Soberful

Veronica Valli & Chip Somers

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.

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Avg 39 min
English

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#372
Wednesday · 38 min
372: Freely Sober Ericka Andersen
In this episode of the Soaper Full Podcast, host Veronica Valli speaks with Erica Andersen about her journey to sobriety and the release of her new book, 'Freely Sober: Rethinking Alcohol Through the Lens of Faith.' Erica shares her personal experiences with alcohol, the fears surrounding quitting, and the role of faith in her recovery. The conversation delves into the societal pressures of drinking, the stigma faced by Christian women struggling with alcohol, and the importance of open dialogue about these issues. Erica emphasizes the need for resources that cater specifically to women of faith who are navigating their relationship with alcohol. In this conversation, Ericka Andersen and Veronica Valli delve into the complex relationship between faith, alcohol, and sobriety. They explore the historical and cultural perspectives on alcohol within Christianity, discussing the tension between legalism and grace. The conversation highlights the impact of Christianity on modern values and the shame often felt by Christians struggling with alcohol. They also touch on the importance of surrendering control in recovery and leadership roles, emphasizing the ongoing journey of personal growth and the challenges that come with it. To learn more, visit the show notes.
#371
October 14 · 38 min
371: Leaving the Darkness and Finding the Light With Lindsay Brooke
Veronica Valli speaks with Lindsay Brooke, a former adult entertainment actress who shares her journey of addiction, recovery, and self-discovery. Lindsay discusses her experiences in the industry, the impact of addiction on her life, and the challenges she faced in her personal relationships. She recounts her rock bottom moment and the transformative path to sobriety, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming her identity and healing from past traumas. In this conversation, Lindsay Brooke shares her transformative journey from a life of addiction and exploitation to one of self-discovery and empowerment. She discusses the impact of Kabbalah on her life, the nature of addiction, and the societal pressures surrounding women and their self-worth. Lindsay emphasizes the importance of understanding one's inner self, the dangers of pornography, and the need for a shift in perspective towards empowerment and authenticity. She advocates for a new narrative in the entertainment industry that uplifts rather than exploits, and she shares her hopes for the future as she continues to navigate her path of recovery and self-acceptance. To learn more, visit the show notes.
#370
October 7 · 36 min
370: Youth Recovery with Doug Smith
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.
#369
September 30 · 38 min
369: Under the Influence with Lucy Rocca
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.
#368
September 23 · 34 min
368: This Much I Know Is True About Sobriety
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.
#367
September 16 · 22 min
367: How Your Thoughts Lead to Drinking
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.
#366
September 9 · 35 min
366: Managing Illness in Sobriety
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.
#365
September 2 · 37 min
365: Why Did Brad Pitt Go Back to Drinking With Alysse Bryson
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.
#364
August 26 · 38 min
364: What Happens to Friendships When We Stop Drinking
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.
#363
August 19 · 49 min
363: Resentments
"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.
#362
August 12 · 47 min
362: Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Sobriety
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.
#361
August 5 · 48 min
361: Why People Relapse
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.
#360
July 29 · 51 min
360: The Four People You Meet When You Stop Drinking
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.
#359
July 22 · 48 min
359: Adult Children of Alcoholics
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.
#358
July 15 · 46 min
358: Can 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.
#357
July 8 · 47 min
357: The Normalization of Abnormal Drinking
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.
#356
July 1 · 47 min
356: Veronica's Story Part 2 - Healing
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.
#355
June 24 · 50 min
355: Veronica's Story Part 1
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.
#354
June 17 · 46 min
354: Chip's Story Part 2 - Healing
*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.
#352
June 10 · 42 min
352: Chip's Story Part 1
*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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