

Father Bill W.
Father Bill W.
I’m an Episcopal (Anglican) priest in recovery from alcoholism since 1972. I've spent my career in addiction treatment focused on 12-Step spirituality and exploring the pioneer history of AA. In discovering the lost 11th Step practice of Two Way Prayer, my program underwent a life-changing transformation. As Bill Wilson said, “ something was lost from AA when we stopped emphasizing the morning meditation." My mission now is helping people in 12-Step Fellowships explore a deeper understanding of spiritual practice and how it connects us to the "Great Reality" within. -Fr. Bill W.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 1, 2021 • 37min
Unconscious Contact: Starting the Lifelong Journey
This series traces our physical and spiritual life-cycle from birth, to rebirth, to death. Building on the work of Jungian analyst Edward Edinger, Fr. Bill simplifies Edinger’s insights and applies them to 12-Step recovery. In this episode we explore the formation of the Ego and how human beings begin relating to the “Higher Power.” A pdf version of Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype is in the show notes.
Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD: https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_Edward_Edinger

Feb 1, 2021 • 30min
AA: Spiritual and/or Religious- Final Thoughts
Drawing from Houston Smith’s classic The World’s Religions, Father Bill concludes the series focusing on six elements common to all religions: authority, ritual, speculation, tradition, God’s sovereignty, and mystery. These elements are also subject to abuse and these dangers are covered as well.
Houston Smith’ World Religions: (pdf. Version) https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-worlds-religions-our-great-wisdom-traditions-e156848105.html /

Jan 25, 2021 • 32min
AA: Spiritual and/or Religious- A Buddhist in Recovery
Many in recovery find Buddhist philosophy and meditation a tremendous aid to their spiritual journey. Fr. Bill’s guest is Kevin G. a gifted Buddhist author and teacher in long term recovery from addiction. Kevin is the author One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps. The Buddha’s enlightenment and Kevin’s simple teaching style have much to offer addicts in the ongoing search to overcome our suffering. See the links below to contact Kevin directly.
Kevin’s website: www.kevingriffin.net
The Buddhist Recovery Network: www.buddhistrecovery.org
Houston Smith’ World Religions: (pdf.) https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-worlds-religions-our-great-wisdom-traditions-e156848105.html
Article on Jesuit Brother Bob Maat: https://contemplativealliance.org/2017/01/12/a-saint-named-bob

Jan 19, 2021 • 38min
AA: Spiritual and/or Religious- A Muslim in Recovery
Fr. Bill’s guest is Sinan K. from Istanbul, Turkey. Sinan was born and raised in the Muslim faith but could only find his recovery through AA. In Arabic, the word “Islam” means “surrender.” Realizing this connection opened the door to Step One and led him to a deeper practice of his faith where he explores the Sufi or mystical dimensions of his religion. This is a lively discussion. If you wish to contact Sinan, please write us at twowayprayer@gmail.com Salaam Alaikum!

Jan 11, 2021 • 55min
BONUS EPISODE: Fr. Bills Story and Steps
Fr. Bill shares his recovery story along with the understanding of the 12 Steps he discovered studying AA history. If you’re into following Dr. Bob’s advice to “keep it simple” this episode may be just what the Doctor ordered! Enjoy!

Jan 4, 2021 • 39min
AA: Spiritual and/or Religious-Vasu R. / A Hindu in Recovery
Fr. Bill’s guest was born into the Hindu faith in India. A member of the Brahmin class, he studied his religion intently but could only find recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous 26 years ago. Now living in Dallas, Vasu still serves his community by bringing workshops and AA retreats to alcoholics in his native land. If you wish to contact Vasu, please write: TwoWayPrayer@Gmail.com/
Namaste!

Dec 29, 2020 • 37min
AA: Spiritual and/or Religious- Yisrael C. / An Orthodox Jew in Recovery
Fr. Bill’s guest has over 40 years in AA journeying from a Catholic kid in Philadelphia to an Orthodox Jew and stand-up comedian in Israel. Balancing tragedy and comedy, he works at the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem and takes great joy helping newcomers find both sobriety and fun in recovery. Here’s a link to his full AA story. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yisrael+c+aa To contact him, write me at TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com/ and I’ll happily forward it. Shalom!

Dec 21, 2020 • 35min
AA: Spiritual and/or Religious: An Atheist in Recovery
Fr. Bill’s guest is Kim from Brisbane, Australia. Years ago, Kim first heard a “feminine inner voice” telling her it was “time to grow up and get sober!” Kim has done exactly that, but without the need for God or religion. Her spiritual journey to wholeness is still guided by that same inner voice of wisdom who now talks to her through Two Way Prayer. Kim’s a delightful guest and a really fun spirit. Enjoy!

Dec 14, 2020 • 38min
AA: Spiritual and/or Religious: A Catholic in Recovery
Fr. Bill’s guest is David A. a Roman Catholic physician with 25 years in AA recovery. David shares his faith journey as it moved from superficial to an experience of the supernatural. David is no stranger to tragedy, his mother having been killed by an intruder. Hear how David’s faith connection helped him heal from a meaningless, well defended life in addiction to a new and meaningful one in recovery. He’s a gentle soul well worth a listen!

Dec 8, 2020 • 32min
AA: Spiritual and/or Religious: A Religious Mongrel
Fr. Bill’s guest is Matt D., Director of All Addicts Anonymous. Discussion centers on Tom Powers who helped Bill Wilson write the 12&12 and other AA literature. Tom drew his faith from several religious traditions defining himself as a “religious mongrel” and damn proud of it!