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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
Harm Reduction
SMART Recovery
Neurodivergence
Self-Improvement
Mind Control
Therapy
Naltrexone

Kirsten Johnson Podcast is about deprogramming AA ideology and reclaiming your mind after AA indoctrination.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes195Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationSelf-ImprovementBusinessEntrepreneurship

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Artwork for Kirsten Johnson Podcast

Latest Episodes

Last week we explored some of the doomsday prophecies in AA's Big Book. This week we're diving deep into death threats that come from AA members directly.

I do believe most of these people have good intentions and say that leaving will kill us beca... more

Today we're going to unpack the doomsday and death threats inside AA's Big Book. This is part of how some of us can become what cult psychology calls "phobia indoctrinated" or afraid to leave the group.

Timestamps:

00:00 AA's Doomsday Prophecies In... more

The 13th Step Filmmaker Monica Richardson and I went live today on YouTube. Today's podcast is the audio version our conversation and Q+A with the livestream audience about deprogramming AA.

Monica Richardson links:

Monica Richardson YouTube,

13th... more

Justin had to leave 12 step after 17 years in order to get sober. He shares about people dying in AA, realizing it's a cult, and how Ibogaine is what ultimately got him sober. Now he runs a modern addiction detox clinic and is pioneering modern addic... more

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Recent Guests

Monica Richardson
Documentary filmmaker and activist focused on dissent against Alcoholics Anonymous
Independent filmmaker / Activist
Episode: Ep 202 AA Cult Whistleblowing with Monica Richardson
Tara Grace
Founder Burn The Stigma
Burn The Stigma
Episode: Ep 199 12 Step Cult Whistleblowing with Burn The Stigma
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)
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

Host

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

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 30 ratings
  • Finally, Someone’s Saying it

    I was in 12-step circles for 10+ years and I’m now 5+ years into my trauma recovery journey. Thank you for leveling the narrative here. At best, these groups crowd out evidence-based solutions for folks who really need them.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    IHadNotes
    United States2 months ago
  • 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 States6 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 States6 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 States8 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 Statesa year 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.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep 200 AA Cult Whistleblowing with Quackaholics Anonymous
Q: What would you tell your first self about starting this dissent?
Tell that version of you that there is hope and the possibility of reclaiming a life with integrity, even if it means leaving behind a once-cherished community and starting anew.
Ep 200 AA Cult Whistleblowing with Quackaholics Anonymous
Q: What would be the dream impact of Quackaholics Anonymous?
The guest hopes to inspire more dissenting content creators and to encourage critical thinking by introducing obscure thinkers and philosophical perspectives, so viewers explore ideas and seek their own understanding rather than rely on a fixed program.
Ep 201 AA Cult Whistleblowing with Carrie
Q: Take me to the exact moment when you realize staying quiet wasn't an option anymore.
Carrie describes quietly leaving AA internally during 2020, doing her own research, weighing the need to continue labeling herself as an alcoholic, and finally choosing to dissent publicly after recognizing there were no clear official steps to exit safely. This culminated in public storytelling via podcasts and a Substack column.
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.

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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Which podcasts are similar to Kirsten Johnson Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Kirsten Johnson Podcast:

1. Burn the Stigma’s Recovery Rebellion: Challenging the dogma. Dismantling the stigma. Exposing the BS
2. THE ANTI AA CONCEPT
3. HasanAbi
4. IndoctriNation
5. The Addiction Solution

How many episodes of Kirsten Johnson Podcast are there?

Kirsten Johnson Podcast launched 2 years ago and published 195 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. Monica Richardson
2. Tara Grace
3. Bobby C
4. Marc Lewis
5. Charlie Sheen
6. Mandi P.
7. Jim Battle
8. Carrie England

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