"But Jesus Drank Wine" & Other Stories That Kept Us Stuck

• Beyond Rehab and 12 Steps | From Traditional Recovery to True Transformation

  Have you ever wondered why traditional recovery works for some people—but didn’t quite fit for you? This week, we’re pulling back the curtain with our friend and BJDW team member Heather whose journey to freedom started inside a rehab program that followed a 12-step model…and ended in a deeper, Jesus-led transformation. Heather opens up about what she learned, what didn’t resonate, and how she found freedom—not just sobriety—through faith, community, and truth. If you’ve ever felt out of place in traditional recovery, or wrestled with words like powerless and alcoholic, this conversation is going to set something free inside you. 📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The parts of traditional recovery that helped Heather build early sobriety. The moments she knew she needed “something more” than meetings. Why labeling herself “powerless” didn’t align with her identity in Christ. How she integrated her faith into a secular recovery space—and what changed when she stopped compartmentalizing. The difference between sobriety and freedom (and why one without the other still feels stuck). The emotional sobriety piece that’s often missing in traditional models. How Jesus met her in unexpected places—from rehab groups to backyard birthday parties. Why community, not control, is what actually sustains transformation. 💌 Links & Resources: Previous Episodes Mentioned: Heather D’s First Episode: From High-Achieving to Healing, Heather Dillion’s Story God Doesn’t Call You An Alcoholic, He Calls You His Beloved Daughter ☀️ Join the January Fast https://butjesusdrankwine.com/thefast 🤝 Join our community: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community 📖 Order your copy of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind https://amzn.to/42l7z9C 📲 Connect on Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine 🎥 Watch on YouTube: Come hang out with us 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.

  --------  

  55:25

  --------

  55:25
• The One Simple Thing You Can Do to Protect Your Teen from Alcohol Harm with Professor Rob Turrisi

  Today we’re joined by one of the world’s leading experts on teen drinking and prevention—Professor Rob Turrisi, a Penn State researcher whose 35+ years of work have shaped national programs through MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and schools across the U.S. In this important and hope-filled conversation, Professor Turrisi unpacks why teens start drinking, what actually works when it comes to prevention, and how parents can foster healthy, connected relationships that reduce risk and build trust. If you’re a parent, mentor, teacher, or anyone who cares about the next generation, this episode offers both science and a compassionate look at what helps, what doesn’t, and how small, everyday actions can have lifelong impact. 📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why even “just a sip” matters more than you might think The number one thing parents can do to reduce harm to their teenagers How to discourage drinking without creating rebellion or shame The surprising truth about “supervised drinking” and why it backfires How early drinking affects brain development, liver health, and long-term outcomes The real statistics behind college drinking—and the 75 lives lost every weekend in the U.S. How to talk to your kids about peer pressure and what to say when they say “everyone’s doing it” The five parenting practices that build resilience and connection: positive communication, modeling, gratitude, creating a welcoming environment, and shared decision-making Why delaying alcohol use is one of the greatest gifts we can give our teens 💌 Links & Resources: 🤝 Join our community: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community 📖 Order your copy of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind https://amzn.to/42l7z9C 📲 Connect on Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine 🎥 Watch on YouTube: Come hang out with us 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.

  --------  

  1:09:11

  --------

  1:09:11
• Margie’s Story | Tracing God’s Fingerprints to Freedom

  Today’s episode is one of those that reminds us why we do this! We’re joined by our beloved community member Margie, who shares her breathtaking story of redemption — a story marked by God’s fingerprints in every moment, from early struggles with alcohol to the steady unfolding of peace, purpose, and true freedom in Christ. What began decades ago as a quiet search for belonging became a story of divine pursuit — one where God never stopped showing up, even when shame, anxiety, and vodka tried to take the lead. Margie opens up about the hard years, the miracle moments, and the countless little ways God met her — sometimes in spilled drinks, sometimes in worship songs, and always in love. Whether you’re still in the messy middle or walking in freedom, this conversation will help you start spotting God’s fingerprints in your own story, because He’s closer than you think. 📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Margie’s lifelong relationship with alcohol began and how God patiently rewrote her story. The difference between striving for control and surrendering to grace. How worship, Scripture, and the BJDW community helped her break the cycle of shame and isolation. Why vulnerability is the bridge between stuck and free. What it really means to trust God’s timing. How to look for God’s way out, even when you miss it, and return to gratitude the next day. The freedom that comes when shame no longer silences your story. 💡 Tiny Tina Tip:If you’re praying for God to help you in temptation — look for His fingerprints.They might show up in small interruptions, a worship lyric, or a gentle nudge from someone who loves you. Even if you miss them in the moment, thank Him the next day. He’s always faithful. 💌 Links & Resources: 🤝 Join our community: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community 📖 Order your copy of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind 📲 Connect on Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine 🎥 Watch on YouTube: Come hang out with us there! 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.

  --------  

  1:03:38

  --------

  1:03:38
• Amber’s Story | From Moderation Rules to True Freedom

  We’re celebrating something special today, Amber’s one-year alcohol-free anniversary! 🩷 Amber is not only a beloved member of our But Jesus Drank Wine community, she’s also part of our leadership team, guiding women toward freedom with compassion, wisdom, and grace. In this heartfelt and hope-filled conversation, Amber shares her powerful story, from binge drinking and endless moderation “rules” to finding peace, purpose, and freedom through Christ. She opens up about the fears she had around her marriage, motherhood, and social life… and how God met her in every single one of them. Whether you’re just beginning to question your relationship with alcohol or already walking your own exodus, Amber’s story will remind you that you’re not alone, and surrender is where freedom begins. 📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The exhausting cycle of guilt, shame, and 3 a.m. wake-ups (and what finally broke it). Why moderation rules don’t work — even for disciplined women — and what does. How faith-based support and community transformed her healing journey. The fear of losing her marriage, and how God made it even stronger without alcohol. What it’s like to celebrate big milestones (like your 40th birthday!) sober and joy-filled. How planning ahead helped her stay grounded at parties, vacations, and social events. How her anxiety and prayer life completely changed when alcohol left the picture. What freedom looks like in marriage, motherhood, and everyday joy. 💌 Links & Resources: 🤝 Join our community: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community 📖 Order your copy of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind 📲 Connect on Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine 🎥 Watch on YouTube: Come hang out with us there! 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.

  --------  

  48:14

  --------

  48:14
• Known in Every Thought | Scripture Meditation on Psalm 139:1–4

  What if God already knows your every thought—and still loves you? In this Scripture meditation on Psalm 139:1–4, we begin our Fully Known, Fully Loved series with a reflection on God’s deep, intimate knowledge of us. Using the Lectio Divina method, we’ll gently meditate on the reality that God knows every word before we speak it, every move before we make it—and none of that scares Him away. In a world obsessed with self-discovery, these verses remind us of something even more powerful: Before we try to figure ourselves out… God already knows. And His love is unwavering. In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll be invited to:• Reflect on what it means to be fully known by God• Consider how God sees and understands you with perfect love• Rest in the truth that His knowledge of you is not threatening—but comforting 📓 Download your FREE companion journal for the Fully Known, Fully Loved series https://jodieniznik.myflodesk.com/fullyloved This journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Entire Meditation Text:Psalm 139:1–6 (NLT)1 O LORD, you have examined my heartand know everything about me.2 You know when I sit down or stand up.You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.3 You see me when I traveland when I rest at home.You know everything I do.4 You know what I am going to sayeven before I say it, LORD.5 You go before me and follow me.You place your hand of blessing on my head.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,too great for me to understand! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

  --------  

  22:06

  --------

  22:06

More Religion & Spirituality podcasts

Trending Religion & Spirituality podcasts

About "But Jesus Drank Wine" & Other Stories That Kept Us Stuck