The Recovery Show » Finding serenity through 12 step recovery in Al-Anon – a podcast
Episodes
What’s in a Name? Group naming in Al-Anon – 451
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
Estrangement: Strength and Hope – 450
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Estrangement is a challenging experience, affecting countless families across the globe. Eric and Spencer’s conversation takes us through personal e...
Embracing Growth: Dropping Life’s Rocks – 449
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Spencer and Kathy delve into a concept derived from the book “Drop the Rock.” The metaphor suggests that our shortcomings or character def...
Healthy Boundaries Create Internal Safety – 448
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Barb and Spencer explore the vital topic of boundaries in depth, offering insights into how establishing and maintaining boundaries can significantly ...
Patience and Acceptance when Life is “In Session” – 447
07 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Spencer and Kathy delve into the essential themes of patience and acceptance, exploring how these virtues can empower us to navigate life's most chall...
Navigating Grief in Recovery – 446
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Grieving is a profoundly personal journey, and when intertwined with recovery from addiction, the process can be both complex and enlightening. Spence...
Navigating Uncertainty – 445
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Unity and Healing in Al-Anon Traditions – 444
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Spencer and Patrick explore Al-Anon’s 12 Traditions through reading and discussion. We reflect on how these guidelines support personal growth and u...
Workaholism and Recovery – 443
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Spencer and Tom explore the complexities of workaholism and its impact on personal and professional lives. Our conversation includes not only our pers...
50 Years of 12-Step Recovery – 442
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Transforming Dating Patterns in Recovery – 441
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brenda W. shares her experiences, focusing on how the effects of being an adult child of an alcoholic shaped her past relationships. She candidly desc...
Recovering Couples Anonymous: Healing a relationship – 440
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Step 12: A Journey into Spiritual Awareness – 439
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
Embracing Spiritual Growth Through Step 11 – 438
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Is Al-Anon Really for Men? A conversation – 437
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 me...
Embracing Our Humanity: Practicing Step 10 – 436
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 refle...
Lifelong Growth Through Step 10
21 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In 12-step recovery, Step 10 offers a framework for continuous improvement by encouraging individuals to take personal inventory and make amends when ...
Healing Through Amends: Step Nine – 434
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Participation is a Key to Harmony and Growth – 433
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this exploration of Al-Anon's Concept Four, “Participation is the key to harmony,” Spencer and Sara look at how they participate in per...
Recognizing Responsibility: Al-Anon’s Step 8 – 432
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the journey of recovery, Step Eight is a pivotal stage where individuals courageously face the consequences of their past actions and begin the pat...
Recovery and Creativity – 431
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 progra...
Mar-Anon: Help for Family and Friends of Cannabis Addicts – 430
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Grief and Relief – 429
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
Separating from Dysfunction – 428
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Heather relates her experience growing up in dysfunction, and her journey to recovery through therapy, Al-Anon and ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics a...
When the Behavior is Too Much for Most of Us – 427
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Spencer and Misti, with listener contributions, explore a challenging topic for those who have loved ones grappling with addiction: cutting or limitin...
Reflections on 2024 – 426
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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: inten...
Shortcomings and Self-Acceptance: Step 7 – 425
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 shortcom...
Addiction’s Little Sister – 424
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Transformation Begins in Step Six – 423
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the journey of recovery, reaching Step Sixmarks a pivotal moment of transformation. This step, as we examine in our recent conversation between Spe...
Embracing Self-Love: A Recovery Journey – 422
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ma...
Step Five: A Journey Towards Personal Freedom – 421
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our shared journey through the twelve steps, Step Five is an essential turning point towards self-awareness and personal freedom. This step—admit...
Path to Recovery: Embracing Step Four – 420
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our recovery journey requires courage and self-reflection, especially when we encounter Step 4: “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory o...
Secular Healing: Working Step Three – 419
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Approaching the Twelve Steps from a secular viewpoint can present challenges, particularly with Step Three, which traditionally involves turning one's...
Navigating Retirement with Recovery – 418
21 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Retirement can be an exciting yet challenging phase of life. It brings forward new experiences and demands a blend of anticipation and adaptation. The...
Creating a Personal Higher Power in Recovery – 417
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recovery can challenge us to transform our spiritual and religious understandings and underpinnings. For many, especially those emerging from rigid re...
Letting Go and Trusting: Exploring Step Three – 416
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ste...
Finding Hope and Sanity: Exploring Step Two – 415
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spencer opens the discussion by reiterating Step Two: “[We] came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.̶...
Surviving Alex: A Mother’s Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction – 414
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Step One: Finding Strength in Surrender – 413
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spencer and Nora explore Step One of Al-Anon, which is about admitting powerlessness over alcohol and recognizing the unmanageability in one's life. T...
Breaking Through Denial: Honesty is Essential – 412
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ste...
Growth and Challenges in Al-Anon Service – 411
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being a leader in Al-Anon is fundamentally different from traditional notions of leadership. As we highlight in our discussion, Al-Anon leaders are gu...
Walking the Path to Recovery – Working the 12 Steps – 410
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Host Spencer and guest Ashley delve into the transformative power of the 12 steps in the Al-Anon program. We revisit the 12 steps and explore their im...
Finding Strength in Mutual Aid: Insights from Al-Anon’s Third Tradition – 409
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Al Anon's Tradition 3 emphasizes the gathering of relatives of alcoholics for mutual aid, forming an Al Anon family group rooted in shared experiences...
A Deep Dive into Sharing in Meetings – 408
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We find value in the shared experiences, wisdom, and support expressed in Al-Anon meetings. Sharing in meetings plays a crucial role in bolstering rec...
Spencer T talk at 71st Greeley AA Stampede
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In February, 2023, Spencer gave a talk at the 71st Greeley AA Stampede. This is that talk. Readings and Links The Greeley AA Stampede is an annual AA ...
Listening to you – 406
11 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to the experience, strength and hope, questions, and fears of 30-ish listeners of The Recovery Show. Hear from members on topics such as these:...
Working the Steps – 405
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 12 steps are indispensable in the journey towards healing. They can spark enlightenment, foster growth, and propel personal transformation. In thi...
Experience, Strength and Hope from the 2023 Al-Anon International Convention – 404
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you attend the 2023 Al-Anon International Convention? If you didn't, have you wondered what it was like? In this episode, Heather, Racheal, and Sp...
Inaction and Reaction: Navigating the Path to Meaningful Action – 403
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our lives, we often find ourselves faced with situations that require us to make decisions. We have a choice to either react impulsively or take a ...
Finding Freedom from Gossip and Creating Positive Relationships in Recovery – 402
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is gossip? How is it harmful to my recovery? Spencer and Laurel discuss gossip and how it can hinder our path to recovery. We share our personal ...
What is my Motive? – 401
02 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
At a recent meeting, the topic was Step 11. I most often share about my difficulties in creating a regular program of prayer and meditation. But at th...
Milestones – 400
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Reaching and recognizing significant milestones is an integral part of the recovery process. Celebrating these moments of progress might include ackno...
Finding Al-Anon Lessons in Classic Novels — 399
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I noticed how different people in the story respond to the drinking in different ways. It leapt off the page to me, not only because I recognized stor...
What we learned in 2022 — 398
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What valuable lesson did you learn in 2022? Our answers include: Upcoming topics Coming up is our 400th episode. Eric suggested the topic of milestone...
From Wounded to Empowered: Misti B’s Path to Forgiveness — 397
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Misti's journey of self-discovery and forgiveness takes her through the depths of her family's addiction and abuse. Just as she begins to find inner p...
Boundaries Revisited – 396
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a while since we talked about boundaries. Barb N brings her own perspective and experience to this conversation. Barb hit a co-dependent bot...
The Relationship between Mother and Son – 395
05 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How is the relationship between a mother and her son affected by alcholism and addiction? Join us as Amy shares her experience, strength, and hope (an...
People of Color in Recovery – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging – 394
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mary is an Al-Anon member who is Korean. She brings her experience as a person of color in the rooms of recovery to the podcast. Our conversation touc...
Take What You Like and Leave the Rest — 393
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve been to a few meetings, you’ve probably heard us say, “Take what you like and leave the rest.” Why do we say this? What does it mean...
Step 12 – 392
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The only promise in the 12 steps is contained in Step 12. It promises that if we work these steps, that we will have a spiritual awakening. Then it as...
The power of stories – 391
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all have stories. In Al-Anon we tell our stories to each other. Why do we do this?  Our suggested welcome suggests that “we say what is in o...
Gratitude 2022 – 390
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are you grateful for today? I asked that question of some listeners. 16 of you responded with shares, which I have compiled here. Many of you exp...
Four Primary Ideas – 389
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are the four primary ideas? How have they been active in my recovery?. Readings and Links We read from the 2022–2025 Al-Anon Alateen Service Ma...
Recovery in the TV/Film Industry – 388
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa H is using her recovery tools as she is working in the TV and film industry. My stereotype, at least, of this industry is that it is full of R...
Co-Crazy – 387
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you co-crazy? How can we recover from the state of codependent craziness? Sarah M joined us to talk about her journey of recovery from what she ca...
Loss and Grief – 386
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I recently was asked to lead at an online meeting. This is what I said about loss and grief. Then, I asked some of you to share your responses, and yo...
Worry Less — 385
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Does your mind automatically tune into the worry-and-fear channel? Are you suffering from worry about your loved ones? What tools have you found to he...
Leaning into Faith – 384
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How have you found faith, and how has it helped you let go of fear? Kathy joins Spencer to dig into these questions and to share some recent experienc...
Laurel S — Alcoholism Ended her Marriage — 383
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Laurel's story begins: My wife was 6 years sober when we met – but not in program. “AA doesn’t work for me”. She remained sober another 6 ...
Remembrance — 382
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you remember the loved ones you have lost? How do you measure their lives? When my grandfather died, my father wrote a thoughtful, personal rem...
Acceptance is a Gift of Recovery – 381
07 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How is acceptance a gift of recovery for me? In March, 2021, I gave a talk at an online conference. I tried to follow this outline. What is acceptance...
Awareness and Acceptance – 380
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you practice awareness and acceptance? How have they helped you to take actions that change the things you can? Eric and Spencer were invited t...
Letting Go – 379
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do you want to let go of? What is preventing you from completely letting go? Eric was inspired by a meditation he heard on the Insight Timer app,...
Fireflies – Recovery of a Marriage – 378
13 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al Anon Courage to Change: “We all have dark times in our lives, but the journey to better times is often what makes us happier, stronger people. Wh...
Whether the Alcoholic is Still Drinking or Not – 377
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our suggested opening tells us that “we can find contentment, and even happiness whether the alcoholic is drinking or not.” How does this happen? ...
My Husband – 376
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener sent me a deeply moving and personal share about her life with her husband. She recorded the share shortly before attending his memorial se...
Feeling new in recovery – 375
18 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I recently received an email from a person who is in early recovery. He is struggling with getting really into the program, and listed these issues he...
My Recovery is not Conditional on Yours – 374
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is your recovery dependent on someone else’s? How does this hurt? Ester's partner decided to stop attending AA. How did she react? How did she use t...
Gratitude 2021 – 373
16 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In November, I asked the members of the email list, “what are you grateful for today?” These are your responses. I had hoped to get them out short...
Embracing Risk – 372
05 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you embrace risk in your life today? How has this changed in recovery? Why can risk-taking be healthy? Spencer and SA explore these questions a...
Reflection on a loss, December 19, 2021
20 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
My mother breathed her last on this day. I reflect on her life, what she meant to me, and what seeds she planted in me. The post Reflection on a loss,...
A Teacher in Recovery – 371
11 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a teacher? How has recovery changed the way you teach? What recovery tools do you use in the classroom? Rajni joins Spencer to share her exper...
Gentleness with Myself – 370
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
BHow have you treated yourself meanly or roughly? How have you learned to be gentle with yourself? Anna joins Spencer to talk about why being gentle w...
Healing through Writing – 369
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa grew up in alcoholism, addiction and abuse. She is finding healing through writing a novel. Content warning: Lisa talks about some of the abuse s...
A Disease of Relationships – 368
06 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We say that alcoholism is a disease of relationships. What do we mean by this? How are our relationships damaged and how can we recover from that dama...
The Gift of Pain – 367
17 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How is it possible for our pain to become our gain? Andrea’s story illuminates this transformation. Andrea from Adult Child Podcast joins us to talk...
Honesty – 366
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What does a lack of honesty with ourselves and others look like? What does the program teach us about the importance of honesty to our recovery? Ester...
In All Our Affairs – 365
20 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Step 12 suggests that we “practice these principles in all our affairs”. What does this mean to you? How do you do it? Definition: principle a fun...
Fear of Abandonment – 364
07 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you fear being abandoned? How has it driven your life? How can recovery free you from this fear? Shannon says, I wanted to speak about the topic of...
Finding Compassion for the Alcoholic – 363
17 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How did I find compassion for the actively drinking alcoholic in my life? At first, I had no compassion. I had anger, frustration, and frustration, in...
Avoidance (running away from scary feelings) – 362
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you find yourself avoiding scary feelings? Are you running away from things you don’t want to face? How are you facing your fears instead? Defini...
Sympathy, Empathy, and Compassion – 361
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tradition 5 tells us that part of our recovery is in finding compassion for our alcoholic friends and relatives. What is compassion, and how is it dif...
Music in Recovery – 360
30 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How has music supported you in recovery? What inspiration do you find there? Are there certain songs that have become the soundtrack of your life? Son...
The Effects of Recovery – 359
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How have you experienced the effects of alcoholism or addiction transforming into the effects of recovery? Colleen suggested this topic, writing ̶...
Al-Anon after Divorce – 358
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is it like to keep working your recovery program after divorcing? Pat joined Spencer to talk about her experience. She fully recognizes that both...
CODA saved her life – Geraldine – 357
01 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Can CODA help when you grow up in dysfunction, and then love a controlling, gaslighting partner as an adult? As a child, Geraldine lived in fear of he...
Domestic Violence and Other Unacceptable Behavior – 356
24 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If Acceptance is the key to serenity, what do you do about unacceptable behavior and domestic violence? Kathy H joined the Recovery Show to talk about...
A Son’s Addiction – 355
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How can recognizing powerlessness over a child’s addiction make it easier to detach and not enable them? Jacob joins us to tell his story and how he...
Making Decisions – 354
09 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have trouble making decisions? What have you learned in recovery helps you make decisions? Eric, Spencer, and several of you share about indeci...
Voices – 353
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is on your mind? This episode is built from your voices, sharing your experience, strength, and hope. Sharing your dilemmas and questions. Readin...