RAW CHATTER! Unfiltered Conversations on the Psychology of Addiction, Behaviour & High Performance

Vicky Midwood - Behavioural Strategist for High-Performing Professionals
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

RAW CHATTER Straight-talking, unfiltered conversations about the behaviours that quietly drive - and derail - high performers. This isn’t about motivation, mindset hacks, or surface-level solutions. It’s about understanding why you rely on food, alcohol, overthinking, or overworking to cope — and what it’s really costing your energy, focus, and performance. Because you don’t have a discipline problem. You have a behavioural pattern that’s running the show. We break down the psychology behind coping habits, addiction, and self-sabotage in business owners and high-achieving professionals

  1. Why High Performers Can’t Switch Off | Rumination, ADHD & Nervous System Overload

    1D AGO

    Why High Performers Can’t Switch Off | Rumination, ADHD & Nervous System Overload

    Why do so many successful people struggle to relax, switch off or stop overthinking? In this episode of RAW CHATTER, I explores the hidden mental exhaustion behind high performance, perfectionism, rumination and late-diagnosis neurodivergence. This episode dives into: • rumination and thought loops • ADHD and autism in founders and professionals • nervous system dysregulation • why high achievers replay conversations in their heads• emotional hypervigilance • cognitive overload vs burnout • why successful people struggle to relax • overthinking, perfectionism and emotional safety • why your brain keeps scanning for danger • alcohol, food and scrolling as coping mechanisms • how unresolved activation impacts mental and physical health I explain why the issue often isn’t your workload, business or to-do list…… it’s the constant mental rehearsal happening underneath it all. You’ll also hear the key questions to ask yourself when your brain starts spiralling: 1. Am I actually solving something right now or am I spiralling? 2. What story have I attached to this? 3. What am I assuming? 4. Am I trying to gain certainty where certainty doesn’t exist? 5. What emotion am I trying to avoid feeling? This episode is especially relevant for: 👉 business owners 👉 founders 👉 professionals 👉 high performers 👉 people pleasers 👉 perfectionists 👉 late-diagnosis ADHD/autistic adults 👉 highly sensitive people 👉 anyone struggling to mentally switch offIf this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, comment or share it with someone whose brain never truly switches off. 👉 Book a call here: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Email me: vicky@vickymidwood.com Vicky xx 📩 Join the email list for weekly updates: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv 👉 https://www.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/⁠ #ADHD #MentalHealth #Rumination #Burnout #HighPerformance #NervousSystem #Overthinking #EntrepreneurMindset #Autism #Perfectionism #Stress #FounderLife #BehaviourChange #RAWCHATTER

    25 min
  2. You’re Not Addicted to the Habit - Here’s Why You Keep Going Back

    MAY 4

    You’re Not Addicted to the Habit - Here’s Why You Keep Going Back

    You’re not addicted to the habit - you’re attached to who it lets you be. That’s the part most people miss.If you’ve ever told yourself: “I’ll stop this week” “I need more discipline” “This time will be different”… yet you keep going back to the same patterns - food, alcohol, overworking, scrolling, people-pleasing - this episode explains why. In this episode of RAW CHATTER, I break down: 👉 Why your habits are not the real problem 👉 How behaviours become your solution under pressure 👉 The link between identity, childhood programming, and coping patterns 👉 Why repetition makes these habits automatic (even when you don’t want them) 👉 The exact moment where real change actually happensThis isn’t about willpower. It’s not about knowing more.It’s about understanding who you become when you reach for the habit and changing that.Because when you change who you are being…you stop needing the habit. 🔥 If this hit home: You don’t need another plan. You need to interrupt the pattern in real time. I’m opening a small monthly group focused on exactly that real behaviour change, in real life, when it actually matters. 👉 Book a call here: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Vicky xx 🎙️ About RAW CHATTERUnfiltered conversations about addiction, behaviour, identity and high performance. No fluff. No filters. Just real talk that actually helps you change. 📩 Join the email list for weekly updates: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv 👉 https://www.vickymidwood.com 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/⁠

    18 min
  3. S6 EP34: Why Knowing Isn’t Changing You: The Real Reason You Stay Stuck (And What To Do Instead)

    APR 28

    S6 EP34: Why Knowing Isn’t Changing You: The Real Reason You Stay Stuck (And What To Do Instead)

    Why do you still do the thing you said you’d stop? You’ve read the books.Listened to the podcasts.Saved the posts. And yet… nothing changes. In this solo episode of RAW CHATTER, I break down the truth most people miss: 👉 It’s not an information problem.👉 It’s not a discipline problem.👉 It’s not a lack of intelligence. It’s a behaviour problem. And behaviour is driven by more than just knowing what to do. We’re talking: • why high performers stay stuck despite knowing better• how your habits are actually solving a problem (just not sustainably)• the real role of food, alcohol, scrolling and overwork• why awareness alone can make things worse• how your physiology, psychology and identity all drive behaviour• a simple, practical way to interrupt patterns in real time This is where most people get it wrong: They try to stop the habit…without replacing what it’s doing for them. And that’s why they keep going back. 🎯 If you’re tired of repeating the same patterns — this will land. 📌 Work with me If you want help applying this properly (not just understanding it), you can reach out here:👉 https://www.vickymidwood.com Email: vicky@vickymidwood.com 🎙️ About RAW CHATTER Unfiltered conversations about addiction, behaviour, identity and high performance.No fluff. No filters. Just real talk that actually helps you change. 📩 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/⁠

    24 min
  4. S6 EP33: You Don’t Have a Confidence Problem. You Have a Pattern Problem

    APR 21

    S6 EP33: You Don’t Have a Confidence Problem. You Have a Pattern Problem

    You don’t have a confidence problem.You have a pattern problem And until you see it…you’ll keep trying to fix the wrong thing. In this episode of RAW CHATTER, I break down the hidden loop that’s driving: Overthinking Self-doubt Holding back in conversations And the constant feeling of being judged Here’s what’s really happening: You walk into a room. You silently judge people. Then minutes later…you’re worrying what they think of you. Same brain. Same moment. Same loop. This isn’t insecurity. It’s programming. And the part most people miss? 👉 Your thoughts are language 👉 Your language is shaping your nervous system 👉 And your behaviour follows We also get into: Why “being nice” is keeping you stuck The difference between nice vs kind How this pattern drives coping behaviours (food, alcohol, overworking) And a simple way to interrupt the loop immediately If you’ve ever replayed conversations in your head or held back from saying what you really think… This episode will hit. Take action:Don’t just listen to this and move on. Catch one judgement today. Neutralise it. Watch what changes. Vicky xx Work with me: If you’re ready to stop repeating the same patterns and actually change them: 👉 Book a confidential call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat 🎙️ 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 Midwood Website: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/⁠

    16 min
  5. S6 EP32: From Poverty to Power: The Truth About Feminine Leadership, Identity & Success

    APR 14

    S6 EP32: From Poverty to Power: The Truth About Feminine Leadership, Identity & Success

    What does it really take to lead, influence and succeed as a woman without losing yourself in the process? In this episode of RAW CHATTER, I’m joined by Shatoya Jones-Medor, a feminine leadership consultant and influence strategist helping high-achieving women break free from toxic identity conditioning and step into true authority. But this isn’t theory. This is lived experience. From starting her first business at 8 years old… To building global initiatives in wealth education… To navigating leadership, motherhood and identity on her own terms… This conversation goes deep into what most people don’t talk about. We cover: ✅ Why many high-achieving women are still operating from conditioned identity ✅ The hidden cost of success when you disconnect from yourself ✅ Why feminine leadership isn’t weakness, it’s power ✅ The role of faith, values and self-mastery in real leadership ✅ Why connection, community and visibility matter more than ever ✅ The truth about balancing business, motherhood and purpose This is about more than success.It’s about who you become in the process Vicky xx 📌 Connect with Shatoya Website: www.shatoyajones.com Email: helloshatoyia@gmail.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shatoyia-jones-32048214a/ 1 Million Kingdom Woman Challenge & YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/xVIsJPqe3rA?si=eiTxy-G3rsIHC_GF SPECIAL OFFER Mini Course: https://www.shatoyiajones.com/mini-course Use code: VickyMidwood20 and get 20% off Introductory Feminine Leadership Experience www.eventbrite.com/e/1983332864989/?discount=VickyMidwood20 About Vicky I work with business owners and high-performing professionals to stop the coping habits that quietly undermine their energy, focus, and performance. Because your business is only as strong as the body and brain running it. 🌐 https://vickymidwood.com/ 📩 vicky@vickymidwood.com Sign up to my weekly newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv

    21 min
  6. Emotional Eating, Control & Drinking: What You’re Really Avoiding

    APR 7

    Emotional Eating, Control & Drinking: What You’re Really Avoiding

    Emotional eating, drinking and control aren’t the problem.You’re using them to avoid something - and it’s not what you think. In this episode of Raw Chatter, I break down what’s really driving emotional eating, drinking, overthinking and control. It’s not about the food. It’s not about the alcohol. And it’s not about other people. It’s about your ability to sit with discomfort. If you’ve just come off a long weekend and recognise some of these patterns, this episode will help you see what’s actually going on - and why it keeps repeating. Here are the reflection questions from the video: Look back at the weekend. Be honest. Where did you: • Eat when you weren’t hungry? • Drink to “take the edge off”? • Overthink what someone said or didn’t say? • Try to manage someone else’s mood, behaviour or reaction? Now go one layer deeper: 👉 What were you actually feeling in that moment? 👉 What felt uncomfortable? 👉 What were you trying not to feel? Because this is the work. Not cutting things out. Not being “better.” Seeing what’s driving it. If you’re successful on paper but still relying on coping habits to get through your day, this is for you. Vicky xx 📩 Want help breaking the cycle? Message me “ENJOY” or connect with me here: Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv Website: https://vickymidwood.com Book a call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat #emotionaleating #addiction #habits #mentalhealth #highperformance #selfsabotage #recovery #psychology #entrepreneurmindset

    17 min
  7. The Control Trap: Why Trying Harder Is Making You Feel More Overwhelmed

    MAR 31

    The Control Trap: Why Trying Harder Is Making You Feel More Overwhelmed

    Feeling overwhelmed? So you decide to get more organised. More disciplined. More in control. And somehow… it makes everything worse. In this episode of RAW CHATTER, I’m breaking down what’s really going on when that happens because I see it all the time, and I’ve done it myself. When things feel out of control, most people try to tighten control. More rules.More structure.More pressure. But that’s exactly what drives overwhelm, procrastination and even paralysis. In this episode I talk about: 📌why we overestimate what we can do and underestimate time. 📌 How control becomes a coping strategy, not a solution 📌 What’s happening in your nervous system when you feel overwhelmed 📌Why strict routines and pressure often backfire 📌How control shows up in food, exercise, work and daily habits 📌What you actually can control and what you need to let go of This isn’t about discipline. It’s about understanding what’s really driving your behaviour - so you can think, feel and function the way you actually want to. 🎙️ About RAW CHATTERRAW CHATTER is where I talk about addiction, behaviour, resilience and high performance without the fluff. Vicky xx 👊 If this landed and you’re thinking “this is me”… Don’t leave it here. I go deeper on this every week - the behaviours, habits, and patterns that quietly impact your energy, focus, and performance. 👉 Join my email here: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuv Or just message me - we’ll figure out what’s really going on. 👉 https://vickymidwood.com/ 📩 vicky@vickymidwood.com

    22 min
  8. S6 EP29: You Don't Have a Motivation Problem - You Have a Coping Strategy Problem

    MAR 24

    S6 EP29: You Don't Have a Motivation Problem - You Have a Coping Strategy Problem

    🧠 You don’t have a motivation problem.You have a coping strategy problem.In this first episode of the newly positioned RAW CHATTER, I break down why so many high performers feel stuck, tired, and frustrated, despite knowing exactly what they should be doing. This isn’t about discipline.It’s not about willpower.It’s about the behaviours you rely on to get through your day:foodalcoholcaffeineoverworkingdistractionAll of which work in the short term… but quietly drain your energy, focus, and performance over time.In this episode, I cover:Why motivation is not the real issueHow coping strategies become your default way of functioningThe hidden impact of daily habits on your brain and bodyWhy high performers often feel “fine” - until they’re notWhat actually needs to change (and where to start)If you’ve been telling yourself you just need to “get your act together”… this will land.Vicky xx👊 If this landed and you’re thinking “this is me”…Don’t leave it here.I go deeper on this every week - the behaviours, habits, and patterns that quietly impact your energy, focus, and performance.👉 Join my email here: https://tinyurl.com/2jbbmtuvOr just message me - we’ll figure out what’s really going on.👉 https://vickymidwood.com/📩 vicky@vickymidwood.com

    23 min
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RAW CHATTER Straight-talking, unfiltered conversations about the behaviours that quietly drive - and derail - high performers. This isn’t about motivation, mindset hacks, or surface-level solutions. It’s about understanding why you rely on food, alcohol, overthinking, or overworking to cope — and what it’s really costing your energy, focus, and performance. Because you don’t have a discipline problem. You have a behavioural pattern that’s running the show. We break down the psychology behind coping habits, addiction, and self-sabotage in business owners and high-achieving professionals

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