Episode 171. Behind the Spotlight, Naomi Eyres on Life from the Stage to 31 Years of Sobriety
Ep 171. Behind the Spotlight, Naomi Eyres on Life from the Stage to 31 Years of Sobriety
This week, Ash sits down with powerhouse performer Naomi Eyres, whose four-decade career has taken her from session singer to London’s West End, global tours with The Fabulous Singlettes, and sharing stages with icons like Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones. Behind the spotlight, Naomi has quietly built over 31 years of sobriety, reshaping not just her life in music, but the way she shows up for herself and others.
Naomi opens up about her early experiences with alcohol and drugs, the pull of ambition, and the quiet moments that revealed her relationship with drinking was no longer sustainable. She shares candidly about the ups and downs of her recovery journey including her recent heart attack that became a brutal wake-up call, going to rehab with almost three decades of sobriety, and the spiritual and emotional work that followed.
Together, they trace Naomi’s journey through addiction, sobriety, and the long road of staying sober through life’s inevitable turmoil including grief, changing relationships, and the ongoing demands of a life in the arts. Naomi reflects on the role of community, the impact of the relationships that held a mirror up when she needed it most, and the way music, fun, and creativity still sit at the heart of her life today, only now grounded in peace rather than chaos.
Naomi shares how today she values spiritual connection, honest self-reflection, service, and simple daily routines that keep her anchored in gratitude and presence.
Episode chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Retreats and Podcast
01:19 Naomi Eyres: A Life in Music
03:12 Daily Routine and Morning Practices
11:32 Spiritual Connection and Personal Growth
15:03 Finding Fun and Connection in Recovery
18:11 The Search for Inner Peace
22:42 Early Experiences with Alcohol
28:27 Life as a Young Performer
31:47 The Restless Pursuit of Ambition
34:00 Navigating the Music Scene in Sydney
36:47 Living in a Narcissistic Bubble
39:19 The Illusion of Success
42:42 The Catalyst for Change
44:31 Rock Bottom and Relationships
46:30 The Denial of Alcoholism
50:53 The Struggle for Control
55:30 The Moment of Surrender
01:00:12 Awakening to the Truth
01:04:11 Finding a New Path in Recovery
01:08:13 The Struggle of Sobriety
01:09:42 The Journey of Recovery and Relapse
01:11:37 Relationships and Higher Powers
01:13:33 The Impact of Lockdown on Relationships
01:16:39 The Heart Attack: A Wake-Up Call
01:18:28 Seeking Help: The Path to Recovery
01:22:17 Experiences at South Pacific Private
01:25:09 The Importance of Vulnerability in Recovery
01:30:24 The Power of Community and Connection
01:36:56 Letting Go and Embracing Change
01:40:41 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life
You can connect with Naomi using the links below:
Follow and connect with Ash on:
Instagram @ashbutterss
TikTok @behindthesmilewithashb
Upcoming Workshops:
Join Ash on retreat in 2026!
The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026
Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026
Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here!