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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 18, 2025 • 40min
320: A Clean Mess with Tiffany Jenkins
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 n otes.
Jun 11, 2025 • 40min
319: Codependency with Kate Grey
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 n otes.
Jun 4, 2025 • 41min
318: Drunk Love with Melissa Stoeltje
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 n otes.
May 28, 2025 • 20min
317: Do I need a sponsor to get sober?
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 n otes.
May 21, 2025 • 43min
316: How to Treat an Eating Disorder With Brittany Davis
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 n otes.
May 14, 2025 • 49min
315: Bad Drunk with Millie Mackintosh
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, host Veronica Valli speaks with Millie McIntosh about her journey to sobriety, the impact of alcohol on mental health, and the challenges of parenting while sober. Millie shares her experiences with binge drinking, anxiety, and the importance of community in recovery. They discuss the role of self-compassion in healing from shame and the power of sharing personal stories. Millie also talks about her future aspirations and projects, emphasizing the positive changes sobriety has brought to her life. To learn more, visit the show n otes.
May 7, 2025 • 40min
314: What Comes First Addiction or Mental Health With Stephanie Marquesano
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli speaks with Stephanie Marquesano, founder of The Harris Project, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing co-occurring disorders. Stephanie shares her personal journey following the tragic loss of her son, Harris, to an accidental overdose. The conversation delves into the complexities of co-occurring disorders, the importance of prevention and education, and the need for integrated treatment approaches. Stephanie emphasizes the significance of empowering young people with knowledge about mental health and substance use, and the role of community in supporting families facing these challenges. To learn more, visit the show n otes.
Apr 30, 2025 • 50min
313: The Redemption of a Mormon Drug Dealer With Sean Hemeon
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Sean Hemeon shares his extraordinary journey from a troubled upbringing in a strict Mormon household to becoming a successful actor and author. He discusses his struggles with addiction, the challenges of coming out as gay, and the transformative power of sobriety. Sean reflects on his experiences as a drug dealer, the consequences of his actions, and the path to redemption through recovery and acting. He emphasizes the importance of spirituality and connection in his life, and shares his aspirations for the future. To learn more, visit the show n otes.
Apr 23, 2025 • 45min
312: Dealing With the Consequences of Our Drinking
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, hosts Veronica Valli and Chip discuss the various consequences that arise after getting clean and sober. They explore the emotional, financial, and social repercussions of addiction, emphasizing the importance of community support and acceptance in navigating these challenges. The conversation highlights the need for honesty and the role of personal growth in overcoming the stigma associated with past behaviors. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to face their consequences with courage and seek help when needed. To learn more, visit the show n otes.
Apr 16, 2025 • 20min
311: What Sobriety Is and What It Isn't
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli discusses the complexities of sobriety, emphasizing the importance of understanding what sobriety truly means. She distinguishes between complete abstinence and harm minimization, explores the concept of recovery, and addresses the common issue of cross-addiction. Valli also highlights the significance of emotional sobriety as a crucial aspect of lasting recovery, encouraging listeners to engage in practices that support their mental and emotional health. To learn more, visit the show n otes.


