Engage: Do The Work (Episode 5 - Archive)
Engage: Do The Work (Episode 5 - Archive)

Relational Recovery

Wes Thompson and Austin Hill talk about what it actually means to "do the work" in recovery, contrasting passive complaining with practical, engaged action. The discussion focuses on small, realistic steps and personal responsibility as keys to real change.

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6:37•10 May 2026

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Engage and Do the Work: From Complaining to Change in Recovery

Episode Overview

Real recovery work starts with showing up fully engaged in groups, one-to-ones, and assignments.
Chronic complaining keeps people stuck; identifying one concrete action is a healthier response.
Complaints can highlight what matters most to a person and point toward needed change.
Taking small, practical steps such as reading, counselling, or honest conversations moves life forward.
Surrounding yourself with growth-focused people, rather than complainers, supports long-term change.

“"Complaining about something is like it's identifying what's important to you and how you want to make it better. That's half the solution. You just have to act on it."”

What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? This conversation on Relational Recovery zooms in on a simple but challenging theme: stop coasting and start doing the work. Hosts Wes Thompson and Austin Hill talk straight about what "the work" looks like, especially for people in The Refuge Ministry community. It’s not some mysterious spiritual secret; it’s showing up fully: "showing up to group engaged... to show up awake, to show up asking good questions, listening.

Writing about your life, engaging with other people." If you’ve ever sat in a group pretending not to care, you’ll probably feel called out—in a good way. A big focus is the difference between complaining and taking action. Wes points out how easy it is to sit in frustration, hoping life will magically fix itself: "If we live our lives like we're going to win the lottery...

it's not going to happen." Instead, he pushes for practical steps: read a book, talk to a pastor or therapist, open up to a friend, or simply pick one small thing and do it. Austin adds nuance to the subject of complaining, saying it’s not wrong in itself; it’s what happens next that matters.

A complaint can reveal what’s important to you, but "if all we're doing is complaining and not doing any action, gosh, that's exhausting." The episode keeps circling back to this: recovery, growth, and change all start with a decision to act. Aimed at people dealing with addictions and unwanted behaviours, especially those from a Christian background, this chat blends psychology, faith, and some no-nonsense honesty.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want something more than just venting, this might be the nudge you need to ask: what’s one step you’ll actually take today?

PreviousEngage: Do The Work (Episode 4 - Archive)