Blindsight

By AftersightAlternative Health Health & Fitness Mental Health

Blindsight episodes

April 18, 2025 Conscious Contact: Prayer, Will, and the 11th Step
In this deeply reflective episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren and returning guest Joe dive into Step 11 of the 12-Step Program:
“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.”
Together, they explore the tension and beauty in surrendering our will, discuss the spiritual ambiguity many newcomers wrestle with, and unpack the core purpose of prayer and meditation in recovery—not as a way to get what we want, but to align ourselves with something far more trustworthy: God’s will. With honesty and care, the conversation touches on religious trauma, the fluidity of the "higher power" concept, and the sacred act of showing up each morning and simply asking.
Bill and Joe also unpack the Prayer of St. Francis, the importance of not running the show, and why taking it easy isn’t laziness—it’s wisdom.
⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome to Blindsight
01:15 – What is Step 11?
02:15 – Joe’s background with God entering recovery
04:00 – Religious trauma and spiritual abuse
06:30 – Higher Power vs “God” terminology
07:45 – Bill W, Carl Jung, and Benedictine roots
09:15 – “Upon awakening…” – morning meditation guidance
12:30 – Asking for freedom from self-will
13:50 – “Take it easy” and the myth of urgency
14:30 – Ambition, success, and God’s will
17:00 – Suffering, Job, and the mystery of evil
19:00 – The Prayer of St. Francis
21:30 – Self-care vs. helping others
23:00 – The trap of codependency and false humility
26:30 – The train-and-candle metaphor
28:15 – Richard Rohr, atheism, and a hostile universe
30:00 – Drops of God: how to seek and notice
31:50 – Final thoughts: “Keep coming back. It works.”
📞 Contact Us
Got feedback? Questions? Want to share your story?
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call/Text: 720-712-8856
33 min
April 18, 2025 Conscious Contact: Prayer, Will, and the 11th Step
In this deeply reflective episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren and returning guest Joe dive into Step 11 of the 12-Step Program:
“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.”
Together, they explore the tension and beauty in surrendering our will, discuss the spiritual ambiguity many newcomers wrestle with, and unpack the core purpose of prayer and meditation in recovery—not as a way to get what we want, but to align ourselves with something far more trustworthy: God’s will. With honesty and care, the conversation touches on religious trauma, the fluidity of the "higher power" concept, and the sacred act of showing up each morning and simply asking.
Bill and Joe also unpack the Prayer of St. Francis, the importance of not running the show, and why taking it easy isn’t laziness—it’s wisdom.
⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome to Blindsight
01:15 – What is Step 11?
02:15 – Joe’s background with God entering recovery
04:00 – Religious trauma and spiritual abuse
06:30 – Higher Power vs “God” terminology
07:45 – Bill W, Carl Jung, and Benedictine roots
09:15 – “Upon awakening…” – morning meditation guidance
12:30 – Asking for freedom from self-will
13:50 – “Take it easy” and the myth of urgency
14:30 – Ambition, success, and God’s will
17:00 – Suffering, Job, and the mystery of evil
19:00 – The Prayer of St. Francis
21:30 – Self-care vs. helping others
23:00 – The trap of codependency and false humility
26:30 – The train-and-candle metaphor
28:15 – Richard Rohr, atheism, and a hostile universe
30:00 – Drops of God: how to seek and notice
31:50 – Final thoughts: “Keep coming back. It works.”
📞 Contact Us
Got feedback? Questions? Want to share your story?
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call/Text: 720-712-8856
33 min
April 11, 2025 Step 10: When Being Right Feels Wrong
In this raw and thoughtful episode of Blindsight, Bill Lundgren sits down with Joe, a longtime friend and retired physician who brings 34 years of personal recovery experience to the mic. Together, they dive into Step 10 of the 12-step program: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.”
But as Joe reveals, it’s not always about being wrong. Sometimes, it’s about being right—and still needing to take a step back. This episode unpacks the tricky territory of righteous anger, resentment, and the danger of spiritual pride, especially in a world full of division and injustice. Joe opens up about the personal coal of unresolved bitterness and how Step 10 keeps him grounded, honest, and able to maintain serenity. From real-time reflections on political outrage to resisting hatred when you feel justified, this conversation is a must-hear for anyone striving to stay clean, sober, and spiritually awake in a chaotic world.
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Intro: Time to Fight. Time to Thrive.
01:30 – What is Step 10 and why does it matter now?
04:00 – Righteous anger and how it steals serenity
07:15 – Resentment disguised as justice
10:00 – A personal example: healthcare rage and assassination
13:45 – When resentment turns into internal damage
16:30 – The difference between hopelessness and serenity
18:45 – Anger vs. Resentment: Why addicts must pause
21:00 – Maintaining relationships across divides
24:00 – The challenge of taking a kindly view of everyone
27:30 – Walking away without severing ties
30:00 – Resentment, prevention, and avoiding future amends
32:30 – Choosing peace over being right
34:00 – Final thoughts and hope for those still fighting
Contact Info:
📞 Feedback line: (720) 712-8865
📧 Email: [email protected]
38 min
April 11, 2025 Step 10: When Being Right Feels Wrong
In this raw and thoughtful episode of Blindsight, Bill Lundgren sits down with Joe, a longtime friend and retired physician who brings 34 years of personal recovery experience to the mic. Together, they dive into Step 10 of the 12-step program: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.”
But as Joe reveals, it’s not always about being wrong. Sometimes, it’s about being right—and still needing to take a step back. This episode unpacks the tricky territory of righteous anger, resentment, and the danger of spiritual pride, especially in a world full of division and injustice. Joe opens up about the personal coal of unresolved bitterness and how Step 10 keeps him grounded, honest, and able to maintain serenity. From real-time reflections on political outrage to resisting hatred when you feel justified, this conversation is a must-hear for anyone striving to stay clean, sober, and spiritually awake in a chaotic world.
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Intro: Time to Fight. Time to Thrive.
01:30 – What is Step 10 and why does it matter now?
04:00 – Righteous anger and how it steals serenity
07:15 – Resentment disguised as justice
10:00 – A personal example: healthcare rage and assassination
13:45 – When resentment turns into internal damage
16:30 – The difference between hopelessness and serenity
18:45 – Anger vs. Resentment: Why addicts must pause
21:00 – Maintaining relationships across divides
24:00 – The challenge of taking a kindly view of everyone
27:30 – Walking away without severing ties
30:00 – Resentment, prevention, and avoiding future amends
32:30 – Choosing peace over being right
34:00 – Final thoughts and hope for those still fighting
Contact Info:
📞 Feedback line: (720) 712-8865
📧 Email: [email protected]
38 min
April 04, 2025 Step Nine: Making Amends with Courage and Clarity
In this powerful episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren is joined by Kevin Peterson, a counselor, author, and long-time advocate for mental health and recovery. Together, they unpack Step Nine of the 12 Steps: "Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others."
Kevin shares deeply personal and emotional stories about the power of taking full responsibility for the harm we’ve caused — not just through apologies, but through real amends. He explains the technical process of Step Nine (including four key questions), the spiritual courage it takes to show up in person, and the role your Higher Power plays in facilitating healing and reconciliation.
Listeners will gain insights into the difference between guilt and accountability, how to avoid further harm in the process, and why this step is a true marker of maturity in recovery. Whether you’re in a 12-step program or simply navigating a journey of healing and growth, Kevin’s candid storytelling and grounded wisdom will move you.
He’ll be back next week to go even deeper—so stay tuned.
⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Opening and Welcome: Mental health and the journey through the 12 Steps
01:10 – Kevin Peterson’s sobriety journey and introduction to Step 9
02:20 – Step 4 and 9: Where people tend to drop out
03:30 – Technical vs. Spiritual: Understanding Step 9’s dual nature
04:45 – How to identify who to make amends to
05:30 – The 4 components of making amends
07:00 – The difference between apology and amends
08:20 – Doing it in person and trusting your Higher Power
09:30 – Emotional impact stories: Lost relationship
11:30 – Story of financial harm and deeper consequences
13:50 – Real accountability and taking ownership
15:00 – Turning it over to your Higher Power
16:30 – Facing legal risks in the amends process
17:50 – Al-Anon, honesty, and being tested in the process
18:30 – Big or small, all amends matter
19:30 – Step 9 as a maturity marker in recovery
21:00 – How to handle amends that could harm others
22:40 – Final thoughts: Step 9 separates adults from children in recovery
23:30 – Closing and feedback information
25 min
April 04, 2025 Step Nine: Making Amends with Courage and Clarity
In this powerful episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren is joined by Kevin Peterson, a counselor, author, and long-time advocate for mental health and recovery. Together, they unpack Step Nine of the 12 Steps: "Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others."
Kevin shares deeply personal and emotional stories about the power of taking full responsibility for the harm we’ve caused — not just through apologies, but through real amends. He explains the technical process of Step Nine (including four key questions), the spiritual courage it takes to show up in person, and the role your Higher Power plays in facilitating healing and reconciliation.
Listeners will gain insights into the difference between guilt and accountability, how to avoid further harm in the process, and why this step is a true marker of maturity in recovery. Whether you’re in a 12-step program or simply navigating a journey of healing and growth, Kevin’s candid storytelling and grounded wisdom will move you.
He’ll be back next week to go even deeper—so stay tuned.
⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Opening and Welcome: Mental health and the journey through the 12 Steps
01:10 – Kevin Peterson’s sobriety journey and introduction to Step 9
02:20 – Step 4 and 9: Where people tend to drop out
03:30 – Technical vs. Spiritual: Understanding Step 9’s dual nature
04:45 – How to identify who to make amends to
05:30 – The 4 components of making amends
07:00 – The difference between apology and amends
08:20 – Doing it in person and trusting your Higher Power
09:30 – Emotional impact stories: Lost relationship
11:30 – Story of financial harm and deeper consequences
13:50 – Real accountability and taking ownership
15:00 – Turning it over to your Higher Power
16:30 – Facing legal risks in the amends process
17:50 – Al-Anon, honesty, and being tested in the process
18:30 – Big or small, all amends matter
19:30 – Step 9 as a maturity marker in recovery
21:00 – How to handle amends that could harm others
22:40 – Final thoughts: Step 9 separates adults from children in recovery
23:30 – Closing and feedback information
25 min
March 28, 2025 Amends Begin With Willingness
In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren continues the journey through the 12-step program, diving into Step Eight: "Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all." Returning guest Jeff Schlund from the Betty Ford Center shares honest and heartfelt reflections on what it means to be ready to make amends—and how this step was a turning point in his own recovery.
They discuss how memory, humility, and fear all play roles in the process, and why putting ourselves on the list of those we’ve harmed might be one of the most overlooked yet healing parts of the journey. Jeff shares his story of relapse and resilience, and how step eight helped him discover a deeper sense of accountability, hope, and empowerment.

⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Introduction to Step Eight
02:24 – Jeff’s recovery story and Betty Ford experience
04:45 – The evolving list of people harmed
07:09 – Making amends to yourself
09:29 – The danger of unchecked guilt
11:07 – Step Eight is not a race
14:45 – The difference between amends and apology
18:38 – Accepting outcomes when making amends
20:40 – Jumping ahead to Step Nine too soon
22:18 – The importance of readiness and memory
24:24 – Jeff's personal turning point
27:59 – Real support from others in recovery
30:22 – The roots of the program and real change
32:31 – Surrender and serious recovery
34:42 – Relief and empowerment from willingness
36:16 – “The only thing you have to change is everything”
38:14 – Closing thoughts and next episode preview
📱 Contact Info:
We’d love your feedback!
📞 Call us: 720-712-8856
📧 Email us: [email protected]
42 min
March 28, 2025 Amends Begin With Willingness
In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren continues the journey through the 12-step program, diving into Step Eight: "Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all." Returning guest Jeff Schlund from the Betty Ford Center shares honest and heartfelt reflections on what it means to be ready to make amends—and how this step was a turning point in his own recovery.
They discuss how memory, humility, and fear all play roles in the process, and why putting ourselves on the list of those we’ve harmed might be one of the most overlooked yet healing parts of the journey. Jeff shares his story of relapse and resilience, and how step eight helped him discover a deeper sense of accountability, hope, and empowerment.

⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Introduction to Step Eight
02:24 – Jeff’s recovery story and Betty Ford experience
04:45 – The evolving list of people harmed
07:09 – Making amends to yourself
09:29 – The danger of unchecked guilt
11:07 – Step Eight is not a race
14:45 – The difference between amends and apology
18:38 – Accepting outcomes when making amends
20:40 – Jumping ahead to Step Nine too soon
22:18 – The importance of readiness and memory
24:24 – Jeff's personal turning point
27:59 – Real support from others in recovery
30:22 – The roots of the program and real change
32:31 – Surrender and serious recovery
34:42 – Relief and empowerment from willingness
36:16 – “The only thing you have to change is everything”
38:14 – Closing thoughts and next episode preview
📱 Contact Info:
We’d love your feedback!
📞 Call us: 720-712-8856
📧 Email us: [email protected]
42 min
March 21, 2025 Step Seven: Shedding Shortcomings, Embracing Growth
In this episode of Blindsight, we continue our journey through the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on Step Seven: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Host Bill Lundgren welcomes back Jeff Shlund, who started our series with Step One, to break down the meaning and personal impact of this step. They discuss the role of humility, self-awareness, and seeking support in overcoming personal flaws. The conversation explores how Step Seven applies beyond addiction, including in the blindness community, and why progress—not perfection—is the key to growth.
Chapter Markers:
⏱ 00:00 – Welcome to Blindsight
⏱ 02:23 – Understanding Step Seven: Asking for help in recovery
⏱ 04:18 – The Seventh Step Prayer and its impact on daily life
⏱ 06:33 – Recognizing personal shortcomings and seeking growth
⏱ 08:37 – The power of self-awareness in the recovery process
⏱ 11:01 – Seeking professional help: Therapy, medication, and sponsors
⏱ 15:44 – Breaking the stigma: Medication in recovery
⏱ 18:03 – Building a strong support system
⏱ 22:02 – Applying Step Seven beyond addiction
⏱ 24:26 – Step Seven in the blindness community
⏱ 26:13 – Growth, self-acceptance, and lifelong progress
⏱ 28:40 – Revisiting earlier steps for deeper healing
⏱ 31:21 – Working the steps at your own pace
⏱ 33:25 – Final thoughts: Accepting ourselves while striving to improve
⏱ 35:26 – Closing remarks & listener feedback
Key Takeaways:
✅ Step Seven teaches humility—asking a higher power to help remove shortcomings.
✅ Higher Power is personal and can take different forms for different people.
✅ Professional help (therapy, medication) is valuable and not a sign of failure.
✅ Recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress and daily growth.
Listener Feedback & Contact:
📞 Blindsight Hotline: (720) 712-8856
📩 Email: [email protected]
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Have questions or suggestions for future topics? Get in touch!
🎧 Join us next week for Step Eight: Making Amends.
37 min
March 21, 2025 Step Seven: Shedding Shortcomings, Embracing Growth
In this episode of Blindsight, we continue our journey through the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on Step Seven: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Host Bill Lundgren welcomes back Jeff Shlund, who started our series with Step One, to break down the meaning and personal impact of this step. They discuss the role of humility, self-awareness, and seeking support in overcoming personal flaws. The conversation explores how Step Seven applies beyond addiction, including in the blindness community, and why progress—not perfection—is the key to growth.
Chapter Markers:
⏱ 00:00 – Welcome to Blindsight
⏱ 02:23 – Understanding Step Seven: Asking for help in recovery
⏱ 04:18 – The Seventh Step Prayer and its impact on daily life
⏱ 06:33 – Recognizing personal shortcomings and seeking growth
⏱ 08:37 – The power of self-awareness in the recovery process
⏱ 11:01 – Seeking professional help: Therapy, medication, and sponsors
⏱ 15:44 – Breaking the stigma: Medication in recovery
⏱ 18:03 – Building a strong support system
⏱ 22:02 – Applying Step Seven beyond addiction
⏱ 24:26 – Step Seven in the blindness community
⏱ 26:13 – Growth, self-acceptance, and lifelong progress
⏱ 28:40 – Revisiting earlier steps for deeper healing
⏱ 31:21 – Working the steps at your own pace
⏱ 33:25 – Final thoughts: Accepting ourselves while striving to improve
⏱ 35:26 – Closing remarks & listener feedback
Key Takeaways:
✅ Step Seven teaches humility—asking a higher power to help remove shortcomings.
✅ Higher Power is personal and can take different forms for different people.
✅ Professional help (therapy, medication) is valuable and not a sign of failure.
✅ Recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress and daily growth.
Listener Feedback & Contact:
📞 Blindsight Hotline: (720) 712-8856
📩 Email: [email protected]
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Have questions or suggestions for future topics? Get in touch!
🎧 Join us next week for Step Eight: Making Amends.
37 min

About Blindsight

From the publisher's feed

Blindsight explores life through a different lens—sharing real conversations at the intersection of blindness, mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Hosted by Bill Lundgren, each episode spotlights lived experience, hard-won resilience, and the moments people don’t always know how to talk about out loud. From navigating family dynamics and identity to battling anxiety, depression, or addiction—and finding traction again—Blindsight makes space for honesty, hope, and practical perspective. With compelling guests and real-life stories, it’s a podcast for anyone who wants to understand more deeply, feel less alone, and keep moving forward—one brave conversation at a time.