RAW CHATTER! Unfiltered Stories of Addiction, Recovery & Reinvention

Vicky Midwood - Human Health Strategist for high-performers
  • 4.5 (4)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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

    4D AGO

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

    FEB 3

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

    JAN 27

    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
  4. 20 Years Sober: What Dry January Gets Right (And What Most People Miss

    JAN 20

    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
  5. When Did Other People’s Happiness Become Your Job? People-Pleasing & the Cost of Self-Abandonment

    JAN 13

    When Did Other People’s Happiness Become Your Job? People-Pleasing & the Cost of Self-Abandonment

    Have you ever realised that your life revolves around keeping everyone else happy; your partner, your parents, your kids, while quietly losing touch with yourself? In this episode, I unpack one of the most damaging and deeply conditioned beliefs many high-achievers carry: “Other people’s happiness is my responsibility.” It sounds caring. Noble. Loving. But over time, it fuels anxiety, resentment, burnout, emotional eating, drinking to cope, people-pleasing, and a profound loss of self. In this episode, I explore: Where the belief that you’re responsible for other people’s emotions comes from Why trying to manage everyone else’s happiness erodes self-esteem and mental health How this pattern drives stress, anxiety, addiction, and self-sabotaging behaviours Why resentment is inevitable when you abandon your own needsHow to begin letting go of people-pleasing without becoming selfish or cold What it actually means to live aligned, honest, and true to yourself This conversation is for you if: You feel responsible for keeping the peace You struggle to say no without guilt You put everyone else first and feel depleted You cope with stress through food, alcohol, or overworking You’re successful on the outside but disconnected on the inside. This isn’t about blaming yourself. It’s about reclaiming your life, your energy, and your sense of self. 🎧 Listen now - and ask yourself the question that changes everything: When did other people’s happiness become my job?Vicky xx Here are the links for you to take me up on the invitation I made on the podcast to get in touch and have a chat: Book a call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Email: vicky@vickymidwood.com 🧠 Website: https://vickymidwood.com/ Connect with me via social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickymidwoodhealthcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicky.midwood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicky_gofigurecoaching/

    29 min
  6. Your Immune System Doesn’t Need a Detox: It Needs a Reset (Without Restriction

    JAN 6

    Your Immune System Doesn’t Need a Detox: It Needs a Reset (Without Restriction

    If you’re feeling run down, fighting something off, or telling yourself you need to “get back on track,” this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m talking about why your immune system doesn’t recover through restriction, detoxes, or punishment and what actually helps your body reset after stress, illness, overwork, emotional overload, or reactive eating and drinking. This is not about being “good,” cutting things out, or pushing harder.It’s about regulation, recovery, and giving your body the conditions it needs to repair. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why restriction after stress can suppress immune function How stress chemistry (not willpower) impacts immunity The difference between a nervous-system reset and a discipline reset 5 simple, realistic ways to support your immune system this week - without dieting, detoxing, or overhauling your life If you’re a high-performing, capable person who’s tired of cycling between pushing and crashing, this conversation will help you reset without breaking trust with your body. 🎧 Listen, take one step, not all five - and let this be a recovery week, not a punishment week. To check out the blog I mentioned here: https://vickymidwood.com/blog-1/f/when-manners-slip-health-has-already-been-compromised Vicky xx Here's my invitation to get in touch via anyone of the options below: 🧠 Website: https://vickymidwood.com/ Email: vicky@vickymidwood.com Book a call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Connect with me 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
  7. This New Year: Stop Setting Goals Your Brain Is Wired to Sabotage

    12/30/2025

    This New Year: Stop Setting Goals Your Brain Is Wired to Sabotage

    It's New Year’s Eve is tomorrow - and this is the episode most people should listen to before setting a single goal. In this solo episode of RAW CHATTER I breaks down why New Year’s resolutions fail year after year - and why it has nothing to do with motivation, discipline, or “not wanting it badly enough.” This is about how your brain actually works. I explains why too many goals overwhelm the nervous system, how self-worth and safety drive behaviour, and why people sabotage the very changes they say they want - especially around food, alcohol, work, and over-giving. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🎯 Why reflection (not resolution-setting) creates real change 🎯 How the brain rejects goals that feel unsafe or overwhelming 🎯 The Rule of Three - and why clarity creates speed 🎯 Why deservingness and capability decide whether you follow through 🎯 How fear drives both self-sabotage and success 🎯 A simple way to reflect on 2025 and set intentions for 2026 that actually stick. This episode is for you if you’re tired of repeating the same promises to yourself - and ready to work with your brain, not against it. 🎁 December Offer: £500 off my VIP Day and 30-Day Accelerator (details in the episode). Wishing you a different and fullfulling 2026. Vicky xx Here's my invitation to get in touch if you think I may be the person to coach or mentor you to optional health and performance. 🧠 Website: https://vickymidwood.com/ Email: vicky@vickymidwood.com Book a call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Connect with me via social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickymidwoodhealthcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicky.midwood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicky_gofigurecoaching/

    41 min
  8. Struggling With Food or Alcohol at Christmas? You’re Not Alone

    12/23/2025

    Struggling With Food or Alcohol at Christmas? You’re Not Alone

    Christmas isn’t hard because you lack willpower. It’s hard because food and alcohol are everywhere and they’ve become how you cope. If you look fine on the outside but feel restricted, out of control, ashamed, or exhausted on the inside, this episode is for you. In this episode, I talk honestly about: Why Christmas blows up food and alcohol struggles The restrict → binge → guilt cycle no one talks about How alcohol lowers inhibition and fuels food chaos Why January detox thinking keeps you stuck What actually helps you get through Christmas without making things worse No perfection. No detox talk. No pretending. If this episode hit close to home, I’ve created a short, free PDF:A Calmer Christmas - for anyone who looks “fine” but feels anything but! No fluff. No fixes. Just support. 👉 Download it here 👇 https://tinyurl.com/mwhkw6um Vicky xx🧠 Website: https://vickymidwood.com/ Email: vicky@vickymidwood.com Book a call: https://tidycal.com/vicky1/30-minute-chat Connect with me via social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickymidwoodhealthcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicky.midwood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicky_gofigurecoaching/

    32 min
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4.5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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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