Crosstalk: Recent Episodes
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Stephen first got sober at 20 and remained sober for 22 years before relapsing during COVID. He spent 13 months back in addiction, eventually finding himself back at rock bottom.
In this honest conversation, Stephen shares how a growing resentment toward God and disconnection from the recovery community contributed to his relapse -- and how returning to the 12 steps, service, and fellowship helped restore his life.
Stephen reflects on why a functional alcoholic may not lose their job but can still lose their soul, the importance of staying open-minded and teachable, and the simple truth that keeps recovery strong: we get involved, and we stay involved.
His evolving understanding of faith is captured in one powerful realization: “I understand God less than I ever have, and I feel closer to God than I ever have.”
Most of us do everything we can to avoid our deepest pain. Craig Olson’s story is about what happened when he finally stopped running from his grief and addiction and began facing both honestly.
After losing his 17-year-old son in a car accident and spending years in active addiction, Craig reached a turning point that changed his life. In this episode, he opens up about the reality of addiction, what finally pushed him to get sober, and how spirituality, community, accountability, and making amends helped him begin to heal.
Craig’s story is honest, painful, and ultimately hopeful. For anyone dealing with grief, addiction, or the feeling that it may be too late to start over, this conversation is a powerful reminder that change is still possible.
Most people never see the silent struggles beneath a seemingly successful life—until one moment changes everything. In this candid episode, Karthik shares how he moved from denial to recovery through the transformative power of the 12 steps.
Karthik opens up about his struggles with alcohol, work addiction, childhood trauma, and the pressure to meet cultural expectations around identity, success, and arranged marriage. After finding sobriety at 26, he began to understand how his past shaped his addiction—and how vulnerability, acceptance, and community helped him reclaim his life.
This conversation explores the intersection of addiction, culture, family expectations, and healing, offering an honest look at what it means to stop hiding and start living with authenticity.
Melissa S., aka The Healed Professional, joins Jake and Jim for a powerful conversation about the moment that changed her life: sharing on a work conference call that she was an alcoholic. That honest, vulnerable moment became the catalyst for a complete career shift and a new calling as a sober coach.
We also talk about trying different recovery methods, what healing really looks like, and how recovery is not one-size-fits-all. It’s a real conversation about courage, transformation, and what it means to live an authentic life.
Billy B. joins Crosstalk to talk about hitting bottom during COVID, getting sober for his daughter, and finding a new path through SMART Recovery. Honest, funny, and direct, this episode is about what happens when you finally decide enough is enough and start doing the work to become someone better.
In this episode, Magoo shares how Step 2 and the principle of hope helped shape her recovery. Sober since 2001, she talks about building an “evidence file,” a way of looking back at all the times life could have gone much worse but didn’t, and finding proof of something greater at work. It’s a powerful conversation about humility, surrender, and learning to keep coming back.
In this episode of Crosstalk, we sit down with Megan L. for an honest conversation about the quiet forces that shape our lives—fear, love, and the stories we tell ourselves.
Megan opens up about living with what she describes as a “disease of perception,” navigating life as a professional perfectionist, and the exhausting pursuit of external validation.
Together, we explore the pivotal question at the center of it all: are you choosing love, or are you choosing fear? A thoughtful, vulnerable episode about unlearning old patterns and finding a more grounded way forward.
In this episode of Crosstalk, Bob S. shares a powerful story of addiction, identity, and resilience shaped by growing up in Oklahoma. Living a life fueled by impulsivity and heavy drinking, Bob entered recovery and came to understand his alcoholism and his sexuality, discovering both truths through AA. Along the way, he faced profound loss, strained family relationships, and the ongoing challenge of staying sober while learning to fully accept who he is. Bob’s story is one of hope and grace, and a reminder that there is serenity through acceptance.
In this episode of Crosstalk, we’re joined by John H., founder of SEALs in Recovery, for an honest conversation about accountability, loss, and surrender. John shares how the SEAL principle of 100% accountability applies to recovery, why connection is protection, and what it’s like to embrace surrender after a lifetime of being taught never to quit.
Colin H joins Jake and Jim to talk about the real mindset shifts behind sobriety — from seeing how judgment comes from insecurity to why the high road is less traveled. We dig into the tricks our alcoholic minds play, the power of fellowship, and why “stick with the winners” still works. Colin reminds us that running a good program simply means doing what brings happiness and serenity inside. A great episode for anyone new to sobriety or needing a reset.
After recording a video begging her future self to get sober, writer and The Clarity of Chaos podcast host Hannah T. eventually pressed play — and chose recovery. Hannah shares how writing became her way through chaos, how she learned to love without numbing, and why joy is now her guiding force. This episode is for anyone standing on the edge of change.
For our 5th anniversary episode, we brought back our very first guest—Matt R. It felt only right to come full circle with the person who helped launch Crosstalk. In this conversation, we dive deep into what it means to work Step 1 after 35 years of sobriety, why “the spiritual life is not a theory—we have to live it,” and the many pitfalls in sobriety that show up in ways beyond alcohol. This is an honest, powerful reflection on how recovery evolves over decades and why happiness rooted in circumstance will never be enough.
Bob K. shares his powerful story of getting sober at 57 after a near-fatal battle with alcoholism. From surviving cardiac arrest and delirium tremens to finding hope in recovery, Bob opens up about loss, resilience, and the program that saved his life.
In this episode, we sit down with Jojo L., who shares how she always felt like she was born in the wrong era.
Her first exposure to Alcoholics Anonymous came in college, but it was a random text from an old friend inviting her to a meeting that ultimately changed the course of her life.
Jojo opens up about navigating parenthood in sobriety—the challenges, the unexpected joys, and the constant balancing act between self-care and caring for others. She also shares her perspective on boundaries, pointing out a truth many in recovery learn the hard way: unhealthy people often react poorly to healthy boundaries.
This conversation is raw, honest, and infused with Jojo’s authentic spirit—a reminder that recovery can be rock ’n’ roll in its own right.
In this powerful and often hilarious conversation, Bobby H. joins us to talk about what it means to live authentically in sobriety. He reflects on the chaos of his past, when the only thing he could be reliably counted on for was being a "good time," and shares how recovery has given him something far more meaningful: a design for living that doesn't come at the expense of others.
In this powerful episode, Lorri A. shares her journey through the phases of sobriety, beginning with the pain of watching a family member struggle with — and ultimately lose their life to — alcoholism. Lorri reflects on what she calls the "finest definition of hell" - an alcoholic who can't get drunk and can't get sober.
She describes how her first meetings gave her a glimmer of hope, offering connection and understanding at a time when she felt most alone. Lorri also speaks to the unexpected gifts of sobriety, including the challenge and beauty of changing cities while sober, and the importance of embracing the feeling of being lost as a path to deeper growth and surrender.
This week, we sat down with Bill H. to talk about what makes the 11th Step so challenging — especially when the destination is a place of not knowing.
We explored:
🔑 Bill’s 5 keys to staying sober
🧠 Why messaging in AA matters — and how it shapes individual recovery
🎓 How his work as a special ed teacher taught him to embrace the unexpected
🍔 And yes… bacon cheeseburgers too
This conversation is real, thoughtful, and full of humility. Give it a listen — and see what lands for you.
In this special 50th episode of Crosstalk the Podcast, Jake and Jim take a heartfelt look back at the journey so far. From day one to episode fifty, we reflect on the growth of the pod and the major life changes we’ve experienced along the way — including cross-country moves, the birth of children, and the loss of loved ones.
We also express deep gratitude to every guest who has shared their story and every listener who has been part of this journey. Your support, honesty, and vulnerability have made Crosstalk what it is today.
This episode is about honoring the past, staying present, and looking ahead. Thanks for being with us.
Matt N. joins Jake and Jim to talk about what it means to stay in the middle of the boat, starting his day with the Set Aside prayer, and learning to live with the monkey mind without letting it run the show.
Matt shares powerful reflections on spiritual elasticity--the ability to stretch, grow, and return--and the peace that comes from being compassionately detached.
Mae B. joins Jim and Jake for a conversation about the beauty--and the challenges--of having a partner in sobriety, the power of pausing before reacting, and that universal yearning to belong.
In this episode, we sit down with Mark L., aka 90210 Mark, whose journey through recovery takes us from the streets of Amsterdam to rooms of sobriety. Mark shares a powerful moment of clarity sparked by a wake-up call from an Italian traveler-one that changed the course of his life. He opens up about the hard truth behind "geographicals" and why a change in scenery isn't the same as a change in self. Mark also shares about the heartbreaking loss of his brother and the impact that had on his relationship with God.
As Mark puts it, "If you seek happiness for a lifetime, help someone else." This episode is a reminder that recovery isn't just about staying sober - it's about finding purpose, connection, and peace.
In this episode, Jake and I sit down with James D., who shares his powerful story of returning to Alcoholics Anonymous after 15 years of sobriety—but without actively working a program. James opens up about the highs and lows of his journey, the moments when everything felt amazing, and the times when it all came crashing down. We dive into the importance of progress over perfection, what it means to truly work a program, and the deeply personal process of making amends to oneself. Whether you're in recovery, thinking about getting sober, or just looking for an honest conversation about growth and redemption, this episode is one you won't want to miss.
Andrea S. joins Jim and Jake to talk about getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, coping with loss in and out of sobriety, and the importance of accountability.
Cara C. joins the guys to talk about using tools like the 'power of the pause' and 'usefulness over self-interest' to navigate challenges. #soberpodcast #sobercommunity #sobercommunity
Dick H. joins the guys to share his experiences from over 36 years of sobriety. Beautiful stories of redemption, compassion, and the unlikely relationships that one discovers in sobriety.
Brian B. joins Jake and Jim to talk about sober alcoholism, dependence on people and circumstances, and doing the next right thing, whether it serves you or not.
Dan S. joins Jake and Jim to talk about the power of one day, integrating AA into his life, and learning to trust his gut.
Crosstalk is back! Jake and Jim return from their hiatus and are joined by an amazing guest, Kiayana. They cover a range of topics, including reaching for the next level of sobriety, finding one's purpose, and becoming a parent to your inner child.
Amy K. joins Jake and Jim to talk about surviving all the crazy shit the last two years, heated conversations with God, and future tripping.
Melissa B. joins Jake and Jim to talk about staying connected from afar, reworking the steps, and Snoop Dogg.
Danny J. joins Jake and Jim on his 5-year anniversary to talk about compliance versus surrender, regaining trust, and finding gratitude in loss.
Michael M. joins Jake and Jim to talk about bouncing along the bottom, being open to the possibility that someone else is right, and finding purpose through service to others.
Mike J. joins Jake and Jim to talk about relapse, getting honest, and finding peace in the present.
Jesse D. joins Jake and Jim to talk about adapting his program after moving to a small city, staying sober by saying 'yes,' and his desert island playlist.
New friend Kevin M. joins Jake and Jim. from California to talk about compliance versus surrender, the power of routine, and asking the question, "who is making your decisions today?"
Timo G. joins the guys to talk about relapse, anger, the ghosts of childhood, and how relapse isn't a part of sobriety, unless it is.
Crosstalk returns with special guest Bill B. from Colorado. Bill talks to the guys about facing unimaginable tragedy, finding redemption by being a badass love beam, and the frozen corpse of Jack Nicholson.
Jake's old friend Jon L. aka Meathead joins the guys to talk about finding AA on the Dick Van Dyke show, being an egomaniac with an inferiority complex, and the power of taking suggestions.
Jeff K. joins the guys to talk about focusing on the joy in life, the need to stay in control, and the importance of staying in the middle.
Jake's old friend Josh H. joins the guys to talk about being a sober dad, the impact of his sobriety on his work and vice versa, and the inability to simultaneously control and enjoy drinking.
Jimmy C. joins Jake and Jim from LA to talk about the overlooked power of steps 6 and 7, the relief of letting go, and the power of live music.
Anna A. joins Jake and Jim to talk about using quarantine as an opportunity to face issues she's been putting aside, the power of reaching out for help and being kind to oneself.
Ed N. joins Jake and Jim to talk about the need to stay connected, getting sober later in life, and why he remains grateful for the gift.
Jim's old friend Nate joins the guys to talk about getting sober during a pandemic, getting honest in a zoom room, and growing up in one of America's biggest party cities.
Maureen D. joins Jake and Jim to talk about taking personal responsibility, staying vulnerable, and the lessons she learned from her friend Frank.
Gibson S. joins Jake and Jim to talk about resisting the urge to self-sabotage, fighting self-pity with gratitude, and what it was like to drink with Jake!
Susan N. joins Jake and Jim to talk about the lessons learned inside AA meetings, the patience required for puppy training, and staying sober in the time of Covid.
Matt S. joins the guys to talk about Recovery Dharma, pet therapy, and the power of meditation.
Don joins Jake and Jim to talk about what he's learned over 44 years of sobriety, spending quarantine with his entire family and gratitude for all of it.
The man, the myth, the legend Jimmy O joins the guys to talk about finding God in nature, the power of walking, and why the Who's Quadrophenia is perfect for a deathbed playlist.
Jake and Jim discuss Jim's first couple weeks of parenthood, recap the podcast to this point and discuss their plans for the future of the pod.
Jake's sponsor, Dev K., joins the guys to talk about religion, self compassion and morbid reflection.
Deborah G. joins the guys to talk about justified anger, letting go and the healing power of walking.
Derek B. joins Jake and Jim to talk about his career as a therapist and addiction specialist, using old techniques to deal with new situations and the overlap between mental health and addiction.
Shannon W. joins Jake and Jim to talk about pet therapy, the power of self care and the importance of a well rounded program.
Peter F. joins Jake and Jim to talk about the drift caused by COVID, being an atheist in a spiritual program and conspiracy theories.
Molly M. joins Jake and Jim to talk about a variety of topics including the impact of her sobriety on her art, being married to another AA, and the healing properties of swimming.
John E. joins Jake and Jim to talk about the importance of making your bed (the right way), going back to in-person meetings, and control issues.
Jim's old friend Luke S. joins the guys from Minnesota to talk about sponsorship, the gift of desperation and the impact of music on his sobriety.
Jim's friend Alycia joins the guys to talk about sobriety during COVID, sponsorship, and staying honest.
Jake's longtime friend Sandy joins the podcast to talk about sobriety during a pandemic and what she has learned over almost 30 years of sobriety.
In the podcast's first episode Matt R. joins Jake and Jim to talk about his 30 years of sobriety.
David B. joins Jake and Jim to talk about the evolution of his spirituality, finding help with his relationships, and finding love in A.A.
Tim K. and Lucas K. join Jake and Jim to talk about being a family in recovery and staying in the pack while forging your own path in sobriety.
Jake's old friend Sandy Z. joins the guys from Florida to talk about fellowship, the fatality of the disease, and embracing solutions outside a 12 step program.
Alycia M. joins the pod to talk to the guys about sobriety in the age of COVID, setting boundaries with sponsors/sponsees and being a woman in a 12-step program.
Matt R. joins Jake and Jim to discuss a wide range of topics including the transition to zoom meetings, how he manages to keep growing as a person 30 years into sobriety and yelling at people going to Cracker Barrel during a pandemic.