Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic with Jon Seidl

“Our hypocrisy is our testimony. That’s God’s glory on display.” That truth from Faith Womack is exactly what those of us with messy sanctification stories not only need to hear, but embrace and embody. We all fall short. We all stumble. And yet, God uses our weakness—not our polished moments—to reveal His power and his grace. Faith Womack is one of the most popular Bible teachers on the internet with over 200,000 Instagram followers, and today she's joining the podcast to talk about how our struggles are exactly what God uses to not only refine us but to put himself on display. In this conversation, Faith and I also talk about how to actually read the Bible faithfully, why so many Christians misuse Scripture, and what it means to walk out holiness without falling into perfectionism. We explore the tension between grace and obedience, why context matters, why so many believers doubt their salvation, and how to build a life that’s rooted in the Word of God. She even helps us unpack some of the Scriptures used against those of us with messy sanctification stories and introduces us to her new book, No More Boring Bible Study. If you’ve ever felt like your failures or weaknesses disqualify you, this episode is a reminder that they are the very place God shines the brightest. We explore: — Why “hermeneutics” isn’t scary but essential— What legalism gets wrong about holiness— Lordship Salvation and the fear of “going on sinning”— How to hold grace and obedience together without shame— Why the thief on the cross destroys our performance mindset— What 1 John and Romans 7 really teach about believers and sin— How to stop weaponizing Scripture and start being formed by it— Why Bible study must be relational, not just informational— How abiding in Christ transforms us over time— The lifelong journey from hypocrisy to testimony Website: BibleNerdMinistries.com Instagram: @biblenerdministries Book: No More Boring Bible Study Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order Jon's new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. Get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“I was tormented. Literally tormented. I'd look in the mirror and go, ‘What are you doing? That’s not you.’” Brandon Puffer had everything, or so it seemed. He was a Major League pitcher with a World Series ring and was even being groomed to be a big league coach. But beneath the success were so many secret wounds that he refused to deal with. One night, after years of quiet compromising and numbing pain with alcohol, he made a decision that changed everything. In this episode, Brandon tells his story with raw honesty—from a childhood shaped by trauma and numbing, to five years of sobriety and faith, to the night that landed him in a Texas prison. He shares how small compromises led to massive consequences, what repentance really looks like, and how God’s grace can redeem even the most broken story. This isn’t a tale of excuses, it’s one of ownership, humility, and the long, painful work of redemption. We explore: — The slippery slope from “one drink” to full relapse— How trauma and insecurity planted the seeds of addiction— Why white-knuckling sobriety never works— What true repentance means: turning, not just confessing— How taking full responsibility became his path to freedom— The consequences that remain even after grace— How to live unashamed when the world won’t forget— Why humility, gratitude, and daily discipline keep him sober— What it means to be “faithful in the little things” after hitting bottom Website: coachpuffpositive.com Book: From the Bullpen to the State Pen Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order Jon's new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. Get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Sin’s power is disconnection.” That's one of the essential ideas that runs through what therapist and author Chuck DeGroat talks about in this episode. A longtime pastor and counselor, Chuck isn't just commenting on burnout and addiction from afar—he's actually lived it. In fact, he opens up about his own journey of breaking down in his early forties, when his body and soul finally gave out after years of religious workaholism. That collapse became the doorway into healing what was broken within. That also happens to be the topic of his latest book, Healing What's Within. In this conversation, Chuck unpacks what he calls homing: the Spirit’s invitation to return to the worth, belonging, and purpose we were made for. We talk about addiction not as the problem, but as the attempted solution to disconnection. Chuck even explains why true recovery isn’t about behavior modification, but about reconnection—to God, to self, and to others. We also discuss why repentance must be specific, how trauma fragments our stories, and what it means to offer empathy to our unhealed parts rather than shame. This is a deeply pastoral, psychological, and hopeful episode for anyone who’s ever wondered, Why do I do what I don’t want to do—and how do I find my way home? We explore: — The three essential questions from Genesis that still heal today: “Where are you?”, “Who told you?”, and “Have you eaten?”— How addiction is an attempted solution to pain and disconnection— Why every human is, at some level, an addict— The myth of purity and how God still uses broken people— What true repentance looks like: specific, reparative, and relational— “Faux-nerability” vs. authentic vulnerability— Why trauma isn’t what happens to us, but what happens inside us— The four needs every child has: to be safe, seen, soothed, and secure— The danger of coping mechanisms that look holy, like workaholism— How to come home to yourself through curiosity, connection, and grace Website: chuckdegroat.net Explore one of Chuck's Soul Care Intensives Chuck's blog: "Sit With Chuck" Book: Healing What's Within Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order Jon's new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. Get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Sin doesn’t care who you are or what you’ve seen—it’s coming for all of us.” That theme runs through Kirby Kelly’s story. See, she's part of a group of women you don't often hear about: females that struggle (or have struggled) with pornography addiction. Kirby's story is heartbreaking: She was exposed to pornography at four years old, again at seven, and then again at ten. Each time the exposure happened it left a deeper imprint of secrecy and shame. Even after coming to Christ, she carried the hidden struggle for years, convinced she had to fix it alone. In college, a simple exercise called "stand for your sister" opened the door to confession, community, and real healing. But Kirby's exposure to addiction goes beyond her own. She also happens to be the child of two parents who died of complications related to alcoholism.  In this episode, Kirby talks candidly about growing up as the daughter of two alcoholics, why isolation kept her stuck, and how confession—to God and within community—helped her find freedom. She also shares how abiding in Christ moved from discipline to desire, why boundaries are not buzzkills but protection, and the hope-filled message she wants every struggling parent to hear. We explore: — Early exposure, shame, and why secrecy fuels addiction— Confession vs. concealment and how healing begins in honest community— Sanctification: messy, daily, real— Escapism, control, and chasing dopamine— Abiding in Christ as the path to peace and freedom— Practical boundaries for media and triggers— What she tells parents wrestling with addiction and their kids Website: kirby-kelly.com Instagram: @kirbyisaboss Book: You Can Be Free  Podcast: Bought & Beloved Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order Jon's new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. Get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Getting sober without salvation is like giving a painkiller to a cancer patient.” That’s how John Elmore describes the difference between behavior modification and true transformation. He'd know. He was on the verge of ending it all with a shotgun when he finally realized his problem went deeper than just the alcohol. In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, John shares how he spent nearly two decades in the grip of alcoholism—trying everything to fix himself except surrendering to Jesus. From age 13 to 30, alcohol was John's solution, not his problem. But when everything fell apart, he encountered the only thing that could actually save him: the Gospel. Today, as the teaching pastor at Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, TX, and the author of Freedom Starts Today, John helps others discover the same freedom that changed his life. In this episode, we talk about what it means to go from death to life, why sobriety without Jesus will never be enough, and how real recovery happens when grace becomes the motivation instead of guilt. This is about coming to the end of yourself and realizing there's not just something better, but someone better. We explore: — Why “getting sober” isn’t the same as being saved— How sin’s power is greater than willpower— Why alcohol wasn’t the problem—it was the “solution”— What happens when you aim for Jesus instead of behavior management— The spiritual warfare behind addiction and shame— Why every idol eventually destroys what it promises— How to find freedom one day at a time through repentance— John’s ACT framework: Ask, Commit, Talk— What daily dependence on Christ looks like after recovery— Why transformation is only possible through the gospel Follow John Elmore on Instagram. Book: Freedom Starts Today Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order Jon's new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“I didn’t know how to sit still with myself. I didn’t want to be alone with myself.” That’s what Hannah Brencher realized when she was finally able to admit she was an addict. But she wasn't addicted to any substance. Instead, she suffered from an addiction much more common, much more acceptable: her phone. And so many of us share that addiction. Hannah, one of my favorite writers and the author of The Unplugged Hours, opens up about what it took to finally put her phone down, how grief and boredom became her greatest teachers, and why building an inner life is the work we can’t outsource to our screens. We also dive into what happens when distraction becomes dependence, when we build our identity on productivity, and when silence feels like the scariest place in the world. This is a conversation about learning to pay attention again, about how to listen to the still, small voice that says enough is enough, and especially about understanding how to be present. If your addiction is to technology, especially to your phone, this episode is important. We explore:  — How phone addiction mirrors other forms of addiction— Why we can’t heal if we won’t be still— The illusion of productivity and why our worth isn’t in our output— How the phone amplifies anxiety, loneliness, and shame— The spiritual discipline of paying attention— How boredom becomes the birthplace of creativity— What it means to build an “inner life” instead of curating an online one— Why grace, not guilt, has to lead this journey— The difference between honesty and vulnerability— What “enough is enough” sounds like in everyday life Follow Hannah: @hannahbrencher Book: The Unplugged Hours Hannah's website: hannahbrenchercreative.com Get Hannah's emails here. Free "unplugged hours" tracker. Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Once I started drinking, I didn’t want to stop until something made me.” That’s how Stephanie Ziebell describes the grip alcohol had on her life. Stephanie got sober in Wisconsin—the capital of drinking culture. The place where not having alcohol at your wedding is like not having a bride. But as she shares, even in the middle of a state built on beer, Jesus met her in the mess and gave her freedom she couldn’t find through willpower alone. In this episode, Stephanie opens up about her journey from college party girl to high-powered attorney, from “just wine” to 3 a.m. panic attacks and text messages to her boss that said, “I’m an alcoholic and I need help.” She talks about trying to hold everything together—career, marriage, motherhood—while secretly unraveling, and how God used a boss’s compassion, a pastor’s prayer, and Celebrate Recovery to bring her home. This is a story for anyone who’s tried to dress up sin as "self care," negotiate with themselves over their drinking, or white-knuckle their way through life. And especially those who hit rock bottom, only to find it kept going deeper.  We explore: —Why Wisconsin’s drinking culture is unlike anywhere else—How “sophisticated wine drinking” became the new disguise for addiction—What it’s like to hit multiple rock bottoms before real change—Why 3 a.m. panic attacks can become divine wake-up calls—The difference between knowing and admitting you have a problem—How shame keeps us stuck and grace sets us free—What it looks like when a boss and a pastor respond with compassion, not condemnation—How Celebrate Recovery and Scripture changed Stephanie’s mindset—Why grace—not guilt—is the most powerful motivator for healing—What life looks like now on the other side of surrender Follow Stephanie: @radiantinbattle Get Stephanie's sobriety guides here. Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Shame is first and foremost not a thing that begins with me thinking a certain thing about myself. It begins first as a thing that I feel literally in my body.” That’s how Dr. Curt Thompson reframed shame in our incredible conversation—and I think he'll probably do the same for you, too. Curt is a psychiatrist, author, and speaker who has shaped the conversation around shame, vulnerability, and the stories we tell ourselves. In this episode, we talk about why addicts often feel trapped in cycles of shame, how vulnerability heals what hiding cannot, and why our deepest longings can only be met when we’re seen, soothed, safe, and secure. This conversation weaves together neuroscience, theology, psychology, and pastoral wisdom. Curt unpacks why shame isolates, how addicts can actually become addicted to shame itself, and why bearing our wounds may be the most powerful witness of all. If you've struggled with shame related to who you are, who you were, or what you've done, please listen to this episode. You won't regret it. We explore: —Why shame starts in the body, not the mind—The connection between shame and addiction—Why we sometimes become addicted to shame itself—How storytelling helps us make sense of pain—The difference between godly grief and toxic shame—Why vulnerability is central to healing—The role of wounds in the Gospel and why Jesus models them—The four core needs: seen, soothed, safe, secure—How vulnerability allows others to feel known and loved—Why the Christian story reframes shame into redemption Website: curtthompsonmd.com Podcast: The Being Known Podcast Books: The Soul of Shame, The Soul of Desire, Anatomy of the Soul Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“High performers can hold it together—but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy.” That’s how Julie Holly describes the tension she lived in for years. On the outside, she was a successful entrepreneur, coach, and podcaster. But on the inside, alcohol was becoming her go-to solution for stress, escape, and the ache of not belonging. And like many high-performers, her success masked the weight that alcohol was starting to become round her neck. But a doctor’s curiosity and an honest comment from one of her children gave her the reality check she had been running from. In this conversation, Julie opens up about how drinking became tied to belonging, how craft cocktails became a nightly ritual that both connected and slowly destroyed, and how a doctor’s gentle curiosity helped her finally face the truth. In addition, she explains the quiet midnight wrestling matches she had with God, how mining her story of origin revealed abandonment wounds, and the courage it takes to name alcohol for what it really is. This isn’t a rock-bottom story. It’s about a high achiever learning that freedom comes not from holding it all together, but from finally letting go. We explore: —Why high-functioning people struggle to admit alcohol is a problem—How Julie’s drive for belonging fueled her drinking—The danger of comparison and the “at least I’m not that bad” trap—Why story work and exploring our past is essential for healing—How God patiently pursues us through small moments and people—The role of ego and elitism in justifying drinking—Why midnight wrestling with God reveals deeper unrest—The moment a doctor’s curiosity, not condemnation, opened her eyes—How money spent on alcohol can be repurposed into kingdom work—The freedom of realizing you belong because you belong to the Father Instagram: @thejulieholly Julie's newsletter: Read it here Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“If I’m numbing the lows, I’m numbing the highs. And then I’m just in this nothingness.” Here's the thing about alcohol: So many of us use it to numb the lows, but alcohol isn't a precision numbing agent. What does that mean? That while it can be useful to deal with the valleys, it also keeps you from enjoying the peaks. That’s exactly how Sarah Zanotti describes the trap alcohol created in her life. Sarah is an actress, filmmaker, songwriter, and content creator you’ve probably seen in sketches with John Crist. But beneath the laughs is a story of drunk driving, OCD, eating disorders, and a desperate search for control that nearly cost her everything. In this conversation, Sarah gets brutally honest about the night she drove drunk with her niece, why that wasn’t even her rock bottom, and the voice of God that told her: “The person you want to be can’t take alcohol with her.” She talks about why grace became more addicting than alcohol, how creativity was reborn in recovery, and what it means to live in peace instead of constant performance. We explore: —Sarah’s creative journey from Berklee to Nashville to filmmaking—How OCD, religious scrupulosity, and eating disorders shaped her story—Driving drunk with her niece in the backseat and why that wasn’t rock bottom—Why addiction often grows out of perfectionism and control—How alcohol felt like instant relief but robbed her of real peace—The moment she realized, “the person I want to be can’t take alcohol with her”—Learning to sit with uncomfortable emotions instead of running from them—How sobriety rebirthed her creativity and music career—What her relationship with God looks like now—less careful, more honest—Why the biggest lie is believing we’re separate from God Instagram: @sarahzanotti Film: The Unraveling (available on Amazon) Music: Sobering Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Forgiveness is not the goal of salvation. Fellowship with God is the goal of salvation.” Think about that for a second. I had to. That’s how Kyle Worley reframes the Gospel in his new book, Home with God. And at first glance, it may seem...odd. Because so many of us think salvation is mainly about getting our sins forgiven so we can go to heaven. But Kyle rightly blows that up. Instead, he explains that forgiveness is just the doorway. The real point of salvation is life with God, not just in the future but here and now. In other words, life is about abiding with Christ. And as I've come to find out, that is crucial to recovering from any addiction.  In this conversation, Kyle—pastor, theologian, and author—helps us rethink salvation, grace, and identity. We talk about why forgiveness isn’t the finish line, why grace feels so disruptive, and how union with Christ resets the “broken compass” of our desires. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to be saved, or felt like you were stuck chasing performance, this episode will reframe the story: salvation is about coming home. Again and again and again. We explore:  —Why salvation is about fellowship, not just forgiveness—How identity in Christ reshapes recovery and freedom—The difference between behavior change and true transformation—Why grace feels disruptive and hard to receive—How Kyle counsels addicts through union with Christ—The “broken compass” of desire and how Christ reorients it—Faith as agreement, affection, and allegiance—How attention and desire shape the people we become—Why repentance is more than reflection—The Heidelberg Catechism and the comfort of not belonging to yourself Books: Home with God and Formed for Fellowship Website: kyleworley.net Newsletter: Sacred Slang Instagram: @kyleworley Podcast: Knowing Faith Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“There’s a part of you that drinks and a part of you that doesn’t—and that doesn’t make you crazy. That makes you human.” What happens when your faith says one thing and your actions say another? And what do you do when the coping mechanisms that once helped you survive start controlling you? That’s where today’s conversation lives—right in the messy space where faith and psychology meet, and it answers the question, "Why do I do the things I don't want to do?" Dr. Alison Cook is a Christian therapist and the author of two incredible books that were monumental in my own addiction recovery: Boundaries for Your Soul and I Shouldn’t Feel This Way. In this episode of "Confessions," Alison talks about how parts of ourselves can be both hurting and helping, how to hold compassion without coddling, cognitive dissonance, and why curiosity—not shame—is what truly leads to transformation. We also explore spiritual bypassing, the New Testament idea of sozo (salvation/healing), and how Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps us make sense of the parts of us that manage, protect, and sometimes reach for the “firehose” when pain flares up.  If you’ve ever been disgusted by your own actions, but are ready to stop beating yourself up, you'll want to listen. We explore:  —Why Christians often experience cognitive dissonance but don’t know how to name it—What Internal Family Systems (IFS) is and how it helps you understand yourself—How to tell the difference between healthy coping and numbing—The concept of “firefighters,” “managers,” and “exiles” inside your internal system—Why spiritual bypassing is so common in the church—How trauma gets buried and drives our behavior—What Scripture really means by “salvation” (sozo)—The link between addiction and unprocessed pain—Why medication can be a gift of common grace—How Jacob’s limp and new name point to a holy, healed identity Books: Boundaries for Your Soul and I Shouldn't Feel This Way Website: dralisoncook.com Instagram: @dralisoncook Podcast: The Best of You Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“There are really only two kinds of people in this world—people in recovery who know they are, and people in recovery who think they're not.” Tullian Tchividjian was on top of the Christian world. A bestselling author, megachurch pastor, sought-after speaker—and yes, the grandson of Billy Graham. Then everything imploded.  After a very public affair and ministry collapse, Tullian disappeared from the spotlight. But it was in that wilderness season that he encountered something deeper than the shame that threatened to kill him and the people that tried to bury him: the radical, scandalous grace of God. In this vulnerable, raw, and hope-filled episode, Tullian talks about what it’s like to fall hard and yet be caught by Jesus. He opens up about his story, shame, addiction, recovery (even for those not struggling with substances), the church's response to sanctification, and what happens when you build your life on performance. This is an episode about honesty, identity, and why real Christianity might look more like a 12-step meeting than a church service. If you've ever wrestled with shame, questioned your standing with God, or wondered if there's grace for "someone like you," this episode is for you. We explore: —How Tullian went from prodigal to pastor to pariah—Why the church often runs from grace instead of toward it—The difference between guilt and shame—and why identity matters—Why grace isn't soft on sin but the only real power to change—What radical vulnerability looks like in practice—Why churches should look more like recovery meetings—The lifelong nature of recovery, even without substance addiction—How grace makes us honest, and law keeps us hiding—Why sanctification isn’t about climbing higher but falling deeper into grace—The gift of being "uncancellable" through confession and grace Book: Carnage and Grace Website: tullian.net Instagram: @tulliantch Church: The Sanctuary Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Silence isn’t honor.” Think about that phrase for a second. How many times have we believed the opposite, or been led to believe the opposite? Those words come from Gina Birkemeier. Gina is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and the author of Generations Deep, one of the best books you'll ever read on breaking generational trauma. She’s also someone who has lived through—and broken—the very cycles we often feel trapped by. In this important episode of the Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic podcast, we explore how trauma gets passed down through our genes (it does in a fascinating way!), how to recognize those inherited wounds, and how to actually start the healing process—both for yourself and the generations after you. We dive deep into epigenetics, legacy burdens, and the truth behind phrases like "generational curses" and even "blood is thicker than water." (Did you realize that phrase doesn't mean what you think it means?) We also talk about how men and women often deal with trauma differently, why emotionally corrective experiences matter so much, and how to hold compassion and boundaries at the same time. This episode is especially helpful for anyone who has experienced the same traumas or addictions popping up in their family tree time and time again. (And for those who want to be cycle-breakers.) We explore: —Why trauma isn’t just “big T” trauma like abuse, but includes subtle attachment wounds—How unhealed pain gets passed down through generations (and genes)—What epigenetics is and why it matters for recovery—How legacy burdens shape our identity, even when we don’t recognize them—The truth behind “blood is thicker than water” (hint: we’ve had it wrong)—How EMDR and IFS therapy can unlock healing—Why emotionally corrective experiences are vital—and how to spot them—The difference in how men and women process trauma—What to do when you’ve already had kids and want to stop the cycle—How to set boundaries with family without bitterness or rage Website: ginabirkemeier.com Instagram: @myoutloudvoice Book: Generations Deep: Unmasking Inherited Dysfunction and Trauma to Rewrite Our Stories Through Faith and Therapy Follow Jon: @jonseidl Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.comSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“It doesn’t happen overnight. Just small little incremental concessions.” That’s how Bill Seymour describes his descent into alcoholism—one slow slide at a time. Bill didn’t grow up in chaos. He wasn’t trying to escape trauma. He was raised in a Christian home, went to church every Sunday, married his high school sweetheart, and built a successful creative agency. But along the way—through cul-de-sac drinking culture, ego, stress, and hiding—he lost his marriage, his connection with his kids, and nearly his life. In this raw, reflective, and redemptive episode, Bill shares how drinking slowly consumed everything that mattered to him—and how God broke through when nothing else could. He talks about going from a picture-perfect life to drinking alone in the dark, spending Memorial Day weekend in a psych ward, and hearing the Holy Spirit in a counselor’s office. This is a story of consequences, but it’s also a story of grace, second chances, and surrender. And how Jesus is at the center of it all. If you’ve ever wondered how someone gets to the point of losing it all—or how they start rebuilding when it feels like it’s too late—this episode will hit home. We explore: —How alcohol quietly took over Bill’s life despite a strong Christian upbringing—The role of social drinking, ego, and work culture in his spiral—Why suburban drinking culture can be just as dangerous as partying—The moment his wife filed for divorce and everything unraveled—What it felt like to be estranged from his daughter—The night he heard himself say the words: “It’s the drinking”—How he went from rehab to redemption—without rewriting the truth—Why his kids are now watching him make amends, and how he shows up sober—The quiet, slow miracle of rebuilding a life with purpose—Why Jesus—not just sobriety—is at the center of it all Read Bill's writing: Wilderness Tested Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/jonseidl/ Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.com.Support the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"You can’t hate yourself healthy." That’s the kind of line that sticks with you—not just because it’s catchy, but because it’s true. And for Erin Jean Warde, it was the truth that changed everything. In this episode, I sit down with Erin—an ordained Episcopal priest, recovery coach, and author of Sober Spirituality—to talk about what it looks like to build a mindful relationship with alcohol. Erin didn’t crash her car. She didn’t destroy her life. But she knew something wasn’t right. So she listened to the nudge of the Holy Spirit and started to explore what life could look like without drinking—and what she found was joy, creativity, clarity, and deep healing. This is a conversation about identity, escapism, and the quiet conviction that comes before the crisis. And how a misordered relationship with alcohol isn't a conservative Christian problem or a progressive Christian problem—it's a universal problem.  We explore: —Why mindfulness matters more than rigid categories—The danger of finding your identity in alcohol—Why progressive and conservative Christians both normalize drinking—How escapism fuels addiction (even when you’re physically present)—What neuroscience taught Erin about anxiety, depression, and alcohol—How marketing targets moms and women with deceptive alcohol messaging—The difference between “treating yourself” and truly resting—Why you don’t have to wait for a wake-up call to get curious—How sobriety opened up creativity, healing, and deep spiritual intimacy—What it means to respond to the Holy Spirit in love—not shame Website: erinjeanwarde.com Book: Sober Spirituality: The Joy of a Mindful Relationship with Alcohol Substack: Erin Jean Warde on Substack Instagram: @erinjeanwarde Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/jonseidl/ Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.com.Support the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“If alcohol is costing you your peace, it’s too expensive.” That idea is what helped Christy Osborne realize she needed to change her relationship with alcohol. Christy didn’t end up in jail. She didn’t wreck her marriage. She wasn’t waking up every morning with the shakes. From the outside, she looked like a thriving mom living the perfect life in London. But internally, she was anxious, ashamed, and starting to realize that alcohol wasn’t helping her anymore—instead it was slowly stealing her peace. In this episode, Christy shares a story that is likely familiar with many: someone whose problem drinking didn't look like the movies, but still needed to change. She explains how she broke free from what she calls gray area drinking, learned to process the grief of losing her mom in a healthy way, and how she chose to walk a new path rooted in neuroscience, grace, and faith. She opens up about grieving her alcohol identity, letting go of the “fun mom” persona, and how she now helps women walk through 40 days of grace-filled sobriety through her coaching practice and devotional book Love Life Sober. If you're feeling that "check" inside you, but don't feel like you fit into the traditional category of "alcoholic," this episode will speak to you. We explore:—What gray area drinking really is (and why it’s so common)—Christy’s experience as a high-achieving woman hiding in plain sight—The influence of her mother’s values and example—How alcohol disrupts brain chemistry and emotional regulation—The spiritual tension of being a Christian who drinks—Why you don’t need to hit rock bottom to quit—How grief and stress can trigger a return to old habits—The 40-day framework Christy uses to help women reset—How visualization and mindset work help rewire the brain—What she’s learned coaching hundreds of women through sobriety Get Christy's resources here. Listen to the “But Jesus Drank Wine” podcast Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/jonseidl/ Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.com.Support the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“There is another side. You might not see it yet—but it’s there, and it’s better than you think.” What a line from this week's “Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic” podcast guest, Kristen Bear. Because that’s what this conversation is really about: building something new from the ruins on the other side of what was. Kristen is a model, actress, and creative coach who chased success in LA and NYC while numbing herself with alcohol. She believed drinking gave her an edge, helped her cope with trauma, and kept her fun. But all it did was bury the girl God created her to be. In this raw and redemptive episode, Kristen shares her story of addiction, identity, and coming home to herself. We talk about the lie that alcohol makes you more creative, the trap of performing your way through pain, and how facing her past instead of numbing it changed everything. She also shares the four pillars of her Creative Sobriety Academy, how the non-alcoholic beverage world has exploded, and why we get to rewrite our story—again and again. This episode is for anyone who’s convinced that alcohol is the only thing keeping them sane—or creative—or lovable. Kristen’s story proves that the opposite is true. Sobriety doesn’t strip you of your power. It sets it free. We explore:—Kristen’s early dreams, creative career, and hidden trauma—How alcohol became her way of escaping shame and insecurity—The illusion of being “high-functioning” while privately unraveling—Why she believed alcohol made her more creative—and how sobriety proved her wrong—The truth about mental health meds and alcohol—Her “illumination moment” and how she knew she was done—The power of writing to process pain and break shame—Returning to New York City sober and rewriting that part of her story—How holidays, nostalgia, and identity change in sobriety—The four pillars of her Creative Sobriety Academy—Why the non-alcoholic beverage space is booming—and her favorite picks Kristen's blog: Creative Sobriety Kristen's website: creativesobriety.co Follow Kristen: Instagram Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/jonseidl/ Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.com.Support the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“I used to be so pissed that I’m an addict. And now I’m so grateful that I am.” That’s from Blake Roberts, a licensed therapist, writer, and someone who has walked his own road of addiction and healing. In this episode, we dive deep into his story—particularly his struggles with porn and sex addiction—and why he believes recovery is about so much more than just not drinking, not watching, or not acting out. Blake opens up about his early exposure to sex and substance use, the generational patterns that shaped him, and the moment therapy finally gave him the language and space to name what was really going on. We talk about the importance of language (why he doesn’t always say “I’m a sex addict”), how Internal Family Systems (IFS) gave him a whole new way to view addiction, and why even “moderate” alcohol use was still functioning as an escape for him—and thus why he gave it up. If you’ve ever struggled to understand your own behavior, felt like you didn’t fit the typical “addict” mold, or wanted to know what recovery looks like when it’s rooted in grace and curiosity instead of shame, this episode will hit home. We explore:—Blake’s story of addiction, secrecy, and growing up in dysfunction—Why 12-step recovery was helpful… until it wasn’t—The difference between sobriety and true recovery—How Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy reframed his addiction—Why he says “a part of me is addicted to sex” instead of “I’m a sex addict”—The role his wife played in naming his problematic relationship with alcohol—Why escaping—even subtly—is still escaping—The power of curiosity and compassion in healing—The orchestra metaphor for IFS and living in harmony with your whole self—What it means to be 97% known—and why that’s not enough Blake's Substack: More to the Story Blake's podcast: 3% Podcast Blake's website: blakerobertscounseling.com Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/jonseidl/ Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.com.Support the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Prayer can come before belief.” That’s the lesson that stopped me in my tracks. In this second conversation with Dr. Lisa Stanton—yes, the first-ever repeat guest on the “Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic” podcast—we go even deeper into her story, her recovery, and her brand-new book 52 Life-Changing Lessons I Learned in Recovery. Lisa doesn’t hold back. She talks about everything from leaving voicemails for God because she didn’t know how to pray, to the one line in her book that I haven’t stopped thinking about since I read it: “Another day of sobriety is the wrong goal.” This episode isn’t about pat answers or spiritual clichés. It’s about showing up—broken, angry, uncertain—and still choosing to reach out to a God you’re not even sure you believe in yet. We talk about what real faith looks like, the difference between venting and confessing, and why self-love may not be the answer we've been sold. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your recovery, tired in your faith, or unsure if God’s even listening, this one’s for you. It’s for everyone, not just those that have struggled with addiction. We explore: — Favorite lessons from Lisa’s book, including “prayer can come before belief” —The Google Voice hack: leaving God voicemails when prayer feels empty —Why belief ≠ faith—and how to cultivate an interactional relationship with God —The hidden problem with church and recovery meetings —Why aiming for “another day sober” often backfires—and what true goals look like —The unforgettable “blue truck” story and what it teaches us —Redefining self-love —The key difference between venting emotions and true confession Subscribe to Lisa's newsletter: Things on My Heart Get her book: 52 Life Lessons I Learned in Recovery Follow Lisa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlisastanton  Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/jonseidl/ Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com. Watch this episode and get daily motivation: www.theveritasdaily.com.Support the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.