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
Oct 5, 2020 • 30min
Psychic Change in Recovery: The Gift of Desperation
In this episode Fr. Bill explores the inner-landscapes of a genuine “spiritual experience.” Seems hitting bottom has a brighter side after all.
Sep 28, 2020 • 30min
Psychic Change in Recovery: What is it?
Psychic change is the ultimate goal of the 12-Step recovery process. In this episode Father Bill examines the nature of these spiritual transformations while the series builds on Professor William Miller’s book “Quantum Change.”
Sep 2, 2020 • 31min
AA’s Bill W From the Inside Out: Bill’s Life After AA
After Bill Wilson founded AA, he never stopped trying to help the alcoholics struggling with “the spiritual part” of the program. Fr. Bill traces Wilson’s later journey through some of its surprising twists and turns.
Aug 24, 2020 • 34min
AA’s Bill W From the Inside Out: Bill Joins the Group
Both AA Co-founders were members of the Oxford Group before they ever met, but neither was experiencing much “success.” Fr. Bill explores Wilson’s first six months in recovery and traces the providential events that led to his meeting with Dr. Bob in Akron, Ohio.
Aug 17, 2020 • 29min
AA’s Bill W From the Inside Out: Bill’s Led Out from His Cave
After Wilson came down from his mountaintop experience, he set out to unlock the mystery of why "it" had worked for him and how "it" might work for others. Fr. Bill explores Wilson's being led out from his cave and being charged with bringing "hope to the hopeless."
Aug 10, 2020 • 29min
AA’s Bill W From the Inside Out: Bill’s Mountaintop Experience
Wilson finally cries out for help to a God he isn’t sure is there. Then, like his grandfather, he undergoes his famous “white light,” mountaintop experience. Fr. Bill examines Wilson’s “psychic change” in light of William James’ classic description of a “conversion experience.”
Aug 3, 2020 • 30min
AA’s Bill W From the Inside Out: Before the Big Bang
Several “mini-white light” experiences preceded Wilson’s famous “hot-flash” in Towns Hospital. Largely unknown to most in recovery, Fr. Bill shares Wilson’s spiritual encounters within the broader context of Bill’s spiritual journey.
Jul 27, 2020 • 27min
AA’s Bill W From the Inside Out: Wilson Flies High Before the Crash
Fr. Bill explores the effects of Bill Wilson’s childhood traumas on his early life. Wilson’s autobiography provides insights into his developing alcoholism. The myth of Icarus serves as a psychological model.
Links for this episode:
Father Bill W.'s Autobiography: https://www.amazon.com/Bill-First-Years-Autobiography-Co-founder/dp/1592853641
Ego and Archetype: https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_-_Edward_Edinger
Jul 20, 2020 • 31min
AA’s Bill W.: From the Inside Out: A Wounded Child
Bill Wilson grew up in a dysfunctional family. His childhood traumas compounded his depressions and contributed to his alcoholism. Fr. Bill explores Wilson’s early years sharing stories from Wilson’s little known autobiography. Find the book here.
Jun 15, 2020 • 31min
AA & Carl Jung: The Hero's Journey: The 12-Steps to Wholeness
Father Bill gives a brief overview of Jung's contributions to AA and to the spiritual journey we call recovery. He references Inner Work by Robert A. Johnson.
