Tanner Keegan Read

Retrieving Sanity

Tanner Keegan Read

  • The UNTOLD Love Story Behind AA (It's Not Who You Think!) with Joy Jones and Tom Adams MSW

The UNTOLD Love Story Behind AA (It's Not Who You Think!) with Joy Jones and Tom Adams MSW

Thursday 24th July 2025

Explore Lois Wilson's pivotal role in AA and Al-Anon, her marriage with Bill Wilson, and the power of community in recovery in this insightful episode.
Explicit
57 minutes
hopeful
informative
inspirational
reflective
challenging

About this podcast

Retrieving Sanity
Author:
Tanner Keegan Read
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Family Recovery from Addiction
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Body & Mind
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
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The Untold Story of Lois Wilson & Recovery

Episode Overview

  • Lois Wilson's crucial impact on AA and Al-Anon.
  • The spiritual essence of Bill and Lois's marriage.
  • Community support's vital role in recovery.
  • Challenges faced by Lois during the early years.
  • Insights on working through the 12-step program.
We need a little bit of light in the world and y'all are definitely bringing a whole lot of it.
In this compelling episode of 'Retrieving Sanity,' host Keegan is joined by Joy Jones and Tom Adams, who delve into the influential yet often overlooked contributions of Lois Wilson to the addiction recovery movement. Lois Wilson, the wife of Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, played an essential role not just in supporting her husband but in shaping the spiritual framework that would lead to the creation of Al-Anon, a support group specifically for families and friends of alcoholics.
Joy Jones, a renowned poet and educator, along with Tom Adams, a writer and speaker deeply immersed in spirituality and recovery, have co-authored a biography titled 'A Marriage That Changed The World,' which explores the dynamic relationship between Lois and Bill Wilson. Their marriage was characterized by a profound spiritual connection that influenced the development of AA and subsequent 12-step programs.
The conversation touches on the significance of community and spirituality in recovery, highlighting how Lois's guidance helped Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob establish the principles that have helped millions worldwide achieve sobriety. The guests share personal anecdotes and insights from their research, illustrating the sacrifices and challenges Lois faced while supporting Bill during his journey. Listeners will learn about the transformative power of spiritual practices and community support in overcoming addiction.
Joy and Tom emphasize the importance of recognizing Lois's contributions, which have been critical to the success of AA and Al-Anon. This episode serves as a reminder of the unsung heroes in the recovery movement and the enduring impact of their work. Keegan, Joy, and Tom invite listeners to reflect on the lessons learned from Lois's story and consider how these principles can be applied in their own lives.
As the episode concludes, Keegan encourages everyone to love themselves and those around them, noting that even small gestures of kindness can make a significant difference, especially for those navigating recovery. The conversation is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and hope in the journey toward sobriety and mental health.
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