The One Simple Thing You Can Do to Protect Your Teen from Alcohol Harm with Professor Rob Turrisi
Today we’re joined by one of the world’s leading experts on teen drinking and prevention—Professor Rob Turrisi, a Penn State researcher whose 35+ years of work have shaped national programs through MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and schools across the U.S.
In this important and hope-filled conversation, Professor Turrisi unpacks why teens start drinking, what actually works when it comes to prevention, and how parents can foster healthy, connected relationships that reduce risk and build trust.
If you’re a parent, mentor, teacher, or anyone who cares about the next generation, this episode offers both science and a compassionate look at what helps, what doesn’t, and how small, everyday actions can have lifelong impact.
📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why even “just a sip” matters more than you might think
- The number one thing parents can do to reduce harm to their teenagers
- How to discourage drinking without creating rebellion or shame
- The surprising truth about “supervised drinking” and why it backfires
- How early drinking affects brain development, liver health, and long-term outcomes
- The real statistics behind college drinking—and the 75 lives lost every weekend in the U.S.
- How to talk to your kids about peer pressure and what to say when they say “everyone’s doing it”
- The five parenting practices that build resilience and connection: positive communication, modeling, gratitude, creating a welcoming environment, and shared decision-making
- Why delaying alcohol use is one of the greatest gifts we can give our teens
💌 Links & Resources:
🤝 Join our community: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community
📖 Order your copy of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind https://amzn.to/42l7z9C
📲 Connect on Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine
🎥 Watch on YouTube: Come hang out with us 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.
