Author, publisher, and recovery advocate Kristen McGuiness joins Shit Show in Short Hills to talk about addiction, self-worth, and the power of telling your story. From party girl to publishing powerhouse, Kristen shares her journey of redemption, the real work of emotional recovery, and why writing with raw honesty can change lives—including your own. We talk about the intersection of purpose and pain, and how the stories we hide often hold the most power. Kristen also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing world and what it really takes to get a book out into the world. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to start over, this episode is your reminder—it’s not.

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Lotta Dann—New Zealand-based journalist, author, and one of the most vital voices in today’s recovery landscape. After getting sober in 2011, Lotta began documenting her journey through her blog Mrs D is Going Without, sparking a movement that led to a bestselling memoir and the creation of Living Sober, a national online community changing the way people in New Zealand (and beyond) talk about alcohol. Lotta speaks candidly about the emotional rollercoaster of recovery, what it takes to rebuild your sense of self without substances, and why women—especially—need to hear the truth about the alcohol industry's grip

In this raw and revelatory episode, we sit down with Michelle Garside—founder of Soul Camp and Soul Camp Creative—for a conversation that dives deep into what it really means to survive, evolve, and rise. Michelle opens up about her journey through addiction, the long road to self-worth, and how she’s turned survival into soulful service. With grit, grace, and gut-level honesty, she shares how embracing radical authenticity transformed not just her life, but her entire business—and how it’s shaping her forthcoming debut book, Not Awakened (Hachette, 2026). This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the mess and magic of becoming.