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.

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli speaks with Stephanie Marquesano, founder of The Harris Project, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing co-occurring disorders. Stephanie shares her personal journey following the tragic loss of her son, Harris, to an accidental overdose. The conversation delves into the complexities of co-occurring disorders, the importance of prevention and education, and the need for integrated treatment approaches. Stephanie emphasizes the significance of empowering young people with knowledge about mental health and substance use, and the role of community in supporting families facing these challenges. To learn more, visit the ⁠show notes⁠.

Simon Mason shouldn't be alive. Drop out, drug dealer, addict. He thought he was living the life as a drug dealer to the biggest bands in Britpop (Oasis) it took him ten years and multiple treatment and detox stays to get sober. Simon shares his tales and how music saved his life.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Chip and Veronica break down what binge pattern drinking is. They discuss that it's not how much we drink or how often its the pattern that matters. We can delude ourselves for a long time that our drinking isn't problematic if we don't drink every day, which is how Veronica's drinking was.

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.

Chip and Veronica are celebrating their fifth podcast anniversary. They answer questions from listeners. Including: how do we know our choices are authentic, how can we be of service to sober people, and what grey-area drinking is. And is sex better sober?

To learn more, visit the show notes.

​RUBY WARRINGTON is a British-born author, editor, podcaster, and the founder of Numinous Books. Recognized as a true thought leader, Ruby has the unique ability to identify issues that are destined to become part of the cultural narrative. Her previous books include Material Girl, Mystical World; Sober Curious; and The Sober Curious Reset, and her work has been featured by countless media outlets globally, including the New York Times, The Guardian, and Good Morning America. She lives in Miami. To learn more, visit rubywarrington.com. She joins Veronica for a conversation about sobriety, motherhood, the role of women and making choices. They explore what it means to be a mother, why women feel this is their primary role and why more and more women are opting out.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica is joined by her best friend, Sarah Gillespie. Sarah wrote and recorded the title track to the podcast and discusses the similarities between getting sober and producing art.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica meets with philosopher Dr. Peg O' Conner author of 'Higher and Friendly Powers: Transforming Addiction and Suffering'. They discuss what spirituality is, how they interpret the 12-steps. What spirituality is essential to sobriety and how it can also block people in sobriety.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Dr. De Jesus is today's guest. She discusses the need for collegiate recovery across all higher education campuses. Why our students need these resources, and why so many young people are turning to drugs and alcohol.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Chip and Veronica answer your questions about dealing with the past and finding peace. Letting go of shame and regret and keeping our side of the street clean.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Sean Hemeon shares his extraordinary journey from a troubled upbringing in a strict Mormon household to becoming a successful actor and author. He discusses his struggles with addiction, the challenges of coming out as gay, and the transformative power of sobriety. Sean reflects on his experiences as a drug dealer, the consequences of his actions, and the path to redemption through recovery and acting. He emphasizes the importance of spirituality and connection in his life, and shares his aspirations for the future. To learn more, visit the ⁠show notes⁠.

One of the defining characteristics of addiction is 'the obsession of self.' Chip and Veronica talk about their own experiences and how to overcome self-obsession.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica explains that a sobriety practice is really just personal development that maintains our emotional and mental health. She goes into depth as to what that would look like and how it is essential for all human beings not just those suffering from an alcohol problem.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica is joined by former news anchor Laurie Dhue. After getting sober on the nightly news (although no one knew that at the time) Laurie is now a recovery advocate. She is the brand ambassador for recoverydecuation.com a much-needed online platform that supports and helps parents (and affected others) who have kids affected by addiction.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

All things love. Chip and Veronica answer questions about self-love, parental love and is falling in love different when you are sober?

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Dr. Jamie Marich returns to discuss Prince Harry's book in relation to trauma, mental health, addiction and what happens when someone is brave enough to speak up about institutional abuse.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Carrie Carlisle is tv and events presenter, author, and newspaper columnist from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. She is an Ambassador for MIND Charity and also works alongside her husband, former professional footballer, Clarke Carlisle, delivering Mental Health talks and workshops. In 2018 they won the Speaking Out MIND Media Award for raising awareness throughout the U.K. for suicide prevention. Carrie is passionate about using her own lived experiences, to help others empower themselves, to create great mental health on their own terms. Carrie stopped drinking in 2006, without which none of the above could ever have been possible. She joins veronica to discuss her recovery from drinking and how when she got sober she developed orthorexia.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Chip and Veronica answer questions about negative self talk.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica has a fascinating conversation with Dr, Jamie Marich about how we dissociate and that we shouldn't always view this is a bad thing. They also discuss alternative healing practices and what is reality anyway?

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Chip and Veronica dive into the subject of birth order, how it affects us, how it impacts us as adults and why it matters to our sobriety.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this solo episode, Veronica explains why she dislikes the term 'sobriety toolbox' and why we need a sobriety habit instead. She explains the mindset and system that we need to build a life-long sobriety habit.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, hosts Veronica Valli and Chip discuss the various consequences that arise after getting clean and sober. They explore the emotional, financial, and social repercussions of addiction, emphasizing the importance of community support and acceptance in navigating these challenges. The conversation highlights the need for honesty and the role of personal growth in overcoming the stigma associated with past behaviors. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to face their consequences with courage and seek help when needed.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

In our tradtional end of year episode Chip and Veronica share the things that changed thier lives this year. Veronica had a big realization about her mother that changed her life. Chip won a photography competition and they also discus, books, TV and movies that they loved. Chip also reveals what he will be eating for his non-Christmas dinner this year.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica is joined by She Recovers co-founder Dawn Nickel. They discuss how She Recovers started and grew into the movement it is today. Dawn also speaks frankly about her workaholism and how it forced her to change and take care of her recovery. Lastly, Dawn talks about her new book.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Alysse Bryson is started the sober curator during lockdown. She wanted to create a fun uplifting space for people in long-term recovery. In this conversation, she candidly discusses becoming a single mom and twenty.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica wanted to hand over this topic to Chip as he is the 'old one.' But then realised she qualifies as 'getting old' too! Chip and Veronica discuss all this related to ageing and sobriety. Including the risks of drinking as we age. Health issues and medication.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Mandy Manners and Kate Baily have a new book out 'Love your sober year,where they guide women through the rythms of life. We discuss how we have different needs at different times and we need to honor what the seasons tell us. We can then become more reflective, intuitive and support our sobriety as we allow ourselves to flow into, not resist changes.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

In their 200th episode, Chip and Veronica celebrate the podcast by answering questions on any subject. What do they like about the other person the most? What changed when they were 10 or 20 years sober? Why they celebrate birthdays is among the many questions that got answered.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Dr. Robb Kelly is one of the leading voices in the addiction recovery movement. In this episode, he tells his miraculous story of recovery from homelessness to a Ph.D. He explains the significance of neuroplasticity combined with spiritual awakening is the key to recovering from alcoholism.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Is anger justifiable? Why is my anger out of control? When I get angry I drink to calm myself down. Chip and Veronica answer all these questions and more.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica is joined by Arlina Allen from the One day at a Time podcast. Arlina shares how she has been sober for 28 years, her experience of the 12-steps and why working on self-esteem is so important.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Dave Yates is a sober comedian. He discusses his relationship between comedy and sobriety and how the highs and lows of performing.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli discusses the complexities of sobriety, emphasizing the importance of understanding what sobriety truly means. She distinguishes between complete abstinence and harm minimization, explores the concept of recovery, and addresses the common issue of cross-addiction. Valli also highlights the significance of emotional sobriety as a crucial aspect of lasting recovery, encouraging listeners to engage in practices that support their mental and emotional health.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Michelle Farris is a psychotherapist who specializes in helping people with codependency. In this honest conversation, she explains how codependency affected her, its origins in childhood and how we can begin to forge healthy relationships.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Chip and Veronica answer your questions on how to deal with alcohol and drinking triggers.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Sarah Brassard has been helping women recover from trauma for decades; in this episode, she breaks down what trauma really is and how we can recover.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this not to be missed episode, Veronica Interviews Jessica Lahey author of The Addiction Inoculation about what to tell our kids about alcohol and drugs.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Can we sometimes be drama addicts? Chip and Veronica explore how they have created drama in their own lives and how creating drama is a way of meeting needs.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Chip and Veronica are back from their summer break and kick off this season by discussing how our childhoods affect us and how our relationship with our parents plays out in our romantic relationships. They discuss how we can't change the past but we can change the meaning we give it and how it affects us in the present.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this special bonus episode, Veronica joins forces with long-time colleague Joe Schrank. They discuss how we need to change the alcohol culture by producing a TV show called 'Are you sober curious.' To do this, they need your help. We are asking our sober community to help crowdfund the pilot episode.

Find out more info here: https://seedandspark.com/fund/are-you-sober-curious

In their last episode before their summer break Chip and Veronica discuss dealing with disappointment, how it feels when others are disappointed in you and how expectations and grace are the two things that help us navigate things that disappoint us.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Lenore Skenazy believes our children are in crisis. That we are over-parenting them and stealing vital growth opportunities from them. If kids don't build resilience and have confidence in their abilities then they pay a price in adulthood.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

**Trigger warning*** Kelly Wallace shares her moving story of childhood sexual trauma, alcoholism and recovery.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica discusses the detrimental effects of people pleasing on sobriety and emotional health. She emphasizes that getting sober involves not just abstaining from alcohol but also addressing emotional sobriety, which includes understanding and overcoming people pleasing behaviors. Valli explains how these behaviors often stem from childhood experiences and the belief that one is responsible for others' happiness. She advocates for setting boundaries as a crucial step towards emotional freedom and self-discovery, encouraging listeners to take responsibility for their own emotional experiences rather than trying to please others.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

In our monthly question we look at fear. Our listeners are particularly concerned with fear of relapse, of what others think of them and fear of leaving a relationship in order to stay sober.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Laura Willoughby has gone from drinking all the beer to being one of the leading voices of the alcohol-free movement in the UK. In this episode she discusses the extraordinary success of her alcohol-free off license.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Karolina Rzadkowolska the author of Euphoric talks to Veronica about how there is so much more to sobriety than we think.

To learn more, visit the show notes.