What happens when a mother’s battle with alcohol addiction becomes the catalyst for her son’s spiritual awakening? Eric Gallagher, a devoted husband and father, shares his poignant journey from the heart of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where the shadows of his mother’s alcoholism loomed over his youth. Eric recounts the turbulent days following an unexpected intervention, which marked the beginning of his quest for healing. Guided by his father’s encouragement to explore faith, Eric experienced a ...
Oct 17, 2024•55 min•Ep. 102
What happens when life throws unimaginable grief your way, and how do you find the path to healing? Join us as we sit down with Nicole Haugen, a former nurse who bravely shares her heart-wrenching journey through the loss of her parents and the hidden struggles within her marriage. Nicole's candid reflections shed light on the complexity of grief, the unexpected turns it can take, and the process of regaining control amid such chaos. Her story is not just about loss but also about healing, perso...
Oct 10, 2024•31 min•Ep. 101
Jump into the landmark 100th episode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast for an exciting exploration of when "bad" really becomes "bad enough"! I take you on a personal adventure, sharing my ups and downs with alcohol—no dramatic crash, but a pivotal moment that sparked my quest for peace and dignity. Together, we'll dive into the nuances of reaching a personal pain point, uncovering how even a nightly glass of wine or weekend binging can sneak chaos into our lives. This episode is your invitation ...
Oct 03, 2024•16 min•Ep. 100
Have you ever wondered why alcohol remains part of your life, even when you recognize its negative impact? In this episode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast, we delve into the psychological and social factors that keep women drinking, despite the awareness of its problems. I share a personal story illustrating how the need for acceptance can drive behaviors, including drinking, and make it difficult to disentangle one's identity from alcohol use. We further explore the anxiety of redefining socia...
Sep 26, 2024•34 min•Ep. 99
Is red wine really the health elixir it's touted to be, or just another myth perpetuated by savvy marketers? Join me, Christie Walker, on the Catholic Sobriety Podcast as we dissect the health claims surrounding red wine. Learn about its supposed benefits like protecting against Alzheimer's, reducing cancer risk, alleviating depression, and even improving bone density. We'll explore the origins of these claims, including the famed French paradox, and uncover the truth behind resveratrol, that ce...
Sep 20, 2024•40 min•Ep. 98
Just a quick little update. What you can expect from the Catholic Sobriety Podcast going forward. Drop us a Question or Comment I'm here for you. I'm praying for you. You are NOT alone! Please subscribe to this podcast so you won't miss a thing! ☀️ 62-Day Sober-ish Summer Challenge for Catholic Women: https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62 👉🏻 JOIN THE FREE 5-DAY KICK START https://the-catholic-sobriety-coach.myflodesk.com/5-day-sobriety-kick-start 👉🏻 Join The Sacred...
Sep 19, 2024•4 min
Struggling to picture a life without alcohol? You're not alone, and on today's minisode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast, I'm here to guide you through the fog. Ever wondered what alcohol truly offers versus what it strips away? We'll embark on an eye-opening exercise that helps you weigh the pros and cons of your drinking habits, offering clarity and a firm stepping stone towards your journey to sobriety. Plus, we’ll dive into a reflective journaling prompt that challenges you to envision your ...
Sep 13, 2024•9 min•Ep. 97
Join the Catholic Sobriety Podcast for an enlightening episode with Keaton Douglas, Executive Director of the iThirst Initiative. Discover how Keaton's remarkable journey from entertainment to spiritual healing reshaped her life and led to the creation of a groundbreaking program. Explore the powerful connection between faith and recovery as Keaton discusses the Catholic Church's role in addiction support. Inspired by Keaton's book, "The Road to Hope: Responding to the Crisis," this initiative a...
Sep 10, 2024•46 min•Ep. 96
Ever craved a glass of wine to pair with a delicious meal but want to maintain your commitment to reduce or eliminate your alcohol consumption? In this episode I tackle a listener's question about navigating the tricky terrain of non-alcoholic wine options. Discover a few of my recommendations, and learn how to choose beverages that align with your journey toward alcohol freedom. We'll also discuss essential tips for avoiding triggers and making informed choices that support you. Whether it’s en...
Sep 06, 2024•7 min•Ep. 95
Ever wondered how to confidently navigate social events while maintaining your sobriety? In this Catholic Sobriety Podcast Minisode, I unravel simple yet transformative strategies to help you stay committed. Guided by three essential steps. I also challenge you to get creative with your event planning, whether it's for an upcoming occasion or by reimagining a past one. Let's explore the joy and importance of preparation and bringing loved ones together. I’m eager to hear your stories and experie...
Aug 30, 2024•10 min•Ep. 94
What if the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous could transform your life, even if you’re not an alcoholic? Join me as I unravel how these powerful principles can benefit everyone. Through my own experiences with AA, we’ll explore how these steps help reframe our relationship with alcohol and guide us toward spiritual and personal growth. We journey into the heart of surrender and healing. Recognizing how faith plays an integral role in this transformation. As a Catholic, understanding your identit...
Aug 27, 2024•36 min•Ep. 93
What is the most surprising thing I miss after quitting alcohol? It's not the numbing effects or the coping mechanisms. Navigating sobriety can come with the feeling of missing out on certain activities, but it doesn't have to be that way. Together, we'll explore ways to find joy and fulfillment while staying true to our commitment to reduce or eliminate alcohol. "I will be Undignified by Rend Collective: https://youtu.be/CkFGG14JJ-c?si=4vaL_3xgHHYMIQj7 Drop us a Question or Comment I'm here for...
Aug 24, 2024•11 min•Ep. 92
Teaching your children to ride bikes without training wheels is more than just a milestone; it's a poignant metaphor for the coaching journey. Join me as I recount the emotional and transformative experience of watching my twins embark on their senior year of high school. Reflecting on their growth and newfound independence, I draw parallels to the essence of coaching—where the ultimate achievement is helping individuals reach a point where they can navigate life's challenges on their own. Liste...
Aug 21, 2024•16 min•Ep. 91
Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of emotional eating and spiritual disconnection? Karla Fitz knows this struggle all too well. She joins us to share her powerful story of transformation and finding alignment through life coaching and her Catholic faith. Karla's journey from feeling unfulfilled to becoming a Catholic life coach is sure to inspire and resonate with anyone searching for a deeper connection with God and themselves. We delve into the profound relationship between our emotions and ...
Aug 13, 2024•45 min•Ep. 90
In this episode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast, host Christie Walker welcomes guest Brigid Tebaldi. Brigid, a women's natural birth coach and owner of Loreto Wellness, shares her personal journey into maternal health, emphasizing the significance of natural birth and trusting God's plan. Through their conversation, they address issues like alcohol dependency, birth trauma, maternal well-being, and practical tips for nourishing both the body and spirit. They also highlight the importance of bui...
Aug 06, 2024•38 min•Ep. 89
What does it mean to truly forgive? In this episode, we welcome Dr. Carron Silva, a Catholic wholeness coach and retreat presenter, who shares her powerful journey of healing through the lens of forgiveness. Raised amidst the brutal realities of apartheid South Africa, Dr. Carron opens up about the racial and personal trauma she endured. Listen as she reveals how her unwavering faith and the nurturing influence of her grandmother guided her towards becoming an advocate for forgiveness and led to...
Jul 16, 2024•56 min•Ep. 88
Can Yoda's wisdom from Star Wars be the key to overcoming excuses and achieving sobriety? Join me, Christie Walker, on this enlightening minisode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast, as we uncover the transformative power of Yoda's famous quote, "Do or do not. There is no try." You'll learn how shifting your mindset from merely attempting to fully committing can be a pivotal step in your journey towards sobriety. By breaking free from societal conditioning around alcohol, you can make a decisive ch...
Jul 12, 2024•17 min•Ep. 87
In this episode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast, host Christie Walker is joined by Steve Pokorny, founder of Freedom Coaching, to discuss the harmful effects of pornography and unchaste behaviors and how to find freedom through a Christ-centered approach. Steve shares his personal journey from battling pornography, to his transformative encounter with God's love, which guided him to help others overcome similar struggles. They emphasize the importance of addressing deeper wounds and the role of...
Jul 09, 2024•50 min•Ep. 86
Can storytelling illuminate God's presence in your life and initiate a profound healing journey? On this episode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast, we uncover the transformative power of sharing personal narratives with our guest, Emanuela Hall, a dynamic speaking coach and story consultant for Christ-led entrepreneurs and leaders. You'll hear about Emanuela's inspiring journey from performing arts to online business coaching, and how her Catholic faith has deeply influenced her approach to helpi...
Jun 22, 2024•34 min•Ep. 85
In this minisode host Christie Walker shares 10 practical and fun tips for having a fabulous summer without alcohol. From exploring creative mocktails to engaging in outdoor activities, Christie provides a variety of ways to enjoy the summer season while maintaining sobriety. Tune in for inspiration on hosting alcohol-free gatherings, connecting with friends, and even finding spiritual enrichment through local events and devotions. This episode is packed with ideas to make your summer memorable ...
Jun 21, 2024•10 min•Ep. 84
Join host Christie Walker as she shares invaluable tips to help you navigate your first week of alcohol-free living and beyond. Whether you're considering a short break or a long-term commitment, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal insights, and powerful reminders that you don't need a label or rock bottom to make a positive change. Learn how to overcome romanticizing alcohol, reset your routines, and embrace the joy of missing out. Plus, discover the amazing benefits of going...
Jun 19, 2024•31 min•Ep. 83
In this informative minisode of the Catholic Sobriety Podcast, sobriety coach Christie Walker dives deep into the adverse effects of alcohol on aging, particularly for women. Learn how alcohol consumption accelerates aging, disrupts hormones, damages brain health, liver function, skin appearance, and increases cardiovascular risks. Christie provides actionable insights and tools to help you drink less or not at all. Don't miss out on the free guide, "Drink Less or Not at All: A Catholic Guide to...
Jun 14, 2024•8 min•Ep. 82
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 includes sleep, stress management, nutrition, and fitness. They also touch on the importance of aligning...
Jun 11, 2024•50 min•Ep. 81
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 maintain a sober lifestyle. The episode concludes with a reminder that listeners are not alone on thei...
Jun 08, 2024•9 min•Ep. 80
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. Let's journey together. Drop us a Question or Comment I'm here for you. I'm praying for you. You are ...
Jun 06, 2024•17 min•Ep. 79
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 Singapore. We discuss the freedom of letting go of perfectionism by recognizing what we can control and surrendering th...
Jun 04, 2024•46 min•Ep. 78
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 mixed success. I reflect on the profound impact of an alcohol-free life on relationships and person...
Jun 02, 2024•11 min•Ep. 77
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 between toxic relationships and our connection with alcohol, delving into how this substance can deceive ...
May 30, 2024•20 min•Ep. 76
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 enhances your well-being. If you've ever wondered about alcohol's influence on your health, especially fert...
May 24, 2024•46 min•Ep. 75
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 making, built from the lies and vows we've whispered to ourselves. This is the stronghold I discovered, one tha...
May 14, 2024•31 min•Ep. 74
