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Kirsten Johnson Podcast

Kirsten Johnson
Alcoholics Anonymous
Mental Health
Recovery
Sobriety
Deprogramming
Addiction Recovery
Addiction
Critical Thinking
Trauma
Alcohol Use Disorder
Bill Wilson
Oxford Group
Cults
Smart Recovery
Self-Improvement
Harm Reduction
Neurodivergence
Mind Control
Therapy
Naltrexone

This podcast is about courage in real time—facing fear, trusting yourself, and actually doing the things you know you’re here to do.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes184Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EntrepreneurshipSelf-ImprovementEducationBusiness

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Artwork for Kirsten Johnson Podcast

Latest Episodes

Today we have Carrie back on the pod with a livestream marathon conversation on what it's been like to dissent AA.

Carrie first "broke her anonymity" a year ago with her leaving and deprogramming AA Substack which you can find here.

🔥 Free Deprog... more

April is dissent month around here. Today we're vibing with Victor from Quackaholics Anonymous (YouTube Channel and Facebook Group) about his experience dissenting AA for the past decade.

Timestamps:

00:00 Quackaholics Anonymous Speaks Out

03:00... more

Today we're sitting down with Tara Grace from Burn The Stigma YouTube, Burn The Stigma Facebook and Burn The Stigma TikTok to discuss what it's been like for her to 12 step dissent since 2020.

📚 Explore Deprogram AA, Cult Recovery and Critical Thin... more

Today marks one year of dissenting! And today is my 6 year anniversary of leaving Alcoholics Anonymous. What a wild ride this past year has been.

Today we're diving into what it's been like dissenting this past year. I've timestamped it in case you ... more

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
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Similar Podcasts

Recent Guests

Bobby C
Known for discussing deprogramming from Alcoholics Anonymous and its connection to Rockefeller.
Anonymous Addiction Podcast
Episode: Ep 192 Rockefeller and Alcoholics Anonymous with Bobby C
Marc Lewis
Author of The Biology of Desire and a psychologist specializing in addiction
Episode: Ep 154 How Author Marc Lewis Got Sober (Biology of Desire)
Charlie Sheen
Actor and author, known for his roles in television and film, including his recent discussions about sobriety.
Self
Episode: Ep 135 How Charlie Sheen Got Sober (And His Thoughts on AA)
Monica Richardson
Filmmaker of the documentary The 13th Step and advocate for deprogramming from AA
Episode: Ep 124 13th Step Filmmaker Exposes AA’s Darkest Secrets — Monica Richardson's Story
Mandi P.
Cult and child trafficking survivor, red flag educator for parents and teens
Episode: Ep 110 Midtown AA “13th Stepping” Scandal — Mandi’s Story
Jim Battle
A critic of Alcoholics Anonymous and speaker on addiction recovery
Episode: Ep 108 Preacher Exposes the Truth About AA—And I’m Shook
Carrie England
Former member of Alcoholics Anonymous with 36 years of experience, who discusses her journey of leaving AA
Episode: Ep 107 Big Book Thumper Leaves AA After 32 Years — Carrie's Story
Tara Bear
Advocate for alternative modalities to sobriety and founder of Burn The Stigma
Burn The Stigma
Episode: Ep 104 Leaving 12 Step with Tara @BurnTheStigma
Brad Pitt
Hollywood actor who discussed AA in another podcast episode
Episode: Ep 87 Brad Pitt Just Promoted AA to Millions — Here’s the Problem

Host

Kirsten
Host with a focus on critical thinking, recovery culture critique, and personal empowerment.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 26 ratings
  • I’m sorry

    Honestly, I feel bad for you and your guests that this was your experience in AA- to feel like you must or have to do anything. Not sure what kinda meetings you used to run over there, but all of it was suggestive. Whether it was the # of meetings you went to, whether you chose to pick up the phone (lol that it was mentioned as a positive… we screen calls all the time), telling secrets? Like bro it even says in the book you don’t have to tell ur sponsor this stuff - having/talking to a therapist... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Billdub2011
    United States4 months ago
  • Potentially Dangerous

    For sure AA and the 12 step model are not for everyone, but it’s a supportive, free community that can and does work to help folks get and stay sober long term. And yea, lots and lots of folks who don’t want to stop using will tell you it doesn’t work, they’re entitled to their opinions. There are a lot of confusing/confused statements about her experiences with AA that I don’t think are universal and tbh, I’m afraid some poor addict out there who is just looking for an excuse to stay high is li... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    vinyldash
    United States4 months ago
  • Cult like

    Thank you for your podcast.. I never bought into AA and also thought it was cult and after hearing your podcast I am so glad I chose not to go down tgat road.. I’m happy to see that I’m not the only one who thought it was a cult!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jay the billionare
    United States6 months ago
  • Thank you!

    So helpful and informative. Thank you for validating my experience. AA is definitely not for everyone!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Priscilla999213
    United States10 months ago

Listeners Say

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

- Listeners appreciate candid storytelling and practical resources for transition.
- Mixed views on recovery programs, with some listeners valuing support while others critique cult-like dynamics.
- Positive reception when addressing empowerment and critical thinking in recovery.

Top Self-Improvement Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep 186 How AA's "Sharing The Message" Is Harmful
Q: What is the harmful impact of sharing the message, not the mess in AA?
It can replace genuine expression with rehearsed speech and foster emotional stagnation, suppressing authentic feelings and leading to a disconnect from one's inner authority.
Ep 181 Why You Feel Shocked After Leaving AA
Q: What are you grieving right now?
People often grieve identity, belonging, and self-worth when leaving AA, reflecting on the loss of community and purpose.
Ep 181 Why You Feel Shocked After Leaving AA
Q: Have you heard of shell shock before?
Shell shock is a term used to describe the disorientation and confusion many feel after leaving Alcoholics Anonymous.
Ep 107 Big Book Thumper Leaves AA After 32 Years — Carrie's Story
Q: What do you no longer believe that you used to think was true? What did you deconstruct?
That I have a chronic progressive disease and I'm going to die if I drink, or that I have to spend the rest of my life in AA.
Ep 107 Big Book Thumper Leaves AA After 32 Years — Carrie's Story
Q: What was it like in the beginning when you left, when you were confident in your decision?
In the beginning, I just kind of hit out. I loved it and avoided those who were still in AA, finding my own people.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kirsten Johnson Podcast

What is Kirsten Johnson Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on courage in real time, encouraging listeners to face fear, trust themselves, and take action toward meaningful change. Episodes commonly critique traditional recovery cultures, promote critical thinking, and explore alternative paths to wellbeing, often through personal memoirs, pragmatic resources, and philosophical conversations. A notable pattern is a candid reevaluation of entrenched systems (like recovery programs) and a push toward empowerment, autonomy, and self-directed growth. The format tends to mix storytelling with practical frameworks, making it helpful for anyone exploring personal transformation, resilience, and independent decision-making in life and work.

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How many episodes of Kirsten Johnson Podcast are there?

Kirsten Johnson Podcast launched 2 years ago and published 184 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Kirsten Johnson Podcast?

Recent guests on Kirsten Johnson Podcast include:

1. Bobby C
2. Marc Lewis
3. Charlie Sheen
4. Monica Richardson
5. Mandi P.
6. Jim Battle
7. Carrie England
8. Tara Bear

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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