Episode Details

In this powerful conversation, Dave and Dante sit down with Clifford Stephan, founder of BoozeVacation.com, to talk about the journey of taking a "vacation" from drinking and how intentional breaks from alcohol can transform your faith, family life, health, and leadership.

Clifford shares his personal story, the moment he realized alcohol was holding him back, and why he built a community to help others explore life with less booze — or none at all. This episode encourages men to evaluate their habits, prioritize their spiritual and physical health, and lead their families with clarity and conviction.

• Clifford's personal turning point and what inspired BoozeVacation.com

• The difference between quitting drinking and taking a healthy break

• Why alcohol has become so normalized in culture — and why men rarely talk about it

• How a drinking "vacation" can improve sleep, energy, mood, and relationships

• The spiritual implications of numbing, coping, and self-medicating

• Rebuilding discipline and mental resilience

• Being a better husband, father, and leader through sobriety or moderation

• How community and accountability fuel long-term success

• Clifford's practical steps for anyone wanting to start a 30-day break

• What churches, men's ministries, and small groups can do better in this area

• Identify if alcohol is filling a role that God should fill

• Notice the patterns: stress drinking, weekend "reward" cycles, or emotional escape

• Begin with a clear goal — "cut back," "take a break," or "quit"

• Invite one trusted brother into the process for accountability

• Replace old routines with healthier rhythms: exercise, prayer, hobbies, service

• Track how your body, mind, and spiritual life respond during the break

• Set boundaries around environments that trigger unhealthy habits

• 1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV) – "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful.

• Ephesians 5:18 (ESV) – "Do not get drunk with wine… but be filled with the Spirit."