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

Journeying Through the Early Days of Sobriety: Raw Insights from Meade’s Journal Dive with us into this captivating episode, where we unearth the raw, unfiltered thoughts from Meade's journal during her initial alcohol-free days.  From the undeniable fatigue prompting extra naps, to unexpected sugar cravings signaling our body's way of compensating, we highlight the significant markers indicating our bodies were on the path to healing. We also talk about how we got there, including how mindful drinking is a transformative tool that has the power to pave the way for lasting change. While our individual journeys differed in timings, with each of us confronting "the work" at distinct moments, the endpoint was remarkably identical - a life brimming with purpose and devoid of hangovers. The starting days, though laden with challenges, were invaluable.  Join us in this candid conversation as we look back at our formative sobriety days, underscoring the importance of perseverance, faith, and the incredible outcomes awaiting those who tread this path. 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 #marriageandrecovery #authenticliving   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 today for an oldie but goodie fun chat as we explore our 10 favorite things about being free from alcohol. We knew things like better sleep, less brain fog and more hydrated skin were possible by “quitting drinking,” and those things would have been enough, but listen along to find out what unexpected gifts we have found from not just quitting drinking but from never having to drink alcohol again.    How has freedom from alcohol changed our lives for the better and in what ways does it keep getting better? What does this chat have to do with FOMO and a case of the Mondays? And because we didn’t compare our lists ahead of time, what best things about freedom from alcohol made both of our lists and what were the surprise differences? Join us as we go through the 10 best things about never having to drink again! 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 #marriageandrecovery #authenticliving   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 continue exploring personal stories of those who have been stuck in the over-drinking cycle. Special guests, Amy and Matt Edwards, co-hosts of the “Alcohol-Free Marriage and More” podcast, join us to discuss their journey to freedom from alcohol. They share their initial challenges transitioning from being ‘career drinkers’ to achieving an alcohol-free lifestyle.    Matt delves into health problems related to alcohol use, noting benefits of sobriety such as weight loss and improved mental clarity. They discuss the importance of being a supportive partner during this transformation,highlighting the role of communication and understanding.  Additionally, Amy and Matt explore fears about the impact of sobriety on relationships, encouraging listeners to give their spouses a chance during this transition period.    Together we explore the significance of individual commitment to becoming the best version of oneself while maintaining hope and faith on the journey to alcohol freedom. Listen along for valuable insight and tips for wherever you find yourself on the freedom from alcohol journey and for a refreshing perspective on living an authentic, joyful and purposeful life.    To learn more about Amy and Matt you can visit Amy’s website here. And be sure to check out their “Alcohol Free Marriage and More” podcast 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 #marriageandrecovery #authenticliving   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, Meade and Christy welcome Jeff Salzenstein, a former professional tennis player and now keynote speaker and performance and leadership coach. Jeff shares his journey through the highs and lows of being a professional athlete, overcoming adversity and his dedication to achieving optimal performance physically, mentally and emotionally.    Not only does Jeff’s story highlight the power of limiting beliefs and how connecting to the mind and body are critical for overcoming obstacles and achieving goals, but also he shares his personal story related to alcohol, the effects it had on his life before alcohol freedom and the tragic effects alcohol had on his brother’s life.    Hear how Jeff’s “golden child” persona masked the insecurities that initially led him to drink and how he finally found alcohol freedom. And hear why he says that freedom from alcohol is less about the duration of time and more about the depth of self-discovery involved. Also hear Jeff share his brother, Erik’s story and battle with drug and alcohol addiction, highlighting how you don’t have to be in actual prison to be imprisoned when it comes to the power of our minds.    Jeff’s insights from his own life and through that of his brother’s, emphasize the prospects of change at any stage in life and how the pain endured contributes to personal growth and freedom. We are so grateful for Jeff’s vulnerable and generous sharing in this episode and for the inspiration we know it provides for anyone listening who is feeling stuck in the cycle of over-drinking.    To learn more about Jeff and the work he does you can visit his website here. Check out his brother Erik’s powerful TEDtalk Why I Had to Go to Prison to Set Myself Free.   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   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.

Dr. Brooke Scheller, DCN, CNS, is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, author, and the founder of Functional Sobriety. In this episode, she joins us to discuss the importance of regulating blood sugar in early sobriety, the impact of alcohol on hormone production and the connection between perimenopause symptoms and alcohol consumption.  Dr. Brooke's approach combines her expertise in nutrition and functional medicine to help individuals transform their relationship with alcohol and improve their overall well-being. Through her online community, the Functional Sobriety Network, and her programs, she has empowered people around the globe to make positive changes in their lives. To learn more about Dr. Brooke Scheller and her work, visit her website at www.functionalsobriety.com. You can also follow her on Instagram @drbrookescheller for valuable insights and updates. Additionally, Dr. Brooke's book, "How to Eat to Change How You Drink," is available for pre-order.  Don't miss this episode as Dr. Brooke Scheller shares her expertise in nutrition, functional medicine, and sobriety, providing valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to improve their health and transform their relationship with alcohol. Pre-Order: How to Eat to Change How You Drink – https://a.co/d/6hjCXTE 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   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.

With the brutal stats that 1 in 5 women in the U.S. struggle with infertility, there’s a good chance that you or someone you know, knows the struggle of wanting to be happy for your friends’ pregnancy news while simultaneously feeling the immense pain of recurrent pregnancy loss and infertility. Today’s guest is all too familiar with this heart-break and generously shares her story so that just one other woman can know she is not alone.  Grab your tissues and a cup of tea and join us as fellow coach and friend, Maureen Benkovich, shares how turning to alcohol to ease social insecurity in her teen years created an opening for alcohol—as the “magical elixir” we’re conditioned to believe that it is—to take up a much bigger space in her life over many years.  From using alcohol to celebrate achievements as a fitness competitor and to numbing the pain in infertility, hear how Maureen’s story highlights the detox-to-retox cycle that so many of us get stuck in.  Also like so many of us, hear how Maureen did a really good job of looking like she had it altogether, while silently suffering from depression, anxiety, grief and loss. Afraid to burden anyone with her real suffering and turning to booze and “the party girl” identity for comfort that never lasts. What was the painful prompt that led Maureen to finally do something about her relationship to alcohol? How did questioning her purpose and questioning God’s presence in her life, bring her to her knees and create a path to healing and freedom from alcohol? How did community and scripture play big roles in her journey?  We hope that you will be as blessed by Maureen’s courage and beauty in this episode as we were while recording it.  To learn more about Maureen and her coaching services, visit her website at www.soberfitchick.com. You can also follow her on Instagram @soberfitchickllc   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   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 today as we explore the financial benefits of alcohol-free living! Today we share our personal experiences and revelations about the incredible savings of embracing a life without alcohol. Discover areas where we found newfound financial freedom, from bidding farewell to expenses like booze and taxi rides to surprising changes like saying goodbye to extra afternoon coffees and expensive under-eye creams. We dive into the perks of proper sleep, consistent workout routines, and a healthier immune system that reduces the need for vitamin supplements, melatonin, doctor visits, and all those painkillers. Tune in to this enlightening episode and discover the many benefits—both financial and personal—of embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle. 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   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 captivating episode featuring Veronica Valli, a true force in the world of sobriety and psychotherapy. With an impressive track record of 23 years of sobriety and 18 years of experience as a psychotherapist, Veronica is fiercely dedicated to unraveling the deceptive web surrounding alcohol, including the "clean wine" con.  Prepare for an eye-opening conversation as we dive headfirst into the smoke and mirrors created by Big Alcohol as they attempt to infiltrate the wellness industry with their misleading claims of "healthier" alcohol. We expose some of the most egregious culprits behind these marketing scams, shining a light on Avaline, the brainchild of Cameron Diaz, which cunningly highlights its use of organic grapes and minimal additives. But that's not all – we also unveil the audacity of "Mom Water," a tantalizing fruit-infused vodka water that boasts zero carbonation, sugar, carbs, and gluten. Together, we challenge the essence of labeling alcohol as "clean," even when it originates from organic grapes and lacks sugar. We ask, “Who truly benefits?" when women succumb to these marketing tactics.  But that's not all – we explore the mental bandwidth that alcohol consumes in our lives. And we chat about how to recognise the signs when alcohol begins to occupy an excessive amount of headspace and how that keeps us living up to our full potential. Curious to learn more about Veronica? Visit Soberful.com, and don't forget to grab a copy of her book, "Soberful: Uncover A Sustainable Fulfilling Life Free of Alcohol," available on Amazon.    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   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 today’s episode, we dive deep into counting consecutive days in sobriety. We invite you to join us as we challenge the belief that counting days is the sole measure of success when living alcohol-free.  Together, we explore the power of data (or growth) points as valuable tools for self-reflection. By examining the thoughts and behaviors surrounding moments of vulnerability, we can identify triggers and circumstances to avoid in the future. Our ultimate goal is to help you design a life you love, free from the need to numb or escape. We believe that this journey is about progress, not perfection. Cultivating awareness and embracing learning opportunities is what it’s all about.  Each step towards drinking less brings you one step closer to freedom. You're never back at day one; you are continuously moving forward on your path of self-discovery. Join us in this episode and embark on a journey of empowerment, where you'll learn to embrace your unique timeline and unlock the power of personal transformation.   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   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.

June 19 - Ep. 29: How do I talk to my kids about alcohol? Special Guest: Annie Grace We are so blessed to have our friend and mentor, Annie Grace, on this week's podcast. We asked our friends and clients the most poignant question on their minds right now to ask expert Annie, and the answer was clear. We, as moms, are desperate to learn more about how we talk to our kids about alcohol. In this episode, Annie explains how our children want independence while we, as their mothers, are desperate for togetherness. We talk about balancing our desire to help support a better bond with our kids. We chat about how to learn to trust them and keep them talking. We ask burning questions like, “How can we protect our children and give them their independence at the same time”?  And how do we realize when our child is coming to us just because they want to talk and be heard, and how do we know they need our help, as their mothers, in solving a problem, and when can we know it’s okay to intervene for them? Finally, we talk about how our own struggles with alcohol can help shape our conversations with our children about this topic and how overcoming and finding freedom can help us be the best possible examples for our kiddos. You can learn more about Annie and all of her incredible work at ThisNakedMind.com. Annie also has written a book for children about alcohol called Buzz to Buzzkill: How Alcohol and Dopamine Hack Your Brain which is available on amazon 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 Find this week's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Xw2tJr1WoBA #getconnected #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #sobriety #alcoholfree #soberliving #alcoholfreelife #thisnakedmind  #lovelifesober #imnotsoberimfree #getconnected  #grayareadrinking #grayareadrinking #butjesusdrankwine #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #christianandsober #christianity   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.