Drew Mariani welcomed fasting coach Beth Bubik onto The Drew Mariani Show on Relevant Radio to talk about why we start with the body every January, and how to bring our souls into the process.

Bubik noted that we often chase a “new year, new me” set of very lofty goals, and try to accomplish them solely with willpower. But she pointed out that “we’re [a] body, soul, composite,” and we have to “bring in the soul and the graces from the sacraments as Catholics” so we don’t quit after a setback.

Her advice: start small and stay consistent. In 2024, she chose one clear practice: No drinking on Fridays. As she reminded listeners, “All Fridays in the Catholic Church are penitential.” She offered it for all priests and said, “I think I fell four times in the entire year.”

That kind of fasting isn’t only about weight loss. Bubik said it helped her “maintain detachment” and realize she didn’t need food or alcohol to soothe herself or comfort herself. Drew agreed: Once we're able to master the body through fasting, it helps free us from certain attachments, and we gain “spiritual muscles.”

Bubki urged listeners not to waste discipline without a spiritual purpose: Offer it up for someone, for something, and invite the Holy Spirit into everything you do.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.