The AA Grapevine Half-Hour Variety Hour

Each week long-time AA members Don, Olis, and Sam will interview a different member about their experience, strength and hope, in a casual “meeting after the meeting” manner. Special features will enhance each episode.

Email us at [email protected] with comments, suggestions, jokes, and such. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected].

Use #heardinameeting on social media. Our Tradition of anonymity will be respected with all submissions used on the show. The podcast is available on your favorite podcast platforms and via the player below. 

While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase one of our books at www.aagrapevine.org/store.

Read Notes for Each Episode Below

Season 7, Episode 16: Cooperating with the Courts

Season 7, Episode 16: Cooperating with the Courts

General Service Board Class A Trustee Kerry Meyer joins Don and Sam for a discussion of how AA and courts can cooperate to help alcoholics and the community at large. In the October issue of Grapevine you'll find Kerry's article about the importance of CPC (Cooperation with the Professional Community) work. In this podcast Kerry describes the work she does with local AA members to help alcoholics through DWI court, and she shares about her work as a Class A Trustee.

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 [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]

The AA "Gripevine" — Third Anniversary Special [Season 7, Episode 15]

Season 7, Episode 15: The AA "Gripevine" — Third Anniversary Special

Hosts Don, Olis and Sam, along with producer Chris, listen to some fun outtakes together and tell listeners about how the podcast is created each week. Chris shares some results of the podcast's reach and how many are helped by this service. The team expresses gratitude for one another, and for our guests and listeners.

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 [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]

What Lies Within Us [Season 7, Episode 14]

What Lies Within Us [Season 7, Episode 14]

James talks to Don and Olis about connecting with a new home group after a move from New York to North Carolina. They discuss being able to share things in AA that you would not share at the PTA. James' first service commitment was "chairman" of the group, where his role was to set up the chairs. This week's special feature is "Stump the Thumper." Let's see if James knows his big book.

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 [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]

Season 7, Episode 13: We Figure it Out Together

Season 7, Episode 13: We Figure it Out Together

Marie, a deaf member of AA, and Teddy, a Director on the AA Grapevine Board, talk to Don and Sam about the new American Sign Language playlist on the AA Grapevine and La Viña Channel on YouTube. They all discuss the challenges and advances of serving deaf alcoholics in AA, and the ongoing efforts to make AA accessible to all. There's a bonus segment at the end discussing service work.

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 [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]

Season 7, Episode 12: AA Taught Me to be an Adult

Season 7, Episode 12: AA Taught Me to be an Adult

Heather joins Sam and Olis and describes her introduction to AA, and how it took her 13 years to be convinced about her alcoholism and the AA program of recovery. Heather says she complicated herself right out of the rooms at times, and that a super-strict sponsor helped her find her way. Heather, Olis and Sam discuss A Newcomer Asks question about taking credit for one's sobriety. There's also an announcement about the upcoming International Online Intergroup Convention in October.

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 [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]

Season 7, Episode 11: International Convention Preview

Season 7, Episode 11: International Convention Preview

The 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous is set for July 3—6, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Patrick, the GSO Staff member of the International Convention Desk, shares with Don and Olis all about registration, housing and the spiritual feeling of being with near 50,000 AA members from around the world. Registration for the Convention opens on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Noon Eastern time (go to aa.org/international-convention for info). Patrick also tells listeners how to keep up with the latest information about the convention, and he shares about his journey in AA. There's also "A Newcomer Asks" question.

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 [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]

Season 7, Episode 10: High Fives

Season 7, Episode 10: High Fives

Andrew, whose article appears in the September issue of Grapevine, talks to Don and Sam about getting sober at the age of 20 and how he enjoys working with other young members of AA. Andrew talks about getting help from AA, and also needing professional help for issues other than alcoholism. The three have a robust talk about sponsorship, working the Steps, helping others, being honest and AA's cooperation with the medical profession.

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 [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]

Season 7, Episode 9: A Wild Child Finds AA

Season 7, Episode 9: A Wild Child Finds AA

Tina shares with Olis and Sam about alcoholism as a horrific, unpredictable, wild, come-back-at-you disease. She came into AA 40 years ago with a wide open network of nerve endings, but found how to use that energy to help others. Sara sends in a question for the Ask-it-Basket, and there's Listener Feedback from Joe, Patty and Steve.

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 [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]

Season 7, Episode 8: A Sense of Belonging

Season 7, Episode 8: A Sense of Belonging

Daniel shares with Don and Olis about getting past his own prejudices and finding a home in AA. The three talk about reaching out and helping alcoholics from different backgrounds. There's also a "History Snippet" from Miley and Don, taken from a 1946 Grapevine article.

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 [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]

Season 7, Episode 7: Tastes Like an Alcoholic's Tears

Season 7, Episode 7: Tastes Like an Alcoholic's Tears

Madeline, who found AA through another 12-Step program, talks with Don and Sam about her quirky home group that doesn't take itself too seriously, but does take sobriety very seriously. The three talk about getting through tough times sober by letting others know you with honesty and perseverance. In this week's feature, the three discuss a Daily Quote from co-founder Bill W.

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 [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]

Email us at [email protected] with comments, suggestions, jokes, and such. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to [email protected].

While we provide the podcast at no charge, it is not free to produce. To support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to the magazine or purchase one of our books at www.aagrapevine.org/store.