<p>In the heart of New York City, Abby Calabrese was living the dream on paper but the reality was she was quietly unravelling behind the scenes. Long days, late nights, and a culture steeped in drinking turned alcohol into her go-to coping mechanism, even as the cost to her wellbeing grew harder to ignore.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Abby shares how walking away from alcohol became the catalyst for a complete identity shift and the creation of Alcohol Free Rebellion, a movement dedicated to helping others question the role alcohol plays in their lives. Ash and Abby dive into the awkwardness of social events without a drink in hand, the emotional honesty that sobriety demands, and how choosing not to numb out can radically transform relationships and self-worth.</p><p>Abby offers practical guidance for facing triggers, especially during the holidays, while staying anchored in intention, community, and self-compassion. She speaks to the power of mindfulness in strengthening intuition and making choices that truly align with who you are. At the heart of her story are the non-negotiables she now lives by: authenticity, emotional awareness, and unwavering self-care as the foundation of a full, meaningful, alcohol-free life.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Episode Chapters:</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Abby Calabrese and Her Journey</p><p>02:53 Navigating Life After Alcohol</p><p>05:45 The Challenge of Socializing Sober</p><p>08:29 Understanding Emotions and Feelings</p><p>11:34 Shifting Perspectives on Life</p><p>14:20 The Impact of Alcohol on Relationships</p><p>17:25 Hiding Behind a Smile: Abby&#39;s Photo Story</p><p>20:02 Recognizing Rock Bottoms and Justifications</p><p>22:48 The Roots of Abby&#39;s Drinking History</p><p>24:19 The Role of Alcohol in Socialization</p><p>29:29 Recognizing the Problem</p><p>32:21 The Turning Point</p><p>37:24 The Challenge of Sobriety</p><p>38:44 Shame and Stigma in Motherhood</p><p>43:59 Transforming Relationships in Sobriety</p><p>45:46 Embracing Authenticity in Relationships</p><p>47:22 Navigating Sobriety During the Holidays</p><p>49:16 Practical Tips for Alcohol-Free Celebrations</p><p>53:40 Listening to Your Intuition</p><p>56:50 Cultivating Mindfulness and Self-Awareness</p><p>01:02:36 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling 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><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 152. Surviving the Silly Season Sober (and enjoying it!) with Abby Calabrese

DEC 7, 202566 MIN
Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss

Ep 152. Surviving the Silly Season Sober (and enjoying it!) with Abby Calabrese

DEC 7, 202566 MIN

Description

<p>In the heart of New York City, Abby Calabrese was living the dream on paper but the reality was she was quietly unravelling behind the scenes. Long days, late nights, and a culture steeped in drinking turned alcohol into her go-to coping mechanism, even as the cost to her wellbeing grew harder to ignore.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Abby shares how walking away from alcohol became the catalyst for a complete identity shift and the creation of Alcohol Free Rebellion, a movement dedicated to helping others question the role alcohol plays in their lives. Ash and Abby dive into the awkwardness of social events without a drink in hand, the emotional honesty that sobriety demands, and how choosing not to numb out can radically transform relationships and self-worth.</p><p>Abby offers practical guidance for facing triggers, especially during the holidays, while staying anchored in intention, community, and self-compassion. She speaks to the power of mindfulness in strengthening intuition and making choices that truly align with who you are. At the heart of her story are the non-negotiables she now lives by: authenticity, emotional awareness, and unwavering self-care as the foundation of a full, meaningful, alcohol-free life.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Episode Chapters:</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Abby Calabrese and Her Journey</p><p>02:53 Navigating Life After Alcohol</p><p>05:45 The Challenge of Socializing Sober</p><p>08:29 Understanding Emotions and Feelings</p><p>11:34 Shifting Perspectives on Life</p><p>14:20 The Impact of Alcohol on Relationships</p><p>17:25 Hiding Behind a Smile: Abby&#39;s Photo Story</p><p>20:02 Recognizing Rock Bottoms and Justifications</p><p>22:48 The Roots of Abby&#39;s Drinking History</p><p>24:19 The Role of Alcohol in Socialization</p><p>29:29 Recognizing the Problem</p><p>32:21 The Turning Point</p><p>37:24 The Challenge of Sobriety</p><p>38:44 Shame and Stigma in Motherhood</p><p>43:59 Transforming Relationships in Sobriety</p><p>45:46 Embracing Authenticity in Relationships</p><p>47:22 Navigating Sobriety During the Holidays</p><p>49:16 Practical Tips for Alcohol-Free Celebrations</p><p>53:40 Listening to Your Intuition</p><p>56:50 Cultivating Mindfulness and Self-Awareness</p><p>01:02:36 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling 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><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>