
Embracing Sobriety's Tapestry with Shell Regini: Laughs, Reflections And A Campaign For Sober Toilets
Explicit content warning
05/06/24 • 57 min
When Shell Regini, the heart and soul behind the 'We Recover Loudly' podcast, pulls up a chair, you know you're in for an unfiltered trek down the road to sobriety. Together, we unravel the tapestry of challenges and laughter that stitches together our sober lives, musing over everything from the physical comedy of a broken toe to the stark revelations that come with mental and physical health awareness. Our candid banter traverses the unexpected, often humorous, side of life post-addiction—like agonizing over coffee choices and embracing tranquility amid the erstwhile chaos.
Have you ever wondered what it really means to recover loudly? It’s not just the absence of alcohol, but the growth that fills the void—becoming a human who can withstand life's discomforts without a crutch. Shell and I reflect on the sweet irony of our journey, from rubbing elbows with the rock-and-roll elite to relishing the simple, sober moments that now define our lives. We share our stories of connection and the gratitude that blossoms in recovery's soil, fostering camaraderie that transcends shared suffering into shared strength.
We wrap up this heart-to-heart with a nod to the people who walk the road of sobriety with us, where we invite you to become part of a community that understands the unique struggles and triumphs of sobriety. Shell's experiences in hospitality and her own milestones—like nearing a thousand days sober—underscore the profound impact of our choices. So, if you're ready for an episode that offers equal parts laughter and enlightenment, join us as we celebrate the authenticity and resilience that comes from living loud and sober.
Shell is a hospitality veteran with 18 years FOH experience, focusing primarily on operations, training, and business development. She has worked for some of London's best restaurant groups including Hawksmoor, Gaucho and Polpo. Having suffered a life changing burnout late 2020, she has changed her focus to improving the mental health working conditions of people in the industry by forcing difficult conversations out into the open, specifically concerning the hidden epidemic of addiction. Her podcast We Recover Loudly offers a platform for people with experience of drug and alcohol addiction, in the industry to discuss what we can do to change the systemic culture of excessive substance use we have. Shell is a chief ambassador with The Burnt Chef Project, and Low No Drinker magazine’s resident agony aunt. To get in touch with Shell, email her at [email protected], follow her on Instagram @werecoverloudly and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-righin
To find out more about the wonderful world of AF/NA Beer and to check in with me head to www.instagram.com/sober_boozers_club
This episode is not brought to you by any sponsors because nobody wants to sponsor me.
When Shell Regini, the heart and soul behind the 'We Recover Loudly' podcast, pulls up a chair, you know you're in for an unfiltered trek down the road to sobriety. Together, we unravel the tapestry of challenges and laughter that stitches together our sober lives, musing over everything from the physical comedy of a broken toe to the stark revelations that come with mental and physical health awareness. Our candid banter traverses the unexpected, often humorous, side of life post-addiction—like agonizing over coffee choices and embracing tranquility amid the erstwhile chaos.
Have you ever wondered what it really means to recover loudly? It’s not just the absence of alcohol, but the growth that fills the void—becoming a human who can withstand life's discomforts without a crutch. Shell and I reflect on the sweet irony of our journey, from rubbing elbows with the rock-and-roll elite to relishing the simple, sober moments that now define our lives. We share our stories of connection and the gratitude that blossoms in recovery's soil, fostering camaraderie that transcends shared suffering into shared strength.
We wrap up this heart-to-heart with a nod to the people who walk the road of sobriety with us, where we invite you to become part of a community that understands the unique struggles and triumphs of sobriety. Shell's experiences in hospitality and her own milestones—like nearing a thousand days sober—underscore the profound impact of our choices. So, if you're ready for an episode that offers equal parts laughter and enlightenment, join us as we celebrate the authenticity and resilience that comes from living loud and sober.
Shell is a hospitality veteran with 18 years FOH experience, focusing primarily on operations, training, and business development. She has worked for some of London's best restaurant groups including Hawksmoor, Gaucho and Polpo. Having suffered a life changing burnout late 2020, she has changed her focus to improving the mental health working conditions of people in the industry by forcing difficult conversations out into the open, specifically concerning the hidden epidemic of addiction. Her podcast We Recover Loudly offers a platform for people with experience of drug and alcohol addiction, in the industry to discuss what we can do to change the systemic culture of excessive substance use we have. Shell is a chief ambassador with The Burnt Chef Project, and Low No Drinker magazine’s resident agony aunt. To get in touch with Shell, email her at [email protected], follow her on Instagram @werecoverloudly and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-righin
To find out more about the wonderful world of AF/NA Beer and to check in with me head to www.instagram.com/sober_boozers_club
This episode is not brought to you by any sponsors because nobody wants to sponsor me.
Previous Episode

A Toast to Innovation in the Non-Alcoholic Beer Industry with Sam Ray (We Can Be Friends)
Discover the unexpected joys of alcohol-free beer as I, Ben, sit down with Sam Ray, the mastermind behind New Kids on the Block, We Can Be Friends, and uncover the vibrant world of non-alcoholic brews. Sam's dedication and inventive approach have led to creations that rival their alcoholic counterparts in complexity and taste, challenging the very notion of what a non-alcoholic beer can be. From discussing the economic implications of crafting these beverages to the cultural shifts in perception, this episode promises to enlighten both the beer connoisseur and the curious listener.
Sam and I navigate the intricacies of the alcohol-free beer landscape, addressing the vital role these drinks play for those who avoid alcohol for health or personal reasons. We delve into the legislative and societal hurdles these beverages face and the innovative strides being made to offer a wider selection in pubs and supermarkets. Our chat reveals the industry's passionate response to an evolving demand, emphasizing the variety and accessibility that are reshaping the sober community's options.
Wrapping up our discussion, the spotlight turns to the camaraderie and mutual respect within the craft beer industry. We highlight how competition breeds creativity and the way brands like Attic Brew Co tip their hats to their peers. The conversation takes a turn to the personal as we share our love for the craft, the humor found in an alcohol-lover discussing non-alcoholic options, and the collective anticipation for what's brewing on the horizon. So, whether you're toasting to the future or simply savoring the conversation, join us for a refreshing look at alcohol-free beer that's rich with passion and ripe with innovation. Cheers to that!
To find out more about We Can Be Friends head on over to their website. Since recording this episode they have already released a new beer alongside a collaboration brew with Track, I won't tell you it was because of our conversation in this episode, but I also won't say otherwise. You can find We Can Be Friends at: https://wecanbefriends.co.uk/
To find out more about the wonderful world of AF/NA Beer and to check in with me head to www.instagram.com/sober_boozers_club
This episode is not brought to you by any sponsors because nobody wants to sponsor me.
Next Episode

Redefining Revelry: Crafting Inclusivity with Andy Mee's Alcohol-Free Vision
Have you ever raised a glass at a celebration, only to wish there was a non-alcoholic option that didn't feel like an afterthought? Andy Mee, founder of the Alcohol-Free Drinks Company, joins us to share how his personal journey to sobriety led to a business that's transforming the landscape of social drinking. We traverse the burgeoning world of non-alcoholic beers that dare to stand toe-to-toe with their boozy brethren, offering a new realm of inclusivity within drink menus everywhere. Toast to this enlightening conversation that uncovers the heartening shift in societal norms, where choosing not to drink is not only accepted but celebrated.
As we pull up a barstool alongside Andy, we're taking a closer look at how non-alcoholic beer is crafting its niche in the most unexpected of watering holes—from rugby clubs to the storied pubs of old. Together, we unpack the changing face of drinking culture, where a night out no longer means leaving your car keys at home. Discover the economic and social windfalls that venues are reaping as they tap into the potential of non-alcoholic drafts, catering to the mindful drinker and fostering a safer, more responsible community spirit. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of tradition, innovation, and the 'flexi-drinking' phenomenon taking root among younger generations.
Finally, the curtains are pulled back to reveal the influential hand of the big drinks industry, especially during the high spirits of festive seasons. Andy retells the tale of his first sober Christmas and challenges the pervasive narrative that equates alcohol with celebration. We're giving voice to the unsung heroes and sober celebrities who are rewriting their life's script, minus the intoxicating plot twists. Gaze into the future with us as we envision alcohol-free spaces where camaraderie doesn't hinge on a drink's proof. Andy's endeavor at 58 to revolutionize social spaces is not just about what's in your glass—it's about crafting a society rich with choice and free from stigma. Join us in raising a glass—alcohol-free, of course—to those paving the way for a more inclusive tomorrow.
The Alcohol Free Drinks company are a specialist retail and distribution company promoting the sale of Alcohol Free Drinks across the UK. You can find out more about them by heading over to https://alcoholfreedrinks.co.uk/
To find out more about the wonderful world of AF/NA Beer and to check in with me head to www.instagram.com/sober_boozers_club
This episode is not brought to you by any sponsors because nobody wants to sponsor me.
Sober Boozers Club - Embracing Sobriety's Tapestry with Shell Regini: Laughs, Reflections And A Campaign For Sober Toilets
Transcript
Welcome to the Sober Boozers Club podcast , a place where we can talk openly and honestly about addiction , sobriety and , strangely enough , beer .
Speaker 1I'm Ben , I'm an alcoholic and for the last two years , I've been sampling some of the finest alcohol-free beers the world has to offer . Each week , I'll be joined by a different guest to
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/sober-boozers-club-516758/embracing-sobrietys-tapestry-with-shell-regini-laughs-reflections-and-67485212"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to embracing sobriety's tapestry with shell regini: laughs, reflections and a campaign for sober toilets on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy