Real Recovery

George and Bill discuss how the 12 steps aren't themselves the Gospel, but rather point us to the Gospel.  Then, Brent shares how God rescued him from a life of addiction and put him on a new path of wholeness and health.

Bill and George look at how temptation and rebellion play a role in addiction.  They also discuss the truth about how just because a person makes a mistake doesn't mean they are a bad person - and how remembering this helps us experience forgiveness.

Bill and George review the importance of each step in recovery.  Then, they feature several testimonies from residents of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge that highlight how God can give people the power to find freedom from addiction.

George and Bill consider what it means to live out recovery principles in every area of life. Then, they talk with Dan who was enmeshed in a life of drugs and alcohol, but found deliverance and healing through Jesus.

Bill and George reflect on Step 2 of recovery which involves coming to believe in a power higher than ourselves that can restore us to sanity.  Then, Dar shares her story of getting lost in cocaine and alcohol addiction, but then finding lasting freedom and a new life of hope and joy in Jesus through Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge.

Recovery starts by admitting we are powerless over our addiction.  Bill and George focus on this important step of the recovery process. Then, Van shares his story of struggling with addiction, guilt and anger, but then finding hope at Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge.

Bill and George discuss Step 3 which states, "I have made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understand Him."  Then, they talk with Tim Walsh, Vice President of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, about how addiction affects the brain and how we think.  Tim also offers ideas on dealing with cravings and how to avoid self-medicating.

In this encore episode of Real Recovery, Jim Moore from Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge speaks with Bill and George about his history of addiction, his son's experience with addiction, and how God can redeem it all.

Meditation is a key component to recovery.  Bill and George discuss meditation, then talk with John who shares his story involving several stints in rehab and how he is staying sober today.

Bill and George address inviting God to help us identify our character defects and then asking Him to remove these shortcomings in our life.  Then, they talk with Scott Abrams who became addicted to painkillers as a physician.  Scott shares how his faith in Jesus became real when he went to rehab and how God is using him in amazing ways today.  Scott's devotional book is "Freedom in the Fight."

Bill and George discuss owning our mistakes and changing destructive behavior. Then, Stu Fuhlendorf shares his journey from success and riches to losing everything, but ultimately finding hope and recovery. Stu's book is "Wall Street to the Well."

George and Bill discuss the importance of staying connected with others even while physically apart.  Then, David shares his story of going from never having taken drugs or a drink in his life to developing an addiction to pain killers.  He kicked the habit with God's help and is now ministering to other addicts as a pastor.

Bill and George review the importance of making amends with others and the role God plays in that. Then we hear Ryan's story who is truly blessed to be alive after a terrible car crash nearly took his life.

Bill and George check in on how they're coping with stay at home orders and social distancing and how these affect people in recovery.  Then, Elizabeth shares her story of battling an eating disorder and how God helped her love and see herself just as He sees her.

Bill and George consider the role humility plays in recovery.  Then, hear the incredible testimony of Jay who went from running with a gang to ministering to addicts as a pastor.

Bill and George discuss how to stay connected to a recovery group amid the coronavirus outbreak.  Then, Terry shares his story of how Jesus rescued him from a life of addiction and hopelessness.

Bill and George are joined by Dr. Tim Walsh, Vice President of MN Adult & Teen Challenge. He encourages those in recovery to overcome hurts, habits, and hang-ups using the "one day at a time" approach.

Bill and George explore what it means to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God.  Then, Charles shares his story of growing up in an unstable environment, spiraling into addiction and then eventually finding redemption and hope in Jesus.

Where can we turn when we hit rock-bottom? Chris S. shares his story to reveal the damage his addiction caused, what it took to change his life, and the encouraging truth that a better life is possible.

Amber spent her young life looking for a place to belong--but eventually found herself trapped in addiction. Then, she met the God who loves her...and makes beauty from the ashes of life.

The first step in recovery is to admit you are powerless over your addiction and that you need help.  Bill and George discuss this and then welcome former semi-pro hockey player and professional wrestler Ricky Rice to the show.  Ricky shares how God rescued him from a life of addiction and violence and is now using him to rescue others.

Bill and George invite Marvin Seppala, Hazelton Betty Ford's Chief Medical Officer, to tell the incredible story of how he went from alcohol and addiction at age 12, to Chief Medical Officer.

Bill and George are joined by guest Jim who shares his story of how God pursued him throughout years of drug and alcohol addiction, and how it was God who led him to find sobriety.

When you invite Jesus into your pain and addiction, you invite Him to reorder your life for the better.  Bill talks about this with Author Seth Haines who left a life of addiction and is now being used by God to minister to those still struggling through his writing.

In our darkest hour, God can hear us and help us. Jamie shares his struggle with addiction and the night he cried out to God to save his life.

Bill and George discuss the importance of Step 1 in recovery and how surrendering to God is actually very freeing.  They then talk with Janet, an alcoholic, and her husband Patrick about staying sober during the holidays and how their marriage survived in the midst of addiction.

Bill and George welcome back their good friend Dr. Tim Walsh to walk through the second half of the steps needed to not only remain on the path to clarity, but to salvation. Listen to Part One here.

George and Bill share some thoughts on Step 3 in recovery which involves living our lives for God.  Then, Mark offers his testimony of how drinking and drug use destroyed his marriage.  Thankfully, Mark's story doesn't end there as God helped him break his addictions and gave him a new life.

Bill and George return with their friend Dr. Tim Walsh, Vice President of Long Term Recovery and Mental Health Services at Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, as they break down 10 steps to clarity and salvation.

Once you've come to Jesus and He transforms your life, you want to tell others about Him!  This is actually the twelfth step in recovery and George and Bill discuss what that looks like.  Then, Janet shares her amazing testimony of how God broke her alcohol addiction and literally saved her life.

Bill and George welcome Justin to the show, as he tells his story of an addiction to alcohol, and what it took to reach God. Or more accurately, for God to reach him.

Bill and George take a look at recovery steps eight and nine which involve making amends and reconciling with those you've wronged.  Then, John shares his testimony of transformation and also reflects on how making amends in his life has led to incredible healing and hope.

George and Bill discuss the importance of knowing Jesus as your Lord and savior and how this is the key to staying sober.  Then, Jeff shares his powerful story of redemption and how God is helping Him stay sober one day at a time.

George and Bill discuss the importance of Step 1 which means admitting you are powerless over your addiction and need help.  Then, Kevin shares how he went from 300 pounds to 175 and how that journey helped him find Christ and recovery.

It's hard to admit when we're wrong, but it is essential in recovery.  Bill and George look at this as they discuss Step 10.  Then, Barb Roose shares how God is healing her and her kids after she had to divorce her husband due to his alcoholism.

Bill and George talk about step two in recovery, which means believing a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. Then, Bob highlights his experience of attending Al-anon meetings and how that community has helped him cope with his mother's alcohol addiction and improved all his relationships.

Step three in recovery is turning your will and life over to the care of God. George and Bill ponder this step, then they talk with Eric, who was doing drugs and living a criminal life until he surrendered to God who brought him freedom, hope and a new life.

George and Bill discuss step 4 in recovery which involves turning your fears and resentments over to God. Then Jake shares his story of falling into addiction at a young age, but thankfully finding healing and hope in Jesus before his addiction destroyed him.

Recognizing your need for God is the first step in recovery. Bill and George converse about this and then talk with Steve who tells his story of getting sober before becoming a Christian, but then really finding meaning in life once he experienced Jesus in a fresh way.

Step 11 in recovery involves praying to know God's will for your life and asking Him to help you carry it out. Bill and George discuss this and then talk with author and therapist "Lee Wolf Blum" who shares her journey of recovering from an eating disorder.

Bill and George reflect on the importance of acknowledging that you are powerless to your addiction and that your life has become unmanageable. Then they talk with Julia and Alex. Julia is Alex's aunt and helped Alex get into a much needed recovery program and has stood by him ever since.

Bill and George talk about what it means to turn our will over to God and do what He wants us to do.  Then, they talk with Jed who grew up in a broken home and tried to numb his pain with drugs until God turned his life around.

In this episode, Bill and George look at the one component that leads to lasting recovery - Jesus.  They also discuss the importance and power of language and labels and offer a hopeful reminder that God loves everyone and wants to heal those who are struggling.

Acknowledging you need help is the first step in recovery.  Bill and George explore this and comment on how God is bigger than addiction and can help!  Then, T. Windahl shares her story of breaking free from addiction and being healed from cancer.  Her book is [amazon text=Abiding Hope&asin=1939881102].

The twelfth step of recovery involves sharing your transformative deliverance story to help others break free of their addictions. Bill and George discuss this and then talk with Henry, who meets addicts on their level and sees people come to Christ through his testimony.

Turning your will and life over to God is step three in recovery. George and Bill talk about this and then hear Jack's testimony, which involves going from a lavish life of riches, travel, and alcohol to nearly losing his marriage to finding sobriety and lasting joy in Jesus.

Bill and George explain how the 12 steps in recovery are actually a pathway to lasting sobriety. Then, they talk with Justin Lakemacher, program manager at Redemption House in Minnetrista, MN about how God can help in the struggle to stay sober.

Bill and George discuss how the 12 steps of recovery all truly point to a relationship with Jesus. Then, they talk with former Salvation Army Chaplain Dave Johnson, who shares his story of growing up with an alcoholic father.

Step one in addiction recovery involves admitting that you are powerless over your addiction and need help. Bill and George discuss this and then talk with Erin, who lost her son Chad to a heroin addiction but found healing in Jesus.

Bill and George welcome their friend Lyla, who tells her story of going through a marriage where alcoholism was the focus of everything, until she truly reached out to God and found a new life.