Posts By :

Mark S

Step 9 – Episode 1447

150 150 Mark S

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to Step 9: The Transformative Process
03:00  The Courage to Make Amends
05:59  Navigating Complex Emotions in Step 9
08:47  The Importance of Rigorous Honesty
12:02  Facing the Past: Personal Stories of Amends
14:51  The Role of Fear and Shame in Recovery
17:52  Setting Things Right: Taking Responsibility
21:00  The Exception Clause in Step 9
24:11  The Impact of Amends on Relationships
27:01  The Spiritual Experience of Making Amends
30:04  Final Thoughts on Step 9 and Recovery
 

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  • 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.

Sustaining Partners 

Larry, Becca, Bryan, Mandi, Jean, Schez, Jim, Shelly, Amanda, Kim. 

Episode Sponsors

Claudine, Chris, Helen, Carl. 

This episode is for YOU. 

Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links):

 Contact

Keywords
 
Step 9, recovery, amends, Alcoholics Anonymous, personal growth, emotional healing, rigorous honesty, complex emotions, spiritual journey, relationships
 
Summary
 
In this episode of the Recovered Podcast, the hosts delve into Step 9 of the recovery process, focusing on the transformative journey of making amends. They discuss the importance of taking responsibility for past actions, the complex emotions that arise during this process, and the necessity of rigorous honesty. Personal stories highlight the challenges and rewards of facing those harmed, emphasizing that making amends is not just about saying sorry, but about taking meaningful action to repair relationships. The conversation also touches on the spiritual growth that comes from this step and the significance of letting go of past resentments.
 
Takeaways

  • Step 9 is a pivotal moment in recovery, focusing on external actions.
  • Making amends requires courage and a willingness to face the past.
  • Words alone are insufficient; actions must align with intentions.
  • Fear and shame are common emotions when making amends.
  • Rigorous honesty is essential for true recovery and making amends.
  • The process of making amends can lead to profound personal growth.
  • Secrecy feeds fear, while honesty brings relief and accountability.
  • Amends are about taking responsibility without causing further harm.
  • The exception clause in Step 9 is crucial for navigating complex situations.
  • Spiritual experiences often arise from the process of making amends.
Titles

  • The Courageous Journey of Step 9
  • Transforming Relationships Through Amends
Sound Bites

  • “This is about freedom.”
  • “I was a difficult employee.”
  • “I felt so free after that.”

Check out this episode!

Karl M Part 3 of 5 – Recovered 1446

150 150 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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Karl M Part 2 of 5 – Recovered 1445

150 150 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.

Check out this episode!

Karl M Part 1 of 5 – Recovered 1444

150 150 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.

Check out this episode!

Jay S Part 2 of 10 – Recovered 1454

150 150 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.

Check out this episode!

Step 8 – Recovered 1443

150 150 Mark S

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Step Eight
04:15 The Importance of Willingness
09:55 Navigating Fear and Shame
18:32 The Role of Spirituality in Step Eight
26:05 Reflection and Preparation for Amends
37:21 Overcoming Shame and Self-Obsession
48:01 Encouragement for Newcomers
50:07 This Week in Recovery
 

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.

Sustaining Partners 

Nicole, Tina, Joel, Martin, Ginger, Kim, Amanda, Amy, Jim, Schez, Larry, Mandi, Rebekah, Bryan, Stephen, Jean, Sam. 

Episode Sponsors

Audrey, Tasha, Kurt, Claudine, Chris, Helen, Teresa, Kathy.  This episode is for YOU. 

Recovery Literature Links (Amazon Affiliate Links):

 Contact

Keywords
 
Step Eight, Recovery, Spiritual Growth, Amends, Willingness, Fear, Shame, 12 Steps, Personal Growth, Healing
 
Takeaways

  • Step eight focuses on making amends and reflecting on past actions.
  • Willingness is a crucial aspect of preparing for amends.
  • Fear and shame can hinder the process of making amends.
  • Spirituality plays a significant role in the willingness to make amends.
  • Taking time to reflect before making amends is essential.
  • Shame can prevent individuals from moving forward in their recovery.
  • It’s important to focus on actions rather than self-loathing during the amends process.
  • Newcomers should take it one day at a time and do what they can.
  • Support from sponsors and peers is vital during this step.
  • Courage is needed to face both oneself and others during the amends process.
Summary
 
In this episode of the Recovered Podcast, the hosts delve into Step Eight of the recovery process, focusing on the importance of making amends and the willingness required to do so. They discuss the emotional challenges of fear and shame that can arise during this step, emphasizing the need for spiritual growth and reflection. The conversation highlights the significance of taking time to prepare for amends, the role of spirituality in fostering willingness, and the importance of support from sponsors and peers. Newcomers are encouraged to take it one day at a time and to focus on actions rather than self-loathing, as they navigate their recovery journey.
 
Titles

  • Navigating Step Eight: The Journey of Amends
  • Willingness and Reflection in Recovery
Sound Bites

  • “Step eight focuses on making amends.”
  • “Courage is needed to face both oneself and others.”
  • “Newcomers should take it one day at a time.”
 

Check out this episode!

Step 7 – Recovered 1442

150 150 Mark S

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):

 

Contact

 

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!

Step 6 – Recovered 1441

150 150 Mark S

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):

 

Contact

 

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!

Step 5 – Recovered 1440

150 150 Mark S

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):

 

Contact

 

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!

Step 4 – Recovered 1439

150 150 Mark S

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):

 

Contact

 

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!