Delulu, Detox, and Deliverance: Shelby C.'s Freedom

They don’t want to hear it—they want to see it. So, I trained my feet where to go.

On this heartfelt episode of The Cup of Joe Show, we welcome Shelby C.—a woman whose story of recovery is raw, real, and rooted in hard-won freedom. Married to former guest Scott C. (from Ego to Enlightenment), Shelby’s road to sobriety began with deep emotional pain and a desperate desire to feel something other than unworthy.

As a redhead teased relentlessly growing up, Shelby battled low self-esteem, buried anger, and the aching discomfort of never quite fitting in. Alcohol and drugs provided temporary relief—and blackouts became her norm. She believed the lies: “Everyone else is the problem” and “I’m only hurting myself.” But the illusion shattered during a lonely Christmas in 2014, when family after family member began cutting ties.

With her world unraveling, Shelby hit a spiritual and physical bottom—mixing drugs and alcohol in a moment of hopelessness. Living in her car and hopping between couches and hotel rooms, it was her dog, Paquito, who became her anchor. She detoxed painfully, without medical help, and took the first step into rehab—and a new way of life.

Early sobriety meant feeling feelings she’d long numbed out, facing the wreckage she caused, and taking action to rebuild what addiction broke.

Today, Shelby suits up and shows up and is living proof that recovery is shown, not told.

🎙️ If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to claw your way from the edge into a life of purpose—this is it.

🌟 Looking for daily encouragement and inspiration? Visit our friends at Daily Ponderables — your source for strength, hope, and reflection 365 days a year.

The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.