Father Bill W.

This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.”  In episode 1 "Bill Wilson's Spiritual Experiences" we explore: Does God exist? Does God really care about us – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine?
People have been asking these questions for as long as human beings have been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation.
Bill Wilson was one of those men in such desperate need. In this episode Fr. Bill traces some of the lesser-known events that preceded Bill Wilson’s famous “White Light” experience in detox. Through these encounters the door of Bill’s mind and heart can be seen opening to a divine, healing Presence that would soon bring about his release from addiction. Future episodes will attempt to open inner doors for addicts and alcoholics struggling with the spiritual approach used in 12-Step recovery.
Show notes:
Bill W. My First 40 Years
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1568383738/ref=sr_aod_dp_img

Two Way Prayer is part of a longer morning prayer practice. In this episode Fr. Bill details what that time might involve and how Two Way Prayer fits into it.
Show notes:
Good Morning by Dick B.
https://www.amazon.com/Good-Morning-Quiet-Watch-Meditation/dp/1885803222
A Book of Psalms by Stephen Mitchell
The Three Scripture Readings AA’s Co-Founder Dr. Bob Considered Essential

Dr. Bob begged Bill Wilson to “keep it simple.” In that same spirit, the Oxford Group often compacted their program of change down to three short words: CONNECTION – CORRECTION – DIRECTION. In this bonus episode Fr. Bill reviews the 12-Steps in light of these, giving listeners a simpler understanding of the “change” we need to undergo for recovery. 
Show notes:
Jean Brown pamphlet

Why do alcoholics and drug addicts find it so hard to quit and stay quit?  Is addiction really a disease? And if it is, how’s it best treated?
It’s been over a hundred years since Dr. William Silkworth formulated his “allergy theory” that appeared in the Big Book. Since then, science has learned a whole lot more about both the physical and psychological dimensions underlying addiction. 
In this episode Fr. Bill interviews addictionologist Doctor Nicole T. Labor, DO, author of The Addictoholic Deconstructed. Her book provides the general reader and those in recovery with a much-needed primer on the brain chemistry that underlies addiction. Dr. Labor shares her story of recovery and her passion for helping both addicts and family members recover. You’ll find her knowledgeable, dedicated, and pretty damned funny. Her book is available in the show notes below. 
Show notes:
The Addictoholic Deconstructed by Nicole T. Labor, DO, BCFP,BCABAM, FASAM

Dr. Labor’s website and contact information: https://www.theaddictsdoc.com/

When setting off on any journey, it’s best to know your intended destination in advance. On the 12th Step journey, to use the Big Book’s original wording, that means following the 12 Steps to arrive at a transformational spiritual experience - one powerful enough to overcome addiction. Of course, the wording of the 12th Step was soon changed to “a spiritual awakening” not wanting to scare newcomers away. But when Bill Wilson tried changing it back to the original, AA wouldn’t let him.
This single episode describes the “psychic change” the Steps are intended to bring about using three quotes to describe the experience. First, a definition that originated with William James in his Varieties of Religious Experience; second, the description contained in the Big Book; and finally, a helpful quote from Jungian author Robert A. Johnson’s book Transformation.  These quotes are contained in a handout found in the show notes.
Show notes: 
What Is a Psychic Change or Spiritual Experience

Quantum Change by Professor William Miller

Transformation by Robert A. Johnson

Jung’s Answer to Job https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Answer_to_Job