In this episode, Ash is joined by Kyle Stagoll, a crypto trader whose world came crashing down overnight with the collapse of FTX, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in history. What started as a story of rapid success turned into a sobering fall, as Kyle faced the unthinkable: losing everything he’d built.
Kyle speaks with raw honesty about the emotional aftermath of that loss, the depression, the isolation, and the shame that followed. He opens up about how childhood wounds shaped his drive for external success, and how hitting rock bottom forced him to confront the patterns of self-sabotage that had quietly followed him for years.
But Kyle’s story doesn’t end in the wreckage. Through deep self-reflection and a commitment to personal growth, he began the slow, steady climb back, this time with a different compass. He shares how mindset work, neuroplasticity, and a redefinition of success helped him rebuild a life grounded in purpose, presence, and freedom.
This is a powerful conversation about loss, resilience, and the healing that happens when we stop performing and start showing up as our true selves.
The episode highlights are:
00:00 Introduction to Behind the Smile
03:04 Kyle's Journey: From Success to Setback
05:58 Life After Loss: Coping with Depression
08:57 The Impact of FTX: A Financial Catastrophe
11:57 Navigating the Aftermath: Rebuilding Life
15:07 Reflections on Resilience and Growth
25:07 From Rock Bottom to Resilience
31:30 Childhood Influences and Family Dynamics
35:46 Overcoming Self-Sabotage in Trading
39:59 The Power of Mindset and Neuroplasticity
43:17 Redefining Success and Self-Worth
47:14 The Importance of Freedom and Giving Back
51:40 Lessons Learned from Financial Losses
You can connect with Kyle through Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn.
To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website https://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources
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