The 12th Step Podcast

When Care Turns To Indifference: The Hidden Struggles of Betrayed Partners

On this episode of the 12th Step Podcast, we’re joined by therapist Colby to explore the often-overlooked experiences of betrayed partners. Together, they address listener questions such as:

    •    How can you prevent a caring partner from slipping into indifference?

    •    Do you realize your spouse is reliving every shared moment to question its authenticity?

This candid conversation shines a light on the emotional weight betrayal creates—and how awareness, honesty, and real change can help partners begin to heal.

Half Measures, Tourists, and True Recovery

On this episode of the 12th Step Podcast, we’re joined by therapist Colby to tackle some tough but important listener questions:

    1.    What happens to a spouse when they see their partner only taking half measures in recovery?

    2.    Are you a tourist in recovery—just visiting but not truly living it?

    3.    Are you working the 12 steps for yourself or only to save your marriage—and why the latter will never last?

Join us for an honest conversation about what real recovery requires, the impact half-hearted efforts have on loved ones, and how true transformation starts with doing the work for yourself.

Bargaining With Chaos: Finding Balance In Recovery

On this episode of the 12th Step Podcast, Steven shares a heartfelt listener email about navigating the chaos of addiction, recovery, work, and family. In his message, Steven admits how often he’s tried to bargain with chaos—hoping for just a little peace or balance—only to realize that chaos doesn’t make deals. Through his journey, he’s discovering that balance isn’t found in control but in surrender, humility, and faith in a Higher Power.

 

Tune in as we reflect on Steven’s powerful words and invite you to share your own insights: How do you find balance in the middle of life’s storms?

Is It Okay to Do Recovery Differently?

Tune in to this episode as we hear from a listener who’s one year into recovery—committed, attending meetings, and working with a sponsor—but still struggling to connect with the 12 steps. For this neurodivergent individual, the structure of the program often feels more like pressure than support. While their sponsor, therapist, and spouse all believe in the process, they’re left wondering if it truly fits their needs.

We dive into an important question: What happens when the traditional path doesn’t feel like your path? Can you still grow in recovery by doing things differently? And how do you honor your own truth while managing the expectations of those around you?

Beyond the Crisis: Staying Awake in Long-Term Recovery

After the chaos subsides and the big milestones are behind us, what comes next? In this episode, we hear from Kevin, who’s seven years sober and thriving in his family life—yet feeling the quiet pull of complacency. Together, we explore what it means to keep growing when the emergencies are over, the structure softens, and the old demons aren’t banging at the door.

Join us as we discuss strategies to reignite your sense of purpose, cultivate new forms of spiritual and personal growth, and avoid the drift into stagnation. Because recovery isn’t just about surviving addiction—it’s about discovering how to truly live.

Recovery in Motion: The Tools We Use Today

Recovery is anything but static—it's dynamic, personal, and constantly evolving. In this episode, we open up about where we are right now in our individual recovery journeys. From early breakthroughs to deeper emotional work, each of us brings different tools to the table depending on our current stage. Tune in as we share what’s working for us, how our needs have changed over time, and why recovery is never one-size-fits-all. Whether you're just beginning or well along the path, there's something here for every step of the journey.

The Cost of Growth: Why Sacrifice Fuels Real Change

Change isn’t easy—and recovery even less so. In this episode, we dive deep into the uncomfortable truth that sacrifice is often the price of progress. Whether you're navigating personal transformation, healing from past wounds, or breaking free from destructive cycles, giving something up is often the first step forward. Join us as we explore what it really means to let go, why it’s necessary, and how sacrifice can become the foundation for lasting growth and recovery.

Lost Episode: The Brothel and the Bell: Searching for God in Recovery

As promised, if we ever found the recording Daniel lost, we would put them out for you to here. Well great news is Daniel found them and here is the final of three lost episodes.

In this episode, we reflect on a profound quote shared by a listener: “The young man who rings the bell at the brothel is unconsciously looking for God.” What does it mean to seek wholeness in all the wrong places? How does addiction become a misguided spiritual quest—and what happens when we begin to recognize the deeper hunger underneath?

Drawing on Carl Jung’s insights and personal stories from recovery, we explore how acting out can falsely imitate connection, intimacy, or even divinity. We also talk about how real spiritual fulfillment—found through self-love, community, and the 12 Steps—can take the place of that desperate search. Join us for an honest, hopeful discussion on longing, God, and the journey toward true wholeness.

Lost Episode: After the Storm: Recovery, Divorce, and Daniel’s Journey

As promised, if we ever found the recording Daniel lost, we would put them out for you to here. Well great news is Daniel found them and here is the second of three lost episodes.

In this deeply personal episode, we explore the intersection of recovery and divorce, inspired by a listener’s powerful message and request to hear more about Daniel’s story. What does it look like to rebuild after a marriage ends in the midst of healing? How do we navigate feelings of anger, grief, and loss while staying committed to recovery? Daniel opens up about his journey through divorce, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he continues to learn. We discuss what it means to do the next right thing, how to find peace when relationships fall apart, and how humility plays a role in forging a new path forward.

Lost Recording: Black & White Thinking: The Trap of All-or-Nothing in Recovery

As promised, if we ever found the recording Daniel lost, we would put them out for you to here. Well great news is Daniel found them and here is the first of three lost episodes.

In this episode, the team dives into the challenges of black-and-white thinking and how it can deeply impact the recovery journey. Inspired by a listener email, we explore how the all-or-nothing mindset—“I’m either doing great or I’m a failure”—can keep us stuck in cycles of shame, guilt, and self-doubt. We share personal experiences, practical insights, and strategies for embracing the messy middle of growth. Whether you’re in recovery or just trying to break free from rigid thinking, this conversation is for you.