The Catholic Sobriety Podcast

What if you could break free from the shame cycle that keeps you stuck in alcohol addiction? Join me as we peel back the layers of this often overlooked topic and equip you with actionable steps to disrupt this negative loop.  The cycle typically begins with feelings of guilt and shame and can escalate into anger, depression, anxiety, and increased alcohol consumption. I dissect this painful proce...

Are you ready to ignite your inner desire to transform your life? We're venturing on a profound journey towards wellness, inspired by Jesus' encounter with the man who had been ill for thirty-eight years in John 5:2-9. Together, let's reflect on the real meaning of being 'well' and the significance of willingness and desire over willpower. If you're a woman wrestling...

Are you letting alcohol steal joy from your life? I want you to know that you're not alone in this struggle, and together we can reclaim your life. This episode is an enlightening exploration into the often overlooked, extensive effects of alcohol.  We dive into a candid, faith-based discussion about the physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual implications of alcohol on our live...

Have you ever longed for a deeper, more personal connection with God? Picture yourself sitting down, pen in hand, guided by the insightful Amy Brooks, founder of Catholics Online, as we delve into the transformative power of prayer journaling.  Discover how Amy's prayer journaling helped her hear God's voice more clearly and seek his guidance during tumultuous times. Learn how to pour yo...

In this heartfelt episode, host Christie Walker explores the "5 Things I Would Never Do If I Wanted To Get Sober," sharing personal insights from her own journey towards sobriety.  Drawing from her Catholic faith and recovery experience, Christie emphasizes the importance of community, spiritual health, self-care, positive self-talk, and maintaining hope in overcoming addiction. Beyond p...

Feeling engulfed by the whirlwind of motherhood? On the brink of giving in to the temptation of unhealthy coping mechanisms? I promise there's a calmer way to navigate this chaos and my enlightening chat with Sterling Jaquith, author of Catholic Mom Calm – Six Steps to Calm the Chaos in Everyday Life, reveals it. In a world where we're incessantly bombarded with noise and unrealistic exp...

In this Minisode of The Catholic Sobriety Podcast, host Christie Walker challenges listeners to shift their perspective on their alcohol consumption.  Instead of asking this common question she hears, she proposes three introspective questions to consider.  These questions delve into the fears associated with quitting, the perceived benefits of drinking, and how alcohol may be hindering one's...

Ready for a spiritual journey towards positive change? I invite you to journey through the Transtheoretical Method - or the Six Stages of Change Model - as roadmap that takes us from aching doubt to blissful action. We start with the pre-contemplation stage when you are unaware that you may have a problem, and travel through contemplation and preparation to the action stage. We also share how sacr...

This is the first of MANY "Minisodes." These quick episodes provide valuable information and insights in 10 minutes or less to help achieve or maintain sobriety. In this episode, you'll learn how to ride out cravings as we explore techniques to examine the promises your cravings make, empowering you to face them with unwavering confidence. Once you discover how to do this, you’ll in...

Ever grappled with feelings of overwhelm as your head swirls in a tornado of thoughts, emotions, and circumstances that keep you feeling stuck? Denise Jelinek, Catholic health and wellness coach, returns to the podcast to unpack the "missing piece" concept and offer some insights on connecting with God to maintain peace and have clarity amidst of turmoil.  Being stuck in an emotional sto...

What are some of the common signs of alcohol addiction? How do you know if or when you cross the line from overdrinking to addiction? When and how should someone seek professional help?  Prepare to be enlightened as we sit down with Belinda Terro Mooney, a seasoned professional in addiction recovery. She addresses these questions and more in this podcast episode. With her depth of knowledge from n...

Ready to unravel the mystery around your drinking habits and discover a sense of peace you never imagined possible? As your Catholic Sobriety Coach, I’m your guide to this transformational journey. This episode isn't limited to those with an alcohol use disorder; I’m talking to all women who desire to gain control over their drinking habits. With my coaching, you’ll gain clarity, make informe...

We all have moments when we feel lost or overwhelmed - times when we desperately need hope and healing. Today's guest, Lisa Martinez, knows these moments all too well. Join us as we sit down with her and explore how her journey of trauma, a loved one's addiction, and infertility led her to lean in hard to the transformative power of God's love and prayer, and how it inspired her to...

Imagine sitting in a crowded restaurant, choking on a piece of food, but too mortified to ask for help. Sounds absurd, doesn't it? Yet, we often find ourselves in a similar choke-hold of shame and fear when it comes to confronting our unhealthy habits, particularly around drinking. We wrap ourselves in a shroud of perceived societal expectations, terrified of judgment while simultaneously yea...

Welcome to a transformative new chapter of our podcast journey, aptly rebranded as "The Catholic Sobriety Podcast." It's more than a name change; it's widening the net. We are broadening our conversations to include not just women in recovery, but also those who wish to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol and moderate or even cease their drinking habits. In this context,...

Are you feeling stuck in your relationship with alcohol and wondering how to take the first step toward freedom? Join me as I chat with Food Freedom and Weight Loss Coach Denise Jelinek, who shares her incredible insights on "step zero" and practical tools to help you discern alcohol's role in your life. Together, we navigate the six stages of change, from pre-contemplation to actio...

In this episode, we delve into a topic that affects many women: using alcohol to cope with anxiety. Our guest today is certified Catholic Life Coach Christina Brown In this interview, we focus on recognizing, managing, and alleviating anxiety without resorting to alcohol. Christina brings her expertise as a certified Catholic Life Coach and Catholic speaker to shed light on this important topic –...

Are you bothered by or worried about your drinking habits? Have you been wondering if it really is a problem - and how you would know if it were?  Join us as we welcome back Coach Denise Jelinek from Turn to God, Not Food . Denise is a Catholic health and weight loss coach who has conquered binge eating, overdrinking, and chronic people-pleasing. Denise and I discuss the three stages of dependency...

In this episode, we have a very special guest joining us: Candace Plattor, a registered Clinical Counselor with years of experience in helping families and loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction. Candace, a former opioid addict with an inspiring 36 years of sobriety, understands firsthand the complexities of addiction and its profound impact on families. Through her private practice,...

In this captivating episode, we delve into the world of self-care beyond alcohol, challenging the prevailing notion that a drink is the ultimate path to relaxation. Join me as we embark on a transformative journey to redefine self-care, allowing Catholic women to cultivate a life of peace. Discover five powerful alternatives to alcohol for nurturing yourself and unlocking true well-being. As we ex...

In this episode, I am grateful to have Dr. Stephan Neff as my guest. As an anaesthetist, bestselling author, and advocate for mental health and addiction, Stephan has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. He's also the host of "Steps to Sobriety," a podcast and YouTube channel where he shares his passion for helping others lead a fulfilling life free from addiction and ment...

In this episode, Steve O'Connor of Catholics Fight Porn, and I engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the devastating impact of addiction on our society. We tackle a problematic yet crucial topic that deserves greater attention if we are to combat the malicious threat to our families, children, Church, and the world at large. It is alarming that the average age of first exposure to po...

Are you looking for inspiration to take charge of your health and wellness? Do you want to hear from a Catholic health and wellness coach who has transformed the lives of many? Look no further than this episode of our podcast, featuring my friend, Jessica Castillo of A Thriving Catholic . In this episode, we dive deep into Jessica's journey to becoming a Catholic health and wellness coach and...

I am sharing part of a half-day Holy Spirit Workshop that I am giving at a local Catholic parish. This is just the beginning of the workshop, which focuses on our call to be disciples - and our call to go and make disciples. I mention in this episode a resource that I am sharing with the participants of the workshop and wanted to add it here because I think it is really amazing! You can download t...

My spiritual journey is tightly intertwined with my recovery story.  In this episode, I share how it all began, how I went astray, and how I made my way back home, and how it has influenced what I do now. I couldn't fit my entire story into a podcast episode - but here's the cliff note version with some of the biggest highlights of my journey back to the fullness of the Catholic faith. A...