Nathan joins Sam and Don and talks about how in his early days in AA he found the laughter and fun to be annoying. In time though he too found joy in sobriety. Nathan describes starting a new young persons' group and finding that service is the path to long term sobriety. There's an Ask it Basket question from Craig too. While we provide the podcas…

Sam and Olis have a frank conversation with Debbie and Scott about sex in sobriety. They all discuss such topics as new relationships in the first year, different takes on the "3Ms," and thirteenth stepping. Olis sums it up well, "we came to have a conversation about sex and we ended up having a conversation about faith and about honesty and about …

Todd, whose story "New Guy in Town" appears in the May issue of Grapevine, talks to Olis and Don about becoming willing to go to any length to get sober. First, though, he experienced a last drunk that convinced him he was powerless over alcohol and that his life was unmanageable. Jon W., now the Editor-in-Chief of Grapevine, Inc., comes on to disc…

Mily talks with Don and Sam about trying to get sober on her own, but drinking every day. Some folks suggested she try AA, and her first meeting was a 4,000-person roundup. The three discuss the early history of women in AA, including two women who worked on the original Grapevine. You can find photos of the original Grapevine, and other items ment…

Jimmy D. talks to Don and Olis about the difference between going to AA and being in AA. Jimmy says the most profound AA job he has done was putting signs out for his group. The three then discuss the power of group commitments in AA. There's also an "Ask it Basket" question about June 10 as AA's anniversary date. While we provide the podcast at no…

In this episode Kristen talks to Olis and Sam about learning to socialize and some of the changes in the family after she stopped drinking. Over time, Kristen found a special man who is amazingly supportive of her AA program. The three then discuss some posts and emails from #heardinameeting. On the Listener Feedback Line we hear from Jerry and Jac…

Brothers Ralph W. and Ronald W. talk with Olis and Don about the combination of grace and surrender that brought them in to A.A. They talk about service people working in the hospitals and institutions committees that helped them, and discuss a Big Book study group they participate in. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses.…

Kathy, whose article appears in the April issue of Grapevine magazine, shares with Olis and Sam about her experience with reading the Big Book for the first time in two days and thinking to herself: "this is me, this is me" throughout the book. Her book today is marked up, torn and taped together. Kathy also discusses the uncommon honesty she found…

Ramon shares with Don and Olis his experience with the Twelve Steps and how he continues to work them, to the extent of putting an inventory on paper each week. Olis and Don inform listeners about the Grapevine's Traditions Checklist. At the end you'll hear excerpts from Grapevine's new audio book Prayer and Meditation. While we provide the podcast…

Mary shares with Don and Sam the good advice she got from a professional who recommended AA, that she not try to figure it out all at once. She talks about the benefits of her slow recovery. Mary shared a photograph with the podcast hosts of a note she scribbled at an early meeting, where she heard tips for avoiding the first drink. In "Listener Fe…

Chris talks with Sam and Olis about Bill W.'s early writings that defined self as the root of our troubles. They discuss the differences and the cohesion of the fellowship and the program, and there's a funny story about drunk dialing. In Listener Feedback we hear from Donna and Jeremiah. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expens…

Nadja, who's article appears in the March issue of Grapevine, discusses her journey to AA and her work in bringing Spanish-speaking and English-speaking members together. Paz, the Chair of the AA Grapevine Board, talks about La Viña magazine and connecting with the Spanish-speaking community. In a bonus section, Aaron talks about his Big-Book-quote…

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. Eventually she did have a relapse. It took more, she needed to admit at her inner-most self that she was an alcoholic. The three also discuss honest and being useful even during hardship. "Stump the …

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 probation officer, her treatment counselor and various law enforcement officials. She feels that her service in jails and prisons keeps her out of jail. Also, Sam and Olis discuss the 2022 Membership survey. …

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 three go on to talk about coming into AA, observing others' growth as they work the program, and the healing and strengthening of relationships as we make Ninth Step amends. There's a great question from …

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. Lisa goes on to describe how God places people in her life when she needs them, or when they need her. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity t…

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 Aaron writes in about his favorite line from the Big Book, which is tattooed on his forearm. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does n…

Sloan discusses finally surrendering and being relieved of the exhausting efforts to control her drinking. On the "Listener Feedback Line" we hear from Gerry and Lisa. In a special added section at the end, Sloan discusses with Don and Olis how the Steps have helped her heal from sexual abuse (this section may be difficult for some listeners). Whil…

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, suggesting he give AA 90 days before he made a decision to stay or go. The three also discuss the immense power of Step work. Ted talks about a meeting he attends where an AA Grapevine Podcast is play…

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 relationships, improved self esteem and a newfound ability to not hold others to unreasonable expectations. In a Blast From the Past we hear from pioneer AA member Sybil of Laguna Beach, CA, from a t…

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 learn how during his first encounter with a member of AA he found the first person ever who felt like he did. Bill learned that every drink, every mistake, and every regret had to happen in order for hi…

Negini talks to Don and Sam about AA in different cultures and different languages, and how international online meetings have enhanced her sobriety. Tracy calls in with gratitude for the 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 …

Gerry, who serves on the Trustees Literature Committee, shares about the call for stories for various literature being revised. Gerry, Don and Sam also discuss feeling different coming into AA, and how they found a sense of belonging. The three also answer an Ask-it-Basket question from Stephanie, and talk about the different types of AA meetings. …

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 between family, work and AA. 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,…

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 Mike also appears in the December issue of Grapevine magazine. In "Listener Feedback" Spencer has a question about the Big Book, and Tim shares gratitude for the sharing of one of our podcast guests. …

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 translating the spiritual message. Julia also talks about her search for God, Spirit versus spirits, and creating the fellowship she craved. Stay tuned after sign off for a brief song. While we provide the p…

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 others, and building a sober community. In an Ask it Basket segment, Felix asks about the phrase "Take it Easy" in the Twelve and Twelve. In Listener Feedback Madeline calls in on her fourth anniversary…

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 Trustee. Reilly, Don and Sam discuss the advantages of no longer fighting anyone or anything and staying out of controversy. Don describes his visit to the GSO Archives, and there's a feature on the G…

"Liz the Lawyer," whose article appears in the November issue of Grapevine magazine, shares with Don and Sam about her struggles to admit her alcoholism, but then finding support and love from the "finest people on the planet." The three then talk through Grapevine's 12 Tips for a Joyous Holiday Season. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we…

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. In a "Stump the Thumper" feature, El cleans Don's clock. 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 sup…

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 segment, Rebecca has questions about the slogan Think, Think, Think and another about relapse. Brad calls in on the Listener Feedback Line. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expens…

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 from Lou about the terms "Recovered" and "Recovering" and one about Anonymity. Spencer has a history question about the Responsibility Statement, and we get to hear Bill W. lead the 1965 International C…

Annie C., whose article appears in the October issue of Grapevine Magazine, shares with Don and Sam her journey in Alcoholics Anonymous. She recalls crying when she realized that she was OK, and the three talk about the gift of laughter in AA. Annie also helps answer an Ask it Basket question from Rebecca. While we provide the podcast at no charge,…

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 members. Jon also talks about his own recovery from alcoholism, and how a solid program is important even when you're exposed to AA all day at work. There's a hilarious bonus of bloopers from year two at …

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 steps, it was more important to work the steps, and that she found the ability to be more honest as the layers peeled. In "Listener Feedback" Kyle shares how the podcast has helped him through a rough time…

Sam visits ICYPAA, the International Conference of Young People in AA, and interviews numerous participants about the event and about their recovery from alcoholism. There's a bonus 10 minutes of interviews after the sign-off. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contri…

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, and about rigorous honesty with his sponsor. In "Listener Feedback" Sam and Don read emails received from Wayne, Sam, Monica, Vivian, and Wake. You can email us at podcast@aagrapevine.org. To record …

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 talk about his article "The Junkyard," which appears in the September issue of Grapevine. We close with some thoughts from Bill W. about the importance of communication in AA. You can email us at podca…

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 connected with local AA. In a Listener Feedback segment Madeline emails the podcast about welcoming newcomers. An excerpt from Dr. Bob's last talk rounds out this week's program in a Blast From the Past.…

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. There's also some great tips on preparing to attend drinking events. Tracy and Jeniffer call in to the podcast, and Gary sends in an email. There's also a bonus segment this week: #Heardinameeting. You…

Don visits the North Carolina State Convention, and describes the setting and full schedule of events taking place. He interviews convention volunteers and participants about the event and about their recovery from alcoholism. This eposode extends beyond the normal time frame to include bonus interviews. You can email us at podcast@aagrapevine.org.…

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 AA members in the military. This is an extension of an interview that appears in the August 2023 issue of Grapevine Magazine. There's also a sample interview from the audio project with military member…

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 his group, and balancing AA with family and work. On the Listener Feedback Line we hear from Larry, Nancy and Joe. You can email us at podcast@aagrapevine.org. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a …

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 tells how she never thought drinking was the problem—until she read the big book. Cindy contributes an "Ask it Basket" question; and Brian calls in an old joke from the Ham-on-Wry days of Grapevine. You c…

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 time he sincerely asked for help he went from rage to peace of mind. In a Listener Feedback segment, Rachel calls in on her 7th Anniversary. You can email us at podcast@aagrapevine.org. To record an …

Carissa joins Don and Sam and shares about the importance of giving newcomers the opportunity to grow with group commitments. In her experience esteemable acts helped her become trustworthy to others and to herself. In #heardinameeting Heather C., Chris C. and Spencer P. share some of the quirky and funny things they've heard or seen at AA meetings…

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. …

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 …

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…

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 Li…