The Catholic Sobriety Podcast

What happens when the voice in your head saying "don't drink" keeps getting louder? In this vulnerable conversation, grandmother and retired occupational therapist Cindy Strachan shares her journey to almost 1,000 days of alcohol freedom after decades as a weekend drinker.

Unlike many sobriety stories, Cindy's doesn't involve hitting rock bottom or daily drinking. As a high-functioning perfectionis...

Is moderation possible for you — or is it just another version of control?
In this episode, we explore what moderation really looks like for Catholic women who want peace with alcohol but feel stuck in cycles of "rules and regrets." You'll learn why willpower alone isn't the answer, how your habits and healing are connected, and what to watch for when discernment gets cloudy.

Through a blend of Catholic fait...

Ever notice how your hand automatically reaches for a drink after a long day? That's not weakness—it's your brain's efficient autopilot system at work. But what happens when you decide to drink less or take a break from alcohol altogether?

When reducing alcohol, feeling a bit off isn't a sign something's wrong—it's evidence of transformation. Your body isn't just missing alcohol; it'...

Ever wondered why wine is suddenly pink, skinny, and organic—or why every momfluencer has a glass in hand with hashtags like #WineOClock or #MommysLittleHelper? The answer lies in a carefully orchestrated shift in alcohol marketing that has fundamentally changed women's relationship with drinking.

The billion-dollar alcohol industry recognized a golden opportunity when their traditional male market began declining in ...

Freedom isn't just a concept we celebrate on July 4th—it's something we can experience in our relationship with alcohol too. If you've found yourself drinking more than intended at social gatherings or automatically reaching for that glass of wine after a long day, this episode offers a practical pathway to greater independence.

What if this Independence Day became your personal liberation celebration? I&apo...

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'l...

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 particular...

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 al...

"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 thoughtfu...

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 l...

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...

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...

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 ch...

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. Thro...

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 ...

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...

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 offer...

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 a...

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...