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You get both of these amazing episodes in one day!  If you have not listened to my excellent interview with William Schaberg, then you are in luck today!  If you have, you'll love going over this again!  I hope you consider buying his book, "Writing the Big Book," which I will link in the notes.  You'll be blown away by Bill's insight.  

In Part 2 of the interview with Bill Schaberg, we discuss:

• What really happened when Ebby Thatcher visited Bill Wilson (The Kitchen Table Story)
• The problem with most AA history
• The many stories Bill told on how the steps were written
• Who really wrote, “To Wives,” and the urban legends about this chapter
• Hank Parkhurt’s role in writing the Big Book and his later resentment of Bill Wilson

Check out Bill Schaberg's site writingthebigbook.com where you can pick up his book, Writing the Big Book.

Learn more about Hank Parkhurst at hankparkhurst.com

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I love this episode and its so far in the back of the catalogue, you may not have seen it, especially if you are a new listener. I got the privilege of interviewing William Schaberg, author of the book, "Writing the Big Book."  To me, it's the definitive history of the period when Bill write the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.  Here is what we discuss:

• The genesis of the why he wrote the book
• Bill W’s realization of why a book was written
• Bill W’s original plan to help alcoholics recover
• Hank Pankhurst - the founder that drank and how there would be no Big Book without him
• The Oxford Group - how the originals got sober
• Bill Schaberg’s controversial take on who should be on the AA Mount Rushmore

Check out Bill Schaberg's site writingthebigbook.com where you can pick up his book, Writing the Big Book.

Learn more about Hank Parkhurst at hankparkhurst.com

Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.

👉 Subscribe for free at soberfriendspod.substack.com

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In this episode of the Sober Friends Podcast, Matt dives deep into the often challenging topic of faith and spirituality in recovery. Reflecting on his personal struggles with the concept of a higher power, Matt shares his experiences and doubts, from growing up in a Catholic household to grappling with the notion of an afterlife. He explores the conflicts many face when reconciling scientific reasoning with spiritual beliefs, especially within the context of sobriety and 12-step programs.

Join us as Matt candidly discusses the feelings of envy towards those with strong faith, the fear of vulnerability in giving control over to a higher power, and the desire for a more concrete understanding of the divine. Whether you're religious, agnostic, or just curious, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of belief, doubt, and the quest for meaning in a sober life. Tune in to connect with Matt's journey and share your own experiences and insights on faith in sobriety.

Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.

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I struggle with what I can't control.  If things are not going my way and I have no control over it, it can cause me great stress.  That's when I think of the serenity prayer and try to learn from it's wisdom.  In this episode, we discuss those things we think we'd control much better and learn when to let go.

Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.

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Join Steve and Matt in this enlightening episode as they delve into the transformative power of peace, serenity, and mindfulness. They discuss the importance of recognizing the universe working in our favor and the profound impact of the 11th Step Prayer, also known as the Prayer of Saint Francis. Steve shares his personal journey of navigating sobriety, the challenges of maintaining a spiritual practice, and the benefits of incorporating prayer and meditation into daily routines. Discover how these practices, alongside mindful exercise, can help cultivate inner peace and improve overall well-being. Whether you're struggling with personal challenges or seeking ways to enhance your spiritual life, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for creating a more centered and harmonious existence.

Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.

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Summer is a time we get out of the house and start socializing.  For those of us without the alcohol crutch, how do you survive?  We talk about it on this week's episode.  Having a 12 step group is helpful because you have a group of people you know.  Even if you don't belong to a fellowship, you can learn some tricks to stay sober and happy!

• Have a plan
• Leave if you have to
• Take two cars
• Bring your own drinks

We talk about how to survive socializing without booze this week.

Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.

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In this eye-opening episode we delve into the inspiring origins of Dry July, where three friends’ commitment to sobriety sparked a global movement for health and cancer support. Join us as we explore the profound benefits of pausing alcohol consumption—not just for our bodies but for our minds, wallets, and communities. From a mental health renaissance to economic elevation, discover the transformative impact a dry month can have on every facet of life. Whether you’re seeking better health, questioning your drinking habits, or simply curious about this charitable cause, this episode is your invitation to a journey of clarity, charity, and change. Tune in and find out why Dry July is more than a personal challenge—it’s a collective stride towards a healthier society.

Call to Action: Ready to raise your glass of water in solidarity? Listen now and join the Dry July movement—one day at a time.

Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.

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What is service work in recovery?  It's doing a task or a job that helps support others getting sober.  In a meeting, it can be as small as putting chairs away to making coffee.  It can be more involved like being a GSR at District, working at Area or GSO or volunteering for committees.  In the end, it's doing the job that supports others getting sober.  Steve and I are experienced with all kinds of service work and we hope you'll learn a little more about this important part of recovery and maybe even share your own experience.

Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.

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Our family of origin can be a cause of stress in recovery.  That's the case for me.  I've had to deal with an unexpected situation around my family of origin this week and I needed my higher power to help me through it.  I shared this stress in a way I hope helps you.  In this episode, we get vulnerable and discuss how the past can show up in the present and how to deal with it.  Steve helps me out in not developing new resentments and how to manage stressful situations with the family.

Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.

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In this episode, we delve into the profound yet practical philosophy of “Take the Next Right Action.” This simple mantra holds a world of meaning, especially for those on the journey of recovery. It’s about the courage to confront the challenging tasks we’d rather avoid, the selfless acts of kindness that elevate others at the expense of our own comfort, and the quiet heroism in extending a hand to those who are wrestling with their own battles.

For many, recovery is not just a path to personal healing, but a road paved with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. “Doing the next right thing” isn’t about grand gestures; it’s found in the everyday choices that, while they may seem small, create ripples of positive change. Whether it’s choosing honesty over convenience, service over self-indulgence, or hope over despair, these decisions shape the journey of recovery and reflect the heart of this podcast.

Join us as we explore stories of resilience and generosity, and discuss how embracing this mindset can transform not only individual lives but also weave a tapestry of communal support and understanding. Together, we’ll learn that sometimes, the hardest choices are the most rewarding, and helping someone struggling might just be the next right thing for you.

Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.

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📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to The Sober Friends Dispatch, our weekly newsletter where we go beyond the podcast to share real strategies for alcohol-free living. Join our community by clicking here.