Ep. 120 Ali Kennedy | From Shame to Freedom, A Ministry Leader’s Sobriety Story
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In this heartfelt episode, ministry leader Ali Kennedy shares her deeply personal journey from struggling with alcohol to experiencing spiritual renewal and true freedom.
Ali’s struggle with alcohol began in her early teenage years and continued through college, marriage, and motherhood. Despite being in ministry, she wrestled with feelings of shame and internal conflict around her drinking—hiding a battle she thought she should have already won. The turning point came when she confessed her struggles to close friends, a moment that sparked a journey of surrender, healing, and faith-filled transformation.
Throughout the conversation, Ali shares:
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How confession and vulnerability led to her breakthrough.
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The role of community and accountability in her healing process.
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The significance of the 40-day alcohol fast that changed her life.
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How sobriety brought unexpected mental clarity and personal growth.
Ali is using her story to encourage other women navigating transition, faith, and personal growth. As a certified coach, author, and speaker, she equips women and families with biblical and practical resources to stay grounded in their faith in a world that constantly pulls them in different directions.
Her story is one of grace, resilience, and radical honesty, reminding us that freedom is always possible—even for those in Christian leadership who feel like they should have it all together.
If you're a ministry leader, a mom balancing faith and real-life struggles, or someone seeking hope in your own sobriety journey, this episode is for you.
Connect with Ali Kennedy: 📩 Substack: AliKennedyLive📸 Instagram: @AliKennedyLive🌍 Website: www.AliKennedy.comOrder Christy’s book now available! Love Life Sober, A 40 Day Alcohol Fast To Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health and Renew Your Mind
Learn More about Coaching with Christy
Learn More about Coaching with Meade
Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy @butjesusdrankwine
You can find this episode on YouTube HERE.
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.
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Christy, a former lawyer with a background in law, business, and politics, experienced radical renewal after choosing sobriety. Now a senior sobriety coach and author of Love Life Sober (Penguin Random House), she helps women renew their minds and rediscover joy through a powerful blend of faith, neuroscience, and practical tools.
Meade, a former pharmaceutical rep and stay-at-home mom, looked like she had it all together—but felt stuck in a nightly-ish wine habit. Once she realized the issue was less about drinking and more about thinking, everything changed. Now a senior certified coach and creator of the Change-Your-Thinking-to-Change-Your-Drinking method and The Missing P.E.A.C.E. framework, Meade helps women ditch shame, reclaim purpose, and live with peace and joy.
Together, we create loving, Spirit-led spaces where women can explore their relationship with alcohol, renew their minds, and pursue the freedom they were made for.
Christy lives in Surrey, England; Meade outside Atlanta. We're just two women who surrendered our wine glasses, found something far better in Jesus, and now have the joy of helping others do the same.
