The Squirrel Cage
The Squirrel Cage
A. Nonymous
Spirited, anonymous 12-Step discussion (mostly AA) on various topics with occasional guests. Almost nothing off limits.
Talking About Drugs in AA Meetings
Cal is all by himself for this podcast and the subject is talking about drugs at an AA meeting.  Seems he copped a resentment after concluding his "pitch" when someone with long term sobriety -- for which he has great respect -- told him, "I think you talked too much about drugs".  So let's hash this out.   Drug addiction is detailed in the  literature of AA. In the book Alcoholics Anonymous, drug use is mentioned as part of the alcoholic’s experience. Examples  are in the chapter ‘Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict’, written by member Paul  O, and in chapter two, ‘There is a Solution’, p.22, in relation to  the description of the so called ‘real alcoholic’. Bill W describes at  length the alcoholic’s tendency to misuse other drugs in his 1945  Grapevine article entitled ‘Those Goof Balls’, p.103 – 105, ‘The  Language Of The Heart’. If you have any opinions on the subject please post them to our Facebook page @SquirrelCageAA.   Oh, one more thing:  The recording kinda sucks and so we fixed it as best as we could. Hey, what do you expect for free?  Nonetheless, tell your friends!
Apr 24, 2021
31 min
The Other Bar -- Recovery in the Legal Professions
Our guest for this episode is David Mann, a professional counselor for The Other Bar which is a network of recovering lawyers, law students and judges suffering from alcohol and substance abuse problems throughout the State of California. As you will hear on our podcast, David knows the unique challenges faced by those in the legal professions who are in need of help with alcoholism and/or drug addiction. The Other Bar is a private, non-profit corporation. You can reach them by calling 1-800-222-0767 or by visiting their website at  https://otherbar.org/about-us/
Sep 8, 2020
33 min
Women's Sober Living Houses
Elise and Tracy are back to relate their experiences both managing and living in sober houses for women.  Co host Cal happens to own one and shares his experience as a landlord.
Jul 28, 2020
45 min
AA Speaker: John Mc. 30+ years sober, Los Angeles.
This is one of the few times we'll upload a drunk-a-logue instead of a discussion/interview.  It's a pretty damned good story, though, so we think you'll like it.  Be advised that the recording quality is poor because it was conference call recorded on a microphone leaned against a cell phone speaker.  Despite the poor quality you're brain should get used to it in short order -- and you'll find it nowhere else.  We'll be back next time with "Stuff We Don't Like About 12 Step Programs."  Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter to be notified about upcoming episodes; leave comments or questions for possible inclusion in future episodes too!
May 20, 2020
42 min
The Woman's Experience
Only 20% of membership in AA are female.  And most folks agree that men and woman are difference; not better or worse, but different.  So what is the AA experience like for women?  How do men treat them?  How do women treat them for that matter.  All this and more.  (NOTE: Unfortunately there is an irritating scratchy-buzzy noise about 1/3 of the way through for about 3 minutes.  If you can make it through there, you're home free.  Thanks for your patience.)
Apr 22, 2020
27 min
Spanish Language AA (Alcoholicos Anonimos)
Our guest Nancy A. has participated in both English and Spanish Language AA meetings.  She describes the similarities and the differences from her experience.    ALCOHOLICOS ANONIMOS OFICINA INTEGRUPAL HISPANA DE AUSTIN TX .   LINEA DE AYUDA: (512) 758-1983, OFICINA: (512) 832-6767 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Apr 5, 2020
38 min
Sober Horse Thieves
AA is only as good as the people who attend. It's also a reflection of  the outside world i.e. there are good people & there are horse thieves.  It's sometimes called "disruptive behavior," but what is it?  What to do about it?  Two guys mull this over.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Apr 30, 2019
44 min
Anonymity
Three sober guys discuss Tradition 12.  It's more interesting than it sounds. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Mar 30, 2019
24 min