AA Grapevine's Podcast
AA members Don, Olis and Sam interview other AA members about their experience, strength, and hope in recovering from alcoholism. Expect both humor and inspiration as these AA members share their stories.
Episodes
![Endless Bottles [Season 11, Episode 11]](https://artwork.captivate.fm/0ad84761-e27d-40a0-be3f-982e28f5cfed/NA7eDTnRxVFYjt4qJyGSFDog.jpeg)
Endless Bottles [Season 11, Episode 11]
Tiombe found sobriety at a young age and was blessed to find a group of caring young people who helped her. They were the type who if you couldn't read the Big Book, they'd read it to you. She tells Olis and Don about learning that she not only had to give up drinking, but also the lifestyle she'd built to survive. Tiombe also talks about being a seeker through meditation. In the feature Using the
New Freedom [Season 11, Episode 10]
Allison felt like a late bloomer starting drinking at 14, her friends were already at it. She tells Don and Sam that her first drinks were part of her people pleasing tendencies, but she stayed lonely nonetheless. Later, friends told Allison she needed to get help, and recommended AA. At her first meeting Allison felt welcomed — the group made it a First Step meeting and asked her to come back tom
Two Way Prayer [Season 11, Episode 9]
Father Bill tells Olis and Sam about hitting a botttom and intentionally living in a shelter for a year. He stresses the importance of prayer and meditation in his sober journey and explains "two way prayer" as he understands it. Father Bill talks about hearing the AA program boiled down to three words: connection, correction and direction. He says that in his guided life part of his job is too lo
No More "On My Own" [Season 11, Episode 8]
Ann tells Olis and Don that fear drove her, and that she tried to control her drinking — often unsuccessfully. A marriage counselor told her to look at her own drinking, and she shared that with her mother. Ann's mother in turn invited Ann to join her at a meeting. Ann instead tried on her own, again unsuccessfully. When she finally went to her first meeting, Ann felt her life was over. She did no
Stick with Us [Season 11, Episode 7]
David tells Don and Sam that he was very shy, but with booze in him he would offer to sing to women. David was a full blown alcoholic at 24—when hung over he learned to drink and would pass out and wake up hungover — and repeat. David talks at length about his 9th Step work and living free of shame. Vicky tells us about her love for Grapevine. Kenneth shares a joke.While we provide the podcast at
Struck Sober [Season 11, Episode 6]
Heidi tells Olis and Sam that she thought she'd found the solution early on, and didn't need all the tools found in the twelve steps. She learned later that alcoholism is a tricky disease. Sober in AA, Heidi helped her group get online during the pandemic, and that led her down a new path of service. She talks about the upcoming National AA Technology Workshop that is coming up the weekend of Sept
Mother Earth, Father Sky, God & Me [Season 11, Episode 5]
Ronnie, whose article appears in the August 2026 issue of Grapevine magazine, tells Don and Sam how drinking was a solution for him to hide away from his emotions. He stopped drinking on his own periodically when life became unmanageable, but always returned to it when things straightened out. When he finally found the gift of desperation, his neighbor said, "I got a friend." Olis reports in from
Hi Marissa, It's Jack [Season 11, Episode 4]
Marissa sits down with Don and Sam on her 13th sober anniversary. Lots of troubles followed Marissa into sobriety, and she says she learned slowly in AA that by taking actions, never alone, that she can walk through anything. Some great advice she got from a sponsor about a broken relationship: treat it as a service commitment until it doesn't feel that way. In the Ask It Basket we hear questions
Crutches and Casts [Season 11, Episode 3]
Scott started drinking at 11, and says that alcohol was at the foundation of all he did. He chose to attend college in a party town, and it took seven years to get a bachelor degree. He is grateful that the rehab he attended brought him to AA meetings because the counselors talked about Scott and he put up his defenses, while the AA members talked about themselves, and Scott couldn't help but iden
My Operating System Was Broken [Season 11, Episode 2]
In his drinking years Leonard felt like life was punishment. He tells Olis and Don how a woman kindly asked him if he thought his drinking was a problem, and he soon found his way to an AA meeting. He walked through the door, got a sponsor and his life changed. In Listener Feedback we hear from Angela and Emily. We also hear back about favorite non-alcoholic beverages from Pat, Chad and Sunny. Pat
The No Matter What Club [Season 11, Episode 1]
Nina, a self-described raging alcoholic, tells Don and Sam that she did not understand that she could not stop and had no conception of the obsession or allergy of the body. She thought everyone drank like she did. In her drinking years Nina missed exams, lost jobs, and got arrested. The last arrest led to her getting sober in jail. There she learned about the disease and the value of service. Giv
This is Alcoholism [Season 10, Episode 26]
Even though Dana experienced anxiety, perfectionism, self hate, depression, loneliness and no hope with drinking, taking the suggestion of a therapist to try AA did not hit, because that would mean no drinking. Eventually Dana did try AA and felt it was "alright", but did come back. Putting alcohol down and learning other coping skills led to a whole new freedom and life. In the Ask it Basket C.A.
You Don't Know Me, But You Know Me [Season 10, Episode 25]
Trevon was born into alcoholism and suffered through a chaotic childhood. He tells Don and Sam that when he first drank he felt like he could breathe for the first time. Trevon's alcoholism brought troubles including prison time. His amends to his son gave him a profound experience. Trevon also talks about his service work with Young People in AA and Black and Indigenous People of Color in AA. Ela
I Wanted to Always Feel That Way [Season 10, Episode 24]
Jenna tells Olis and Sam that after a trauma at the age of 16 she tried drinking and that fixed it for her. But as an alcoholic she wanted to feel that way all the time. In AA she learned how to have fun sober, especially in young people's groups. Jenna learned how to be of service in all parts of life. In Stump the Thumper, the questions compare phrases from the Big Book and the Plain Language Bi
Stay Sober, Help Others [Season 10, Episode 23]
Pedro from Portugal tells Olis and Sam about drinking in the discos of Long Island on weekends — that could last 2 or 3 or 4 days. He didn't know that binging qualified him, but in AA he learned there are many types of alcoholics. Now he lives a life of service and serenity. Pedro tells others that what happened to him will happen to them too. He says to go with the flow of love. Rick tells us why
Lessons Learned [Season 10, Episdode 22]
Bill, whose article appears in the June 2026 issue of Grapevine, tells Olis and Don that he had to learn to do what AA asks you to do. In the beginning he did not get the ideas of alcoholism as an allergy, or the phenomenon of craving, but his sponsor helped him understand these things about himself. He came in thinking his life was over, but now thinks of sober times when his face hurt from smili
You Are Doing Enough [Season 10, Episode 21]
Tammy tells Don and Sam that she came into AA following a tragic car accident and felony conviction. She attended meetings long enough, for fear of consequences if she didn't, that she began to hear what AA members were saying. Tammy realized she too should be working the AA program of recovery. Tammy threw herself into service, for her group, district, local office and in corrections. She tells a
Widening the Doorway — The Plain Language Big Book [Season 10, Episode 20]
Melody and Eric join Don and Sam to share their experience, strength and hope in recovery from alcoholism, and their recent experience with the Plain Language Big Book. Melody says even as an atheist she cried out to whatever alien to please stop her drinking, and she then accidentally ended up in an AA meeting. Eric says he came in wanting to stand out rather than fit in, and that he's been readi
A Crack in the Window of Grace [Season 10, Episode 19]
Leslie recalls being hospitalized and a doctor giving her a meeting book. She tells Olis and Don that people smiled at her at the first meeting and remembered her name at the second meeting and she kept coming back. In the Ask it Basket Danny asks about Tradition Two and Bee inquires about struggles in sobriety. Stay tuned after the closing for extra Ask it Basket questions from Joe and Yaser. Ale
The Best Day of My Life [Season 10, Episode 18]
It's a new Month and Don and Sam welcome Tracy to share about her recovery and her article, The Best Day of My Life, in the May issue of Grapevine magazine. Tracy's boss brought her to her first meeting. Though she had no idea there was help, coming upon a sign at the meeting that said "You Are No Longer Alone" she got choked up and decided to stay. Sam travels to the San Diego Spring Roundup and
More God, Less Me [Season 10, Episode 17]
Josh, the creator of the Get the App Rap joins Olis and Sam on this week's episode. Despite 22 visits to detox, Josh had lost family and jobs and was living under a bridge, bringing him to his breaking point. Random kindness from a woman, giving him a place to stay, led to Josh reentering AA. Now he's been sober over eight years and devotes his life to helping others. We hear an email from Chris,
Hot Topic: Surrender to a Power Greater than Ourselves [Season 10, Episode 16]
Carol and Alex join Don and Sam to discuss their understanding of a power greater than themselves, and the process of surrender. Carol was viewed as too sick to help at one treatment center; Alex's drinking was manageable for years, but then a switch went off and he was drinking in the morning and at work. Both found different paths to AA, but both have enjoyed sobriety by working the 12 Steps. Al
Brown Bagger [Season 10, Episode 15]
Allan got sober while in the military, three days before his 39th birthday. He tells Don and Sam that he was free from alcohol after a profound spiritual experience, but had to work the spiritual probram to be free of other baggage. You can hear more from Allan on the Military Audio Project — aa.org/military — under Veteran, Allan W., Royal Canadian Navy Veteran. Allan, Don and Sam answer an Ask i
The Love of Service [Season 10, Episode 14]
Mike, whose article appears in the April issue of Grapevine Magazine, describes his first drink to Olis and Sam. He felt a radiant warmth inside and a feeling of connection to the group. But drinking caused problems too: a lost scholarship, a court martial in the military. Mike also describes a period of quitting drinking on a non-spiritual basis and resulting troubles. He found his way to AA, whe
Be of Service [Season 10, Episode 13]
Julie tells Don and Sam about a tragedy she experienced as a teen that kicked off her drinking. Though drinking did much damage, Jule now feels that with the help of AA her relationships have healed, especially with her children. She's learned the benefits of being of service, and not just in AA. Julie shared a photo with us and we'll share it on our Instagram: alcoholicsanonymous_gv. In Language
Getting Sober When You're Older [Season 10, Episode 12]
Lois talks to Olis and Don about getting sober at the age of 70. She thought she had it hidden (she would toss her bottles in other's garbage cans) but her family caught up to her. Her daughter confronted her and Lois admitted that she hated what she'd become. In AA she realized "these people are me." Lois also now knows that she can't change the past, but can change the future. The three discuss
Contrary Action [Season 10, Episode 11]
Emily describes to Olis and Sam the terrible consequences of her drinking and the repeated promise to "never do that again." It took Emily a while to admit to herself "maybe I do have this problem," and in AA her quiet desperation led to an alternate way to fix her problem besides alcohol. Emily talks about her love for the podcast too. The three discuss a Daily Quote about growth in AA. Don catch
Isn't Every Hour Happy Hour? [Season 10, Episode 10]
Tina tells Olis and Don that she was living in a sports car and had to drink whether she wanted to or not. Alcohol was like a magic elixir and made her willing to give up everything in her life that mattered. Tina learned in AA that if she focused on suggestions and working the steps, all her big concerns would melt away. In the feature Using the Traditions in Our Lives we hear from Mark, Suzy, De
Just Like Dad [Season 10, Episode 9]
Geoff, whose article appears in the March 2026 issue of Grapevine Magazine, shares with Don and Sam about starting drinking early, and though this behavior got him in trouble, he was always eager for the next time he could drink. Geoff says that college didn't work because he was always at the bar. He describes how his alcoholism talked to him, and how sponsorship saved him when he was going down
Embrace Who I Am [Season 10, Episode 8]
Courtney joins Olis and Sam and tells them about shying away from drinking as a teen, but then taking to it around her graduation from high school. With the progression, it got to the point where she couldn't function without alcohol. As a member of AA she values her sponsor because she does not always trust what she thinks. We hear Listener Feedback from Charlie. In a new feature, Language of the
Progression and Obsession [Season 10, Episode 7]
Sean tells Don and Sam about getting sober at 15, never having had a legal drink. Sean's early exposure to AA was through a rehab. He remembers going to a meeting which was just the leader and the other folks from his rehab. He was impressed when the leader said he was serving in the role because he didn't want to drink. There's a History Snippet with Mily, and Martina shares her love for Grapevi
Mustard Seed [Season 10, Episode 6]
Deb tells Don and Sam about being a blackout drinker at an early age. Over the years she became hopeless, not knowing about a way out. A suicide attempt brought Deb to a hospital and that brought her to AA. In AA she found a modicum of hope that kept her coming. After many years of sobriety, Deb's life now is filled with service to alcoholics in many forms. Check out Grapevine's Instagram for a ph
We Can Stay Sober Through Anything [Season 10, Episode 5]
Susie tells Olis and Don about coming into AA as a young person. She was a tough girl in the back of the room, fighting the program, until someone asked, "how is your way working? After several years of sobriety and building a life, she hit a difficult depression. Now she's learned to take good care of herself and not try to do too much. Gary shares about his affinity for Grapevine.While we provid
God!? Fine, I'll Try It [Season 10, Episode 4]
Martha joins Olis and Don and shares about getting sober at the height of party season. Martha's home group recently shut down, and she describes what she's looking for in home group as she visits many different meetings. Martha shares her gratitude that her husband and daughter give her support in her service work. In the Ask it Basket Jay asks about getting sober in later years. Mike shares in L
Hell on Earth [Season 10, Episode 3]
Nora tells Olis and Don about the insane thinking that started the second she picked up a drink. It got so bad that Nora would bring a water bottle filled with vodka to the bar so she wouldn't have to wait as long to get drunk. Her bottom came when Nora could no longer get drunk. She came to AA through a side window, but stuck around even though she couldn't figure out what making coffee had to do
I Saw Smiles and Lights in Eyes [Season 10, Episode 2]
Rick first came to AA supporting a friend mandated to attend. He didn't think himself an alcoholic, but read some literature and heard from some members and eventually understood his own problem. The Second and Third Steps came easy, but the Fourth presented a problem until he heard "it's just a list." Don and Sam introduce a new podcast feature, Using the Traditions in Our Lives, and Suzy and Ang
Like an Old Boxer [Season 10, Episode 1]
Greg, whose article "A Well-Made Bed" appears in the January 2025 issue of Grapevine magazine, tells Don and Olis about getting to AA with the help of a patient twelfth stepper. Greg shares a bit of history about the beginnings of his home group — the Princeton Alternative Group in New Jersey. We learn Greg's take on the secret to being "cool," and one difference between alcoholics and non-alcohol
Learning to Identify [Seaon 9, Episode 26]
Felicia tells Olis and Sam that when she was in legal trouble her attorney recommended AA. He wasn't the first to say she needed help, but he was the first one she heard. Felicia says she came into AA comparing herself to others, but with the help of experienced members she learned how to identify and not compare. Her service life began on a hospitals and institutions committee and she found happi
The Only Requirement [Season 9, Episode 25]
Mike says that having "just one more" not only brought him to a place he never thought he'd be, but also opened his mind for getting help. Mike tells Olis and Sam how his first meeting had smoking, gross couches and uncomfortable folding chairs — just what he needed. He's grateful for the gift of desperation. We hear Listener Feedback from Nevada about her love for the Grapevine podcast.While we p
Move Toward Love [Season 9, Episode 24]
Danica talks to Olis and Sam about when she was an active drinker how easy it was to forget the consequences of alcohol. Early on as a sober AA member she recalls noticing how others took their service commitments very seriously, and she decided to do the same thing. When faced with a dilemma, she got a suggestion from her sponsor to seek out the experience of other AA members and that helped her
Don't Should on Yourself [Season 9, Episode 23]
Antonio shares with Olis and Sam that alcohol worked for him — until it worked against him. In sobriety Antonio learned to really show up as a father-figure for his niece. He's also learned to remember that his core thoughts about himself are not real. In #Heardinameeting Aaron shares from his collection he keeps in a journal. Darlene shares about her support for Grapevine.While we provide the pod
All Our Affairs [Season 9, Episode 22]
Steve, whose letter "Happy New Year" appears in the December 2025 issue of Grapevine, tells Don and Sam about detoxing in the rooms of AA. Steve used AA principles to not drink while he survived a serious illness. Now he uses that experience to help others, offering hope. We play the article "Remedy for a Lonely Holiday," also from the December issue. The audio for all magazine stories is availabl
I Didn't Think I Had Anything to Give [Season 9, Episode 21]
In a special "Corrections" episode, podcast editor Bob joins Don as a host. Olis, Bob and Don hold a quiz about the top 5 ways to stay sober during the holidays. This week's guest, Suzy, tells Bob and Don about going to prison as a sober member of AA. She learned from members of her group that she had an opportunity to help others while incarcerated. Suzy tells of her experience with service in pr
Anyone, Anywhere [Season 9, Episode 20]
David tells Don and Sam about coming into AA in 1986. He was struck by being told to keep coming back — no one had invited him back anywhere for years. The men in the group took him to multiple meetings a day, and stayed with him constantly; David explains why. David learned that going through tough times gives us wisdom to help others. The three discuss a question in A Newcomer Asks. Nikki talks
Growing Up in AA [Season 9, Episode 19]
Lizz talks to Olis and Sam about coming in to AA at an early age and sticking around even though she did not always feel welcome. Lizz also talks about getting through a traumatic time while staying close to AA, staying sober and finding the outside help she needs. The team discuss two Grapevine Daily Quotes. In The News we hear from AA World Services Treasurer John W. about Gratitude Month. On Li
Learning to Trust [Season 9, Episode 18]
Sarah, whose article appears in the November 2025 issue of Grapevine Magazine, tells Olis and Don about being a daily blackout drinker. She tried to control her drinking but learned that if you need to control, you're out of control. Sarah felt a special welcome in AA, and now tries to make the next new person feel welcomed as well. Mike shares his love for Grapevine.While we provide the podcast a
But I Didn't Drink [Season 9, Episode 17]
Marcheta joins Olis and Sam and tells them how her bottom included driving the wrong way on a one-way street and the fire department knocking on her door because of a burning pot on the stove. They discuss the flimsy reed of AA actually being the hand of a higher power, and Marcheta relates how today she goes to any length to stay sober. In the feature #heardinameeting Kirsten and Michael share fr
Hot Topic: Twelve-Step Calls [Season 9, Episode 16]
Jacob, Katie and Q talk to Don and Olis about how each of them came into Alcoholics Anonymous, and then all five share their experience of going on 12-Step calls to help still-suffering alcoholics. They talk about using the guidelines found in "How it Works" in the Big Book, and about what they've each learned from doing this vital service.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expe
Love Will Win Everything [Season 9, Episode 15]
Angela tells Olis and Sam about getting sober while working as a stripper. She learned from her sponsor that self-esteem comes from esteemable actions. Angela also talks about benefitting from keeping a daily gratitude list, and how focusing on what she can give rather than what she can get has strengthened her sobriety. Jack sends a question to the Ask it Basket, and Chris shares about his love f
Can't Wait to See What's Next [Season 9, Episode 14]
Jonny, whose article appears in the October "Technology in AA" issue of Grapevine, tells Don and Sam about his work as district web master, Grapevine chair, and group General Service Representative. Jonny describes how at 11 days sober he lost his brother, but he had already learned to pick up the phone, and that kept him sober through his grief. Penny describes her love for Grapevine and how her
Courage to Change [Season 9, Episode 13]
Josh talks to Olis and Don about his service experience from the top to bottom of AA's inverted triangle. They discuss how many of AA's technology advances came to the fellowship from the grass roots of groups and members. Josh also discusses a model for the use of artificial intelligence in his AA life — conducting AI searches that are restricted to direct quotes from AA Conference Approved liter
Room to Grow [Season 9, Episode 12]
Anthony joins Don and Sam and tells them about his introduction to AA. While Anthony wasn't welcome at many bars, he felt welcome at AA from the beginning. Anthony talks about mini miracles and his journey through the Steps. Mily T. is back with a History Snippet, and we hear Listener Feedback from Mary.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity
I Could Have Missed All This [Season 9, Episode 11]
Penny was drinking in dive bars and alone at home mostly, but after being pulled off the field at a softball game, she called AA "for a friend." She tells Don and Sam how she was told to approach the first woman she saw at the meeting and tell her she's a newcomer. Instead, she approached a woman crying, and woman said, "oh, you're a newcomer." The three also talk about the early days of online me
Staying Connected [Season 9, Episode 10]
Andrew tells Sam and Don that he doesn't do anything half way, true when he was drinking and true now in his recovery and service to AA. The three also discuss a few of the many ways AA seems counterintuitive. In the Ask It Basket, Madeline asks about the suggestion of "no new relationships in the first year," and Ed wants to hear more about Grapevine's Carry the Message program.While we provide t
Dreams Come True [Season 9, Episode 9]
Snow, whose article appears in the September 2025 issue of Grapevine magazine, tells Don and Olis that her bottom came with little drama, just alone in her kitchen. Now she's determined not to hoard her gift. Snow's grandson learned that Nana cries when she's happy. We also hear from Celia and Chip on using Grapevine as a service and recovery tool.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do h
Maybe That Someone is You [Season 9, Episode 8]
Mary tells Don and Sam that she was a real closet drinking, scrunched up in there with a warm beer. Mary describes her moment of clarity and the opportunity it gave her to act. She says that the hardest three words for an alcoholic are I-NEED-HELP, but she discovered that two alcoholics talking together creates a power greater than self. In this weeks feature Don tries to Stump the Thumper — let's
The Language of the Heart [Season 9, Episode 7]
Don, Olis and Sam report on their wonderful experiences at the 2025 International Convention in Vancouver. Don took in the convention and described the scenes, and with microphone in hand interviewed over a dozen participants: April, Bob, Callie, Catherine, Chris, Evan, Galrous, Kenneth, Marty, Melinda, Michelle, Miles, and Nick. We finish with Sam reading an excerpt from the closing talk by Scott
You Can Be Free [Season 9, Episode 6]
Leslie joins Olis and Don and tells them about her early reluctance with AA. It was at ICYPAA that she first felt the spirit and saw the benefit that drew her in. She was also reluctant with her first sponsor because they had so many differences, but the sponsor's emphasis on the First Step eventually won Leslie's heart. We hear Listener Feedback from Victor, Joe, Kelly and Matt.While we provide t
The Coffee God [Season 9, Episode 5]
Karen, whose article appears in the August 2025 issue of Grapevine, tells Don and Sam that her feeling of despondence and knowing that drinking was not good for her brought her to AA. It was out in nature that Karen first felt connected to something larger than herself. Now she has a regular practice of letting go and trying to do the next right thing.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we
Live from the AA International Convention in Vancouver [Season 9, Episode 4]
Celebrating 90 Years of Alcoholics Anonymous at the International Convention in Vancouver, BC, our podcast team Don, Olis and Sam welcomed a live audience to participate in the recording of the 200th episode of our "audio oddity" The AA Grapevine Half Hour Variety Hour. This week we use a full hour. Guests this episode include: Nathan, the host of the GSO's podcast Our Primary Purpose; David, a Ge
You'll Find Your Story [Season 9, Episode 3]
Elizabeth shares with Olis and Don about her early struggles with sobriety and AA. She graduated herself from AA after 30 days and brought her chip to show off at the bar. She thought there must be a better plan, but soon learned that there's no workable "Plan B" for her, and she surrendered. Joe sends in a letter for Listener Feedback.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses
Faith Without Works is Dead [Season 9, Episode 2]
David, who once got a DUI driving a horse and buggy, talks to Don and Sam about his direct service to alcoholics. He brings meetings to a local detox, and works with alcoholics who live in a nearby half-way house. The three also discuss a Daily Quote from Grapevine. Don describes a recent visit to Dr. Bob's house in Akron, OH.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevin
World Panel [Season 9, Episode 1]
The July Grapevine is here. Michal, who's story "Lighting Candles in Poland" appears in this month's issue, sends in his experience strength and hope. Sam and Olis then talk to a panel of AA members: Alex from Hong Kong, Julia from Germany, and Monica from Ghana. They all discuss the similarities and differences of AA in their countries. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expens
The Secret Sauce [Season 8, Episode 26]
Sharron tells Olis and Don that helping others through the Big Book, and then seeing these same folks helping others through the book gives her a great feeling and keeps her sober. Sharron drank to get drunk and always succeeded, but she knew she was in trouble when she did not want to drink, but had to drink nonetheless. You're Invited to the 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anony
God Breaking His Anonymity [Season 8, Episode 25]
Jamie tells Don and Sam that learning to accept his anxiety was enough to begin to step away from it. Jamie talks about helping newcomers work the first three Steps, and he discusses the power of the Third Step Prayer. Julia calls in to the Listener Feedback line.You're Invited to the 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous. Please visit aa.org/international-convention 
Not for Applause [Season 8, Episode 24]
Annita tells Olis and Sam about the chaos in her life while drinking and finding AA. She found the laughter and smiles kept her coming at first, and she then got active by joining a home group and making coffee. Annita found it hard at first to take on a sponsor, but once she did they jumped right into Step work. Annita shares on her experience with Tradition 12 as well. David and Gerry write in w
Out of Options [Season 8, Episode 23]
Andrew from Australia tells Olis and Don how the Doctor's Opinion and Bill's Story in the Big Book opened his mind to being useful rather than correct. Andrew recalls asking his sponsor when he should start on the Steps, and the sponsor answered, "how long do you want the suffering to last?" Patrick sends in a question for A Newcomer Asks.You're Invited to the 2025 International Convention of
The Day Hope Arrived [Season 8, Episode 22]
Jeffrey tells Don and Sam about his experience in prison and how he picked up a Grapevine magazine by mistake, and then later the Big Book found him and wouldn't let go. These publications opened his eyes, and he jumped at the first chance to attend an AA meeting. Jeffrey wrote a story that appears in the June 2025 prison issue of Grapevine. On this episode, Jeffrey relates his drinking story incl
Stick and Stay [Season 8, Episode 21]
Kelsey and Julie both talk to Don and Sam about their recovery from alcoholism and then all four discuss the Hot Topic of Anonymity.You're Invited to the 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous. Please visit aa.org/international-convention for information.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accep
Learning to Fly [Season 8, Episode 20]
Kevin tells Don and Sam about his home group called "One Paragraph at a Time." Kevin relates how his sponsor's loving acceptance gave him a feeling of spirit that he'd never had before. He also tells how his favorite recovery song made his first sober hockey game much easier. There's a report from Patrick on the upcoming 2025 AA International Convention in Vancouver, BC; and an Ask it Basket quest
We're Your Friends [Season 8, Episode 19]
Don and Sam start this episode with a conversation about sponsorship. Laura joins and tells them how she got sober at a special school for troubled kids, and discovered AA by going to meetings off campus. After graduating, she remembers going to a young people's meeting and finding friends that helped her find fun in sobriety. Laura also talks about finding ways to balance AA and a full life with
Differences Fall Away [Season 8, Episode 18]
DeEtte, whose article "Nursery Rhymes" appears in the May 2025 issue of Grapevine, tells Olis and Sam that she felt different in her early days of AA. Over time she saw more and more similarities with other alcoholics and learned to feel a part of the fellowship. Sponsorship brought depth and weight to the spiritual aspect of the program. DeEtte shares that now the principles keep the committee in
Suffering Transmuted [Season 8, Episode 17]
James tells Olis and Don that while active he felt he didn't have a drinking problem, just occasional legal trouble. Now, sober many years, he's learned there's no situation so horrific that a drink can't make it worse. James also shares about his service to his group, district and area. In A Blast From the Past there's a talk from Bill W. in 1945 where he describes the spread of AA and the forma
The Gift of Desperation [Season 8, Episode 16]
Caitlin had false starts, but was told by a woman n AA "I'm here when you're ready." Those words stuck and when desperation hit Caitlin jumped into AA. Now she says she's seen too many miracles to have doubt. Stay tuned after Wit's End to hear Caitlin's "Friend of Bill" story. Patrick gives an update on the 2025 International AA Convention in Vancouver in July. Don, Sam and Caitlin answer A Newcom
Get in the Car [Season 8, Episode 15]
Mark tells Olis and Sam that finding a home group really made the difference for him in making sobriety enjoyable. The three also discuss working the Steps with a sponsor and Mark tells how his sponsor had him talk to three other people about each Step as he worked his way through. This week's special features include #heardinameeting with one from Jack, and Phyllis provides Listener Feedback.You'
Right on Time [Season 8, Episode 14]
Polly, whose article appears in the April 2025 issue of Grapevine, talks with Olis and Don about getting sober just before the pandemic hit and meetings went online. She tells the story about being scooped up from a bar room floor, waking from a blackout and knowing that something had to change. Today she stands on her own two feet. Polly was pleasantly surprised that her letter of gratitude for t
Sober at 16 [Season 8, Episode 13]
Susie talks to Don and Sam about coming into AA while in high school, and some of the attitudes she learned to change. Only in AA, she says, did she find others who admitted that they too loved alcohol—until it turned on them. The three discuss using AA tools to get through challenging times sober. In a History Snippet, Mily reports on the early days of AA in Canada.You're Invited to the 2025
Amends Set Me Free [Season 8, Episode 12]
Mack recalls being told early on that "you will never have to sober up again," and those words stuck with him and helped him commit to AA. Mack, Don and Olis discuss Ask it Basket questions from Madeline and Michael. Stay tuned after the closing music for Listener Feedback from Nadja and Gary.You're Invited to the 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous. Please visit aa.org
God Moments [Season 8, Episode 11]
Stephanie tells Olis and Sam about going to an AA website after a particularly bad binge and taking "The Quiz." Qualifying, she took it again just to be sure, then found her way into AA through a virtual meeting. Don and Olis share anecdotes about co-founder Dr. Bob. There's an update on the 2025 International AA Convention in Vancouver, BC July 3—6. This week's feature is #heardinameeting, and St
Let's Work on a Power Greater than You [Season 8, Episode 10]
Chris joins Olis and Sam and says that when he accepted help, little by little his life got better. Chris carries the message by going with other members to detox and treatment centers, and enjoys not only the work but also the meetings in the car before and after. In special features the three discuss a Daily Quote on sanity, and there's an Ask it Basket question about reading "How it Works" in m
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