Recovery Unfiltered

A Blast from the Visit that was fun so we wanted to replay it,

God is not a mystery, but a lot of people are treating Him like one.On this episode of Recovery Unfiltered, Rob and Larry get brutally honest about a question that cuts straight through sobriety, suffering, and spiritual immaturity - how do you know when you’re doing God’s will, and when you’re just forcing your own? If you’ve ever wrestled with pain, control, fear, or the urge to make life happen on your terms, this conversation will hit hard.Larry opens up about the difference between physical pain and the emotional pain tangled inside it, what seven weeks of cancer treatment has taught him, and why he’s finally learning to stop fighting everything he can’t control. Rob pushes the conversation deeper with hard-won recovery wisdom, breaking down the difference between God’s direct will and His permissive will, why “the next right thing” matters, and how emotional sobriety is really spiritual maturity in disguise.You’ll hear them unpack:

• why “God’s will” is often used as an excuse for inaction
• how to tell the difference between surrender and self-deception
• why chronic pain can become a spiritual battle, not just a physical one
• what AA, the Big Book, and the 10th Step actually teach about selfishness, fear, and honesty
• how hindsight can reveal God’s hand long before you recognize it in the moment

They also get personal about scars, prayer, fatherhood, church, and the painful truth that growth usually comes through resistance, not comfort. From a moving story about a child’s medical scare to the reality of facing Stanford and uncertain treatment, this episode keeps asking the question that matters most: what happens when you stop trying to control the outcome and start trusting the process?Essential listening if you’re in recovery, walking through suffering, or trying to figure out how to live with more peace, less fear, and a little more faith today.

What happens when a brutal doctor visit, a messy recovery journey, and a hard truth about control all collide in one conversation? Jesse returns with a story that hits straight at the heart of sobriety, faith, family pain, and the expectations that can quietly wreck your peace if you let them.This episode opens with a raw, personal look at what it means to be handed bad news when you thought you were finally in the clear. From there, the conversation turns into a powerful breakdown of how expectations, resentment, and surrender shape recovery far more than willpower ever could. If you’ve ever felt blindsided by life, overreacted from fear, or struggled to let go of what you thought should happen, this one will feel uncomfortably familiar.You’ll discover:

Jesse shares a raw, often funny story of surviving childhood chaos, trauma, addiction, an abusive marriage, and custody struggles—and finding a path toward recovery, motherhood, and healing.In conversation with Rob and Larry, she reflects on why alcohol was so difficult to face, how postpartum depression and psychosis affected her life, and how recovery communities helped her rebuild. The episode also explores accountability, addiction, and what it means to make amends through everyday actions.Jesse’s story is a reminder that recovery can begin even after years of hardship—and that honesty, support, and the next right choice can help create a different future.

There is no Video on this Episode due to technical difficulties Rob, Doug, Larry and Katie reflect on what it means to practice recovery principles in every area of life—not only at meetings, but in relationships, family, work, and moments of stress.

The advice that changes everything in recovery is simple but powerful: stop comparing your story to someone else’s and start listening for similarities. In this honest conversation, Rob, Larry, and Doug discuss drinking, fear, self-centeredness, surrender, finding the right sponsor, and the importance of sharing from the heart.

We sit down for an update with Brad & Grace from Episode 7 to get an update on relationship life and Kids. The struggles don't just go away once we are sober.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publishA hospital stay, a staph infection, and a brutal reminder that control is mostly an illusion. Rob returns with a raw, funny, and unexpectedly spiritual conversation about fear, surrender, and what it really means to let other people - and God - carry the weight for a while.After a sudden back infection lands him in surgery and a five-day hospital stay, Rob opens up about the shock of the diagnosis, the fear of the unknown, and the strange peace that came after the pressure was finally removed. He talks through the reality of being completely dependent on doctors, nurses, antibiotics, and a checklist just to keep the medication straight, and why that loss of control became one of the biggest lessons in his sobriety.You’ll hear:

• What it feels like when a “just give me antibiotics” hospital trip turns into surgery and a PICC line
• How journaling became the tool that helped Rob work through fear and uncertainty
• Why support from Katie, the guys, and the recovery community mattered more than ever
• The difference between worrying about your own recovery and carrying someone else’s burden
• How one painful health scare forced a deeper look at faith, patience, and surrender

The conversation also folds in another hard-earned lesson from competition, where Larry breaks down the mindset it takes to step onto the mat, face a top seed, and accept that sometimes you get your shot - and sometimes the battle is simply showing up prepared. That thread of discipline, humility, and resilience ties the whole episode together.If you’ve ever tried to white-knuckle life, fix everything yourself, or hide fear behind a good attitude, this one hits hard. It’s honest, practical, and full of the kind of recovery wisdom that only comes from being knocked flat and getting back up anyway.Essential listening if you need a reminder that surrender is not weakness, support is not failure, and sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is let go.

What if the thing keeping you sober is not a better prayer, but a better way to think? Chris shares the recovery path that finally worked for him after years of drinking, relapse, and misery - and why his answer to God, the steps, and AA tradition sounds nothing like what you might expect.Raised between the Valley and the Bay, Chris opens up about feeling like an outsider early on, how drinking escalated from social weekends to daily use, and the relationships, family wounds, and self-destructive patterns that kept following him everywhere he went. He also explains the moment life became unmanageable - and the brutal wake-up call that forced him to stop pretending.You’ll discover:

• why Rule 62 became more than a slogan and how it reshaped the way he sees himself
• the difference between sobriety that looks good and sobriety that actually works
• why he values Tradition 3, Step 10, and the “do the work” side of recovery more than slogans
• how stoicism, Jung, and self-inventory became practical tools in his program
• why he believes action matters more than fake it till you make it

Chris also gets real about secular recovery, why he doesn’t force his beliefs on anyone else, and how he thinks AA can stay inclusive without watering down the message. Along the way, the conversation explores obsession, surrender, humility, resentment, and what it means to build a life that actually fits who you are.This one is for anyone who has ever felt stuck between belief systems, struggled to connect with the program, or wondered whether there’s another way to work recovery without losing yourself. If you want a conversation that is honest, thoughtful, and completely unfiltered, hit play.Want me to turn this into show notes next?

Tradition 11 has never felt more relevant - and this conversation gets brutally honest about what it means to be public about recovery without turning sobriety into a brand. If you care about AA, anonymity, social media, or the growing "sober curious" trend, this episode will make you think twice.Rob, Larry, Bonnie, and Katie wrestle with the line between attraction and promotion, why personal anonymity still matters in a world of podcasts, TikTok, and recovery influencers, and what happens when people start monetizing the message. They also dig into the difference between being public about sobriety and being public about AA, and why that distinction matters more than ever.You'll hear the crew break down:

• Why Tradition 11 was written for a world of press, radio, and film - and how podcasts and social media changed the stakes
• How recovery can be shared openly without making yourself the center of the story
• The difference between carrying a message and promoting yourself
• Why "sober curious" can sound harmless to some, but dangerous to people who truly cannot safely drink again
• How motives shape everything from sponsorship to speaking to recovery content online

Rob shares hard-won perspective from years of service, sponsorship, and step work, while Bonnie and Katie push the conversation into the real-world impact of recovery culture, influencer status, and what actually helps families and newcomers. The result is a sharp, funny, unfiltered discussion that keeps circling back to one central question: are we trying to help, or are we trying to be seen?This episode matters because the way recovery is presented online can either point people toward life-saving honesty or blur the line until real consequences hit. If you've ever wondered where humility ends and self-promotion begins, or whether today's recovery content is helping or harming, this one belongs on your list.Essential listening for anyone in recovery, anyone supporting someone who is, and anyone trying to figure out how to speak honestly about sobriety in a very public world.

Service in recovery is not about looking useful. It is about surrendering ego, showing up when it is inconvenient, and discovering that the real blessing is in the action. If you have ever wondered whether you are giving enough, doing too much, or serving for the wrong reasons, this conversation will hit home fast.Rob , Larry, and Kurt get brutally honest about what service actually looks like in sobriety - from sponsoring men and carrying the message, to pouring coffee, giving rides, picking guys up from treatment, and knowing when to say no. They dig into the tension between sacrificial service and family responsibilities, the difference between helping and controlling, and why the heart behind the action matters more than the action itself.You will discover:

• Why service can become a trap for ego if you are not careful
• How to tell whether you are serving with a willing heart or out of guilt
• What step 12 really means when it says to carry the message, not just talk about it
• Why simple acts like making coffee or giving someone a ride can be real recovery work
• How to spot the line between being helpful and becoming overextended

Kurt brings the perspective of a man who has lived the fellowship, the hard conversations, and the quiet kind of service that changes lives. Robin and Larry push the conversation into the uncomfortable places most people avoid - where pride, obedience, and humility collide.This episode is a reminder that recovery is not passive. It asks something of you. It costs you time, comfort, and sometimes your own agenda. But it also gives you something back that you cannot manufacture on your own: purpose, connection, and the chance to be part of somebody else’s rescue.Perfect for anyone in recovery, anyone sponsoring men or women, or anyone trying to figure out what genuine service looks like when life is already full. If you need a straight talk on humility, boundaries, and the kind of service that actually keeps you sober, hit play.

This episode is essential listening if you’ve ever wondered how relapse happens after long-term sobriety, or if you need a reminder that staying well is an active, daily decision. Curt’s honesty is raw, practical, and hard to ignore - especially if you’re trying to protect your own recovery before complacency gets a vote.

When facing the chaos of everyday life or the struggles of sobriety, many of us cling to control or resistance. But what if the key to peace, growth, and authentic connection isn’t pushing harder or trying to change everything—but learning how to truly accept? Emily'S heartfelt insights and a candid conversation about family, faith, and self-love reveal how embracing yourself can be the strongest step forward.In this raw and inspiring episode, Logan shares deeply personal stories about family bonds, overcoming shame, and the importance of self-acceptance in recovery. You’ll discover:

• How acceptance isn’t about resignation but a gateway to genuine change.
• Practical tools like the Serenity Prayer to navigate difficult emotions and situations.
• Why loving yourself first allows you to love others unconditionally—no masks required.
• The subtle difference between shaping character flaws and reshaping love and acceptance.
• How trusting God’s plan can free you from the endless cycle of control and worry.

We break down the spiritual toolkit that turns acceptance into a powerful catalyst for peace, resilience, and real relationships. Logan's reflections are an invitation to stop fighting reality—and start working with it, warts and all. Whether you’re in recovery, struggling with family, or seeking a deeper understanding of self-love, this episode offers practical hope and profound spiritual insight.Perfect for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by life’s chaos or trapped in self-judgment. It’s about embracing where you are today, trusting the process, and finding purpose in the journey. Don’t miss the transformative power of acceptance—because sometimes, letting go is the only way to move forward.

This weeks episode we have Rob's daughter Emily with us. She discusses her fathers trials challenges with sobriety

In this episode, Rob and Larry delve into the nuances of character flaws versus bad habits, exploring how they influence behavior and recovery. They share personal stories, biblical insights, and practical tools for growth and self-awareness.

In this episode, Rob and I sit down with James S. for an honest conversation about the road from alcoholism to recovery—and the deeper struggles that often fuel addiction. James shares his personal journey through alcoholism, but also opens up about something many people silently battle every day: insecurity.

Together, we explore how fear, self-doubt, and the need for approval can shape our decisions, affect our relationships, and keep us trapped in unhealthy patterns. James candidly discusses how confronting those insecurities became just as important as putting down the drink.

Whether you're in recovery, love someone who is, or simply struggle with feelings of not being enough, this episode offers hope, honesty, and practical insight. Join us for a conversation about healing, vulnerability, and discovering that lasting freedom comes from addressing not just the symptoms—but the underlying causes.

Thank you for listening, and if this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little hope today.

In this episode, Larry shares his recent health journey, including surgeries, recovery struggles, and spiritual growth. He discusses the importance of surrender, managing pain without relapse, and trusting God's plan amid life's challenges.

Thank You for the last few weeks. Our listners mean the world to us. We will be back next week with all new episodes.

Listen to the incredible story of Mickey and his fight to get back to Kim his wife..

Rob and I needed to take a couple weeks off. We will be back with new shows starting July 8th