Stephen interviews Paul Churchill, creator and host of the Recovery Elevator podcast, which he launched in 2015 shortly after quitting alcohol (last drink September 6, 2014) to create accountability and reduce stigma. Paul shares how early recovery, AA, and a moment of shame hiding outside a meeting inspired the show, which grew from a few listeners to a weekly Monday release schedule, over 600 episodes, and a large community. He explains the show’s story-driven format, guest selection (often everyday people with little sobriety time), and how recovery podcasting helps those not ready to seek help in person. The conversation covers anonymity, criticism from within AA, burnout and building a production team, the creation of the nonprofit Cafe RE community app, Paul’s books, and themes of connection, modern addiction, and mental health, including the loss of a friend around episode 600.
Resource Links
Recovery Elevator — Official Recovery Elevator website.
About Recovery Elevator & Paul Churchill — Paul's background and the Recovery Elevator team.
Recovery Elevator Podcast — Podcast archive.
Café RE — The Recovery Elevator recovery community.
Recovery Elevator on Apple Podcasts — Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.
Alcohol is SH!T - Paul Churchill's book about alcohol and his journey into recovery.
Dolce Vita: The Good Life - Paul's newer book about building a fulfilling life beyond alcohol.
- (00:00) - Why Recovery Stories Matter
- (02:15) - Meet Paul Churchill
- (04:24) - Starting Recovery Elevator
- (08:25) - Early Growth and First Emails
- (10:11) - Recovery Content Then vs Now
- (12:05) - Finding the Show Format
- (17:16) - Guests and Relatability
- (20:19) - Anonymity and AA Pushback
- (26:11) - Staying Consistent Weekly
- (29:48) - Behind the Scenes Team
- (31:13) - Stepping Away From Hosting
- (32:03) - COVID Keeps It Alive
- (34:04) - Building a Real Team
- (37:34) - Systems for Production
- (38:38) - From Podcast to Books
- (40:12) - Modern Addiction Explained
- (46:12) - Cafe RE Community App
- (48:20) - Starting Today Advice
- (52:28) - Authenticity and Connection
- (55:02) - Episode 600 Wake Up Call
- (57:52) - Closing Reflections
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