AA Grapevine's Podcast

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 works for him. He also talks about writing for the Grapevine. In the Listener Feedback feature, Wake Q. raises the connection between powerlessness and anonymity; and Ed B. breaks the hosts' chops a bit.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print or digital, provide a subscription to someone in need through our 'Carry the Message" program, or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 and found groups that allow him to be his authentic self. Don and Sam get help from past-Trustee Billy N. on a question from Amanda about the circle and triangle symbol.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print or digital, provide a subscription to someone in need through our 'Carry the Message" program, or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 when she finally surrendered she was hanging on by a thread. Now she's a meeting maker with over 17 years of sobriety, enjoying the "Grace of Drunks." We also hear Listener Feedback from Tori, and her gratitude for the phrase "your own conception of God."While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print or digital, provide a subscription to someone in need through our 'Carry the Message" program, or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 that goes with that. He had a moment of clarity after reaching a final bottom. In sobriety, Gary's Ninth Step work led to him helping a person from his past. There's a call on our Listener Feedback Line from Richard too. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print or digital, provide a subscription to someone in need through our 'Carry the Message" program, or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 the skid row of his own couch and crying out for Divine help. Now he sits up front at meetings to pay attention and hear, because he must deal with sobriety every day. Caller Spencer requests hearing Bill W.'s talk from the 1950 Convention, and we play excerpts of Bill talking about the Traditions and the soon-to-be Conference.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print or digital, provide a subscription to someone in need through our 'Carry the Message" program, or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 include a Step meeting and a Big Book meeting each week. Val tells an inspiring story about God's intervention as she headed to a liquor store.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the onlyAA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA GrapevinePodcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print or digital, provide asubscription to someone in need through our 'Carry the Message" program, or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 second first year of sobriety. John shares about using the "Set Aside Prayer," in which he asks God to help him put aside everything he thinks he knows, and to be open minded to new experiences.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print or digital, provide a subscription to someone in need through our 'Carry the Message" program, or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 the right thing regardless of how you feel. In an "Ask it Basket" feature, Paul asks about the 5th Edition of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Jen a Delegate from the Conference Literature Committee gives an update.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print or digital, provide a subscription to someone in need through our 'Carry the Message" program, or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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, and still learning as he takes sobriety one day at a time to the last day.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine, our website, or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 in AA. He found that with willingness the hoops he had to go through proved large. He shares about using the "Loners International Directory" and about re-learning to breathe.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 stopping the cycle of generational trauma. There's an Ask it Basket question from J.K., and listener feedback from Paula and Nathan.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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, connecting with the group and individuals, safety and anonymity. They provide many suggestions for making the most of the experience.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 Word Police. Bill also takes on a challenging game of "Stump the Thumper."While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 make a difficult decision. There's an Ask-it-Basket question about the Forewords to the Big Book, and a couple listener comments too.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

Sam visits the Pacific Region Alcoholics Anonymous Service Assembly and interviews five participants about their sobriety and service to AA. In a Listener Feedback feature we hear from Rebecca, Trevor, Jimmy and Taylor. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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; how she finally surrendered; and how AA members helped her through tragic situations. In an "Ask it Basket" segment, the three discuss the difference between open and closed meetings.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 sobriety and their experience at the conference. On the Listener Line, Peyton calls in from Illinois and we hear from Brian in North Carolina.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 about watching the miracle of recover happen in her family and about her own spiritual awakening while working the 9th Step. Don and Sam discuss helping a newcomer, and the importance of being open and connected to other AA members and to God.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 changed his ministry. Peter from Long Island, NY submits an "Ask it Basket" question and a joke; and Jerry from British Columbia gives feedback on the AA Grapevine Podcast.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 AA, Allie met a group of people who just wanted to help her, but didn't want anything in return. Allie also talks about the value of having a sponsor and the rewards of being a sponsor. There's a bonus segment at the end of this podcast where problems other than alcohol are discussed — for those who may identify.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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. Lauren also shares info about the upcoming Pacific Region Alcoholics Anonymous Service Assembly. In a "Blast From the Past" Teddy R. shares from a talk in 1956.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 freedom to be who she is, and using the whole AA toolkit to lead a good life.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 proactive way, and how service helps him to stay sober and happy. Australia AA is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 group level, getting active in Young People in AA, and involvement in general service. Don and Sam share letters from the mailbag.While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 him find his authentic self. "Stump the Thumper" is this week's special feature. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 participation in the AA World Service Meeting. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 learning the 24-hour plan and "fake it till you make it." While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

Dennis talks to Don and Sam about living the illusion of controlled drinking, while getting beaten by hard drinking. Dennis describes North Stars in AA,—people who have experienced what he is going through and who give assurance that all will work out. In the Ask-It-Basket, Victor M. wants to know the difference between a "character defect" and a "shortcoming." Dennis, Don and Sam share their thoughts, and Big Book historian Bill S. weighs in too. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 opportunities for service, in AA and in his everyday life, keep him sane. Casey tells a funny story about owning his own breathalyzer. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

Jack, whose story "100 Beards" appears in the December issue of Grapevine, describes how he stays sober on the road with little opportunity for meetings, and how giving by playing Santa fills his spirit. Karen talks about dealing with expectations, connecting with others in recovery, and becoming the Chairperson of her inner-voice committee. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

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 and destructive behavior brought her to AA. In a "Blast from the Past" Bill W. shares about AA's singleness of purpose, in a talk from 1957. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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 meeting" where she learned how to socialize without alcohol. A new feature, the "Ask it Basket," includes some AA history about how the basket came to be. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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. Our own Don M. visits the General Service Office in New York and talks to several AA special workers. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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 free. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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 at the GSO, and talks about when she shares that information. Alan calls in an "Ask the Old-Timer" question. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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 finding spiritual relief in working the Steps and getting involved in service. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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 charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

The AA Grapevine Half-Hour Variety Hour turns one-year-old this month. To celebrate we created this special anniversary episode. First Don and Sam talk with the gang at Grapevine about the creation of the podcast. Later you'll enjoy listening to some hilarious bloopers that didn’t make it onto the weekly podcast. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

Lynne W. from Billings, MT, whose article appears in the October issue of Grapevine magazine, shares about reaching out instead of closing up, and that while the pursuit of oblivion never worked, being open to a spiritual solution does work in her life. Note: please listen to our Grapevine podcast one-year anniversary special, to be released on Tuesday, October 4 at 9 AM Eastern. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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 finally be the person she always wanted to be. The three then field an "Ask the Oldtimer" question from Joe in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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 AA members celebrating their sobriety. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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 matches up with Don and Sam in a game of Stump the Thumpers too. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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, starting a young persons' group, and the benefits of life in sobriety. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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 media postings with #heardinameeting. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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 call in their fun anecdotes too. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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 turned to service, she found new purpose. "Still Bill" has a question for "Ask the Old-timer." While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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. speaks about AA and criticism, from a talk from 1965. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.

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 about Bill and Bob in Akron. Spoiler alert—Tom's a ringer at Stump the Thumper. While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase books or other items at store.aagrapevine.org.