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

Vicky Midwood - Behavioural Strategist for High-Performing Professionals
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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

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

    2D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. S6 EP28: Fear vs Excitement: Why Your Body Can’t Tell the Difference

    MAR 17

    S6 EP28: Fear vs Excitement: Why Your Body Can’t Tell the Difference

    Fear stops more people than failure ever will.But what if fear isn’t actually the problem? In this episode of RAW CHATTER, I explore a powerful reframe I discovered during a spin workout: FEAR = Feel Excited And Raring To Go Because inside the body, fear and excitement are almost identical. Your heart rate increases. Adrenaline rises. Your nervous system activates. The difference isn’t the biology. It’s the meaning you attach to it. In this episode I share: • Why fear and excitement trigger the same nervous system response • How stress can make us misread activation as danger • Why high performers often become paralysed by the need to make the “right” decision • How fear can actually signal growth, expansion and opportunity • Why the most successful people move forward despite fear I also share a personal story about the intense stress I experienced before suffering a heart attack and how that moment forced me to completely rethink the way I interpreted fear. Because high performance isn’t about eliminating fear. It’s about learning how to use it. Vicky xx 🎙️ About RAW CHATTER RAW 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 Integrative Health Coach | Human Health Optimiser | Addiction Eliminator 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/⁠

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

    MAR 10

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

    MAR 3

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

    FEB 24

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

    FEB 17

    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
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About

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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