </p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashbutterss/%20%E2%81%A0"><u>⁠Instagram⁠</u></a><u> @ashbutterss</u></p><p><a href="http://www.ashbutterss.com"><u>Website⁠ </u><strong>www.ashbutterss.com</strong></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Upcoming Workshops:</strong></p><p><strong>The Letting Go Ritual: Breathwork, Yin, and Intention Setting for 2026</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-letting-go-ritual-breathwork-yin-and-intention-setting-for-2026-tickets-1849411372199?aff=oddtdtcreator"><u>Tickets available here. </u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>A Return To You | One Day Retreat </strong></p><p>Sunday 22nd February, 2026</p><p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-return-to-you-one-day-retreat-tickets-1855565048009?aff=oddtdtcreator"><u>Tickets available here. </u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Join Ash on retreat in 2026!</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.ashbutterss.com/the-embodied-woman-retreat"><u>The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026 </u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.ashbutterss.com/bali-retreat-2026"><u>Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026</u></a></p><p><br></p><p>Watch Ash’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfclluaXT4Q"><u>TEDx Talk here</u></a>!</p><p><br></p>