Crosstalk

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.