Andrew from Australia tells Olis and Don how the Doctor's Opinion and Bill's Story in the Big Book opened his mind to being useful rather than correct. Andrew recalls asking his sponsor when he should start on the Steps, and the sponsor answered, "how long do you want the suffering to last?" Patrick sends in a question for A Newcomer Asks.

You're Invited to the 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous. Please visit aa.org/international-convention for information. Come visit the AA Grapevine Podcast at the convention.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept direct contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at podcast@aagrapevine.org. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to podcast@aagrapevine.org

Jeffrey tells Don and Sam about his experience in prison and how he picked up a Grapevine magazine by mistake, and then later the Big Book found him and wouldn't let go. These publications opened his eyes, and he jumped at the first chance to attend an AA meeting. Jeffrey wrote a story that appears in the June 2025 prison issue of Grapevine. On this episode, Jeffrey relates his drinking story including scary health problems, and humorous anecdotes—like getting kicked out of a hard-core drinking club.

You're Invited to the 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous. Please visit aa.org/international-convention for information.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept direct contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at podcast@aagrapevine.org. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to podcast@aagrapevine.org

Kelsey and Julie both talk to Don and Sam about their recovery from alcoholism and then all four discuss the Hot Topic of Anonymity.

You're Invited to the 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous. Please visit aa.org/international-convention for information.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at podcast@aagrapevine.org. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to podcast@aagrapevine.org