In this deeply personal solo episode of Shitshow in Short Hills, host Leslie Shapiro reflects on the pivotal chapters of her life—before and after sobriety, and between the “small house” and the “big house.” She unpacks how chasing prestige, square footage, and the illusion of perfection left her unraveling inside, even as the facade looked flawless. Selling the big house was not just a real estate transaction, but a surrender—one that forced her to face fear, ego, and denial, and ultimately freed her from the identity she thought she had to perform. With raw honesty, Leslie shares how she learned authenticity doesn’t come from zip codes or granite countertops, but from grace, humility, and choosing what feels true over what merely looks good. This episode is both a confession and a reclamation: of self, of love, and of life after letting go.

In this episode, Leslie welcomes author and storyteller Martha Frankel, whose memoir Hats & Eyeglasses paints a vivid portrait of growing up in a family of die-hard gamblers—where poker, mahjong, and a love of storytelling filled the air. But beyond the colorful childhood tales lies Martha’s deeply personal journey through addiction and recovery. She opens up about the road from compulsive habits to reclaiming her voice as a writer, and how storytelling became a lifeline. With wisdom, humor, and honesty, Martha shares how recovery reshaped her life and her work.

In this raw and emotional episode of Shitshow in Short Hills, Leslie sits down with her son Max for their first ever on-mic conversation about what it was like growing up with a mother in active addiction. With unflinching honesty, humor, and heart, mother and son explore the painful truths, the small victories, and the deep love that carried them through. It's not just a story about surviving dysfunction—it's about healing together.

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.

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.

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.

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