We hear you, our dear readers, that our list episodes are among your favorites and they happen to be favorites of ours too. For today’s insightful conversation, we are diving deep into the transformative journey of living alcohol-free, sharing our lists of the ten invaluable lessons we wish we’d known in our first year of “sobriety.”   1. Friendship Shuffle: We candidly explore the challenges and blessings of reshaping friendships and social circles after embracing sobriety, highlighting...

JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE   We are thrilled to announce our very first BJDW Community book,  "The Gospel of John: Savoring the Peace of Jesus in a Chaotic World." To kick off this exciting venture, we've invited the brilliant author Melissa Spoelstra to join us on the podcast, where she shares her wisdom on how we can learn more about anchoring ourselves in peace amidst life's chaos.   Together, we explore the rich tapestry of John's gospel, delving into its profound significance and...

JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE  This week’s episode is a heart-to-heart with the inspiring Toni Collier, founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, a global women's organization dedicated to guiding individuals through brokenness toward healing and hope. Toni is a seasoned speaker, podcast host, and author who shares her profound insights on navigating life's challenges with grace and resilience. In our chat, Toni gets real about the struggles we all face. She dives into the truth that hiding our...

JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE    In this episode we dive into the realm of alcohol-free experiences, sharing personal anecdotes and insights into navigating various social situations sans alcohol. We talk about the many milestone alcohol-free firsts, such as date nights, weddings, birthdays, sporting events, vacations, concerts, and theater/ballet performances.   We discuss the joys and benefits of alcohol-free date nights, highlighting enhanced connection and presence. We share our...

JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE From the moment we cracked open the pages of her book, “Free Of Me, Why Life Is Better When It's Not About You,” we knew we needed Sharon Hodde Miller's wisdom on this pod, and we're incredibly grateful she accepted our invitation. In a world saturated with the "me" mentality, Sharon shines a light on the pervasive impact of self-centeredness across every facet of our lives. It's a message that infiltrates our friendships, marriages, and even our faith,...

JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE  Today, we delve into the complex dynamics of secret drinking, shedding light on the underlying desires for relief and connection in the face of life’s demands. Together we share our experiences of feeling constantly needed by others yet yearning for moments of solace and self-reconnection. Through our reflections, we highlight the transformative power of curiosity and self-compassion in navigating the journey toward freedom from hidden struggles. Meade...

  JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE    Get ready for an incredible episode as we sit down with the one and only Bob Goff, a true inspiration in living life to the fullest. Bob, the adventurous soul behind “Love Does,” “Everybody Always,” and “Undistracted," joins us to share his wisdom on embracing the journey, dreaming big, and showing yourself some grace along the way. Get ready to be uplifted, inspired, and ready to tackle your dreams head-on! In this heartfelt conversation, Bob encourages...

JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE Fresh off of Meade’s in-person Atlanta AF (alcohol-free) gals meet-up, we are talking all about the transformative power of meaningful connections. Providing avenues for support and camaraderie, both in-person meetups and online communities can foster meaningful connections. We discuss how prayer serves as a valuable tool in both finding and nurturing friendships, guiding individuals towards like-minded relationships and strengthening existing bonds. Being...

  JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE   Today’s episode is an inspiring and powerful story from Kristen McAvoy, sobriety influencer and founder of Sober Girl Tribe. From party girl days in college to Covid isolation struggles, Kristen opens up about her decade-long struggle with addiction to alcohol, later compounded by Xanax use. Her journey began in college, where she sought freedom and rebellion, slowly drifting away from her Christian faith, ultimately leading to excessive drinking to cope...

Join Meade and Christy as they delve into the second part of their conversation centered on the importance of community with the launch of the But Jesus Drink Wine Community, exploring the intersection of faith, personal growth, and community support. From the challenges of outgrowing friendships to the impact of FOMO on social media, they offer insights on living intentionally and embracing change. Learn about the transformative power of Meade’s P.E.A.C.E. method and the importance of...

JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE Today we’re excited to announce the launch of the But Jesus Drink Wine Community, born from the heartfelt requests of our valued listeners highlighting the need for connection with those who are following Jesus/those who are curious about Jesus and those on an alcohol-free journey. This conversation centers around some of the hardest, yet most rewarding growth “we get to do” on the sobriety journey and the importance of doing it alongside those traveling similar...

In today’s episode, we dive headfirst into a fiery discussion surrounding conventional beliefs about alcoholism. We boldly reject the notion that it's a disease, championing instead personal responsibility and an exploratory mindset as the keys to freedom from alcohol. We challenge the widely-held belief that people genuinely enjoy the taste of alcohol, attributing it to nothing more than conditioning and desensitization. Additionally, we explore the daunting challenges of moderation and...

Recently, we were both blessed with opps to attend two different retreats. Meade was a participant in a retreat with her coach, Bob Goff, at The Oaks Center. Christy hosted a retreat for alcohol-free ladies in the Cotswolds. Today’s convo has us reflecting and sharing all the details of both retreat experiences, each with its unique charm and kicks off with us highlighting the beauty of our locations and the transformative power of being in like-minded communities.   Christy, recounting her...

In this heartfelt conversation, Susan Larkin, fellow alcohol and life transformation coach, shares her journey of grappling with alcohol as a Christian woman. The discussion unfolds within the context of her Christian faith, shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced by individuals navigating the freedom from alcohol journey in Christian community.   As a Christian, Susan initially adhered to the belief that Christians don't drink. However, as life unfolded, social situations...

Today’s episode has us saying no more pussy-footing around a chat about self-care, and has us diving into the common misconceptions of self-care, especially as it relates to the largely secular sober-verse. While the world, online influencers and brilliant marketers have us believing self-care is solely about indulging in luxurious activities and pampering ourselves, we are challenging this narrative and emphasizing the need to consider our future selves based on what truly nourishes and...

You probably recognize Millie Mackintosh as a model, a superstar influencer, or one of the beautiful faces from "Made in Chelsea." However, once you engage in a conversation with Millie, it becomes evident that her most cherished role is that of a mum. This heartwarming interview delves deep into Millie's journey to alcohol freedom, delivering a heartfelt message that will resonate profoundly with women everywhere.   Millie openly shares her history of a fractured relationship with alcohol,...

Today’s episode is part 2 of our powerful conversation with guest Caroline Dooner, a former New Age practitioner and author, who shares her profound journey from the depths of the New Age movement to the embrace of Christianity. She provides a candid exploration of her Catholic upbringing, initial misunderstandings of Jesus, and the allure of the New Age's promises of personal power. Caroline discusses the darker aspects of the New Age, including encounters with a shaman and the surprising...

Join us for this powerful conversation over the next two episodes as our guest Caroline Dooner, a former New Age practitioner and author, shares her profound journey from the depths of the New Age movement to the embrace of Christianity. She provides a candid exploration of her Catholic upbringing, initial misunderstandings of Jesus, and the allure of the New Age's promises of personal power. Caroline discusses the darker aspects of the New Age, including encounters with a shaman and the...

Dear Listener, Have you made it all the way through the Christmas season without alcohol and today – Christmas Day of all days – you are finding yourself entertaining thoughts of mimosas with Christmas brunch? Or maybe you have been mindfully drinking through this season and today you are exhausted and ready to try differently by not drinking, but don't know where to start?    No matter the reason you are here, know that we’ve got you! Consider us your faithful girlfriends showing up for a...

Today we’re engaging in an open conversation about the pursuit of moderation along the freedom from alcohol journey. From the inherent challenges of moderation to uncovering the underlying fears that often propel the desire for moderation, and the things to consider if moderation is your desire, we cover it all here today.    But first, you won’t want to miss Christy's reflections from her fourth alcohol-free birthday weekend and Meade’s surprise revelations from an AFFT – alcohol-free...

In today’s inspiring episode, we’re thrilled to share a heart-to-heart with Brittany Tonkavich, a former client of Christy’s. Her journey isn't just a story of sobriety; it's a raw, deep dive into finding herself amidst the unexpected turns in life. Brittany kicks off with her life's mantra that struck a chord with us: "If it looks like the high life, it's probably the lie life." She opens up about her battle with alcohol, challenging the common belief that booze brings out our true selves....

“But what about all the parties?” Today we’re chatting all about the challenging but rewarding world of sober socializing during the festive Christmas season. We had the pleasure of hosting Karolina Rzadkowolska, an alcohol-free empowerment expert and bestselling author of “Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You.”  Karolina’s expertise has helped thousands through her book and transformative programs, and her insights have graced numerous platforms, including the...

In this episode, we are tackling a listener's question about dealing with the shame associated with looking back on past drinking experiences. We reflect on our own regrets from our drinking days and emphasize the importance of revisiting past regrets with curiosity and self-compassion. We both share how our relationship with Jesus transformed through forgiveness and grace.   We discuss the significance of acknowledging regrets, repentance, and seeking forgiveness. We chat about the role of...

Have you ever felt like you want to drink and not want to drink at the same time? Have you ever felt like wine is getting in the way of meaningful connections with the Lord, your hub, kids and others? And at the same time you feel like wine is the thing that’s connecting you to your hub, and girlfriends so you can’t imagine actually doing anything about the wine situation? These conflicting thoughts can be crazy-making for sure, but they’re not crazy! You are not crazy. And you are not...