Father Bill W.

Father Bill W.
  • 4.8 (159)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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 meditation." My mission now is helping people in 12-Step Fellowships explore a deeper understanding of spiritual practice and how it connects us to the "Great Reality" within. -Fr. Bill W.

  1. 2H AGO

    A Rebel in the Oxford Group: 12 Steps & the OG

    David Belden was born into a family of Oxford Group leaders and committed activists. The Group set out “to change the world” and throughout his early years David devoted himself wholeheartedly to this challenge.  But while “carrying the message” in Africa, his life took an unexpected turn that led to his questioning some of principles and practices he had once taken uncritically for granted. David returned to Oxford University to write his doctoral dissertation on the Group’s history, influence and shortcomings. He recently published a still more intimate account of his own journey toward personal and social transformation and change: The World Remakers’ Child. This series affords a rare insider’s view of the Group responsible for contributing no fewer than ten of A.A.’s Twelve Steps and yields fresh insights and challenges throughout. Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson praised David’s book for its “steady candor,” “humor about himself,” and “a thirst for a less harsh, more loving, and fairer world.” This third episode traces the origins of many of the 12 Steps as they were practiced among members of the Group. Remember, Bill Wison said he derived no fewer than ten of his twelve Steps straight from his experience within the Oxford Group. They had no Steps, but they were well on their way to finding the Answer! Show notes: David Belden’s book: The World Remakers’ Child Dave’s Oxford University Doctoral Thesis: https://www.academia.edu/27545723/The_Origins_and_Development_of_the_Oxford_Group_Moral_Re_Armament_

    1h 7m

  2. JAN 12

    A Rebel in the Oxford Group: Getting In and Getting Out

    David Belden was born into a family of Oxford Group leaders and committed activists. The Group set out “to change the world” and throughout his early years David devoted himself wholeheartedly to this challenge.  But while “carrying the message” in Africa, his life took an unexpected turn that led to his questioning some of principles and practices he had once taken uncritically for granted. David returned to Oxford University to write his doctoral dissertation on the Group’s history, influence and shortcomings. He recently published a still more intimate account of his own journey toward personal and social transformation and change: The World Remakers’ Child. This series affords a rare insider’s view of the Group responsible for contributing no fewer than ten of A.A.’s Twelve Steps and yields fresh insights and challenges throughout. Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson praised David’s book for its “steady candor,” “humor about himself,” and “a thirst for a less harsh, more loving, and fairer world.” This second episode takes a deep dive into Dave’s immersion in the Group, what that was like, what happened, and what it’s like now. It’s quite a ride! Show notes: David Belden’s book: The World Remakers’ Child Dave’s Oxford University Doctoral Thesis: https://www.academia.edu/27545723/The_Origins_and_Development_of_the_Oxford_Group_Moral_Re_Armament_  For Sinners Only by A.J. Russell The Christ of the Indian Road by E. Stanley Jones (free pdf) This Is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt Is Shaping the Twenty-First Century by Paul and Mark Engler How 12 Step Programs Can Help Build Healthier Movements

    1h 3m
  3. A Rebel in the Oxford Group: Life of a Founder

    JAN 5

    A Rebel in the Oxford Group: Life of a Founder

    David Belden was born into a family of Oxford Group leaders and committed activists. The Group set out “to change the world” and throughout his early years David devoted himself wholeheartedly to this challenge.  But while “carrying the message” in Africa, his life took an unexpected turn that led to his questioning some of principles and practices he had once taken uncritically for granted. David returned to Oxford University to write his doctoral dissertation on the Group’s history, influence and shortcomings. He recently published a still more intimate account of his own journey toward personal and social transformation and change: The World Remakers’ Child. This series affords a rare insider’s view of the Group responsible for contributing no fewer than ten of A.A.’s Twelve Steps and yields fresh insights and challenges throughout. Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson praised David’s book for its “steady candor,” “humor about himself,” and “a thirst for a less harsh, more loving, and fairer world.” The first episode briefly introduces David’s story to listeners after which he and Fr. Bill explore the life of Oxford Group founder Frank Buchman.                            Show notes: David Belden’s book: The World Remakers’ Child Dave’s Oxford University Doctoral Thesis: https://www.academia.edu/27545723/The_Origins_and_Development_of_the_Oxford_Group_Moral_Re_Armament_ For Sinners Only by A.J. Russell (used books are getting expensive. This is the cheapest I found)

    1h 8m
  4. Psychic Change in Addiction Recovery

    12/29/2025

    Psychic Change in Addiction Recovery

    Prof. Miller's book Quantum Change: When Epiphanies and Sudden Insights Transform Ordinary Lives has been described as the most definitive work on the subject of religious experiences since William James' Varieties of Religious Experience. The latter has had a profound influence on AA and Bill Wilson’s development of the 12-Steps, and this book brings the subject into the modern era.  Fr. Bill interviews Professor Miller in an audio only format. Show notes: Quantum Change: When Epiphanies and Sudden Insights Transform Ordinary Lives by Professor William R. Miller What AA Has to Teach the Church by Sam Shoemaker / pdf on Step Study

    23 min
  5. Building Hope in Recovery: Part 2

    12/23/2025

    Building Hope in Recovery: Part 2

    The word HOPE appears no fewer than 34 times in the first 164 pages of the Big Book.  In recovery, it’s vital for getting us started and for keeping us going. In this two-part series, Dr. Denise Ernst, PhD joins Fr. Bill in exploring the role HOPE plays in fostering meaningful change, especially in addiction recovery. Denise earned her doctorate in psychology at the University of New Mexico under the direction of Professor William R. Miller, a pioneer developer of Motivational Interviewing. She has a strong background in addiction counseling and research.  Episodes are based on Dr. Miller’s recent book: 8 Ways to Hope, Charting a Path Through Uncertain Times. Hope you enjoy! Show notes: 8 Ways to Hope by William R. Miller Denise Ernst, PhD website: https://deniseernst.com/ Interview with Professor Bill Miller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CiQ7rVXlrQ Viktor Frankl Man’s Search for Meaning Bill Miller’s Quantum Change

    49 min
  6. Building Hope in Recovery: What is Hope?

    12/15/2025

    Building Hope in Recovery: What is Hope?

    The word HOPE appears no fewer than 34 times in the first 164 pages of the Big Book.  In recovery, it’s vital for getting us started and for keeping us going. In this two-part series, Dr. Denise Ernst, PhD joins Fr. Bill in exploring the role HOPE plays in fostering meaningful change, especially in addiction recovery. Denise earned her doctorate in psychology at the University of New Mexico under the direction of Professor William R. Miller, a pioneer developer of Motivational Interviewing. She has a strong background in addiction counseling and research.  Episodes are based on Dr. Miller’s recent book: 8 Ways to Hope, Charting a Path Through Uncertain Times. Hope you enjoy! Show notes: 8 Ways to Hope by William R. Miller Denise Ernst, PhD website: https://deniseernst.com/

    51 min
  7. Awakened Life of Service: Step 12

    12/08/2025

    Awakened Life of Service: Step 12

    Few people blend the Buddhist spiritual path with the 12-Step journey as seamlessly and as helpfully as Fr. Bill’s guest Kevin Griffin. A teacher of Buddhist meditation for many years as well as an excellent writer and musician, Kevin is also a man in long-term recovery from addiction with a powerful message to share. This series explores Kevin’s book One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps. It’s sure to be of interest to spiritual travelers of all stripes. This episode completes the series focusing on the nature of a SPIRITUAL AWAKENING & how we’re called to CARRY THE MESSAGE. Show notes: One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps by Kevin Griffin Kevin’s website: https://kevingriffin.net/ Jack Cornfield’s Bringing Home the Dharma      The Body Keeps the Score by  Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

    1h 4m
  8. Stress: What to Do with It

    12/01/2025

    Stress: What to Do with It

    Tom Lavin is a therapist, an educator, and a close friend for over fifty years. He’s dedicated both his life and his career to helping people find effective solutions to the problems that come with being human. Tom recently delivered this talk on “stress” to a group of public-service attorneys in Reno, Nevada. He believes we often try to “cope with stress” rather than seek its causes that often lie below the surface of our lives. As the Big Book reminds us, “our liquor was but a symptom.” With holidays fast approaching, I thought Tom’s message is one that can benefit us all. So, relax, listen, learn, and enjoy!  Show notes: Handouts: Living a Meaningful Life – Bluebird

    50 min
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4.8
out of 5
159 Ratings

About

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 meditation." My mission now is helping people in 12-Step Fellowships explore a deeper understanding of spiritual practice and how it connects us to the "Great Reality" within. -Fr. Bill W.

Information

  • Creator
    Father Bill W.
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    292
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Father Bill W.
  • Show Website
    Father Bill W.

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