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Artwork for Father Bill W.

Father Bill W.

Father Bill W.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Spirituality
Two Way Prayer
Addiction Recovery
Oxford Group
12-Step Recovery
Recovery
12-Step Program
Spiritual Awakening
Addiction
Alcoholism
Viktor Frankl
Buddhism
Bill Wilson
A Testament Of Devotion
Logotherapy
Frank Buchman
Intervention
Addiction Treatment
Twelve Steps

I’m an Episcopal (Anglican) priest in recovery from alcoholism since 1972. I've spent my career in addiction treatment focused on 12-Step spirituality and exploring the pioneer history of AA. In discovering the lost 11th Step practice of Two Way Prayer, my program underwent a life-changing transformation. As Bill Wilson said, “ something was lost from AA when we stopped emphasizing the morning med... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes311Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualitySpirituality

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Artwork for Father Bill W.

Latest Episodes

In the episode Fr. Bill shares some experience and advice for keeping the 12-Step program simple and alive. If you’re a long-term listener, you probably won’t find much new here, but hopefully hearing the simple recovery message in simple language ca... more

We all know the saying, “You have to give it away to keep it.” That idea may be especially true of the practice of Two Way Prayer. Listening for God’s guidance was at the center of the transformative practices of the Oxford Group, and those of us who... more

Most in recovery know that Henrietta was the woman who answered a phone call from Bill Wilson and put him in touch with Dr. Bob; but there’s a whole lot more to her story than that.

In this episode Fr. Bill interviews Julie Frye who served for ten ... more

In this short episode, Fr. Bill reflects on a brief recording of Bill Wilson’s unsuccessful attempts to return to the original 12 Step wording of “spiritual experience” over “spiritual awakening.” He also comments on Fr. Dowling’s words to the 20th A... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Julie Frye
Curator discussing Henrietta Seiberling and Stan Hywet
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Akron, Ohio)
Episode: Henrietta Seiberling - The Woman Behind the AA Curtain
Dawn Eden Goldstein
Author of Father Ed, The Story of Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor
Author/Historian
Episode: Father Ed Dowling: Bill W's Spiritual Sponsor
Father James R. James
Fellow Episcopal priest and recovering alcoholic
North of Tampa, Florida (geographic reference in intro)
Episode: Let Go Absolutely - For Real???
James R. James
Episcopal priest in recovery, living in Central Florida
Florida, USA
Episode: Pantheism & Prayer
James R.
Episcopal priest and fellow recovering alcoholic
Central Florida (from transcript)
Episode: Let Go... Then Hang on Tight
Dr. Nicole Labor
Physician, family practitioner, and addiction specialist
Practices addiction medicine in Northern Ohio, author of The Addictoholic Deconstructed
Episode: The Addicted Brain
David Belden
Author of The World Remakers' Child: A Memoir of Activism and Healing
Episode: A Rebel in the Oxford Group: Getting In and Getting Out
Dave Belden
Activist and author, raised in the Oxford Group.
Episode: A Rebel in the Oxford Group: Life of a Founder
Professor William Miller
An authority in addiction recovery and author of "Quantum Change: When Epiphanies and Sudden Insights Transform Ordinary Lives"
University of New Mexico
Episode: Psychic Change in Addiction Recovery

Host

Father Bill W.
Host and Episcopal priest guiding discussions, recovery educator

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 370 ratings
  • Life changing

    Father Bill W. Has been invaluable in my life. I had so much religious trauma, that I couldn’t open my heart. Through two years of listening to every episode I could get my hands on. He lead me to God through history and a deep dive into who God is. I’m hanging on because as of his openness to explore world religions and how they affect us all. I feel like I’m part of the worlds again🙏❤️‍🩹🙏

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MitchyDow
    United States2 months ago
  • Super great podcast

    I love how Father Bill breaks down things about the 12 step program. His voice is so nice to listen to and I am learning new things after many years in recovery. Great little history lessons about the program. Also 2 way prayer does work and you can keep it simple!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ms Audrey
    United States3 months ago
  • inspirational

    Father Bill has become one of the most influential men in recovery

    He has opened doors to learning , Feeling and recovery that otherwise I would not of known existed. Father Bill speaks i suggest to listen than act!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ricky pages
    United States5 months ago
  • Heart Opening

    I so look forward to the richness of Father Bill’s podcasts each week. The books he leads us through, the wonderful guests he interviews and the rich history he shares, both his own and AA’s, are always inspiring. He always helps me, as does the practice of Two Way Prayer, go from my often misguided thoughts to listening to the Great Reality Within —to the truth within my heart. Thank you Father Bill!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alice blue sky
    United States8 months ago
  • Water to a thirsty soul

    I’m learning so much from each of the sessions. So informative and helpful.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PLW🇨🇦
    Canada10 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The show is praised for its practical, hopeful insights into prayer, meditation, and the steps, though some listeners note occasional interruptions or ego
Guests are seen as knowledgeable and credible, contributing deeply to recovery discussions.
Listeners describe the host as a calm, authoritative guide who makes complex spiritual topics accessible.

Chart Rankings

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Pantheism & Prayer
Q: What role do ritual and traditional religion play in this understanding of prayer?
Rituals and traditional practices anchor experiential openness, yet they should not become mere cushions; they serve as scaffolds to access a deeper, present reality and the 'depth dimension' Caputo describes.
Pantheism & Prayer
Q: How does Two Way Prayer fit into radical theology and recovery?
Two Way Prayer is about aligning with a deeper voice that isn't the ego mind; it involves surrender, openness, and staying grounded in the recognition that the divine can speak through us, not just to us.
Pantheism & Prayer
Q: Is God a person, or is God something beyond personhood?
Caputo's framework suggests God can be approached as a personal presence while also recognizing God as larger than any single person image; prayer remains a personal conversation that can use symbols without claiming final ultimate form.
Let Go of God to Find God
Q: How has your view of God evolved since entering recovery?
He describes moving from a control-oriented view to seeing God as larger than his ego, with recovery teaching him to let go and let God guide his next right action.
Let Go of God to Find God
Q: Could you tell us a little about your background and spiritual journey?
James shares a long arc from a secular/atheist phase through Greek Orthodox roots to a wider inter-spiritual exploration, seminary training, and ultimately recovery work that shaped his understanding of God and spirituality.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Father Bill W.

What is Father Bill W. about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show blends recovery-centered spirituality with historical context, frequently exploring early AA roots, 12-Step practices, and the transformative potential of Two Way Prayer. Episodes often feature clergy, scholars, and clinicians who discuss recovery, radical theology, and the intersection of faith and everyday life, using historical anecdotes and practical exercises to illuminate how belief translates into action. Notable throughlines include a focus on AA's origins, the role of prayer and meditation in sustaining sobriety, and ongoing conversations about how diverse religious traditions can inform a lived recovery practice. A recurring strength is translating complex spiritual concepts into actionable steps for listeners, making th... more

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How many episodes of Father Bill W. are there?

Father Bill W. launched 8 years ago and published 311 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Father Bill W.?

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What guests have appeared on Father Bill W.?

Recent guests on Father Bill W. include:

1. Julie Frye
2. Dawn Eden Goldstein
3. Father James R. James
4. James R. James
5. James R.
6. Dr. Nicole Labor
7. David Belden
8. Dave Belden

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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