RAW CHATTER! Unfiltered Stories of Addiction, Recovery & Reinvention

Vicky Midwood - Human Health Strategist for high-performers

RAW CHATTER is a podcast of unfiltered stories about addiction recovery, mental health, and reinvention in life and business. Through candid conversations, we explore the psychology of addiction, resilience, and entrepreneurial growth. Each episode (some solo some with guests) dives into real experiences of struggle and success - raw, honest talks about recovery, resilience, and finding success beyond struggle. If you’re curious about mental health, addiction recovery, and how transformation fuels life and business, this is where those stories come alive.

  1. S6 EP27: High Functioning Is a Symptom: Why Successful People Still Feel Exhausted, Flat & Stuck

    3 DGN GELEDEN

    S6 EP27: High Functioning Is a Symptom: Why Successful People Still Feel Exhausted, Flat & Stuck

    Success doesn’t always mean someone is thriving.In this episode of RAW CHATTER, Vicky Midwood explores a truth many high achievers don’t want to admit:High functioning can be a symptom, not a strength.Behind strong careers, successful businesses and busy schedules often sits a nervous system running in survival mode.Overworking.Drinking to switch off.Chasing perfection.Constant busyness.These aren’t personality traits.They’re coping strategies.In this episode Vicky breaks down:• Why high performers often feel flat, exhausted or unfulfilled despite success• How alcohol, food and busyness become nervous system regulation tools• The hidden role of stress hormones, sleep disruption and adrenaline cycles• Why fixing diet, exercise or productivity alone often doesn’t solve the problem• The difference between true resilience and high-functioning survival modeIf you’ve ever wondered why you’re doing well on paper but something still feels off - this conversation will make a lot of sense.Because coping isn’t weakness.It’s a strategy.The real work is learning how to build capacity instead of compensation. Vicky xx🎙️ About RAW CHATTERRAW CHATTER explores the psychology of addiction, resilience, health and high performance with honest conversations about the behaviours people hide behind success.📌 Connect with Vicky MidwoodIntegrative Health Coach | Human Health Optimiser | Addiction EliminatorWebsite:https://www.vickymidwood.com📩 Join the email list for weekly updates: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv Book a call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Connect via social media:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickymidwoodhealthcoach/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/vicky.midwood/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/vicky_gofigurecoaching/⁠

    25 min
  2. S6 EP26: EFT Tapping for Anxiety: Calm Your Mind in Minutes (No Meds, No Overthinking)

    3 MRT

    S6 EP26: EFT Tapping for Anxiety: Calm Your Mind in Minutes (No Meds, No Overthinking)

    In this episode of RAW CHATTER, I’m joined by Jennifer Reefe, an Intuitive Soul Connector We talk about one of the simplest tools for anxiety, stress and emotional overwhelm: EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique). If your brain won’t switch off… If you’re carrying fear, pressure, or old stories that keep running the show… this one’s for you. We cover: What EFT tapping is (and why it works even if you don’t “believe” in it) How emotions get stored in the body and why your body reacts before your mind catches up Forgiveness, letting go, and why holding on is “drinking poison” How tapping can lower anxiety in minutes (no equipment, no perfect environment) Why group work matters: connection, nervous system safety, and “I’m not the only one” A live tapping demo you can do with us (watch on YouTube and tap along) 🎧 Free tapping audio ❤️ https://fengshuistar.gumroad.com/l/tqrsk 🌿 Learn about Jennifer’s weekly Tapping Tribe (Weds 2–3pm on Zoom) + free session https://jennifer-reefe.com/index.php/the-tapping-tribe/ If you’ve been stuck in your head, bracing all the time, or carrying stress like it’s normal… try this. You’ve got nothing to lose.Find out more about Jennifer using the links below: Website: www.jennifer-reefe.com Calendly: https://calendly.com/jennifertappingcoach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelsjen LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jenniferreefe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferreefe949Vicky xx 🧠 Website: https://vickymidwood.com/ 📩 Join the email list for weekly updates: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv Email: vicky@vickymidwood.com Book a call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Connect via social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickymidwoodhealthcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicky.midwood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicky_gofigurecoaching/

    33 min
  3. Emotional Eating, Diet Culture & The Truth About “Healthy” Food | Registered Nutritionist Explains

    24 FEB

    Emotional Eating, Diet Culture & The Truth About “Healthy” Food | Registered Nutritionist Explains

    In this episode of RAW CHATTER, I’m joined by registered nutritionist Kate Wall to unpack the confusion, guilt and misinformation surrounding food. Why can’t you “just eat healthy”? Why does diet culture create shame instead of change? And what’s the real difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian? We talk about: • Emotional eating and why willpower isn’t the problem • The damage caused by diet culture and food rules • Registered nutritionist vs dietitian what’s the difference? • PCOS, menopause, neurodivergence and how they impact eating behaviour • Why food should bring joy not anxiety • Compassion, perfectionism and rebuilding your relationship with food If you feel stuck in food guilt, constant self-criticism or the endless cycle of “start again Monday”… this episode is for you. Kate also shares details of her new community Nourish & Flourish, focused on behaviour change, balance and evidence-based nutrition without fear-mongering or extremes. Check it out here: Nourish and Flourish Community: https://www.katewallnutrition.co.uk/nourish-flourish/ 🔗 Connect with Kate (links below) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katewallnutrition/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katewallnutrition Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-wall-45606b158/ Website: www.katewallnutrition.co.uk Vicky xx🧠 Website: https://vickymidwood.com/ 📩 Join the email list for weekly updates: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv Email: vicky@vickymidwood.com Book a call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Connect via social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickymidwoodhealthcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicky.midwood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicky_gofigurecoaching/ #recovery #mentalhealth #workstress #reinvention #addictionrecovery #mindset #resilience #rawchatter#disorderedeating

    31 min
  4. S6 EP:24 The Accident That Changed Everything: Burnout, Survival, and the Mindset Reset

    17 FEB

    S6 EP:24 The Accident That Changed Everything: Burnout, Survival, and the Mindset Reset

    What if burnout doesn’t just make you tired… but changes the course of your life? In this episode of RAW CHATTER (addiction, recovery & reinvention) I’m joined by Shona Hirons author, speaker, and burnout prevention coach who shares the real story behind her reinvention. After years of high performance, chronic stress, and ignoring the warning signs, Shona’s body finally forced a full stop through a devastating cycling accident that left her with a brain injury, facial reconstruction, and months of rehab. And here’s the part most people don’t expect: the physical consequences of burnout can show up years later. In this conversation we cover ✔ The “whispers” of burnout (migraines, numbness, exhaustion, quiet withdrawal) ✔ Why high-functioning burnout is so easy to miss even when you look fine ✔ The accident that split Shona’s life into before and after ✔ Rebuilding identity, confidenceIf you’re feeling constantly overwhelmed, always “pushing through,” or silently disappearing inside a successful life - this episode is your wake-up call. ✅ Like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs it.Because your body whispers before it screams. 📌 Shona’s book: Broken To bionic: Prevent and Recover from Burnout available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Broken-Bionic-Prevent-Recover-Burnout/ Find out more about Shona and connect with her here: Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shonahealthhub/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shona-hirons-95283044/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shonahealthhub/ Vicky xx 🧠 Website: https://vickymidwood.com/ 📩 Join the email list for weekly updates: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv Email: vicky@vickymidwood.com Book a call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Connect via social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickymidwoodhealthcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicky.midwood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicky_gofigurecoaching/ #burnout #recovery #mentalhealth #workstress #reinvention #addictionrecovery #mindset #resilience #rawchatter

    45 min
  5. S6 EP23: When Success Ends: Why Selling Your Business Can Trigger Identity Loss, Burnout & Depression

    10 FEB

    S6 EP23: When Success Ends: Why Selling Your Business Can Trigger Identity Loss, Burnout & Depression

    What really happens after you sell your business? In this episode of RAW CHATTER, I’m joined by exit specialist Lindsay Brown to explore the side of business exits nobody talks about the identity loss, adrenaline crash, loneliness, and emotional fallout that often follow success. For many founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners, exiting is supposed to feel like freedom. But instead, it can trigger burnout, confusion, depression, and a deep sense of “Who am I now?” In this conversation, we unpack: Why post-exit depression is more common than people admitThe addiction to adrenaline that fuels success - and what happens when it stops Why identity loss hits so hard after selling a businessThe emotional impact of losing structure, status, and purpose Why rushing into the “next thing” can make things worse How to decompress, recalibrate, and reinvent without self-destructing This episode is essential listening if you: ✔️ Have sold (or plan to sell) a business ✔️ Are thinking about retirement or stepping away ✔️ Feel lost after success ✔️ Are addicted to busyness, pressure, or adrenaline ✔️ Work with founders, entrepreneurs, or high performers 👉 This is not about the deal. It’s about the human cost of success. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and share this with someone who needs to hear it. Lindsay Brown is the founder of Concordia Nova, an advisory practice focused on post-exit leadership, identity, and reinvention check out her website and connect with her on Social Media. Website: https://www.concordianova.co.uk LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaybrownconcordianova Vicky xx 🧠 Website: https://vickymidwood.com/ 📩 Join the email list for weekly updates: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv Email: vicky@vickymidwood.com Connect via social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickymidwoodhealthcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicky.midwood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicky_gofigurecoaching/

    42 min
  6. How Your Words Reinforce Anxiety, Burnout & the Life You’re Trying to Change

    3 FEB

    How Your Words Reinforce Anxiety, Burnout & the Life You’re Trying to Change

    Your words are not neutral. In this episode of Raw Chatter, I explore how the language you use every day is quietly reinforcing the patterns you say you want to change - from burnout and overwhelm to repeated crises, money stress, and feeling stuck. This isn’t about positive thinking or policing your language.It’s about awareness. Inside this episode, we explore: ✔️ Why repeated phrases become expectations ✔️ How over-explaining and justifying reinforce struggle ✔️ The link between language, nervous system stress, and burnout ✔️ Why chaos and crisis can become addictive ✔️ How your words reveal what you actually believe - not what you say you believe ✔️ A simple awareness exercise to interrupt the pattern If you’ve ever found yourself saying: “This always happens to me” “I was going to do it, but something came up” “It’s just a hard season” “I don’t have a choice” This episode will help you understand why - and what to do differently. 🎧 Raw Chatter is a podcast about addiction, recovery, reinvention, and learning to think, feel, and function better. 👍 If this resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. Vicky xx 🧠 Website: https://vickymidwood.com/ 📩 Join the email list for weekly updates: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv Email: vicky@vickymidwood.com Book a call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Connect via social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickymidwoodhealthcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicky.midwood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicky_gofigurecoaching/

    26 min
  7. S6 EP 21: How to Stop Worry and Anxiety From Hijacking Your Thinking

    27 JAN

    S6 EP 21: How to Stop Worry and Anxiety From Hijacking Your Thinking

    Worry can feel constant, exhausting, and impossible to switch off- but what if it isn’t a personality trait… or even a flaw? In this episode of RAW CHATTER, Vicky Midwood breaks down how worry actually works in the brain, why it becomes addictive, and why trying to “think your way out of it” often makes anxiety worse - not better! You’ll learn: 💡 Why worry is driven by the brain’s need for certainty (and why certainty is impossible) 💡 How thoughts turn into stories, “what-if” spirals, and anxiety loops 💡 Why you cannot find solutions while you’re inside the worry 💡 How chronic worry fuels inflammation, sleep disruption, and burnout 💡 A simple, evidence-based tool called “worry time” that helps you regain control without suppressing thoughts This episode is especially relevant if: Your mind races at night You overthink conversations, decisions, or the future Anxiety leaves you frozen, overwhelmed, or exhausted You feel stuck in loops of “what if…” thinking This isn’t about positive thinking or pretending everything’s fine. It’s about learning when to think, so your brain can actually help you instead of hijacking you. 🎧 Listen now and try the process for yourself. Vicky xx 🧠 Website: https://vickymidwood.com/ 📩 Join the email list for weekly updates: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv Email: vicky@vickymidwood.com Book a call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Connect via social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickymidwoodhealthcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicky.midwood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicky_gofigurecoaching/

    24 min
  8. 20 Years Sober: What Dry January Gets Right (And What Most People Miss

    20 JAN

    20 Years Sober: What Dry January Gets Right (And What Most People Miss

    In this episode of RAW CHATTER, I share what changed when alcohol left my life, and why Dry January (and Sober October) can be more powerful than people realise. This isn’t an anti-alcohol rant. It’s an honest look at what alcohol does, why social pressure is often the hardest part, and what many people notice around days 10–20: clearer thinking, better sleep, more energy, less brain fog - and a surprising shift in confidence. In this episode, we cover: Why Dry January works better when you know your real “why” The benefits that often kick in after 10–14 days Why alcohol is the only drug where you’re seen as “weird” for not joining in The rise of the alcohol-free drinks market - and why that matters What happens after Dry January: reset, moderation, or staying stopped The question that changes everything: What was alcohol doing for you - and what else could meet that need? If you’re doing Dry January, struggling with it, or planning what happens after… this one will hit. 💬 Question to sit with:What did alcohol give you (relief, confidence, connection, sleep)… and how else could you create that without the cost? 👍 If this episode helps, like/subscribe and share it with someone who needs it. Vicky xx 🧠 Website: https://vickymidwood.com/ 📩 Join the email list for weekly updates: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv Email: vicky@vickymidwood.com Book a call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Connect via social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickymidwoodhealthcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicky.midwood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicky_gofigurecoaching/

    27 min
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RAW CHATTER is a podcast of unfiltered stories about addiction recovery, mental health, and reinvention in life and business. Through candid conversations, we explore the psychology of addiction, resilience, and entrepreneurial growth. Each episode (some solo some with guests) dives into real experiences of struggle and success - raw, honest talks about recovery, resilience, and finding success beyond struggle. If you’re curious about mental health, addiction recovery, and how transformation fuels life and business, this is where those stories come alive.

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