The AA Grapevine Half-Hour Variety Hour

In a special "Corrections" episode, podcast editor Bob joins Don as a host. Olis, Bob and Don hold a quiz about the top 5 ways to stay sober during the holidays. This week's guest, Suzy, tells Bob and Don about going to prison as a sober member of AA. She learned from members of her group that she had an opportunity to help others while incarcerated. Suzy tells of her experience with service in prison, both as an inmate and now as a free AA member taking meetings into prison.

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 [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

David tells Don and Sam about coming into AA in 1986. He was struck by being told to keep coming back — no one had invited him back anywhere for years. The men in the group took him to multiple meetings a day, and stayed with him constantly; David explains why. David learned that going through tough times gives us wisdom to help others. The three discuss a question in A Newcomer Asks. Nikki talks about the Carry the Message program from Grapevine and La Viña.

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 [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Lizz talks to Olis and Sam about coming in to AA at an early age and sticking around even though she did not always feel welcome. Lizz also talks about getting through a traumatic time while staying close to AA, staying sober and finding the outside help she needs. The team discuss two Grapevine Daily Quotes. In The News we hear from AA World Services Treasurer John W. about Gratitude Month. On Listener Feedback we hear from Doug and Barbara, and Jen tells us about her love for Grapevine. Andrew shares about Tradition 11. On Wit's End Kenneth shares a joke.

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 [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Sarah, whose article appears in the November 2025 issue of Grapevine Magazine, tells Olis and Don about being a daily blackout drinker. She tried to control her drinking but learned that if you need to control, you're out of control. Sarah felt a special welcome in AA, and now tries to make the next new person feel welcomed as well. Mike shares his love for Grapevine.

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 [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Marcheta joins Olis and Sam and tells them how her bottom included driving the wrong way on a one-way street and the fire department knocking on her door because of a burning pot on the stove. They discuss the flimsy reed of AA actually being the hand of a higher power, and Marcheta relates how today she goes to any length to stay sober. In the feature #heardinameeting Kirsten and Michael share from a long list collected over the years. Don talks about his affinity for Grapevine magazine.

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 [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Jacob, Katie and Q talk to Don and Olis about how each of them came into Alcoholics Anonymous, and then all five share their experience of going on 12-Step calls to help still-suffering alcoholics. They talk about using the guidelines found in "How it Works" in the Big Book, and about what they've each learned from doing this vital service.

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 [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Angela tells Olis and Sam about getting sober while working as a stripper. She learned from her sponsor that self-esteem comes from esteemable actions. Angela also talks about benefitting from keeping a daily gratitude list, and how focusing on what she can give rather than what she can get has strengthened her sobriety. Jack sends a question to the Ask it Basket, and Chris shares about his love for the Grapevine.

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 [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Jonny, whose article appears in the October "Technology in AA" issue of Grapevine, tells Don and Sam about his work as district web master, Grapevine chair, and group General Service Representative. Jonny describes how at 11 days sober he lost his brother, but he had already learned to pick up the phone, and that kept him sober through his grief. Penny describes her love for Grapevine and how her sponsor had her do service using the magazine.

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 [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Josh talks to Olis and Don about his service experience from the top to bottom of AA's inverted triangle. They discuss how many of AA's technology advances came to the fellowship from the grass roots of groups and members. Josh also discusses a model for the use of artificial intelligence in his AA life — conducting AI searches that are restricted to direct quotes from AA Conference Approved literature and from the AA Grapevine. Don, Josh and Olis then discuss member submitted Heard in a Meeting quotes from Steve, Stew and Terese. There's a fun snippet from Mandy too.

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 [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]

Anthony joins Don and Sam and tells them about his introduction to AA. While Anthony wasn't welcome at many bars, he felt welcome at AA from the beginning. Anthony talks about mini miracles and his journey through the Steps. Mily T. is back with a History Snippet, and we hear Listener Feedback from Mary.

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 [email protected]. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected]