Soberful

In this episode of the Soberful Podcast, Veronica Valli speaks with Professor Doug Smith about youth recovery from substance use. They discuss the evolution of recovery models, the importance of peer support, and the challenges faced by young people in recovery. Doug shares insights from his research on the current state of youth recovery, the impact of technology on behavior, and the generational differences in substance use patterns. The conversation also touches on public health perspectives regarding cannabis and vaping, highlighting the complexities of these issues. In this conversation, Doug Smith and Veronica Valli delve into the complexities of addiction, particularly focusing on vaping, youth substance use disorders, and the genetic factors influencing addiction. They discuss the importance of research in recovery, the role of motivational interviewing as a compassionate approach in treatment, and the need for a supportive recovery community. Doug shares insights from his research and emphasizes the…

In this episode of the Soberful Podcast, Veronica Valli delves into the intricate relationship between thoughts, emotions, and drinking behaviors. She emphasizes that many individuals mistakenly focus on willpower to combat their drinking problems, neglecting the underlying thoughts and feelings that trigger their desire to drink. Valli explains the concept of activating events and how our perceptions of these events, influenced by past beliefs, shape our emotional responses and subsequent actions. She advocates for developing emotional sobriety skills to better navigate life's challenges and make healthier choices instead of resorting to alcohol as a coping mechanism. To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode, Chip shares his extensive wisdom and experience regarding sobriety, emphasizing the simplicity of the recovery process, the importance of taking risks, and the need to address childhood trauma at a manageable pace. He discusses family dynamics and reassures listeners that they can achieve sobriety independently of their family relationships. The conversation highlights the significance of patience and taking recovery one step at a time, focusing on manageable chunks rather than overwhelming oneself with the entirety of the journey. To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode of the Soberfall Podcast, Veronica Valli delves into the intricate relationship between thoughts, emotions, and drinking behaviors. She emphasizes that many individuals mistakenly focus on willpower to combat their drinking problems, neglecting the underlying thoughts and feelings that trigger their desire to drink. Valli explains the concept of activating events and how our perceptions of these events, influenced by past beliefs, shape our emotional responses and subsequent actions. She advocates for developing emotional sobriety skills to better navigate life's challenges and make healthier choices instead of resorting to alcohol as a coping mechanism. To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this conversation, Chip and Veronica delve into the profound themes of mortality, acceptance, and the importance of human connection. Chip shares his personal struggles with health and the reality of aging, reflecting on the wake-up calls that life presents. The discussion highlights the transition from denial to acceptance, the emotional toll of feeling isolated, and the uplifting power of friendship and support from loved ones. Ultimately, it emphasizes the significance of being present and cherishing connections with others as we navigate life's challenges. To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode of The Soberful Podcast, Veronica Valli and Alysse Bryson discuss the complexities of sobriety, particularly in the context of celebrity culture. They delve into Brad Pitt's recent public admission of returning to drinking after years of sobriety, exploring the implications of such a decision on public perception and the sober community. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by those in recovery, the role of wealth and fame in addiction, and the importance of humility in maintaining sobriety. They also examine how media narratives shape our understanding of celebrity struggles with addiction and mental health. To learn more, visit the show notes.

You may have noticed that when you stop drinking your friendships change in this episode Chip and Veronica talk about how and why friendships change and how to navigate those changes. To learn more, visit the show notes.

"Resentments are the number one offender." In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss the nature of resentments, how they are like drinking poison and wanting the other person to die. How they seduce us into staying stuck and block us from growing. They confess their own resentments and the methods they use to get free of them. To learn more, visit the show notes.

Have you fever felt anxious? Have you ever used alcohol to deal with social anxiety? You are not alone. Anxiety and problems with alcohol go hand in hand. We drink to take the 'edge' off and get through social situations, but the booze just makes everything worse. You may have even experienced a full-blown panic attack. Veronica suffered from extreme anxiety and regular panic attacks throughout her drinking. In this episode, Chip and Veronica look at the relationship between alcohol and anxiety, how getting sober will change it and give you their strategies for dealing with anxiety when it strikes. To learn more, visit the show notes.

Why do people find it so hard to stop drinking? What leads to a relapse? Veronica and Chip answer all these questions and give their opinion on what risky situations to avoid in early recovery. To learn more, visit the show notes.

When we get sober, the world takes it personally. There are four types of characters you may meet when you stop drinking: 'The overnight addiction expert, 'the drunk persuader, the 'moving the goalposts friend,' and the 'fun police.' Chip and Veronica talk you through how each one will approach you, what they will say, and how you can deal with them. To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA). ACOA's have particular characteristics that they carry into adulthood, particularly in their intimate relationships. To learn more, visit the show notes.

The Holy Grail of anyone with an alcohol use disorder is moderation. In this episode, Chip and Veronica look at why moderation (or social drinking) is very rarely achievable. We discuss the energy and effort that people put into trying to achieve it. The reason that we struggle with moderation is because of the perception that alcohol can benefit us when the reality is very different. To learn more, visit the show notes.

We discuss how the alcohol industry has tricked us into believing alcohol is harmless and beneficial to us. And how they have convinced us that without alcohol we are missing out on something. We challenge the myths and assumptions that have lead to the normalization of abnormal drinking. To learn more, visit the show notes.

The biggest challenge Veronica faced was dealing with romantic relationships. At 3 years sober she was suicidal again. With nothing left to lose she had to find a way to deal with old demons and stay sober. To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode, we cover Veronica's story. How she became an alcoholic, what happened, and what led her into sobriety. To learn more, visit the show notes.

*Trigger warning* Discussion of overcoming childhood sexual abuse. How do you heal from abuse and trauma? Can you overcome childhood abuse and go on to have a happy life and fulfilling relationships? Chip explains exactly how he did that. To learn more, visit the show notes.

*Trigger warning* Discussion of childhood sexual abuse. In this episode, Chip tells his incredible story of recovery. He grew up in an upper-class British family with no love or warmth, was abandoned to a boarding school at age seven where he was bullied. By 18 he was sticking needles in his arms. He spent time in prison and five days on life support. Listen to his amazing story of transformation. In next week's episode, we will discuss how he healed and overcame all of this adversity. To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli discusses the challenges of staying sober during the summer, a season often associated with fun and drinking. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the summer without alcohol, emphasizing the importance of understanding the difference between the fantasy of drinking and the reality. Valli encourages listeners to embrace the gifts of sobriety and to focus on the positive aspects of a sober summer. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli interviews Suze Silvius, who shares her extraordinary journey from a troubled childhood in Canada to her struggles with alcohol and eventual path to recovery. Suze discusses her early relationship with alcohol, the emotional angst she felt throughout her life, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. She reflects on the impact of her environment, including her move to Mexico, and how the drinking culture there influenced her habits. Suze's story is one of resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of support in overcoming addiction. In this conversation, Sus S shares her transformative journey from desperation to hope through her work with Veronica Valli. They discuss the importance of self-realization, taking responsibility for one's own life, and the power of shifting perspectives to achieve emotional regulation. Sus reflects on her past struggles and the significant changes she has experienced over the past year, emphasizing the…

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli interviews Ian Young, a long-time friend and colleague in the treatment industry. Ian shares his incredible journey from a troubled youth in North London to a life of addiction, counterculture, and ultimately recovery. He discusses his experiences with drug smuggling, political activism, and the challenges he faced with family dynamics. Ian reflects on his rock bottom moment and the transformative power of seeking help, leading to his current work in addiction treatment. In this conversation, Ian Young shares his transformative journey from addiction to recovery, detailing the pivotal moments that led him to embrace sobriety and dedicate his life to helping others. He discusses the importance of finding purpose in recovery, the challenges of maintaining integrity in the treatment industry, and the innovative approaches he has developed in his holistic recovery programs. Ian emphasizes the significance of community, personal growth, and the integration…

In this episode of the SoberFull podcast, Veronica Valli interviews Randy Haverson, who shares his remarkable journey of sobriety spanning over 42 years. Randy discusses his early struggles with addiction, the turning point that led him to seek help, and the profound difference between simply being sober and being in recovery. He emphasizes the importance of emotional sobriety, self-discovery, and the strength found in vulnerability. The conversation highlights the ongoing journey of personal growth and the transformative power of connecting with others who share similar experiences. In this conversation, Randy and Veronica explore the transformative journey of recovery, emphasizing the importance of inner dialogue, support systems, and self-discovery. They discuss the significance of play and emotional understanding in recovery, as well as the empowerment that comes from overcoming personal struggles. Randy shares insights from his own experiences, including the role of therapy and journaling, and…

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli delves into the often overlooked concept of emotional sobriety, emphasizing its critical role in maintaining long-term sobriety. She shares her personal journey, highlighting the challenges of emotional management after quitting alcohol and the importance of developing emotional skills. Valli discusses practical strategies for achieving emotional sobriety, including setting boundaries, effective communication, and understanding subconscious beliefs. The conversation underscores that emotional sobriety is a continuous practice essential for personal growth and fulfillment beyond just abstaining from alcohol. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

What is a normal drinker? This is a question most people ask themselves on their journey to sobriety. The truth is that how we drink is shaped by our peers and culture. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Patricia is a three-time Emmy Award-winning actress known for her work in The Middle and Everybody Loves Raymond. She has been alcohol-free for eight years and has just launched her alcohol free brand Solubrae. (Use code Soberful20 to get 20% off) Patricia shares her inspiring journey of going alcohol-free, the cultural influences on drinking, and how it transformed her life. Discover practical insights on overcoming social drinking, the health benefits of sobriety, and innovative alcohol-free alternatives. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this insightful interview, Eric Zimmer shares his transformative journey from heroin addiction to sobriety and discusses his new book, 'How a Little Becomes a Lot.' The conversation explores the power of small, consistent actions, the nature of change as a skill, and how our perceptions shape our reality. Perfect for anyone interested in personal growth, addiction recovery, and meaningful life changes. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Explore the transformative journey of Lauren Brunesson as she navigates life from Northern Ireland to global adventures, embracing sobriety and self-discovery. This episode delves into cultural insights, the power of intuition, and the rise of sober travel communities. Join us for an inspiring conversation on overcoming addiction and living a holistic, adventurous life. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this insightful interview, Dr. Judy Rosenberg discusses the deep-rooted psychological causes of smoking and vaping, emphasizing the importance of addressing childhood wounds and emotional dysregulation to achieve lasting change. Discover how addiction is linked to the hole in the soul and learn practical strategies to break free from these habits. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This conversation explores addiction, trauma, and mental health issues in the older population, highlighting the unique challenges and societal perceptions faced by those over 65. Polly Kaiser shares her extensive experience working with older adults, addressing topics like ageism, substance misuse, and the importance of narrative therapy. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli interviews Mike Marshall from the US Alcohol Policy Alliance. They discuss the pervasive influence of alcohol in society, the power of the alcohol lobby, and the need for better public health policies regarding alcohol consumption. Mike shares his personal journey of sobriety and highlights the significant harms associated with alcohol, including its links to cancer and violence. They also explore generational shifts in drinking habits, the impact of cultural norms, and the importance of educating policymakers and the public about the risks of alcohol. The conversation concludes with a call to action for better regulation and awareness around alcohol consumption. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this conversation, Veronica Valli and Samantha Lander discuss the journey of recovery from addiction, focusing on the importance of health and nutrition in sobriety. Samantha shares her personal story of addiction, the challenges she faced, and how she transitioned to a healthier lifestyle. They explore the impact of substance use on hormonal balance, the role of nutrition in recovery, and the benefits of peptides. The discussion also touches on dietary recommendations for those in recovery and how to navigate health challenges during menopause. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Veronica Valli discusses the journey to emotional sobriety, emphasizing the importance of consistent personal development, boundaries, managing resentments, and reprogramming the subconscious mind. She shares practical insights and invites listeners to a two-day immersive training to master emotional sobriety for lasting well-being. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Veronica Valli discusses the concept of 'dry drunk' and emotional sobriety, exploring how emotional regulation and personal development are crucial for lasting sobriety and a fulfilling life. She shares insights on emotional unwellness, control issues, and practical tools for emotional sobriety. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Brenda Zane started Hopestream community after years of trying to save her son from desperate drug addiction. She discusses the resources parents need when they have a child struggling with addiction and provides hope when those parents feel like they are the only ones going through this. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

What is blackout drinking, and when is it a problem? To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Veronica explains how to grow roots in sobriety. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Veronica chats with Brandi Jones, a woman she considers to be one of the most impressive people she has ever met. Listen in as Veronica learns unknown parts of Brandi's life story that leave her both horrified and in awe of this incredibly inspiring woman. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Jeremy Lipkowitz joins Veronica to discuss his descent into porn addiction, how it made him depressed and isolated, and how he now helps other men break free. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Veronica and Chip delve into the complex topic of family estrangement and the concept of going no contact. They explore the importance of boundaries in relationships, the impact of emotional well-being on family dynamics, and the cultural implications of severing ties with kin. The conversation highlights the necessity of learning skills to navigate difficult relationships while emphasizing the value of connection and the potential dangers of labeling family members as toxic. Ultimately, they advocate for a balanced approach to family relationships, recognizing the challenges while promoting personal growth and understanding. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, hosts Veronica Valli and Chip discuss the significance of sobriety milestones, particularly Chip's 41 years of sobriety. They explore the ongoing journey of recovery, emphasizing the importance of emotional growth, personal development, and maintaining connections with others. The conversation highlights the necessity of support systems and frameworks for living a fulfilling life post-addiction, as well as the continuous opportunities for growth that life presents. The hosts stress that sobriety is not just about abstaining from substances but involves learning essential life skills and managing emotions effectively. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In Veronica and Chip's traditional end-of-year episode, they discuss all the things that changed their lives this year. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Chip and Veronica discuss how anger manifests in sobriety. What lies beneath anger? Is it purely fear? How do you manage your own anger and that of others? To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Veronica and Chip respond to a listener's question and talk about how to manage all the new feelings you experience in sobriety. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

At 32 years of age, Kate Lewis was grappling with alcohol withdrawal, and she had a severe alcohol fit. This led to her being placed in a medical coma for six days. Surprisingly, this didn't halt her drinking. It was the subsequent events that finally put an end to her alcoholism. Kate, now a published author, joins the podcast to share her story and discuss the two books she wrote. These books, a testament to her journey, offer hope and guidance to women struggling with alcoholism, inspiring them to embark on their own path to recovery. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

When Suzanne went into blacked out drunk with a 3-month-old baby, she knew her drinking had passed the point of no return. She had spent years trying to moderate and manage her drinking to no avail. Now, her mission is to spread the word about how fun and freeing sobriety can be. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Mary Alice Stephens loved alcohol; she drank every day and made sure her social life was full of opportunities to drink. Coming from a large Irish Catholic family, drinking was normalised and celebrated. She joins Veronica to discuss what happens after you put the drink down. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Veronica discusses the universal challenge of dealing with difficult people in our lives. She emphasizes that understanding the emotional unwellness of others can foster empathy, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining boundaries and managing expectations. Veronica provides insights into how to respond to difficult individuals from a place of emotional regulation, rather than reacting as a wounded child. The conversation culminates in practical strategies for transforming relationships through clear communication and self-awareness, ultimately leading to personal growth and improved interactions. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Chip joins Veronica to discuss how to regain trust when you get sober. They discuss regaining the trust of your children and partner. Trust is something sacred and when broken it takes time and patience to earn it back. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Lori Windfeldt, the founder of Dry Society Social Club, joins Veronica to discuss why having fun and socialising in sobriety is so important. And how we can normalise not drinking in our communities. To learn more, visit the show notes.

Laura McKowen's second book is called 'Push Off From Here' a guide to sobriety and life. Veronica and Laura discuss the nine essential truths in the book and how to apply them to sobriety. To learn more, visit the show notes.