Soberful

245: The Holiday episode with Casey Davidson, Gill Tietz and Paul Churchill

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica joins forces with three other sober podcasters to discuss getting through the holidays sober.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

244: Binge Drinking and the Work Place

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica discuss the culture of alcohol, hospitality and binge drinking as it relates to work. Nearly all industries have ways of promoting e...

243: The Normalization of Abnormal Drinking with Benoit Kim

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Benoit Kim describes himself as a 'third culture kid'. He was the child of Korean parents raised in Paris and America. Alcohol took hold of him when h...

242: Hyper-independence, Loneliness and Connection

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the follow-up to a popular episode on hyper-independence. Chip and Veronica discuss how hyper-independence is a perfect storm that leads us to be l...

241: Fear, Breast Cancer and Alcohol with Lucy Rocca

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lucy Rocca from Soberistas joins Veronica to discuss how she got through the fear of her breast cancer diagnosis. She shares how exercise, mindfullnes...

240: Drinking Alone

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica discuss how 'drinking alone' has changed over the years, why more women drink alone and how dangerous it can be when we age. When we...

239: Finding Yourself with Allegra Huston

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Allegra Huston was born into Hollywood royalty, the sister of Anjelica Huston and the daughter of famed director John Huston. Allegra discusses her fr...

238: Alcohol Abuse and Eating Disorders

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica and Chip discuss the relationship between eating disorders and alcohol abuse. They explore how eating disorders can exist before and after an...

237: High End Drinkers - Social Status and Drinking

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica 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 whi...

236: Surviving Breast Cancer and Getting Sober With Jenn Nelson

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jenn Nelson is a breast cancer survivor and sober woman. She joins Veronica where they discuss her denial around her alcohol use, finding out about he...

235: Sober Spirituality with Erin Jean Warde

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Episcopalian minister Erin Jean Warde joins Veronica to discuss her new book 'Sober Spirituality.' They discuss the role of alcohol in religion and ho...

234: It's Not About the Wine with Celeste Yvonne

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Celeste Yvonne is the author of 'It's not about the wine' - the loaded truth behind mommy wine culture. Celeste explains what this culture is and how ...

233: Sobriety is a Shift in Perception

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica explains why sobriety is a shift in perception. When we take things personally, it makes us very sensitive and can often lead to resentment. ...

232: Why We Take Things Personally

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Back 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 wh...

231: Social Anxiety and Alcohol Abuse

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most common reasons people drink is to manage their social anxiety. Chip and Veronica discuss how alcohol makes anxiety worse and what they...

230: Hot Sobriety with Kate Baily

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kate Baily joins Veronica to talk about Hot Sobriety. Which means we are talking about mid-life women, hormones and menopause. Kate and Veronica talk ...

229: The First Sponsor, Discovering Father Ed with Dawn Eden Goldstein

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dawn Eden Goldstein is the author of the new biography Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor as well as several other books. Born in New...

228: Hyperindependence

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hyperindependence is a trauma and stress response. If we didn't experience safety as children we often become hyperindepent as adults. Chip and Veroni...

227: Men and Mental Health with Sam Delaney

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Delaney was a British jack-th-lad, drinking, partying, not taking anything seriously. Then his mental health caught up with him it all came crashi...

226: We Answer Your Questions - Being Sober in Our Family

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica answer tough questions like; How do we handle watching our own children start using drugs and alcohol while we are in long term sobr...

225: Drugs, Alcohol and Rock N' Roll With Simon Mason

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Simon Mason shouldn't be alive. Drop out, drug dealer, addict. He thought he was living the life as a drug dealer to the biggest bands in Britpop (Oas...

224: Binge Pattern Dependency Drinking

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chip 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. W...

223: Dry Society with Lori Windfeldt

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lori Windfeldt, the founder of Dry Society Social Club, joins Veronica to discuss why having fun and socialising in sobriety is so important. And how ...

222: ​Push Off From Here with Laura McKowen

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Laura McKowen's second book is called 'Push Off From Here' a guide to sobriety and life. Veronica and Laura discuss the nine essential truths in the b...

221: We Answer Your Questions - Ask Us Anything 5 Year Podcast Bday

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica are celebrating their fifth podcast anniversary. They answer questions from listeners. Including: how do we know our choices are aut...

220: Women Without Kids with Ruby Warrington

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

​RUBY WARRINGTON is a British-born author, editor, podcaster, and the founder of Numinous Books. Recognized as a true thought leader, Ruby has the u...

219: Creativity and the Journey to Our Authentic Selves With Sarah Gillespie

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica is joined by her best friend, Sarah Gillespie. Sarah wrote and recorded the title track to the podcast and discusses the similarities between...

218: The Concept of a Higher Power with Dr. Peg O'Connor

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica meets with philosopher Dr. Peg O' Conner author of 'Higher and Friendly Powers: Transforming Addiction and Suffering'. They discuss what spir...

217: Collegiate Recovery with Dr. Kristine De Jesus

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. De Jesus is today's guest. She discusses the need for collegiate recovery across all higher education campuses. Why our students need these resour...

216: We Answer Your Questions - How To Accept Your Past

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica answer your questions about dealing with the past and finding peace. Letting go of shame and regret and keeping our side of the stre...

215: Self-Obsession

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the defining characteristics of addiction is 'the obsession of self.' Chip and Veronica talk about their own experiences and how to overcome se...

214: Why You Need a Sobriety Practice

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica explains that a sobriety practice is really just personal development that maintains our emotional and mental health. She goes into depth as ...

213: Parenting as Prevention with Laurie Dhue

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica is joined by former news anchor Laurie Dhue. After getting sober on the nightly news (although no one knew that at the time) Laurie is now a ...

212: We Answer Your Questions - Love

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All things love. Chip and Veronica answer questions about self-love, parental love and is falling in love different when you are sober?   To learn mo...

211: How Our Childhoods Shape Us: Prince Harry and Institutional Trauma With Dr. Jamie Marich

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Jamie Marich returns to discuss Prince Harry's book in relation to trauma, mental health, addiction and what happens when someone is brave enough ...

210: Sobriety, Orthorexia and mental health with Carrie Carlisle

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Carrie Carlisle is tv and events presenter, author, and newspaper columnist from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. She is an Ambassador for MIND Charity and also w...

209: We Answer Your Questions - Negative Self Talk

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica answer questions about negative self talk.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

208: Dissociation Made Simple with Dr. Jamie Marich

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica has a fascinating conversation with Dr, Jamie Marich about how we dissociate and that we shouldn't always view this is a bad thing. They also...

207: Birth Order and Why It Matters

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica dive into the subject of birth order, how it affects us, how it impacts us as adults and why it matters to our sobriety.   To learn...

206: How to Build a Sobriety Habit

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Veronica explains why she dislikes the term 'sobriety toolbox' and why we need a sobriety habit instead. She explains the mindse...

205: Things That Changed Our Lives This Year

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In 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 ...

204: She Recovers with Dawn Nickel

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica is joined by She Recovers co-founder Dawn Nickel. They discuss how She Recovers started and grew into the movement it is today. Dawn also spe...

203: The Sober Curator with Alysee Bryson

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Alysse Bryson is started the sober curator during lockdown. She wanted to create a fun uplifting space for people in long-term recovery. In this conve...

202: Aging and Sobriety

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica 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 discus...

201: Love Your Sober Year with Kate Baily and Mandy Manners

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mandy Manners and Kate Baily have a new book out 'Love your sober year,where they guide women through the rythms of life. We discuss how we have diffe...

200: Ask Us Anything 200th Episode

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In their 200th episode, Chip and Veronica celebrate the podcast by answering questions on any subject. What do they like about the other person the mo...

199: Dr. Robb Kelly on Spirituality and Sobriety

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Robb Kelly is one of the leading voices in the addiction recovery movement. In this episode, he tells his miraculous story of recovery from homele...

198: We Answer Your Questions - Anger

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is anger justifiable? Why is my anger out of control? When I get angry I drink to calm myself down. Chip and Veronica answer all these questions and m...

197: 12 Steps and Self Esteem with Arlina Allen

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica is joined by Arlina Allen from the One day at a Time podcast. Arlina shares how she has been sober for 28 years, her experience of the 12-ste...

196: Sober Comedy and Laughing in Sobriety with Dave Yates

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dave Yates is a sober comedian. He discusses his relationship between comedy and sobriety and how the highs and lows of performing.   To learn more, ...

195: Overcoming Codependency with Michelle Farris

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Michelle Farris is a psychotherapist who specializes in helping people with codependency. In this honest conversation, she explains how codependency a...

194: We Answer Your Questions - Triggers

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica answer your questions on how to deal with alcohol and drinking triggers.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

193: Trauma Recovery with Sarah Brassard

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Brassard has been helping women recover from trauma for decades; in this episode, she breaks down what trauma really is and how we can recover. ...

192: Parenting as Prevention with Jessica Lahey

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this not to be missed episode, Veronica Interviews Jessica Lahey author of The Addiction Inoculation about what to tell our kids about alcohol and ...

191: Our Addiction to Drama

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can we sometimes be drama addicts? Chip and Veronica explore how they have created drama in their own lives and how creating drama is a way of meeting...

190: Overcoming Childhood Issues in Sobriety

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica are back from their summer break and kick off this season by discussing how our childhoods affect us and how our relationship with o...

BONUS: Changing the alcohol culture

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this special bonus episode, Veronica joins forces with long-time colleague Joe Schrank. They discuss how we need to change the alcohol culture by p...

188: Dealing With Disappointment

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In their last episode before their summer break Chip and Veronica discuss dealing with disappointment, how it feels when others are disappointed in yo...

187: Parenting as Prevention With America's Worst Mother

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lenore Skenazy believes our children are in crisis. That we are over-parenting them and stealing vital growth opportunities from them. If kids don't b...

186: Overcoming Trauma with Kelly Wallace

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

**Trigger warning*** Kelly Wallace shares her moving story of childhood sexual trauma, alcoholism and recovery.   To learn more, visit the show notes...

185: We Answer Your Questions: Fear

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In our monthly question we look at fear. Our listeners are particularly concerned with fear of relapse, of what others think of them and fear of leavi...

184: Living Alcohol Free With Laura Willoughby

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Laura Willoughby has gone from drinking all the beer to being one of the leading voices of the alcohol-free movement in the UK. In this episode she di...

183: Euphoric Sobriety with Karolina Rzadkowolska

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Karolina Rzadkowolska the author of Euphoric talks to Veronica about how there is so much more to sobriety than we think.   To learn more, visit the ...

182: Getting Back to Your New Normal

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How to navigate your first normal summer in two years. Have you been sober a while but haven't actually told anyone? Do you find summer and drinking o...

181: We Answer Your Questions: Dealing With Family Members

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chip is back and we are answering questions on how to deal with family members. From family members who don't support your sobriety to partners who st...

180: The Gas Lighting of Mothers with Celeste Yvonne

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Celeste Yvonne is a writer and sober mother who used to write cute 'mommy needs wine' memes and blogs. One day she realized she couldn't parent and dr...

179: Sobriety for Blokes with Sam Delaney

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Delaney is a journalist and broadcaster. Entrenched in the British binge drinking culture, he felt like he was living the life until he wasn't. In...

178: We Answer Your Questions - Codependency

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What is codependency is it a good thing or a bad thing? How do I know I am codependent? Veronica answers questions on this subject.   To learn more, ...

177: Recovery at Any Cost With Charles Levoir

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie LeVoir is the host of The Way Out Podcast. He describes himself as an alcoholic from the first drink. We discuss his addiction and recovery an...

176: Brian Cuban - The Addicted Lawyer

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Cuban is the younger brother of Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. He talks candidly about his battle with alcohol and cocaine addiction and how...

175: Casey Davidson and Mommy Needs Wine Culture

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Casey Davidson was fully signed up to the mommy needs wine culture, here she tells her story of leaving it behind and finding freedom.   To learn mor...

174: Sober in the Country with Shanna Whan

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Getting sober in rural environments presents its own unique challenges. In this episode, Veronica interviews Shanna Whan founder of Sober in the Count...

173: Spiritual Truth with Eric Zimmer

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica is joined by Eric Zimmer host of the popular podcast 'The One you feed.' In telling his story they explore what spirituality is and why it is...

172: We Answer Your Questions - Resentments

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica answer questions from the Soberful Life Community on resentments.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

171: Childhood Trauma and Addiction with Justin Long

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In his book 'The Righteous Rage of a ten-year-old boy' Justin explores his traumatic childhood and adult addiction. Justin grew up with a step-father ...

170: The Clean Wine Con

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica explore the different ways we rationalise our drinking, particularly the emergence of clean wine as a wellness product.   To learn ...

5 Pillars Promo

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Let me ask you a question: What is it that you're looking for every time you drink? Is it connection? Fun? Relaxation? A way to escape your own though...

169: Sober Voices with Alyssa May Hart and Mercy Lee Bell

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Alyssa and Mercy are millennials who are defining sobriety in their own way. During the pandemic, they created 'Sober Voices' a platform that represen...

168: We Answer Your Questions - Relationships and Sex

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A new monthly feature where we will answer your questions. This week we are answering questions on sex and relationships in sobriety.   To learn more...

167: Dopamine Nation with Dr. Anna Lembke

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dopamine Nation is a fascinating book by Dr Anna Lembke. She addresses how living in a dopamine saturated world affects us and our relationship with a...

166: Soberful The Book

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Finally, the Soberful book is released into the wild! Chip turns the tables on Veronica and interviews her on why she wrote the book and what she want...

165: How to Live an Alcohol-Free Life in a Wet World With Chris Marshall

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Marshall is starting a revolution. The founder of Sansbar in Austin, he passionately believes we need to create more opportunities for people to...

164: How Do You Stop Drinking When Everyone Around You Still Drinks?

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica explain how to live in a wet world when it seems like everyone drinks.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

163: We Answer Your Questions

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica answer your questions on subjects about sponsorship, epigenetic, financial sobriety and more.   To learn more, visit the show notes...

162: Things That Changed Our Lives This Year

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In their traditional end of year episode Chip and Veronica discuss the things that changed thier lives this year. The events, movies, books, TV shows ...

161: What Happens to Friendships When We Stop Drinking

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

160: The Alcohol Lie with Ann Dowsett Johnston

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ann Dowsett Johnston's book 'Drink' is the best 'quit-lit' book out there. Ann talks candidly about her personal struggle with alcoholism, how she dea...

159: Surviving the Holiday Season Sober with Tamara Kirby

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tamara and Veronica discuss how to get through the holiday season sober. How to deal with the pressures of drinking and dealing with family members.  ...

158: The Addicted Child with Richard Capriola

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many parents in recovery worry about their children abusing drugs and alcohol. In this episode, Veronica interviews Richard Capriola about his book 'T...

157: Healthy Happy Sobriety with Janey Lee Grace

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica interviews British radio legend Janey Lee Grace who was a holistic health guru who drank. Janey knew something was wrong with her and tried e...

156: Empowering Habits for Sobriety

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We 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, menta...

155: Sex and Love Addiction with Brianne Davis

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this frank and open interview, Brianne Davis discusses her recovery from sex and love addiction. The 'secret addiction that often gets dismissed or...

154: Religious Abuse, Addiction and the LGBTQ+ Community With Dr. Jamie Marich

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this continuing series on the relationship between religious abuse and addiction. Veronica talks to Dr. Jamie Marich about how the LGBTQ+ community...

153: HALT SBH

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What 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, ...

152: Saved by a Song With Mary Gauthier

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica interviews Mary Gauthier, a grammy nominated sing songwriter and author of the book 'Saved by a song.' Mary's book is about the songwriting p...

151: Sobriety and Mental Health

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica explore the relationship between addiction and mental health.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

150: Party Girl with Anna David

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica speaks to Anna David a long time recovery advocate and author about the re-release of her book 'Party Girl.' Party Girls is a semi-autobiogra...

149: How Secrets Keep You Sick

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone comes into sobriety with secrets. Secrets are like a cancer that grow and weigh us down. Chip and Veronica explore the nature of secrets, con...

148: We Answer Your Questions

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Chip and Veronica are back from their summer break! They answer listener questions such as: do they ever miss drinking? Can you drink on special occas...

Sober Summer Soundtrack: Maintaining Sobriety As The World Opens Up

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lockdown restrictions have given you an opportunity to be away from everyday drinking and social pressures that would normally present themselves in s...