Father Bill W.

Tom Powers, Jr. grew up in the shadow of Bill Wilson but that didn’t keep him from descending into the pit of his own alcoholism. To climb out of his illness he needed to find a ladder and climb it as if his life depended on it because it did. In this series, Father Bill interviews Matt D. archivist for All Addicts Anonymous, the 12-Step Fellowship Tom and his father founded to reflect the original and more spiritually grounded pioneer program. They discuss a 1973 paper Tom wrote titled “The Twelve-Step Ladder to God Consciousness.”  In this episode some cautions for spiritual ladder climbing are discussed. The paper is available in the show notes below.

Show notes:

Tom Powers, Jr. grew up in the shadow of Bill Wilson but that didn’t keep him from descending into the pit of his own alcoholism. To climb out of his illness he needed to find a ladder and climb it as if his life depended on it because it did. In this series, Father Bill interviews Matt D. archivist for All Addicts Anonymous, the 12-Step Fellowship Tom and his father founded to reflect the original and more spiritually grounded pioneer program. They discuss a 1973 paper Tom wrote titled “The Twelve-Step Ladder to God Consciousness.”  The paper is available in the show notes below. In this episode the 12-Steps are described as a spiritual ladder for the needs of modern men and women confronted with multiple addictions or those with a more serious need of a more spiritual solution.  

Show notes:

Tom Powers, Jr. grew up in the shadow of Bill Wilson but that didn’t keep him from descending into the pit of his own alcoholism. To climb out of his illness he needed to find a ladder and climb it as if his life depended on it because it did. In this series, Father Bill interviews Matt D. archivist for All Addicts Anonymous, the 12-Step Fellowship Tom and his father founded to reflect the original and more spiritually grounded pioneer program. They discuss a 1973 paper Tom wrote titled “The Twelve-Step Ladder to God Consciousness.”  The paper is available in the show notes below. In this episode the 12-Steps are described as a spiritual ladder for the needs of modern men and women confronted with multiple addictions or in need of a more powerful spiritual solution.  

Show notes:

This series focuses on Harold Begbie’s book Life Changers. First published in 1922 it describes key elements in Frank Buchman’s program of radical change from which AA drew so many of its principles and practices. Studying the source material for the 12-Steps can give us insights into the transformational process the Group was trying to achieve both in individuals and in nations. They can prove invaluable to anyone whose recovery has lost its “zing” or to individuals unable to recover because of a “watered down” recovery approach. Fr. Bill focuses on the final chapter in the 13th edition. It is an article on the Groups written in 1929 by John McCook Roots and published in the Atlantic Monthly.

This series focuses on Harold Begbie’s book Life Changers. Published in 1922 it describes key elements in Frank Buchman’s program of radical change from which AA drew so many of its principles and practices. Studying the source material for the 12-Steps can give us insights into the transformational process the Group was trying to achieve both in individuals and in nations. They can prove invaluable to anyone whose recovery has lost its “zing” or to individuals unable to recover because of a “watered down” recovery approach. Fr. Bill focuses on chapters 3 through 9 of Life Changers drawing broadly from the stories of some who attended the 1922 house party and the elements that helped bring about their change. 

Show notes: 

• Life Changers:

 This series is focused on Harold Begbie’s book Life Changers. Published in 1922 it describes key elements in Frank Buchman’s program of radical change from which AA drew so much. Studying the source material for the 12-Steps can give us insights into the transformation process the Group was trying to achieve both in individuals and in nations. These can prove invaluable to anyone whose recovery has lost its “zing” or to individuals unable to recover because of a “watered down” recovery approach. Fr. Bill focuses on chapter two of Begbie’s book describing the founder of the Oxford Group as a “soul surgeon”- a man capable of cutting out anything that keeps a person from a full recovery. 

Show notes: 

This series is focused on Harold Begbie’s book Life Changers. First published in 1922 it describes some of the key elements in Frank Buchman’s program of radical change from which AA had its birth. Studying the source material for the 12-Steps can give us insights into the transformation process the Group was trying to achieve both in individuals and in the lost culture of the times. Understanding these more fully and putting some of them to work for us can prove invaluable to anyone whose recovery has lost its “zing” or to individuals unable to recover because of a “watered down” recovery approach that isn’t working for them. They say “some of us are sicker than others” and the solution for some may be taking a stronger dose of medicine than others. The author identifies some of that strong medicine. The book is available in affordable reprints listed in the show notes.

Show notes: 

Jeff and Debra Jay are the co-authors of Love First: A Family’s Guide to Intervention. Now in its third edition, their book has helped thousands of families find new lives in recovery. The series addresses how families can be empowered to help a loved one still in denial, how to prepare properly for an intervention, and how the intervention can best be assured to succeed. In this episode Father Bill and Jeff discuss what happens on the day of an intervention along with some suggestions for special cases. If you’ve ever been told “you can’t help an alcoholic or addict until they ask for help” you won’t want to miss this series.

Show Notes: 

Jeff and Debra Jay are the co-authors of Love First: A Family’s Guide to Intervention. Now in its third edition, their book has helped thousands of families find new lives in recovery. The series addresses how families can be empowered to help a loved one still in denial, how to prepare properly for an intervention, and how the intervention can best be assured to succeed. In this episode Father Bill and Jeff continue their discussion of laying the foundations for a successful intervention. If you’ve ever been told “you can’t help an alcoholic or addict until they ask for help” you won’t want to miss this series.

Show Notes:

Jeff and Debra Jay are the co-authors of Love First: A Family’s Guide to Intervention. Now in its third edition, their book has helped thousands find their way to new lives in recovery. The series addresses how families can be empowered to help a loved one still in denial, how to prepare properly for an intervention, and how the intervention can best be assured to succeed. In this episode Father Bill and Jeff explore laying the foundations for a successful intervention. If you’ve ever been told “you can’t help an alcoholic or addict until they ask for help” you won’t want to miss this series.

Show notes:

Jeff and Debra Jay are the co-authors of Love First: A Family’s Guide to Intervention. The book is now in its third edition and has helped thousands find their way to new lives in recovery. Recognized national leaders in the field of intervention, the authors lay bare some of the myths that continue to keep so many alcoholics and addicts trapped in their illness. The series will address how families can be empowered to help a loved one still in denial, how to prepare properly for an intervention, and how the intervention can best be assured to succeed. In this episode Father Bill interviews Jeff who shares the story of his own recovery, his work in the addiction treatment field and how he found and fostered his passion for intervention work.  If you’ve ever been told “you can’t help and alcoholic until he wants help” you won’t want to miss this series.

Show Notes: 

The Serenity Prayer has long been associated with Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s a prayer uniquely fitted to meeting the needs of alcoholics and addicts as we begin our recovery journey or face trials along the way. On first reading it, Wilson said, “Never had we seen so much A.A. in so few words.” (AA Comes of Age, p. 196.) In this episode Fr. Bill shares some thoughts on the prayer in both its short and longer forms.

Show Notes:

Who Wrote the Serenity Prayer, by Fred R. Shapiro, Yale Alumni Magazine, 2008

William Schaberg is the author of an important new book that’s “a must read” for every 12-Step member ready to separate recovery myth from recovery miracle. This episode focuses on chapter one of Schaberg’s sure to be classic Writing the Big Book titled Challenging the Creation Myths.  He and Father Bill explore what Wilson referred to as “the flying blind” period before the Big Book was written. It’s just one of the many myths Schaberg carefully examines as he traces the Big Book’s writing through the critical eye of historical documentation. Myths are not unrealities – they’re expressing truths that are often bigger than reality. You’re sure to find this a fascinating and enlightening discussion.Show Notes:

Over thirty years ago an AA archivist gave me a book that changed my life. It’s one of the best descriptions of the Oxford Group program out of which AA would later blossom and grow. Published in 1933 and titled WHAT IS THE OXFORD GROUP? the anonymous author lays out many of the principles and practices that Bill Wilson drew from in writing the Big Book. If you’re ready for a life-changing shift to your program, this series may be for you. The book is available free through a link in the show notes.

This episode explores the concept of GUIDANCE as it was understood and practiced by the AA pioneers. An understanding of Guidance has largely been lost from modern-day 12-Step fellowships. This episode tries to instill in listeners the power of living a God-guided life.

Show Notes:     Pdf copy of What is the Oxford Group?

Over thirty years ago an AA archivist gave me a book that changed my life. It’s one of the best descriptions of the Oxford Group program out of which AA would later blossom and grow. Published in 1933 and titled WHAT IS THE OXFORD GROUP? the anonymous author lays out many of the principles and practices that Bill Wilson drew from in writing the Big Book. If you’re ready for a life-changing shift to your program, this series may be for you. The book is available free through a link in the show notes.

This episode explores RESTITUTION as it was understood and practiced by the AA pioneers. Making amends for our past wrongs affects others as much as ourselves and requires guidance and courage in knowing how best to proceed.

Show Notes:

Pdf copy of What is the Oxford Group?

Over thirty years ago an AA archivist gave me a book that changed my life. It’s one of the best descriptions of the Oxford Group program out of which AA would later blossom and grow. Published in 1933 and titled WHAT IS THE OXFORD GROUP? the anonymous author lays out many of the principles and practices that Bill Wilson drew from in writing the Big Book. If you’re ready for a life-changing shift to your program, this series may be for you. The book is available free through a link in the show notes.

This episode explores SURRENDER as it was understood and practiced by the AA pioneers. Interestingly, it’s a word that’s never used in the first 164 pages of the Big Book.   

Show Notes:

What is the Oxford Group?

This episode tackles a subject that’s pretty much taboo in 12-Step meetings: SIN. It was a key concept in the Group and Bill Wilson called it by different names in the Big Book. Don’t let prejudice or negative past experiences keep you from listening. You may find a “life-changing” key to your Program.

Show Notes:

What is the Oxford Group?

Over thirty years ago an AA archivist gave me a book that changed my life. It’s one of the best descriptions of the Oxford Group program out of which AA would later blossom and grow. Published in 1933 and titled WHAT IS THE OXFORD GROUP? the anonymous author lays out many of the principles and practices that Bill Wilson drew from in writing the Big Book. If you’re ready for a life-changing shift to your program, this series may be for you. This episode completes chapter one and is focused on the Group’s unique use of house-parties and on the Group’s founder Frank Buchman. It’s focused on what AA took forward and what it left behind.

Show Notes:

Over thirty years ago an AA archivist gave me a book that changed my life. It’s one of the best descriptions of the Oxford Group program out of which AA would later blossom and grow. Published in 1933 and titled WHAT IS THE OXFORD GROUP? the anonymous author lays out many of the principles and practices that Bill Wilson drew from in writing the Big Book. If you’re ready for a life-changing shift to your program, this series may be for you.

Michael T. recovered young and has been sober in AA for many years. But when he discovered AA’s original Pioneer Program things inside him started to change. The Four Absolutes took hold and doing God’s will became the driving force. Art was Michael’s means of expression and science fiction began blending with his 12-Step recovery. In this second episode Michael shares a modern recovery myth titled THE KEY OF WILLINGNESS. It’s an old truth set in modern form. Be sure to watch this episode on YouTube to get the full effect.

Show notes:

Michael T. recovered young and has stayed sober in AA for many years. But when he discovered AA’s original Pioneer Program things inside him began to change. The Four Absolutes took hold and doing God’s will in the world became a driving force. Art became Michael’s means of expression and science fiction began blending with his 12-Step recovery. In this first episode Michael shares his recovery story. He explains how a modern myth found expression in what the Big Book terms, “the fourth dimension of existence.” Buckle your seat belts and come along for the ride!

Show Notes: 

In modern society it appears that many men – and not a few women – are seriously and dangerously out of touch with their emotions. Opportunities abound to isolate and to self-medicate.  When we begin recovery many of us find ourselves emotionally vulnerable and often immature. This series focuses on why this is and offers methods and exercises for connecting with and caring for our emotional selves. 

Father Bill continues interviewing therapist Laura Jones Swann, author of Men and Emotions … It’s a Thing. Laura’s worked extensively in the recovery field teaching at several Texas universities. She serves as the guide to a topic that’s relevant both to men and women alike. In this final episode men who’ve found emotional recovery share their powerful stories. 

Show Notes:

In modern society it appears that many men – and not a few women – are seriously and dangerously out of touch with their emotions. Opportunities abound to isolate and to self-medicate.  When we addicts and alcoholics begin recovery many of us find ourselves emotionally vulnerable and often immature. This series focuses on why this is and offers methods and exercises for connecting with and caring for our emotional selves.

Father Bill continues interviewing therapist Laura Jones Swann, author of Men and Emotions … It’s a Thing. Laura’s worked extensively in the recovery field teaching at several Texas universities. She serves as the guide to a topic that’s relevant both to men and women alike.

In this second-to-last episode, Laura reviews the second half of her strategy list to help support a healthy emotional life.

Show Notes:

Men and Emotions: It’s a Thing by Laura Swann, MEd. LCDC

In modern society many men – and not a few women – are seriously and dangerously out of touch with their emotions. Opportunities abound to isolate and to self-medicate.  When we addicts and alcoholics begin recovery many of us find ourselves emotionally vulnerable and immature. This series focuses on why this is and offers methods and exercises for connecting with and caring for our emotional selves.

Father Bill continues interviewing therapist Laura Jones Swann, author of Men and Emotions: It’s a Thing. Laura’s worked extensively in the recovery field teaching at several Texas universities. She serves as the guide to a topic that’s relevant to men and women alike.

In this third episode Laura reviews strategies that can help both men and women support a healthy emotional life. It’s divided into a two-parts.

Show Notes:

In modern society many men – and not a few women – are seriously and dangerously out of touch with their emotions. Opportunities abound to isolate and to self-medicate.  When an addict or an alcoholic begins recovery many of us find ourselves emotionally vulnerable and immature. This series focuses on some reasons for this and offers methods and exercises for connecting with and caring for our emotional selves. 

Father Bill interviews therapist Laura Jones Swann, author of Men and Emotions: It’s a Thing. Laura has worked extensively in the recovery field  teaching at several Texas universities. She’ll serve as the guide to a topic that’s relevant to men and women alike. 

In this second episode Laura takes a deep dive into the emotional life of men: the unique challenges men face, the emotional inner- landscape of our lives, and Nine Principles for Connecting to and Caring for the Emotional Self. 

 Show Notes:

In modern society many men – and not a few women – are seriously and dangerously out of touch with their emotions. Opportunities abound to isolate and to self-medicate. When an addict or an alcoholic begins recovery  many of us find ourselves emotionally vulnerable and emotionally immature. This series focuses on some reasons this comes about and offers methods and exercises for connecting with and caring for our emotional selves.

Father Bill interviews therapist Laura Jones Swann, author of Men and Emotions: It’s a Thing. Laura has worked extensively in the recovery field for many years teaching at several Texas universities. She’ll serve as the guide to a topic that’s relevant to men and women alike. In the first episode Laura introduces herself, talks about her own recovery, shares how she became interested in deeper emotional work, and suggests how her book can be of help to readers wanting to grow in emotional maturity. Hope you'll come along! 

Show Notes:

Fr. Bill interviews Jungian analyst and author of The War of the Gods in Addiction David Schoen. The conversation centers on the underlying, and often overlooked, psychic elements uniquely present in addiction and the 12-Step pathway that seems specifically designed to overcome them.

Show Notes:

A book I’ve often returned to over and over is Thomas R. Kelly’s  A Testament of Devotion. Kelly was a Quaker and a mystic. His book centers on what the Big Book calls “the Great Reality within.” Since it’s a Greater Reality we can never fully understand it – but we can certainly experience it – and mystics like Kelly come as close as humans can come to describing what such an experience - and still more – what a such relationship is like. In this final episode Fr. Bill goes further into Kelly’s chapter: The Simplification of Life. Kelly’s advice to a group of Quakers has a great deal to offer a group of drunks and addicts in following Dr. Bob’s advice to KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Show Notes:

A book I’ve often returned to over and over is Thomas R. Kelly’s  A Testament of Devotion. Kelly was a Quaker and a mystic. His book centers on what the Big Book calls “the Great Reality within.” Since it’s a Greater Reality we can never fully understand it – but we can certainly experience it – and mystics like Kelly come as close as humans can come to describing what such an experience - and still more – what a such relationship is like. In this episode Fr. Bill goes further into Kelly’s chapter: The Eternal Now and Social Concern. Kelly balances a person’s work in the world with an experience of God in the Now. The two flow out of one another just as carrying the message flows naturally from an experience of God.  

A book I’ve often returned to over and over is Thomas R. Kelly’s  A Testament of Devotion. Kelly was a Quaker and a mystic. His book centers on what the Big Book calls “the Great Reality within.” Since it’s a Greater Reality we can never fully understand it – but we can certainly experience it – and mystics like Kelly come as close as humans can come to describing what such an experience - and still more – what a such relationship is like. In this episode Fr. Bill goes further into Kelly’s chapter: The Blessed Community. He describes what it means to be in genuine union with fellow spiritual travelers verses being just another cog in a spiritual wheel going nowhere.

Show Notes:

A book I’ve often returned to over and over is Thomas R. Kelly’s  A Testament of Devotion. Kelly was a Quaker and a mystic. His book centers on what the Big Book calls “the Great Reality within.” Since it’s a Greater Reality we can never fully understand it – but we can certainly experience it – and mystics like Kelly come as close as humans can come to describing what such an experience - and still more – what a such relationship is like. In this episode Fr. Bill goes further into Kelly’s chapter: Holy Obedience sharing what it’s like to be there and four steps for getting there.

Show Notes:

A book I’ve often returned to over and over is Thomas R. Kelly’s  A Testament of Devotion. Kelly was a Quaker and a mystic. His book centers on what the Big Book calls “the Great Reality within.” Since it’s a Greater Reality we can never understand it – but we can experience it – and mystics like Kelly come as close as humans can come to describing what such an experience - and still more – what such a relationship is like. In this episode, Fr. Bill focuses on Kelly’s second chapter: Holy Obedience. It’s OK to listen even if you’re not wholly there!

Show Notes:

A book I’ve often returned to in my morning Quiet Times is Thomas R. Kelly’s  A Testament of Devotion. Kelly was a Quaker and a mystic. His book centers on what the Big Book calls “the Great Reality within.” Since it’s a Greater Reality we can never understand it – but we can experience it – and mystics like Kelly come as close as humans can come to describing what such an experience - and still more – what such a relationship is like. In this episode Fr. Bill focuses on Kelly’s first chapter: The Inner Light. It’s a Light sure to illuminate the path of any spiritual seeker.

Many early AAs were prolific readers. Dr. Bob left a library overflowing with spiritual literature and for Oxford Group members spiritual reading formed an important part of their daily morning quiet times. When I’m asked, “What books do you recommend?” to read before doing Two Way Prayer, I’m hesitant to answer as we’re each very different. But, for me, there's one book I’ve returned to several times and it never fails to speak to the deepest longings of my soul. The Big Book says the Great Reality is within. Thomas R. Kelly’s book A Testament of Devotion sheds a Light that helps illuminate that inward journey. Come along for the ride!

Description: Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob and the AA Pioneers found sobriety primarily by working the principles and practices of the Oxford Group and adapting them to meet the needs of alcoholics. This series traces that early history. It draws from the 1980 AA publication Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers. 

Fr. Bill’s guest is recovery archivist Matt D. from the 12-Step Fellowship All Addicts Anonymous. In this final episode they focus on Dr. Bob’s legacy to AA.

Show Notes: 

Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob and the AA Pioneers became sober primarily by working the principles and practices of the Oxford Group and adapting them to meet the needs of alcoholics. This series traces that early history. It draws from the 1980 AA publication Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers. Fr. Bill’s guest is recovery archivist Matt D. from the 12-Step Fellowship All Addicts Anonymous. In this sixth episode they explore Chapters 15 through 18 as AA meetings evolve in Akron and Cleveland where Dr. Bob’s influence is remembered.

Show Notes:

Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob and the AA pioneers gained their sobriety primarily by working the principles found in the Oxford Group and adapting them to the special needs of alcoholics. This series traces that early history. It draws from the 1980 AA publication Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers. Fr. Bill’s guest is recovery archivist Matt D. from the 12-Step Fellowship All Addicts Anonymous. In this fifth episode they explore Chapters 12,13, and 14 as the alcoholics in the Midwest strike out on their own.

Show Notes: 

Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob and the AA pioneers gained their sobriety primarily by working the principles found in the Oxford Group and adapting them to the special needs of alcoholics. This series traces that early history. It draws from the 1980 AA publication Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers. Fr. Bill’s guest is recovery archivist Matt D. from the 12-Step Fellowship All Addicts Anonymous. In this fourth episode they explore Chapters 9,10 and11 as the original program starts to take shape.

Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob and the AA pioneers gained their sobriety primarily by working the principles found in the Oxford Group and adapting them to the special needs of alcoholics. This series traces that early history. It draws from the 1980 AA publication Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers. Fr. Bill’s guest is recovery archivist Matt D. from the 12-Step Fellowship All Addicts Anonymous. In this third episode they explore Chapters 7 and 8 as the co-founders go to work on AA number Three and chart their course of recovery.

Show Notes: 

Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob and the AA pioneers gained their sobriety by working the principles found in the Oxford Group and adapting them to the special needs of alcoholics. This series traces this early history. It draws from the 1980 AA publication Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers. Fr. Bill’s guest is recovery archivist Matt D. from the 12-Step Fellowship All Addicts Anonymous. In this episode they explore the two year period when Bob was faithfully attending Oxford Group meetings but unable to stay sober. Then Bill arrived providentially and a spark was lit that ignited the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Show Notes:

A recovery program for alcoholics existed before the Big Book was written, and before the 12 Steps ever came to be. Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob and the original members of AA gained their sobriety by working the principles and practices found in the Oxford Group and adapting them to the special needs of alcoholics. This series traces some of this early history. It draws from the 1980 AA publication Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers. Fr. Bill’s guest is recovery archivist Matt D. from the 12-Step Fellowship All Addicts Anonymous. In this first episode Matt shares some of his own story, explores what the original Akron program was like, how it differed from modern-day AA, and why that original program attracted him. Fr. Bill and Matt then go on to explore highlights from Dr. Bob’s early life and recovery.

Two Way Prayer is only a part of a longer morning Quiet Time. In this final episode of a two-part series Fr. Bill explores a pamphlet by Howard J. Rose that’s titled: The Quite Time. The short pamphlet was popular among members of the Oxford Group and early AA. It gives an overview of the Morning Quiet Time practice covering five areas: 

1.) The Facts of God’s Guidance. 

2.) The Conditions of God’s Guidance

3.) The Tests of God’s Guidance

4.) One Method of receiving God’s Guidance

5.) The Results of God’s Guidance

The pamphlet is available to download in the show notes

Show Notes:

Two Way Prayer is only a part of a longer morning Quiet Time. In the following two episodes Fr. Bill explores a pamphlet by Howard J. Rose that’s titled simply: The Quite Time. The short pamphlet was popular among members of the Oxford Group and early AA.  It gives an overview of the Morning Quiet Time practice covering five areas: 

1.) The Facts of God’s Guidance. 

2.) The Conditions of God’s Guidance

3.) The Tests of God’s Guidance

4.) One Method of receiving God’s Guidance

5.) The Results of God’s Guidance

The pamphlet is available to download in the show notes

Show Notes:

We live in an age when the meaning and purpose of life are often less clear than ever before. An age when we’re asking questions of doctors we should be asking priests - but few priests seem able to provide meaningful answers to today’s spiritual seekers. Enter Viktor Frankl.

Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist whose pioneering work known as Logotherapy has helped millions of suffering men and women begin asking the right questions of life and finding answers that satisfy their souls.

In this series, we’ve explored Frankl’s book The Doctor and the Soul. Fr. Bill’s guest and tour guide has been Tom Lavin, a therapist, teacher, and friend who has studied Frankl’s work for years and helped many addicts and alcoholics find new or renewed meaning and purpose in their recovery.

This episode concludes the series. It briefly reviews some of the topics we’ve covered, ties them into the 12-Step journey and contains some suggestions from Tom on what to look for when choosing a therapist.

Show Notes:

Tom Lavin is a Psychotherapist, Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

He’s served for many years as Adjunct Faculty, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

We live in an age when the meaning and purpose of life are often less clear than ever before. An age when we’re asking questions of doctors we should be asking priests - but few priests seem able to provide meaningful answers to today’s spiritual seekers. Enter Viktor Frankl.

Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist whose pioneering work known as Logotherapy has helped millions of suffering men and women begin asking the right questions of life and finding answers that satisfy their souls. 

In this series, we explore Frankl’s book The Doctor and the Soul. Fr. Bill’s guest and tour guide is Tom Lavin, a therapist, teacher, and friend who has studied Frankl’s work for years and helped many addicts and alcoholics find new or renewed meaning and purpose in their recovery. This episode explores the existential meaning of love. What it is … What is it not … And how to find it in recovery.

Show Notes:

Links to Tom’s website and his LIVE BETTER television series can be Accessed here.  

We live in an age when the meaning and purpose of life are often less clear than ever before. An age when we’re asking questions of doctors we should be asking priests - but few priests seem able to provide meaningful answers to today’s spiritual seekers. Enter Viktor Frankl.

Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist whose pioneering work known as Logotherapy has helped millions of suffering men and women begin asking the right questions of life and finding answers that satisfy their souls. 

In this series, we explore Frankl’s book The Doctor and the Soul. Fr. Bill’s guest and tour guide is Tom Lavin, a therapist, teacher, and friend who has studied Frankl’s work for years and helped many addicts and alcoholics find new or renewed meaning and purpose in their recovery. This episode explores the existential meaning of work.

Show Notes:

Tom Lavin is a Psychotherapist, Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. 

 He’s served for many years as Adjunct Faculty, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.