The AA Grapevine Half-Hour Variety Hour

Each week long-time AA members Don, Olis, and Sam will interview a different member about their experience, strength and hope, in a casual “meeting after the meeting” manner. Special features will enhance each episode.

Email us at [email protected] with comments, suggestions, jokes, and such. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected].

Use #heardinameeting on social media. Our Tradition of anonymity will be respected with all submissions used on the show. The podcast is available on your favorite podcast platforms and via the player below. 

While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase one of our books at www.aagrapevine.org/store.

Read Notes for Each Episode Below

I Began to Say Yes [Season 6, Episode 17]

Season 6, Episode 17: I Began to Say Yes

Jimmy D. talks to Don and Olis about the difference between going to AA and being in AA. Jimmy says the most profound AA job he has done was putting signs out for his group. The three then discuss the power of group commitments in AA. There's also an "Ask it Basket" question about June 10 as AA's anniversary date.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the new Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Podcast Season 6, Episode 16

Season 6, Episode 16: Put My Sobriety First

In this episode Kristen talks to Olis and Sam about learning to socialize and some of the changes in the family after she stopped drinking. Over time, Kristen found a special man who is amazingly supportive of her AA program. The three then discuss some posts and emails from #heardinameeting. On the Listener Feedback Line we hear from Jerry and Jack, and there's jokes from Matt and Chris.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the new Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Podcast Season 6, Episode 15

Season 6, Episode 15: A Well-Whooped Ass

Brothers Ralph W. and Ronald W. talk with Olis and Don about the combination of grace and surrender that brought them in to A.A. They talk about service people working in the hospitals and institutions committees that helped them, and discuss a Big Book study group they participate in.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the new Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Podcast Season 6, Episode 14

Season 6, Episode 14: Worn With Love

Kathy, whose article appears in the April issue of Grapevine magazine, shares with Olis and Sam about her experience with reading the Big Book for the first time in two days and thinking to herself: "this is me, this is me" throughout the book. Her book today is marked up, torn and taped together. Kathy also discusses the uncommon honesty she found in AA and how finding the right sponsor was a key to staying sober.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the new Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Season 6, Episode 13: A True Portrait

Season 6, Episode 13: A True Portrait

Ramon shares with Don and Olis his experience with the Twelve Steps and how he continues to work them, to the extent of putting an inventory on paper each week. Olis and Don inform listeners about the Grapevine's Traditions Checklist. At the end you'll hear excerpts from Grapevine's new audio book Prayer and Meditation.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the new Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Season 6, Episode 12: Bring the Body, the Mind Will Follow

Season 6, Episode 12: Bring the Body, the Mind Will Follow

Mary shares with Don and Sam the good advice she got from a professional who recommended AA, that she not try to figure it out all at once. She talks about the benefits of her slow recovery. Mary shared a photograph with the podcast hosts of a note she scribbled at an early meeting, where she heard tips for avoiding the first drink. In "Listener Feedback" David also shares a photo of Lake Michegan and the Chicago skyline—his view as he listens to the podcast during his lunchtime walk. Both of these photos can be seen on our Instagram account: alcoholicsanonymous_gv

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the new Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Season 6, Episode 11: The Divine Now

Season 6, Episode 11: The Divine Now

Chris talks with Sam and Olis about Bill W.'s early writings that defined self as the root of our troubles. They discuss the differences and the cohesion of the fellowship and the program, and there's a funny story about drunk dialing. In Listener Feedback we hear from Donna and Jeremiah.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the new Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Season 6, Episode 10: Building Unity

Season 6, Episode 10: Building Unity

Nadja, who's article appears in the March issue of Grapevine, discusses her journey to AA and her work in bringing Spanish-speaking and English-speaking members together. Paz, the Chair of the AA Grapevine Board, talks about La Viña magazine and connecting with the Spanish-speaking community. In a bonus section, Aaron talks about his Big-Book-quote tattoo and his gratitude for an upcoming sobriety anniversary.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the new Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Season 6, Episode 9: Definitely a Tosspot

Season 6, Episode 9: Definitely a Tosspot

Cindy tells Don and Sam that while early on she admitted powerlessness, deep inside she had the thought that some day, some how she could drink again. Eventually she did have a relapse. It took more, she needed to admit at her inner-most self that she was an alcoholic. The three also discuss honest and being useful even during hardship. "Stump the Thumper" is this week's feature.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the new Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Season 6, Episode 8: I Wanted to Get the Heat Off

Season 6, Episode 8: I Wanted to Get the Heat Off

Sam and Don talk to Debbie, who serves as Secretary for Area 51. Debbie tells about coming to AA as the result of strong suggestions from her probation officer, her treatment counselor and various law enforcement officials. She feels that her service in jails and prisons keeps her out of jail. Also, Sam and Olis discuss the 2022 Membership survey.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the new Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Email us at [email protected] with comments, suggestions, jokes, and such. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected].

While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase one of our books at www.aagrapevine.org/store.