Alive & Sober

What Real Courage in Alcohol Recovery Looks Like

Join Reno Collier on Alive & Sober as he tackles the real meaning of courage in recovery. In this episode, Reno shares his personal journey, from the fear and vulnerability of asking for help to the realization that true courage is about change, not just toughness. He opens up about the challenges of facing his own defects, the importance of community, and the power of faith in overcoming addiction. Reno’s honest storytelling and humor make this a must-listen for anyone seeking hope and strength on their recovery path.Read: Dive into the Bible and reflect on passages about courage and transformation, such as Philippians 4:13 or Joshua 1:9.Reflect: Consider how courage in your own life might mean asking for help or admitting you can’t do it alone. What old behaviors feel safe but hold you back from growth?Respond: Pray, “Jesus, help me face my fears and defects with honesty. Remind me I’m not alone, and give me the courage to change with your help and the support of others.”Reveal: Share your story of courage with someone else in recovery, or reach out to someone who may need encouragement to take their first step.Keywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, recovery podcast, courage in recovery, addiction help, faith and sobriety, Christian recovery, asking for help, overcoming fear, sobriety support, recovery stories, spiritual growth, 12 steps, mental health, alcoholism, addiction recovery, prayer for courage, community in recovery, personal growth, sobriety journey, Christian podcast

What Acceptance Really Means in Recovery (It’s Not What You Think)

In this episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno dives deep into the true meaning of acceptance and how it plays a crucial role in recovery and daily life. Many believe acceptance means giving up, but Reno shares how it's really about recognizing reality—not approving of it or letting it defeat us. Drawing from personal experiences, especially from his journey with sobriety, Reno discusses the struggle to control people and situations, and how that need for control often leads to disappointment and chaos. He reflects on the Serenity Prayer, emphasizing the importance of letting go and trusting God with what we cannot change.Reno encourages listeners to embrace the 12 steps, connect with others in recovery, and find peace by surrendering control. He shares a heartfelt prayer, asking for strength to let go of old habits and trust in God’s plan. Reno challenges everyone to consider: What are you fighting that you can’t change? He reminds us that peace begins when we stop wasting energy on the impossible and start trusting God.Read: Take time today to read the Serenity Prayer and reflect on its meaning.Reflect: Ask yourself, “What am I fighting that I cannot change?” and consider how acceptance could bring you peace.Respond: Pray, “God, help me let go of what I can’t control and trust You with the rest. Bring me comfort and serenity as I surrender to Your will.”Reveal: Share your journey of acceptance with someone else, or encourage a friend who is struggling to let go and trust God.Keywords: acceptance, sobriety, recovery, Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, Serenity Prayer, letting go, 12 steps, faith, trust God, alcoholism, control, peace, Christian recovery, mental health, spiritual growth, podcast

Progress Over Perfection

In this episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno is joined by Arnie Cole for a raw, honest conversation about faith, recovery, and the power of community. Reno shares his journey from addiction to finding hope in Jesus, addressing the common criticism that faith is just another addiction—and why he’s unapologetic about it. Drawing from Romans 1:16, Reno and Arnie discuss the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel and how a relationship with Jesus can fill the void left by addiction. They explore the challenges of recovery, the need for safe spaces, and the value of progress over perfection. Listeners will hear real stories of struggle, redemption, and the ongoing process of healing, emphasizing that no one is beyond hope or redemption.Take action with the 4 R’s:Read: Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”Reflect: Consider how shame and fear can hold you back in recovery and faith. How does knowing you’re not alone change your perspective?Respond: Pray, “God, thank You for loving me even in my brokenness. Help me to trust You, find strength in community, and never be ashamed of the hope I have in Jesus.”Reveal: Share your story or a word of encouragement with someone who’s struggling. Let them see the difference faith and community have made in your life.Tune in to hear how Reno, Arnie, and the Alive & Sober community are building a place where broken people can find hope, support, and a path to lasting change.Keywords: Reno Collier, Arnie Cole, Alive & Sober, Christian recovery, sobriety, faith and addiction, Romans 1:16, gospel, community support, overcoming shame, Jesus, real recovery stories, hope, redemption, progress not perfection, spiritual growth, Bible, prayer, testimony, addiction recovery, Christian podcast, sober living, mental health, finding purpose, healing, support group, faith journey, inspirational stories

What Real Recovery Actually Looks Like

In this episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno dives deep into the journey of rebuilding a life after addiction, focusing on how faith and surrender to Jesus can restore what was lost. Reno shares personal stories of recovery, emphasizing that true transformation goes beyond just quitting drinking—it’s about letting God heal and rebuild every part of you. Drawing from the promise in Joel 2:25, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locusts have eaten,” Reno explores how God doesn’t just heal wounds but restores the whole person, brick by brick. Listeners will hear about the power of the 12 steps, the importance of spiritual growth, and the hope that comes from seeing real change reflected in the eyes of loved ones.Read: Take time to read Joel 2:25 and reflect on God’s promise of restoration.Reflect: Consider what areas of your life feel broken or lost, and how God might be inviting you to let Him rebuild them.Respond: Pray, “God, thank You for Your promise to restore what I’ve lost. Help me trust You with my pain and let You rebuild my life, one day at a time.”Reveal: Share your story of restoration with someone who needs hope, or offer encouragement to someone struggling with addiction.Keywords: addiction recovery, Christian sobriety, Reno Collier, faith and addiction, Jesus restores, 12 steps, Joel 2:25, spiritual growth, sobriety podcast, hope after addiction, Christian recovery, rebuilding life, God’s restoration, Alive & Sober

Why Your Past Makes You Powerful

In this episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno dives deep into the power of brokenness and how God uses our weaknesses to shine His light. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness," Reno shares personal stories of recovery and the importance of broken people helping other broken people. He explains how those who have faced the darkest moments often become the strongest sources of hope and compassion for others. Reno emphasizes that our scars don't disqualify us—they equip us to help others on their journey.Read: Open your Bible to 1 Corinthians 12:9 and reflect on God's promise that His grace is enough, especially in our weakest moments.Reflect: Think about times when your own struggles have allowed you to connect with and support others. How has God used your brokenness for good?Respond: Pray, "Dear God, help me see how my weaknesses can show Your light. Use my story to bring hope to others. Thank You for loving me. Amen."Reveal: Share your story with someone who may be struggling, offering hope and encouragement from your own experience.If no one told you they love you today, Reno does. Tune in for honest conversation, encouragement, and practical steps to let God use your story for good.Keywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, Christian recovery, 1 Corinthians 12:9, faith and sobriety, hope in brokenness, testimony, grace, overcoming addiction, Christian podcast, recovery stories, spiritual growth, prayer, Bible reflection, helping others, step 12, sobriety support

Why Isolation Is So Dangerous in Recovery

Join Reno Collier on Alive & Sober as he dives into the power of community in recovery, focusing on why isolation is so dangerous for those struggling with addiction. Reno shares personal stories about loneliness, the urge to hide, and how addiction thrives in darkness. He highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your journey, even when you feel unworthy. Today’s episode centers on Hebrews 10:24-25, encouraging us to stir one another up to love and good works.Read: Open your Bible to Hebrews 10:24-25 and consider how it speaks to the need for connection and encouragement in recovery.Reflect: Think about times when you’ve felt isolated or tempted to withdraw. How did that impact your recovery or mental health? What changes when you reach out to others?Respond: Pray, asking God to help you break free from isolation, to bring supportive people into your life, and to give you the strength to encourage others on their journey.Reveal: Take action by reaching out to someone today—go for a walk, attend a meeting, or simply check in with a friend in recovery. Show them they’re not alone, and let your support be a living example of today’s message.If you’re struggling with loneliness or the urge to isolate, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone and that healing happens in community. Listen in for practical encouragement, biblical wisdom, and a heartfelt prayer to help you stay connected and sober.Keywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, addiction recovery, Christian sobriety, Hebrews 10:24-25, power of community, overcoming isolation, sobriety support, faith-based recovery, mental health, prayer for recovery, staying sober, recovery encouragement, Christian podcast, support in addiction, recovery community

Hope for the One Who Thinks It’s Too Late

In this episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno dives deep into the powerful truth that no one is ever too far gone for redemption. Sharing his own struggles with addiction, anxiety, and feelings of unworthiness, Reno encourages anyone who feels like they've blown it one too many times. He unpacks Romans 5:8, reminding us that "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Reno discusses how God’s love reaches us in our darkest moments, and that redemption is for those who fall, not for those who pretend to have it all together.Read: Open your Bible to Romans 5:8 and read about God’s unconditional love and grace.Reflect: Think about times you’ve felt unworthy or too far gone. How does knowing Christ died for you, even at your lowest, change your perspective?Respond: Pray along with Reno, asking God to help you feel His love and to show you the way back, no matter how far you feel you’ve strayed.Reveal: Share your story or this message with someone who needs hope, showing them that God’s love and redemption are for everyone.If you’re struggling with addiction, depression, or feeling like you’re beyond forgiveness, this episode is for you. Reno’s honest testimony and encouragement will remind you that God meets you right where you are, and you still have a story and hope. If no one told you they love you today, Reno does—and more importantly, so does God.Keywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, Christian recovery, addiction, redemption, Romans 5:8, hope, faith, sobriety, testimony, God’s love, mental health, prayer, encouragement, Bible study, spiritual growth, Christian podcast

How Faith Holds You When Addiction Breaks Your Family

In this powerful episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno sits down with Char Cole for an honest and moving conversation about addiction, loss, and hope. Char shares her family's journey through the pain of losing a child to addiction and the challenges of supporting another son through his own struggles with substance abuse. Together, they discuss the realities of recovery, the importance of community, and the role of faith in healing. Char opens up about the impact of grief, the therapeutic value of finding purpose, and how her relationship with God has sustained her through unimaginable hardship. Reno and Char also talk about the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and supporting others who are walking similar paths.Read: Take time to read James 4:8, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." Reflect: Consider how God meets us in our deepest pain and how faith can provide strength and comfort in the darkest times. Respond: Pray, "God, help me to trust You in my struggles and to find hope and healing in Your presence. Give me the courage to be honest with myself and others, and to support those who are hurting." Reveal: Reach out to someone who may be struggling with addiction or grief. Share your story or simply offer a listening ear, demonstrating the love and compassion that God has shown you.Keywords: addiction recovery, faith and sobriety, grief and healing, family and addiction, Christian recovery, Reno Collier, Char Cole, overcoming loss, support for parents, honest conversations, hope after loss, sobriety journey, mental health, spiritual growth, Alive & Sober

How to Let Go Without Losing Hope | Proverbs 3:5–6

In this episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno dives deep into the challenge of letting God be God, especially when it comes to the lives of those we love. Reno shares personal experiences from his work in recovery, exploring the struggle to surrender control and trust God’s plan, even in the face of loss and pain. The verse of the day, Proverbs 3:5-6, reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and let Him direct our paths. Reno reflects on the human tendency to bargain, beg, and try to fix others, and how true peace comes from releasing the illusion of control and believing that God sees what we cannot.Take action with the 4 R’s:Read: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”Reflect: Consider where you might be holding on too tightly to the outcomes in others’ lives. How can you trust God more fully with those you love?Respond: Pray, “God, help me surrender my need for control. Remind me that you love those I care about even more than I do. Give me peace to trust your plan, even when I don’t understand.”Reveal: Show your trust in God by encouraging someone else who is struggling to let go. Share your story or this message to help them find comfort in God’s care.Listen as Reno offers honest insight, encouragement, and a heartfelt prayer for anyone struggling with the pain of letting go. If you need a reminder that you are loved and that God is in control, this episode is for you.Keywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, Christian recovery, letting go, trusting God, Proverbs 3:5-6, faith, surrender, grief, hope, prayer, Bible study, spiritual growth, recovery podcast, Christian encouragement

Is It Okay to Be Angry with God?

Join Reno Collier on Alive & Sober as he dives into the tough topic of trusting God when we’re angry. Reno shares his personal journey from a surface-level faith to a deeper, more honest relationship with God, exploring how it’s okay to bring our real emotions—including anger—to Him. Using Psalm 13:1-2, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?”, Reno reflects on the questions we all have when life doesn’t make sense and encourages listeners to be honest with God, knowing He can handle our frustrations and doubts.Read: Open your Bible to Psalm 13:1-2 and read about David’s honest questions to God.Reflect: Think about times you’ve felt angry or let down by God. How did you respond? What would it look like to bring those feelings to Him honestly?Respond: Pray along with Reno—“Dear God, there is so much we don’t understand, and anger is a real emotion, but thank you for loving us through it. When we feel like you cheated us or left us hanging, please help us remember your unwavering love and forgiveness. We need you always, but especially when we crash out. We love you and we thank you for loving us. Amen.”Reveal: This week, share with someone how you’ve wrestled with God in tough times and how being honest with Him has helped you grow in faith.Listen to Alive & Sober with Reno Collier for real talk about faith, honesty, and building a genuine relationship with God. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes that help you grow in your spiritual journey.Keywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, Christian podcast, trusting God, anger at God, Psalm 13, faith journey, honesty with God, spiritual growth, Bible reflection, prayer, Christian encouragement, sobriety, recovery, real faith, Christian living