Blindsight

By AftersightAlternative Health Health & Fitness Mental Health

Blindsight episodes

February 07, 2025 Step 2: Believing in a Greater Power
In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren is joined by Darran Zenger, a licensed clinical social worker at Cirque Lodge, a residential treatment center for substance use and addiction. Together, they discuss Step 2 of the 12-Step Program: Coming to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Darran shares his personal recovery journey, including his struggles with addiction, his experience with Usher syndrome, and how embracing faith and community support transformed his life. The conversation highlights the importance of spirituality (distinct from religion), the dangers of isolation, and how addiction impacts not just individuals but their entire family system. They also discuss the role of humility in recovery and how learning to surrender control can lead to true healing.
Bill and Darran also explore how having a higher power—whether it be God, nature, or even a support group—can help individuals overcome addiction and navigate life’s challenges. They emphasize that recovery is an ongoing process requiring daily self-awareness, accountability, and connection with others.
The episode concludes with an invitation to continue the conversation in the next episode, where they will dive into Step 3: Turning our will and our lives over to the care of a higher power as we understand it.
Chapter Markers
00:00 – Opening & Guest Introduction
01:22 – Darran’s Role at Cirque Lodge & Family Support in Recovery
02:10 – Step 2: A Power Greater Than Ourselves
03:09 – Darran’s Personal Journey to Recovery
06:12 – The Role of Spiritual Connection in Healing
09:14 – The Importance of Reaching Out for Support
12:46 – The Ego and the Challenge of Surrender
14:28 – Trusting the Process and Letting Go of Control
19:20 – Understanding Higher Power & Self-Will
21:16 – Living with Usher Syndrome & Navigating Blindness
27:32 – Adapting to Life’s Challenges & Overcoming Isolation
31:35 – Family Dynamics & Codependency in Addiction
36:11 – Spirituality vs. Religion in Recovery
37:42 – Resources for Recovery & How to Access the Big Book
38:44 – Closing & Contact Information
Resources Mentioned
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous – Available in audio format through the Talking Book Library
Everything AA App – A resource containing the Big Book, daily meditations, and recovery tools
Feedback & Contact Information
📞 Hotline: (720) 712-8856
📧 Email: [email protected]
Have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics? Reach out to us! Your feedback helps shape future episodes of Blindsight.
39 min
February 07, 2025 Step 2: Believing in a Greater Power
In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren is joined by Darran Zenger, a licensed clinical social worker at Cirque Lodge, a residential treatment center for substance use and addiction. Together, they discuss Step 2 of the 12-Step Program: Coming to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Darran shares his personal recovery journey, including his struggles with addiction, his experience with Usher syndrome, and how embracing faith and community support transformed his life. The conversation highlights the importance of spirituality (distinct from religion), the dangers of isolation, and how addiction impacts not just individuals but their entire family system. They also discuss the role of humility in recovery and how learning to surrender control can lead to true healing.
Bill and Darran also explore how having a higher power—whether it be God, nature, or even a support group—can help individuals overcome addiction and navigate life’s challenges. They emphasize that recovery is an ongoing process requiring daily self-awareness, accountability, and connection with others.
The episode concludes with an invitation to continue the conversation in the next episode, where they will dive into Step 3: Turning our will and our lives over to the care of a higher power as we understand it.
Chapter Markers
00:00 – Opening & Guest Introduction
01:22 – Darran’s Role at Cirque Lodge & Family Support in Recovery
02:10 – Step 2: A Power Greater Than Ourselves
03:09 – Darran’s Personal Journey to Recovery
06:12 – The Role of Spiritual Connection in Healing
09:14 – The Importance of Reaching Out for Support
12:46 – The Ego and the Challenge of Surrender
14:28 – Trusting the Process and Letting Go of Control
19:20 – Understanding Higher Power & Self-Will
21:16 – Living with Usher Syndrome & Navigating Blindness
27:32 – Adapting to Life’s Challenges & Overcoming Isolation
31:35 – Family Dynamics & Codependency in Addiction
36:11 – Spirituality vs. Religion in Recovery
37:42 – Resources for Recovery & How to Access the Big Book
38:44 – Closing & Contact Information
Resources Mentioned
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous – Available in audio format through the Talking Book Library
Everything AA App – A resource containing the Big Book, daily meditations, and recovery tools
Feedback & Contact Information
📞 Hotline: (720) 712-8856
📧 Email: [email protected]
Have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics? Reach out to us! Your feedback helps shape future episodes of Blindsight.
39 min
January 31, 2025 Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness
In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren kicks off a 12-part series on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, exploring Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness. Guest Jeff Schlund from the Betty Ford Center shares his 22-year sobriety journey, discussing the importance of honesty, surrender, and recognizing unmanageability in addiction.

🔹 What does it mean to be powerless over alcohol?
🔹 How does honesty transform the recovery process?
🔹 What role does family play in addiction and support?
🔹 Accessible AA resources for the blind and low-vision community
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Introduction: The 12-Step Series Begins
02:28 – Guest Introduction: Jeff Schlund’s Work at the Betty Ford Center
04:29 – Understanding Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness
06:59 – Jeff’s Sobriety Journey: 22 Years of Recovery
09:02 – The Importance of Honesty in Recovery
13:14 – What It Took to Finally Get Honest
15:12 – The Power in Admitting Powerlessness
17:40 – Choice in Sobriety: The Daily Decision Not to Drink
20:05 – Navigating Meetings and Finding Support
22:27 – Early Recovery Mistakes and Overconfidence
24:34 – The Role of Family in Recovery
26:58 – Al-Anon and Family Recovery Resources
29:27 – The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics
31:18 – The Simplicity of 12 Steps and the Power of Step 1
33:20 – Encouragement for Those Struggling with Step 1
36:19 – Accessibility in Recovery: Resources for the Blind Community
38:44 – Final Thoughts & Resources
42 min
January 31, 2025 Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness
In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren kicks off a 12-part series on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, exploring Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness. Guest Jeff Schlund from the Betty Ford Center shares his 22-year sobriety journey, discussing the importance of honesty, surrender, and recognizing unmanageability in addiction.

🔹 What does it mean to be powerless over alcohol?
🔹 How does honesty transform the recovery process?
🔹 What role does family play in addiction and support?
🔹 Accessible AA resources for the blind and low-vision community
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Introduction: The 12-Step Series Begins
02:28 – Guest Introduction: Jeff Schlund’s Work at the Betty Ford Center
04:29 – Understanding Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness
06:59 – Jeff’s Sobriety Journey: 22 Years of Recovery
09:02 – The Importance of Honesty in Recovery
13:14 – What It Took to Finally Get Honest
15:12 – The Power in Admitting Powerlessness
17:40 – Choice in Sobriety: The Daily Decision Not to Drink
20:05 – Navigating Meetings and Finding Support
22:27 – Early Recovery Mistakes and Overconfidence
24:34 – The Role of Family in Recovery
26:58 – Al-Anon and Family Recovery Resources
29:27 – The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics
31:18 – The Simplicity of 12 Steps and the Power of Step 1
33:20 – Encouragement for Those Struggling with Step 1
36:19 – Accessibility in Recovery: Resources for the Blind Community
38:44 – Final Thoughts & Resources
42 min
January 31, 2025 Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness
In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren kicks off a 12-part series on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, exploring Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness. Guest Jeff Schlund from the Betty Ford Center shares his 22-year sobriety journey, discussing the importance of honesty, surrender, and recognizing unmanageability in addiction.

🔹 What does it mean to be powerless over alcohol?
🔹 How does honesty transform the recovery process?
🔹 What role does family play in addiction and support?
🔹 Accessible AA resources for the blind and low-vision community
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Introduction: The 12-Step Series Begins
02:28 – Guest Introduction: Jeff Schlund’s Work at the Betty Ford Center
04:29 – Understanding Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness
06:59 – Jeff’s Sobriety Journey: 22 Years of Recovery
09:02 – The Importance of Honesty in Recovery
13:14 – What It Took to Finally Get Honest
15:12 – The Power in Admitting Powerlessness
17:40 – Choice in Sobriety: The Daily Decision Not to Drink
20:05 – Navigating Meetings and Finding Support
22:27 – Early Recovery Mistakes and Overconfidence
24:34 – The Role of Family in Recovery
26:58 – Al-Anon and Family Recovery Resources
29:27 – The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics
31:18 – The Simplicity of 12 Steps and the Power of Step 1
33:20 – Encouragement for Those Struggling with Step 1
36:19 – Accessibility in Recovery: Resources for the Blind Community
38:44 – Final Thoughts & Resources
42 min
January 24, 2025 Introduction to the 12-steps of Recovery
This episode kicks off a series on the 12-Step Recovery Program, with a specific focus on its origins, importance, and application in the blindness community. Hosts Bill Lundgren and Jonathan Price provide an engaging overview of the program, discussing its roots in the Oxford Group and its transformation into the modern-day Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Key Topics:
The intersection of addiction and mental health in the blindness community.
The statistical reality: the blindness community experiences a three times higher rate of alcoholism than the general population.
The history and philosophy of the Oxford Group, its spiritual foundation, and how it influenced the development of the 12-Step Program.
The importance of addressing shame and guilt through honesty, confession, and community support.
Practical advice for starting the recovery journey, including finding accessible AA meetings.
Bill shares his decades of experience as a therapist working with addiction, while Jonathan offers a fresh perspective, navigating the program's principles for the first time.
Special Notes:
Call to action: Listeners are encouraged to share their stories or questions by calling (720) 712-8856 or emailing the show.
Tease for the next episode: Step 1 - Admitting Powerlessness.
Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Introduction: Setting the stage for the series.
02:00 - AA and the Blindness Community: Why this conversation matters.
04:30 - History of the Oxford Group: The spiritual foundation of the 12-Step Program.
09:00 - Bill W. and Dr. Bob: Founders of AA and their vision for an inclusive program.
16:30 - 12 Steps as a Lifestyle: Universality beyond alcoholism.
28:00 - Accessible Resources: Finding ADA-compliant meetings and support.
32:00 - Listener Engagement: Inviting stories and questions from the audience.
35 min
January 24, 2025 Introduction to the 12-steps of Recovery
This episode kicks off a series on the 12-Step Recovery Program, with a specific focus on its origins, importance, and application in the blindness community. Hosts Bill Lundgren and Jonathan Price provide an engaging overview of the program, discussing its roots in the Oxford Group and its transformation into the modern-day Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Key Topics:
The intersection of addiction and mental health in the blindness community.
The statistical reality: the blindness community experiences a three times higher rate of alcoholism than the general population.
The history and philosophy of the Oxford Group, its spiritual foundation, and how it influenced the development of the 12-Step Program.
The importance of addressing shame and guilt through honesty, confession, and community support.
Practical advice for starting the recovery journey, including finding accessible AA meetings.
Bill shares his decades of experience as a therapist working with addiction, while Jonathan offers a fresh perspective, navigating the program's principles for the first time.
Special Notes:
Call to action: Listeners are encouraged to share their stories or questions by calling (720) 712-8856 or emailing the show.
Tease for the next episode: Step 1 - Admitting Powerlessness.
Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Introduction: Setting the stage for the series.
02:00 - AA and the Blindness Community: Why this conversation matters.
04:30 - History of the Oxford Group: The spiritual foundation of the 12-Step Program.
09:00 - Bill W. and Dr. Bob: Founders of AA and their vision for an inclusive program.
16:30 - 12 Steps as a Lifestyle: Universality beyond alcoholism.
28:00 - Accessible Resources: Finding ADA-compliant meetings and support.
32:00 - Listener Engagement: Inviting stories and questions from the audience.
35 min
January 24, 2025 Introduction to the 12-steps of Recovery
This episode kicks off a series on the 12-Step Recovery Program, with a specific focus on its origins, importance, and application in the blindness community. Hosts Bill Lundgren and Jonathan Price provide an engaging overview of the program, discussing its roots in the Oxford Group and its transformation into the modern-day Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Key Topics:
The intersection of addiction and mental health in the blindness community.
The statistical reality: the blindness community experiences a three times higher rate of alcoholism than the general population.
The history and philosophy of the Oxford Group, its spiritual foundation, and how it influenced the development of the 12-Step Program.
The importance of addressing shame and guilt through honesty, confession, and community support.
Practical advice for starting the recovery journey, including finding accessible AA meetings.
Bill shares his decades of experience as a therapist working with addiction, while Jonathan offers a fresh perspective, navigating the program's principles for the first time.
Special Notes:
Call to action: Listeners are encouraged to share their stories or questions by calling (720) 712-8856 or emailing the show.
Tease for the next episode: Step 1 - Admitting Powerlessness.
Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Introduction: Setting the stage for the series.
02:00 - AA and the Blindness Community: Why this conversation matters.
04:30 - History of the Oxford Group: The spiritual foundation of the 12-Step Program.
09:00 - Bill W. and Dr. Bob: Founders of AA and their vision for an inclusive program.
16:30 - 12 Steps as a Lifestyle: Universality beyond alcoholism.
28:00 - Accessible Resources: Finding ADA-compliant meetings and support.
32:00 - Listener Engagement: Inviting stories and questions from the audience.
35 min
January 17, 2025 Listener Q&A: Breaking Isolation & Finding Balance
In this engaging Q&A episode, co-hosts Bill Lundgren and Jonathan Price answer listener-submitted questions on two impactful topics: overcoming social isolation and finding the balance between independence and asking for help. With practical advice and insightful anecdotes, the hosts explore strategies to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. They also discuss reframing the concept of independence as interdependence and the importance of embracing vulnerability.

The episode closes with a sneak peek into the next series on the 12-step program, including its history, misconceptions, and relevance for personal growth and recovery.
Contact Information:
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Email: [email protected]
Chapter Markers:
00:00: Introduction and episode overview
02:28: Question 1: Overcoming social isolation
07:10: Strategies for breaking out of isolation
16:48: Question 2: Asking for help while maintaining independence
23:48: Shifting from independence to interdependence
28:28: The importance of teaching versus doing
37:00: Closing thoughts and a preview of the 12-step series
31 min
January 17, 2025 Listener Q&A: Breaking Isolation & Finding Balance
In this engaging Q&A episode, co-hosts Bill Lundgren and Jonathan Price answer listener-submitted questions on two impactful topics: overcoming social isolation and finding the balance between independence and asking for help. With practical advice and insightful anecdotes, the hosts explore strategies to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. They also discuss reframing the concept of independence as interdependence and the importance of embracing vulnerability.

The episode closes with a sneak peek into the next series on the 12-step program, including its history, misconceptions, and relevance for personal growth and recovery.
Contact Information:
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Email: [email protected]
Chapter Markers:
00:00: Introduction and episode overview
02:28: Question 1: Overcoming social isolation
07:10: Strategies for breaking out of isolation
16:48: Question 2: Asking for help while maintaining independence
23:48: Shifting from independence to interdependence
28:28: The importance of teaching versus doing
37:00: Closing thoughts and a preview of the 12-step series
31 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.