Crosstalk the Podcast

In this powerful episode, Lorri A. shares her journey through the phases of sobriety, beginning with the pain of watching a family member struggle with — and ultimately lose their life to — alcoholism. Lorri reflects on what she calls the "finest definition of hell" - an alcoholic who can't get drunk and can't get sober.  She describes how her first meetings gave her a glimmer of hope, offering connection and understanding at a time when she felt most alone. Lorri also speaks to the unexpected gifts of sobriety, including the challenge and beauty of changing cities while sober, and the importance of embracing the feeling of being lost as a path to deeper growth and surrender.

This week, we sat down with Bill H. to talk about what makes the 11th Step so challenging — especially when the destination is a place of not knowing. We explored:

In this special 50th episode of Crosstalk the Podcast, Jake and Jim take a heartfelt look back at the journey so far. From day one to episode fifty, we reflect on the growth of the pod and the major life changes we've experienced along the way — including cross-country moves, the birth of children, and the loss of loved ones. We also express deep gratitude to every guest who has shared their story and every listener who has been part of this journey. Your support, honesty, and vulnerability have made Crosstalk what it is today. This episode is about honoring the past, staying present, and looking ahead. Thanks for being with us.

Matt N. joins Jake and Jim to talk about what it means to stay in the middle of the boat, starting his day with the Set Aside prayer, and learning to live with the monkey mind without letting it run the show.  Matt shares powerful reflections on spiritual elasticity--the ability to stretch, grow, and return--and the peace that comes from being compassionately detached. 

Mae B. joins Jim and Jake for a conversation about the beauty--and the challenges--of having a partner in sobriety, the power of pausing before reacting, and that universal yearning to belong. 

In this episode, we sit down with Mark L., aka 90210 Mark, whose journey through recovery takes us from the streets of Amsterdam to rooms of sobriety. Mark shares a powerful moment of clarity sparked by a wake-up call from an Italian traveler-one that changed the course of his life. He opens up about the hard truth behind "geographicals" and why a change in scenery isn't the same as a change in self. Mark also shares about the heartbreaking loss of his brother and the impact that had on his relationship with God.  As Mark puts it, "If you seek happiness for a lifetime, help someone else." This episode is a reminder that recovery isn't just about staying sober - it's about finding purpose, connection, and peace. 

In this episode, Jake and I sit down with James D., who shares his powerful story of returning to Alcoholics Anonymous after 15 years of sobriety—but without actively working a program. James opens up about the highs and lows of his journey, the moments when everything felt amazing, and the times when it all came crashing down. We dive into the importance of progress over perfection, what it means to truly work a program, and the deeply personal process of making amends to oneself. Whether you're in recovery, thinking about getting sober, or just looking for an honest conversation about growth and redemption, this episode is one you won't want to miss. 

Andrea S. joins Jim and Jake to talk about getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, coping with loss in and out of sobriety, and the importance of accountability. 

Cara C. joins the guys to talk about using tools like the 'power of the pause' and 'usefulness over self-interest' to navigate challenges. 

Dick H. joins the guys to share his experiences from over 36 years of sobriety. Beautiful stories of redemption, compassion, and the unlikely relationships that one discovers in sobriety. 

Brian B. joins Jake and Jim to talk about sober alcoholism, dependence on people and circumstances, and doing the next right thing, whether it serves you or not.  

Dan S. joins Jake and Jim to talk about the power of one day, integrating AA into his life, and learning to trust his gut. 

Crosstalk is back! Jake and Jim return from their hiatus and are joined by an amazing guest, Kiayana. They cover a range of topics, including reaching for the next level of sobriety, finding one's purpose, and becoming a parent to your inner child. 

Amy K. joins Jake and Jim to talk about surviving all the crazy shit the last two years, heated conversations with God, and future tripping. 

Melissa B. joins Jake and Jim to talk about staying connected from afar, reworking the steps, and Snoop Dogg. 

Danny J. joins Jake and Jim on his 5-year anniversary to talk about compliance versus surrender, regaining trust, and finding gratitude in loss. 

Michael M. joins Jake and Jim to talk about bouncing along the bottom, being open to the possibility that someone else is right, and finding purpose through service to others. 

Mike J. joins Jake and Jim to talk about relapse, getting honest, and finding peace in the present. 

Jesse D. joins Jake and Jim to talk about adapting his program after moving to a small city, staying sober by saying 'yes,' and his desert island playlist. 

New friend Kevin M. joins Jake and Jim. from California to talk about compliance versus surrender, the power of routine, and asking the question, "who is making your decisions today?" 

Timo G. joins the guys to talk about relapse, anger, the ghosts of childhood, and how relapse isn't a part of sobriety, unless it is. 

Crosstalk returns with special guest Bill B. from Colorado. Bill talks to the guys about facing unimaginable tragedy, finding redemption by being a badass love beam, and the frozen corpse of Jack Nicholson. 

Jake's old friend Jon L. aka Meathead joins the guys to talk about finding AA on the Dick Van Dyke show, being an egomaniac with an inferiority complex, and the power of taking suggestions. 

Jeff K. joins the guys to talk about focusing on the joy in life, the need to stay in control, and the importance of staying in the middle. 

Jake's old friend Josh H. joins the guys to talk about being a sober dad, the impact of his sobriety on his work and vice versa, and the inability to simultaneously control and enjoy drinking. 

Jimmy C. joins Jake and Jim from LA to talk about the overlooked power of steps 6 and 7, the relief of letting go, and the power of live music. 

Anna A. joins Jake and Jim to talk about using quarantine as an opportunity to face issues she's been putting aside, the power of reaching out for help and being kind to oneself. 

Ed N. joins Jake and Jim to talk about the need to stay connected, getting sober later in life, and why he remains grateful for the gift. 

Jim's old friend Nate joins the guys to talk about getting sober during a pandemic, getting honest in a zoom room, and growing up in one of America's biggest party cities. 

Maureen D. joins Jake and Jim to talk about taking personal responsibility, staying vulnerable, and the lessons she learned from her friend Frank. 

Gibson S. joins Jake and Jim to talk about resisting the urge to self-sabotage, fighting self-pity with gratitude, and what it was like to drink with Jake!

Susan N. joins Jake and Jim to talk about the lessons learned inside AA meetings, the patience required for puppy training, and staying sober in the time of Covid. 

Matt S. joins the guys to talk about Recovery Dharma, pet therapy, and the power of meditation. 

Don joins Jake and Jim to talk about what he's learned over 44 years of sobriety, spending quarantine with his entire family and gratitude for all of it. 

The man, the myth, the legend Jimmy O joins the guys to talk about finding God in nature, the power of walking, and why the Who's Quadrophenia is perfect for a deathbed playlist. 

Jake and Jim discuss Jim's first couple weeks of parenthood, recap the podcast to this point and discuss their plans for the future of the pod. 

Jake's sponsor, Dev K., joins the guys to talk about religion, self compassion and morbid reflection. 

Deborah G. joins the guys to talk about justified anger, letting go and the healing power of walking. 

Derek B. joins Jake and Jim to talk about his career as a therapist and addiction specialist, using old techniques to deal with new situations and the overlap between mental health and addiction. 

Shannon W. joins Jake and Jim to talk about pet therapy, the power of self care and the importance of a well rounded program. 

Peter F. joins Jake and Jim to talk about the drift caused by COVID, being an atheist in a spiritual program and conspiracy theories. 

Molly M. joins Jake and Jim to talk about a variety of topics including the impact of her sobriety on her art, being married to another AA, and the healing properties of swimming. 

John E. joins Jake and Jim to talk about the importance of making your bed (the right way), going back to in-person meetings, and control issues. 

Jim's old friend Luke S. joins the guys from Minnesota to talk about sponsorship, the gift of desperation and the impact of music on his sobriety. 

Jim's friend Alycia joins the guys to talk about sobriety during COVID, sponsorship, and staying honest. 

Jake's longtime friend Sandy joins the podcast to talk about sobriety during a pandemic and what she has learned over almost 30 years of sobriety. 

In the podcast's first episode Matt R. joins Jake and Jim to talk about his 30 years of sobriety. 

David B. joins Jake and Jim to talk about the evolution of his spirituality, finding help with his relationships, and finding love in A.A. 

Family and sobriety. 

Tim K. and Lucas K. join Jake and Jim to talk about being a family in recovery and staying in the pack while forging your own path in sobriety. 

Jake's old friend Sandy Z. joins the guys from Florida to talk about fellowship, the fatality of the disease, and embracing solutions outside a 12 step program.