Send us a text Change is so hard. I've heard of people saying they love change. I've also heard of people stop drinking after their beverage was only half drunk. I could never understand either. In this episode, we talk about change, why it's hard and how we got through it through our program of recovery. Are you someone who has challenges with change? We have lots of tools for you in this engaging episode. Support the show 📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivered to your inbox!...
Apr 30, 2024•33 min•Ep. 176
Send us a text Join us on the Super Friends podcast as we dive deep into creating a sober lifestyle and what that truly means. Steve and our host, Matt, open up about their personal experiences, struggles, and victories on this challenging yet rewarding journey. Matt shares his recent encounters with Tim, who expressed his concern about John's sleep apnea issues and the impact on his well-being. With the hectic schedule of his kids' sports activities and work commitments, finding time for AA mee...
Apr 23, 2024•32 min•Ep. 175
Send us a text Join us on the Sober Friends podcast for an insightful discussion about the challenges of maintaining health and wellness on the journey to recovery. In this episode, we dive into the frustrations of dealing with sleep apnea, the temptation of instant relief, and the importance of patience in finding solutions. From struggling with impatience to navigating relationships with food, our hosts share personal experiences and valuable insights on overcoming obstacles. Discover how taki...
Apr 16, 2024•31 min•Ep. 174
Send us a text Join us as we delve into a candid conversation about navigating the intricate web of PTSD, food struggles, and alcoholism. In this episode, Matt shares his journey, unveiling how unrecognized PTSD intertwined with his battles with food and alcohol. From therapy revelations to weight loss endeavors, we explore the common threads linking these struggles and how they intersect with addiction behaviors. Discover insights into the parallels between alcoholism and food addiction, challe...
Apr 09, 2024•29 min•Ep. 173
Send us a text Join us for a deeply introspective episode as Matt shares his journey of self-discovery and vulnerability. Fresh out of a therapy session, Matt delves into a candid conversation about unintentional hurts, self-awareness, and the challenges of opening up. From workplace dynamics to personal walls built from past experiences, Matt and Steve explore the complexities of human connection and growth. Tune in for a raw and relatable discussion on the path to understanding oneself and emb...
Apr 02, 2024•26 min•Ep. 172
Send us a text 🌟 Join us as we mark a special occasion—March 21st, a day etched in significance for our host, Matt, who proudly shares his achievement of a decade of sobriety. But beyond personal triumphs, we explore why these anniversaries resonate deeply within the recovery community. 🕊️ With each passing year, every sober milestone becomes a beacon of hope, a testament to resilience, and a source of inspiration for those navigating their own paths to sobriety. From the pivotal five-year mar...
Mar 26, 2024•30 min•Ep. 171
Send us a text Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the common question that many in recovery face: "Am I doing enough?" Matt shares a recent conversation with a friend who questioned his efforts in recovery, sparking a deep exploration into what it means to truly be "doing enough." With personal anecdotes and reflections, we navigate the complexities of self-doubt and comparison within the recovery journey. In this candid conversation, we explore the fundamental question: What do...
Mar 19, 2024•32 min•Ep. 170
Send us a text In this episode, Steve and Matt delve into the insidious grip of fear and its impact on their lives. Reflecting on recent experiences, they candidly discuss the repercussions of allowing fear to dictate their actions, from missed opportunities to strained relationships. The conversation unfolds as they share personal anecdotes, from Steve's reluctance to take a day off to Matt's travel anxieties. Their exchange underscores a universal truth: fear can manifest in myriad forms, from...
Mar 12, 2024•30 min•Ep. 169
Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the insidious grip of fear and its impact on their lives. Reflecting on recent experiences, they candidly discuss the repercussions of allowing fear to dictate their actions, from missed opportunities to strained relationships. The conversation unfolds as they share personal anecdotes, from Steve's reluctance to take a day off to Matt's travel anxieties. Their exchange underscores a universal truth: fear can manifest in myriad forms, from economic in...
Mar 05, 2024•34 min•Ep. 168
Send us a text Join us in a candid discussion as we delve into the intricate dynamics of anonymity in recovery. From the deeply ingrained principles of programs like AA to the personal journeys of individuals, we explore the nuances of who to confide in and when. In this episode, Steve shares his early experiences, shrouded in secrecy and fear of judgment, juxtaposed against his present-day openness and authenticity. Matt reflects on the delicate balance of disclosure, from sharing out of necess...
Feb 20, 2024•35 min•Ep. 167
Send us a text In this compelling episode, we delve into the complexities of family dynamics and the impact they have on our lives. Join us as we explore a therapy session where breakthroughs were made, revealing the deep-seated struggles of growing up in challenging environments. From feeling alone amidst a bustling family to coping mechanisms like alcohol, our guest shares candidly about their journey. Through poignant anecdotes and reflections, we uncover the profound effects of familial rela...
Feb 13, 2024•28 min•Ep. 166
Send us a text In this candid episode, We delve into the often overlooked challenges faced by individuals in recovery when confronted with medical issues and surgeries. Steve shares his recent experience with hernia surgery and the unexpected pain that followed. The conversation explores the gray area surrounding pain medication in recovery, acknowledging the real struggles some may face. The hosts discuss strategies for safely managing prescribed pain meds, emphasizing the importance of open co...
Feb 06, 2024•32 min•Ep. 165
Send us a text Join us in this raw and insightful episode as we dive into the world of emotions, sobriety, and the challenges of navigating life's big feelings. Our talk on vulnerability sparks a discussion on how individuals with addiction issues often struggle with handling their emotions. From workplace anxiety to the fear of failure, we explore the impact of emotional struggles and how it relates to our journeys in recovery. The episode delves into the challenge of dealing with perfectionism...
Jan 30, 2024•28 min•Ep. 164
Send us a text In this episode, Matt and Steve discuss how character defects, such as fear, dishonesty, jealousy, and being transactional, can lead to problems in our relationships and our lives, and how they can trigger us to drink or use drugs. They share their personal stories and insights from working the 12 steps of AA, and how they learned to identify and overcome their character defects. Support the show 📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to...
Jan 23, 2024•34 min•Ep. 163
Send us a text Is AA all about following the straight and narrow, or is there room for nuance in recovery? This week, Steve and I break free from the black and white thinking that can trap us in sobriety. We tackle the "one drink = start over" dogma, explore the beauty of personal choice, and celebrate the power of tools over rigid rules. Buckle up for a thought-provoking discussion about finding your own path and making recovery work for you, not the other way around. Highlights: Black & wh...
Jan 16, 2024•30 min•Ep. 162
Send us a text Join us in this insightful episode where we unpack the challenges and strategies surrounding Dry January. Matt and Steve share personal anecdotes and reflections on their own relationships with specific types of alcohol, the triggers that led them to eliminate certain beverages, and the psychological aspects of cravings versus the mental obsession with alcohol. Engage with their candid conversation about the early days of sobriety, navigating the transition, and recognizing the di...
Jan 09, 2024•29 min•Ep. 161
Send us a text Feeling bloated after the holidays? Ready to hit the reset button on your health and habits? Then join us as we dive headfirst into Dry January: the global phenomenon that's not just about giving up booze, but about rediscovering your relationship with alcohol and taking charge of your well-being. In this episode, you'll: Uncover the surprising origins of Dry January: From a solo running challenge to a global movement, we explore the inspiring story behind this annual reset. Get t...
Jan 02, 2024•16 min•Ep. 160
Send us a text In the final episode of Decoding the Big Book, we explore how Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, wrote the final chapter of the Big Book, the basic text of the AA program. We learn about the challenges he faced, the influences he received, and the message he delivered. We also hear his powerful words of hope and encouragement for the alcoholic who still suffers. Join us as we discover how Bill Wilson envisioned a global fellowship of recovering alcoholics who wou...
Dec 29, 2023•31 min
Send us a text In this gripping episode, join Matt and Steve as they delve into the profound world of speaker meetings within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Steve recounts his recent experience speaking at a detox center, unraveling the chaos, challenges, and invaluable moments of connection that transpired. Discover the underlying reasons why individuals engage in public speaking within the AA community and how it plays a pivotal role in their recovery journey. Steve passionately shares the dual pu...
Dec 26, 2023•31 min•Ep. 159
Send us a text Join us for an eye-opening journey into the hidden history of Alcoholics Anonymous and the untold story of Hank Parkhurst, the unsung hero of AA's foundational text. In this episode, we delve into the intriguing revelation that challenges the widely held belief of Bill Wilson as the sole author of the iconic Big Book. While Bill Wilson often publicly acknowledged the collective efforts of AA members in composing the book, our exploration uncovers a different truth. Contrary to pop...
Dec 22, 2023•42 min
Send us a text In this episode, Matt and Steve share their personal stories of how they struggled with comparing themselves to other alcoholics, both in and out of the program. They discuss how this comparison can keep you from accepting your reality and your potential, and how to overcome it by identifying with your own journey of recovery. They also talk about the importance of finding support groups that can help you work through your challenges and celebrate your successes. Whether you are a...
Dec 19, 2023•29 min•Ep. 158
Send us a text Decoding the Big Book, is sourced from "Writing the Big Book, by William Schaberg. We highly recommend this book. Click here to purchase the book on Amazon. The episode delves into the myths and realities surrounding the authorship of the renowned "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't collectively written by the first 100 members; rather, Bill Wilson was the sole author, except for minimal input provided by Hank Parker. Bill, despite frustration...
Dec 15, 2023•33 min
Send us a text In this compelling episode, Matt and Steve delve deep into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of Alcoholics Anonymous—its financial landscape. Together, they unravel the intricate threads of financial operations within AA, shedding light on the challenges, traditions, and potential transformations faced by the organization. The conversation kicks off by addressing the significant deficit plaguing the General Service Organization (GSO) of AA. With a staggering $1 million deficit...
Dec 12, 2023•31 min•Ep. 157
Send us a text Decoding the Big Book, is sourced from "Writing the Big Book, by William Schaberg. We highly recommend this book. Click here to purchase the book on Amazon. Discover the intriguing story behind the creation of "Two Wives," attributed to Bill Wilson despite common misconceptions. Understand the tensions between Bill and his wife, Lois Wilson, regarding the chapter's content and its portrayal of women supporting their husbands through recovery. Explore Bill's rationale for maintaini...
Dec 08, 2023•37 min
Send us a text How does service affect sobriety? Why do I have to make coffee, or return the tables and chairs? What difference does it make? Service in sobriety is important because it helps spread the message that recovery is possible and there are all kinds of things big and small you can do to help the next sick and suffering alcholic. It's something as small as greeting someone at the door to volunteering to handle the books at an area level. We talk on this podcast about why service is so ...
Dec 05, 2023•36 min•Ep. 156
Send us a text Decoding the Big Book, is sourced from "Writing the Big Book, by William Schaberg. We highly recommend this book. Click here to purchase the book on Amazon. In this compelling episode, we unravel the backstory before the 12 steps were formulated and how Bill's four years of helping other alcoholics shaped AA's foundational principles. Bill's relentless dedication, even during his shaky moments, led to a chance encounter that changed the course of history. Join us as we dissect Bil...
Dec 01, 2023•43 min
Send us a text In this compelling episode, we unravel the complexities of addressing a friend's potential drinking problem. Matt's friend reached out recently to ask what to do when you think you have a friend with a problem. Steve and Matt discuss this situation and their own personal experience with this topic and 12 step calls. If you have a loved one with a problem and are not sure what to do, this is the show for you. Support the show 📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivere...
Nov 28, 2023•31 min•Ep. 155
Send us a text Decoding the Big Book, is sourced from "Writing the Big Book, by William Schaberg. We highly recommend this book. Click here to purchase the book on Amazon. In today's episode, we unravel the transformative Step Five and its pivotal role in your journey to sobriety. Discover the unvarnished truth about the necessity of Step Five, and how its omission could be the downfall of your recovery. Bill W.'s words are a powerful reminder that honesty is the cornerstone of lasting change. B...
Nov 24, 2023•47 min
Send us a text In this episode of Sober Podcast, I talk to Angela Pugh, the founder and host of Addiction Unlimited Podcast , a nationally ranked podcast that offers coaching strategies and guest interviews on how to live sober and happy. Angela shares her own story of recovery, specifically how she took the unconventional step of having a male sponsor, one of the biggest no-no's in AA. She has been sober since January 7th, 2006, and she has helped thousands of people over the years to understan...
Nov 21, 2023•45 min•Ep. 154
Send us a text Decoding the Big Book, is sourced from "Writing the Big Book, by William Schaberg. We highly recommend this book. Click here to purchase the book on Amazon. Join us in this insightful episode as we delve deep into the heart of recovery with "How It Works" in Alcoholics Anonymous. In the chronicles of book writing, "How It Works" was penned towards the end of the process, making it the culmination of wisdom gained through countless experiences. In this revealing podcast, we'll unco...
Nov 17, 2023•44 min
