Ashleigh Butterss
Ashleigh Butterss
Ep 127. GRIT Over Glory: Former AFL Star Steven Baker on Grief, Identity & Redemption
Ep 127. GRIT Over Glory: Former AFL Star Steven Baker on Grief, Identity & Redemption
Ep 127. GRIT Over Glory: Former AFL Star Steven Baker on Grief, Identity & Redemption
Sunday 15th June 2025
Former AFL star Steven Baker shares his journey from sports glory to personal redemption in this heartfelt episode with Ash Butterss.
47 minutes
Inspiring
Authentic
Honest
Hopeful
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Ashleigh Butterss
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Episodes:
127 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Steven Baker's Journey: From AFL Glory to Personal Redemption
Episode Overview
- Exercise can significantly improve mental health.
- Sharing personal struggles can alleviate emotional burdens.
- Building a consistent morning routine aids resilience.
- Gratitude helps shift perspectives during tough times.
- Men's mental health requires open dialogue and support.
I encourage anyone, if they're feeling a bit crappy, get out there and exercise. You're always going to feel better.
In this episode of 'Behind The Smile', Ash Butterss invites former AFL star Steven Baker to share his compelling journey from the highs of professional sport to the depths of personal grief and redemption. Steven candidly recounts his life post-football, detailing how he navigated the loss of his career and the death of his father, leading to a spiral of substance abuse and depression.
With humour and honesty, Steven reflects on how the discipline and camaraderie of elite sport gave way to escapism and identity loss. He opens up about hitting rock bottom and the eventual path to recovery, highlighting the importance of gratitude, resilience, and teamwork. Ash and Steven delve into the stigma surrounding men's mental health, discussing how societal expectations can often prevent open dialogue about emotional struggles.
Steven's GRIT talks—an acronym for Gratitude, Resilience, Inspiration, and Teamwork—offer hope and motivation to those facing adversity, emphasising the power of sharing one's story and finding purpose beyond past challenges. Steven's anecdotes, like the time he pierced his ears with his sister, add a touch of levity to the conversation, reminding us that even in dark times, humour can be a healing force.
As Steven shares his morning routine—making his bed, exercising, and practising gratitude—he illustrates how small daily habits can foster resilience and create a foundation for a healthier life. This episode is a raw exploration of the human spirit's ability to overcome life's toughest battles. Whether you're grappling with your own challenges or supporting someone who is, Steven's story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Are you ready to be inspired by Steven's journey?