The Catholic Sobriety Podcast

In this episode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast, host Christie Walker welcomes Maureen Brintnell, a certified personal trainer specializing in menopause, nutrition, and wellness. The discussion focuses on the complexities women face during perimenopause and postmenopause. Maureen shares her personal journey, emphasizing the integrated approach to managing health during this life stage, which incl...

In this minisode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast, host and sobriety coach Christie Walker discusses five ways alcohol may be hindering your life. Christie explains how alcohol affects mental clarity, physical health, relationships, spiritual growth, and self-discipline.  She emphasizes the importance of understanding these impacts to make informed decisions about alcohol consumption and to help m...

Embarking on a journey towards alcohol freedom can sometimes invite unwanted scrutiny from others. In this episode, discover strategies to stay unbothered by external reactions to your decision.  Learn how to confidently navigate social pressures and embrace your healthy choices without the need for justification. Join us as we empower you to remain unbothered on your path to personal well-being....

How can a simple doorknob rosary transform your faith journey? Join us as we welcome Kathleen Borsh, the creative genius behind Knots of Grace ® , who shares her inspirational tale of faith, creativity, and resilience. Kathleen's journey began with a unique find at her daughter's school, which blossomed into a profound spiritual adventure, especially during her family's time in Sing...

What if an unwavering commitment to living alcohol-free could transform not just your life but the lives of those you love? In this minisode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast, I respond to a question from a client about my journey after stepping away from AA two years into recovery. I recount my personal story, emphasizing the foundational support I found in AA and outpatient treatment, despite its...

Have you ever felt like alcohol was both your best friend and your worst enemy? Dive into a relatable episode where we unravel the intricate dynamics of our bond with alcohol. Join me as I candidly share my journey, from seeing alcohol as a crutch for courage and acceptance to realizing its detrimental effects on my life, including manipulation, anxiety, and self-doubt. Explore the parallels betwe...

Embark on an insightful quest with Rita Johnson and me as we unravel the connection between reducing or eliminating your alcohol intake, optimal nutrition, and holistic health. Rita Johnson, with her rich background in the Creighton model and nutritional therapy, joins our discussion on the transformative power of nutrition and how understanding your body's response to what you put into it en...

When I heard Father Mike Schmitz's homily on Divine Mercy Sunday, his words about our deepest wound being distrust resonated with me. His homily was a catalyst for my reflection on the quarter spent at Encounter School of Ministries, a time rich with learning about the transformative power of forgiveness and the journey to inner healing.  Imagine a fortress, not of stone, but of our own makin...

"How will I be able to connect fully with my husband without alcohol?" This is a question I get from nearly ALL of the married women that I work with and that is why I invited Ellen Holloway, from Vines in Full Bloom to be part of the discussion. You'll learn that as a Catholic wife, you hold the sacred key to cultivating a thriving, God-centered marriage. One of deep love and mutua...

Shatter the chains of unforgiveness and discover liberation on the other side of resentment. In this episode, I'll reveal the truth behind six myths surrounding forgiveness that often serve as barriers on the road to alcohol freedom. We'll unpack why forgiving is not a sign of weakness, nor does it pave the way for future harm. This episode promises to peel away the layers of misundersta...

Have you ever boldly asked Jesus to remove your desire to drink? Drawing from the wisdom of Pope Benedict XVI, who once said, "The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort; you were made for greatness," we explore the journey towards sobriety through the lens of faith and greatness. This episode challenges you to confront your fears and dependencies, encouraging a life...

In this episode, we explore the remarkable parallels between the stages of diamond cutting and our spiritual growth. I share some of my own experiences of detachment during the early years of marriage and motherhood. They taught me invaluable lessons about the nature of faith—its ability to endure, adapt, and ultimately illuminate. I take you through the six transformative stages of diamond cuttin...

This episode was inspired by a dinner conversation I had with my boys and delves into the power of critical thinking and curiosity in understanding and transforming your drinking habits. I discuss some practical strategies for self-reflection and prayer while emphasizing how these skills can lead to greater freedom and control over your alcohol consumption. Whether you're looking to reduce, e...

Steve O'Connor from Catholics Fight Porn is back again for a candid conversation on faith, addiction, and the power of community. We navigate the rugged terrain where personal struggles with addiction intersect with our pursuit of a spiritually anchored life. Steve shares insights into his coaching work and the profound impact of togetherness in battling the demons of pornography and sexual a...

Have you been questioning your drinking habits lately?  Wondering if alcohol is starting to take up more space in your life than you'd like, If you're nodding along then your in the right place.  In this Minisode, we'll uncover 8 reasons why taking a break from alcohol might just be the breath of fresh air your life needs. Whether you've tried alcohol-free challenges and found...

Joining me for this episode is Lindsay Caron, founder of Theology of the Body (TOB) Parent School. We delve into Lindsay's personal journey, from her Catholic upbringing through her struggle with alcohol, to her creation of a program aimed at nurturing children's self-worth.  We discuss the importance of empowering children with knowledge and strength to face the world, rather than shelt...

Join me in celebrating a significant milestone - 27 years of sobriety. In this episode, we delve into the transformative lessons that have shaped my journey to clarity and fulfillment. We'll discuss the importance of gratitude, owning our choices, and the power of discipline. We'll also explore the strength in seeking support and the continuous self-improvement that comes with sobriety....

Join former HGTV star Paige Rien and me on a candid journey of faith and sobriety. Paige shares her personal experiences, from skepticism to devout Catholic belief, and the crucial role AA and other 12-step recovery programs played in guiding her toward sobriety and, ultimately, God. We discuss societal pressures on modern parents, especially mothers, and debunk the myth that alcohol is a necessar...

Feeling lost in a battle against alcohol while grappling with not genuinely understanding my Catholic faith, I faced a reckoning that many women endure in silence. My transformation from that point of solitude to becoming a Catholic sobriety coach is a journey I hold close to my heart, one that I'm eager to share with you.   As I peel back the layers of my story, from selling fine jewelry to...

Embark on a transformative journey to understand the delicate dance between alcohol and women's hormonal health with our guest, Leah Brueggemann, a functional diagnostic nutritional practitioner. Her personal journey from hormonal havoc to health expert unveils the truth behind alcohol as a neurotoxin and its disruption to our nervous and endocrine systems. As we dissect the nuances of detoxi...

Embarking on a marital adventure often means embracing the unexpected, and Jen and Logan Lirette from Surprised by Marriage are a testament to this truth. In a candid conversation, they share how they navigated the bittersweet symphony of life together—overcoming the anguish of pregnancy loss and the trials of infertility. Witness how they discovered the beauty of deepening their bond with prayer...

We are revisiting a popular episode from the past. I have a few new thoughts to share as well and hope that it will inspire you to look for healthier ways to care for yourself mind-body-and soul.  Ever found yourself reaching for a glass of wine in the name of self-care, only to feel less than rejuvenated?  In this episode you will discover five practical tips that will revamp your self-care regim...

Discover the transformative power of aligning body and soul with the insightful guidance of Catholic Life Coach Jessica Castillo. Our latest episode takes you on a Lenten journey via the Missio Parata Lenten Challenge, designed by Jessica to weave physical discipline with prayer into a tapestry of readiness for God's call. As a fellow participant, I share first-hand the invigorating impact of...

In this episode of the Catholic Sobriety podcast, we delve into the world of Dry January - a month-long challenge where individuals choose to abstain from alcohol. Join us as we explore the historical roots of Dry January, its evolution into a global movement, and the potential benefits and pitfalls associated with this sobriety initiative. We'll take a deep dive into the numerous advantages...

Ever wondered why you react the way you do in certain situations or why understanding your husband can sometimes feel like deciphering an ancient language? Join me and my insightful guest, Kylie Hein, as we unravel the mysteries of temperaments in our latest episode. A certified Catholic coach, Kylie shares her personal transformation and how the temperaments concept offers a blueprint for navigat...