Unapologetically real and perfectly
imperfect
If you are feeling lost and don’t know where to turn you’re in the right place. You don’t have to keep pretending everything’s fine. There’s a way out, and guess what? You don’t have to ditch the tiara to get sober. Life can be better—like actually great—and you’ll still get to be your fabulous, sarcastic, entitled self. Sobriety isn’t about losing yourself, it’s about waking the hell up to deeper relationships, real connection, and actually feeling alive for once.
Podcast Out Now!
Join the Conversation on Recovery, Relationships + Redemption
Shit Show in Short Hills aims to spark a larger cultural shift where women— particularly those in privileged spaces — feel empowered to acknowledge their struggles, seek help, and speak openly about their experiences. Success is measured not just by downloads or community growth but by the countless women who feel less alone, more understood, and ready to embrace their beautifully imperfect lives.
Each week the podcast will normalize the messy realities of sobriety, addiction, and recovery by creating a space where women feel seen, supported, and inspired to reclaim their identities and embrace their imperfect, sparkling selves. Hosted by Leslie Shapiro—a fearless truth-teller who knows firsthand the chaos of hitting rock bottom and climbing back up—this podcast creates a space where women can finally exhale. Through raw storytelling, meaningful conversations with guests, and deeply personal insights, Leslie inspires listeners to confront the stigma around addiction and embrace their imperfect yet powerful selves.
This podcast is both a lifeline for those navigating sobriety and a beacon for women seeking real talk about the struggles behind the façade of perfection.
Episodes
Everything I Lost, Everything I Learned
Shitshow in Short Hills is a bold, unfiltered podcast that dives into the messy intersection of addiction, recovery, privilege, and identity—with humor, heart, and hard truths. Hosted by Leslie Shapiro, a woman who embodies both the polished exterior of suburban privilege and the chaotic reality of recovery, the show offers a perspective rarely found in sobriety spaces. Her signature blend of “suburban sparkle” and raw honesty creates a space where women—especially those navigating life behind a façade—can finally exhale. With sharp wit, deeply personal stories, and real conversations, Leslie tackles the stigma of addiction while reminding listeners they’re not alone. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a lifeline for anyone ready to ditch perfection and reclaim their truth.
Michelle Garside on Sobriety with Soul
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.
Lotta Dan - Mrs. D is going Without
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.
Kristen McGuiness on Writing the Wound
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.
Darren Prince on Aiming High
Celebrity agent Darren Prince built a million-dollar empire representing legends like Magic Johnson, Muhammad Ali, and Charlie Sheen—all while secretly battling a crippling opioid addiction. In this episode, Darren opens up about his rise, his rock bottom, and the raw road to recovery. Now a bestselling author and advocate, he shares the truth behind fame, the power of second chances, and what it really means to aim high. We talk hustle, healing, and how purpose took over where addiction once lived. If you’ve ever felt like your biggest success was hiding your deepest pain, Darren’s story will hit home.
Elissa Altman on Feeding the Story
James Beard Award-winning memoirist Elissa Altman joins Shit Show in Short Hills to talk about the power of writing through pain, navigating complex family dynamics, and finding identity in the messiest places. A former publishing executive turned acclaimed author, Elissa shares how food, memory, and storytelling became her lifelines. We explore the emotional truth behind her memoirs—including Permission—and what it takes to tell the stories we were taught to keep quiet. With wisdom, wit, and deep grace, Elissa reminds us that healing often begins with the courage to speak.
Recovering Out Loud
On this episode of Shitshow in Short Hills, Leslie Shapiro opens up about the raw and often terrifying experience of recovering out loud. She reflects on what it feels like to let go of the polished version of herself—the one wrapped in designer armor—and instead reveal the messy, honest truth.
From recurring dreams about being naked in public to the real-life vulnerability of sharing her scars and regrets, Leslie explores the power of surrendering control of the narrative. This is a deeply personal look at what happens when we stop hiding and start healing in full view.
About Me
“April 4th, 2016 is the day that the gift of desperation gave me the gift of another chance. I now truly understand that alcoholism transcends all socioeconomic groups, from park bench to Park Ave.”
For years, everything looked picture-perfect on the outside. A beautiful home, with a beautiful family in an affluent suburb. The carefully curated life of a privileged stay at home mom. But behind the facade, my world was crumbling and unraveling. I was living in chaos consumed by alcoholism, yet keeping it hidden beneath a polished exterior. I was terrified of the truth and convinced that nobody could understand. I blew up my life I thought I needed to keep. What followed was a humbling journey of crawling back, rebuilding - not just my life but myself.
Today, I'm proudly sober for eight years and dedicated to helping others who are struggling in silence. I want you to know there IS a solution and you don't have to lose yourself to find it. Sobriety doesn't mean sacrificing your sparkle or your stilettos or the best parts of who you are. My purpose now is to inspire others ready to make a change, showing that recovery can be glamorous, empowering and full of hope. Let's smash the stigma of addiction and reclaim our lives together - one step, one heel and one sparkle at a time!
Memoir Coming
2025
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