RE 597: Moving On

RE 597: Moving On

Get ready to be moved by real-life accounts of facing addiction head-on, as Recovery Elevator focuses on what it really means to "move on" from alcohol and loss. This episode centres on host Paul Churchill and returning guest Shane Raymer, who last appeared way back on episode 17 and is still alcohol-free after his last drink on 12 September 2013.

Paul opens with a raw reflection on grieving his dog Ben, using the stubborn pile of "dog poop" in the garden as a symbol for how hard it can be to let go. From there, he links the pain of losing a pet to the strange grief that comes with giving up alcohol: you can miss drinking, even when you don't want to drink anymore. Shane then steps in with a story that many people will recognise.

Growing up in a chaotic, alcoholic household, he carried resentment and anger into adulthood, using booze and drugs as tools to escape. He shares the moment he finally told his wife, "I need help. I can't do this anymore," and describes the mix of fear and intense relief that followed. A 30‑day stay at rehab and honest conversations with a sponsor helped him lean into forgiveness, especially towards his parents and himself.

Throughout the chat, Shane keeps circling back to gratitude, presence and connection. He talks about commuting with early recovery, starting That Sober Guy podcast when there were only a handful of sobriety shows, and how hundreds of conversations with others in recovery have helped keep him grounded. He also touches on modern drivers of addiction, the pressure of drinking culture, and why clear boundaries and loving people "where they’re at" can be vital when a family member is still struggling.

If you’re wondering whether alcohol is really serving your life, this honest, funny and heartfelt conversation may give you a new question to ask: is it time for you to move on too?