We Recover Loudly – Personal Recovery and Mental Health Stories

In this honest and engaging episode of We Recover Loudly, host Shell is joined by Chloe Belle Porter who began drinking at just 11 years old and spent much of her teens and twenties caught in a cycle of chaos, people-pleasing, and emotional burnout.

Together, they explore the impact of early trauma, people-pleasing, and the emotional toll of growing up in survival mode. Chloe shares her unfiltered journey through school suspensions, identity struggles, and relationships shaped by a deep need to belong — all while alcohol became both a comfort and a trap.

Now in recovery, Chloe is the founder of Olivia Danger, a bold, empowering brand rooted in grace and grit — a reflection of her resilience, creativity, and healing. She’s training as a silversmith, crafting tangible pieces that embody strength and self-expression on her own terms.

This conversation is real, relatable, and full of moments that will resonate, especially if you’ve ever felt like you’re holding it together on the outside while falling apart underneath.

Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just trying to make sense of your own story this episode is for you.

CONNECT WITH CHLOE : 

@oliviadangerfinemetal

https://www.etsy.com/shop/oliviadangerjewelry

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

In this powerful new episode of We Recover Loudly, host Shell is joined by Neil Hudson Basing.  Neil is a mental health advocate, Pause and Rewind podcast host, and co-founder of House of Happiness, a regular sober event redefining alcohol-free joy.

Together, they explore what sober living without addiction looks like, diving into the impact of neurodivergence, burnout, and people-pleasing on mental health. Neil shares his experience navigating life as a queer, neurodivergent person in recovery, and how choosing sobriety wasn’t about rock bottomfor him.  Rather it was about wanting radical self-connection.

From challenging the myth that sobriety is boring to building joyful, inclusive spaces without alcohol, this conversation is full of truth, laughter, and powerful takeaways about identity, boundaries, and reclaiming your joy.

Whether you’re sober-curious, navigating mental exhaustion, or looking to build community without alcohol, this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and inspired.

To connect with Neil : 

@neilhudsonbasing @houseofhappinessofficial

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

In this new episode of We Recover Loudly, host Shell is joined by Merly Kammerling - a therapeutic coach and integrative therapist with over a decade of experience supporting professionals in the hospitality industry. Together, they explore the far-reaching impact of burnout, both from Merly’s clinical work and her personal journey through mental health recovery.

This conversation dives deep into the connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and workplace burnout, the pressures of working environments, and the essential role of emotional boundaries, self-care, and trauma-informed support. Shell and Merly also open up about navigating grief, reclaiming their identities, and how transformational healing can emerge from professional and personal collapse.

Whether you're in the service industry, recovering from burnout, or rethinking your own work-life balance, this episode offers real tools, real stories, and real hope.

Connect with Merly Kammerling - 

Email - [email protected]

@me_myself_inmind

@wellandbeinglondon

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

In this unflinchingly honest episode of the new season of We Recover Loudly, Shell is joined by the phenomenal Reed Amber Thomas-Litman—sex worker, content creator, podcast host (Come Curious), and fierce mental health advocate. Together, they explore the messy, meaningful, and often misunderstood paths to healing.

Reed opens up about navigating habitual drug use, her journey through addiction and recovery, and the power of embracing vulnerability in public. From sex work stigma and neurodivergence to sober intimacy and coping without substances, this conversation dives deep into the intersections of identity, empowerment, and self-discovery. Expect laughter, truth bombs, and a lot of heart.

Whether you're on your own recovery path, questioning your habits, or just craving real talk from real people—this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Reed - 
@reedamberx
@comecurious

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

In this new episode of We Recover Loudly, Shell is joined by Aussie entrepuneor Anthony Hammond, who is the brains behind Pub with NO booze.  Anthony, a second generation publican, had always been immersed in the world of hospitality since his childhood in country pubs.   In 2013 he first had glimmers that his drinking was causing problems, but it was not until 2021 that he went to rehab and has since been enjoying a sober life, with a mission in the industry.  

Anthony Hammond shares his experiences growing up in a pub environment, where drinking was normalized both at home and in the community. He describes how drinking culture was prevalent during his childhood and continued into his time working in hospitality, where after-shift drinks were a common social practice among staff. However, he now recognises how ingrained this culture can be and the challenges it poses, particularly as it can blur the lines between social enjoyment and problem drinking. Through his initiative "Pub With No Booze," he aimsed to provide alternatives and challenge these associations, promoting enjoyment and camaraderie without the reliance on alcohol.

This is a fun-filled and informative conversation with poignant moments, that explore the glamorous side of bartending and working in drink venues, while also touching on the challenging moments when things take a darker turn.

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

In this new episode, Shell is joined by chef Al Roberto who shares his remarkable journey from rock star on global stages and to smashing success in the kitchen back in his home town of Yorkshire, and beyond.  The episode takes a deep dive into Al's early influences, from the rituals of post-shift beers with his father to the adrenaline-fueled culture of the 90s dining scene. Al reflects on how societal norms and early experiences set the stage for his future battles with addiction and mental health.   They explore the significant generational shifts in the hospitality sector, contrasting the hard-partying ways of the past with the healthier lifestyles that younger chefs are starting to embrace.

Al shares his story of how creating pizza kits with his son during lockdown reignited his culinary passion, ultimately leading to the opening of his dream restaurant, Simmer Kitchen.  They discuss their shared struggles with addiction and the importance of taking breaks from drinking - That it does not always have to be forever, even a short time gives your mental and physical health so many benefits. 

In the episode, they also discuss -  

• The complex nature of addiction, from gambling and substance abuse 
• The unspoken epidemic of pain killer addiction
• Struggle of maintaining good mental health in a demanding industry. 
• Al's personal struggles, the impact of being a role model, and the importance of setting positive examples for the next generation. 

This episode really emphasies the necessity of moderation, mental health support, and a balanced life for longevity in the industry.  Check it out, and connect with Al on his instagram account-

@simmer_kitchen

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

In this new episode, Shell is joined by Tony Kost, an amazing advocate for sobriety in the hospitality industry. He shares his inspiring journey from the dive bars of his youth to working alongside culinary legends like Iron Chef Michael Simon, a path that unfortunately took a downturn due to alcoholism. Tony is gearing up to celebrate 8 years of sobriety in the coming weeks, and he truly embodies the fact that it is possible to thrive in a bar focused career while also maintaining sobriety.

Tony opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of early sobriety, the challenges of dealing with regret and shame, and the ongoing effort needed for genuine recovery. His reflections emphasise the significance of compassionate leadership and the duty we all have to foster supportive environments for those in need of help. Through honest conversations, Tony shares the emotional impact of moving on from an identity tied to addiction and the vital role of self-accountability in this process.
 
Some of the things we discussed : 

• The sharp increase of Tony's drinking when he moved to working in high end restaurants where he felt the culture of expectation to drink started to take a real influence.
• The challenging truth that many people in the hospitality industry, like Tony and Shell, have lost so many years to stress, burnout, and addiction. Now, in their early 40s, they find themselves having to process the grief of those lost years.
• How Tony used his social media, and outing himself, to help with accountability when he wanted to change his life and stick with sobriety.
• The often exploitative dynamic in our industry between young newcomers and management, and how this culture is nearing its expiration date, as we're now experiencing challenges with recruitment 

Talking to Tony is always such a treat.  He is an incredible role model to the industry, to his peers and the people who have the pleasure of having his support in the Ben's Friends meetings in Cleveland.  Follow him on socials, and know that his DM's are always open if you need support.

@tony_and_oscarjames

If you want to check out a Ben's Friends meeting head to their website for more details.

https://www.bensfriendshope.com/

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

In this new episode Shell speaks to the fabulous Ian Blessing, creator of a groundbreaking line of non-alcoholic cocktail bitters, 'All The Bitters'.  A former sommelier from the infamous French Laundry, he co-founded the company with his wife Carly, crafting the bitters from organic, wild-foraged ingredients, which offer flavour as well as functional health benefits.
 
 The discussion explores the demanding expectations placed on staff in restaurants like The French Laundry, and the mental and physical toll this environment can exact. Ian opens up about the camaraderie he felt amongst colleagues as they pushed to reach the near-impossible standards daily, and how he found himself turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism.  They talk about the growing recognition of mental health and addiction issues in the industry, and the critical role having non-alcoholic alternatives for customers play in creating a supportive work environment.

They also discuss how important a strong No/Low drinks program is for businesses, and the essentialness of featuring non-alcoholic drinks prominently to boost sales.  Ian has a fantastic resource on his website to look at if you are hoping to increase your drink menu that can be read following this link – 

https://allthebitter.com/a/blog/crafting-a-non-alcoholic-cocktail-program

Tune in for a rich, engaging conversation that spans hospitality, sobriety, and innovation and make sure to check out All The Bitters in your cocktail creations!!! 

@allthebitter 

@ianjamesblessing

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

Wow, this episode is truly amazing! It was recorded late last year with the fantastic Chef Brother Luck, and we had a deep conversation about the power of vulnerability and sharing your story authentically to help others through their own struggles with pain, grief, or depression.  Chef Brother Luck openly rejects the toxic chef lifestyle and attitudes often found in kitchens. He is dedicated to being the change he wants to see in the industry, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive workplace culture through trust and hard work.  We also discussed the colleagues he has lost to alcohol misuse, the loneliness of addiction, and his own journey to sobriety. 

We also discussed :

- The important of the early mentorship Brother Luck received, and how it ensured he was cooking at a high level from the early days.
- How he found his community of misfits in the early days, and that the connection really pushed him to be his best as he finally felt he fitted in.
- The importnace of the experience you gain through making mistakes
- What is 'culture' - How to communicate it, and how to live it.  The danger of the team 'family'
- Brother Luck's incredibly progressive yet hard earnt management style, and the importnace of treating people as individiuals.  
- His 'Resting Chef Face' 
- The power of standing up and showing that being sober in this industry is a strength and not a weakness.

This conversation has only gotten better with age.  Chef Brother Luck is truly a unique and beautiful soul, making a big impact on people's lives by bravely discussing mental health and addiction. He hosts a podcast called "No Lucks Given" which features inspiring episodes on self-improvement and personal development. Be sure to give it a listen and follow him on social media for more amazing inspiration. And don't forget to check out his fantastic book through the link below!

@chefbrotherluck
https://www.chefbrotherluck.com/

No Lucks Given : Life is Hard, But There Is Hope by Brother Luck
https://amzn.eu/d/09bJrs5m

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

In the newest episode of "We Recover Loudly," host Shell chats with special guest, Boiling Point lead writer James Cummings about the fascinating world of the hospitality industry, and how it has been depicted in such a relatable and impactful way by the whole team behind the award winning films and tv series.
 
James shares his personal stories of working in the industry during his university days, offering insights on how to handle tough situations and demanding customers. We delve into the emotional side of working in hospitality, touching on the often-overlooked issue of customer mistreatment and the lack of respect for service staff. Our conversation also emphasizes the significance of supporting a diverse team, including LGBTQ+ members and those facing personal challenges. It's wonderful to see these real-life situations portrayed in the series Boiling Point.  James confirms how important it was for the show to have that authentic voice, and showcase real life scenario's that make us question where we could do better as an industry.  
 
We explore how the characters in Boiling Point mirror real-life scenarios, such as the nurturing side of Hannah Walter's character Emily or the relatable lack of boundaries exhibited by manager Dean when it comes to partying with the team. This episode is packed with heartfelt stories, thought-provoking reflections, and valuable advice on navigating the hospitality industry while prioritizing personal well-being.
 
 We also discussed:

• Handling customer expectations and misconceptions
• Emotional impact of customer mistreatment on service staff
• Supporting diverse team members in the workplace
• The ongoing journey of recovery and the importance of support in the workplace

Enjoy this episode filled with authentic experiences and insights that shed light on the highs and lows of the hospitality world. And don't forget to catch Boiling Point on I Player and Netflix to watch Jame’s words in action.

@jamesacummings
@boilingpointofficial

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com