After nearly 28 years of sobriety and countless inquiries, I'm finally sharing my honest thoughts about Alcoholics Anonymous. This deeply personal episode explores why, as a Catholic woman, I ultimately needed something beyond what AA could provide. AA gave me structure, language, and community when I desperately needed it. God used it to guide me toward sobriety when I had nowhere else to turn, and for that, I'll always be profoundly grateful. Yet as my faith deepened, I began noticing disconne...
Jun 23, 2025•50 min•Ep. 131
Ever found yourself anxious about how you'll handle summer gatherings without overdoing it on alcohol? You're not alone. That mental game of "How will I manage vacation drinking?" or "What will people think if I skip the wine?" plagues many Catholic women who are trying to be more mindful about their relationship with alcohol. In this honest conversation, I share why summer can feel particularly challenging for those working to drink less. Drawing from both personal experience and client stories...
Jun 16, 2025•11 min•Ep. 130
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 women find freedom from alcohol dependence, I found myself questioning if my work was making any differen...
Jun 03, 2025•26 min•Ep. 129
"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 question frames our thoughtful exploration of Catholic teaching on alcohol consumption. Drawing from the Catechism, we disc...
May 29, 2025•28 min•Ep. 128
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 aren't questions designed to label or judge you—they're invitations to honest self-reflection that can illuminate ...
May 15, 2025•17 min•Ep. 127
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 against cravings and temptation. We explore the distinct roles the Holy Spirit plays in your life - as comforter when yo...
May 06, 2025•52 min•Ep. 126
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," shares Deanna as she unpacks the powerful five-key approach of Unbound Prayer Ministry—a Catholic-approved method that add...
Apr 29, 2025•48 min•Ep. 125
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 describes the moment everything changed: waking up in an unfamiliar place with no memory of how she got there. Th...
Apr 24, 2025•45 min•Ep. 124
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 accumulated weight of your day. Through a faith-centered approach to understanding these evening struggles, you'll discover t...
Apr 10, 2025•9 min•Ep. 123
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 feeling better, not worse. I share the powerful concept of identifying the feeling behind the drink – whethe...
Mar 29, 2025•22 min•Ep. 122
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 attach" – letting go of substances that falsely promise comfort to create space for authentic connection with...
Mar 13, 2025•43 min•Ep. 121
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 with addiction, Kevin offers hard-earned wisdom about the virtues of fortitude and faith. His practic...
Mar 07, 2025•46 min•Ep. 120
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 techniques for those planning to attend family gatherings with potentially toxic dynamics. Cristy's...
Feb 28, 2025•48 min•Ep. 119
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, this message is for you. Come and be reminded of the freedom and strength found in knowing who you ar...
Feb 26, 2025•35 min•Ep. 118
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 the key to breaking free. Hear how alcohol disrupts not only sleep and metabolism but also poses serious health ris...
Feb 20, 2025•27 min•Ep. 117
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 her business, Pink Salt Riot, and dedicate herself fully to Many Parts Ministries. Through personal stor...
Feb 14, 2025•57 min•Ep. 116
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 build healthier routines and a more peaceful life. This episode offers a compassionate companion on your j...
Jan 31, 2025•28 min•Ep. 115
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 becoming problematic and celebrate the courage it takes to acknowledge these signs. Let us support and pray for...
Jan 28, 2025•28 min•Ep. 114
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 into understanding your 'why' and how celebrating small victories can lead to sustained success on your alcohol-free journey. I intro...
Jan 10, 2025•21 min•Ep. 113
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 setting resolutions and the common hurdles many of us face. Together, we'll unravel the complexitie...
Jan 03, 2025•40 min•Ep. 112
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. Discover the power of journaling to track patterns, triggers, and your emotional journey before, during, and af...
Dec 27, 2024•37 min•Ep. 111
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 of sync, and simple ways to reconnect with our natural systems. We also talk about the powerful connection...
Dec 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 110
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, or even trips. In this episode, I open up about my battle with alcohol, my 27+ years of sobriety, ...
Dec 12, 2024•43 min
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 Christ at the center of your life, especially during the busy Advent season. Reflect on the gospel reading that wa...
Nov 28, 2024•21 min•Ep. 109
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 about missing out—it’s about showing up as your best self and fully enjoying the moment - without the alc...
Nov 21, 2024•13 min•Ep. 108
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 gracefully navigated with a focus on spiritual growth and personal well-being. Brooke's story is a testame...
Nov 14, 2024•52 min•Ep. 107
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 contradictory advice in the world of nutrition. Learn about the origins of her business, At the Well...
Nov 07, 2024•43 min•Ep. 106
Ever wondered how childhood experiences shape your love life? Renowned psychotherapist and relationship coach Dana Nygaard shares her transformative journey from insecure attachments and unsuitable partners to a fulfilling marriage grounded in faith. Through her insights, single Catholic women gain tools to recognize their own patterns, intentionally seek healthy relationships, and avoid common pitfalls like the "good guy fallacy" that many encounter. Letting go of unhealthy relationships is mor...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 105
Nearly two decades ago, feeling lost and overwhelmed while trying to conceive, I stumbled upon a lifeline in the form of an online community. This refuge became a space where I connected with women who were navigating similar struggles. Together, we created a group that became a source of deep and enduring support, demonstrating the undeniable power of shared experiences and virtual camaraderie. Through this personal story, I invite you to join me, on a journey exploring how online communities c...
Oct 29, 2024•24 min•Ep. 104
What if you could transform your holiday season from one of overindulgence to meaningful spiritual preparation? Discover how to navigate the holiday social scene with grace and confidence as we explore strategies to drink less and find joy in being present. I'm Christie Walker, your host on the Catholic Sobriety Podcast, and together we'll explore the importance of starting your journey toward reduced alcohol consumption before the new year kicks in. With a focus on reframing your mindset and em...
Oct 24, 2024•33 min•Ep. 103
