Soberful

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.

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. To learn more, visit the show notes.

Veronica is joined by two forgiveness experts who share the power of forgiving. To learn more, visit the show notes.

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. To learn more, visit the show notes.

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. To learn more, visit the show notes.

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. To learn more, visit the show notes.

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. To learn more, visit the show notes.

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. To learn more, visit the show notes.

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. To learn more, visit the show notes.

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. To learn more, visit the show notes.

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. To learn more, visit the show notes.