Position of Neutrality

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, emphasizing the ongoing commitment required in the 12-step program. Joe highlights the importance of continuous advocacy and service to others as part of recovery. “And so what we need to understand is you’re not ever done with the rest of the program. I agreed in 3 that as long as I had air in my lungs I would use it to advo...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, emphasizing the profound spiritual experiences that can occur in recovery. Joe explains how these experiences are sensory and how they demonstrate the power referred to in the steps. “And if we both do our job, we’ll share a spiritual experience in this room tonight. How many have been here before and can witness for folks th...

Join Joe McDonald as we explore the concept of alcohol and drugs causing an allergic reaction in certain individuals. Dr. William Silkworth, who we’ve mentioned previously, observed that alcoholics seem to experience abnormal reactions to substances like alcohol and drugs. This abnormal response is referred to as the manifestation of an allergy, and it plays a crucial role in understanding the nat...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, delving into the necessity of honesty in recovery. Joe discusses the common behavior of seeking medical opinions, lying to obtain them, and then ignoring their advice. “We are people as a class who have spent thousands of dollars for informed medical opinions, lied to get those opinions, and ignored the results of those opini...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, diving into the deeper understanding of addiction beyond the surface level. Joe highlights the importance of recognizing the spiritual aspect of recovery, rather than just focusing on the physical symptoms. “If you see me when I’m out running and gunning in active addiction, you think my problem is I have a fondness for opiat...

Join us as we explore Bill’s encounter with Ebby, which marks the beginning of his transformation into what he describes as the 4th dimension of existence. In this pivotal moment of Step 3, Bill’s experiences show how life-changing revelations can occur when we allow ourselves to embrace spiritual guidance. Through this journey, we see how happiness, peace, and usefulness become attainable, even w...

Join Joe McDonald as we explore Bill’s powerful journey in Step 3 of Alcoholics Anonymous, where the concept of powerlessness truly comes to life. In this session, we’ll bring together everything we’ve learned so far, focusing on the events that led Bill to admit his powerlessness over alcohol. Through Bill’s story and personal introspection, we come to realize that addiction is not something we c...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, delving into the essential practice of vulnerability and honesty in the recovery process during Steps 5, 6, & 7. Joe underscores the importance of sharing every aspect of one’s journey, no matter how difficult, to truly progress in recovery. “I mean I couldn’t stop shaking for weeks. And so they had to write for me. So wh...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, exploring the nuances of trust and safety in the recovery process during Steps 5, 6, & 7. Joe emphasizes the importance of finding a safe and trustworthy person to share your journey with, acknowledging the deep-seated fears many carry even after physical incarceration. “So to Sean’s point, you may be in a situation where...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, diving into the transformative process of Steps 5, 6, & 7. Joe emphasizes the importance of not just reading the Big Book like a novel but truly understanding and experiencing its instructions and insights. “They read it like a novel and they don’t know all the instructions and all the experiences described. Everything th...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, diving into the raw and emotional experiences outlined in the early pages of the book. Reflecting on the value of seeking guidance from various sources, Joe discusses the importance of understanding the true nature of one’s problems. “Though we have no religious connection, we may still do well to talk with someone ordained b...

Join us as we dive deeper into Bill’s story, a pivotal narrative that captures the essence of powerlessness. Bill’s desperate desire to quit drinking is juxtaposed with his erratic behavior, demonstrating the paradox many of us experience in recovery—wanting to stop but being unable to. The authors of the book “Alcoholics Anonymous” understood this phenomenon even 80 years ago, as they too battled...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, diving into the raw and emotional experiences outlined in the early pages of the book. Reflecting on the challenges many face, Joe discusses the struggle of accessing something greater than oneself to cope with life’s difficulties. “Couldn’t seem to be of real help to people. Pray to misery and depression. That was my human c...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, diving into the raw and emotional experiences outlined in the early pages of the book. Reflecting on the challenges many face, Joe discusses the common struggle with understanding and accepting powerlessness in the journey of recovery. “How many of you have tried to help people that had active addiction and then got really an...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads and expands on the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, offering deeper understanding and practical advice for those on their recovery journey. In this Step 3 AA session, Joe dives into the concept of the “real alcoholic,” shedding light on the crucial distinctions between moderate drinkers, hard drinkers, and those who are powerless over alcohol. The real alcoholic, as...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, exploring the deeper discipline required in Steps 5, 6, and 7. Reflecting on the necessity of admitting our defects and embracing a disciplined manner of living, Joe guides us through the process of recovery. “Did you guys go to sleep? Big lunch? We’ve admitted to God. They’re trying to hear you in Edmonton, Alberta. I’m goin...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, diving into the deeper goals of 12-step recovery beyond mere abstinence. Reflecting on the common misconceptions and the true essence of recovery, Joe challenges us to understand and embrace a sustainable manner of living. “How many of you were led to believe that the goal of 12-step recovery was abstinence? It’s easy to get...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, exploring the restoration of identity and the journey of overcoming inconsistencies in Steps 5, 6, & 7. Reflecting on the internal struggles many face, Joe emphasizes the importance of recognizing our true identity and the power within us. “They’re not enough. And everyone in here that felt that, that’s what we’re talking...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, diving into the essential practice of owning our identity and behaviors in Steps 5, 6, & 7. Reflecting on the gap between how we behave and who we truly are, Joe encourages a deeper self-awareness and conscious decision-making in our recovery journey. “I have got to do a better job of owning who I am and owning how I beha...

Join us as Joe McDonald reads and expands on the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, offering deeper understanding and practical advice for those on their recovery journey. In this Step 1 AA session, we explore Bill’s experiences that illuminate the bewildering and erratic nature of addictive behavior. Bill’s story highlights the gradual consequences of addiction that may seem insignificant to the p...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, discussing the importance of honest testimony and following professional advice in Steps 5, 6, & 7. Joe reflects on the common experience of seeking psychiatric help on the path to recovery and the challenges of being truthful and following guidance. “How many of you saw psychiatric help on the way to recovery? I should s...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, discussing the importance of continuous recovery and the reality of recurring challenges in Steps 5, 6, & 7. Joe reflects on the feeling of relief that comes from unburdening oneself, but also the necessity of maintaining a committed recovery journey. “The feeling that the drink problem had disappeared will often come str...

Join us as we explore Bill’s story, a powerful testimony of the battle against addiction. Bill came to understand that his addiction was not a matter of sincerity or willpower; it was a deep-seated powerlessness that dictated his life. This segment takes us through the events that led Bill to a place of realization, where he saw the need for a new approach to living. The story highlights the errat...

oin Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, exploring the importance of quiet reflection in the recovery process. Joe discusses the challenge of finding inner peace and the significance of taking time for introspection and gratitude. “Returning home, we find a place where we can be quiet for an hour. How many of you would have to admit that being quiet for any length of...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on the foreword to the first edition and its emphasis on showing others precisely how we have recovered. Joe shares how to find personal experiences within the text and encourages viewers to do the same, promising a shared spiritual experience. “So in the foreword to the first edition, it says to show others precisel...