David Belden was born into a family of Oxford Group leaders and committed activists. The Group set out “to change the world” and throughout his early years David devoted himself wholeheartedly to this challenge.  But while “carrying the message” in Africa, his life took an unexpected turn that led to his questioning some of principles and practices he had once taken uncritically for granted.

David returned to Oxford University to write his doctoral dissertation on the Group’s history, influence and shortcomings. He recently published a still more intimate account of his own journey toward personal and social transformation and change: The World Remakers’ Child.

This series affords a rare insider’s view of the Group responsible for contributing no fewer than ten of A.A.’s Twelve Steps and yields fresh insights and challenges throughout. Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson praised David’s book for its “steady candor,” “humor about himself,” and “a thirst for a less harsh, more loving, and fairer world.”

This second episode takes a deep dive into Dave’s immersion in the Group, what that was like, what happened, and what it’s like now. It’s quite a ride!

Show notes:

David Belden’s book: The World Remakers’ Child

Dave’s Oxford University Doctoral Thesis:

https://www.academia.edu/27545723/The_Origins_and_Development_of_the_Oxford_Group_Moral_Re_Armament_

 For Sinners Only by A.J. Russell

The Christ of the Indian Road by E. Stanley Jones (free pdf)

This Is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt Is Shaping the Twenty-First Century by Paul and Mark Engler

How 12 Step Programs Can Help Build Healthier Movements

David Belden was born into a family of Oxford Group leaders and committed activists. The Group set out “to change the world” and throughout his early years David devoted himself wholeheartedly to this challenge.  But while “carrying the message” in Africa, his life took an unexpected turn that led to his questioning some of principles and practices he had once taken uncritically for granted.

David returned to Oxford University to write his doctoral dissertation on the Group’s history, influence and shortcomings. He recently published a still more intimate account of his own journey toward personal and social transformation and change: The World Remakers’ Child.

This series affords a rare insider’s view of the Group responsible for contributing no fewer than ten of A.A.’s Twelve Steps and yields fresh insights and challenges throughout. Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson praised David’s book for its “steady candor,” “humor about himself,” and “a thirst for a less harsh, more loving, and fairer world.”

The first episode briefly introduces David’s story to listeners after which he and Fr. Bill explore the life of Oxford Group founder Frank Buchman.                           

Show notes:

David Belden’s book: The World Remakers’ Child

Dave’s Oxford University Doctoral Thesis:

https://www.academia.edu/27545723/The_Origins_and_Development_of_the_Oxford_Group_Moral_Re_Armament_

For Sinners Only by A.J. Russell (used books are getting expensive. This is the cheapest I found)

Prof. Miller's book Quantum Change: When Epiphanies and Sudden Insights Transform Ordinary Lives has been described as the most definitive work on the subject of religious experiences since William James' Varieties of Religious Experience. The latter has had a profound influence on AA and Bill Wilson’s development of the 12-Steps, and this book brings the subject into the modern era.  Fr. Bill interviews Professor Miller in an audio only format.

Show notes:

Quantum Change: When Epiphanies and Sudden Insights Transform Ordinary Lives by Professor William R. Miller

What AA Has to Teach the Church by Sam Shoemaker / pdf on Step Study

The word HOPE appears no fewer than 34 times in the first 164 pages of the Big Book.  In recovery, it’s vital for getting us started and for keeping us going.

In this two-part series, Dr. Denise Ernst, PhD joins Fr. Bill in exploring the role HOPE plays in fostering meaningful change, especially in addiction recovery. Denise earned her doctorate in psychology at the University of New Mexico under the direction of Professor William R. Miller, a pioneer developer of Motivational Interviewing. She has a strong background in addiction counseling and research.  Episodes are based on Dr. Miller’s recent book: 8 Ways to Hope, Charting a Path Through Uncertain Times. Hope you enjoy!

Show notes:

8 Ways to Hope by William R. Miller

Denise Ernst, PhD website: https://deniseernst.com/

Interview with Professor Bill Miller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CiQ7rVXlrQ

Viktor Frankl Man’s Search for Meaning

Bill Miller’s Quantum Change

The word HOPE appears no fewer than 34 times in the first 164 pages of the Big Book.  In recovery, it’s vital for getting us started and for keeping us going.

In this two-part series, Dr. Denise Ernst, PhD joins Fr. Bill in exploring the role HOPE plays in fostering meaningful change, especially in addiction recovery. Denise earned her doctorate in psychology at the University of New Mexico under the direction of Professor William R. Miller, a pioneer developer of Motivational Interviewing. She has a strong background in addiction counseling and research.  Episodes are based on Dr. Miller’s recent book: 8 Ways to Hope, Charting a Path Through Uncertain Times. Hope you enjoy!

Show notes:

8 Ways to Hope by William R. Miller

Denise Ernst, PhD website: https://deniseernst.com/

Few people blend the Buddhist spiritual path with the 12-Step journey as seamlessly and as helpfully as Fr. Bill’s guest Kevin Griffin. A teacher of Buddhist meditation for many years as well as an excellent writer and musician, Kevin is also a man in long-term recovery from addiction with a powerful message to share.

This series explores Kevin’s book One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps. It’s sure to be of interest to spiritual travelers of all stripes. This episode completes the series focusing on the nature of a SPIRITUAL AWAKENING & how we’re called to CARRY THE MESSAGE.

Show notes:

One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps by Kevin Griffin

Kevin’s website: https://kevingriffin.net/

Jack Cornfield’s Bringing Home the Dharma     

The Body Keeps the Score by  Bessel van der Kolk M.D. 

Tom Lavin is a therapist, an educator, and a close friend for over fifty years. He’s dedicated both his life and his career to helping people find effective solutions to the problems that come with being human. Tom recently delivered this talk on “stress” to a group of public-service attorneys in Reno, Nevada. He believes we often try to “cope with stress” rather than seek its causes that often lie below the surface of our lives. As the Big Book reminds us, “our liquor was but a symptom.” With holidays fast approaching, I thought Tom’s message is one that can benefit us all. So, relax, listen, learn, and enjoy! 

Show notes:

Handouts: Living a Meaningful Life – Bluebird

Few people blend the Buddhist spiritual path with the 12-Step journey as seamlessly and as helpfully as Fr. Bill’s guest Kevin Griffin. A student and teacher of Buddhist meditation for many years as well as an excellent writer and musician, Kevin is also a man in long-term recovery from addiction with a powerful message to share.

This series explores Kevin’s book One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps. It’s sure to be of interest to spiritual travelers of all stripes. This episode is focused on Step Eleven exploring Buddhist meditation practices.  It includes both an experience and explanation of a simple technique for getting started.

Show notes:

One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps by Kevin Griffin

Kevin’s website: https://kevingriffin.net/

Sought Through Meditation (Step Eleven) by Kevin Griffin

Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom  March 1, 2025 by Rick Hanson PhD (Author), Richard Mendius MD Jack Kornfield PhD 

Few people blend the Buddhist spiritual path with the 12-Step journey as seamlessly and as helpfully as Fr. Bill’s guest Kevin Griffin. A student and teacher of Buddhist meditation for many years as well as an excellent writer and musician, Kevin is also a man in long-term recovery from addiction with a powerful message to share.

This series explores Kevin’s book One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps. It’s sure to be of interest to spiritual travelers of all stripes. This episode completes Steps 8 & 9 but is focused mainly on Step 10.

Show notes:

One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps by Kevin Griffin

Please visit Kevin’s website for more information: https://kevingriffin.net/

Few people blend the Buddhist spiritual path with the 12-Step journey as seamlessly and as helpfully as Fr. Bill’s guest Kevin Griffin. A student and teacher of Buddhist meditation for many years as well as an excellent writer and musician, Kevin is also a man in long-term recovery from addiction with a powerful message to share.

This series explores Kevin’s book One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps. It’s sure to be of interest to spiritual travelers of all stripes. This episode is focused on Steps 6 & 7 exploring how Buddhist meditation can help with the practice of letting go.

Show notes:

One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps by Kevin Griffin

Kevin’s website: https://kevingriffin.net/

A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life by Jack Kornfield