We’re thrilled to introduce our friend Ericka Andersen—a freelance writer, mom of two, lover of Jesus, and passionate sobriety advocate from Indianapolis. Ericka’s story is one of incredible resilience: a journey from the grips of alcohol addiction to celebrating over four years of sobriety, all while staying deeply rooted in her faith. In this episode, we dive into her unique perspective on addiction, faith, and self-discovery—a conversation that’s both eye-opening and beautifully relatable. Ericka opens up about her journey, sharing her early experiences with alcohol and the complicated gene ..read more

True story. I had a client who drank to numb out the news. It was mainly politics that got her really riled up. Her solution to righting the wrong decisions made in Washington was to sit on her back porch and numb out with a bottle of wine. While continuing to scroll through the news. Her anxiety was through the roof. Drinking was like pouring gasoline on the fire. Numbing or destressing with alcohol because you’re nervous about how this election is going to turn out is only going to make you feel worse. Your sleep will be wrecked. Your cortisol and adrenaline levels will skyrocket, and you ..read more

Pop the AF bubbly because today, we’re raising a glass to 100 amazing Mondays with But Jesus Drank Wine! We can hardly believe we’ve hit this milestone, and we couldn’t have done it without every single one of you tuning in, sharing, and growing with us week after week. This celebration is all about YOU, the community that’s made BJDW such a beautiful journey! In this centennial episode, we’re counting down our top 10 favorite moments, packed with unforgettable memories and game-changing conversations. From life-changing interviews that had us all in awe to the down-to-earth, laugh-out-loud mo ..read more

Today we are joined by the amazing Dupe Witherick, the powerhouse behind Thrive Alcohol Free, and author of “Cocktail of Clarity.” Dupe opens up about her personal and professional transformation, sharing how she made alcohol a non-factor in her life and how she's now on a mission to help women break free from the societal pressure to drink. Dupe’s story is so relatable—she spent over 20 years in the corporate world, navigating the challenges and booze-filled culture that came with it. But during the pandemic, something shifted. She embarked on a 21-day alcohol break inspired by her church’s f ..read more

So, you’ve started your alcohol break, and instead of feeling like a million bucks, you’re wondering why you’re not glowing with joy and running around town with a ton of energy just yet?! Trust us, we've been there, and today’s podcast episode is just for you! In this episode, we get real about what it’s like in the early stages of quitting alcohol—you know, the part where it feels more “meh” than magical. We totally get it! Breaking free from booze isn’t always easy, and sometimes, it’s downright hard. But here’s the thing: the freedom you’re craving is so worth the journey. We dive into why ..read more

Today we chat with Tabbin Almond to explore her profound journey to sobriety and the transformative power it holds—both personally and professionally. Her new book, Bottling Up Trouble: How Alcohol is Harming Your Business and What to Do About It, opens up about her early life surrounded by alcohol, her fast-paced career in advertising, and the pivotal moments that led her to change her life. Tabbin’s has a passion for creating change in workplace culture, where alcohol is often woven into the fabric of socializing and stress management. She provides insightful analysis on how these environmen ..read more

UNPOPULAR OPINION: If you’re still learning from that drink you had, then it can still be extremely helpful in reducing or ditching alcohol altogether. Growth points (drinking when the goal was not drinking) are valuable . Yes, you read that right! Every time you reach for a drink when you’d resolved not to, you’re not failing - you’re collecting precious data . You’re learning about why you chose to drink and whether that drink truly delivered what you were seeking. It’s all about growth, learning, and better understanding yourself . Think about it this way - if you were running a marathon an ..read more

This week on the podcast we welcome our resident Biblical scholar, Pastor David Walters, to dive deep into the complex relationship between faith and alcohol consumption. Together, we explore not only the personal challenges of finding satisfaction in earthly things but also the broader implications of how these choices intersect with Christian values and community practices. Pastor David sheds light on the concept of moderation and how, while it is often seen as a balanced approach, it may not always lead to true satisfaction, especially when it comes to alcohol. We address the tension betwee ..read more

Sherry Hoppen stops by the BJDW studio to share her powerful journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the pivotal role that surrendering to God and finding a supportive community has played in her healing process. She opens up about the challenges of addressing alcohol use disorder within the church, shedding light on the shame and stigma that often hinder open conversations. Sherry emphasizes the need for more resources and understanding within faith communities. Throughout the episode, Sherry stresses that surrendering to God and connecting with a supportive community is vital for a s ..read more

Today, we’re chatting about the transformative power of playfulness. We explore how a lack of play often signals underlying anxiety—and how humor, play, and creativity can be powerful antidotes to stress. We share lots of practical ways to invite more fun and lightheartedness into your alcohol-free life. By exploring the surprising link between play and natural dopamine release, we reveal how activities like dancing, singing, and even being silly with your kids can provide the mood boost we often seek in alcohol.  Through personal stories and reflections, we emphasize how reconnecting wit ..read more