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 mentioned in this podcast on Grapevine's Instagram account: alcoholicsanonymous_gv While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses....

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 charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please...

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 Jack, and there's jokes from Matt and Chris. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does...

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. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine...

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 in AA and how finding the right sponsor was a key to staying sober. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is...

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 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,...

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 Feedback" David also shares a photo of Lake Michegan and the Chicago skyline—his view as he listens to the podcast during his lunchtime walk. Both of...

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 expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine...

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 tattoo and his gratitude for an upcoming sobriety anniversary. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the...

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 Thumper" is this week's feature. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not...

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 have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support...

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 the Past" Bill W. talks about the writing of Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions at the 1953...

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 the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the new...

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 Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the new Grapevine...

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 expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the...

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 three share thoughts on Grapevine Daily Quotes. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do...

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 at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept...

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 we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that...

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 Magazine in print, online, or on the new Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to...

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 have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support...

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, online, or on the new Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need...

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 have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support...

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. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine...

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 literature becomes AA Conference Approved. While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have...