RAW Recovery Podcast

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about why recovery is the ultimate pay it forward. Someone carried the message to us when we were lost, broken, and ready to give up. They didn't do it for credit, applause, or money — they did it because someone once did the same for them. That's how recovery survives. Every time we share our story, help a newcomer, or simply show up, we're keeping that chain of hope alive. We can't pay back the people who saved us — but we can pay it forward by helping the next person in line. That's the heartbeat of recovery: one person helping another, freely, honestly, and with love.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about one of AA's greatest reminders of humility: “Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.” In recovery, leadership isn't about control — it's about service. Whether you're making coffee, chairing a meeting, or guiding others through the Steps, the goal isn't power — it's purpose. We serve because we were once served. We give back because someone gave to us. In this episode, I'll share why true leadership in recovery means stepping up without stepping over, leading with humility, and always remembering that we are here to carry a message — not a title.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about something deeply personal — how we are loved back to health in recovery, and what alcohol tried to take from us before we made it here. Alcohol doesn't just rob you of time or money — it takes your peace, your laughter, your relationships, your integrity, and if it can, your soul. It isolates, it destroys, and it convinces you that you're beyond saving. But then, someone reaches out a hand. Someone loves you when you can't love yourself. That's how healing begins — through the grace of being loved back to life. In this episode, I share how love — real, unconditional love — brings us out of darkness and restores everything the bottle tried to steal. The world told us we were broken. Love told us we were still worth saving.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about what keeps recovery alive — us. The Big Book gives us the plan, the Steps give us the path, but it's people who give it a heartbeat. Every time we share honestly, help someone new, or show up when we'd rather not, we keep recovery breathing in the world. We are the heartbeat — carrying hope from one soul to another, keeping this thing alive one day, one meeting, one act of service at a time.

In today's RAW Talk, Tyler and I talk about how the Promises of AA actually come true — and the real secret is simple: help someone else. We love reading the Promises — freedom, happiness, peace — but they don't just show up because we've been sober a few days. They unfold as we reach out to others, one act of service at a time. When we stop living just for ourselves, something shifts. The fear fades, the resentment lifts, and joy sneaks in through the side door. That's not coincidence — that's spiritual math.

In today's Daily Trudge, we're looking at AA's Tradition 5: “Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.” Somewhere along the way, it's easy to forget that this is what we're really here for. It's not about who makes coffee, who's right in a debate, or who runs the best meeting. Our purpose is simple — to reach the person who's still dying inside and show them that hope is real. In this episode, I'll talk about how this Tradition keeps us grounded, how it protects our groups from ego and distraction, and how service is the lifeblood of recovery. The day we forget the suffering alcoholic is the day we stop growing.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about Discernment — that quiet, powerful ability to tell the difference between my will and God's will. In recovery, we're constantly bombarded by voices — fear, ego, emotion, instinct, and spirit — all fighting to be heard. Discernment is what helps us pause, listen, and choose the path that brings peace instead of chaos. It's not about being perfect. It's about being guided. In this episode, we'll look at how to recognize when it's time to act, when it's time to wait, and when it's time to shut up and let your Higher Power work.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Freedom of Choice.” Recovery gives us something we hadn't had in a long time — the power to choose. We get to decide how we respond, what we believe, and who we become. But with that freedom comes responsibility — to make choices that build us up instead of break us down. In this episode, I talk about how freedom of choice is one of the greatest gifts of sobriety — and how using it wisely leads to peace, purpose, and a deeper connection with our Higher Power. Every day, we get a say in the kind of person we want to be. That's real freedom.

  In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about the difference between pain and suffering — and why it matters so much in recovery. Pain is part of being human. It's the growing, stretching, and healing that comes with life. Suffering, though — that's what happens when we fight the pain, when we replay it, and when we refuse to let it teach us. In this episode, I share how learning to accept pain (instead of resisting it) has helped me find peace, freedom, and purpose — even in the hardest moments. We can't always choose what hurts, but we can choose what we do with it.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Self Love vs. Love of Self.” There's a big difference between loving yourself and being full of yourself. True self-love is about acceptance, humility, and care. “Love of self” is when ego starts calling the shots again. In this episode, I'll unpack how recovery helps us find that healthy middle ground — where we treat ourselves with respect, not arrogance; where confidence grows from gratitude, not grandiosity. You can love yourself without worshipping yourself.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “We Do Not Need to Live With Regret or Shame.” So many of us drag around the weight of the past — the things we did, the people we hurt, and the mistakes we made. But the truth is, recovery gives us permission to stop living there. In this episode, I talk about how regret and shame keep us stuck, how making amends frees us, and how grace lets us move forward without constantly reliving what's already been forgiven. We don't erase the past — we redeem it.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “The Work Between the Miracles.” Recovery has its big, beautiful moments — the breakthroughs, the freedom, the laughter that comes back. But most of the time, it's not fireworks — it's daily work. It's the small, consistent actions between those miracles that keep us grounded and growing. In this episode, I share what it looks like to keep showing up even when the excitement fades, how to find meaning in the quiet days, and why faith grows stronger in the space between the blessings. The miracle isn't just in what happens — it's in the fact that we keep working toward it.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “It's None of Your Darn Business!” One of the greatest sources of stress in recovery is trying to manage things that aren't ours — other people's opinions, choices, or problems. The truth is, most of what we worry about is none of our business! In this episode, I talk about how learning to “stay in our lane” brings peace, why gossip and judgment pull us out of spiritual alignment, and how trusting God to handle what isn't ours frees us up to focus on what is. We find serenity not by controlling everything, but by minding our own darn business.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Freedom of Choice.” Recovery gives us something we hadn't had in a long time — the power to choose. We get to decide how we respond, what we believe, and who we become. But with that freedom comes responsibility — to make choices that build us up instead of break us down. In this episode, I talk about how freedom of choice is one of the greatest gifts of sobriety — and how using it wisely leads to peace, purpose, and a deeper connection with our Higher Power. Every day, we get a say in the kind of person we want to be. That's real freedom.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “It's Not a Matter of Giving — But How and When!” In recovery, we learn that giving isn't just about generosity — it's about wisdom. Sometimes, we give too much of ourselves too soon, or to the wrong things, and end up empty. Other times, we hold back when we could've made a difference. This episode explores how spiritual growth teaches us balance — giving from love, not ego; giving when guided, not guilted. Because true giving isn't about being drained, it's about being directed. The right gift, given at the right time, carries more power than all the empty words in the world.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Being Offended and Comparisons.” Ever notice how easy it is to take things personally or measure our worth against someone else's? In recovery, those two habits can sneak back fast — and they're usually driven by the same thing: ego. In this episode, I unpack how being offended keeps us stuck in self-centeredness, why comparison steals our peace, and how humility and gratitude help us climb out of both. When we stop trying to prove something, we get to experience true serenity. Let's drop the scoreboard and pick up acceptance instead.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Perception of Ourselves and Others.” In recovery, our perception changes — and that's part of the miracle. Early on, we saw everything through fear, guilt, or ego. As we grow, we start to see the world, and ourselves, with clearer eyes. This episode is about how perception shapes our reality — how we judge ourselves too harshly, how we misread others, and how spiritual growth helps us see the truth instead of just our old filters. When we shift perception from fear to faith, everything looks different — even us.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Thousands of Founders!” The Big Book reminds us that we are not just members — we're founders of our own recovery. Every time one of us shares, helps someone new, or carries the message, we become part of that original spark that started this whole thing. In this episode, I dig into what it means to live like a founder — with responsibility, passion, and gratitude — and how keeping that spirit alive is what keeps recovery strong for the next person coming in the door. We don't just inherit this program — we help build it, one act of service and honesty at a time.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Stepping Stones to Higher Things.” In recovery, the things that once tripped us up often become the very stones that lift us higher. Every setback, mistake, or hard season can become a step toward growth — if we're willing to see it that way. In this episode, I share how to reframe life's challenges as spiritual stepping stones, how to find purpose in the pain, and how each lesson we learn becomes part of the foundation that carries us closer to freedom and peace. One day at a time, we're not falling behind — we're stepping up.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about one of the most well-known lines in recovery: “It works if you work it!” We say it all the time — but what does it really mean? In this episode, I dig into the heart of that phrase: why recovery isn't about luck or slogans, but about taking daily action, staying honest, and doing the work even when we don't feel like it. I'll share how “working it” has shown up in my own sobriety, why willingness matters more than perfection, and how consistent effort keeps the miracle alive — one day at a time.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “The Spiritual Hangover.” You know those days when you've done everything right — you've prayed, stayed sober, helped others — and you still feel off? That's what I call a spiritual hangover. It's when growth, emotions, and real life all catch up at once. In this episode, I share what causes a spiritual hangover, how to ride it out without falling back into self-pity, and why these uncomfortable days usually mean you're growing more than you realize. Keep trudging — the fog lifts, and what's waiting on the other side is peace.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Instant Gratification vs. Delayed Gratification.” In addiction, we chased quick fixes — the drink, the high, the rush — anything to change how we felt right now. In recovery, we learn a new way of living: patience, trust, and the willingness to wait for the real rewards. This episode dives into why instant gratification can still sneak up on us in sobriety, how it keeps us stuck, and how choosing delayed gratification helps us grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. The truth is — we don't need everything right now. We just need faith in what's coming.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “When Gratitude Feels Hard.” Some days it's easy to be grateful — other days, life hits hard, and gratitude feels out of reach. In this episode, I share how to work through those tough days when nothing seems to go right, and how practicing gratitude isn't about pretending everything's okay — it's about keeping the door open for hope. Whether you're new to recovery or you've been trudging the road for years, this message is about finding light in the dark moments and remembering that even the smallest bit of gratitude can change everything.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm diving into the Big Book chapter “To Wives.” This section isn't just for the spouses of alcoholics — it's a powerful look at how addiction affects the people who love us most. In this episode, I break down the message behind “To Wives,” what it teaches about patience, boundaries, and healing, and how both sides of the relationship can find recovery and peace. Whether you're the one getting sober or the one loving someone through it, this talk explores the compassion, honesty, and growth that come when we face this disease together.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Humility for Today.” Humility isn't about thinking less of ourselves — it's about seeing ourselves honestly and staying right-sized in the moment we're in. In this episode, I share how humility keeps us grounded, teachable, and connected to our Higher Power — especially when ego or fear start creeping in. Each day brings a new chance to practice humility: to listen more, judge less, and remember that recovery works best when we stay open and grateful.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Putting Sobriety First.” Everything we have in recovery — our peace, relationships, jobs, and purpose — rests on one foundation: staying sober. When we start putting anything before that, life has a way of reminding us what really matters. In this episode, I share what it means to truly put sobriety first, how to recognize when we're slipping into old priorities, and how keeping recovery at the top of the list actually gives us more freedom, not less. Stay grounded, stay grateful, and remember — if you put sobriety first, everything else can fall into place.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Let Up on the Strangle Hold.” Sometimes in recovery, we hold on so tight — to control, to expectations, to how we think things should go — that we choke the very peace we're trying to find. In this episode, I share about loosening that grip, trusting the process, and allowing life (and our Higher Power) to work things out in their own time. Letting go isn't giving up — it's giving room for growth, grace, and serenity to move in.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm diving into “When to Accept, When to Act: The Serenity Prayer.” The Serenity Prayer isn't just something we recite — it's a daily roadmap for living sober. Knowing when to accept life as it is and when to take action is one of the biggest challenges we face in recovery. In this episode, I talk about how to tell the difference, how to lean on your Higher Power for guidance, and how serenity, courage, and wisdom work together in real life. If you've ever wondered what acceptance really means or how to take healthy action without trying to control everything, this talk will hit home.

In today's Daily Trudge, I riff on AA history and why it still matters today—from the 1955 convention and Dr. Silkworth to AA's impact in hospitals and prisons. We talk about the balance of clinical help and a Higher Power, the difference between believing and actually doing the work (“faith without works is dead”), and why Traditions and safe spaces keep us grounded. I also share why treatment centers and AA need each other, what “recovery equity” looks like, and how we built a grassroots meeting where people say, “this is the room I feel safe to share.” If you've wondered whether AA's roots still apply in 2025, this one's for you. Keep it simple, do the work, and stay connected.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Confronting the Real You — and Finding Freedom.” One of the bravest steps in recovery is taking an honest look at ourselves — our past, our patterns, and our fears. In this episode, I share what it's really like to confront the real you, how it can feel uncomfortable at first, and why that honesty leads to healing and true freedom. Whether you're new to sobriety or have been trudging for years, this talk offers encouragement and practical insight to help you face yourself with compassion and courage.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “The Key of Willingness.” Recovery starts with honesty and hope — but it's willingness that turns those ideas into action. In this episode, I share what willingness really means in sobriety, how it unlocks growth, and ways you can cultivate it when you feel stuck. Whether you're brand new to recovery or have been trudging for years, this talk will give you practical encouragement to keep moving forward one day at a time.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Compassion in Recovery: Helping Others Without Hurting Yourself.” One of the greatest gifts of sobriety is the ability to help others. But if we're not careful, we can give so much that we burn out, enable, or lose focus on our own program. In this episode, I share how to practice healthy compassion — offering support while still protecting your boundaries and your sobriety. Whether you're brand new to recovery or have been trudging for years, this talk will give you tools to serve others from a place of strength instead of depletion.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Serenity After the Storm.” Life in recovery isn't free from storms — challenges, loss, and setbacks still come. But what changes is how we face them, and the peace we can find on the other side. In this episode, I share what serenity means to me, how I've found it after difficult times, and why it's a gift worth holding onto in sobriety. Whether you're walking through a storm now or reflecting on one you've come through, this talk offers hope and encouragement to keep trudging one day at a time.

In today's Daily Trudge, I'm talking about “Let Go of Unhealthy Relationships in Recovery.” One of the toughest parts of getting sober is realizing that some people, places, and situations are no longer healthy for you. In this episode, I share why letting go of toxic relationships is crucial for your sobriety, how to recognize when a relationship is hurting your recovery, and practical ways to move forward without guilt. Whether you're brand new to recovery or years in, this talk offers real-life insight and encouragement to protect your progress and build healthier connections.

In recovery, complacency can sneak up on us — and it's one of the biggest threats to long-term sobriety. In this live session, I'll share what complacency looks like, how to recognize the warning signs, and practical ways to keep your recovery fresh and active every day. Whether you're new to sobriety or have been trudging the road for years, this talk will give you honest insights and motivation to stay engaged, accountable, and moving forward one day at a time.

In today's Daily Trudge Live, I'm talking about “Be Accountable or Go Back to the Bottle.” Accountability isn't just a buzzword — it's one of the core practices that keeps us sober and growing. In this episode, I share what accountability looks like in real life, why avoiding it can send us back to old habits, and practical ways to build it into your recovery today. Whether you're new to sobriety or years in, this live session will give you honest insights and tools to help you stay on track — one day at a time.