Relevant Recovery

Fear is the silent saboteur of our peace and growth—an “evil and corroding thread” woven through the fabric our lives. In this episode, we uncover what’s really driving our fears, how self-reliance keeps them alive, and how faith sets us free. 

Alcohol isn’t just a drink—it’s a spirit that whispers from the shadows: “maybe this time will be different.” In this episode, we learn how to recognize the whispers early, bring them into the light, and stay free from the ghost of booze.

In this episode of Relevant Recovery, we dive into pages 32–33 of the Big Book — the story of the “man of thirty” who swore off alcohol until retirement. This is a powerful reminder that sobriety is more than staying dry — it’s about finding true freedom through a change of mind and heart.

In this episode  we explore what it really means to trust God rather than ourselves. From surrendering control, stepping off the Bridge of Reason onto the shore of Faith, and learning to play the role God assigns us. It’s an honest look at letting go of self-will, questioning less, and trusting more — even when we can’t see the outcome.

This week, we're talking about the lie of self-centered living. We’ve all heard the cultural messages: "Protect your energy," "Cut off anyone who doesn't serve you," and "Put yourself first." While these ideas might resonate when you're in pain, they're rooted in a "me-first" mentality that leads to loneliness and misery.

In this episode, we break it down in simple terms, exploring how it shows up in everyday irritations, resentments, and disconnection—and how to realign with peace and purpose.

In this episode, we explore one of the Big Book’s most powerful metaphors: the spiritual structure that leads us into a new way of life. From the foundation stone of willingness to the cornerstone of belief, the keystone of surrender, and the cement of fellowship, the Big Book shows us how to build an arch that we can walk through to true freedom. 

“Were entirely ready” is trickier than it sounds. Step Six asks us to be “entirely ready” to have God remove our defects of character — but what does that really mean? In this episode, we explore the Sixth Step dilemma: why letting go is harder than it sounds, how willingness develops, and what the Big Book and spiritual principles teach us about becoming truly ready for freedom and change.

Trying to work the program halfway only leads to frustration, relapse, or a joyless sobriety. In this episode, we explore why real recovery requires full surrender—and how going all-in is necessary for real recovery.

Recovery isn’t conditional. In this episode, we confront the lie that healing depends on people or circumstances—and share how true freedom comes when we shift our dependence from others to God. Guest James offers a powerful story of surrender, loss, and spiritual restoration.

In this powerful episode of the Counterfeit Contentment series, we expose how sex and validation-seeking hijack our brains, warp intimacy, and leave us spiritually empty — and how healing happens through connection with God, community, and recovery.

In this episode, Food, Control & Recovery, we unpack how food, body image, and control can become counterfeit forms of comfort in recovery. From emotional eating to obsessive restriction, we explore the overlap between disordered eating and substance use—and how true healing begins at the heart, not just the habit.

In this episode, we look at how shopping and materialism offer quick comfort—but leave us emptier. From dopamine hits to identity traps, we unpack what’s beneath compulsive spending and how spiritual contentment offers a better way.

What’s the difference between happiness and true contentment? In this episode, we explore how recovery can get hijacked by counterfeit comforts—and how real peace comes through surrender, presence, and trust in God.

In this spicy episode, we break down what abstinence-based recovery means, how it differs from other pathways, and why clarity around definitions is critical. We explore why blending models can compromise recovery, and why honoring each path helps everyone heal.   NIH took the article down but here is a link to a website discussing the same article: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/682790...

In this raw episode, Donnie and Heather open up about navigating major life transitions. They share what it looks like to trust God in the middle of chaos and uncertainty, and how recovery has taught them to stay grounded when life is anything but.

We’ve recovered—but we’re not cured. In this episode, we break down the Big Book’s message about the daily spiritual solution to alcoholism. Recovery brings freedom from obsession, but we still need connection, humility, and daily action to stay well.

In this episode, we dive into a common debate within the 12-step community — is alcoholism a 2-fold or 3-fold illness? We examine the language, confusion, and implications associated with both perspectives. While the allergy of the body and the obsession of the mind are the only qualifying markers of alcoholism, many overlook the universal human condition: the spiritual malady. We’ll explain why t...

Sometimes it’s not the big moments, but the small, quiet ones that change everything. In this episode, we explore The Ripple Effect—how one simple decision, conversation, or act of obedience can set off a chain reaction that’s far greater than we could ever imagine.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about what it means to actually listen when God says move, even when it feels like you’re stepping off a cliff. No script, no filter—just faith, fear, and what it looks like to trust in the unknown.

In this episode, we dive into the concept of Emotional Sobriety with Gordan —what it really means to stay emotionally balanced in recovery. Beyond just abstaining from substances, emotional sobriety is about developing resilience, emotional maturity, and inner peace. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers insight and hope for deeper healing.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Heather and Donnie dive into how fishing mirrors the experience of helping others in recovery. Cast your line and join the conversation—you never know what you might reel in.

On this episode Heather and Donnie discuss how quickly to work the steps according to the Big Book … and Dr Bob. Episode #203

On this episode Heather and Donnie give tips on how the fellowship and the family should react to a relapse. Episode #202

On this episode we get back to basics on what makes someone an alcoholic. What are the different types of drinkers, and who needs to work the steps to maintain sobriety? Episode #201