Seasons of Sobriety artwork

Seasons of Sobriety

28 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 months ago - ★★★★★ - 13 ratings

How is life experienced after five, ten, 20 years of sobriety? What did it take to get there, and how do you keep complacency at bay from the safe, solid foundation of long-term recovery? Through engaging dialogue with recovering addicts and alcoholics in differing stages of recovery, host Howard M. walks listeners through various “seasons” of sobriety, and what it takes to persevere through fears, resentment, sadness and joy. We all plateau and must commit to perpetual progress; Seasons of Sobriety offers a refreshing rest stop on the endless road to recovery.

Spirituality Religion & Spirituality Health & Fitness alcoholism 12 steps recovering recovery alcoholics anonymous
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Episodes

John C. - Colorado Springs, CO

August 12, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 76.1 MB

This episode features John C from Colorado Springs, Colorado. John has been sober since August 16, 1994 John’s story starts with the need to point fingers at others and try to compare rather than identify.  Fortunately for John his daughter was also in recovery.  This is where he took notice of her progress and began to take his step work much more seriously.  His story also gives rise to the importance of accountability.  He realized that he had to build a fellowship of men who would keep ...

Betsy W - Sarasota, FL

February 20, 2023 18:03 - 1 hour - 81.8 MB

This episode features Betsy W from Sarasota Florida.  Betsy has been sober since February 24, 1989 As Betsy’s story unfolds, you will see her perseverance as a parent when there is very little support from a spouse.  Transforming from a pattern of gaining knowledge to gaining experience. And being able to identify flaws and how best to repair some damage done after decades of sobriety.  She also demonstrates how to apply the principles of Alanon into her growth as a mother and wife. ======...

Barry L - Southern Minnesota

August 05, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 74.4 MB

This episode features Barry L from Southern Minnesota.  Barry has been sober since October 29, 1988 Barry’s story starts with his identification as an alcoholic while fulfilling his pastoral duties.  He found some very understanding and helpful people early on that allowed him to build his foundation.  As a result of establishing a firm constitution for his step work and cultivating relationships, he has transitioned to being a counselor to help other alcoholics and addicts.  His journey al...

Kami S - Lakewood NJ

July 09, 2022 14:00 - 59 minutes - 54.5 MB

This episode features Kami S from Lakewood New Jersey.  Kami has been sober since September 7, 1981. Kami’s story reveals the sinister nature of that voice inside that tells us we are enough and how she overcame all the negative messages she gave herself about her learning disability.  She also has a little twist regarding an amend that has allowed her to live and forgive. Her story demonstrates the willingness to dig deep into the emotional disruptions of life and how best to heal from th...

Ed M. - Southern New Jersey

December 01, 2021 01:07 - 1 hour - 69.2 MB

This episode features Ed M. from Southern New Jersey.  Ed has been sober since October 19, 2008. Ed’s journey as a former coach and teacher has been a tremendous asset to his recovery.  His snippets of wisdom at meetings has earned him the nickname of “The Bumper Sticker Guy” among his local fellowship. He has been able to maintain a wonderful relationship with his ex-wife and children despite the many layers of alcoholic behavior. His story demonstrates that getting sober later in life h...

Hope A. - North Carolina

July 15, 2021 16:33 - 1 hour - 53.6 MB

This episode features Hope A. from North Carolina Hope has been sober since September 14, 1981. Some of the insights in Hope’s story are following: She realized that AA could help someone who was as damaged as she saw herself. Every time she survived something difficult in sobriety her rachet of optimism would increase She realized she was avoiding AA due to some shameful behavior that resulted from an undiagnosed bipolar disorder. She has grown in effectiveness as a sponsor over the p...

Seth P - Kingston, Ontario Canada

May 17, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 75 MB

This episode features Seth P from Kingston Ontario.  Seth has been sober since April 12 2010. Some of the insights in Seth’s story are following  Creating a system of accountability for himself in early recovery was invaluable The transformation from someone who looked at the steps and did not want a relationship with god to a man who decided to dedicate his life to god and others by becoming a pastor Service work in the program allowed him to meet people who are serious about attending ...

Andy H - Montclair, NJ

March 27, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 75.6 MB

This episode features Andy H from Montclair New Jersey Andy has been sober since October 28th 2003 Some of the valuable take-aways in Andy’s story are following  Every problem has been definitional for him.  He says he had the wrong definition of what to do He learned that resentments from early childhood were lingering into adulthood and effected success in the work environment and eventually his financial security His long battle with giving up cigarettes and the spiritual awakening t...

Kathy K - Northern New Jersey

November 27, 2020 16:38 - 1 hour - 77.5 MB

This episode features Kathy K from Northern New Jersey Kathy has been sober since January 1st, 1987 Some of the valuable take-aways in Kathy’s story are following  An alternative approach to entering recovery from alcohol and drugs through Alanon program Control issues and her relationship with food. Insight into reciprocity in her personal friendships Letting go of that feeling of uniqueness and separation from others =========================================== Book Recommendation f...

Adam F - Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

September 30, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 73.6 MB

This episode features Adam F. from the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Adam has been sober since August 11, 2011 In Adam’s story you will learn how he dealt with his stubbornness and delusion.  This is best shown in his description of how he took himself off medication and later found how necessary it was for his success in sobriety.   He also shares with us how important it is to distinguish between what the medication can do as opposed to what he can do.  In hearing Adam’s story I really enjoyed ...

Marcus M - West Caldwell, NJ

August 17, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 81.7 MB

This episode features Marcus M from West Caldwell, NJ.  Marcus has been sober since June 1, 1986. Marcus’ story starts at the very young age of 16 where he was fortunate to admit to his innermost self that he had a problem with alcohol and drugs. Thanks to his surroundings and the support of family he was able to get in to attend meetings and begin his journey. He also had the opportunity to repay the kindness and generosity back to his mother when she needed him most during her battle wit...

Joel N - Glen Ridge, NJ

July 17, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 78.2 MB

This episode features Joel N originally from Bayside Queens and now lives in Glen Ridge NJ Joel has been sober since January 8, 2018 Joel’s story is an illustration of the importance of how vital it is to keep coming back.  His journey includes a battle with prescription drug medication as he was diagnosed with medical conditions requiring pain management. I appreciated his tenacity and fortitude to face his dishonesty and become a beacon of hope for those dealing with problems other than ...

Tom P. - Clifton, NJ

June 18, 2020 18:15 - 1 hour - 81.3 MB

This episode features Tom P from Clifton, NJ Tom has been sober since February 14, 1989 Tom’s story is one of challenge and diversity as he started his journey in Narcotics Anonymous and later found a place in Alcoholics Anonymous.  His experience spans many of life’s challenges and celebrations.  His message is one of perseverance and ambition.  He has been through several life cycles in sobriety from getting married to having a daughter who has only known him as a sober father.  He has a...

Todd S - Netanya, Israel (Formerly Tulsa, Oklahoma)

May 20, 2020 15:30 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MB

This episode features Todd S. originally from Oklahoma and now lives in Israel. Todd has been sober since June 13, 1996. Todd’s story illustrates his journey of understanding as he got sober during his legal career transitioning from a prosecutor to a  judge.  He speaks about the lessons in humility after seeing addiction from both sides. He also opens up about the challenges of strained relationships with children and what he learned from being patient with someone else’s hurt and anger....

Patti T. - Washington, D.C.

April 09, 2020 17:25 - 1 hour - 71.5 MB

Patti has been sober since March 13, 1988.   Originally from North Carolina, Patti has learned to embrace recovery and the fellowship throughout her journey as she has traveled among many different cites. Takeaways from this episode The importance of getting a sponsor and fellowship when you move from one city to another. Using the experience and counsel of people when starting a new relationship. Being still cautious even with long-term sobriety. Embracing what others outside the prog...

Denis D - Hillsborough, NJ

February 08, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 97.6 MB

Denis has been sober since January 23, 1996. Takeaways from this episode Dealing with family members, especially children, after being sober for many years. Turning your children's will and life over to the care of God as "they" understand God. Defining your "Cowboy Jacket" moment. Helping people in treatment and the rewards of service work. Book Recommendation from Denis Sermon on the Mount - Emmet Fox What is the Bible - Rob Bell Use the link below if you would like to be a guest ...

Karen C - Morris County, NJ

January 09, 2020 13:15 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MB

I met Karen at a local Big Book study meeting where I found out that there were others who shared my vision as to how best to work with the book book in a group setting. In the years since she has been instrumental in starting a big book meeting as well as traveling around the Mid-Atlantic region sharing her version of emotional sobriety. Enjoy!! Book Recommendation from Karen The Steps We Took - Joe McQ Use the link below if you would like to be a guest on the show or to make a recomme...

Thoughts for this Holiday Season

December 23, 2019 12:11 - 5 minutes - 4.96 MB

Use the link below if you would like to be a guest on the show or to make a recommendation. https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact If you would like to make a donation, please use the link below. https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/donate

Kate C. - Bordentown, NJ

December 07, 2019 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MB

Kate talks about some of the sacrifices she made to take care of her mother as she battled her last days with cancer.  She also talks about dealing with some other losses that many people experience later on in their sobriety.   She also knows that surrender means that her success in recovery may be as a result of some of the "best decisions she never made". Enjoy!! Use the link below if you would like to be a guest on the show or to make a recommendation. https://www.seasonsofsobriety.c...

Bryant S - Asheville, NC

November 04, 2019 12:30 - 59 minutes - 47 MB

After speaking with Bryant I got insight into relationships on many levels.  I think you will find it useful to hear about one of the tools he uses as part of his recovery which is to rely on the guidance of an Al-Anon Sponsor and be a member of that program.  Another take away I had from his story is how much help and understanding is needed to help our fellow alcoholics and addicts who are confined to the prison system. Use the link below if you would like to be a guest on the show or to ...

Early Recovery Workshop Conclusion

October 04, 2019 11:00 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MB

This episode features a workshop where I joined some good friends of mine at a local recovery center where we had a chance to speak to an audience of folks who are in early recovery.  This is Part 2 (Conclusion) Use the link below if you would like to be a guest on the show or to make a recommendation. https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact If you would like to make a donation, please use the link below. https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/donate Matt Talbot Retreat Movement http://ma...

Early Recovery Workshop Part One

September 04, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour - 57.3 MB

This episode features a workshop where I joined some good friends of mine at a local recovery center where we had a chance to speak to an audience of folks who are in early recovery.  This is Part 1. Use the link below if you would like to be a guest on the show or to make a recommendation. https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact If you would like to make a donation, please use the link below. https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/donate Matt Talbot Retreat Movement http://matttalbotretreat...

Sharon - Morris County NJ

August 04, 2019 15:00 - 58 minutes - 43.2 MB

This episode features Sharon from Morris County, New Jersey.  Sharon has been sober since June 30, 2005.  Her insight from utilizing the book "Drop the Rock" later in her recovery journey was very enlightening.  Enjoy!! Use the link below if you would like to be a guest on the show or to make a recommendation. https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact If you would like to make a donation, please use the link below. https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/donate Matt Talbot Retreat Movement http...

Chris D. - Northern NJ

July 04, 2019 12:30 - 58 minutes - 48.3 MB

This episode features Chris D from Northern New Jersey.  Chris has been sober since October 11, 2011.  I think you will smile inside after hearing how he describes the feeling you get after taking Steps 4 and 5.  He also has a provocative insight on being married prior to getting sober vs. after. Chris's Bio and articles can be found using the link below: Christopher D - The Fix.com Recommended book by Chris: The Zen of Recovery Use the link below if you would like to be a guest on the sh...

Scott H. - Baltimore, MD

June 04, 2019 21:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MB

This is an interview with Scott H.  I have known him since 1996.  His sobriety date is November 25 1994.  We met when I lived in the Baltimore area and we formed wonderful sponsorship relationship as well as a solid friendship thereafter.  His message is one of honesty and integrity.  His story leaves an inspirational mark on my recovery. Music contribution from The Hitmaker - Nicholas Markos If you would like to be a guest or know someone who would, please contact us at podcast@seasonsofs...

Chris H - Little Falls, NJ

May 07, 2019 00:06 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MB

This is an interview with Chris H.  I have known him since he came into the program in April of 2009.  His sobriety date is April 19 2009.  Chris and I have the same sponsor and have enjoyed a personal friendship over the years.  Note (around 31:15) I realize that I say "if you are listening after April 2009", I meant, April 2019. Music contribution from The Hitmaker - Nicholas Markos If you would like to be a guest or know someone who would, please contact us at podcast@seasonsofsobriety...

Chris H (Little Falls, NJ)

May 07, 2019 00:06 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MB

Note (around 31:15) I realize that I say "if you are listening after April 2009", I meant, April 2019. Music contribution from The Hitmaker - Nicholas Markos If you would like to be a guest or know someone who would, please contact us at [email protected]

Mike L - Northern New Jersey

April 21, 2019 23:42 - 26 minutes - 24 MB

This is an interview with Mike L.  I have known him since he came into the program and became his sponsor shortly after.  His sobriety date is Jan 07 2014.  I think you will like how he puts a twist on "working with others". If you would like to be a guest or know someone who would, please contact us at [email protected]