Mark S

We are a self-supporting community.  Join us in the following ways:

• Sustaining Partners  – Join by making monthly donations for one year.  You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles.  Your name will also be announced each month you donate.
• Episode Sponsors: Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate.
• Calling Sponsors – You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope.  Add content to the show.  Call in and donate your valuable time.

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Chapters

Check out this episode!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Step Seven
03:25 Understanding Humility in Recovery
07:16 Character Defaults vs. Defects
10:36 The Role of Spirituality in Surrender
17:48 Changing Character Defaults
23:40 Actions in Step Seven
26:19 Surrendering in Daily Life
32:27 Guilt, Shame, and Spiritual Honesty
37:12 Trauma and Step Seven
43:10 Micro Habits for Daily Surrender
47:42 Advice for Newcomers on Step Seven

We are a self-supporting community.  Join us in the following ways:

• Sustaining Partners  – Join by making monthly donations for one year.  You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles.  Your name will also be announced each month you donate.
• Episode Sponsors: Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate.
• Calling Sponsors – You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope.  Add content to the show.  Call in and donate your valuable time.

Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links):

• The Big Book – Alcoholics Anonymous
• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
• Worry Less Now – Co-Host Gigi L.
• Powerless But Not Helpless – Co-Host Buddy C.
• 10 Years Sober – Listener Hannah B.
• When Bad Things Happen to Good People – Harold S. Kushner

Contact

• mark@recoveredcast.com
• Recovered Podcast Website

Keywords

Step Seven, Recovery, Humility, Spirituality, Character Defects, Trauma, Surrender, Micro Habits, Guilt, Shame

Summary

In this episode, the hosts delve into Step Seven of recovery, focusing on the importance of humility and the act of surrendering one’s shortcomings to a higher power. They discuss the transition from understanding to action, emphasizing the need for ongoing self-inventory and the role of community support. The conversation also touches on the impact of trauma, the significance of changing character defaults, and practical micro habits that aid in daily surrender. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, providing valuable advice for newcomers in recovery.

Takeaways

Step Seven is about humbly asking for the removal of shortcomings.
Understanding character defects as defaults can foster compassion.
Surrendering to a higher power is essential for recovery.
Ongoing self-inventory is crucial in Steps Six and Seven.
Micro habits can help in practicing humility daily.
Guilt and shame can hinder spiritual honesty.
Trauma can complicate the process of surrender.
Community support is vital in recovery journeys.
Changing behavior is necessary for true surrender.
Recovery is about building a meaningful life beyond sobriety.

Titles

Embracing Humility in Recovery
The Journey of Step Seven

Sound bites

“We do it with a community.”
“I need to pick up the phone.”
“I am my only trigger.”

Check out this episode!

Chapters

• Intro 00:00
• Topic 02:26
• This Week in Recovery 49:42
• Phone Calls 56:46

We are a self-supporting community.  Join us in the following ways:

• Sustaining Partners  – Join by making monthly donations for one year.  You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles.  Your name will also be announced each month you donate.
• Episode Sponsors: Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate.
• Calling Sponsors – You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope.  Add content to the show.  Call in and donate your valuable time.

Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links):

• The Big Book – Alcoholics Anonymous
• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
• Worry Less Now – Co-Host Gigi L.
• Powerless But Not Helpless – Co-Host Buddy C.
• 10 Years Sober – Listener Hannah B.
• When Bad Things Happen to Good People – Harold S. Kushner

Contact

• mark@recoveredcast.com
• Recovered Podcast Website

Show Notes:

The Recovered podcast invites you to explore Step 6: “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” This step is about cultivating willingness—the spiritual readiness to let go of the shortcomings that have fueled addiction and kept us from a life of freedom. This isn’t about instantaneous, perfect change; it is about embracing progress, not perfection. We discuss what it means to acknowledge your defects, not with guilt or shame, but with a quiet resolve to overcome them. 

Spiritual growth requires surrender, an ongoing act of trusting a Higher Power, as you understand it, to do what you cannot do alone. We challenge the notion that you must fix yourself; instead, we focus on aligning your will with your Higher Power’s will, which prepares you for the action of Step 7. If faith without works is dead, willingness without action is a fantasy.  Join us as we share stories and practical tools for developing the humility and readiness necessary to stand on the foundation of Step 6, making the spiritual shift for recovery.

Sustaining Partners: 
Amy, Jim, Lois, Schez, Larry

Episode Sponsors: 
Claudine

Check out this episode!

Chapters

• Intro 00:00
• Topic 02:23
• This Week in Recovery 47:48
• Phone Calls 53:51

We are a self-supporting community.  Join us in the following ways:

• Sustaining Partners  – Join by making monthly donations for one year.  You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles.  Your name will also be announced each month you donate.
• Episode Sponsors: Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate.
• Calling Sponsors – You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope.  Add content to the show.  Call in and donate your valuable time.

Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links):

• The Big Book – Alcoholics Anonymous
• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
• Worry Less Now – Co-Host Gigi L.
• Powerless But Not Helpless – Co-Host Buddy C.
• 10 Years Sober – Listener Hannah B.
• When Bad Things Happen to Good People – Harold S. Kushner

Contact

• mark@recoveredcast.com
• Recovered Podcast Website

Show Notes:

Welcome back to Recovered, the podcast where we walk the Twelve Steps with honesty, humor, and heart. If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve just completed the “searching and fearless moral inventory” of Step 4. Now, we’re moving into the crucial action step that turns our private work into public freedom: Step 5—Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. It’s one thing to write out the truth in the privacy of a notebook, but it’s an entirely different and often terrifying experience to speak it out loud. Today, we’re diving deep into why this act of radical honesty is the true spiritual turning point, the moment we stop holding onto our secrets and finally start releasing the heavy burden of the past.

The fear surrounding Step 5 is natural; it’s the fear of judgment, of exposure, and of being truly seen. Yet, the overwhelming experience of those who work the program is that this step is not about punishment or shame; it is the moment of pure freedom. Sharing our inventory with another person breaks the destructive cycle of isolation that is the core of addiction and self-will. When we hear our deepest resentments and character defects spoken into the light, they lose their power. Join us as we discuss how choosing the right person, navigating vulnerability, and finally making that admission clears the way for Steps Six and Seven, transforming self-knowledge into actual change and preparing us to be entirely ready for a spiritual awakening.

Sustaining Partners: 
Amy, Jim, Lois, Schez, Larry

Episode Sponsors: 
Claudine

Check out this episode!

Chapters

• Intro 00:00
• Topic 02:59
• This Week in Recovery 43:20
• Phone Calls 50:00

We are a self-supporting community.  Join us in the following ways:

• Sustaining Partners  – Join by making monthly donations for one year.  You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles.  Your name will also be announced each month you donate.
• Episode Sponsors: Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate.
• Calling Sponsors – You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope.  Add content to the show.  Call in and donate your valuable time.

Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links):

• The Big Book – Alcoholics Anonymous
• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
• Worry Less Now – Co-Host Gigi L.
• Powerless But Not Helpless – Co-Host Buddy C.
• 10 Years Sober – Listener Hannah B.
• When Bad Things Happen to Good People – Harold S. Kushner

Contact

• mark@recoveredcast.com
• Recovered Podcast Website

Show Notes:

Welcome back to Recovered, the podcast where we tackle the Twelve Steps with honesty, humor, and heart. Today, we’re taking on one of the most famous—and often feared—steps in the entire program: Step 4. The step that asks us to make a “searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” It sounds intimidating, like an audit of all our flaws and failures. But after committing to turning our will and lives over in Step 3, this is where the real action begins. This is where we stop playing the victim and start cleaning house, shining a light on the resentments, fears, and selfish behaviors that have been keeping us stuck.

It’s natural to approach this step with a mix of dread and defiance. Who wants to sit down and meticulously document the “exact nature of our wrongs”? Yet, our experience shows that this inventory is the key to finally getting out of our own way. Think of it not as a list of everything wrong with you, but as an honest self-assessment. You’re identifying the assets and the liabilities, the strengths and the defects of character, so you can build a stable future. Step 4 isn’t about wallowing in shame; it’s about gaining the clarity and self-awareness necessary to truly understand our part in our own chaos. Join us as we share our journeys through the four columns, and discover how facing our fears head-on actually transforms them into freedom.

Sustaining Partners: 
Amy, Jim, Lois, Schez, Larry

Episode Sponsors: 
Claudine

Check out this episode!

Chapters

• Intro 00:00
• Topic 02:59
• This Week in Recovery 43:20
• Phone Calls 50:00

We are a self-supporting community.  Join us in the following ways:

• Sustaining Partners  – Join by making monthly donations for one year.  You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles.  Your name will also be announced each month you donate.
• Episode Sponsors: Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate.
• Calling Sponsors – You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope.  Add content to the show.  Call in and donate your valuable time.

Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links):

• The Big Book – Alcoholics Anonymous
• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
• Worry Less Now – Co-Host Gigi L.
• Powerless But Not Helpless – Co-Host Buddy C.
• 10 Years Sober – Listener Hannah B.
• When Bad Things Happen to Good People – Harold S. Kushner

Contact

• mark@recoveredcast.com
• Recovered Podcast Website

Show Notes:

Welcome to the Recovered Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the journey of Step 3: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” This crucial step builds upon the foundation of surrender and belief established in the previous steps, marking a significant shift from intellectual understanding to decisive action. We’ll explore what it truly means to make such a decision, and how this commitment can transform our approach to recovery and daily living.

Join us as we discuss the nuances of “turning our will and our lives over,” and how this act of trust can bring serenity and freedom. We’ll share our experiences on navigating the challenges of relinquishing control and embracing a spiritual path, regardless of your personal understanding of a Higher Power. This episode aims to illuminate the practical applications of Step 3, offering guidance and encouragement for anyone seeking a deeper and more sustainable recovery.

Sustaining Partners: 
Mandi, Rebekah, Bryan, Jean, Sam, Tina, Joel

Episode Sponsors: 
Helen, Audry

Check out this episode!

Chapters

• Intro 00:00
• Topic 02:59
• This Week in Recovery 43:20
• Phone Calls 50:00

We are a self-supporting community.  Join us in the following ways:

• Sustaining Partners  – Join by making monthly donations for one year.  You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles.  Your name will also be announced each month you donate.
• Episode Sponsors: Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate.
• Calling Sponsors – You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope.  Add content to the show.  Call in and donate your valuable time.

Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links):

• The Big Book – Alcoholics Anonymous
• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
• Worry Less Now – Co-Host Gigi L.
• Powerless But Not Helpless – Co-Host Buddy C.
• 10 Years Sober – Listener Hannah B.
• When Bad Things Happen to Good People – Harold S. Kushner

Contact

• mark@recoveredcast.com
• Recovered Podcast Website

Show Notes:

Welcome to the Recovered Podcast, where we continue our journey through the steps of recovery. In this episode, we share our experiences with Step 2: “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” This step builds upon the surrender of Step 1, offering hope and a solution to the powerlessness we’ve experienced. We explore what it means to confront unmedicated feelings like fear, anger, and hopelessness, and how we can cope with these emotions without relying on substances or harmful behaviors.

Join us as we discuss the profound meaning of a “Power greater than ourselves” and how it can lead us to sanity. Keep an open mind and take what you like and lead the rest because this step is about your understanding of a Higher Power and nobody else’s. 

Sustaining Partners: 
Christy, Tony, Sam, Chance, Nicole, Tina, Breanne, Joel, Martin, Ginger, Kim, Andy, Schez, Larry, Vicki, Mandi, Rebekah, Dana, Bryan, Jean.

Episode Sponsors: 
Helen, Teresa, Audrey, Kurt, Claudine, Chris.

Check out this episode!

Chapters

• Intro 00:00
• Topic 02:59
• This Week in Recovery 43:20
• Phone Calls 50:00

We are a self-supporting community.  Join us in the following ways:

• Sustaining Partners  – Join by making monthly donations for one year.  You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles.  Your name will also be announced each month you donate.
• Episode Sponsors: Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate.
• Calling Sponsors – You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope.  Add content to the show.  Call in and donate your valuable time.

Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links):

• The Big Book – Alcoholics Anonymous
• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
• Worry Less Now – Co-Host Gigi L.
• Powerless But Not Helpless – Co-Host Buddy C.
• 10 Years Sober – Listener Hannah B.
• When Bad Things Happen to Good People – Harold S. Kushner

Contact

• mark@recoveredcast.com
• Recovered Podcast Website

Show Notes:

Welcome to The Recovered Podcast. In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the foundational principle of recovery: Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Join us as we explore the profound meaning of admitting powerlessness and how this crucial first step paves the way for lasting sobriety and a new way of life.

Step 1 isn’t just about admitting a problem; it’s about a profound surrender that unlocks the door to a new beginning. Join us as we explore the liberating power of acknowledging powerlessness and the transformative journey that begins when we truly accept the unmanageability of our lives.

Tonight, we talk about Popsicle Sticks

Sustaining Partners: 
Christy, Tony, Sam, Chance, Nicole, Tina, Breanne, Joel, Martin, Ginger, Kim, Andy, Schez, Larry, Vicki, Mandi, Rebekah, Dana, Bryan, Jean.

Episode Sponsors: 
Helen, Teresa, Audrey, Kurt, Claudine, Chris.

Check out this episode!

Chapters

• Intro 00:00
• Topic 02:59
• This Week in Recovery 43:20
• Phone Calls 50:00

We are a self-supporting community.  Join us in the following ways:

• Premium Subscribers – Join by making yearly donations.  Benefits include access to our back catalog of over 1300 episodes and periodic bonus episodes like open talks.
• Sustaining Partners  – Join by making monthly donations for one year.  You will receive recovered podcast merchandise, like tee shirts, coffee mugs, and water bottles.  Your name will also be announced each month you donate.
• Episode Sponsors: Join by making a one-time donation. Your name will be announced as an episode sponsor each time you donate.
• Calling Sponsors – You can sponsor our show by donating your vital experience, strength, and hope.  Add content to the show.  Call in and donate your valuable time.

Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links):

• The Big Book – Alcoholics Anonymous
• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
• Worry Less Now – Co-Host Gigi L.
• Powerless But Not Helpless – Co-Host Buddy C.
• 10 Years Sober – Listener Hannah B.
• When Bad Things Happen to Good People – Harold S. Kushner

Contact

• mark@recoveredcast.com
• Recovered Podcast Website

Show Notes:

Popsicle Sticks is not a topic but rather a meeting style here in Southeast Michigan.  This show will be presented in the form of a popsicle stick meeting tonight.  

A popsicle stick meeting is a meeting where we let our higher power determine what we need to share.  Here in our virtual studio, we have a can full of popsicle sticks.  Each stick has a recovery topic written on it.  We will take turns, randomly picking a stick and then sharing on the chosen topic.

Tonight, we talk about Popsicle Sticks

Sustaining Partners: 
Christy, Tony, Sam, Chance, Nicole, Tina, Breanne, Joel, Martin, Ginger, Kim, Andy, Schez, Larry, Vicki, Mandi, Rebekah, Dana, Bryan, Jean.

Episode Sponsors: 
Helen, Teresa, Audrey, Kurt, Claudine, Chris.

Check out this episode!