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
In this episode of the Soberful Podcast, Veronica Valli delves into the intricate relationship between thoughts, emotions, and drinking behaviors. She emphasizes that many individuals mistakenly focus on willpower to combat their drinking problems, neglecting the underlying thoughts and feelings that trigger their desire to drink. Valli explains the concept of activating events and how our perceptions of these events, influenced by...
In this episode, Chip shares his extensive wisdom and experience regarding sobriety, emphasizing the simplicity of the recovery process, the importance of taking risks, and the need to address childhood trauma at a manageable pace. He discusses family dynamics and reassures listeners that they can achieve sobriety independently of their family relationships. The conversation highlights the significance of patience and taking recove...
In this episode of the Soberfall Podcast, Veronica Valli delves into the intricate relationship between thoughts, emotions, and drinking behaviors. She emphasizes that many individuals mistakenly focus on willpower to combat their drinking problems, neglecting the underlying thoughts and feelings that trigger their desire to drink. Valli explains the concept of activating events and how our perceptions of these events, influenced b...
In this conversation, Chip and Veronica delve into the profound themes of mortality, acceptance, and the importance of human connection. Chip shares his personal struggles with health and the reality of aging, reflecting on the wake-up calls that life presents. The discussion highlights the transition from denial to acceptance, the emotional toll of feeling isolated, and the uplifting power of friendship and support from loved ones...
In this episode of The Soberful Podcast, Veronica Valli and Alysse Bryson discuss the complexities of sobriety, particularly in the context of celebrity culture. They delve into Brad Pitt's recent public admission of returning to drinking after years of sobriety, exploring the implications of such a decision on public perception and the sober community. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by those in recovery, the role...
You 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.
"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.
Have 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 e...
Why do people find it so hard to stop drinking? What leads to a relapse? 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.
When 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.
In 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.
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.
We discuss how the alcohol industry has tricked us into believing alcohol is harmless and beneficial to us. And how they have convinced us that without alcohol we are missing out on something. We challenge the myths and assumptions that have lead to the normalization of abnormal drinking.
To learn more, visit the show notes.
The 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.
In 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.
*Trigger warning* Discussion of overcoming childhood sexual abuse.
How do you heal from abuse and trauma? Can you overcome childhood abuse and go on to have a happy life and fulfilling relationships? Chip explains exactly how he did that.
To learn more, visit the show notes.
*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 di...
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli discusses the challenges of staying sober during the summer, a season often associated with fun and drinking. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the summer without alcohol, emphasizing the importance of understanding the difference between the fantasy of drinking and the reality. Valli encourages listeners to embrace the gifts of sobriety and to fo...
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli interviews Suze Silvius, who shares her extraordinary journey from a troubled childhood in Canada to her struggles with alcohol and eventual path to recovery. Suze discusses her early relationship with alcohol, the emotional angst she felt throughout her life, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. She reflects on the impact of her environment, including her move t...
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli interviews Ian Young, a long-time friend and colleague in the treatment industry. Ian shares his incredible journey from a troubled youth in North London to a life of addiction, counterculture, and ultimately recovery. He discusses his experiences with drug smuggling, political activism, and the challenges he faced with family dynamics. Ian reflects on his rock bottom moment a...
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