Having Had a Spiritual Awakening
Welcome to Having Had a Spiritual Awakening, the podcast by and for those on the profound journey of Twelve-Step recovery. If you’ve diligently worked the Steps – whether in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon Family Groups, Marijuana Anonymous (MA), or other Twelve-Step fellowships – and experienced that transformative ”psychic change” – that fundamental shift in your perception and reaction to life – this podcast is for you. We delve into the spiritual awakening described in the Twelfth Step, exploring what it truly means to be relieved of the compulsion and obsession that once held us captive. This isn’t about theory; it’s about the lived experience of a new state of consciousness and being that results from taking rigorous action through the Steps. Join us as we share stories, insights, and reflections on the practical application of spiritual principles in our daily lives, regardless of your specific fellowship. From navigating newfound freedom to embracing the ongoing process of growth, Having Had a Spiritual Awakening provides a space for fellowship, understanding, and the continuing exploration of a life transformed. Tune in to connect with others who are walking this path, demonstrating that a spiritual awakening is not just a moment, but a new way of living. Written and Produced by Suzanne Garcia Pino & Sarah Grobel Bolstad Music: I’ll Tell You - Sarah Grobel Bolstad and Ian Ford The Fourth D Club, Missoula, MT - https://www.4thdmissoula.org
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Episodes
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
In this episode of Having Had a Spiritual Awakening, we talk with Stephen Ferguson, Executive Director of Crosswinds Recovery, about what constitutes “real” trauma and why comparing levels of trauma can hinder healing. Stephen shares insights from his work and experience in recovery. Stephen, Suzanne and Sarah consider whether spiritual awakenings are inherently turbulent, why transformation often feels disorienting, and the paradox of surrender; how giving up control can sometimes become another attempt to hold onto it.
The Fourth D Club, Missoula, MT, www.4thdmissoula.org
Hosted & Written by Suzanne Garcia Pino
Co-Hosted & Produced by Sarah Grobel Bolstad
Music: I'll Tell You by Sarah Grobel Bolstad & Ian Ford
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Suzanne and Sarah talk with Zac C. about how spiritual awakenings sometimes happen in reflection rather than in real time—and sometimes they happen right in front of the TV, while watching Wheel of Fortune. Zac also shares about the important and inspiring work his recovery nonprofit, Beautiful Minds Recovery (www.beautifulmindsrecovery.com), is doing to provide peer support training within the community.
In the last ten minutes, Suzanne and Sarah discuss, with instructor Kathy Mangan, the mindfulness meditation classes that Red Willow Learning Center (www.redwillowlearning.org) will soon be offering at the Fourth D Club, free of charge. Everyone will benefit, and everyone is welcome!
The Fourth D Club, Missoula, MT, www.4thdmissoula.org
Hosted & Written by Suzanne Garcia Pino
Co-Hosted & Produced by Sarah Grobel Bolstad
Music: I'll Tell You by Sarah Grobel Bolstad & Ian Ford
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Is it possible to be constitutionally incapable of being honest? Suzanne and Sarah sit down with Justin D. to unpack how AA and NA answer this question. Justin shares practical pro-tips for staying clean and sober, along with fascinating observations he made just a year into recovery—after being hit by a car and facing the challenge of healing without pain prescriptions. Justin also shares how this only became possible when he became willing to ditch any lingering victim mentality.
The Fourth D Club, Missoula, MT, www.4thdmissoula.org
Hosted & Written by Suzanne Garcia Pino
Co-Hosted & Produced by Sarah Grobel Bolstad
Music: I'll Tell You by Sarah Grobel Bolstad & Ian Ford
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Suzanne and Sarah talk with Kate L. about the dreaded “outside topics” and wonder if, in the end, everything is an outside topic. They discuss black-and-white thinking, what “economic insecurity” might mean in the Ninth Step promises, and Kate’s love of wild AA meetings.
The Fourth D Club, Missoula, MT, www.4thdmissoula.org
Hosted & Written by Suzanne Garcia Pino
Co-Hosted & Produced by Sarah Grobel Bolstad
Music: I'll Tell You by Sarah Grobel Bolstad & Ian Ford
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Suzanne and Sarah talk to Jay about how she is learning how to not carry the intensity of her addiction into sobriety, how self abandonment changes in recovery, and the time she tried to solve her Adderall-caused back problems by jerry rigging a stand up desk and a phone call to her father at 3 AM.
Hosted & Written by Suzanne Garcia Pino
Co-Hosted & Produced by Sarah Grobel Bolstad
Music: I'll Tell You by Sarah Grobel Bolstad & Ian Ford
The Fourth D Club, Missoula, MT, 4thdmissoula.org
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Suzanne, Dan, and Sarah talk about hitting a sufficient bottom, choosing to surrender, and the tough– yet often fascinating– work of recovering from alcoholism.
Written and Produced by Suzanne Garcia Pino & Sarah Grobel Bolstad
Music: I’ll Tell You - Sarah Grobel Bolstad & Ian Ford
The Fourth D Club, Missoula, MT - https://www.4thdmissoula.org
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
In the inaugural episode of Having Had a Spiritual Awakening, co-hosts Suzanne and Sarah dive into what it truly means to experience a spiritual awakening after working the Twelve Steps. Having found freedom from alcoholism, they share candid stories of their own varied awakenings, from subtle, incremental shifts to profound "white light" breakthroughs. They emphasize that these aren't endpoints, but the beginning of a continuous integration process.