AA Grapevine's Podcast
Episodes
Definitely a Tosspot [Season 6, Episode 9]
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy tells Don and Sam that while early on she admitted powerlessness, deep inside she had the thought that some day, some how she could drink again....
I Wanted to Get the Heat Off [Season 6, Episode 8]
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Don talk to Debbie, who serves as Secretary for Area 51. Debbie tells about coming to AA as the result of strong suggestions from her probatio...
The First Miracle [Season 6, Episode 7]
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we get to learn a bit about how the podcast is put together as Don and Sam talk shop with Bob S., a Grapevine podcast editor. The thre...
All I Had to Do was Surrender [Season 6, Episode 6]
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa, who's story appears in the February issue of Grapevine magazine, shares with Don and Sam about how not putting sobriety first led to a relapse. ...
Sober Since Disco [Season 6, Episode 5]
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Sam and Olis about being secular in a spiritual program. There's listener feedback from Penny on the different types of AA meetings, and ...
I Found God in the Psych Ward [Season 6, Episode 4]
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sloan discusses finally surrendering and being relieved of the exhausting efforts to control her drinking. On the "Listener Feedback Line" we hear fro...
We Will Need to Work the Steps [Season 6, Episode 3]
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ted joins Don and Sam and talks about finding AA very similar in the many areas he's visited and lived. Ted got good guidance from his first sponsor, ...
Life Saving Humility [Season 6, Episode 2]
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Crystal shares with Sam and Olis about the humbling experience of reading the Big Book outloud with her sponsor, and how learning humility led to good...
Little Surrenders [Season 6, Episode 1]
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year to all. In this episode Bill the Shirt talks with Don and Olis about his article in the January 2024 issue of Grapevine magazine. We le...
Modeling Sobriety for Other Alcoholics [Season 5, Episode 26]
25 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Negini talks to Don and Sam about AA in different cultures and different languages, and how international online meetings have enhanced her sobriety. ...
Rocketed into Fourth Dimension [Season 5, Episode 25]
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gerry, who serves on the Trustees Literature Committee, shares about the call for stories for various literature being revised. Gerry, Don and Sam als...
Hot Topic: AA Burnout [Season 5, Episode 24]
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Based on a letter from Roxanne, Helen, Sam and Olis discuss the importance of service in AA and the equally important practice of maintaining balance ...
Willing to Believe? [Season 5, Episode 23]
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike L., the Interim Chair of the General Service Board, shares about his service role and about his recovery from alcoholism. A print interview with ...
Spiritus Contra Spiritum [Season 5, Episode 22]
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Olis joins the rotation as a host of Grapevine's weekly podcast. Don and Olis speak with Julia from Berlin, Germany about International AA and transla...
Out of Answers [Season 5, Episode 21]
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sam talks about learning to refocus in different types of meetings. Will joins Don and Sam for a discussion about connecting to AA, reaching out to ot...
Stick with the Winners [Season 5, Episode 20]
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Reilly from Oregon talks about getting sober as a young woman in AA, going from riding motorcycles to quilting, and her current service as a Regional ...
A Dream is a Promise You Give Yourself [Season 5, Episode 19]
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"Liz the Lawyer," whose article appears in the November issue of Grapevine magazine, shares with Don and Sam about her struggles to admit her alcoholi...
The Seventh Step Prayer Saved Me [Season 5, Episode 18]
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
El shares about being given the gift of freedom through AA, her young people's home group, and turning over both the good and the bad parts of herself...
Willingness Grew on Me [Season 5, Episode 17]
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark shares with Don and Sam how a voice of intervention let him know that alcohol no longer worked. AA helped Mark admit defeat. In an Ask it Basket ...
Come All the Way In, Sit All the Way Down [Season 5, Episode 16]
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Olis talks to Don and Sam about how alcohol was love at first sip at a very young age, but then it stopped working. There's Ask-it-Basket questions fr...
When Life Happens [Season 5, Episode 15]
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Annie C., whose article appears in the October issue of Grapevine Magazine, shares with Don and Sam her journey in Alcoholics Anonymous. She recalls c...
Second Anniversary Special [Season 5, Episode 14]
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jon W., Grapevine's Senior Editor, joins Don and Sam for a discussion of how the magazine is put together each month for AA Members and potential memb...
Looking at Myself and Bringing God In [Season 5, Episode 13]
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kayla talks to Don and Sam about building a connection with her higher power — rather than her ego. She realized that while she was learning the ste...
ICY, ICY, ICY! — PAA, PAA, PAA! [Season 5, Episode 12]
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sam visits ICYPAA, the International Conference of Young People in AA, and interviews numerous participants about the event and about their recovery f...
The Problem is Thinking About the Problem [Season 5, Episode 11]
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jake B., an American now living in Spain talks about going to meetings in a new country, struggling with the first step, learning to take suggestions,...
The Junkyard [Season 5. Episode 10]
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Grapevine Publisher, Chris C., joins Don and Sam to discuss the new Grapevine and La Viña apps that launched on September 1. Steve H. joins later to ...
Katie, if You're Listening—Thank You! [Season 5, Episode 9]
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cameron talks to Don and Sam about getting sober in a foreign land on a virtual platform during lockdown. Encouraged by other members, he then got con...
Bottle to Throttle [Season 5, Episode 8]
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Two military women, Dee and Niquie, share with Don and Sam about hiding their drinking and the spiritual hole in the soul that brought them into AA. T...
1,172 of My Closest Friends [Season 5, Episode 7]
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Don visits the North Carolina State Convention, and describes the setting and full schedule of events taking place. He interviews convention volunteer...
Armed Services Interview Project [Season 5, Episode 6]
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tom P., who along with Jerry C. leads the AA Armed Forces Interview Project, talks with Don and Sam about their work of sharing the audio stories of A...
My Way Didn't Work [Season 5, Episode 5]
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve L. remembers being told "you never have to feel this way again." He talks to Don and Sam about starting a new group, the importance of serving h...
Many Paths to Spirituality [Season 5, Episode 4]
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jenn, a delegate to the General Service Conference, talks to Don and Sam about keeping an open mind and accepting the group conscience. Jenn also tell...
The People in the Program [Season 5, Episode 3]
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bill L., an AA member with 53 years of sobriety, shares how he found "Freedom Hall" in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill describes how the first...
Where are Your Feet? [Season 5, Episode 2]
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Carissa joins Don and Sam and shares about the importance of giving newcomers the opportunity to grow with group commitments. In her experience esteem...
Trouble with the Second Step [Season 5, Episode 1]
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Christopher M., whose article Safe & Loved appears in the July 2023 issue of Grapevine, shares with Don and Sam about finding a higher power that ...
Fear of People Stopped [Season 4, Episode 26]
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark talks about how external pressure from the legal system got him to AA, and how service work saved him physically and spiritually. He searched out...
A Cork in a Washing Machine [Season 4, Episdode 25]
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Maggie P. shares with Don and Sam about her struggles to surrender to her alcoholism and to AA. She says she had to be brought to her knees, and that ...
Take Me to a Meeting [Season 4, Episode 24]
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gary, the Intergroup Manager from Austin, TX, talks to Don and Sam about his recovery. He started out with periodic relapses and describes the misery ...
Street Tough [Season 4, Episode 23]
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lonnie from Washington, DC, whose story appears in the June issue of Grapevine, shares with Don and Sam about growing up on the streets, landing on th...
I Fell in Love with AA [Season 4, Episode 22]
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Val M. from Vancouver, BC, talks about her sober date of July 2, the day after a Canada Day party. She learned early to go to lots of meetings and to ...
One becomes two, two becomes five, five becomes ten [Season 4, Episode 21]
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
John T. from the Bronx, NY talks to Don and Sam about his struggles to come back to AA, and the differences between his original first year and his se...
Come Back to this Moment [Season 4, Episode 20]
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chase talks to Don and Sam about the mental obsession and physical reaction of alcohol, how AA commitments keep the obsession at bay, and about doing ...
My Goal is to Die Sober [Season 4, Episode 19]
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff C. shares with Don and Sam about his early struggles to stay sober. Jeff also talks about being in the final stage of his life, entering hospice,...
A Wrench for Every Nut [Season 4, Episode 18]
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After Don and Sam give a preview of the May '23 issue of Grapevine, Taylor the Sailor shares his experience, strength and hope as a frequent traveler ...
Keep Coming Back [Season 4, Episode 17]
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tana describes how AA gave her life back—she finished her education and now works in a helping profession. She also talks to Don and Sam about stopp...
Hot Topic: Online Groups [Season 4, Episode 16]
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Monica and Jeff talk to Don and Sam about their experience with virtual AA meetings—how to find them, how to participate, etiquette, doing service, ...
Enlarging Our Spiritual Life [Season 4, Episode 15]
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Big Book historian Bill joins Don and Sam for discussions about the different types of AA meetings, working to enlarge our spiritual lives, and the AA...
Knowing When to Leave [Season 4, Episode 14]
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Diane, whose story appears in the April 2023 issue of Grapevine, shares with Don and Sam about how her group helped her not only stay sober, but also ...
PRAASA '23 [Season 4, Episode 13]
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sam visits the Pacific Region Alcoholics Anonymous Service Assembly and interviews five participants about their sobriety and service to AA. In a List...
The Embrace of AA [Season 4, Episode 12]
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michaelene talks to Sam and Don about her life drinking and how she would lie, cheat, steal, con or manipulate others to get what she needed to drink;...
The International Women's Conference [Season 4, Episode 11]
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Don and Sam get help from Cindy as she visits the International Women's Conference in Dallas, TX recently. Cindy interviews numerous women about their...
Confessions of a Spreadsheet-Loving Nerd [Season 4, Episode 10]
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Christina S., whose story appears in the March issue of Grapevine magazine, shares with Don and Sam about finding her niche in AA service. She shares ...
The God of Our Experience [Season 4, Episode 9]
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rev. Ward Ewing, a Class A Trustee Emeritus (non-alcoholic), talks with Don and Sam about how his work with Alcoholics Anonymous changed him and chang...
A Nudge from the Judge [Season 4, Episode 8]
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allie C. talks to Don and Sam about how a forced drying out period during a court program helped the fog lift, which helped her denial to lift too. In...
Showing Up [Season 4, Episode 7]
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lauren shares with Don and Sam about searching out live meetings again, and her gratitude for the tools to summon Steps 1, 2 and 3 when necessary. Lau...
Learning to Feel [Season 4, Episode 6]
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Laura S., whose article appears in the February 2023 issue of Grapevine magazine, shares with Don and Sam about learning about AA in high school, the ...
It's Not Rocket Surgery [Season 4, Episode 5]
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Don and San talk to Geoff S., the Southern Regional Trustee for the General Service Board of Australia. Geoff talks about carrying the message in a pr...
Young and Sober [Season 4, Episode 4]
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby and Charlene share about getting sober in AA as young people, obstacles they faced and finding fun and laughter. They discuss service at the gro...
Sometimes Slowly [Season 4, Episode 3]
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Greg T. talks to Don and Sam about how alcohol stopped working for him and how AA made his life worth living again. Greg relates how the Steps helped ...
The World Service Meeting [Season 4, Episode 2]
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
General Service Board Trustee-at-Large Trish L. and GSO Staff Member Racy J. share with Don and Sam about their personal recoveries and their recent p...
This Beautiful Truth [Season 4, Episode 1]
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Reem, whose story appears in the January 2023 issue of Grapevine magazine, talks with Don and Sam about breaking through 10 years of denial by learnin...
North Stars in AA [Season 3, Episode 27]
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dennis talks to Don and Sam about living the illusion of controlled drinking, while getting beaten by hard drinking. Dennis describes North Stars in A...
A Fork in the Road: Accept Help or Die [Season 3, Episode 26]
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Casey from Victoria, BC talks to Don and Sam about getting into trouble when he tries to step into God's realm of control. He relates how finding oppo...
The Meeting Guide App [Season 3, Episode 25]
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Don talk to Josh R., about the development of the Meeting Guide App, technology in AA, and about recovery from alcoholism. While we provide th...
What Can I Bring to the Occassion? [Season 3, Episode 24]
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jack, whose story "100 Beards" appears in the December issue of Grapevine, describes how he stays sober on the road with little opportunity for meetin...
"Help" is a Complete Sentence [Season 3, Episode 23]
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Peg M. from Washington, DC shares that she did not have a one devastating bottom, but a series of small bottoms that piled up. Destructive drinking an...
I Didn't Want to be an Alcoholic [Season 3, Episode 22]
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Don and Sam share tips for staying sober through the holidays. Claudette K. from Tacoma, WA shares about the importance of "the meeting after the meet...
Grateful Instead of Hateful [Season 3, Episode 21]
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Don K. tells the incredible story of his journey through the Steps with his sponsor, which led him to forgiveness and a place of gratitude and peace. ...
One Breath at a Time [Season 3, Episode 20]
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
David S., author of an article on the 11th Step in the November issue of Grapevine, shares with Don and Sam. While we provide the podcast at no charge...
Recovery is Progressive Too [Season 3, Episode 19]
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amy B. From Washington State discusses how she went from alcohol no longer working, and almost killing her, to a life that is pretty calm and drama fr...
Of Elders and Bleeding Deacons [Season 3, Episode 18]
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Long-time AA member Diana shares with Don and Sam about getting sober at a young age and trying to continue to be a helpful group member. Diana works ...
What's in a Name?—The 704 Group [Season 3, Episode 17]
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Keith shares with Don and Sam about the unusual name of his home group. He talks about being a "dry drunk" the first three years of his sobriety, and ...
Anonymity and the Media [Season 3, Episode 16]
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jody and Mike discuss their experience with anonymity in AA groups, in the workplace, in public and in the media. While we provide the podcast at no c...
Anniversary Special [Season 3, Episode 15]
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The AA Grapevine Half-Hour Variety Hour turns one-year-old this month. To celebrate we created this special anniversary episode. First Don and Sa...
Tough Love [Season 3, Episode 14]
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lynne W. from Billings, MT, whose article appears in the October issue of Grapevine magazine, shares about reaching out instead of closing up, and tha...
Live Your Way into Right Thinking [Season 3, Episode 13]
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Olivia from North Carolina talks to Don and Sam about living sober through many changes in life. She shares that after many years of sobriety she can ...
ICYPAA: International Conference of Young People in AA [Season 3, Episode 12]
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Grapevine visited ICYPAA in New Orleans on September 2 to 4, 2022 and through a series of interviews captured the spirit, love and enthusiasm of young...
God Cookies [Season 3, Episode 11]
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kenneth talks about how following the recipe brings sweet rewards, putting AA front and center, and learning to listen as if you have no opinion. He m...
Being Sober Is So Much Fun [Season 3, Episode 10]
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Leah B., whose article "Open For Business" appears in the September issue of Grapevine, shares with Don and Sam about being a young person in AA, star...
I Have So Much More [Season 3, Episode 9]
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Elsa A. talks with Don and Sam about how the Steps helped her clear away the garbage in her head so she could move on. The three then discuss social m...
Fun in Sobriety [Season 3, Episode 8]
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Don and Sam talk to Grapevine Senior Editor, Jon W., and story contributor Brian S. about the new Grapevine book Fun in Sobriety. Christopher and Meg ...
Alcohol had Stopped Working [Season 3, Episode 7]
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer D., who got sober as a teen, talks to Don and Sam about how before recovery the pain of life was crushing her soul. When she surrendered and ...
Attracted to the Laughter [Season 3, Episode 6]
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael J., Don and Sam share laughs about handling criticism, anger, and dealing with life's hardships in sobriety. In a "Blast from the Past" Bill W...
AA and Akron [Season 3, Episode 5]
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tom C., who serves as a tour guide at the home of Dr. Bob, talks with Don and Sam about getting sober in AA, and shares some of what he's learned abou...
Acceptance is the Answer [Season 3, Episode 4]
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pat C. talks to Don and Sam about acceptance, and how helping others helps him stick to the program — to keep up with how they are doing. "My life i...
Uncover, Discover, Discard [Season 3, Episode 3]
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amy S. discusses the cleansing power of working the steps with a sponsor. A "Stump the Thumper" quiz too. While we provide the podcast at no charge, i...
Straight from the Area 51 Assembly [Season 3, Episode 2]
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Don visits with a variety of trusted servants and AA members at a recent Area 51 Assembly—all Earthlings, we think. While we provide the podcast at ...
When Life Goes Down, AA Shows Up [Season 3, Episode 1]
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
John D. shares his experience of being an old-timer who got sober very young. He discusses with Don and Sam the powerful strength he received from oth...
I Had A Desire, But No Surrender [Season 2, Episode 26]
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Scott talks about the importance of his home group in helping him surrender to his powerlessness over alcohol. A discussion about the difference betwe...
Outside Help [Season 2, Episode 25]
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Single mother Dani talks with Don and Sam about finding help inside and outside of AA. The three then discuss #heardinameeting posts from social media...
It Didn't End Well [Season 2, Episode 24]
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bay talks to Don and Sam about his struggle to get sober, and the miracles he found after taking on a sponsor and working the Steps. While we provide ...
Seeking Balance [Season 2, Episode 23]
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
50-Year member Nancy K., who is featured in the June issue of Grapevine, discusses getting sober in AA in the early 1970's, and continuing the search ...
What to Expect at an AA Meeting [Season 2, Episode 22]
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In an extended "Ask the Oldtimer" segment, newcomer Hayden asks long-term member Chris about what he should expect at an AA meeting, what he'll have t...
"Cybriety" — AA and Technology [Season 2, Episode 21]
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lois talks to Don and Sam about the many wonderful ways technology helps connect AA members with one another. This episode contains information about ...
Our Liabilities Become Assets [Season 2, Episode 20]
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Vicki C. talks to Don and Sam about finding AA through the Courts when she lost custody of her child. Vicki discusses the importance of honest sharing...
As Sick as Our Secrets [Season 2, Episode 19]
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sammy shares about learning the hard way the value of an honest and thorough Fourth Step. Don and Sam share information about the AA Armed Services In...
No Longer Fighting the Obsession [Season 2, Episode 18]
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Roxanne from Bismarck, ND shares about her story in the May issue of Grapevine magazine. Roxanne, Don and Sam discuss a gift from her sponsor, Russian...
The Universe Opens Up [Season 2, Episode 17]
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amy B. describes finding a comfortable place in the world with help from the AA fellowship and working the Steps. Michael asks a question in "Ask the ...
The Best Years of Our Lives [Season 2, Episode 16]
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sober married couple Kelly and Greg discuss waiting a year to date, being sober together in a marriage, and keeping boundaries around their individual...
As Willing to Listen As the Dying Can Be [Season 2, Episode 15]
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Graylin discusses with Don and Sam the advantage of total defeat leading to surrender, leading to a strong willingness to work each of the Twelve Step...