The Catholic Sobriety Podcast

Have you ever battled that sinking feeling of discouragement while trying to change your relationship with alcohol? That overwhelming sense that maybe your efforts don't matter, that progress seems impossible, or that your excuses are simply too powerful to overcome? In this deeply vulnerable episode, I share my recent struggle with discouragement in my own ministry. Despite years of helping...

"How much can I drink before it becomes a mortal sin?" This provocative question, posed by a young man to his priest, opens a doorway to profound spiritual reflection about our relationship with alcohol. The priest's answer was transformative: drink as much as you want, provided it's compatible with loving God with your whole heart and loving your neighbor as yourself. This que...

Have you ever found yourself asking "Is my drinking really that bad?" You're not alone. That question haunted me for years before I finally found freedom from alcohol. But everything changed when I flipped the script and started asking different questions! In this episode, I share the five transformative questions that helped me gain clarity about my relationship with alcohol. These...

Far beyond mere willpower, true freedom comes through supernatural strength. What if I told you that you already possess "supernatural superpowers" specifically designed to help you break free from alcohol's grip? This special episode takes you inside a transformative workshop from my Sacred Sobriety Lab, revealing how the Holy Spirit serves as your ultimate ally in the battle again...

Freedom isn't just about willpower—it's about healing the deeper wounds that drive us to unhealthy attachments. In this illuminating conversation, certified spiritual director and Unbound prayer minister Deanna Bartalini reveals how spiritual healing can break the chains that keep us bound to alcohol and other dependencies. "Jesus reveals to heal; the evil one brings shame," sh...

What happens when a terrifying wake-up call becomes the first step in a 33-year journey of sobriety? Heather Gaffney joins us to share her remarkable story of transformation—from a young woman whose bartenders knew her by name to becoming a beacon of hope for others navigating recovery and trauma. Heather's candid revelations about her drinking period resonate with raw honesty as she describe...

Ever notice how your resolve seems strongest in the morning, only to fade as the day progresses? By evening, that glass of wine beckons as the perfect solution to your exhaustion. But what if there's a better way to honor your nighttime needs? This episode unpacks the truth that many women miss: your evening self isn't weak or working against you—she's simply carrying the accumulate...

Ever caught yourself automatically reaching for that glass of wine after a stressful day? You're not alone. The desire to escape, unwind, and find relief is completely natural – but alcohol might not be the solution your body and soul truly need. This episode dives deep into why we turn to alcohol as our default decompression tool and offers genuinely effective alternatives that leave you fee...

The journey toward alcohol freedom can feel isolating, but what if you had centuries of spiritual companions who've walked similar paths? In this profound conversation, addiction specialist and author Belinda Terro Mooney returns to share how saints can become powerful allies in untangling ourselves from alcohol. The conversation explores a transformative concept Belinda calls "detach to...

Kevin Wells opens his heart to share a powerful testimony of standing by his wife through her battle with alcoholism after his own near-death experience with brain surgery. This deeply personal conversation reveals how a marriage threatened by addiction found healing through unwavering faith and the guidance of an extraordinary priest. For those currently walking alongside a loved one struggling w...

In this enlightening episode, we explore the profound yet often overlooked emotional impact of growing up with a narcissistic mother. Our guest, Cristy Murray, skillfully navigates her own journey of self-discovery, sharing valuable insights and tools that can empower women facing similar challenges. Discover the complexities of narcissism and learn practical strategies to set boundaries—essential...

Life can get busy, and sometimes we forget the truth of who we really are. This episode, born out of a quiet moment when no one could join a planned group coaching session, is a heartfelt reminder of your identity in Christ.  Tune in as I share words of encouragement, reflections on faith, and the unshakable truth that you are God’s beloved. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or searching for comfort,...

Discover the hidden truths about alcohol's grip on women and why it's not just about sheer willpower. Join me, Christi Walker, as we unravel the societal myths that paint alcohol as a universal remedy for stress and celebration.  Learn about the biological cycles that keep you reaching for that next drink and how understanding the fleeting nature of alcohol's dopamine boost could be...

Imagine discovering a hidden potential within yourself that not only transforms your life but also impacts those around you. That's exactly what Jill Simons, a celebrated Catholic author and speaker, experienced when she uncovered her charisms. In this enlightening episode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast, Jill shares her journey of embracing these unique spiritual gifts, leading her to close...

Discover a transformative path to reclaim your evenings with purpose and joy, as we challenge the common crutch of alcohol dependency many women face. Through faith and creativity, explore why evenings can often be the most challenging time, leading to reliance on that nightly glass of alcohol.  Together, we'll explore bold strategies designed to break these cycles, offering you the tools to...

Have you ever wondered if your drinking habits are merely a question of willpower, or if they're actually a reflection of deeper emotional struggles?  Learn to recognize the real motivations behind reaching for a drink and gain practical insights to help you embrace true presence and joy in your life.  Together, we will also explore five key red flags that might indicate your drinking is beco...

Have you ever wondered why your New Year's resolutions falter before January's end? Join me as we explore the concept of progress over perfection, especially in the realm of sobriety goals. With National Quitters Day looming, it's more important than ever to reflect on the progress we've made instead of focusing on what hasn't gone perfectly.  Together, we'll delve in...

What if you could transform your relationship with alcohol by simply shifting your mindset? Welcome to the Catholic Sobriety Podcast with me, Christi Walker, your Catholic Sobriety Coach, as we explore the nuances of reevaluating our alcohol habits. This episode is all about embracing Dry January—or any month—as an opportunity for personal empowerment. I dive into the mixed emotions that come with...

Ever wondered how becoming a 'scientist' of your own drinking habits can transform your path to sobriety? Join us on the Catholic Sobriety Podcast as we unravel the empowering journey of reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption through curiosity and understanding. We dive into insights from day 1 of the Made for More workshop (12/17/24), encouraging you to trade shame for curiosity. D...

Ever wonder how your brain chemistry, protein intake, and blood sugar impact your relationship with alcohol? In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Marie, a mental health nutrition coach and mom of four, as she shares her inspiring story of finding balance after giving birth. We dive into how brain chemistry shapes our well-being, the feelings of disconnection that can arise when it's out o...

Looking for hope and guidance during the challenges of the holiday season? Here’s a special bonus episode just for you! Dr. Carron Silva interviewed me for her podcast, Forgiveness is for you: Overcoming Trauma through Forgiveness and she has graciously allowed me to share it here as well. The holidays can be a stressful time, especially when alcohol adds anxiety to family gatherings, celebrations...

Prepare your heart and mind for Christ's return with this spiritually enriching episode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast. Join me as I share my personal reflections and briefly explore scripture from Mark, Corinthians, Peter, and Luke to uncover the importance of staying spiritually vigilant amidst life's chaos.  I offer diverse interpretations and practical insights to help you keep Chr...

What if this holiday season, you could walk away from every gathering feeling proud, happy, and totally in control? That’s exactly what we’re exploring in this episode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast! I’m Christie Walker, your host and biggest cheerleader, and I can't wait to share some game-changing tips to help you handle those festive parties without overindulging in alcohol. This is not...

What happens when you decide to lay down the wine glass for good, even coming from a culture where it's practically a staple? Join me for a compelling journey with Brooke Joiner, co-founder and CEO of Catholic Owned, as she shares her path to sobriety, inspired by her faith and the Blessed Mother. We explore how cultural expectations, particularly from her husband’s wine-making family, were g...

Ever wondered how faith can transform your journey to better health? Join us on the Catholic Sobriety Podcast as we sit with Janna Kerr, a certified integrative nutrition health coach, who reveals her inspiring path that began with a quest for family wellness.  Through her unique approach that intertwines biblical faith with health coaching, Janna shares how she helps women make sense of the often...