We did it! This episode was recorded in person at our first Leadership Retreat in Colorado Springs, CO. We share the heart behind the weekend, how this ministry began, and what God is building through community.

You’ll also get a sneak peek at the next two episodes featuring stories from our leadership team, on life after alcohol and the “friendship shuffle.”

Whether you’ve been with us since Episode 1 or you’re brand new, we hope this behind-the-scenes conversation makes you feel right at home with us.

In this episode:

• Retreat highlights: worship around the fire (bear visit included 🐻), shared meals, prayer over every community member by name, and recording together for the first time.
• The origin story: how a cold email became a friendship, a podcast, and, surprise to us, a ministry.
• Why community matters: the difference between white-knuckling alone and growing together around Jesus (not wine).
• Work God has done: what freedom looks like years later, and why it keeps getting better.
• What’s coming next: two team episodes on (1) the biggest life changes after alcohol and (2) navigating friendships as you grow.
• An invitation: pray with us as we plan our first in-person gatherings for the whole community.

📖 Order your copy of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind

🤝 Join our community: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community
📲 Connect on Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine

🎥 We’re on YouTube too—come hang out!

The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sign up for the September 40 Day Fast here: https://butjesusdrankwine.myflodesk.com/septemberfast

In Week 6—the final week—of our 6-part Monday series walking through Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast, we’re covering Days 35–40. These last chapters are all about navigating real-life situations, confronting shame, and stepping fully into lasting freedom.

From the workplace happy hour to vacation cocktails, from cultural pressures like “mommy wine time” to the quiet work of letting go of fixation—this week brings together everything you’ve learned and invites you to reflect on how far you’ve come.

Whether you’ve been with us since Day 1 or you’re just dropping in, this episode will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to walk forward in confidence and joy—rooted in your identity in Christ.

📘 This week covers:

💼 Day 35: Alcohol and the Office
How to navigate workplace drinking culture with grace and confidence.

⛓️ Day 36: Breaking the Chains of Shame
The truth about shame, why it’s not from God, and how to walk in freedom.

🍼 Day 37: Sobering Up to Mommy Wine Culture
Unpacking the cultural messages around “wine mom” life—and how to create new narratives.

✈️ Day 38: Travel and Vacations Without Alcohol
How to enjoy every moment of your trip without needing a drink to make it “special.”

🔓 Day 39: Fixated or Free?
Moving from obsessing about not drinking to living in true, joyful freedom.

🌅 Day 40: Reflections on the Journey
Looking back on the fast, celebrating transformation, and setting your eyes on what’s next.

💌 Resources & Links:

📣 Join the September 40 Day Fast
Registration is open now for the next live-coached 40 Day Alcohol Fast starting September 8! Walk through the fast in real time with coaching, community, and the support you need to finish strong.
👉 Sign up here: https://butjesusdrankwine.myflodesk.com/septemberfast

📖 Order your copy of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind

🤝 Join our community: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community
📲 Connect on Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine

🎥 We’re on YouTube too—come hang out!

The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sign up for the September 40 Day Fast HERE!

In Week 5 of our 6-part Monday series walking through Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast, we're diving into Days 28–34—and this episode is full of aha moments, empowering truths, and vulnerable conversations to support your sober journey.

Whether you’re navigating emotional ups and downs, feeling disconnected from your values, or questioning what fun looks like without alcohol—this episode will meet you there.

📘 This week covers:

💁‍♀️ Day 28: Renewing Your Confidence
Why alcohol isn’t the confidence booster we think it is—and how to build real confidence that sticks.

⚠️ Day 29: The Hidden Dangers of Alcohol
We unpack the truth about alcohol’s effects on the body, brain, gut, and heart—plus how knowledge leads to freedom.

🚫 Day 30: The Myth of Clean Wine
Spoiler alert: there’s no such thing. Clean wine is clever marketing, not truth.

🎉 Day 31: Redefining Fun
When chaos isn’t fun anymore—how to rediscover joy, spontaneity, and peace on your own terms.

💬 Day 32: Filling the Gap & Embracing Emotion
Learning to sit in discomfort, feel feelings, and meet God right in the middle of it.

💡 Day 33: Reclaiming Your Values
What matters most to you? And how has alcohol pulled you away from it? This is your call to realign.

🤝 Day 34: Rediscovering True Connection
How sobriety deepens your relationships—with God, your people, and your purpose.

💌 Resources & Links:

📣 Join the September 40 Day Fast
Registration is open now for the next live-coached 40 Day Alcohol Fast starting September 8! Walk through the fast in real time with coaching, community, and the support you need to finish strong.
👉 Sign up here: https://butjesusdrankwine.myflodesk.com/septemberfast

🎙️Past episodes mentioned:

10 Reasons Living Alcohol-Free Has Made Us More Confident

Realigning with Your Core Values with Pastor David

📖 Order your copy of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind

🤝 Join our community: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community

📲 Connect on Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine

🎥 We’re on YouTube too—come hang out!

The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.