Ep 185. She Nearly Lost Her Life: Addiction, Violence and Recovery, with Shannan Walsh

My guest this week, Shannan Walsh, lived in the grip of addiction for 18 years. It took her from alcohol and drugs to crime, prison, homelessness and a relationship that nearly cost her life. Eventually, she reached a point where there was nowhere left to run.In this raw conversation, Shannan shares what it took to survive, get sober and rebuild her life from the ground up. She speaks about motherhood, violence, shame, spirituality and the slow work of learning to trust herself again.Shannan’s story is confronting, but it is also a hopeful reminder that recovery is possible. TW: This episode contains discussion of family violence and suicide. Episode chapters:00:00 Introducing Shannan Walsh03:23 The Photo: Hiding Behind the Smile04:39 A Life Built Around the Drink07:06 What Shannon Was Like Before Alcohol08:05 Early Depression and the Hole in the Soul09:51 When Drugs Entered the Picture11:00 Ecstasy, Meth, and the Escalation of Addiction13:22 Crime, Violence, and Running on Rage18:07 Where Did That Anger Come From?18:34 Withdrawal, Seizures, and Drinking Against Her Will20:07 Coming Out of Prison and Falling Pregnant22:08 Trying to Do the Normal Thing27:46 The Rock Bottom That Changed Everything29:59 The Day Intuition Saved Her Children's Lives33:22 The Attempted Attack and the Fire35:32 Homeless, in Court, and Holding It Together39:22 The Verdict and the Aftermath41:15 The Spiritual Awakening That Cracked Her Open43:51 Morning Routines, Journaling, and the Small Things That Built Her Back45:00 12 Step Meetings, Sober Apps, and Finding Community47:02 Studying Addiction and Training to Be a Counselor47:55 Navigating Cravings Through Strength Training and Presence50:52 Sitting with the Discomfort of Sobriety56:05 Feeling Behind and Finding Her Place57:20 How the Embodied Woman Retreat Restored Her Faith in Women59:16 Spiritual Practices That Keep Her Connected01:02:03 Learning to Pray and Finding a Higher Power01:04:13 Emotional Regulation and the Biggest Shift of All01:06:00 Self-Esteem, Self-Love, and the Journey Home01:07:00 The Gift of Being Present with Her Children01:10:21 Three Non-Negotiables for a Happy, Authentic LifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannantayla/Join Ash’s community newsletter! Click the link here to join.Upcoming Workshops:The Renewal Ritual | September 13th | Buy Tickets HereJoin Ash on retreat in 2026!Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterssTikTok @behindthesmilewithashbWebsite⁠ www.ashbutterss.comWatch Ash’s TEDx Talk here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.