Relevant Recovery

Controlling and Complaining – Episode 237

Control and complaining quietly rob us of serenity. In this episode, we look at how “playing God” and focusing on what’s wrong keeps us stuck in self-will—and how surrender, gratitude, and daily spiritual practice restore peace. Straight from the Big Book, practical, and real.

Understanding Our Instinct - Episode 236

Step Four isn’t about shame—it’s about clarity. In this episode, we reframe the Fourth Step as a tool for understanding the fear, pride, and out-of-balance instincts that drive our behavior long before alcohol shows up. This isn’t self-punishment—it’s pattern recognition, truth, and the foundation for real freedom.

The Rescue Trap - Episode 235

Am I really helping—or keeping them stuck? Discover the difference between love that empowers and love that enables. Set boundaries, foster responsibility, and let God do the work.

The Subtle Ways Of Self-Centeredness - Episode 234

Most of us can spot selfishness when we’re drinking — but after sobriety, self-centeredness just gets quieter, more justified, and more spiritual-sounding. This episode exposes how the root problem evolves in recovery.

The “Do Not Enter” Sign - Episode 233

In this episode, we revisit one of our most requested topics: Real, Lasting Change. If you feel like you are doing the "Recovery Cha Cha"—one step forward, two steps back—it’s likely not a discipline problem. It’s a spiritual one.

We Agnostics - Episode 232

In this episode we look at the problem of living a self-directed life, how even believers can function agnostically, and why this chapter was written to help both the atheist become open-minded, and the believer become honest about their own self-reliance. If you’ve ever struggled with faith, control, or the spiritual side of recovery, this episode brings clarity, hope, and practical tools.

The Stuff Nobody Explains - Episode 231

Alcoholics Anonymous has a language all its own. When someone is new, they often have no idea what certain words mean—especially the way they’re used in the Big Book and other 12-step literature. Learning the intended meaning behind this language can clear up a lot of confusion. In this episode, we break down these key terms so we can carry the AA message with more clarity, consistency, and accuracy.

 

Big Book page references for Craving: in the Drs Op 7 times! XXVIII, This word does not appear again in basic text until page 134 in The Family Afterward and its used in regular contest for chocolate. Allergy is used 3 times in Drs Op.

Big Book page references for Insanity: Used 9 times: 8, 9, 30, 37, 40, 56, 66, 107, 154.

16 Big Book page references for Recovered: Pg. iii, xiii, xv, xvii, xxv, 17, 20, 29, 45, 90, 96, 113, 132, 133, 146 & 165

The Magic Pill - Episode 230

Feeling stalled, off, or spiritually flat—even with years of sobriety? In this episode, we talk about why information isn’t the same as application, why there’s no quick spiritual fix, and how getting back into the daily practice of the 12 Steps brings real change. We break down the signs of a spiritual stall, the myth of the “magic pill,” and the simple actions that reconnect us to growth, community, and purpose.