Beth leads a powerful conversation today, rooted in Chapter 9 of her book, exploring the intersection of dopamine, discipline, and spiritual freedom. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 6:12, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are beneficial… I will not allow myself to be dominated by anything”, Beth unpacks what it means to live in a culture addicted to comfort and immediate gratification, and how we can reclaim virtue one choice at a time.

Freedom Isn’t Permission—It’s Power

The struggles of the early Christians in Corinth are a mirror to today’s challenges. Much like the Corinthians, modern culture often confuses freedom with indulgence. But Christian freedom is not about doing whatever we want—it’s about having the strength to choose what is holy and beneficial.

From food and alcohol to social media and shopping, we are often dominated by desires that were never meant to rule us. Beth reminds us that gluttony and overindulgence may be lawful, but they are not beneficial—and they certainly do not lead to peace.

Understanding the Vice Cycle

Many people feel stuck in what Beth calls the vice cycle: a loop of overdesire, overeating, and disordered cravings. This cycle is driven by dopamine, a brain chemical that rewards us for pleasurable behavior. The more we chase instant gratification through food, drink, or distraction, the more enslaved we become to these dopamine triggers.

Processed food, sugar, flour, and alcohol contribute to an imbalance in hunger and fullness hormones, leading to physical and spiritual chaos. We lose our ability to discern true hunger from emotional cravings. This isn’t just biology—it’s a spiritual problem rooted in seeking comfort over connection with Christ.

The Power of the Virtue Cycle

The alternative is the virtue cycle. Through spiritual fasting and sacramental living, we reorient our desires. By delaying gratification, praying through cravings, and choosing whole foods, we begin to heal our bodies, renew our minds, and open our hearts to deeper communion with God.

Beth emphasizes that small steps—like writing a food protocol, sitting with discomfort instead of numbing it, or choosing prayer over a second helping—build up the muscles of prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice. Over time, our spiritual muscles grow, and we begin to desire Christ more than cookies.

Cheap vs. Expensive Dopamine

One of the episode’s most memorable takeaways is the concept of cheap vs. expensive dopamine:

• Cheap dopamine comes from sugar, flour, processed food, screen time, and indulgence. It’s fast, shallow, and fleeting.

• Expensive dopamine comes from activities that require effort and discipline—like prayer, Mass, exercise, family connection, sacramental living, and journaling. It lasts longer, builds resilience, and brings lasting joy.

We are encouraged to “earn our dopamine” through intentional, holy actions that nourish the body and the soul.

Choosing the Pause

When we’re facing a craving or urge, Beth encourages the use of a sacred pause. Ask yourself:

• Is this true hunger or dopamine hijacking my brain?

• Is this food glorifying God in my body?

• Am I in the vice cycle or the virtue cycle?

And if you mess up? That’s okay. Begin again. The motto “Nunc Coepi” means “Now I begin.” A thousand times a day, begin again—with gentle repentance.

You are not meant to be dominated by your appetite. You were created for more. True freedom isn’t about the pantry—it’s about the altar. It’s about choosing Christ before sugar, prayer before pleasure, and virtue over vice. One fast. One prayer. One holy pause at a time.

Help Beth reach her goal of bringing 1 Million Catholics back to the Church 

Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! 

Delay and Pray® Links:

Get your copy of Delay and Pray® (book)

The Catholic Fasting Coach

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn