Episode 1088: Choose Your Hard

Episode 1088: Choose Your Hard

What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? Episode 1088 of Take 12 Recovery Radio brings together host Monty Dale Meyer (the Monty’man) and co-host Alicia for a straight-talking conversation about the choices that shape recovery, framed around the phrase: “Choose your hard.” Aimed at people in recovery, those in early sobriety, and family members trying to understand the process, this chatty, faith-centred show mixes humour, honesty and practical Twelve Step experience.

As she puts it, “Nothing changes if nothing changes,” and “discipline is freedom.” Monty adds another angle with a favourite question to ask before major decisions: “In light of my past experience, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do?” That question is applied to everything from taking a first drink to staying in unhealthy patterns, and it sits right at the heart of the episode’s message about choice before the power to choose slips away.

Alicia explains how people often say, “It’s too hard” to get a sponsor, work steps 10, 11 and 12, or read the Bible, without realising that staying stuck in addiction, shame and secrecy is also hard. You’ll also hear a thoughtful mailbag segment, where sleep in early recovery and working a graveyard shift are discussed, along with practical ideas like keeping sleep environments dark, watching caffeine, and understanding how poor sleep can fuel cravings.

The conversation repeatedly circles back to honesty, accountability, heart posture towards God, and the daily work of steps 10, 11 and 12. There’s plenty of light humour, open talk about shame, and real-time self-reflection from both Monty and Alicia, giving this episode a very human feel. If you’re weighing up your own “hard” choices in recovery, this one might nudge you to ask: which hard are you choosing today?