Explore every episode of the podcast Soberful
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 329: How to Deal With Anger in Sobriety | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:36:56 | |
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. | |||
| 328: Dealing With Feelings in Sobriety | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:39:51 | |
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. | |||
| 319: Codependency with Kate Grey | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:39:36 | |
Veronica speaks with family therapist Kate Gray about the complexities of codependency, emotional boundaries, and the impact of family of origin on adult relationships. They explore the journey of healing from codependency, the importance of recognizing unwanted behaviors, and the role of parenting in emotional development. Kate shares her BEND method for teaching boundaries and emphasizes the significance of grieving past experiences to foster emotional growth. The conversation highlights how romantic relationships can trigger unresolved issues and the necessity of personal growth in relationships. To learn more, visit the show notes. | |||
| 230: Hot Sobriety with Kate Baily | 21 Jun 2023 | 00:39:21 | |
Kate Baily joins Veronica to talk about Hot Sobriety. Which means we are talking about mid-life women, hormones and menopause. Kate and Veronica talk about how many women are struggling with sobriety and hormonal changes and how devastating alcohol is for menopausal women. They give tips and advice for getting through this time of life. They also discuss their new program. Hot Sobriety.
To learn more, visit the show notes. | |||
| 229: The First Sponsor, Discovering Father Ed with Dawn Eden Goldstein | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:42:00 | |
Dawn Eden Goldstein is the author of the new biography Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor as well as several other books. Born in New York City, she began her writing career as a rock and roll historian. She went on to work for the New York Post and the New York Daily News before she turned her interest to spiritual matters. In 2016 she became the first woman to earn a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. She has taught at universities and seminaries in the United States, England, and India, and she now lives in Washington, DC. veronica and Dawn have a fascinating conversation about how pivotal Father Ed's sponsorship of Bill W. was.
To learn more, visit the show notes. | |||
| 228: Hyperindependence | 07 Jun 2023 | 00:38:52 | |
Hyperindependence is a trauma and stress response. If we didn't experience safety as children we often become hyperindepent as adults. Chip and Veronica break down what this means, how it affects sobriety and what to do about it.
To learn more, visit the show notes. | |||
| 227: Men and Mental Health with Sam Delaney | 31 May 2023 | 00:40:04 | |
Sam Delaney was a British jack-th-lad, drinking, partying, not taking anything seriously. Then his mental health caught up with him it all came crashing down. Sam talks to Veronica about how hard it is for men to be vulnerable talk about their feelings and how he hopes his new book will change that.
To learn more, visit the show notes. | |||
| 226: We Answer Your Questions - Being Sober in Our Family | 24 May 2023 | 00:42:53 | |
Chip and Veronica answer tough questions like; How do we handle watching our own children start using drugs and alcohol while we are in long term sobriety? And how do we have boundaries we family members who drink?
To learn more, visit the show notes. | |||
| 225: Drugs, Alcohol and Rock N' Roll With Simon Mason | 17 May 2023 | 00:47:50 | |
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. | |||
| 224: Binge Pattern Dependency Drinking | 10 May 2023 | 00:35:01 | |
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. | |||
| 223: Dry Society with Lori Windfeldt | 03 May 2023 | 00:39:17 | |
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. | |||
| 222: Push Off From Here with Laura McKowen | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:41:11 | |
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. | |||
| 221: We Answer Your Questions - Ask Us Anything 5 Year Podcast Bday | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:40:43 | |
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. | |||
| 318: Drunk Love with Melissa Stoeltje | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:41:21 | |
Veronica interviews Melissa Stolje, author of 'Drunk Love: A Marriage Under the Influence.' Melissa shares her journey of sobriety, the impact of alcohol on her marriage, and the challenges she faced in recovery. The conversation delves into the complexities of addiction, the healing of relationships, and the rediscovery of joy and fun without alcohol. Melissa emphasizes the importance of honesty, connection, and the transformative power of sobriety in her life and relationships. To learn more, visit the show notes. | |||
| 220: Women Without Kids with Ruby Warrington | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:45:10 | |
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. | |||
| 219: Creativity and the Journey to Our Authentic Selves With Sarah Gillespie | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:43:41 | |
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. | |||
| 218: The Concept of a Higher Power with Dr. Peg O'Connor | 29 Mar 2023 | 00:47:20 | |
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. | |||
| 217: Collegiate Recovery with Dr. Kristine De Jesus | 22 Mar 2023 | 00:33:16 | |
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. | |||
| 216: We Answer Your Questions - How To Accept Your Past | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:44:07 | |
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. | |||
| 215: Self-Obsession | 08 Mar 2023 | 00:35:30 | |
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. | |||
| 214: Why You Need a Sobriety Practice | 01 Mar 2023 | 00:31:02 | |
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. | |||
| 213: Parenting as Prevention with Laurie Dhue | 22 Feb 2023 | 00:38:37 | |
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. | |||
| 212: We Answer Your Questions - Love | 15 Feb 2023 | 00:43:06 | |
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. | |||
| 211: How Our Childhoods Shape Us: Prince Harry and Institutional Trauma With Dr. Jamie Marich | 08 Feb 2023 | 00:43:53 | |
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. | |||
| 317: Do I need a sponsor to get sober? | 28 May 2025 | 00:19:35 | |
Veronica Valli explores the concept of sponsorship in sobriety, particularly within the context of 12-step programs. She discusses the importance of finding a suitable sponsor, the qualities to look for, and the role of sponsorship in the recovery journey. Additionally, she addresses the need for discernment in choosing a sponsor and highlights alternative support systems outside of 12-step programs, emphasizing the value of mentorship and professional guidance in achieving sobriety. To learn more, visit the show notes. | |||
| 210: Sobriety, Orthorexia and mental health with Carrie Carlisle | 01 Feb 2023 | 00:48:40 | |
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. | |||
| 209: We Answer Your Questions - Negative Self Talk | 25 Jan 2023 | 00:35:41 | |
| 208: Dissociation Made Simple with Dr. Jamie Marich | 18 Jan 2023 | 00:34:18 | |
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. | |||
| 207: Birth Order and Why It Matters | 11 Jan 2023 | 00:40:04 | |
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. | |||
| 206: How to Build a Sobriety Habit | 04 Jan 2023 | 00:40:22 | |
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. | |||
| 205: Things That Changed Our Lives This Year | 14 Dec 2022 | 00:47:55 | |
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. | |||
| 204: She Recovers with Dawn Nickel | 07 Dec 2022 | 00:45:45 | |
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. | |||
| 203: The Sober Curator with Alysee Bryson | 30 Nov 2022 | 00:42:14 | |
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. | |||
| 202: Aging and Sobriety | 23 Nov 2022 | 00:42:16 | |
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. | |||
| 201: Love Your Sober Year with Kate Baily and Mandy Manners | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:43:19 | |
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. | |||
| 316: How to Treat an Eating Disorder With Brittany Davis | 21 May 2025 | 00:43:24 | |
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli interviews Brittany Davis, Regional Director of the EMILY program, discussing the intricate relationship between eating disorders and substance use. They explore the complexities of treatment, the role of family support, the impact of trauma, and the societal pressures surrounding body image. Brittany shares insights on individualized treatment approaches and highlights success stories, emphasizing the importance of addressing both eating disorders and substance use simultaneously for effective recovery. To learn more, visit the show notes. | |||
| 200: Ask Us Anything 200th Episode | 09 Nov 2022 | 00:43:58 | |
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. | |||
| 199: Dr. Robb Kelly on Spirituality and Sobriety | 02 Nov 2022 | 00:44:36 | |
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. | |||
| 198: We Answer Your Questions - Anger | 26 Oct 2022 | 00:44:13 | |
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. | |||
| 197: 12 Steps and Self Esteem with Arlina Allen | 19 Oct 2022 | 00:41:07 | |
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. | |||
| 196: Sober Comedy and Laughing in Sobriety with Dave Yates | 12 Oct 2022 | 00:47:09 | |
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. | |||
| 195: Overcoming Codependency with Michelle Farris | 05 Oct 2022 | 00:37:02 | |
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. | |||
| 194: We Answer Your Questions - Triggers | 28 Sep 2022 | 00:33:27 | |
Chip and Veronica answer your questions on how to deal with alcohol and drinking triggers.
To learn more, visit the show notes. | |||
| 193: Trauma Recovery with Sarah Brassard | 21 Sep 2022 | 00:30:45 | |
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. | |||
| 192: Parenting as Prevention with Jessica Lahey | 14 Sep 2022 | 00:52:34 | |
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. | |||
| 191: Our Addiction to Drama | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:38:28 | |
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. | |||
| 315: Bad Drunk with Millie Mackintosh | 14 May 2025 | 00:48:39 | |
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, host Veronica Valli speaks with Millie McIntosh about her journey to sobriety, the impact of alcohol on mental health, and the challenges of parenting while sober. Millie shares her experiences with binge drinking, anxiety, and the importance of community in recovery. They discuss the role of self-compassion in healing from shame and the power of sharing personal stories. Millie also talks about her future aspirations and projects, emphasizing the positive changes sobriety has brought to her life. To learn more, visit the show notes. | |||
| 190: Overcoming Childhood Issues in Sobriety | 31 Aug 2022 | 00:40:17 | |
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. | |||
| BONUS: Changing the alcohol culture | 25 Aug 2022 | 00:28:24 | |
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 | |||
| 188: Dealing With Disappointment | 29 Jun 2022 | 00:39:16 | |
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. | |||