<p>In this episode, Ash has a raw conversation with husband, father, and sober human Vim Verma as they discuss addiction, identity, and what happens when you finally stop running from yourself. Vim opens up about growing up in a mixed-race culture where drinking was normalised, emotions were rarely spoken about, and asking for help felt almost impossible.</p><p><br></p><p>Together, they unpack the quiet pressures of family expectations, the heavy emotional charge of the holiday season, and the stigma that keeps so many people suffering in silence. There are moments of grief, moments of clarity, and Vim’s classic humour, that remind us how human this journey really is.</p><p><br></p><p>Vim also shares how his recovery program, meditation, and spiritual practice became a turning point, helping him strip back the noise and reconnect with who he is beneath the coping mechanisms. This is a conversation about breaking cycles, choosing courage over comfort, and discovering that real healing starts on the inside.</p><p><br></p><p>If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, felt trapped by expectations, or wondered what life could look like if you truly listened to yourself, this episode will land.</p><p><br></p><p>Episode Chapters:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Retreats and Self-Discovery</p><p>01:34 Vim Verma&#39;s Journey to Sobriety</p><p>03:45 Navigating Sobriety During the Holidays</p><p>04:54 Cultural Influences on Drinking</p><p>07:24 The Impact of Family Dynamics</p><p>07:53 Getting to Know Vim: Daily Life and Fun</p><p>14:06 Hiding Behind a Smile: The Photo Story</p><p>16:20 The Progression of Alcoholism</p><p>19:05 Consequences of Drinking: Crashing and Bashing</p><p>28:18 The Turning Point: Seeking Help</p><p>31:44 Experiences in Early Recovery</p><p>38:47 Finding Hope in Recovery</p><p>41:54 Life After Sobriety: Changes and Growth</p><p>47:50 Navigating Life&#39;s Challenges in Recovery</p><p>51:23 The Role of Support in Recovery</p><p>59:46 Non-Negotiables for a Happy Life</p><p><br></p><p>You can connect with Vim through his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vim16/"><u>Instagram here</u></a>. </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>TikTok <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthesmilewithashb"><u>@behindthesmilewithashb</u></a></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>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>