As we reach the final episode of MAMA, Victoria reflects on one of the most important lessons she has learned through motherhood, anxiety and eight years of sobriety:
You do not have to get everything right.
For years, Victoria believed she needed to be a perfect mum. Organised. Patient. Calm. Successful. The kind of woman who remembered every permission slip, baked homemade muffins and somehow kept on top of the washing basket.
Instead, she found herself overwhelmed, exhausted and quietly relying on alcohol to cope with the pressure.
In this episode, Victoria shares what happened when she finally stopped chasing perfection and started focusing on progress instead. She talks about the early days of changing her relationship with alcohol, the surprising benefits that followed, and why life didn’t suddenly become easier, but became infinitely more manageable.
You’ll hear about confidence, self-trust, anxiety, parenting, brain chemistry, resilience and the power of simply showing up, even when life feels messy.
Victoria also explores how our relationship with alcohol can shape the messages our children receive about stress, emotions and coping, and why becoming a cycle breaker might be one of the most powerful gifts we can give the next generation.
Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, struggling with overwhelm, or simply trying to navigate the impossible standards placed on modern mothers, this episode is a reminder that change doesn’t happen all at once.
It happens one small step at a time and that progress will always matter more than perfection.
About MAMA
MAMA (Motherhood. Alcohol. Mental Health. Anxiety.) is a special podcast series from Sober Awkward, created to complement the Healthy Mum Healthy Bub program.
Developed in partnership with researchers from The University of Sydney and supported by funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), MAMA aims to help mums feel less alone, more informed and better supported as they navigate the challenges of early motherhood.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, or questioning the role alcohol plays in your life, you’re in the right place.
Healthy Mum Healthy Bub
https://www.sydney.edu.au/matilda-centre
Sober Awkward
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Victoria’s Books
Mumming - A Year of Trying (and Failing) to be a Better Parent -
A Thousand Wasted Sundays -
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Join Victoria and the Sober Awkward community for alcohol-free retreats, workshops and unforgettable adventures
in Australia and overseas.
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