Day One of Sobriety | Christian Recovery, Emotional Healing, Overcoming Shame, Spiritual Coaching

Every January, millions of people start strong — full of motivation, fresh goals, and big expectations. But by February, most resolutions have already faded. In today’s episode, Brenda uncovers the powerful blend of Scripture + neuroscience that explains why this happens and what God designed your brain to do instead.

You’ll discover how the amygdala, Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC), and prefrontal cortex influence your decisions, ...

In this powerful episode, Brenda explores how gratitude becomes a healing force for your mind, body, and emotions. Blending Scripture with brain science, she explains why gratitude is far more than a positive thought — it’s a God-designed mind renewal tool that rewires emotional patterns, calms the nervous system, and anchors the heart in peace. You’ll learn why practicing gratitude (not just knowing about it) transforms your life,...

Do you feel guilty when you say “no”? Do you carry the weight of everyone’s emotions, feeling responsible for their peace but never your own?

In this episode of the Day One of Sobriety Podcast, we continue our deep dive into People-Pleasing & Approval Addiction. You’ll learn why setting boundaries isn’t selfish — it’s biblical and brain-based. We’ll unpack how boundaries retrain your brain for peace, why guilt shows up when you...

Do you constantly feel responsible for everyone’s happiness? Does your peace disappear the moment someone’s disappointed with you?

In this episode of the Day One of Sobriety Podcast, we’re tackling one of the most common yet overlooked habits—people-pleasing and approval addiction. You’ll discover where it begins in the brain, what Scripture says about finding your worth in God (not people), and how to use a neuroscience-backed too...

Do you ever feel like your past failures disqualify you from God’s purpose? In this episode of the Day One of Sobriety Podcast, Brenda unpacks how God can redeem even our biggest mistakes. Through Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tools, you’ll learn how to reframe failure, silence shame, and let God use your past as fuel for your future.

You’ll also discover the turning point of salvation — when Jesus dropped every charge aga...

Do you ever feel caught between two worlds? You love God, but sometimes it feels easier to blend in than to stand out. In this episode of the Day One of Sobriety podcast, we’re talking about what it truly means to be “in this world but not of it,” why it’s so hard to live differently, and how renewing your mind changes everything. You’ll hear real-life examples, biblical truth, and a practical neuroscience tool to help you live set...

Have you ever been hurt by someone in church — maybe a pastor, a friend, or a group that didn’t show up when you needed them most? In this episode, Brenda approaches the topic of church hurt with compassion, truth, and encouragement, reminding us that God’s plan for community was never meant to wound us, but to heal us.

Using the beautiful imagery of geese flying in formation, Brenda illustrates how interdependence — taking turns...

Do you ever notice how laughter lightens your spirit and shifts your entire mood? In this episode of the Day One of Sobriety Podcast, Brenda shares how laughter heals not only your emotions but also your body and brain.

You’ll discover how joy renews your mind, why laughter is one of God’s best prescriptions for stress, and how choosing joy daily can rewire your thought patterns and strengthen your faith.

You’ll also hear Brenda’s ...

In this empowering episode of the Day One of Sobriety podcast, Brenda reveals how to rise above lies, overcome shame, and embrace your true identity in Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 4:22-24, she explains how to put off the old self, renew your mind, and walk confidently in your new creation identity. You’ll discover how biblical truth and brain science work hand-in-hand to transform your thinking—unlocking freedom from anxiety, se...

Do you know there’s a place that heals everything? Not a counseling office, not a recovery meeting, not even a mountain retreat — but a Person. The Presence of His Company.

In this episode of the Day One of Sobriety Podcast, we’ll talk about why spending quality time with God in His presence is the soil where hope grows, trust is rebuilt, and faith is strengthened. I’ll share my own story of wrestling with dark thoughts, how a gift...

Do you ever feel like worry runs your life?

In this episode of the Day One of Sobriety Podcast, we’re talking about why worry happens in the brain, what God’s Word says about it, and four practical steps you can start using today to break free from the cycle of anxiety. You’ll also hear real-life encouragement, Scripture promises, and a neuroscience tool you can put into practice immediately to shift from fear to peace.

✨ What’s ...

Do you ever find yourself standing in front of the fridge or pantry, not even hungry, just searching? Stress eating is one of the most common ways we numb our emotions. But here’s the truth: food can never fix what only God can fill.

In this episode of the Day One of Sobriety Podcast, we’re uncovering why stress eating is so powerful, how the food industry engineers “hyper-palatable” foods to hook us, and how both science and scrip...

Do you feel the pace of life quickening as summer fades and fall ramps up? 🍂 School is back in session, calendars are filling fast, and the holiday season is just around the corner. In this busy season, rest often feels impossible—but it’s actually essential.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into faith-rest: God’s invitation to step out of striving and into His peace. Together we’ll explore three types of rest—physical, soul, and ...

Not feeling the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean you don’t have Him. Many believers wrestle with doubt, uncertainty, and feelings that don’t line up with their faith. In today’s episode, we dig into three powerful words—Facts, Faith, Feelings—and discover how this order can help you renew your mind, break destructive habits, and walk in confidence with the Spirit of God. I’ll share part of my own winding faith journey and the breaking poi...

Have you ever been in a situation where you knew you had to move forward, but fear made you freeze? In this episode, I share a funny-but-terrifying story from the passenger seat of my son’s first driving lesson — and how it taught me everything about trusting God. You’ll discover three “Just Keep Seeking” mindsets that can move you forward when fear tells you to stop, plus four practical steps to strengthen your trust in the Holy S...

Not all health risks are linked to your DNA or inherited from your parents.  In fact, a good number of health factors can be attributed to the quality of our thought life.  It’s true that “you are what you eat” – but today, the phrase “You are what you think” is taking center stage in today’s podcast.

Did you know that negative thinking can trigger physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, muscle pain, and card...

Today we’re digging into what it means to have sobriety, which in its purest definition means a sound and well-balanced  mind.  You see, sobriety actually comes from the Greek word “sophron,” which refers to an unhurried and calm mind; a mind that has self-control.  That’s why sobriety is all about thinking and not drinking!  

We’re also taking a closer look at the name of this podcast – Day One of Sobriety.  If you’ve received s...

Do you sometimes feel stuck as a Christian?  Is the “Sweet Life” with Jesus more sour than you’d like to admit? Do you look at believers with “unshakable faith” from a vantage point of shaking in your boots, wondering what they have that you don’t?  

I walked in those shaky boots for two decades before I discovered a consistent, unchanging, and unshakable God.  He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever.  I went from being ruled...