Christy chats with Jon Seidl, bestselling Christian author and founder of The Veritas Network, to discuss addiction, anxiety, and the road to true freedom.

Jon has spent years in journalism, faith-based media, and nonprofit work with I Am Second, helping people tell their stories of transformation. But behind the scenes, he was silently battling anxiety, OCD, and alcohol dependency, even as he was a known Christian mental health advocate.

Jon opens up about how cultural and personal pressures led him into alcohol dependency, despite his deep faith. He shares the moment he hit rock bottom, the role of therapy and spiritual surrender in his recovery, and the hard but necessary process of sanctification—how God refines us even through our failures.

This episode also dives into the themes of Jon’s upcoming book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: A Candid Conversation on Drinking, Addiction, and How to Break Free.

Jon doesn’t just explore the struggles—he offers practical, faith-filled solutions for those struggling with alcohol.

Resources Mentioned:

The Veritas Daily: Jon’s daily faith-based inspiration at TheVeritasDaily.com

Join the conversation in our community at https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community.

Order Christy’s book now available! Love Life Sober, A 40 Day Alcohol Fast To Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health and Renew Your Mind

Learn More about Coaching with Christy

Learn More about Coaching with Meade

Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy @butjesusdrankwine

You can find this episode on YouTube 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.

JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE!

For some reason, sharing my alcohol story has always been easy for me. But today’s podcast episode has been 42 years in the making. I’ve never told this story before.

Today, I want to tell you all about how I rediscovered Jesus. It’s a story of redemption, sobriety, and His unrelenting love that has shaped my life. This isn’t a story of religious perfection; it’s one of shame and brokenness and a profound reconnection with God that changed everything.

Growing up, my mother’s unwavering Christian faith was a constant in my life. She planted seeds of faith in my heart, even when I didn’t fully realize it.

When I went to college and ventured into early adulthood, those roots of faith began to feel distant. Life’s demands and distractions pulled me away, and I drifted. Yet, I always felt a quiet, persistent call deep in my soul—a whisper that refused to let me go.

In 2018, my world was upended. Losing my mom was a heartbreak I wasn’t prepared for. That loss brought me to my knees. In my grief, I found myself turning back to the Bible, searching for comfort, answers, and—if I’m honest—a way to understand myself again. I didn’t just read the words; I clung to them. Slowly, those seeds my mom had planted began to bloom.

As I delved deeper into my faith, I wrestled with the tension between living in a performance-driven world and embracing the transformative power of grace. I’d spent so much of my life trying to prove myself—to be “good enough.” But God met me in the messiness of my real life.

Here’s what I’ve come to know: being a Christian isn’t about rules or rituals. It’s about a deeply personal relationship with Jesus. It’s about freedom—the kind that heals your heart and fills your life with purpose. It’s about saying “yes” to grace when everything in you wants to cling to control.

Sobriety has been a significant part of my faith journey. For me, giving up alcohol wasn’t just about breaking a habit; it was about stepping into a life of clarity and intentionality, free from the things that clouded my connection to God.

If you’re navigating your own sobriety journey, wrestling with questions of faith, or simply searching for encouragement, know this: God’s grace is big enough for your doubts and your struggles. He has good plans and He can redeem your story, just like He did for me.

Resources Mentioned:

• Why We Can Trust The Bible, Suzy Silk, Church of the City New York https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/church-of-the-city-new-york/id1245313998?i=1000652522766

• The Gospel of John - Savoring the Peace of Jesus in a Chaotic World by Melissa Spoelstra https://a.co/d/7VgMw5Z

Have you experienced a moment where faith changed everything? Join the conversation in our community at https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community.

Order Christy’s book now available! Love Life Sober, A 40 Day Alcohol Fast To Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health and Renew Your Mind

Learn More about Coaching with Christy

Learn More about Coaching with Meade

Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy @butjesusdrankwine

You can find this episode on YouTube 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.

JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE!

Today Meade shares her deeply personal faith story. Through moments of vulnerability and profound honesty, Meade recounts her transformation from a life of struggles with alcohol to finding freedom and identity in her faith.

Growing up, Meade believed that Jesus was only for the 'perfect,' which led her to distance herself from faith during her teenage and early adult years. Her story takes a pivotal turn as she describes a life-changing guided meditation session where she felt an undeniable encounter with Jesus. This experience sparked a journey of self-discovery, sobriety, and spiritual growth.

Meade speaks candidly about how aligning her faith journey with the responsibilities of daily life has been both challenging and rewarding. She highlights the importance of seeking guidance, diving into scripture, and building a supportive community to sustain her faith.

The episode delves into themes of shame, surrender, and the transformative power of worship music, showing how Meade’s journey has been a relational process with Jesus, filled with curiosity, courage, and reconnection.

Whether you're on your own faith journey, navigating sobriety, or simply curious about the transformative power of grace, this episode offers hope and encouragement.

And to hear Meade's Freedom From Alcohol Story visit Episode 2 of the "But Jesus Drank Wine" Podcast here:

Meade's Alcohol Story

Order Christy’s book now available! Love Life Sober, A 40 Day Alcohol Fast To Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health and Renew Your Mind

Learn More about Coaching with Christy

Learn More about Coaching with Meade

Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy @butjesusdrankwine

You can find this episode on YouTube 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.