Shows
SoberfulThe Gifts of Emotional SobrietyIn 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2025-06-2528 minSoberfulDo I need a sponsor to get sober?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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2025-05-2822 minSoberfulHow to Treat an Eating Disorder With Brittany DavisIn 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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2025-05-2146 minSoberfulBad Drunk with Millie MackintoshIn 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. Learn more about...2025-05-1451 minSoberfulWhat Comes First Addiction or Mental Health With Stephanie MarquesanoIn 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....2025-05-0743 minSoberfulDealing With the Consequences of Our DrinkingIn 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. Learn mo...2025-04-2348 minSoberfulWhat Sobriety Is and What It Isn’tIn 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2025-04-1623 minSoberfulThings That Changed Our Lives This YearChip 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.To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-12-0448 minSoberfulPain Management and SobrietyVeronica 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-10-0242 minSoberfulMicrodosing- Is It Just High End Drinking?Veronica and Chip discuss the rise of microdosing. Is microdosing just high-end drinking? Dressed up drug taking? Or, does it have the ability to help people navigate life and heal trauma?To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-07-2444 minSoberfulThe Fear of Missing OutThe biggest obstacle to getting sober is the Fear Of Missing Out (or FOMO). But what are we scared of missing out on? In this episode, Chip and Veronica explore how feelings of missing out are very human because we are programmed to belong and connect. When we analyse what we are afraid of missing out on if we stop drinking, it is very undefinable. We have a fantasy in our heads about how we think drinking is going to be, but the reality is very different. Chip and Veronica also explore how alcohol makes us miss out on...2024-06-2642 minSoberfulComplacencyWhat happens when we get complacent about our sobriety? Chip and Veronica discuss the times they had got complacent about their recovery. When they stopped going to meetings and stopped doing all the work they did to remain emotionally sober, Veronica shared her tool of 'when I'm ok with me, I don't have to make you wrong.' And how she uses that as a guide. When she notices that she is picking at or criticising other people, it's usually an indication that she is not ok and needs to do something to take care of her mental and...2024-06-1237 minSoberfulAsk Us Anything 6 YearsVeronica and Chip celebrate 6-years with the Soberful podcast. Questions answered: what was your first impression of each other? How have you changed over 20 years? Should you leave your partner if they don't support your sobriety? How to deal with stress and crabings? And can you get sober without God?To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-04-0347 minSoberfulThe Four Tasks of MourningIn the second part, Veronica and Chip take you through the four tasks of mourning and how these actions can help us move through this important process of letting go.To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-03-0638 minSoberfulAlcohol Abuse and Eating DisordersVeronica and Chip discuss the relationship between eating disorders and alcohol abuse. They explore how eating disorders can exist before and after an alcohol problem. They also look at the relationship between eating disorders and sexual trauma. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-10-1838 minSoberfulHigh End Drinkers - Social Status and DrinkingVeronica and Chip explore how 'high end' drinkers mask their alcohol problem. When you tell yourself that you only drink fine wine or 100 year old whiskey are you masking the fact that really you just want to get a buzz? To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-10-1139 minSoberfulWhy We Take Things PersonallyBack from their break Veronica and Chip discuss why we take things so personally. Why in early sobriety we are hyper sensitive and can find offence where none was meant. They discuss how we can begin to not take things personally and this is an easier way to live and stay sober.To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-09-0639 minSoberfulBinge Pattern Dependency DrinkingChip 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-05-1037 minSoberfulThings That Changed Our Lives This YearIn 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2022-12-1450 minSoberfulAging and SobrietyVeronica 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2022-11-2344 minSoberfulWe Answer Your QuestionsChip and Veronica answer your questions on subjects about sponsorship, epigenetic, financial sobriety and more. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2022-01-0542 minSoberfulThings That Changed Our Lives This YearIn their traditional end of year episode Chip and Veronica discuss the things that changed thier lives this year. The events, movies, books, TV shows that made a mark on them. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-12-151h 00SoberfulWhat Happens to Friendships When We Stop DrinkingYou 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-12-0838 minSoberfulEmpowering Habits for SobrietyWe get asked all the time what we do to be okay. In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss their empowering habits that support their sobriety, mental and emotional health. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-10-2732 minSoberfulHALT SBHWhat do we need to look out for when we first get sober. Chip and Veronica go through H.A.L.T (Hungry Angry Lonely Tired) as well as Stress, Boredom, and Hormones as triggers that lead to a drink. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-10-0652 minSoberfulSobriety and Mental HealthChip and Veronica explore the relationship between addiction and mental health. To learn more, visit the show notes.2021-09-2251 min
SoberfulHow Secrets Keep You SickEveryone comes into sobriety with secrets. Secrets are like a cancer that grow and weigh us down. Chip and Veronica explore the nature of secrets, confessing to some secrets and how secrets effect our relationships. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-09-0843 min
SoberfulWe Answer Your QuestionsChip and Veronica are back from their summer break! They answer listener questions such as: do they ever miss drinking? Can you drink on special occasions? Do you need to spend money to get sober? And, how do you get over the shame in early sobriety? To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-09-0143 min
SoberfulSober Summer Soundtrack: The Art of BalanceWhatever the question is, balance is always the answer. Balance is key to sobriety because if we become unbalanced; it can lead to relapse. In this episode Chip and Veronica discuss the mistakes they have made and how to achieve balance using some simple suggestions. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-08-0445 min
SoberfulA Sober SummerIn our final episode before the summer break. Veronica and Chip discuss staying sober in the summer and how to deal with triggers and patterns related to drinking. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-06-3045 min
SoberfulEndingsWhy are endings so hard? In this episode, Chip and Veronica explore how we struggle when things end. They look at how people can sabotage endings, avoid dealing with them or cut people off. Transitioning to different life chapters requires us to be honest about our feelings and communicate our struggle with things ending. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-06-2343 min
SoberfulStep Parenting in SobrietyBeing a parent is hard. Being a step-parent is even harder. When relationships break down because of an alcohol problem, many people go on to be a step-parent. In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss the challenges and pitfalls. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-06-0241 min
SoberfulDealing with Sexual Trauma**Trigger warning** Chip and Veronica discuss a very sensitive topic. Many clients who suffer from an alcohol use disorder have also experienced some kind of sexual abuse or sexual assault. In this episode, Chip and Veronica explore how that affects people and how telling our stories can help us heal and overcome this devastating trauma. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-05-0543 min
SoberfulAsk Us AnythingWe are celebrating our third podcasting anniversary. In this episode, Chip and Veronica answer a variety of questions from their Soberful Life members. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-04-2144 min
SoberfulWhy We Count DaysChip and Veronica explore why we celebrate sober birthdays, why we count the days of our sobriety. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-04-0738 min
SoberfulWhen Does Sobriety Get Better?'I stopped drinking three days ago - why isn't everything better?' Chip and Veronica explain the process of sobriety when you can start to expect to feel better, sleep better and enjoy sobriety. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-03-2433 min
SoberfulRelationships in Early SobrietyChip and Veronica discuss how romantic relationships in sobriety can often capsize us. They share how insecure and needy they were in early sobriety and how they navigated romantic relationships. They also offer tips on how to balance your sobriety with falling in love. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-03-1736 min
SoberfulStaying Sober After LockdownMany of our Soberful Life members have reached out to us asking for advice on staying sober after lockdown. In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss why preparation is everything. Do the work now to make sure your sobriety is solid and make sure you have fun and socialise, as we are all going to need to do that when the pandemic finally ends. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-03-1039 min
SoberfulIs Trauma at the Root of My Alcohol Problem?Chip and Veronica get to the root of addiction and explain the different types of trauma that people experience, leading them to abuse alcohol. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-02-2439 min
SoberfulSobriety in Social MediaIn this passionate discussion Chip and Veronica discuss the impact of social media and sobriety. They look at how the internet and social media has helped so many people get sober but also the negative impact it has had on people. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-02-1038 min
SoberfulProcrastinationWhy do we procrastinate, why do we avoid doing things we need to do. In this episode Veronica and Chip explore how fear of failure and fear of change lead us to distracting ourselves. They also make a commitment to do things they have been procrastinating on! To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-01-2041 min
SoberfulPAWSIn the first episode of the new year, Chip and Veronica outline how important it is to detox from alcohol safely. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-01-0638 min
SoberfulThings That Changed Our Lives This YearIn their last episode of the year, Chip and Veronica discuss the things that changed their lives this year. Obviously, COVID and lockdown were a big part of the discussion as well as books, TV shows, and events that made an impact on them. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-12-0953 min
SoberfulIntergenerational DrinkingIs an alcohol problem genetic or a learned behaviour? In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss how drinking is modeled in families and how kids develop a relationship with alcohol, based on their parenting. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-12-0243 min
SoberfulFrom Pessimism to HopeHow do you go from believing nothing is ever going to work out for you to feeling anything is possible. In this episode, Veronica and Chip discuss their shifts in mindset and how they viewed everything negatively, and how they discovered hope. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-11-1844 min
SoberfulThe Pink CloudChip and Veronica explain what the 'pink cloud' is when people first get sober and how to navigate it in a healthy way. As with every new relationship and experience, there's a honeymoon period where everything feels perfect but which inevitably doesn't last forever. Recognizing the phase that you're in and how it fits into the whole process of sobriety makes your journey much easier. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-11-1133 min
SoberfulDealing with Shame and GuiltShame and guilt are big emotions that we have to deal with when we get sober. Veronica and Chip discuss how these emotions can fuel a lot of our drinking and what happens when we get sober and we have to face them. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-10-1442 min
SoberfulWhy does stopping drinking feel so hard?We hear this all the time 'but getting sober is so hard!' Chip and Veronica explain that it feels hard because of our perception about drinking and sobriety and it's actually having an alcohol problem that is hard. To learn more, visit the show notes.2020-09-3046 min
SoberfulOvercoming Our Childhood IssuesOur childhood sets us up for our adulthood. In this episode, Chip and Veronica explore how our childhood relationships with food, time and feelings then play out in adulthood. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-09-2348 min
SoberfulThe Elephant In The RoomWe all have 'elephants in the room.' A difficult and uncomfortable conversation that we avoid at all costs. In this episode Chip and Veronica explore the different 'elephant's and how we can deal with them. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-09-1640 min
SoberfulThe Roots of Addiction: Religious AbuseReligious abuse, as one of the roots of addictive behaviour, is explored in this episode. Chip and Veronica discuss how religious language and indoctrination sow the seeds for alcohol abuse; they read out stories from people who have grown up experiencing some kind of spiritual abuse. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-08-2656 min
SoberfulHow We Work The StepsWe have been asked many times 'how do you work the 12-steps?' In this episode, Chip and Veronica explain how they apply the 12-steps to their own lives. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-08-1249 min
SoberfulDealing With Resistance and Self SabotageResistance is going to show up any time we do something new. Veronica and Chip discuss how the ego sabotages us when we get sober. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-08-0545 min
SoberfulSober At Any AgeIs there a right age to get sober? Whatever age we decide to stop drinking, we will face challenges and limiting beliefs. In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss the challenges of getting sober at a young age and getting sober when you are older. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-07-2944 min
SoberfulStress and BurnoutVeronica and Chip have both experienced burn out in sobriety. Stress and burnout are danger zones for someone recovering from an alcohol problem. In this episode, we discuss the tools we have used to cope with stress. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-07-2243 min
SoberfulOur 100th EpisodeIt's our 100th episode! To celebrate Chip and Veronica answer questions from the Soberful Life community. We answer questions about our sobriety and personal lives! To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-07-1552 min
SoberfulSelf-Esteem and SobrietySelf-esteem is what we think about ourselves. Most people, when they get sober, have low self-esteem. In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss how to rebuild self-esteem and what it feels like to like yourself. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-06-1035 min
SoberfulLiving With People Who Drink and Dating in a Wet WorldHow to you get sober when your partner drinks? This is a common challenge for many of our clients who really want to stop drinking but have an unsupportive partner. Chip and Veronica offer suggestions and advice. If you are single how do you start dating when you are sober? Having been there themselves Chip and Veronica help you navigate the sober dating world. To learn more, visit the show notes.2020-06-0348 min
SoberfulRebuilding TrustHow do you rebuild trust in your relationships after years of drinking? In this episode, Chip and Veronica lay out the steps to take to start rebuilding trust with your loved ones when you get sober. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-05-2054 min
SoberfulHow To ChangeHow do we change? Chip and Veronica talk about the cycle of change and the 'dance' we go through when we need to change something. We discuss the three phases of change, and how we sabotage ourselves and stay in this cycle until we get to the 'maintenance' phase and the 'change' becomes our normal life. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-05-0643 min
Soberful20 Things in 20 YearsVeronica is celebrating twenty years of sobriety on May 2nd. In this special episode, Chip and Veronica discuss the twenty things she has learned during that time. She is also hosting a party (online) to celebrate (and you are invited). To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-04-2954 min
SoberfulThe True Cost of DrinkingChip and Veronica take a deep dive into the true cost of drinking. They deconstruct how we lie to ourselves about alcohol so we can carry on drinking. They go through one of the first exercises they give to clients that helps them get free of FOMO and start living an alcohol-free life. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-04-0854 min
SoberfulTurn Up for Recovery with Melia ClaptonChip and Veronica interview Melia Clapton, the wife of guitar legend Eric Clapton. She discusses 'Turn up for Recovery,' her charity that helps use music to raise money for addiction treatment. She also discusses her own journey with 12-step programs and how she 'lost herself' in relationships. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-04-0155 min
SoberfulStaying Sober in a Time of CrisisIn this bonus episode Chip and Veronica go through the tools you need to stay sober during the unfolding crisis. We help listeners prioritise their mental health and sobriety so they can stay sober no matter what happens. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-03-2044 min
SoberfulWhy Do I Need To Look At My Past?Our past shows up in our present every day. If we don't look at our past then we can't get the lessons we need to grow. Chip and Veronica look at childhood patterns and how they shape our present circumstances. ***Please note that we recorded this episode back in January 2020, before we truly understood the impact of Covid-19, please forgive us for making light of this at the start of the episode. *** To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...2020-03-1150 min
SoberfulCodependencyCodependency is an unbalanced relationship with other people. When we "people please" to the detriment of our own needs, we become reliant on other people for how we feel. We take too much responsibility for fixing their feelings above our own. Chip and Veronica discuss their challenges with codependency and how they have learned to manage their emotions. To learn more, visit the show notes.2020-02-2645 min
SoberfulResentments"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.2020-02-1949 min
SoberfulThe Sober MindsetDid you know that your mindset affects everything you do? From getting sober to how much money you make? In this episode, Chip and Veronica explore why mindset work is the most critical work you can ever do. They explain how your limiting beliefs in our subconscious mind were formed in childhood and shape your experience as an adult. Most importantly, they explain how to start changing them. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-02-1251 min
SoberfulAdult Children of AlcoholicsIn 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-01-2248 min
SoberfulThings That Changed Our Lives This YearIn the final episode of the year Chip and Veronica discuss all the things that changed their lives this year. **Trigger warning*** the Michael Jackson documentary and child sexual abuse is briefly discussed. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-12-181h 03
SoberfulDrinking On SuccessChip and Veronica discuss the phenomenon of 'drinking on success.' It's when things are going well that we forget quickly where alcohol takes us and what happens when we drink. Opportunities to be successful come because we are sober but because we don't know how to handle success we sabotage ourselves. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-12-0454 min
SoberfulResilienceBuilding resilience is essential to sobriety. We have often had these opportunities stolen from us as children or were just never taught them in the first place. In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss what resilience is and how it's never too late to build it. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-11-2047 min
SoberfulMovement - Where Is Your Life Going?Movement is one of the five pillars of sustainable sobriety. In this episode, Chip and Veronica take a more in-depth look at what that means. Movement is about using physical exercise to help manage your mental health as well as being purposeful about the direction of your life. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-11-0648 min
SoberfulThe Four People You Meet When You Stop DrinkingWhen 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-10-2352 min
SoberfulFeeling The Fear and Doing It AnywayFear is a universal feeling, we all feel it, but not many of us talk about it. Managing fear is a skill we have to learn so we can grow. When fear takes over our lives, it keeps us small, and we make choices based on our perception of safety -- this keeps us stuck. In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss ways they have broken through fear and how they manage it in their daily lives. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...2019-10-0948 min
SoberfulConnectionFear, insecurity, and loneliness often leads us to feeling disconnected from ourselves, our loved ones, and the world -- and alcohol gave us that false feeling of connection we craved. In this episode, Veronica and Chip talk about authentic connection as the solution to addiction, how to achieve a sense of connection during sobriety, and the joys that come with the experience. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-10-0252 min
SoberfulDo I have to do this recovery stuff forever?Getting sober feels like hard work, and we get asked if we have to do this work for the rest of our lives. The answer is yes, and it's fantastic. What we are actually talking about is maintaining our emotional and mental health for the rest of our lives. Chip and Veronica discuss the rewards of doing just that. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-09-1850 min
SoberfulCan I Drink In Moderation?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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-09-1146 min
SoberfulThe Art of BalanceWhatever the question is, balance is always the answer. Balance is key to sobriety because if we become unbalanced; it can lead to relapse. In this episode Chip and Veronica discuss the mistakes they have made and how to achieve balance using some simple suggestions. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-09-0444 min
SoberfulDealing With Difficult PeopleWe all have difficult people in our lives. Often it's family members, or colleagues they trigger us, and we find ourselves flooded with feelings of anger, frustration, and fear. Because we can't change these people, we have to learn to deal with them in different ways. In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss how they have dealt with difficult people, what they have learned, how they remain calm and unaffected despite what other people do. This is the last episode before our summer break, Chip and Veronica will be back in September. To learn more, v...2019-07-0351 min
SoberfulWhat is Emotional Sobriety?Emotional Sobriety is about learning to deal with your feelings and emotions. Stopping drinking just isn't enough. We have to learn to tolerate and experience emotions instead of running, and numbing Sobriety can give us the ability to experience our full spectrum of emotions, and then we can have appropriate emotional responses to events. Chip and Veronica talk through how this happens. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-06-1950 min
SoberfulTravelling and Going On Vacation When You Are SoberWe go on vacation to relax and have fun. But what do you do if you are sober? Surely you need alcohol to do both those things? In this weeks episode Chip and Veronica look at the 'vacation mindset' and how to not just stay sober on holiday but have an awesome time too. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-06-1247 min
SoberfulAnxiety, Panic Attacks & SobrietyHave 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...2019-06-0547 min
SoberfulRelapse PreventionRelapse is a process, not an event. It can build up over days, weeks and month. In this episode Chip and Veronica talk through the emotional, mental and physical stages of relapse. What you can do at each stage to prevent relapse and tools you can use to change the outcome. To learn more, visit the show notes.2019-05-0857 min
SoberfulThe Five Secrets of Amazing SobrietyWe get asked all the time what the secret to staying sober is. We wanted to share with you the most significant factors for not just staying sober but for having a fantastic life. 'Chip and Veronica's Five Secrets to Amazing Sobriety' is the stuff that we have learned makes all the difference. In this episode, we go over what those five things are and how they will transform your life. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-03-2749 min
SoberfulWhy You Have to Work a ProgramConsistency is one of the most essential ingredients of sustainable sobriety. Because alcohol is not the main problem, just a symptom of the problem Chip and Veronica discuss why you have to keep working a program to deal with your feelings and emotions. We also cover why we need a program that enables self-reflection so we can deal with other people. The biggest red-flag that we are not ok is when we start making other people the problem. It is this consistent work we do on ourselves that enables us to grow and stay sober. T...2019-03-0646 min
SoberfulSex and Porn Addiction***Warning*** contains adult conversation points. Building on last weeks podcast, Chip and Veronica discuss the devastation of porn and sex addiction. How does it manifest itself, what are the consequences and how do you overcome it. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-02-0647 min
SoberfulLet's Talk About Sex***Warning*** contains adult conversations of an explicit nature (over 18's only). In this episode Chip and Veronica talk frankly about sex. They discuss sex in recovery but also the broader context of how our view of sex is shaped. We look at the fear and anxiety that we can have in sexual relationships and how porn affects our view of what a sexual relationship can be. Lastly, we also talk about developing healthy sexual relationships in sobriety. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...2019-01-3051 min
SoberfulDealing With The Ups and Downs of LifeWhen you stop drinking life happens. And living life means ups and downs. These experiences are opportunities to grow and change. Chip and Veronica discuss their ups and downs, what they learned and how it changed them. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-01-1648 min
SoberfulWhy People RelapseWhy do people find it so hard to stop drinking? What leads to a release. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-10-3148 min
SoberfulHow to Tell People You Don't Drink AnymoreWe noticed a lot of people ask this question in the Soberful Facebook group and decided to address it in the podcast. Because there is such an expectation to drink alcohol (and others are so used to you drinking) it can often feel difficult the first to say 'No thanks, I don't drink anymore.' Chip and Veronica walk you through how to deal with this. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-10-1745 min
SoberfulVeronica's Story Part 2 - HealingThe 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-09-1247 min
SoberfulVeronica's Story - Part 1In 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-09-0550 min
SoberfulChip's Simple StepsIn this episode, Chip deconstructs the 12-steps into simple, applicable everyday language. If you have read Russell Brand's book 'Recovery' and were looking for further insight into how the 12-steps work then this episode is for you. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-07-2543 min
SoberfulRecovery GroupsIf you want to stop drinking should you join a recovery group? What kinds of groups are there? Chip and Veronica discuss the pros and cons of recovery support groups. Do you have to believe in God? What if I'm an atheist? What alternatives are there to AA? All these questions answered and more. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-07-0447 min
SoberfulWe Answer Your QuestionsChip and Veronica answer questions from listeners on the subjects of going to 12-step recovery meetings, living with someone who drinks and still having cravings at 2-years sober. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-06-1340 min
SoberfulChip's Story*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.2018-05-3044 minSoberfulHow to Manage Change in RecoveryDealing with momentous change and keeping your sobriety can be a real challenge. In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss how to keep your resolve, stay calm, and remember why you became sober in the first place. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-05-0234 min
SoberfulRelationships and RecoveryRelationships in recovery can be challenging! Chip and Veronica discuss their own dating disasters, how vulnerable we are in early recovery, and how we all just want to be loved...but go about the wrong way of getting it. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-04-2541 min
SoberfulSpirituality for AtheistsChip is a life-long committed atheist. Veronica is 'spiritual but not religious.' In this episode, they discuss whether or not you need 'god' to get and stay sober and what spirituality actually means. To learn more, visit the show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-04-1642 min