The Recovery Show » Finding serenity through 12 step recovery in Al-Anon – a podcast

Michele’s story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and finding hope in the midst of chaos. Recovering in Al-Anon, Michele has navigated a tumultuous past and emerged empowered with wi...

Spencer and Julie explore the impacts of Al-Anon’s Tradition Five, highlighting its central purpose: to help the families of alcoholics by practicing the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) th...

In Al-Anon, Tradition Four underscores the importance of autonomy while acknowledging the necessity of considering the community’s welfare. Spencer and Marylou explore some of the intricacies of...

Tradition Three is a foundational tenet that emphasizes inclusivity and self-identification as pathways to recovery. Spencer and Ester reflect on the meanings and implications of Tradition Three, high...

In this comprehensive discussion, Spencer and Mary look at crosstalk in the context of recovery meetings. Drawing from both personal experiences and a variety of listener contributions, they explore h...

In an exploration of Al-Anon’s second tradition, Spencer and Michele engage in a thoughtful discussion about the principles and personal growth experienced through this tradition. Tradition Two ...

Sponsorship is a fundamental aspect of many recovery programs, providing growth and support for both sponsors and sponsees. This episode explores our experiences of sponsorship, drawing from the perso...

Emotional sobriety is a state of emotional balance and self-awareness. According to Samantha Jo and Spencer, emotional sobriety involves intentional living, gratitude, self-love, and setting healthy b...

This episode is a continuation of episode 450, Estrangement: Strength and Hope. We hear more experience, strength, and hope from Patrick, Marylou, Marcy, Raquel, Kelly, David, Susan, Anne, and Heather...

What’s in a (Al-Anon group) name? Spencer and Mary discuss how societal shifts and policy updates affect group naming, drawing insights from their personal experiences and Al-Anon’s rich history...

Estrangement is a challenging experience, affecting countless families across the globe. Eric and Spencer’s conversation takes us through personal experiences, shared wisdom, and practical advice gath...

Spencer and Kathy delve into a concept derived from the book “Drop the Rock.” The metaphor suggests that our shortcomings or character defects are like rocks weighing us down. We explore h...

Barb and Spencer explore the vital topic of boundaries in depth, offering insights into how establishing and maintaining boundaries can significantly impact one’s emotional well-being. Barb, a b...

Spencer and Kathy delve into the essential themes of patience and acceptance, exploring how these virtues can empower us to navigate life’s most challenging periods. Our conversation highlights ...

Grieving is a profoundly personal journey, and when intertwined with recovery from addiction, the process can be both complex and enlightening. Spencer talks with Cliff, whose journey through grief an...

Life is full of uncertainties, and each of us deals with them in our unique ways. Spencer and Ester delve into how we deal with uncertainty and life’s inevitable limbo states. Our conversation c...

Spencer and Patrick explore Al-Anon’s 12 Traditions through reading and discussion. We reflect on how these guidelines support personal growth and unity within the meetings. We read from the beginning...

Spencer and Tom explore the complexities of workaholism and its impact on personal and professional lives. Our conversation includes not only our personal experiences but also the intertwining nature ...

In the half-century since she began her journey into 12-step recovery on May 15th, 1972, Adrienne S. has navigated a path of immense personal growth and healing. Her commitment to sobriety and the pri...

Brenda W. shares her experiences, focusing on how the effects of being an adult child of an alcoholic shaped her past relationships. She candidly describes how her upbringing led her to choose romanti...

The journey of recovery is unique for each individual and couple. In this episode, we explore the 12 step program of Recovering Couples Anonymous (RCA).  Recovery in Al-Anon and RCA Valerie begin...

Spencer and Eric explore Step 12, “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” We fol...

Step 11 of the 12-step recovery program suggests that we can improve our conscious contact with a higher power through prayer and meditation. Spencer and Sara share personal insights and experiences t...

In the latest episode of The Recovery Show, host Spencer and guest Patrick B delve into the question, “Is Al-Anon really for men?” Both men are Al-Anon members, yet they wonder why the pro...

We are all human, and as such, are imperfect. Step 10 challenges us to recognize when we are imperfect, and to make amends when necessary. Nancy reflects on a recent experience that challenged her lon...

In 12-step recovery, Step 10 offers a framework for continuous improvement by encouraging individuals to take personal inventory and make amends when necessary. This step signifies the transition from...

We explore Step Nine: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.. Marylou and Spencer have walked this path, and we share our personal exper...

In this exploration of Al-Anon’s Concept Four, “Participation is the key to harmony,” Spencer and Sara look at how they participate in personal, group, and professional interactions....

In the journey of recovery, Step Eight is a pivotal stage where individuals courageously face the consequences of their past actions and begin the path towards healing. This step involves making a lis...

We dive into the creative journeys of Karen B and Katie P, two singer-songwriters whose paths have been shaped by their experiences in recovery programs such as Al-Anon and ACA (Adult Children of Alco...

In a world where substance use and addiction take numerous forms, support groups tailored to specific needs are invaluable. Mar-Anon is one such group providing support to those affected by cannabis u...

Grief is an inevitable and multifaceted part of life that can touch us in many ways, far beyond the loss of a loved one. In this episode, we explore how the principles and tools of recovery can help u...

Heather relates her experience growing up in dysfunction, and her journey to recovery through therapy, Al-Anon and ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families). Understanding Family D...

Spencer and Misti, with listener contributions, explore a challenging topic for those who have loved ones grappling with addiction: cutting or limiting contact. We hare personal stories and insights a...

At the beginning of a new year, I like to take some time to reflect on the past year, and to set some intentions for the new year. (Please note: intentions are not resolutions!) This year, I took thes...

In our ongoing journey through the 12 Steps of Al Anon, we arrive at Step 7, which encourages us to humbly ask our Higher Power to remove our shortcomings. While succinct in its wording, this step is ...

In the whirlwind of life’s trials, how can we turn tragedy into comedy? This question is at the heart of Liz C’s journey as she navigates her role as “Addiction’s Little Sister...

In the journey of recovery, reaching Step Sixmarks a pivotal moment of transformation. This step, as we examine in our recent conversation between Spencer and Ufasaha Y, asks us to become “entir...

Today, Shannon and Spencer dig deep into the question, how do we learn and grow to love ourselves? In the pursuit of learning to love ourselves, we may have faced emotional challenges and societal pre...

In our shared journey through the twelve steps, Step Five is an essential turning point towards self-awareness and personal freedom. This step—admitting to God, ourselves, and another human being the ...

Our recovery journey requires courage and self-reflection, especially when we encounter Step 4: “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” Eric and Spencer relate our ex...

Approaching the Twelve Steps from a secular viewpoint can present challenges, particularly with Step Three, which traditionally involves turning one’s will and life over to the care of God. Spen...

Retirement can be an exciting yet challenging phase of life. It brings forward new experiences and demands a blend of anticipation and adaptation. The principles and tools garnered through our journey...

Recovery can challenge us to transform our spiritual and religious understandings and underpinnings. For many, especially those emerging from rigid religious backgrounds, rediscovering or reimagining ...

Step Three states: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” We’ll be delving into this step, discussing its essence and sharing personal experienc...

Spencer opens the discussion by reiterating Step Two: “[We] came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” Bruce notes that their discussion is a reflecti...

I had the privilege of speaking with Pat R., the author of the heartfelt and powerful book “Surviving Alex: A Mother’s Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction.” This story may resonate wi...

Spencer and Nora explore Step One of Al-Anon, which is about admitting powerlessness over alcohol and recognizing the unmanageability in one’s life. They read from the book ‘How Al-Anon Wo...

In conversation with Barb W, we dive into the vital role honesty plays in the journey of recovery, particularly in accepting and working the first step. The Challenge of Honesty We kick off the discus...

Being a leader in Al-Anon is fundamentally different from traditional notions of leadership. As we highlight in our discussion, Al-Anon leaders are guided by humility and enthusiasm rather than author...