"But Jesus Drank Wine" & Other Stories That Kept Us Stuck

In this profoundly personal and enlightening episode, we welcome Sam, a former client of Christy, who shares her intimate journey with alcohol. Sam's story begins with her college years, where she transitioned from indifference to heavy drinking, trying to find her place in a new environment. Despite facing alcohol-related challenges, she managed to prioritize her studies and later ventured into the beverage marketing and business development sectors for Big Alcohol.    Sam's professional life took a turn when she was exposed to the "pinkwashing" phenomenon in the alcohol industry. During Breast Cancer Awareness month, many brands, including her former company, would promote "Drink Pink", "A cocktail for a cause", and other similar campaigns. Bars would donate a percentage of their proceeds to organizations like Susan G Komen or other cancer research entities. While seemingly noble, these campaigns masked the fact that alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for breast cancer.   Sam's personal connection to breast cancer, with her maternal grandmother and two aunts being survivors, made this revelation even more poignant. When she discussed the link between alcohol and breast cancer with her grandmother, an active volunteer with Susan G Komen, she was surprised. Her grandmother had no idea about the connection.   The episode sheds light on alarming statistics from Cancer Research UK, which states that around 1 in 10 breast cancer cases, or about 4,400 cases a year, are caused by alcohol.    Through Sam's story, we underscore the importance of empowering women to know the risks of regular drinking and shed light on another dishonest and infuriating marketing tactic by Big Alcohol. Connect with Meade and Christy HERE.    Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy   #getconnected #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #sobriety #alcoholfree #soberliving #alcoholfreelife #thisnakedmind  #lovelifesober #imnotsoberimfree #getconnected  #grayareadrinking #grayareadrinking #butjesusdrankwine #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #christianandsober #christianity #authenticliving #journeytosobriety #wineandotherstories #vulnerabilityinrecovery   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.  YouTube: https://youtu.be/GdftytJRu1s Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

On today’s episode, we're honored to chat with Jenn Kautsch, the inspiring founder of the SoberSis community. Jenn is a pivotal voice in the "Sober Curious" movement and the author of "Look Alive, Sis." Her mission? To forge a judgment-free space where women can reassess their bond with alcohol. Jenn specializes in guiding those stuck in the "gray area" of drinking, steering them away from the mindless "wine o'clock" routine. Today, we unearth Jenn's journey, notably how she sought solace from anxiety through drinking. Together, we unravel the evolution of the 'mommy wine culture' and confront the double-edged sword of drinking to feel yet desiring numbness. Jenn elaborates on the transformative process she undertook to realign her mind, body, and spirit and how she now empowers other women to do the same. Addressing the pervasive 'mom guilt', we touch upon alcohol's illusionary promise of connection. We also touch on the undeniable power of a compelling 'why’ when starting a sobriety journey and how to find a supportive sober tribe. To learn more about Jen and Sober Sis, click here. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy   #getconnected #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #sobriety #alcoholfree #soberliving #alcoholfreelife #thisnakedmind  #lovelifesober #imnotsoberimfree #getconnected  #grayareadrinking #grayareadrinking #butjesusdrankwine #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #christianandsober #christianity #authenticliving #journeytosobriety #wineandotherstories #vulnerabilityinrecovery   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.  Find us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/52MNymLY3as Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today, we dive deep into a story we have heard numerous times from clients: “I drink because I’m bored.” And although we’re talking about boredom, this is not a boring episode. In fact, we couldn’t stop laughing all the way through. We explore the concept of boredom and how idle time can be perceived as a gift, providing an opportunity for reflection and creativity. We discuss how moments of stillness can naturally morph into prayer time, creating a constant, meaningful conversation that enhances our relationship with Jesus.  We also discuss the flipside of the boredom issue: drinking to make boring things bearable. We touch upon the societal and internal pressures, especially as mothers, to engage in activities (like PTA meetings) that might not be genuinely enjoyable or fulfilling. And how we thought alcohol helped us make the unbearable, bearable.  A pivotal point in our discussion revolves around the stories we tell ourselves about what we "should" do and how these "shoulds" often stem from shame or external expectations. Meade coaches Christy through a role-play scenario, revealing how these internal narratives can be challenged and reshaped to align more authentically with our true desires and values.  Our conversation also illuminates how stepping into an alcohol-free lifestyle can reveal activities that we don’t genuinely enjoy and how it frees up time for more what really matters.  We end today’s episode with a tactic to embrace stillness and live more consciously. This episode is a deep dive into the relationship between boredom and drinking and a broader exploration of living intentionally and mindfully amidst societal pressures.   Connect with Meade and Christy HERE.    Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy   #getconnected #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #sobriety #alcoholfree #soberliving #alcoholfreelife #thisnakedmind  #lovelifesober #imnotsoberimfree #getconnected  #grayareadrinking #grayareadrinking #butjesusdrankwine #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #christianandsober #christianity #authenticliving #journeytosobriety #wineandotherstories #vulnerabilityinrecovery   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.  Youtube: https://youtu.be/hqx29ewKovE Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The fear of ‘forever’ when quitting alcohol is a common concern for many when exploring sobriety. And it can be a significant barrier to even daring to look at our relationship to alcohol because of the long-formed belief from traditional quit-drinking spaces that say alcohol must be eliminated forever. But do we have to say forever? And what does ‘forever’ when it comes to quitting drinking even mean? In this episode, we dig into this common concern and barrier, emphasizing that this journey is not as much about quitting alcohol as it is about changing the desire for alcohol. When we change our desire for alcohol first, not drinking then becomes effortless.  So how do we tackle the ‘forever’ story?  Listen along as we discuss the importance of setting the goal around how we want to feel, rather than setting behavior-based or physical goals. And while new information about how alcohol affects our brains, bodies and lives is critical to transforming our relationship to alcohol, equally as important is how we take that info and apply it in our lives.  We highlight the value of support and the experiential knowledge gained through this journey that allows us to really understand if alcohol is actually taking more from us than it’s giving us. We also discuss how the fear of failure is often what’s underneath our fear of saying forever and how developing a mindset of curiosity can help overcome it. Ever wondered how long it takes to develop the confidence and empowerment as a non-drinker that allows us to naturally and effortlessly pass on the vino at girls’ night, vacation, or at the end of a long day? How does transformation along the sobriety journey parallel transformation in the spiritual journey? This hope-filled conversation not only answers the FAQ do I have to say forever but also highlights how the sobriety journey is about so much more than quitting drinking, opening opportunities for self-discovery, intentional living, and a deeper relationship with ourselves and with God.   Connect with Meade and Christy HERE.    Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy   #getconnected #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #sobriety #alcoholfree #soberliving #alcoholfreelife #thisnakedmind  #lovelifesober #imnotsoberimfree #getconnected  #grayareadrinking #grayareadrinking #butjesusdrankwine #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #christianandsober #christianity #authenticliving #journeytosobriety #wineandotherstories #vulnerabilityinrecovery   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.  YouTube: https://youtu.be/olojNfJqou8   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

On the latest jam of "But Jesus Drank Wine," we're hanging out with the amazing William Porter - the genius behind 'Alcohol Explained' (and its sequel). William has a serious gift for taking all of the sciencey jargon about alcohol and making it relatable and easy to understand.  We're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of how booze messes with our minds and bodies. Have you ever wondered why you're so zonked out after a night of drinking, even though you slept for 10 hours? William's got the scoop on how alcohol loves to party crash our REM sleep. And for all of us who've thought about giving alcohol the boot, we chat about how long it takes for our sleep to get back on track. For anyone who's ever said, "But I actually LOVE the taste of wine!” we're breaking down how our tastebuds work and how, over time, we become conditioned to the taste.  We also tackle how the "spiral of craving" makes our lives less enjoyable. To wrap things up, we touch upon the evolving landscape of sobriety and the booming 'sober curious' movement. William champions the idea that anyone can explore an alcohol-free lifestyle, regardless of how much they’re drinking. Join us for this illuminating conversation and gain a new perspective on alcohol's role in our lives. To get your copy of Alcohol Explained and Alcohol Explained and learn more about William’s work, click here. Connect with Meade and Christy HERE.    Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy   #getconnected #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #sobriety #alcoholfree #soberliving #alcoholfreelife #thisnakedmind  #lovelifesober #imnotsoberimfree #getconnected  #grayareadrinking #grayareadrinking #butjesusdrankwine #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #christianandsober #christianity #authenticliving #journeytosobriety #wineandotherstories #vulnerabilityinrecovery #alcoholexplained   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we dive into the intimate journey of coping with grief and numbing with alcohol. Christy talks about losing her mother and how breaking free from alcohol became essential to her healing process.  We chat candidly about the numbing effects of alcohol, a substance that ultimately trapped Christy in a cycle of unprocessed grief. We talk about how sobriety can help offer the tools to sit with feelings and begin to process them. You'll hear personal revelations about how unaddressed grief can suffocate your emotional well-being, making the pain last longer.  We'll explore the misguided notion that alcohol can "solve" emotional pain, discussing how ‘mornings after’ still bring the same heartache, now intensified by hangover headaches and a feeling of constant sedation. Listen in as we affirm how confronting the dark corners of grief ultimately allows light, peace, and profound gratitude to re-enter our lives.    Connect with Meade and Christy HERE.    Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy   #getconnected #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #sobriety #alcoholfree #soberliving #alcoholfreelife #thisnakedmind  #lovelifesober #imnotsoberimfree #getconnected  #grayareadrinking #grayareadrinking #butjesusdrankwine #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #christianandsober #christianity #authenticliving #journeytosobriety #wineandotherstories #vulnerabilityinrecovery   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We love having guests on the pod to share about their quitting drinking journeys and Jolene’s gray-area drinking story last week is powerful. Today’s story, equally powerful but unlike any other story we've shared before, is the second part of our conversation with our friend, functional nutritionist and gray-area drinking coach, Jolene Park.    From growing up a self-described “pew warmer” in her family’s traditional Presbyterian church to a “spiritual but not religious” adult life, to then abandoning spirituality altogether and to more recently a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and a return to faith, Jolene’s spiritual journey has taken many twists and turns along the way.   Listen along to hear how an uninspired early church life and Jolene’s lifelong seeker personality made it easy to get behind the “feel-good” New Age thinking that dominates the sober and sober curious spaces. What finally led to Jolene’s spiritual awakening igniting her pilgrimage back to her Christian roots? How did a bad yoga experience play a big role in her journey? What do London’s cathedrals have to do with this conversation? How does “faith” look different now than it did from Jolene’s growing up years? How did a friend's comment about reading the bible put her on a trajectory to not just reading the bible cover to cover for the first time but actually devouring the bible?    How did the teachings of C.S. Lewis, Dr. Curt Thompson and Alissa Childers inspire curiosity and help to transform her relationship with Jesus? What are the parallels between the freedom from the “New Age” and freedom from alcohol journeys?   We dive head first into this messy and beautiful topic and we hope it leaves you curious and hopeful for wherever you find yourself in your alcohol and/or spiritual transformation journeys!   You can learn more about Jolene, here: https://grayareadrinkers.com/ https://healthydiscoveries.mykajabi.com/nourish   Connect with Meade and Christy HERE.    Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy   #getconnected #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #sobriety #alcoholfree #soberliving #alcoholfreelife #thisnakedmind  #lovelifesober #imnotsoberimfree #getconnected  #grayareadrinking #grayareadrinking #butjesusdrankwine #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #christianandsober #christianity #authenticliving #journeytosobriety #wineandotherstories #vulnerabilityinrecovery   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.  YouTube: https://youtu.be/4iOzB9q_l5Q   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this eye-opening episode, we're thrilled to sit down with Jolene Park, a leading authority on Gray Area Drinking. You may recognize her from her groundbreaking TED talk, which has garnered an astounding 400,000 views. Jolene isn't just a functional nutritionist and health coach; she's also a pioneer in helping people rewire their nervous systems post-drinking using her revolutionary NOURISH method. With nearly a decade of alcohol-free living and features in major outlets like NPR and Forbes, she's the real deal. We dive deep into what it means to be a gray area drinker, exploring the support landscape that's evolved over the past 10 years. Jolene also guides us through the physiological steps necessary to reduce excessive alcohol consumption and curb those pesky cravings. Plus, don't miss her pro tips on nourishing your nervous system to avoid falling back into the drinking trap. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that could change the way you think about drinking and wellness!   You can learn more about Jolene, here: https://grayareadrinkers.com/ https://healthydiscoveries.mykajabi.com/nourish Connect with Meade and Christy HERE.    Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy   #getconnected #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #sobriety #alcoholfree #soberliving #alcoholfreelife #thisnakedmind  #lovelifesober #imnotsoberimfree #getconnected  #grayareadrinking #grayareadrinking #butjesusdrankwine #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #christianandsober #christianity #authenticliving #journeytosobriety #wineandotherstories #vulnerabilityinrecovery   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join us for a heartwarming episode where we chat candidly with Meade’s son, Crawford (13) and Christy’s son, Carter (11), about the ripple effects of our decision to live alcohol-free.    From their moms having more time to spend with them and how our sobriety has impacted their dads' drinking habits, our boys give us a window into how much kids really notice.    Trust us, these young minds are aware of how sobriety has not only made us more present mothers but has also positively influenced the entire family dynamic. They even share how fewer babysitters and more quality time together have become the new norm.  Tune in and enjoy this authentic conversation; it's a glimpse into the many, often unexpected, benefits of choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle through the eyes of our sweet boys.    Connect with Meade and Christy HERE.    Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade Check out Carter's Comic Corner!  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIVn9fwfw3n3DGHOkC9Q9kQ   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy   #getconnected #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #sobriety #alcoholfree #soberliving #alcoholfreelife #thisnakedmind  #lovelifesober #imnotsoberimfree #getconnected  #grayareadrinking #grayareadrinking #butjesusdrankwine #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #christianandsober #christianity #authenticliving #journeytosobriety #wineandotherstories #mommywine #mommywineculture #mommywinetime   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and, therefore, do not give medical, psychological or professional advice, nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Our guest today, Dan Jablonski, an IT executive at a multinational energy company, joins the hopeful conversation around how freedom from alcohol leads to a life full of peace, joy and purpose. Dan dives into his personal journey to alcohol-free living, which was sparked by a significant life shift. He shares his unique perspective as the lone male in one of Meade’s coaching groups and shares about the obstacles and benefits of such a space. This discussion explores the importance of vulnerability in overcoming struggles with alcohol and how it’s not about finding solutions, but more about finding guidance and support through coaching and shared experiences with others.   Dan shares how his drinking really changed once he became a “grown up,” trading beer and wings for the Whole Foods-esque food and wine culture, following career success and moves to the Bay area and NYC. Dan discusses his struggle with alcohol-induced insomnia and how he found support by making weekly coaching calls a priority amid a busy corporate career schedule. This conversation emphasizes the radical honesty it takes to look at a troubled relationship with alcohol – particularly when there aren't any real outward detrimental effects to one’s life – and how that radical honesty is the most important and necessary step toward change.    Guest Dan, who has been living alcohol-free for three years, reveals that men who are free from alcohol not only start aging in reverse, but also become the most interesting person in the room. He emphasizes the power of authentic conversations that emerge when one chooses not to drink. We are so grateful for Dan’s wisdom and insights from his personal journey to freedom from insomnia by ditching booze for good and offers encouragement to any listener (male or female!) and assures anyone on the sobriety journey that your life can positively change too, once you decide to let go of alcohol.  Bonus! Check out Meade and Christy's instagrams for Dan's shocking before and after photos and the IRL data he collected about his sleep with and without booze. You have to see it to believe it! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy Connect with Meade and Christy HERE. Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   #getconnected #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #sobriety #alcoholfree #soberliving #alcoholfreelife #thisnakedmind  #lovelifesober #imnotsoberimfree #getconnected  #grayareadrinking #grayareadrinking #butjesusdrankwine #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #christianandsober #christianity #authenticliving #journeytosobriety #wineandotherstories #vulnerabilityinrecovery   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.