Brad McLeod
Brad McLeod
Ashton from Below Deck, Drinking Culture, and Rebuilding Your Life Without Alcohol
Ashton from Below Deck, Drinking Culture, and Rebuilding Your Life Without Alcohol
Ashton from Below Deck, Drinking Culture, and Rebuilding Your Life Without Alcohol
Wednesday 21st January 2026
Explore Ashton's story of overcoming drinking culture, identity struggles, and rebuilding life with authenticity and sobriety.
77 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Honest
Hopeful
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Brad McLeod
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Success Stories
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Links:
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Episodes:
250 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Ashton's Journey: Rebuilding Life Beyond Drinking Culture
Episode Overview
- Understanding the societal norms around drinking in Johannesburg.
- The role of alcohol in coping with anxiety and social pressures.
- The impact of public scrutiny on personal growth.
- Exploring the psychological roots of drinking habits.
- Strategies for rebuilding life with authenticity post-sobriety.
"I needed to see that. I needed to be confronted with those deep underlying issues that needed attention."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this engaging episode of Sober Motivation, Brad McLeod sits down with Ashton, known from the reality TV show Below Deck, to explore the intricate web of identity, confidence, and belonging tied to drinking culture. Growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa, Ashton shares how alcohol was not just a beverage but a rite of passage, a societal norm that he adopted to cope with anxiety and social pressures.
The conversation takes a deep dive into the emotional rollercoaster of shame, anger, and trauma that accompanied his drinking habits. Ashton candidly discusses how his chaotic childhood and public backlash became pivotal in his journey to sobriety. Listeners will be intrigued by Ashton's raw honesty about using alcohol and cocaine to navigate social situations and his eventual realisation that these substances were masking deeper issues.
The episode sheds light on how Ashton rebuilt his life by addressing the underlying psychological and physiological factors that fuelled his drinking. His story is a testament to the power of introspection and the courage it takes to confront one's past. Ashton also shares insights from his personal development journey, highlighting the importance of understanding one's needs and breaking free from societal conditioning. His story is not just about quitting alcohol but about discovering a more authentic self.
If you've ever questioned your relationship with alcohol or wondered about the deeper motivations behind drinking, this episode offers valuable perspectives. It challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider what they truly need for happiness and fulfilment. How do you find true connection and relaxation without alcohol? Tune in to find out.