The 12th Step Podcast

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.

Smartphones, Temptation, and Recovery: Finding Balance in a Connected World

In this episode, we respond to a deeply thoughtful message from listener Zack, who opens up about the struggle many of us face in recovery—navigating the temptations and distractions of smartphone use while still needing to stay connected for work and life.

We explore the challenges of living in a hyper-connected world where one device can be both a tool and a trap. The team shares practical tools, software options, and personal experiences for setting healthy boundaries with technology. We also dive into the importance of intentionality, accountability, and staying honest about the digital triggers that can quietly undermine recovery.

Plus, we revisit a listener favorite—Isaac’s powerful story—and discuss the idea of inviting more voices from local 12 Step groups and Sage into future episodes.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in an endless scroll, tempted by online escapes, or unsure how to strike balance with your phone, this one’s for you.

The Trap of Self-Pity: Escaping the Spiral in Recovery

Why do we so easily fall into self-pity—and why does it feel so familiar to those of us in addiction recovery? In this episode, we respond to a powerful question from listener Shloimy about the role of self-pity in our lives: what pulls us into it, what it costs us, and how we can step out of it.

The team opens up about their own experiences with self-pity, how it masquerades as comfort but often isolates us further, and the practical tools they’ve found that help shift perspective—from gratitude to service to honest connection. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the loop of “poor me,” this conversation is for you.

The Brothel and the Bell: Searching for God in Recovery

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.

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

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.