Soberful

Soberful

Veronica Valli and Chip Somers are experts on recovery. Chip Somers was most recently described by Russell Brand in his book 'Recovery' as a 'right social liability.' Together they have been sober for almost 50 years and have a LOT of stories, messes, experience and occasionally helpful advice to share on living in sobriety. They bring all of that (and more) to the Soberful podcast. This podcast is for anyone who wants to live an alcohol-free life, is struggling to get sober or who is in long-term recovery.

Episodes

October 29, 2025 40 mins

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.

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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.

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October 14, 2025 22 mins

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 conversat...

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October 8, 2025 33 mins

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.

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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.

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June 25, 2025 25 mins

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 fulfillm...

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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.

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June 11, 2025 39 mins

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 experien...

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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...

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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 mentor...

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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 succes...

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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 a...

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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 integrate...

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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 ...

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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...

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April 16, 2025 20 mins

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 ...

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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...

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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.

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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.

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


To learn more, visit the show notes.

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