The Recovery Show » Finding serenity through 12 step recovery in Al-Anon – a podcast
Psychology & Relationships
About
12-step recovery for those of us who love alcoholics or addicts. We share our experience, strength, and hope as we use the principles of the Al-Anon program in our lives. We talk openly and honestly about the problems and challenges as we face alcoholism and addiction in our friends and relatives. We share the tools and solutions we have found that let us live a life that is serene, happy, and free, even when the alcoholic or addict is still drinking or using.
Episodes
- Sponsorship: Building Trust and Growing – 454
The Recovery Show episode 'Sponsorship: Building Trust and Growing – 454' examines the role of sponsorship in recovery programs like Al-Anon. It features personal experiences from Spencer, Patrick, and others, highlighting how sponsorship…
- Emotional Sobriety – 453
Episode 453 of The Recovery Show, titled "Emotional Sobriety," features Samantha Jo and Spencer discussing emotional balance and self-awareness. They explore intentional living, gratitude, self-love, and boundaries, referencing Al-Anon and…
- Estrangement: Your Voices – 452
The Recovery Show podcast presents episode 452, 'Estrangement: Your Voices,' featuring personal experiences and insights from multiple members on navigating estrangement within the Al-Anon 12-step recovery program.
- What’s in a Name? Group naming in Al-Anon – 451
In episode 451 of The Recovery Show, Spencer and Mary explore the topic of Al-Anon group naming. They discuss how societal changes and policy updates impact naming conventions, referencing the organization's historical approach to balancin…
- Estrangement: Strength and Hope – 450
Eric and Spencer discuss family estrangement, sharing personal experiences and wisdom from program literature and external resources. The episode touches on the prevalence of estrangement, affecting about 27% of adults.
- Embracing Growth: Dropping Life’s Rocks – 449
In episode 449 of The Recovery Show, Spencer and Kathy explore the concept from "Drop the Rock," using the metaphor of character defects as rocks that hinder progress. They discuss how releasing these defects can lead to a more liberated e…
- Healthy Boundaries Create Internal Safety – 448
This episode features Barb and Spencer discussing healthy boundaries. Barb, a boundaries coach, shares insights from her recovery journey on how boundaries impact emotional well-being and relationships.
- Patience and Acceptance when Life is “In Session” – 447
Spencer and Kathy discuss the importance of patience and acceptance in navigating life's challenges, using insights from their recovery programs and a reading from Melody Beattie.
- Navigating Grief in Recovery – 446
In episode 446 of The Recovery Show, Spencer speaks with Cliff about the complex journey of grieving while in recovery from addiction. They explore how the principles and tools of recovery can assist in navigating grief.
- Navigating Uncertainty – 445
This episode of The Recovery Show features Spencer and Ester discussing how individuals cope with life's uncertainties and inevitable limbo states. The conversation focuses on applying Al-Anon tools and principles to navigate these challen…
- Unity and Healing in Al-Anon Traditions – 444
In episode 444 of The Recovery Show, hosts Spencer and Patrick discuss Al-Anon’s 12 Traditions, exploring their role in personal growth and meeting unity. The discussion references Chapter 16 of 'How Al-Anon Works,' with a particular focus…
- Workaholism and Recovery – 443
In episode 443, Spencer and Tom delve into the complexities of workaholism and its impact on personal and professional lives. They discuss their personal experiences and the relationship between different recovery programs.
- 50 Years of 12-Step Recovery – 442
Adrienne S. shares her experience, strength, and hope from 50 years of 12-step recovery, beginning her journey on May 15th, 1972. Her commitment to sobriety and the 12 Steps has led to personal growth and inspired her to share her story.
- Transforming Dating Patterns in Recovery – 441
Brenda W. shares her experiences on The Recovery Show, detailing how being an adult child of an alcoholic affected her relationship choices. She explains her subconscious need to be needed, stemming from her upbringing, and how this shaped…
- Recovering Couples Anonymous: Healing a relationship – 440
This episode of The Recovery Show features Valerie discussing her path through addiction and legal troubles into recovery. She shares insights into the 12 step program of Recovering Couples Anonymous (RCA) and its role within Al-Anon.
- Step 12: A Journey into Spiritual Awareness – 439
The Recovery Show episode 439 features Spencer and Eric exploring Step 12, which discusses having a spiritual awakening and sharing that experience with others. The discussion references the book 'How Al-Anon Works for Families and Friends…
- Embracing Spiritual Growth Through Step 11 – 438
This episode of The Recovery Show explores Step 11 of the 12-step recovery program. Hosts Spencer and Sara discuss how prayer and meditation can enhance conscious contact with a higher power, sharing personal experiences on spiritual growt…
- Is Al-Anon Really for Men? A conversation – 437
The Recovery Show episode 437 features host Spencer and guest Patrick B, both Al-Anon members, discussing why the program seems to have a predominantly female membership. The conversation took place on a cruise ship after the AA Internatio…
- Embracing Our Humanity: Practicing Step 10 – 436
This episode discusses Step 10 of the 12-step recovery program, which focuses on acknowledging human imperfections and making amends. Nancy shares a personal story about a recent experience that challenged her beliefs and led to a signific…
- Lifelong Growth Through Step 10
The Recovery Show episode 'Lifelong Growth Through Step 10' discusses the tenth step of the 12-step recovery program. This step involves taking personal inventory and making amends, serving as a foundation for lifelong spiritual growth and…
- Healing Through Amends: Step Nine – 434
This episode of The Recovery Show, episode 434, discusses Step Nine of the 12-step program, which focuses on making direct amends. Marylou, Spencer, and Heather share their personal experiences and insights on navigating this step, emphasi…
- Participation is a Key to Harmony and Growth – 433
Spencer and Sara explore Al-Anon's Concept Four, focusing on how participation contributes to harmony and growth in various aspects of life, relating the concept to personal experiences.
- Recognizing Responsibility: Al-Anon’s Step 8 – 432
The Recovery Show discusses Al-Anon's Step Eight, focusing on the process of identifying individuals harmed by past actions and developing a willingness to make amends as a core part of the recovery journey.
- Recovery and Creativity – 431
Episode 431 of The Recovery Show features singer-songwriters Karen B and Katie P discussing how their experiences in recovery programs like Al-Anon and ACA have influenced their creative work.
- Mar-Anon: Help for Family and Friends of Cannabis Addicts – 430
Episode 430 of The Recovery Show introduces Mar-Anon, a support group for individuals affected by a loved one's cannabis use disorder. Modeled after Al-Anon, it provides a community for family and friends to find understanding.
- Grief and Relief – 429
This episode of The Recovery Show discusses grief as an inevitable part of life, extending beyond the loss of loved ones. It explores how recovery principles can help in finding relief through acceptance of change, emotional growth, and co…
- Separating from Dysfunction – 428
Heather recounts her childhood in a dysfunctional environment and her subsequent recovery journey, which involved therapy, Al-Anon, and Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA). The episode discusses understanding fami…
- When the Behavior is Too Much for Most of Us – 427
In episode 427 of The Recovery Show, Spencer and Misti discuss the challenging topic of cutting or limiting contact with loved ones grappling with addiction. The episode features listener contributions and explores personal stories and ins…
- Reflections on 2024 – 426
Episode 426 of The Recovery Show features reflections on the past year and the setting of intentions for the new year. The host uses questions from another group to guide this reflection, differentiating intentions from resolutions.
- Shortcomings and Self-Acceptance: Step 7 – 425
The Recovery Show's episode 425 delves into Step 7 of Al-Anon, focusing on humbly asking a Higher Power to remove shortcomings. The discussion interprets humility as self-acceptance within the recovery process.
- Addiction’s Little Sister – 424
Liz C discusses her experiences as "Addiction's Little Sister," focusing on resilience and finding hope through a 12-step recovery approach.
- Transformation Begins in Step Six – 423
Episode 423 of The Recovery Show discusses Step Six of the 12-step recovery program, focusing on the readiness to have defects of character removed through faith and surrender.
- Embracing Self-Love: A Recovery Journey – 422
Shannon and Spencer explore how to cultivate self-love within a recovery journey, considering the influence of childhood experiences and societal pressures on self-perception.
- Step Five: A Journey Towards Personal Freedom – 421
Episode 421 of The Recovery Show discusses Step Five of the twelve-step program, which involves admitting the exact nature of one's wrongs to God, oneself, and another person. This step is presented as a pivotal moment for achieving self-a…
- Path to Recovery: Embracing Step Four – 420
The podcast episode covers Step 4 of the 12-step recovery program, focusing on conducting a moral inventory. Hosts Eric and Spencer share their experiences and insights related to this step, referencing the book "How Al Anon Works."
- Secular Healing: Working Step Three – 419
Spencer and Marilyn from The Recovery Show explore working Step Three of the Twelve Steps from a secular perspective, discussing how atheists and agnostics can approach turning their will and life over to care while respecting their belief…
- Navigating Retirement with Recovery – 418
Mary H. discusses her retirement process and how the principles and tools gained through recovery have been instrumental in navigating this new phase of life. The episode focuses on adapting to retirement with the support of recovery.
- Creating a Personal Higher Power in Recovery – 417
This episode discusses how recovery can challenge spiritual and religious views. Guest Sara shares her personal journey of redefining her higher power, offering insights for those facing similar struggles.
- Letting Go and Trusting: Exploring Step Three – 416
This episode of The Recovery Show delves into Step Three of the 12-step recovery program, "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him." The discussion explores the meaning of this step and i…
- Finding Hope and Sanity: Exploring Step Two – 415
Spencer and Bruce discuss Step Two of the 12-step program, '[We] came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.' They share personal narratives reflecting their past struggles and subsequent restoration.
- Surviving Alex: A Mother’s Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction – 414
This episode features a conversation with Pat R., author of "Surviving Alex: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction." The discussion covers her journey dealing with the complexities of mental illness and addiction.
- Step One: Finding Strength in Surrender – 413
The Recovery Show episode 413,
- Breaking Through Denial: Honesty is Essential – 412
This episode of The Recovery Show features Barb W discussing the necessity of honesty in recovery, starting with acknowledging personal denial and deceit to work the first step.
- Growth and Challenges in Al-Anon Service – 411
The Recovery Show episode 'Growth and Challenges in Al-Anon Service – 411' explores Al-Anon leadership, contrasting it with traditional models. It highlights how leaders in Al-Anon are guided by humility and enthusiasm, acting as trusted s…
- Walking the Path to Recovery – Working the 12 Steps – 410
This episode of The Recovery Show features host Spencer and guest Ashley discussing the 12 steps of Al-Anon. They explore the steps' role in personal growth and healing, referencing chapter 8 from "How Al-Anon Works".
- Finding Strength in Mutual Aid: Insights from Al-Anon’s Third Tradition – 409
This episode of The Recovery Show discusses Al-Anon’s Third Tradition, emphasizing mutual aid among relatives of alcoholics. Spencer explains how this shared experience forms a supportive Al-Anon family group, offering understanding and so…
- A Deep Dive into Sharing in Meetings – 408
This episode of The Recovery Show, 'A Deep Dive into Sharing in Meetings', discusses the importance of sharing experiences and wisdom in Al-Anon meetings for recovery, healing, and community. It also touches upon the challenges of adhering…
- Spencer T talk at 71st Greeley AA Stampede
Spencer T delivered a talk at the 71st Greeley AA Stampede in February 2023, an annual AA conference that includes Al-Anon participation. The episode also references resources for locating speaker tapes online, such as XA Speakers and Reco…
- Listening to you – 406
Episode 406 of The Recovery Show shares the experiences, strength, hope, questions, and fears of approximately 30 listeners in Al-Anon recovery. It includes listener reflections on connecting with shared stories.
- Working the Steps – 405
This episode of The Recovery Show features Spencer, Karen, and contributors discussing various approaches to working the 12 steps. The discussion highlights that 12-step recovery is not one-size-fits-all, emphasizing personalization and va…