Explore every episode of the podcast Soberful

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.

Veronica and Chip discuss what it feels like when you first stop drinking. At the beginning, it feels like a void with loads of time to fill. Over time, sobriety creates purpose and meaning, and you wonder that you ever had time to drink.

To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli discusses the concept of emotional sobriety, emphasizing its importance in maintaining long-term sobriety. She outlines the core skills necessary for achieving emotional sobriety, including setting boundaries, effective communication, and dealing with resentments. Veronica highlights that emotional sobriety is a lifelong practice that leads to personal development and fulfillment, encouraging listeners to engage in this transformative work. To learn more, visit the show notes here.

Tiffany Jenkins has lived many lives; she is a mom, comedian, and best-selling author. And she is also a former drug addict who went to jail whilst dating a cop. Tiffany found herself pregnant in the first few months of sobriety. With raw humour and honesty, Tiffany speaks about the messy truths of sobriety and getting sober. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 2016 Alanis Morissette discovered that her business manager had embezzled $4.7 million of her money. Jonathan Schwartz was at rehearsals with Beyonce when he realised that his six-year addiction and gambling problem had been discovered. Jonathan is a former wealth manager to the stars who went to prison for his crimes. He is now sober and this is his story back to humility and redemption.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Chip and Veronica discuss all the signs we ignore as we wrestle with the fact that alcohol may no longer be our friend.

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Veronica is joined by two forgiveness experts who share the power of forgiving.

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Rejection stings. When we feel rejections it's often because of experiences in the past. Learning how to deal with rejection is how we get emotionally sober.

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Ben Gosden is a pastor and alcoholic. He was the 'cool' pastor, the one who went for a couple of beers. What people didn't see was all the secret drinking. He joins Veronica to discuss how the 12-steps reignited his faith.

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Karen McMahon is a coach for people in high-conflict divorces. She talks through why divorce is an invitation to grow and change so you don't repeat the mistakes with the next person.

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Veronica shares why she thinks perception is essential to staying sober. That how we see the world is not necessarily how it is. We can't stay sober if we believe the best way to have fun is to drink.

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Sasha Tozzi joins Veronica to talk about how lost she was before getting sober at 26. How cocaine brought her to her knees and how she is navigating life as a sober woman and contemplating having a family.

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Veronica has an in-depth conversation with Dr. Kimberly Horn on how friendships are essential to our wellbeing. They discuss how to navigate friendships, how to end friendships and how they can change in sobriety.

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Veronica is joined by Meghann Perry who is a powerful storyteller. After battling her way out of addiction she turned her passion into a business. Meghann uses storytelling to help others find their truth.

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We may get some pushback from some people about this episode. But we feel that therapy language has escaped from the therapy rooms and is being over used and abused in all the wrong ways. Not everything is a trauma and struggle is part of life.

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Veronica interviews a former client who had four kids under the age of eight. Annie was drinking every night and working full time. When her daughter saw her drunk one night she knew she had to change.

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When we have an alcohol problem we leave ourselves by degrees. One day, we wake up and realise that we have become someone we don't recognize. Sobriety is about the journey back to who you really are.

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In this mindblowing conversation with Mike Collins Veronica learns how sugar addiction takes hold of us, how sugar affects our thinking, emotions and keeps us in active addiction. Do not miss this one.

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Chip and Veronica's traditional end-of-year episode where they discuss the things that changed their lives this year. Chip gives an update on some health issues and reveals what he is having for his anti-Christmas dinner.

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Angela is a coach for female entrepreneurs who are trying to balance all the things their lives demand of them. Angela talks about how balance is almost impossible and that we need to blend our needs each day.

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Ali Press is a counsellor who specialises in helping neurodivergent people get sober. Ali didn't realise until she got sober that a lot of her struggles were because of being neurodivergent and how understanding this can provide great clarity and relief while navigating the sober world.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Diane Bell is an independent filmmaker and director whose first movie made a splash at the Sundance Film Festival. Born in Scotland into a big drinking culture, she could never conceive of a life without alcohol in it, until one day she woke up and realised how much better she felt without it and how much culture (including Film and TV) misleads us into believing alcohol was glamourous and exciting.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica explores how fear is the engine of an alcohol problem and how all humans experience fear. But no one talks about fear, we hide it deep inside of ourselves. She outlines some simple methods you could try to manage your fear and how the work of sobriety is learning how to manage our fear.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Arlina Allen has been sober for thirty years and has written a book that clears up a lot of the misinformation about 12-step programs. They discuss the difference between the fellowship and the program and the common blocks people experience when trying to work the 12 steps.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Dr. Ben Walden joins Veronica to delve into the complexities of sobriety for individuals on the autism spectrum. Dr. Walden sheds light on the challenges of diagnosing autism, a topic that often remains in the shadows. He stresses that new research is constantly emerging, keeping the audience informed and aware. Dr. Walden also discusses the integral role of community and group work in addiction recovery, while acknowledging the unique struggles individuals with autism may face in group settings, leading to heightened anxiety.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica is joined by a former client who got sober in one of her programs when she was 29. Now, two years later, she talks about how much her life has changed and how great her sobriety is. Creating community and connection was vital for her sobriety to become sustainable.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Bria Gadd is the 'period whisperer', a certified holistic health coach she helps women navigate the peri menopause and the hormonal transitions women go through. She explains how women get themselves into 'health debt' and how women can manage the supply and demand of energy. And of course, one of the best ways to get out of health debt is to stop drinking alcohol.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica and Chip discuss the serious issue of pain management and sobriety. How does someone in recovery navigate pain management if they need to take opioids for pain relief? What are the pitfalls? How does someone in recovery navigate pain management? They share their experience and advice.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Duane Osterlind is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specialises in helping people overcome sex addiction. He explains that sex addiction is a way to get connection and intimacy but remains unfulfilling and compulsive. Duane explains that it's essential to understand how shame factors into sex addiction and that dealing with shame is crucial to recovery. He also talks about how it affects partners and the trauma of betrayal. But that a marriage can survive, and someone can recover from sex addiction.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Early sobriety is a unique experience, not to be judged or assumed as a reflection of the long term. Veronica shared her insights into the processes that unfold in the first year. The physical changes, the brain's self-repair, and the emotional processes are all part of this unique journey.

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Artist and director of the Create Now Academy Sarah Gillespie joins Veronica to discuss The Call of the Self. How addiction prevents us being who we really are. And that the calling of an artist is the same as the calling to stop drinking.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Breaking the cycle of drinking - Bonus episode

Sign up here: https://go.soberful.com/break-the-cycle

Veronica breaks down why emotional sobriety is essential if you want to stay sober, what it is and how it works.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode, we are going to learn what it's like to be in a relationship with someone who is deep into addiction. Imagine being a young woman who gets involved with an older man who dazzles her. Imagine that you get pregnant by that man, and despite promising that he would stand by you, he, in fact, abandons you and denies paternity. Imagine that man gets sober and remarries, and his whole family pretends that you and your child don't exist.

Imagine that man is the son of the most powerful man on earth. Today, we are going to hear Lunden Roberts's story. Lunden is the mother of a little girl named Navy, whose father is Hunter Biden and whose grandfather is President Joe Biden. Lunden Roberts has written a book called Out of the Shadows, which details her dysfunctional relationship with Hunter, his constant fear of being the family black sheep, and Lunden's fight to have the Biden family recognise her daughter.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

How do you know if you are one? Chip takes Veronica through the criteria you need to meet to find out how serious your alcohol problem is. The outcome will shock you.

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Codependency is the fear of someone else's feelings. Veronica does a deep-dive with Dr. Sarah Michaud who talks about her book 'Co-crazy - One Psychologist's Recovery from Codependency and Addiction.

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In this solo episode, Veronica explains why an alcohol problem appears on the inside long before it appears on the outside. Most people think an alcohol problem is a homeless person or someone who gets DUIs. Veronica explains how that is misleading, and an alcohol problem shows up in our feelings (shame, guilt, fear, anxiety) long before anyone can see it. We become adept at hiding how we feel and what is happening. She also explains how no one realises when their drinking crosses the line, from drinking to having fun to needing a drink to cope. This episode will help anyone who is wondering about their drinking and wants to truly understand that getting sober is 10% not drinking alcohol and 90% emotional sobriety.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

An alcohol problem shows up on the inside long before it shows up on the outside. When people saw Julie, she looked like an attractive, busy mom who had everything: a great husband, a business and a great lifestyle. What they couldn't see was how she felt on the inside, the shame, self-loathing and guilt from her drinking. Julie looked for help from a wellness professional who told her to drink organic wine as it was better for you and from a therapist who told her as she didn't drink in secret, she couldn't have a problem. But Julie knew she did. She finally stopped two years ago and has been on a journey of self-discovery ever since. Her husband now tells her she is way more fun sober. Julie is like so many women, quietly struggling and falling apart and using alcohol as a way to reward herself for just surviving the day. Her story will inspire you.

To learn more, visit the show notes.