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.

For our first show of 2026, our guest Joshua relays the impact of fostering connections within the rooms of AA. Moving from an existence of isolation and life’s unmanageability to nurturing and building new healthy relationships both inside and outside of the AA Programme, Joshua shares their experience of inner transformation and the surprising, unexpected rewards of sobriety.

‘When I stopped fighting anybody or anything, I started on the path to sobriety, serenity and peace.' (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, 1981).

December and the festive season is here! Dial in as we talk through Step 12 of the AA Programme with our guest Andrew. The conversation identifies how you can carry the message by sharing your story at meetings. We'll explore the act of "giving it away" and how that helps you "keep it" by reinforcing your own commitment to recovery, and that working with others is crucial for maintaining personal sobriety.

PLUS, we talk through the pressures of Christmas time—how tensions can ‘build-up’—and if you have concerns around your drinking, offer strategies for handling social gatherings.

Tonight, our focus is on Step 11 of the AA Programme , and how connecting with a Higher Power keeps us on the ‘road to recovery’. Our guest, Tania, strengthened by her life’s journey, holds the floor and shares her pathway to finding clarity, guidance, acceptance and inner peace. A story of resilience that may resonate with you on how essential connections within the AA community can help strengthen our recovery goals.

Join us as we dive into Step 10 of the AA Programme with our guest, Helen. Through our conversation, Helen shares her deep knowledge of this crucial step, emphasising how ongoing self-reflection and accountability maintains her spiritual and emotional health. Plus, we’ll explore the big question: What does emotional sobriety mean?

Tonight our guest Marc shares his journey through early recovery, having just celebrated 6 months of sobriety. We explore how residential treatment at The Bridge became a turning point, and how life challenges including a health crisis led to profound personal transformation. Marc discusses the courage it takes to start over and how the recovery community provides the foundation for rebuilding life one day at a time.

In this show we speak with Kevin. A gentleman with many years of sustained sobriety. His journey has taken him far, from serving in the US Navy to his first glimpse of New Zealand by sea. Kevin talks through his first phase at AA and the impact of grief on his recovery journey. And who for this show, brings a wealth of experience and a powerful message of hope.