Soberful

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.

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 conversation culminates in practical strategies for transforming relationships through clear communication and self-awareness, ultimately leading to personal growth and improved interactions. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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.

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.

Dive into the transformative journey of emotional sobriety, vital for lasting recovery. Discover how setting boundaries and effective communication can reshape your relationships. Learn to navigate resentments and realize their impact on mental health. Personal anecdotes enrich the discussion, illustrating the growth and fulfillment that come from engaging in emotional work. Embrace this lifelong practice for a more balanced and rewarding sober life!

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.

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 experiences to foster emotional growth. The conversation highlights how romantic relationships can trigger unresolved issues and the necessity of personal growth in relationships. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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 power of sobriety in her life and relationships. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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 mentorship and professional guidance in achieving sobriety. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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 success stories, emphasizing the importance of addressing both eating disorders and substance use simultaneously for effective recovery. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠.