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CAL Chat

PAT A. - Al-Anon Literature Fan

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🎙️ Podcast where we talk about our favorite Al-Anon and Alateen Conference Approved Literature and how it has improved our lives! // 🍷 (Al-Anon and Alateen are for people who have been affected by alcoholism in a relative or friend.) // ➡️ You can also visit: - my CAL Chat blog at www.calchatblog.com - get literature updates at the recently launched www.threads.net/@calchatfan1 - see recovery literature in a new way at: www.instagram.com/CALChatFan1, www.pinterest.com/CALChatFan, and the CAL ...
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SEE the full trailer video about the CAL Chat podcast at: https://youtube.com/@CALChatPodcast. For any questions about the show, contact me by using the form at:  https://CALChatBlog.com/about. LOOK MOM!  I'M BEING SOCIAL... 😜 Visit my CAL Chat blog -  www.calchatblog.com YouTube -  www.youtube.com/​@CALChatPodcast Instagram -  www.instagram.com/​C…
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In Part 6 of 6 (of Episode 1 from "CAL Chat - Deep Dive"), Evelyn and I talk about the next “field trip” for the Delegates to the World Service Office in 2023. To wrap up this episode, she offers some parting words to anyone that isn’t quite sure about standing for service. Show-referenced links from Al-Anon's website: Al-Anon's mobile app: https:/…
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In Part 5 of 6 (of Episode 1 from "CAL Chat - Deep Dive"), we focus on the Delegates’ “field trip” to Stepping Stones, the home of Al-Anon’s co-founder Lois W. Evelyn describes how the World Service Office was involved and how it felt to go back to the 2022 World Service Conference the very same day. Show-referenced links from the Stepping Stones' …
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Continuing the discussion about the "1961 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46) in Part 4 of 6 (of Episode 1 from "CAL Chat - Deep Dive"), I explain how I time traveled as research for this particular show. Evelyn talks about what moved her spiritually and reveals a surprise about the 2022 Conference. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM EVELYN: "...the whole C…
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In Part 3 of 6 (of Episode 1 from "CAL Chat - Deep Dive"), we begin to explore the "1961 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46) and what Evelyn identified with from back then that is still happening in 2022. We discuss why the 2021 and 2022 Conferences were historic and what may lie in Al-Anon’s future 60 years from now. Show-referenced links fro…
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In Part 2 of 6 (of Episode 1 from "CAL Chat - Deep Dive"), Evelyn describes what she discovered about her Area Delegate position that she didn’t know about before she stood for it, how humor can be a spiritual principle when breaking down expectations, and what she would like Al-Anon and Alateen members to know about her position as a Delegate. We …
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What really goes on at an Al-Anon World Service Conference (WSC)? How is the WSC different than the WSO? What’s it like for a Delegate to visit Stepping Stones, the house of Al-Anon’s co-founder? Welcome to the very first "CAL Chat - Deep Dive" episode! This spin-off show is where we take a closer look at Al-Anon and Alateen Conference Approved Lit…
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Diane wraps up the conversation in Episode 13's last part (#11), about the beauty that springs from the book "How Al-Anon Works" (B-32), community-building, and doing outreach/Twelfth Step work. She delivers an emotional "Last Words'' section which leads to an exchange of heartfelt gratitude and I reveal the reason why I'll keep doing this podcast …
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Diane mentions (in part 10 of 11 from Episode 13), how this podcast inspires her to try something new (like the audiobook version of "How Al-Anon Works" (eA-22)) and always reminds her that she has choices. She explains how the vision motto "Dream Big" applies to the long-term outreach project she's working on, more virtual recovery avenues we want…
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I compare the audiobook of "How Al-Anon Works" (eA-22) to the print version (B-32) in Episode 13's part 9 of 11. A moving story about suicide, Chapter 27's "Finding Reasons To Live," is highlighted because of what it taught me about expectations when listening to the audiobook version. The show wraps with an update given on all Al-Anon audiobooks a…
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In Episode 13's part 8 of 11, Diane and I discuss the importance of libraries and how doing outreach is not a duty but a privilege. And she reminds me why I need to go back and listen to my own podcast! Click here for a video of the hardcover version of "How Al-Anon Works" (B-22) that was accepted into a local library. Also, at this podcast show's …
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In part 7 of 11 (of Episode 13), Diane lists all the Spanish versions of books (such as "How Al-Anon Works" (SB-32)) that she has also included in the public outreach project. We talk about cross-germination and unintended ripples outreach can sometimes have. Lastly, at this podcast show's website,  www.calchatpodcast.com,  I've attached *bonus con…
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Diane details (in part 6 of 11 from Episode 13), how she uses "How Al-Anon Works" (B-32) for outreach in a broader sense - especially in an extensive relationship-building project that just started. Find out how outreach is like mining gold! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM DIANE: "...having this book available makes a big difference because anybody can pick i…
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In Episode 13's part 5 of 11, Diane's favorite book to use for outreach is the softcover version of "How Al-Anon Works" (B-32) and she points out how intimate individual outreach can still be done in an electronic (telephone/chat) or virtual (video) meeting. We reminisce about the days when we hauled Al-Anon books around in our cars. QUOTABLE MOMEN…
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In part 4 of 11 (of Episode 13), Diane and I keep the discussion going about the book "From Survival To Recovery" (B-21) focusing primarily on the chapter "Untangling Confusion" from page 269 (or 270 depending on the book's edition), the infamous "Promises" section from page 267 (or 269 in the first edition) and the book's very last chapter on page…
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The conversation continues with Diane (in part 3 of 11 from Episode 13), about  "From Survival To Recovery" (B-21) which she feels is one of the most relevant books during the Covid-19 pandemic. She talks about what she does after climbing a high recovery mountain and we discuss one of the benefits of the pandemic with regards to literature. To fin…
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In Episode 13's part 2 of 11, Diane describes how cycles of violence and "predictable darkness" affected her while growing up in an alcoholic home. We touch on the story "Authorities Frightened Me" from page 253 (or 255 depending on the book's edition) in "From Survival To Recovery" (B-21) and Chapter 5 ("Becoming Aware" on page 21) from "How Al-An…
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How is a pandemic similar to recovery? What audiobooks are available from Al-Anon? Can a book also be a picture frame? In part 1 of 11 (of Episode 13), Diane explains why the title of the book "From Survival To Recovery" (B-21) is so appropriate, how it helped her tell her own personal story and experience authentic joyfulness in her life. Also, fi…
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Terry Anne highlights new upcoming Al-Anon literature in part 5 of 5 of Episode 12 and explains how the motto chosen for the "2018 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46) applies to her own personal life. To submit your suggestion for your favorite "Forum" article that you’d like to see in the new upcoming book, email it to: wso@al-anon.org – be s…
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In part 4 of 5 (of Episode 12), Terry Anne’s pick for her favorite outreach piece of literature is the bookmark "Just For Today" (M-12) and we talk about how it helps puts the focus on ourselves, not the alcoholic. Then we pull out our "2018 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46) to dive into page 51 regarding the new upcoming bookmark "Just For …
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Terry Anne (in part 3 of 5 of Episode 12) sums up the new book "Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships" (B-33) in 3 words! I reveal my favorite sections from pages 18-19 and the story of loss on page 118 that still stays with me. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM TERRY ANNE: "...we’re loved more for who we really are than anyone ever did for who we thought they wa…
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In part 2 of 5 (of Episode 12), Terry Anne elaborates on communication from Chapter 3 of the brand new book "Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships" (B-33). She explains how she has used this book in her personal life in recognizing and moving through old behaviors. We also discuss how labels and biases can hinder intimacy and that this book is an exa…
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How can it be easier to share about sex? How can spiritual solutions be brought into intimate situations? What new upcoming Al-Anon literature is on the horizon? Terry Anne shares, in part 1 of 5 of Episode 12, about the brand new book "Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships" (B-33) that came out in 2018 at Al-Anon’s 6th International Convention. We d…
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Susan and I talk about different ways (in part 4 of 4 of Episode 11) to use the book "From Survival To Recovery" (B-21) for outreach purposes – including raffle baskets! We also explore how one can contribute to Al-Anon other than putting money in the Seventh Tradition basket. She singles out the section "Steps to the Future" from page 255 (or 257 …
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In part 3 of 4 (of Episode 11), Susan's pick for her favorite outreach piece of literature is the book "From Survival To Recovery" (B-21) because she grew up in an alcoholic home. She highlights the chapter "Picking Up The Tools" on page 107. We also talk about why 1994 was a good year for Conference Approved Literature (CAL) and how this book mark…
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I ask Susan a question in part 2 of 4 (of Episode 11) from page 23 of the booklet "When I Got Busy, I Got Better" (P-78). She explains helping vs enabling, we discuss a quote from page 2, how we could use the second half of the book in a meeting, and the difference between being grateful and thankful. A NOTE OF CAUTION: this is the first episode to…
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Am I the right kind of busy? Where does self-worth come from? Helping versus enabling? Being a victim versus a participant? Susan shares, in part 1 of 4 of Episode 11, about how the booklet "When I Got Busy, I Got Better" (P-78) impacted her life. We discuss the different types of fear in Chapter One, how service keeps us from isolating, & that we'…
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In part 4 of 4 (of Episode 10), Wendy shares what she is hoping for with a new change for the upcoming "2017 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46) due in August and what sets this item apart from the rest of the literature in the 2017 CAL Catalog (S-15). She also reveals a unique location to leave the "Just For Today" bookmark (M-12) that is too…
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The bookmark, "Just For Today" (M-12), is Wendy’s favorite piece of outreach literature in part 3 of 4 of Episode 10. We talk about the current conversation at Al-Anon’s World Service Conference regarding the recommendation to remove the PRAYER FOR TODAY section. Using pages 57 – 60 of the "2016 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46), we explore …
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The conversation with Wendy continues about slogans in part 2 of 4 (of Episode 10) from "How Al-Anon Works" (B-22 for hardcover, eA-22 for the audiobook version, B-32 for softcover). We focus on the slogan “Let Go and Let God” (especially the importance of faith in the 2nd half) and how a specific physical token can be used as a reminder to put thi…
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What are good consequences? Where does the fear of letting go come from? What are literature discussions like at the World Service Conference? Wendy shares, in part 1 of 4 of Episode 10, about using the slogans from Chapter 9 of "How Al-Anon Works" (B-22 for hardcover, eA-22 for the audiobook version, B-32 for softcover) as stepping stones to seren…
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Pat explains in Episode 9's last part, (#4), that of all the things she has tried, how Al-Anon is the only thing that truly helped. We discuss ways to enhance the "Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017" magazine while using it for outreach purposes and she wraps up with a “Last Words” section about amends and Step Nine. Lastly, at this podcast show's websi…
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In part 3 of 4 (of Episode 9), Pat highlights sections from her favorite outreach piece of literature, the new "Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017" magazine. Discover two things that were done on this edition that were a “first” in this magazine’s history. We remember back to how we felt coming into our very first Al-Anon meeting and how desperation can…
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The conversation continues in Episode 9’s second part with Pat and her favorite page 199 (July 17th) from the daily reader "Courage To Change" (B-16). We explore more components that contribute to making it in recovery, which slogans have helped us out along the way, and how reading the literature can show that we’ve changed. Also find out a few fu…
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How can I get time back in my life? Are appointments needed to attend an Al-Anon meeting? How can I spot changes in myself? In part 1 of 4 of Episode 9, Pat shares how one particular sentence from page 199 (July 17th) from the daily reader "Courage To Change" (B-16) impacted her life. She breaks down some of the major components that are involved i…
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In part 3 of 3 (of Episode 8), Alateen members share what they would like to say to Al-Anon members, and they directly address the teenager that is living with alcoholism that hasn’t been to an Alateen meeting yet. They explain how Alateen is like a family environment and that they don’t bite! The show wraps up with a unique “Last Words” section fr…
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The conversation continues in Episode 8’s second part with three more Alateen members talking about their favorite parts from "Courage To Be Me" (B-23), page 8 from the booklet "Alateen Talks Back On: Detachment" (P-73), and pages 268-269 (September 24th and 25th) from the daily reader "Living Today in Alateen" (B-26). They highlight a letter writt…
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How can I keep things simple? If my growth is like a tree, then what are my roots? What Alateen book can I bring to an Al-Anon meeting? In part 1 of 3 of this very special Episode 8, four Alateen members share what they like best about Alateen literature – specifically the Alateen Talk newsletter (no item #), "Courage To Be Me" (B-23), page 26 (Jan…
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In part 5 of 5 (of Episode 7), the conversation continues with Mark about Alateen outreach to Alcoholics Anonymous and how service has helped his program. He shares what moved him emotionally at his first Area Assembly meeting and how it was similar to a Newcomer meeting! You can click this link to find this book, "The Best of Public Outreach" (P-9…
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Mark’s favorite piece of literature to use for outreach purposes is the service tool "The Best of Public Outreach" (P-90) in Episode 7’s part 4 of 5. He shares how public outreach is what first got him into service in Al-Anon and calls out a “Getting Started” section on page 7, as well as pages 12-19 for several lists of outreach ideas. He also exp…
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In part 3 of 5 (of Episode 7) find out what two words I discovered are inter-related after creating an index for "Reaching For Personal Freedom" (P-92). (The index can be downloaded as *bonus content* at this podcast show's website,  www.calchatpodcast.com.) Mark also talks about how he used to be before he came into the Al-Anon program and explore…
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Freedom is specifically discussed with Mark in part 2 of 5 (of Episode 7) from the workbook "Reaching For Personal Freedom" (P-92). He compares this book to other Al-Anon workbooks, explains how it differs, and I reveal a surprise… I’ve created an index for this book! (It can be downloaded as *bonus content* at this podcast show's website,  www.cal…
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What do I want to be free of? What exactly are character defects? Can Alateen outreach be done to AA members? In part 1 of 5 of Episode 7, Mark shares how he used the workbook "Reaching For Personal Freedom" (P-92) in studying the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts horizontally. He also highlights how a section on page 12 led to a spiritual awakening …
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In part 4 of 4 (of Episode 6), the conversation continues with Nancy about her favorite Alateen literature and how being an AMIAS (Al-Anon Member Involved In Alateen Service) is her way of giving back. She explains the requirements to become an Alateen Group Sponsor and shares an innovative way an Alateen Group Representative used the words in the …
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Nancy’s pick of literature to use for outreach purposes is "How Al-Anon Works" (B-22 for hardcover, eA-22 for the audiobook version, eB-22 for the electronic version, and B-32 for softcover) in Episode 6’s part 3 of 4. She highlights the slogan “Think” (page 71), “Lois’ Story” (pages 152-155), and how interesting it is to get the Al-Anon founder’s …
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Find out, in part 2 of 4 (of Episode 6), what "As We Understood" (B-11) was the first Conference Approved book to do in Al-Anon’s history. We talk about misconceptions about the book and the goal of learning something every day no matter how small. Nancy shares how important choices are, dealing with change, and she answers one of the toughest ques…
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Can I fire my Higher Power? What is a "Meeting on Wheels?" What is not allowed in recovery literature when bringing it into jails? In part 1 of 4 of Episode 6, Nancy talks about her favorite book "As We Understood" (B-11) and shares how its positive uplifting take on our program has kept her using it. In particular, we discuss two prayers on pages …
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In part 4 of 4 (of Episode 5), the conversation continues with Theresa about other Conference Approved Literature that is available for parents and how CAL is not like other self-help/recovery literature. Lastly, find out why her favorite outreach piece, "Parents of Alcoholics" (R-18), may not be around much longer! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM THERESA: ".…
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Theresa’s favorite piece of literature to use for outreach purposes is the reprint "Parents of Alcoholics" (R-18) in Episode 5’s part 3 of 4. It’s only 12 pages, but so powerful! She shares the moment she hit her “bottom” and what brought her into the Al-Anon program. We also talk about being able to differentiate between helping versus enabling an…
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Chapter 13 from the book "Discovering Choices" (B-30) is the focus in part 2 of 4 (of Episode 5) where Theresa breaks down how service work (and especially the Concepts 4, 5, and 10) helped her grow in all areas of her life. She explains the benefits of having a Service Sponsor, how we’re never alone, and addresses the fear behind willingness. The …
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