Take The Cotton Out Of Your Ears And Put It In Your Mouth

Take The Cotton Out Of Your Ears And Put It In Your Mouth

Alcoholics Alive!

Shank and Wayne discuss an old AA saying about listening more than speaking, sharing personal stories and advice for newcomers in recovery.

InspiringInformativeEncouragingEngagingHumorous

39:3118 Nov 2025

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Cotton in Your Ears: Listening and Learning in AA

Episode Overview

  • The importance of listening over speaking for newcomers.
  • Helping others can aid personal recovery, even if insincere.
  • Balancing humility with assertiveness in AA meetings.
  • Community support plays a vital role in sobriety.
  • Humour can lighten the recovery journey.
Trying to heal ourselves by helping others works even when it is an insincere gesture.

What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? Tune in to Alcoholics Alive! as Shank and Wayne unpack the old AA saying, 'Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth.' This episode is a delightful mix of wisdom and humour, with the hosts diving into the nitty-gritty of AA life and sobriety shrapnel. They discuss the importance of listening over speaking, especially for newcomers, and share their personal experiences on helping others while staying sober themselves.

You'll hear about their encounters with the infamous phrase in AA meetings and how it reflects the need for humility and patience in recovery. The episode also explores the balance between speaking up and knowing when to listen, offering practical advice for those navigating their journey to sobriety. Shank and Wayne keep it light-hearted, reflecting on their own journey with AA slogans and the quirks of meeting etiquette.

Whether you're new to recovery or a seasoned veteran, this episode offers a fresh perspective on AA traditions and the importance of community support. So, are you ready to take some cotton out of your ears and dive into this engaging discussion? Remember, it's not just about talking—it's about taking action!

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