Soberful

Épisodes

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  370: Youth Recovery with Doug Smith 07.10.2026 36min

  In this episode of the Soberful Podcast, Veronica Valli speaks with Professor Doug Smith about youth recovery from substance use. They discuss the evolution of recovery models, the importance of peer support, and the challenges faced by young people in recovery. Doug shares insights from his research on the current state of youth recovery, the impact of technology on behavior, and the generational differences in substance use patterns. The conversation also touches on public health perspectives regarding cannabis and vaping, highlighting the complexities of these issues. In this conversation, Doug Smith and Veronica Valli delve into the complexities of addiction, particularly focusing on vaping, youth substance use disorders, and the genetic factors influencing addiction. They discuss the importance of research in recovery, the role of motivational interviewing as a compassionate approach in treatment, and the need for a supportive recovery community. Doug shares insights from his research and emphasizes the significance of understanding the recovery environment for youth. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of addiction treatment and the importance of compassion and understanding in recovery processes.   To learn more, visit the show notes.
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  369: Under the Influence with Lucy Rocca 30.09.2026 38min

  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 past beliefs, shape our emotional responses and subsequent actions. She advocates for developing emotional sobriety skills to better navigate life's challenges and make healthier choices instead of resorting to alcohol as a coping mechanism.   To learn more, visit the show notes.
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  368: This Much I Know Is True About Sobriety 23.09.2026 34min

  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 recovery one step at a time, focusing on manageable chunks rather than overwhelming oneself with the entirety of the journey.   To learn more, visit the show notes.
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  367: How Your Thoughts Lead to Drinking 16.09.2026 22min

  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 by past beliefs, shape our emotional responses and subsequent actions. She advocates for developing emotional sobriety skills to better navigate life's challenges and make healthier choices instead of resorting to alcohol as a coping mechanism.   To learn more, visit the show notes.
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  366: Managing Illness in Sobriety 09.09.2026 35min

  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. Ultimately, it emphasizes the significance of being present and cherishing connections with others as we navigate life's challenges.   To learn more, visit the show notes.
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  365: Why Did Brad Pitt Go Back to Drinking With Alysse Bryson 02.09.2026 37min

  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 of wealth and fame in addiction, and the importance of humility in maintaining sobriety. They also examine how media narratives shape our understanding of celebrity struggles with addiction and mental health.   To learn more, visit the show notes.
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  364: What Happens to Friendships When We Stop Drinking 26.08.2026 38min

  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.
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  363: Resentments 19.08.2026 49min

  "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.
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  362: Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Sobriety 12.08.2026 47min

  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 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 strikes.   To learn more, visit the show notes.
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  361: Why People Relapse 05.08.2026 48min

  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.
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  360: The Four People You Meet When You Stop Drinking 29.07.2026 51min

  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.
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  359: Adult Children of Alcoholics 22.07.2026 48min

  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.
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  358: Can I Drink In Moderation? 15.07.2026 46min

  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.
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  357: The Normalization of Abnormal Drinking 08.07.2026 47min

  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.
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  356: Veronica's Story Part 2 - Healing 01.07.2026 47min

  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.
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  355: Veronica's Story Part 1 24.06.2026 50min

  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.
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  354: Chip's Story Part 2 - Healing 17.06.2026 46min

  *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.
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  352: Chip's Story Part 1 10.06.2026 42min

  *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.
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  352: The Summer Sessions 03.06.2026 16min

  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 focus on the positive aspects of a sober summer. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
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  351: When Your Drinking Crosses the Line With Sus Silvius 27.05.2026 39min

  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 to Mexico, and how the drinking culture there influenced her habits. Suze's story is one of resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of support in overcoming addiction. In this conversation, Sus S shares her transformative journey from desperation to hope through her work with Veronica Valli. They discuss the importance of self-realization, taking responsibility for one's own life, and the power of shifting perspectives to achieve emotional regulation. Sus reflects on her past struggles and the significant changes she has experienced over the past year, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and belief in oneself. The conversation concludes with a hopeful outlook on the future and the continuous journey of personal growth. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.