Recovered Podcast

This is the podcast where life is seen through a 12 step recovery lens. This is a podcast about men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. We have discovered a solution, we have a way out. We have leaned how to live sober and happy. Join us on this journey called life. Email - feedback@recoveredcast.com

Step 12 - 1453 02/04/2026

Step 12 - 1453 Chapeters 01:59 Topic 47:36 This Week in Recovery 54:00 Phone Calls Keywords Step 12, recovery, spiritual awakening, service, honesty, principles, helping others, sobriety, 12-step program, personal experiences Summary In this episode of the Recovered Podcast, the hosts delve into Step 12 of the 12-step recovery program, emphasizing the importance of spiritual awakening and the necessity of carrying the message to others. They discuss personal experiences with recovery, the gradual nature of spiritual change, and the significance of service in maintaining sobriety. The conversation highlights the challenges of living the principles of recovery in everyday life and the tools that help navigate these challenges. The hosts share insights on honesty, self-reflection, and the impact of helping others, ultimately reinforcing the idea that recovery is a continuous journey rather than a destination. Takeaways Step 12 emphasizes the importance of carrying the message to others. Spiritual awakening is often a gradual process, not a sudden event. Service to others is a key component of maintaining sobriety. Practicing principles in all affairs is essential for a fulfilling recovery. Honesty and self-reflection are crucial in the recovery journey. Helping others can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. The program encourages a lifestyle change rather than a temporary fix. Navigating challenges in recovery requires support and community. The obsession to drink can be removed through consistent practice of the steps. Recovery is about building a meaningful life beyond addiction. We are a self-supporting community. Join us in the following ways: - Join by making monthly donations for one year. You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles. Your name will also be announced each month you donate. Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate. - You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope. Add content to the show. Call in and donate your valuable time. Sustaining Partners Nicole. Episode Sponsors Tina, Helen, Dana. This episode is for YOU. Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links): Contact Titles The Journey of Step 12: A Spiritual Awakening Carrying the Message: The Heart of Recovery Sound Bites "The obsession to drink has been removed." "You don't have to be that way forever." "It's a boomerang aspect to the program." More Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Step 12 02:58 The Importance of Spiritual Awakening 06:01 Carrying the Message: Personal Experiences 09:02 The Role of Service in Recovery 12:01 Practicing Principles in Everyday Life 14:49 Navigating Challenges in Recovery 17:58 The Gradual Nature of Spiritual Awakening 21:04 Honesty and Self-Reflection 24:05 The Impact of Helping Others 26:54 The Struggles of Living the Principles 29:57 Finding a Sponsor and Building Connections 33:02 The Essence of Step 12 36:04 Tools for Navigating Life After Sobriety 39:11 The Boomerang Effect of Recovery 42:05 Final Thoughts on Step 12 /episode/index/show/talktherapy/id/39991165

Jay S Part 2 of 10 - Recovered 1454 01/31/2026

Step 11 - Recovered 1451 01/27/2026

Step 11 - Recovered 1451 Summary In this episode of the Recovered Podcast, the hosts delve into Step 11 of the recovery process, focusing on the transition from making amends to cultivating spiritual awareness through prayer and meditation. They discuss the importance of improving conscious contact with a higher power, the challenges of distractions, and the significance of living the program in all aspects of life. The conversation emphasizes the need for stillness, surrendering outcomes, and recognizing the strength provided by a higher power to carry out God's will. Listeners are encouraged to remain open-minded and teachable in their recovery journey. Takeaways Step 11 focuses on cultivating spiritual awareness through prayer and meditation. Living the program means applying recovery principles to all areas of life. Meditation helps in listening to one's higher power and self. Distractions can hinder spiritual growth and conscious contact. Surrendering outcomes can lead to greater peace and acceptance. Trusting in a higher power is essential for recovery. Prayer is a way to communicate with a higher power, while meditation is about listening. Finding stillness is crucial for spiritual growth and clarity. Newcomers should remain open to different forms of spiritual connection. The journey of recovery is ongoing and requires continuous self-reflection. We are a self-supporting community. Join us in the following ways: - Join by making monthly donations for one year. You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles. Your name will also be announced each month you donate. Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate. - You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope. Add content to the show. Call in and donate your valuable time. Sustaining Partners Nicole. Episode Sponsors Tina, Helen, Dana. This episode is for YOU. Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links): Contact Titles Cultivating Spiritual Awareness in Recovery The Power of Step 11: Prayer and Meditation Sound bites "Prayer is speaking to your higher power." "Surrendering outcomes brings peace." "Trust in your higher power is essential." Chapters 00:00 Transitioning to Spiritual Awareness 04:36 The Importance of Step 11 10:31 Living the Program 18:26 Differentiating Prayer and Meditation 20:35 Overcoming Distractions 24:44 Seeking Clarity in Spiritual Direction 26:55 Finding Stillness and Quiet 33:41 Surrendering Outcomes 38:01 Understanding God's Will 39:34 Recognizing Strength to Carry Out God's Will 42:21 Advice for Newcomers 51:05 Listener Reflections and Insights /episode/index/show/talktherapy/id/39891585

Jay S Part 1 of 10 - Recovered 1452 01/24/2026

Karl M Part 5 of 5 - Recovered 1450 01/17/2026

Step 10 - Recovered 1449 01/15/2026

Step 10 - Recovered 1449 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Step 10 02:53 The Importance of Staying Present 06:06 Practicing Rigorous Honesty 09:05 The Role of Support in Recovery 12:11 Step 10 as a Spiritual Barometer 15:05 The Impact of Prompt Action 18:05 Navigating Complex Emotions 20:57 Tools for Maintaining Emotional Sobriety 24:00 Long-term Sobriety and Step 10 27:08 Advice for Newcomers 29:57 Listener Feedback and Community Engagement We are a self-supporting community. Join us in the following ways: - Join by making monthly donations for one year. You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles. Your name will also be announced each month you donate. Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate. - You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope. Add content to the show. Call in and donate your valuable time. Sustaining Partners Tina, Joel, Martin, Ginger. Episode Sponsors Audrey, Kurt. This episode is for YOU. Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links): Contact Keywords Step 10, recovery, personal inventory, emotional sobriety, rigorous honesty, support, spiritual barometer, long-term sobriety, newcomers, community Takeaways Step 10 is about maintaining a spiritual foundation in daily life. Practicing rigorous honesty helps prevent new wreckage from piling up. Staying present is crucial for emotional sobriety. Support from others enhances the effectiveness of Step 10. Promptly admitting when wrong is essential for spiritual growth. Step 10 serves as a spiritual barometer for recovery. Daily inventory helps navigate complex emotions. Tools like journaling and feelings wheels aid in emotional awareness. Long-term sobriety requires consistent practice of Step 10. Newcomers should approach Step 10 with open-mindedness and patience. Summary In this episode of the Recovered Podcast, the hosts delve into Step 10 of the recovery process, focusing on the importance of maintaining a personal inventory and promptly admitting when wrong. They discuss how this step helps in staying present, practicing rigorous honesty, and navigating complex emotions. The conversation emphasizes the role of support from others in recovery, the significance of prompt action, and the tools that aid in emotional sobriety. The hosts also share insights on long-term sobriety and offer advice for newcomers, highlighting the value of open-mindedness and community engagement. Titles Navigating Recovery with Step 10 The Power of Personal Inventory Sound Bites "Step 10 serves as a spiritual barometer." "Promptly admitting when wrong is essential." "Daily inventory helps navigate complex emotions." /episode/index/show/talktherapy/id/39751655

Karl M Part 4 of 5 - Recovered 1448 01/10/2026

Step 9 - Episode 1447 01/07/2026

Step 9 - Episode 1447 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Step 9: The Transformative Process 03:00 The Courage to Make Amends 05:59 Navigating Complex Emotions in Step 9 08:47 The Importance of Rigorous Honesty 12:02 Facing the Past: Personal Stories of Amends 14:51 The Role of Fear and Shame in Recovery 17:52 Setting Things Right: Taking Responsibility 21:00 The Exception Clause in Step 9 24:11 The Impact of Amends on Relationships 27:01 The Spiritual Experience of Making Amends 30:04 Final Thoughts on Step 9 and Recovery We are a self-supporting community. Join us in the following ways: - Join by making monthly donations for one year. You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles. Your name will also be announced each month you donate. Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate. - You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope. Add content to the show. Call in and donate your valuable time. Sustaining Partners Larry, Becca, Bryan, Mandi, Jean, Schez, Jim, Shelly, Amanda, Kim. Episode Sponsors Claudine, Chris, Helen, Carl. This episode is for YOU. Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links): Contact Keywords Step 9, recovery, amends, Alcoholics Anonymous, personal growth, emotional healing, rigorous honesty, complex emotions, spiritual journey, relationships Summary In this episode of the Recovered Podcast, the hosts delve into Step 9 of the recovery process, focusing on the transformative journey of making amends. They discuss the importance of taking responsibility for past actions, the complex emotions that arise during this process, and the necessity of rigorous honesty. Personal stories highlight the challenges and rewards of facing those harmed, emphasizing that making amends is not just about saying sorry, but about taking meaningful action to repair relationships. The conversation also touches on the spiritual growth that comes from this step and the significance of letting go of past resentments. Takeaways Step 9 is a pivotal moment in recovery, focusing on external actions. Making amends requires courage and a willingness to face the past. Words alone are insufficient; actions must align with intentions. Fear and shame are common emotions when making amends. Rigorous honesty is essential for true recovery and making amends. The process of making amends can lead to profound personal growth. Secrecy feeds fear, while honesty brings relief and accountability. Amends are about taking responsibility without causing further harm. The exception clause in Step 9 is crucial for navigating complex situations. Spiritual experiences often arise from the process of making amends. Titles The Courageous Journey of Step 9 Transforming Relationships Through Amends Sound Bites "This is about freedom." "I was a difficult employee." "I felt so free after that." /episode/index/show/talktherapy/id/39647920

Karl M Part 3 of 5 - Recovered 1446 01/03/2026

Karl M Part 2 of 5 - Recovered 1445 12/30/2025

Karl M Part 1 of 5 - Recovered 1444 12/27/2025

Step 8 - Recovered 1443 12/24/2025

Step 8 - Recovered 1443 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Step Eight 04:15 The Importance of Willingness 09:55 Navigating Fear and Shame 18:32 The Role of Spirituality in Step Eight 26:05 Reflection and Preparation for Amends 37:21 Overcoming Shame and Self-Obsession 48:01 Encouragement for Newcomers 50:07 This Week in Recovery We are a self-supporting community. Join us in the following ways: - Join by making monthly donations for one year. You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles. Your name will also be announced each month you donate. Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate. - You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope. Add content to the show. Call in and donate your valuable time. Sustaining Partners Nicole, Tina, Joel, Martin, Ginger, Kim, Amanda, Amy, Jim, Schez, Larry, Mandi, Rebekah, Bryan, Stephen, Jean, Sam. Episode Sponsors Audrey, Tasha, Kurt, Claudine, Chris, Helen, Teresa, Kathy. This episode is for YOU. Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links): Contact Keywords Step Eight, Recovery, Spiritual Growth, Amends, Willingness, Fear, Shame, 12 Steps, Personal Growth, Healing Takeaways Step eight focuses on making amends and reflecting on past actions. Willingness is a crucial aspect of preparing for amends. Fear and shame can hinder the process of making amends. Spirituality plays a significant role in the willingness to make amends. Taking time to reflect before making amends is essential. Shame can prevent individuals from moving forward in their recovery. It's important to focus on actions rather than self-loathing during the amends process. Newcomers should take it one day at a time and do what they can. Support from sponsors and peers is vital during this step. Courage is needed to face both oneself and others during the amends process. Summary In this episode of the Recovered Podcast, the hosts delve into Step Eight of the recovery process, focusing on the importance of making amends and the willingness required to do so. They discuss the emotional challenges of fear and shame that can arise during this step, emphasizing the need for spiritual growth and reflection. The conversation highlights the significance of taking time to prepare for amends, the role of spirituality in fostering willingness, and the importance of support from sponsors and peers. Newcomers are encouraged to take it one day at a time and to focus on actions rather than self-loathing, as they navigate their recovery journey. Titles Navigating Step Eight: The Journey of Amends Willingness and Reflection in Recovery Sound Bites "Step eight focuses on making amends." "Courage is needed to face both oneself and others." "Newcomers should take it one day at a time." /episode/index/show/talktherapy/id/39527795

Step 7 - Recovered 1442 12/18/2025

Step 7 - Recovered 1442 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Step Seven 03:25 Understanding Humility in Recovery 07:16 Character Defaults vs. Defects 10:36 The Role of Spirituality in Surrender 17:48 Changing Character Defaults 23:40 Actions in Step Seven 26:19 Surrendering in Daily Life 32:27 Guilt, Shame, and Spiritual Honesty 37:12 Trauma and Step Seven 43:10 Micro Habits for Daily Surrender 47:42 Advice for Newcomers on Step Seven We are a self-supporting community. Join us in the following ways: - Join by making monthly donations for one year. You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles. Your name will also be announced each month you donate. Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate. - You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope. Add content to the show. Call in and donate your valuable time. Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links): Contact Keywords Step Seven, Recovery, Humility, Spirituality, Character Defects, Trauma, Surrender, Micro Habits, Guilt, Shame Summary In this episode, the hosts delve into Step Seven of recovery, focusing on the importance of humility and the act of surrendering one's shortcomings to a higher power. They discuss the transition from understanding to action, emphasizing the need for ongoing self-inventory and the role of community support. The conversation also touches on the impact of trauma, the significance of changing character defaults, and practical micro habits that aid in daily surrender. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, providing valuable advice for newcomers in recovery. Takeaways Step Seven is about humbly asking for the removal of shortcomings. Understanding character defects as defaults can foster compassion. Surrendering to a higher power is essential for recovery. Ongoing self-inventory is crucial in Steps Six and Seven. Micro habits can help in practicing humility daily. Guilt and shame can hinder spiritual honesty. Trauma can complicate the process of surrender. Community support is vital in recovery journeys. Changing behavior is necessary for true surrender. Recovery is about building a meaningful life beyond sobriety. Titles Embracing Humility in Recovery The Journey of Step Seven Sound bites "We do it with a community." "I need to pick up the phone." "I am my only trigger." /episode/index/show/talktherapy/id/39449580

Step 6 - Recovered 1441 12/05/2025

Step 5 - Recovered 1440 11/19/2025

Step 5 - Recovered 1440 Chapters Intro 00:00 Topic 02:23 This Week in Recovery 47:48 Phone Calls 53:51 We are a self-supporting community. Join us in the following ways: - Join by making monthly donations for one year. You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles. Your name will also be announced each month you donate. Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate. - You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope. Add content to the show. Call in and donate your valuable time. Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links): Contact Show Notes: Welcome back to Recovered, the podcast where we walk the Twelve Steps with honesty, humor, and heart. If you've been following along, you know we’ve just completed the "searching and fearless moral inventory" of Step 4. Now, we’re moving into the crucial action step that turns our private work into public freedom: Step 5—Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. It’s one thing to write out the truth in the privacy of a notebook, but it’s an entirely different and often terrifying experience to speak it out loud. Today, we're diving deep into why this act of radical honesty is the true spiritual turning point, the moment we stop holding onto our secrets and finally start releasing the heavy burden of the past. The fear surrounding Step 5 is natural; it's the fear of judgment, of exposure, and of being truly seen. Yet, the overwhelming experience of those who work the program is that this step is not about punishment or shame; it is the moment of pure freedom. Sharing our inventory with another person breaks the destructive cycle of isolation that is the core of addiction and self-will. When we hear our deepest resentments and character defects spoken into the light, they lose their power. Join us as we discuss how choosing the right person, navigating vulnerability, and finally making that admission clears the way for Steps Six and Seven, transforming self-knowledge into actual change and preparing us to be entirely ready for a spiritual awakening. Sustaining Partners: Amy, Jim, Lois, Schez, Larry Episode Sponsors: Claudine /episode/index/show/talktherapy/id/39095090

Step 4 - Recovered 1439 11/05/2025

Step 4 - Recovered 1439 Chapters Intro 00:00 Topic 02:59 This Week in Recovery 43:20 Phone Calls 50:00 We are a self-supporting community. Join us in the following ways: - Join by making monthly donations for one year. You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles. Your name will also be announced each month you donate. Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate. - You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope. Add content to the show. Call in and donate your valuable time. Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links): Contact Show Notes: Welcome back to Recovered, the podcast where we tackle the Twelve Steps with honesty, humor, and heart. Today, we're taking on one of the most famous—and often feared—steps in the entire program: Step 4. The step that asks us to make a "searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves." It sounds intimidating, like an audit of all our flaws and failures. But after committing to turning our will and lives over in Step 3, this is where the real action begins. This is where we stop playing the victim and start cleaning house, shining a light on the resentments, fears, and selfish behaviors that have been keeping us stuck. It's natural to approach this step with a mix of dread and defiance. Who wants to sit down and meticulously document the "exact nature of our wrongs"? Yet, our experience shows that this inventory is the key to finally getting out of our own way. Think of it not as a list of everything wrong with you, but as an honest self-assessment. You're identifying the assets and the liabilities, the strengths and the defects of character, so you can build a stable future. Step 4 isn't about wallowing in shame; it's about gaining the clarity and self-awareness necessary to truly understand our part in our own chaos. Join us as we share our journeys through the four columns, and discover how facing our fears head-on actually transforms them into freedom. Sustaining Partners: Amy, Jim, Lois, Schez, Larry Episode Sponsors: Claudine /episode/index/show/talktherapy/id/38925375

Step 3 - Recovered 1438 10/31/2025

Step 2 - Recovered 1437 10/23/2025

Step 1 - Recovered 1436 10/15/2025

Popsicle Sticks - Recovered 1435 05/13/2025

Gigi Open Talk - Recovered 1044 11/16/2019

Gigi Open Talk - Recovered 1044 These are the types of episodes published each weekend for Premium Subscribers. If you would like these and the other 1000 episodes available in our back catalog, please consider becoming a Premium Member. The show would not be online without Premium Members Premium members are the main reason why Recovered Podcast is still online. If you want to help us continue to help the new guy, watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium. If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to and let me know. We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk....whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers. Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions. If you would like to join us, there are three ways. We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode. Any amount will qualify. This is the single most effective way to support the show. Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium We have three ways in which you can participate in this 12-step mission We invite you to be a partner is this work. Call Us Now So, listeners, join us at The 2020 International Convention of AA in Detroit. If you are coming into town for the convention, the Recovered Podcast wants to meet you! If you would like to get all the information regarding the Recovered Podcast at the 2020 International Convention, just email me and we will get you on our google group. Just email me at To get on our 2020 International Convention Google group. This google group will be notified with all the Recovered Podcast Plans for the convention and will have all the information about how to find our tailgate party. Right now, our google group has been provided with maps and general information about Detroit. Email me at if you want these kinds of updates. For the latest 2020 IC information, click /episode/index/show/talktherapy/id/12059546