No God OA - An Atheist's Journey in Secular Overeaters Anonymous

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An atheist’s journey in Secular Overeaters Anonymous.

No God OA


    • Sep 28, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 20m AVG DURATION
    • 56 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from No God OA - An Atheist's Journey in Secular Overeaters Anonymous

    56: When the Monster Turns Victories Into Defeats

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 15:45


    In this episode, Brad discusses the two-edged sword that some of the discoveries and tools offered by OA can be. He also talks about why he's taking a step back from the podcast for a bit while he gears up for "Season 2."

    55: How Can We Harness the Chatter in Our Heads to Find Recovery?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2022 20:48


    While Brad was taking a break from podcasting, he read a book called Chatter by Ethan Kross. In this episode, Brad explores how important this book was for him in his recovery, how it has helped him understand the steps and tools of OA even better, and how the techniques described by the author are helping him overcome his compulsions and cravings. 

    54: Can Boredom Be Useful in Ending Our Compulsions to Overeat?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 20:06


    Do you ever find yourself in the kitchen rummaging through the refrigerator or cupboards when you're bored? Why do we do that, and how can we redirect our actions in a healthier way? In this episode, Brad explores eating out of boredom and some options for how to deal with it. 

    53: How Can the Elements of Storytelling Help Us in our Recovery from Compulsive Overeating?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2022 21:28


    In this episode, Brad explores some of the basic elements of storytelling and unpacks how they can inform our own stories of recovery. 

    52: Do I Really Need a Sponsor to be Successful in OA?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2022 28:07


    In this episode, Brad tackles one of the most common questions he hears in meetings and that he gets from listeners: Do I really need a sponsor to be successful in Overeaters Anonymous?  Using the metaphor of running a marathon, Brad explores how vital a sponsor can be in our recovery and the risks of going it alone.

    51: Does Overeater's Anonymous Actually Work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2022 24:48


    In this episode, Brad answers a question a newbie asked him after a meeting the other day: Does Overeater's Anonymous actually work? It's a valid question that requires some serious exploration and thought, especially if someone is considering giving it a try.

    50: OA Step 9: What Does Making Amends Have To Do With Compulsive Overeating?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2022 23:42


    In this episode, Brad unpacks the most well-known step of them all: making amends. Why is that even part of the twelve steps? What does it have to do with stopping our compulsive behaviors? Is it really necessary? These are all questions Brad explores as he recounts his own experience with step 9 and looks ahead to the final few steps. 

    49: How Can You Find Recovery When You Live With People Who Aren't Doing OA?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 24:27


    In this episode, Brad answers a listener's question about how to find recovery when you're living with a person who is not doing Overeater's Anonymous and may still be bingeing and compulsively overeating. It's a real challenge, but there are tools that might prove helpful. If you know of tools that Brad isn't familiar with, he'd love to hear them! You can always send him an email at nogodoa@gmail.com!

    48: What are "Weasel Words" and How Might They Be Undermining Your Recovery?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 21:09


    Apologies for the poor sound quality on this episode! It won't happen again! In this episode, Brad explores a writing concept called "Weasel Words" that he's discovered sneaking into his thinking about recovery from compulsive overeating. 

    47: What is a "Bullshit Detector Buddy" and Why Might You Need One?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2022 20:20


    In this episode, Brad explores the concept of accountability buddies and how important they've been to his recovery from compulsive overeating. One of his buddies--whom he thinks of as is "bullshit detector" buddy--played a key role in helping him snap out of his compulsive thinking and get back on track in an exchange he shares in this episode.

    46: Why Does Compulsive Overeating Thrive in Isolation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2022 20:56


    In this episode, Brad explores the reasons that compulsive overeating behaviors thrive in isolation and how "shining the light" on the most embarrassing or shameful of our behaviors can actually help us find recovery. 

    45: Why Is It So Hard To Get Back On Track After A Relapse?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 20:31


    In this episode, Brad explores the science behind why it's so hard to get back on program after a relapse. The books he uses in his examples is Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke. 

    44: What Can You Do Today for the Tomorrow Version of Yourself?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2022 16:31


    In this episode, Brad explores another tool that he's found helpful when confronted with sacrifices he has to make to eat less and move more in his life. He calls the "Tomorrow Brad" and it's a concept that you just might find helpful, too! Also in this episode, Brad comes off of a 4-5 day binge that is his first true relapse since starting OA over five months ago. 

    43: Can Anger Be Healthy When Trying to Lose Weight?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 18:53


    In this episode, Brad shares his experience with a recent plateau, a challenging week in the program, and how getting pissed off has helped him move forward toward recovery. 

    42: What If There Was a Pill That Could Immediately Stop Negative Feelings? Would You Take It?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2022 26:28


    In this episode, Brad explores how meetings have changed his worldview when it comes to things "everybody does" and things that "nobody but me" does, and how important these realizations have been in his recovery. Also, he introduces an analogy for compulsive overeating using the idea of a "magic pill" that has given him a valuable tool when confronting cravings.

    41: OA Step 8, Part II - How Do I Decide What Amends to Make and How to Make Them?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2022 24:05


    In this episode, Brad shares some of his own "messy" amends and thinks through how best to approach them. It isn't always clear how--or even if--you should make amends, but sometimes it's the thinking through those issues that provide the benefit of this important step in Overeaters Anonymous' 12-step program. 

    40: OA Step 8, Part I: What Does Making Amends Have To Do With Overeating?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 25:24


    In this episode, Brad explores one of  the most well-known (and most maligned) steps of any 12-program: making amends. What do harms you may have caused someone decades ago have to do with why you overeat today? Is this step really even necessary for recovery? In part one of unpacking step 8, Brad explains how he approached this step and why it was an important part of his recovery journey.

    39: How Do We Change Our Brains to Stop Repeating Destructive Behaviors?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2022 20:38


    In this episode, Brad explores the aftermath of a recent challenging day and the insights he gained from it about how his brain works when confronted with unpleasant emotions or experiences. Using the metaphor of a road system to explain neural pathways, he describes what it's like to deliberately change the way he uses food as an escape and find a better alternative.  Hop on the multi-lane highway out of Sufferingville and see if his perspective might be helpful in your next tough spot!

    38: Why Do People Identify Themselves as "Compulsive Overeaters" in Meetings... and Do I Have To Do That, Too?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2022 22:16


    Nearly every share in an OA meeting starts with some version of "Hi, I'm ______ and I'm a compulsive overeater." Why is that? It can honestly feel a bit cultish, especially to those of us who may have had actual experiences in a cult-like religion. But is there a reason for it? Is it required to say that when you speak in a meeting? That's the topic that Brad explores in this episode as he takes you along his journey of coming to identify himself as a compulsive overeater.You can email Brad at nogodoa@gmail.comFind secular OA meeting, podcasts, and resources at www.secularovereaters.org

    37: OA Step 7: How Can An Atheist/Agnostic "Humbly ask Him to remove our shortcomings"?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 21:53


    There are SO MANY problems with the wording of step 7 for an atheist/agnostic. In this episode, Brad breaks this step down and discovers what is, at least for him, the "heart" of this step. Far beyond saying a simple prayer--which is what most traditional OAers do at this point--this step can be a powerful tool to help modify character traits that are no longer serving us and are at the root of many of our compulsions.

    36: When the "Monster" Wins, How Do We Move Forward Toward Recovery?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2022 22:36


    In this episode, Brad explores the reality of recovery and the possibility of failure. After a nasty binge, he gets curious about how the voice of his compulsion--he calls it his "monster"--lies to him and turns one of the best days into one of the worst. 

    35: Should I Be Weighing Myself Every Day?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2022 17:49


    It's a controversial question in Overeaters Anonymous: should I be weighing myself every day? In this episode, Brad shares his experience with the scale and the ways in which it has both helped and hindered his recovery. 

    34: Why Do I Feel Such Shame After a Binge?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 19:00


    Brad reflects on his first "bad" day in the program after eating far more calories than he should have. He explores the feelings of shame, judgement, and disappointment that follow and examines ways to identify where these feelings are coming from, how to learn from them, and how to move on with a search for recovery with hope and confidence.

    33: How Do I Come Up With a Food Plan that Actually Works For Me?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2022 20:53


    Abstinence. It's one of those words you hear in virtually every Overeaters Anonymous meeting, but it often doesn't make any sense related to food. In this episode, Brad returns to a previous topic to explore how his experience has changed in regards to claiming "abstinence" and how a simple question helped him develop a food plan that works. Perhaps it'll work for you, too? The question? "How do you hurt yourself with food?"Special thanks are due to the host of a secular OA meeting that I consistently attend for introducing me to this concept and being such a huge support to me in my recovery. Interested in attending a secular OA meeting? The best place to find them is at www.secularovereaters.org. 

    32: OA Step 6: If We Can't Ask a God to Remove Our Unhealthy Traits, What Do We Do?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2022 17:59


    In this episode, Brad unpacks the extremely god-heavy sixth step which reads, "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character." It's a difficult one to process as an atheist or agnostic, but, with the help of some other perspectives, it can become an insightful and powerful step along our journey to recovery. WARNING: There are a lot of uses of the F-word in this one, in large part to the work of Russell Brand and his book, Recovery.

    31: OA Step 5: Why Should I Have to Admit My "Wrongs" to Another Person?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 21:20


    In this step, Brad tackles one of the most difficult steps he encountered, mostly due to the way his religious background caused him to view the step with suspicion and fear. Why should we admit our failings to another person? What good could that possibly do? Brad explores how this step resulted in some surprising benefits and how it's helped him find increased recovery from his compulsive behaviors.

    30: What are "Icons of Recovery" and How Can They Help Us? Part II of Discussion with Josh B.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2022 17:46


    In this episode, Brad continues his conversation with Josh B. about a concept he calls "icons of recovery." It's a great tool to help remind you throughout the day of your goals and intentions when it comes to compulsive overeating... or any other behavior that you are working to change! Do you use an icon of recovery? Are you going to try one? Brad would love to hear about your experience! Email nogodoa@gmail.com!

    29: Can I Work with a Non-Secular Sponsor as an Atheist/Agnostic? A discussion with Josh B.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 18:41


    In this episode, Brad sits down with fellow atheist/agnostic Josh B who is also working the Overeaters Anonymous program. He's in a unique situation where he's working with a sponsor who is unlike him in almost every way, including belief in a literal God! They explore what his program looks like with a non-secular sponsor and how they make it work. This is the first of two parts of their discussion.

    28: Where Do Cravings Come From, and How Can We Deal With Them? More Thoughts Inspired by "Dopamine Nation"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2022 23:44


    In this episode, Brad returns to his reactions to the book "Dopamine Nation" by Anna Lembke and explores the insights gained about where cravings come from and tools to manage them. 

    27: When 24 Hours Is Too Long: Does Taking it "One Day at a Time" Work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2022 18:38


    It's an often-used slogan in 12-step programs: "Take it one day at a time!" But what if 24 hours is too long for you to stay "abstinent?" That was one of Brad's struggles early in the program--and sometimes is still a struggle--but modifying one word has given him a new tool to help: Take it one DECISION at a time!" In this episode, Brad explores how this adage helps him not only fight off cravings in the moment, but also gives him a much-needed perspective on recovery for the long haul.

    26: Do We Have to Give Up Our Autonomy to Admit We're "Powerless" Over Food?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 14:50


    In this episode, Brad explores the first-step concept of being "powerless" over food and why that can sometimes feel like we are being asked to give up our autonomy. Using the metaphor of building a house, he explores how we can use our autonomy to strengthen our program and build the kind of recovery we want in our lives.

    25: Why Going to Meetings Isn't Enough: The Tools of OA, Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2022 23:10


    In this episode, Brad explores the rest of the 9 tools of recovery from compulsive overeating used by Overeaters Anonymous and how he uses them in his program. The tools include Writing, Literature, Action Plan, Anonymity, and Service. Why are they important? What do they look like from a secular perspective?

    24: Why Going to Meetings Isn't Enough: The Tools of OA, Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2022 26:01


    For the first weeks of going to Overeaters Anonymous meetings, it felt to Brad like he'd found the missing piece to stopping his compulsive eating behaviors: he just needed some group support! But, before long, he started to stall in the program and convince himself it was another dead-end. Fortunately, he found the motivation and drive he needed in the other tools of OA. In this first part, he explores why simply going to meetings probably isn't enough to find lasting recovery and how some of the steps help him maintain momentum and focus.

    23: OA Step 4, Part II: Why is Step Four Important to our Overeaters Anonymous Journey?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2022 20:42


    In this episode, Brad explores why Step Four of Overeater's Anonymous was so unexpectedly powerful in helping him understand where his compulsions to overeat come from and how this understanding helps him fend them off now. This step helped him discover that he doesn't have a "weight problem" but instead has a "weight symptom" from bigger issues that trigger his compulsive behaviors. 

    22: OA Step 4, Part I: What is a 'Searching and Fearless Moral Inventory?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 27:03


    In this episode, Brad unpacks one of the most abstract steps of the Overeater's Anonymous 12-step program: "Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves." What does that look like? What if the word "moral" is too packed with religious connotations for us as atheists or agnostics? What is the heart of this step and what does it look like in practicality? Brad uses Jeffrey Munn's book "Staying Sober Without God" as a structure to introduce this step and talk through some of the difficulties that atheists/agnostics might face.

    21: What is "Imperfect Abstinence" and How Might It Help Me?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2022 25:00


    Brad had his first weekend of non-abstinent eating, but does that mean he has to "start over" or that he's no longer abstinent? Thankfully, Brad uses a concept called "imperfect abstinence" that allows him to avoid the pitfalls of "starting over" and getting caught up in the downward cycle of bingeing, shame, and guilt. Perhaps it's a concept that will work for you? Check it out in today's episode.

    20: Nervous About Attending an OA Meeting? Here's What to Expect!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2022 30:55


    When Brad attended his first OA meeting, he was a nervous wreck. He didn't know how they worked, what he'd be asked to do, what the meetings were like, or even if he'd be welcome as a newcomer. In this episode, Brad unpacks what to expect at an OA meeting, what the group "norms" are, and how to find and participate in "unofficial" secular OA meetings.Have a question or comment? Email Brad at nogodoa@gmail.comHere are the two secular resources he shared in the podcast for finding official and unofficial secular OA meetings. They are also a great resource for secular podcasts and other resources: www.secularovereaters.org and www.secularoa.org

    19: What is a Sponsor, What Do They Do, and How Do I Find the "Right" Sponsor for Me?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2022 25:42


    You hear it all the time in Overeaters Anonymous meetings: how do I find the right sponsor? In this episode, Brad explores the idea of sponsors, what they do, how to find them, and whether or not there is such a thing as the "right" sponsor. Have comments, suggestions, or criticisms of the podcast? Reach out to Brad at nogodoa@gmail.com

    18: How Can an Atheist Deal with Difficult Emotions without a God to Help Them? R.A.I.N. Might Help!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 22:52


    Do you struggle with unwanted feelings like shame or anger after you've slipped up and binged? Brad certainly does. But he's found a system that is helping to process these feelings, understand where they are coming from, and work to change them. It's a method pioneered by meditation teacher Tara Brach, but don't worry if you're not into meditation. It works just as well outside the context of meditation, too. Join Brad as he explores the R.A.I.N. of his feelings of shame and guilt.For more on R.A.I.N., visit Tara Brach's website at www.tarabrach.com

    17: What is the Pleasure/Pain Balance and How Can It Help Explain our Compulsion to Eat? (A reflection on Anna Lembke's "Dopamine Nation")

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2022 23:48


    In this episode, Brad talks about a book he's reading that has transformed the way he understands the "disease" of compulsive overeating and some practical tools to help get control of it. The book he mentions is Anna Lembke's Dopamine Nation, which he highly recommends for anyone on the Overeaters Anonymous journey who is interested in understanding the brain science underlying addiction.Have you read it? Brad would love to hear from you about your reaction and experience! You can email him at nogodoa@gmail.com.

    16: OA Step 3, Part II: What is "Will" and How Does it Inform our OA Journey?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2022 19:36


    Brad takes another look at the very god-heavy step 3 of Overeaters Anonymous so that he can unpack the idea of "will" and what it looks like without a deity to turn it over to. It's a surprisingly complex word that we can often use to lie to ourselves about our beliefs, intensions, and actions. 

    15: How Can an Atheist Deal with all the Prayer in the OA program?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 22:24


    It's impossible to work your way through the Overeaters Anonymous program without coming across the word "prayer" over and over again. How does an atheist deal with this? Is there a non-religious substitute for prayer? What is really happening when people pray? Join Brad as he explores these issues and introduces his own worldview behind prayer and it's purpose.Special thanks to a listener who inspired this episode with a question sent to nogodoa@gmail.com!

    14: A Mantra: Small Things, Done Consistently, Result in the Profound

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2022 12:55


    In this episode, Brad shares his personal mantra and explores how it has been effective in his Overeaters Anonymous journey. Perhaps it's something that will help you in yours as well.

    13: OA Step 3, Part I: How Does an Atheist Deal with the most God-Heavy Step of them All?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 14:35


    Step three of Overeaters Anonymous is where a lot of atheists and agnostics check out of the program. It reads like this: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. What on earth can we do with that? In this episode, Brad explores how he approaches this important step without a belief in God in a way that is authentic, effective, and accessible. Brad would love to hear from you at nogodoa@gmail.com!

    12: How Do I "Act as If" as an Atheist or Agnostic in Overeaters Anonymous?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2022 18:34


    "Act as if" is a term that comes up often in Overeaters Anonymous, and it usually means something like "act as if there is a god until you believe in one." Obviously, that's a problem for atheists and agnostics in the program. In this episode, Brad explores other ways he's found helpful to "act as if" in the program that are based in science and common sense rather than a faith-based belief in a deity.

    11: Can Meditation be an Effective Alternative for Dealing with Heavy Emotions?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 16:47


    It's a sad day in the world today as Russian forces invade Ukraine, not to mention all the other suffering happening in our own country and elsewhere. For many of us compulsive overeaters, food was the place to find relief from such heavy feelings, even though it was temporary and destructive. But can meditation be an effective alternative to eating away our feelings? In this episode, Brad explores a few different kinds of meditation and shares his process for dealing with his emotions without turning to food.

    10: OA Step 2, Part II: Is Compulsive Eating an "Insane" Behavior?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2022 20:06


    Step Two of Overeaters Anonymous talks about restoring ourselves to "sanity" regarding food. Does that mean we are "insane" if we compulsively overeat? In this episode, Brad explores how the meanings of these two terms have diverged over the years and how, by understanding their current meanings, we can adapt this step to our OA journey as atheists and agnostics. Do you have comments or suggestions about this episode? Brad would love to hear from you at nogodoa@gmail.com!

    9: OA Step 2, Part I: What is a "Higher Power" and Do I Really Need One?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 23:26


    In this episode, Brad jumps into step two of the Overeaters Anonymous program and runs headlong into the "Higher Power" problem for atheists and agnostics. Can we be successful in OA if we don't believe in a higher power? What does that even mean? Brad explores his own version of step two and gets honest about some of the challenges he's faced in the program so far.

    8: What Replaces Overeating as a Coping Mechanism in our Lives?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 18:58


    In this episode, Brad explores the hole left behind after he stopped overeating and the desire to fill it with something new. Can it be done? How do we go from drowning our emotions in food to allowing ourselves to feel them without just wanting to return to the food? 

    7: OA Step One, Part II.: Why is Step One So Vital to Program Success?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2022 20:44


    In this episode, Brad continues his exploration of the first step of Overeater's Anonymous from an atheistic perspective. Why is it the most vital step? How do you know you've completed it? Brad also explores the background of the "Big Book" of AA, which is used often in OA meetings, and why it can be so problematic for non-religious members of the program. 

    6: OA Step One, Part I: What Is Step One, and Can I Do It as an Atheist?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2022 15:00


    In this step, Brad dives into the first of the Overeaters Anonymous twelve steps, unpacks its archaic and Christian language, and talks about what this step looked like for him as he entered the program. 

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