AA Live

In tandem with Step 4, this episode delves into Step 5 of the Alcoholics Anonymous program. We’re joined by our guest, Meredith, who shares her transformative experience with this pivotal step - breaking free from the isolation of addiction, easing feelings of shame, and fostering accountability through the act of admitting past behaviours to a trusted person.

Join us as we explore the power of honesty and ‘taking action’ in recovery.

Often, we look at recovery as a solitary journey taken by the individual seeking sobriety. But for those of us living in the wake of alcoholism, we know that the family is an ecosystem. When one part shifts, the whole system can undergo a rupture or a series of deep cracks and fissures.

In this episode, we explore the parallel paths of Craig and Katrina taking a real live snapshot at how two different 12-Step programs—AA and Al-Anon— intersect to create a shared life built on two thriving, personal recoveries.

In this special episode, Michael and former AA Live host Martin welcome Dr Dawn Eden Goldstein, author of Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor — the acclaimed biography of Jesuit priest Father Edward Dowling, whose remarkable friendship with AA co-founder Bill Wilson helped shape the spiritual heart of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Dawn brings a unique perspective to Father Ed's story — she began her career as a rock and roll journalist in New York City before a profound conversion experience led her to become a theologian and canon lawyer. She joins us from Connecticut, USA, for a conversation about Father Ed's extraordinary ministry, the deep connections between Ignatian spirituality and the Twelve Steps, and the unconditional love at the heart of the AA fellowship.

This episode continues from where we left off last month, sharing Part Two of our reflections on the 63rd Annual Alcoholics Anonymous Convention, held in Ōtepoti Dunedin.

The episode is presented in two parts:

In the first segment, we share a recorded conversation with Rita, who travelled from overseas and within Aotearoa to attend the Convention. We spoke together following the International Meeting, where Rita shares her experience in a way that reflects the principles of recovery.

In the second segment, we explore a story from Alcoholics Anonymous literature that is mentioned during the conversation — the short biography “The Belle of the Bar” from They Lost Nearly All (3rd Edition) — and how its themes relate to the message being shared.

In this special episode, Mike and Sue take you to the 63rd Annual Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous, held at Otago Boys' High School in Ōtepoti Dunedin from January 16-18 of this year.

Marking 80 years of AA in Aotearoa New Zealand, we’ve spliced together a series of short interviews with members from across the fellowship - from the Mihi Whakatau welcoming ceremony to the Saturday night countdown at "A Vision for You," and a contribution from a Rule 62 Catering volunteer.

Recorded live at the convention themed "Our Primary Purpose," hear from Melinda (Australia), Dee, Ricky, Tash, Brendan, Heather, and Rita as they share their experience, strength, and hope.