Leslie joins Olis and Don and tells them about her early reluctance with AA. It was at ICYPAA that she first felt the spirit and saw the benefit that drew her in. She was also reluctant with her first sponsor because they had so many differences, but the sponsor's emphasis on the First Step eventually won Leslie's heart. We hear Listener Feedback from Victor, Joe, Kelly and Matt.

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

Karen, whose article appears in the August 2025 issue of Grapevine, tells Don and Sam that her feeling of despondence and knowing that drinking was not good for her brought her to AA. It was out in nature that Karen first felt connected to something larger than herself. Now she has a regular practice of letting go and trying to do the next right thing.

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

Celebrating 90 Years of Alcoholics Anonymous at the International Convention in Vancouver, BC, our podcast team Don, Olis and Sam welcomed a live audience to participate in the recording of the 200th episode of our "audio oddity" The AA Grapevine Half Hour Variety Hour. This week we use a full hour. Guests this episode include: Nathan, the host of the GSO's podcast Our Primary Purpose; David, a General Service Trustee and Chair of the Grapevine Board; Bob, the General Manager of the General Service Office; Chris, the Publisher of Grapevine; and Jennifer, an audience member from New Jersey. There's also a question and answer session with the audience.

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

Elizabeth shares with Olis and Don about her early struggles with sobriety and AA. She graduated herself from AA after 30 days and brought her chip to show off at the bar. She thought there must be a better plan, but soon learned that there's no workable "Plan B" for her, and she surrendered. Joe sends in a letter for Listener Feedback.

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

David, who once got a DUI driving a horse and buggy, talks to Don and Sam about his direct service to alcoholics. He brings meetings to a local detox, and works with alcoholics who live in a nearby half-way house. The three also discuss a Daily Quote from Grapevine. Don describes a recent visit to Dr. Bob's house in Akron, OH.

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

The July Grapevine is here. Michal, who's story "Lighting Candles in Poland" appears in this month's issue, sends in his experience strength and hope. Sam and Olis then talk to a panel of AA members: Alex from Hong Kong, Julia from Germany, and Monica from Ghana. They all discuss the similarities and differences of AA in their countries.

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

Sharron tells Olis and Don that helping others through the Big Book, and then seeing these same folks helping others through the book gives her a great feeling and keeps her sober. Sharron drank to get drunk and always succeeded, but she knew she was in trouble when she did not want to drink, but had to drink nonetheless.

You're Invited to the 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous, July 3—6, 2025 in Vancouver, BC. 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

Jamie tells Don and Sam that learning to accept his anxiety was enough to begin to step away from it. Jamie talks about helping newcomers work the first three Steps, and he discusses the power of the Third Step Prayer. Julia calls in to the Listener Feedback line.

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