AA Grapevine's Podcast

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. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do h...

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 Sarah in the "Ask it Basket", and in a "Blast 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 that does not accept contributions, so to support 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 not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grap...

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). While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have...

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 played and discussed. In this week's feature, the thre...

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 talk she gave in 1980. While we provide the podcast...

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 him to be low enough to accept the help of AA. While...

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 Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine M...

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. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do h...

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, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print,...

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. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do h...

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 podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevin...

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 to express gratitude, and Steve wants to know how...

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 Grapevine Daily Quote. While we provide the podcast...

"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 do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity...

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 support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to...

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 expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not...

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 Convention in Toronto in reciting. While we provide...

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, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA ent...

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 the end. While we provide the podcast at no charge...

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. In a bonus section of listener feedback at the e...

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 contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, p...

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 an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-relat...

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 podcast@aagrapevine.org. To record an Ask-It-Baske...