#112 Celebrations
#112 Celebrations

The Gathering With Roger B.

Roger B. and a group of recovering people share about joy, celebration, strengths, weaknesses and gratitude through a spiritual lens. Their discussion reflects on life’s preciousness, everyday gifts and the way suffering, faith and awareness shape recovery.

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57:18•4 Jun 2026

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About this podcast

The Gathering With Roger B.

Roger B.

The Gathering’s talks are generally tied to one or more of the 12 Steps, but are always guided by spiritual concepts, principles and ideas common to most faiths. Topics are drawn from a variety of sources: the 12 steps, many of the well-known wisdom texts, science and other teachers that speak to a spiritual solution to life's challenges. About Roger B. Roger has been in recovery for over 43 years and has spent thousands of hours in service, sharing his experience, strength and hope. He has created curriculum for treatment centers, and lead workshops and retreats throughout the United States and Canada. Roger is a certified Spiritual Director, and offers insight into spiritually-based living skills that are relevant to all people – whether in recovery or not. Roger is the first to admit that his long-term sobriety was brought about by the “trial-and-error method.” His experience reveals what has worked, and - perhaps more importantly - what has not worked, but taught him valuable life lessons. Roger B. and The Gathering with Roger B. are not affiliated, or endorsed by any third parties or 12-step programs. The Gathering on Zoom first and Third Wed 7pm CT id 728-200-4166 password 513915

Sobriety ToolkitSpiritualitySexualityPersonal GrowthUnderstanding Addiction

Episodes: 112

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Finding Joy in Sobriety: Celebrations, Weaknesses and Everyday Gifts

Episode Overview

Celebration is framed as accepting life with a growing awareness of its preciousness, including both joys and sorrows.
Joy is described as an inner, deep-rooted state that doesn’t depend on external events like birthdays or parties.
Each person is said to have unique strengths, weaknesses and talents intended to be used in service to others.
Gratitude is presented as action – giving away what has been given, including experience, hope and practical support.
Suffering is linked to clinging, with its value found in the surrender that opens the heart and mind to new learning.

“Celebration is the acceptance of life in a constantly increasing awareness of its preciousness.”

Ever wondered what it really means to celebrate in recovery, beyond cake and chips at a meeting? This conversation with Roger B. and The Gathering community takes a fresh look at joy, gratitude, strengths and weaknesses, all through a spiritual recovery lens.

Roger sets the tone by redefining celebration as "the acceptance of life in a constantly increasing awareness of its preciousness." From there, the group talks about how real joy isn’t the party on the outside, but an "enduring deep-rooted emotion" that comes from within. It’s a space where anyone in recovery – from any fellowship or faith tradition – can sit with big questions like: Who am I? Why am I here? What are my gifts?

One member notes that "what I thought were my strengths were just covering up my weaknesses," while another reflects that some of the worst moments "turned into be one of our absolute most incredible gifts." The theme of presence runs through it all – from appreciating a simple breeze or blooming trees to recognising that "life and death are not opponents" but "kiss each other at every moment of our existence." Roger also guides a simple but powerful exercise: everyone names one weakness and one strength.

You’ll hear honest shares about suffering, fear, old patterns, relationships and those automatic reactions that can still hijack a day, even years into sobriety. The answers range from procrastination and taking offence, to empathy, hospitality and creating safe spaces. It’s gentle, sometimes funny, and very human. Anyone looking for a spiritually grounded recovery conversation, rich with real stories and practical reflection, will find plenty here to sit with.

Where might your own strengths, weaknesses and everyday celebrations be pointing you today?

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