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.

📣 Sign up for the September 40 Day Fast Here!

In Week 4 of our 6-part series walking through Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast, we’re diving into Days 22–27—a powerful stretch of the fast that explores identity, grief, breaking generational cycles, and some surprising truths about alcohol, anxiety, and even biblical wine.

Whether you’re navigating this fast in real time or simply curious about how a 40-day alcohol break can deepen your faith, this episode offers honest stories, practical tools, and fresh encouragement for the journey.

📘 This week covers:

💔 Day 22: Grieving Your Old Self
Letting go of false identities and the “party girl” past can bring grief—but also space for God to reveal who you really are.

🕊️ Day 23: The Truth About Taste
If you think you’ll never stop loving the taste of wine, think again. We unpack the neuroscience behind cravings and how taste buds (and hearts) truly change.

🌱 Day 24: The Joy of Leading by Example
Are you the first in your family or friend group to take a break from drinking? You’re not alone, and your obedience could ripple out further than you think.

🍷 Day 25: Jesus and Wine
Did Jesus really drink wine? And what does that mean for us today? We go behind the scenes on how this chapter (and podcast!) came to be.

🌈 Day 26: The Science of Joy
Alcohol hijacks our dopamine—and with it, our joy. We explore how your brain rewires and joy returns in sobriety.

⚠️ Day 27: Alcohol and Anxiety
Is alcohol easing your anxiety—or fueling it? We share stories, science, and hope for anyone stuck in the stress-drink-repeat cycle.

💌 Resources & Links:

📣 Join the September 40 Day Fast
We start September 8! Walk through the fast with coaching, community, and daily encouragement. Sign up here

🎙️Past episodes mentioned:

• How Alcohol Hijacks Our Mental Health with William Porter

📖 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 3 of our 6-part Monday series walking through Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast, we're diving into Days 14–21—and this episode is rich with practical tools, mindset shifts, and grace-filled encouragement to support your alcohol-free journey.

Whether you're mid-fast, gearing up for September’s live-coached fast, or simply sober-curious, these reflections and real-life stories will help you renew your mind and stay the course.

📘 This week covers:

🧁 Day 14: Navigating Sugar Cravings
Why sugar hits so hard in early sobriety—and how to give yourself grace while blood sugar and dopamine rebalance.

🧠 Day 15: Exploring Alcohol Use Models
Disease model? Learning model? Self-medication? Understanding different frameworks can help you name your story—and start changing it.

😴 Day 16: Sleep and Sobriety
We share how sobriety gave her the best sleep of her life (and why that matters more than we think).

😬 Day 17: “It’s Not About You, It’s About Them”
What to do when others make your not-drinking... about them. Yep, we've been there.

🛑 Day 18: Setting Boundaries
How to say no without guilt—and protect your peace as you walk this path.

💃 Day 19: Joyful Movement
From walks to Pilates, we explore how movement that feels good (not punishing) can become a new form of self-care.

🙏 Day 20: The Power of Gratitude
More than just a good habit—gratitude can rewire your brain and realign your heart with God.

🕊️ Day 21: Redefining Self-Care
It’s not bubble baths. It’s becoming the kind of woman who regularly returns to God for rest and renewal.

💌 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

🎙️Past episodes mentioned:

• What Do I Tell My Girlfriends If I’m Not Drinking?

📖 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 2 of our 6-part Monday series walking through Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast, we’re diving into Days 8–13—a powerful stretch focused on mindset, identity, and learning to renew your mind in Christ.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your thoughts, trapped by unhelpful labels, or frustrated that willpower isn’t cutting it, this week is for you. We explore the truth behind the stories we tell ourselves—and how taking your thoughts captive, anchoring your identity in Jesus, and learning to recognize your triggers can begin to shift everything.

Whether you're mid-fast, just getting started, or preparing for September’s live-coached fast, these insights will help you move from shame to self-awareness, and from self-effort to spiritual renewal.

📘 This week covers:

🧠 Day 8: Take Every Thought Captive
How metacognition (thinking about your thinking) helps you stop letting lies lead—and start aligning your thoughts with God’s truth.

🏷️ Day 9: Ditching the Label
Why you don’t need to call yourself an “alcoholic” to pursue freedom—and how unhelpful labels can limit what God wants to do.

⚠️ Day 10: The Willpower Trap
Willpower runs out. Good news: Jesus doesn’t. Why grace, habit change, and identity work better.

🙏 Day 11: Prime with Prayer
How prayer can move beyond performance and become your lifeline for connection, comfort, and clarity.

🔁 Day 12: Understanding Triggers and Habits
What’s really happening underneath your urges to drink—and how to respond with wisdom, not autopilot.

🚫 Day 13: Overcome the Urge to Drink
The HALT tool (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) and other tactical ways to pause and reset when cravings strike.

💌 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

📖 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

You can find this episode on YouTube HERE.

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 this powerful opening to our six-part Monday series, we’re diving into Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind—starting with Days 1 through 7.

Whether you’re reading along, curious about taking a break, or preparing to join the September live-coached fast, this episode lays the foundation for a Spirit-led, grace-filled approach to changing your relationship with alcohol.

We explore how to shift from striving to surrender, why curiosity matters more than willpower, and how to begin reframing your beliefs about alcohol through the lens of faith, neuroscience, and identity in Christ.

You’ll hear why you don’t need to hit rock bottom to make a change, how to set feeling-based goals that align with your values, and what it looks like to move from white-knuckling to walking in freedom with God.

This is the mindset shift that changes everything—and it all starts here.

📘 This week covers:

🌿 Day 1: Starting with Grace
Why you don’t have to get it all right on Day 1—and how grace changes everything.

👭 Day 2: You're Not Alone
You’re not the only Christian woman who struggles with this. And you don’t have to walk this alone.

⛰️ Day 3: Rock Bottom Not Required
You don’t have to lose it all to make a change. Sobriety can be a proactive and empowered choice.

🧠 Day 4: Renewing Your Mind
Why this fast is about so much more than quitting alcohol—it’s about transformation from the inside out.

🧬 Day 5: Cracking the Code
How brain chemistry, habits, and identity all intersect—and what it means for your alcohol story.

⚔️ Day 6: The Battle in Our Brains
Understanding the real spiritual and neurological tug-of-war—and how to win with God.

🔍 Day 7: Find Your Why
How to anchor your fast in God’s purpose for your life—and keep going when it gets tough.

💌 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

🎙️Past episodes mentioned:

Episode 30: You Don’t Have to Count Days

Episode 45: You Don’t Have to Say Forever

📖 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.

What if the darkest chapters of your life became the very place where God’s love met you most powerfully?

In today’s raw and redemptive episode, Cristina Baker shares her jaw-dropping testimony of addiction, trauma, homelessness, and the overwhelming grace of God that broke through it all.

From growing up in chaos to nearly overdosing, Cristina recounts the moment she cried out to a God she didn’t yet believe in—and how He answered her with love, rescue, and purpose.

Now a speaker and the author of A Minute of Hope, Cristina knows firsthand the power of prayer and surrender.

Her story will stir your spirit, shake your soul, and remind you that no one is too far gone for the love of Jesus.

Cristina Baker has seen the power of prayer in her own life and knows God is listening and longs to hear our voices. After a 10-year battle with drug addiction, Cristina had a radical encounter with the love and power of God and immediately answered the call on her life to minister the Gospel.

In her new book, A Minute of Hope: 100 Prayers for Staying Steadfast Through Challenges and Change, she offers 100 one-minute prayers for readers yearning to feel God’s presence and experience His peace and strength.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How God can meet you in your lowest moment and radically change your life
• The difference between partial surrender and full surrender
• How prayer became her lifeline (and why it still is)
• Why vulnerability is the key to healing and freedom

💌 Resources & Links:

📘 Order Cristina’s book:
👉 A Minute of Hope: 100 Prayers for Staying Steadfast Through Challenges and Change

📣 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

📖 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.