
We Recover Loudly – Unfiltered Stories, Unapologetic Recovery
We Recover Loudly is a podcast for anyone reclaiming their identity after life’s toughest challenges. Whether that’s addiction, mental health struggles, chronic illness, burnout, or something else entirely. Hosted by Shell, each episode brings raw vulnerability, humour, and real-life stories that show recovery comes in many forms, and that you are never the only one to go through something challenging. From guests who have triumphed over addiction to those reclaiming themselves from burnout, anxiety, and more, we share candid conversations, personal insights, and practical tips to remind you that no matter what you’re recovering from, you’re not alone.
Because when we recover loudly ... we stop others dying quietly. So, let's turn it up and get loud!
We Recover Loudly – Unfiltered Stories, Unapologetic Recovery
S2 Episode 020 - Derek Brown - From Escaping the Mind to Mindful Drinking
In this new episode of We Recover Loudly, Shell is joined by the wonderful Derek Brown. Derek is an author and NASM-certified wellness coach, and also the founder of Positive Damage, Inc. As one of the US’s top bartenders, he previously owned the Spirited Awards 2017 “Best American Cocktail Bar” Columbia Room in Washington, D.C. Derek published his first book in 2019, and followed that up in 2022 with his book Mindful Mixology: a Comprehensive Guide to No- and Low-Alcohol Cocktails.
Derek has made significant contributions to the global bar industry and has influenced the way we approach non-alcoholic drinking. After experiencing his own struggles with alcohol, Derek now promotes mindfulness as a way to encourage people to reflect on their reasons for reaching for a drink, instead of focusing solely on abstaining from alcohol.
We also discussed -
- The VAMPIRIC lifestyle of a bartender and shift worker
- The joy in finding we can still enjoy the magic of a bar sober!
- How putting down the booze made Derek realise how much he was using it to hide his mental health issues and that finally in sobriety he was able to address issues that had been there for years.
- How boring hanging out with a load of drunk people has become now we are sober!
- How sobriety has completely turned Derek's life around; which does not mean it is all perfect, but does mean you can build real defences to the worlds challenges.
This was a one of a kind conversation with a personal hero, and it is a brilliantly enriching listen. Enjoy!
For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email hello@werecoverloudly.com
@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com