The series explores the book SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION by Dr. George E. Vaillant. The author was a psychiatrist at Harvard and served as a non-alcoholic Trustee for Alcoholics Anonymous. Spirituality can be a hard concept to grasp, and his book helps make it understandable. He defines spirituality as the realization of positive emotions such as love, hope, faith, joy, forgiveness, and compassion – along with awe and mystical illumination . The author argues our brains are hard wired for these and thro...
Mar 09, 2024•33 min•Season 28Ep. 8
The series explores the book SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION by Dr. George E. Vaillant. The author was a psychiatrist at Harvard and served as a non-alcoholic Trustee for Alcoholics Anonymous. Spirituality can be a hard concept to grasp, and his book helps make it understandable. He defines spirituality as the realization of positive emotions such as love, hope, faith, joy, forgiveness, and compassion – along with awe and mystical illumination. The author argues our brains are hard wired for these and throu...
Feb 28, 2024•48 min•Season 28Ep. 7
The series explores the book SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION by Dr. George E. Vaillant. The author was a psychiatrist at Harvard and served as a non-alcoholic Trustee for Alcoholics Anonymous. Spirituality can be a hard concept to grasp, and his book helps make it understandable. He defines spirituality as the realization of positive emotions such as love, hope, faith, joy, forgiveness, and compassion – along with awe and mystical illumination. The author argues our brains are hard wired for these and throu...
Feb 21, 2024•39 min•Season 28Ep. 6
The series explores the book SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION by Dr. George E. Vaillant. The author was a psychiatrist at Harvard and served as a non-alcoholic Trustee for Alcoholics Anonymous. Spirituality can be a hard concept to grasp, and his book helps make it understandable. He defines spirituality as the realization of positive emotions such as love, hope, faith, joy, forgiveness, and compassion – along with awe and mystical illumination . The author argues our brains are hard wired for these and thro...
Feb 14, 2024•39 min•Season 28Ep. 5
The series explores the book SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION by Dr. George E. Vaillant. The author was a psychiatrist at Harvard and served as a non-alcoholic Trustee for Alcoholics Anonymous. Spirituality can be a hard concept to grasp, and his book helps make it understandable. He defines spirituality as the realization of positive emotions such as love, hope, faith, joy, forgiveness, and compassion – along with awe and mystical illumination. The author argues our brains are hard wired for these and throu...
Feb 07, 2024•46 min•Season 28Ep. 4
The series explores the book SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION written by Dr. George E. Vaillant. The author was a research psychiatrist at Harvard and served as a non-alcoholic Trustee for Alcoholics Anonymous. Spirituality is often a hard concept to grasp and his book helps make it understandable. He defines spirituality as the realization of positive emotions such as love, hope, faith, joy, forgiveness, and compassion – along with awe and mystical illumination. The author argues our brains are hard wired f...
Jan 27, 2024•56 min•Season 29Ep. 3
The series explores the book SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION written by Dr. George E. Vaillant. The author was a research psychiatrist at Harvard and served as a non-alcoholic Trustee for Alcoholics Anonymous. Spirituality is a hard concept to grasp, and his book helps make it more understandable. He defines spirituality as the realization of positive emotions such as love, hope, faith, joy, forgiveness, and compassion – along with awe and mystical illumination . The author argues we are evolving physically...
Jan 20, 2024•40 min•Season 29Ep. 2
This series explores the book SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION written by Dr. George E. Vaillant. The author was a research psychiatrist at Harvard and served as a non-alcoholic Trustee for Alcoholics Anonymous. Spirituality is a hard concept to grasp and his book helps make it more understandable. He defines spirituality as the realization of positive emotions such as love, hope, faith, joy, forgiveness, and compassion – along with awe and mystical illumination . The author argues our brains are hard wired ...
Jan 16, 2024•43 min•Season 29Ep. 1
Fr. Bill’s guest is Andy C., a Canadian attorney in recovery since 1977. Andy is the author of “ Gems,” a collection of reflections and meditations on insights and practices that can lead to a more meaningful, satisfying, and purposeful recovery. In this final episode, Fr. Bill and Andy explore the practice and benefits of frequent and meaningful inventories using Steps 4 and 10. Show Notes: Gems: Meditations on Alcoholism and Recovery by Andy C. Visit Andy at his website: the Fourth Dimension h...
Dec 31, 2023•51 min•Season 28Ep. 4
Fr. Bill’s guest is Andy C., a Canadian attorney in recovery since 1977. Andy is the author of “ Gems” a collection of reflections and meditations on insights and practices that can lead to a more meaningful, satisfying, and purposeful recovery. In this third episode, Fr Bill and Andy explore the nature and depth of SELF WILL and how the Steps are used to overcome it. Gems: Meditations on Alcoholism and Recovery by Andy C. Visit Andy at his website: the Fourth Dimension https://the4thdimension.c...
Dec 23, 2023•59 min•Season 28Ep. 3
Fr. Bill’s guest is Andy C., a Canadian attorney in recovery since 1977. Andy is the author of “ Gems” a collection of reflections and meditations on insights and practices that can lead to a more meaningful, satisfying, and purposeful recovery. In this second episode, Fr Bill and Andy explore serenity and how it’s related to emotional sobriety. Show Notes: Gems: Meditations on Alcoholism and Recovery by Andy C. Visit Andy at his website: the Fourth Dimension https://the4thdimension.ca/ Emotiona...
Dec 16, 2023•55 min•Season 28Ep. 2
Fr. Bill’s guest is Andy C. an attorney in recovery since 1977 and living in Victoria, Canada. Andy is the author of “ Gems” a collection of meditations on the various components and practices that can lead to meaningful, satisfying, and purposeful recovery. In this first episode, Andy shares his recovery story before he and Fr/ Bill dive into Andy’s first chapter distinguishing Long-termers from Old-timers. You’ll discover there’s a world of difference and find a few pitfalls to avoid along the...
Dec 11, 2023•59 min•Season 29Ep. 1
In this classic episode, Fr. Bill visits with Yisrael C. to discuss the age-old question, "Are you spiritual or religous?" The discussion provides perspective and a deeper understanding of what it all means in relationship to recovery. Yisrael C. has over 40 years in AA journeying from a Catholic kid in Philadelphia to an Orthodox Jew and stand-up comedian in Israel. Balancing tragedy and comedy, he works at the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem and takes great joy helping newcomers find both sobrie...
Dec 03, 2023•30 min•Season 28Ep. 1
Father Bill continues a series centered on Dr. Harry Tiebout, the first psychiatrist to recognize why AA worked while so many other methods (including his own) had failed. Tiebout also treated Bill Wilson for his depression and later served as an AA Trustee. The series uses Hazelden’s book: Harry Tiebout: The Collected Writings as a source and, where available, adds pdf articles in the Show Notes. In this episode Fr. Bill explores Tiebout’s article: Anonymity, the Ego Reducer . This was a talk h...
Nov 22, 2023•33 min•Season 27Ep. 6
Father Bill continues a series centered on Dr. Harry Tiebout, the first psychiatrist to recognize why AA worked while so many other methods (including his own) had failed. Tiebout also treated Bill Wilson for his depression and later served as an AA Trustee. The series uses Hazelden’s book : Harry Tiebout: The Collected Writings as a source and, where available, adds pdf articles in the Show Notes. In this episode Fr. Bill explores Tiebout’s classic article: Surrender vs Compliance . Tiebout bel...
Nov 15, 2023•49 min•Season 27Ep. 5
Father Bill continues a series centered on Dr. Harry Tiebout, the first psychiatrist to recognize why AA worked while so many other methods (including his own) had failed. Tiebout also treated Bill Wilson for his depression and later served as an AA Trustee. The series uses Hazelden’s book : Harry Tiebout: The Collected Writings as a source and, where available, adds pdf articles in the Show Notes. In this episode Fr. Bill explores Tiebout’s classic article: Ego Factors in Surrender. If you want...
Oct 30, 2023•49 min•Season 27Ep. 3
Father Bill continues a series centered on Dr. Harry Tiebout, the first psychiatrist to recognize why AA worked while so many other methods (including his own) had failed. Tiebout also treated Bill Wilson for his depression and later served as an AA Trustee. The series uses Hazelden’s book : Harry Tiebout: The Collected Writings as a source and, where available, adds pdf articles in the Show Notes. In this episode Fr. Bill explores Tiebout’s classic article: Ego Factors in Surrender. If you want...
Oct 28, 2023•53 min•Season 27Ep. 4
Father Bill continues a series centered on Dr. Harry Tiebout, the first psychiatrist to recognize why AA worked while so many other methods (including his own) had failed. Tiebout also treated Bill Wilson for his depression and later served as an AA Trustee. The series uses Hazelden’s book : Harry Tiebout: The Collected Writings as a source and, where available, adds pdf articles in the Show Notes. In this episode Fr. Bill explores Tiebout’s 1949 article: The Act of Surrender in the Therapeutic ...
Oct 14, 2023•43 min•Season 27Ep. 2
Father Bill starts a new series centered around Dr. Harry Tiebout. He was the first psychiatrist to recognize why AA was being successful in treating alcoholics while so many other methods (including his own) had failed. Tiebout (pronounced (TEE-BOW) also treated Bill Wilson for his depression. The series uses Hazelden’s book: Harry Tiebout: The Collected Writings as a source and, where available, adds pdf articles in the Show Notes. Show Notes: ∙ Tiebout’s Collected Writings ∙ Ego Factors in Su...
Oct 07, 2023•48 min•Season 27Ep. 1
Fr. Bill continues a series highlighting the history and practice of Two Way Prayer as contained in his book expected to be published in the spring of 2024. In this episode he explores meaning of a “psychic change,” a “conversion experience or awakening,” as well as “the fourth dimension of existence.” The episode uses the works of Bill Wilson, William James, and Jungian analyst and author Robert Johnson. If you’ve ever wanted to explore “ego deflation at depth” this episode is for you. Show Not...
Sep 27, 2023•59 min•Season 26Ep. 5
Fr. Bill continues a series highlighting the history and practice of Two Way Prayer. In this episode he focuses on the Four Absolutes: Honesty, Purity, Unselfishness, and Love. These principles were foundational for Dr. Bob and to many of the AA Pioneers. They’re still emphasized in Akron and Cleveland, Ohio but in few other places. This episode focuses on how they relate to Two Way Prayer. Show Notes: Fr. Bill continues a series highlighting the history and practice of Two Way Prayer. In this e...
Sep 23, 2023•46 min•Season 26Ep. 4
Fr. Bill continues a series highlighting the history and practice of Two Way Prayer. In this episode he shares step by step suggestions for a daily practice. Show Notes: A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly / Kelly’s first essay: The Light Within makes excellent Quiet Time reading. Here’s a pdf version of this contemplative classic. Here’s a one-page guide with suggestions for doing the daily practice: chrome- Thomas Merton’s Prayer: “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not ...
Sep 13, 2023•39 min•Season 26Ep. 3
Fr. Bill continues his focus on Two Way Prayer. In this episode he explores why the AA Pioneer’s connection to the Oxford Group was downplayed in the Big Book and how knowing the history brings the practice alive in the pages devoted to Step Eleven. Show Notes: Quotations are from Pass It On: https://www.aa.org/pass-it
Sep 06, 2023•41 min•Season 26Ep. 2
Fr. Bill begins a short series focused on a new book he’s writing on Two Way Prayer. This episode gives a brief history of how the prayer practice developed within the Oxford Group and its important place in the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous. Fr. Bill draws on several quotations from AA literature telling how the practice was done by some of the early members. Show Notes: “Where did we learn about moral inventory, amends for harm done, turning our wills and our lives over to God? Where did ...
Aug 30, 2023•34 min•Season 26Ep. 1
Father Bill continues his interview with recovery teacher and spiritual guide Tyler D. from Dallas, Texas. The series centers on Bill Wilson’s 12 & 12 quote: “There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. … But when they are logically related and interwoven, the result is an unshakeable foundation for life.” This episode is focused on helping us understand and begin the practice of meditation. Show Notes: ∙ Contact and information for Tyler D. http://tylerdawn.com...
Aug 16, 2023•57 min•Season 25Ep. 4
Father Bill continues his interview with spiritual recovery teacher and guide Tyler D. from Dallas, Texas. The series builds on the Bill Wilson’s 12 & 12 quote: “There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. … But when they are logically related and interwoven, the result is an unshakeable foundation for life.” This episode explores various forms of prayer that can help in our recovery as well as make recovery more of the living adventure it can be. Show Notes: Co...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 25Ep. 3
Father Bill continues his interview with spiritual recovery teacher and guide Tyler D. from Dallas, Texas. The series builds on the Bill Wilson’s 12 & 12 quote: “There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. … But when they are logically related and interwoven, the result is an unshakeable foundation for life.” This episode explores tools for watching ourselves and making Step Ten come to life in new and more meaningful ways. Show Notes: Contact and information on...
Aug 02, 2023•58 min•Season 25Ep. 2
Father Bill begins a series of interviews with spiritual recovery teacher and guide Tyler D. from Dallas, Texas. Long active in 12 Step recovery, Tyler is a registered yoga instructor and mindfulness teacher as well as a recent graduate in Spiritual Direction from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. In this opening episode Tyler shares her story and sets the theme for the series built around the rewards a solid foundation can bring. Tyler genuinely “walks the walk” in 12 Step recovery and invites ...
Jul 26, 2023•51 min•Season 25Ep. 1
In this final episode of the series, Dr. James Ryan, PhD author of a new book titled Recovery Writing, leads listeners through a series of writing exercises that include an extended version of “The Conduct Inventory,” a second exercise titled “The Resilient Heart,” and finally a set of questions known as “The Audre Lorde Questionnaire to Oneself.” We hope this series inspires you to pick up your pen and join Dr. Ryan in journeying deeper into the fullness and richness of recovery. Show Notes: ∙ ...
Jul 19, 2023•55 min•Season 24Ep. 7
Fr. Bill and Dr. James Ryan, PhD author of a new book titled Recovery Writing finish up their discussion of how writing can be an aid in finding and building a deeper relationship with the Divine. Show Notes: ∙ Recovery Writing: Discovery and Healing in the Twelve Steps by James Ryan. ∙ Step Study website: www.StepStudy.org...
Jul 12, 2023•59 min•Season 24Ep. 6
