

Relevant Recovery
Donnie & Heather
Hosts Heather & Donnie discuss challenges relevant to recovery. Topics include chemical dependencies on a variety of substances, as well as food, social media, money and much more. They discuss everything from mental health, anxiety, depression, fear, marriage and resentment. Join Heather and Donnie as they share their personal experience with recovery and sobriety.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 19, 2025 • 1h 43min
Boo-ze: The Ghost That Haunted Me - Episode 224
Alcohol isn’t just a drink—it’s a spirit that whispers from the shadows: “maybe this time will be different.” In this episode, we learn how to recognize the whispers early, bring them into the light, and stay free from the ghost of booze.

Oct 12, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Man of Thirty — Episode 223
In this episode of Relevant Recovery, we dive into pages 32–33 of the Big Book — the story of the “man of thirty” who swore off alcohol until retirement. This is a powerful reminder that sobriety is more than staying dry — it’s about finding true freedom through a change of mind and heart.

Oct 5, 2025 • 1h 21min
Trusting God Rather Than Self - Episode 222
In this episode we explore what it really means to trust God rather than ourselves. From surrendering control, stepping off the Bridge of Reason onto the shore of Faith, and learning to play the role God assigns us. It’s an honest look at letting go of self-will, questioning less, and trusting more — even when we can’t see the outcome.

Sep 28, 2025 • 1h 26min
The Lie of Self-Centered Living - Episode 221
This week, we're talking about the lie of self-centered living. We’ve all heard the cultural messages: "Protect your energy," "Cut off anyone who doesn't serve you," and "Put yourself first." While these ideas might resonate when you're in pain, they're rooted in a "me-first" mentality that leads to loneliness and misery.

Sep 21, 2025 • 1h 29min
Spiritual Malady Unpacked – Episode 220
In this episode, we break it down in simple terms, exploring how it shows up in everyday irritations, resentments, and disconnection—and how to realign with peace and purpose.

Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 31min
The Arch To Freedom - Episode 219
In this episode, we explore one of the Big Book’s most powerful metaphors: the spiritual structure that leads us into a new way of life. From the foundation stone of willingness to the cornerstone of belief, the keystone of surrender, and the cement of fellowship, the Big Book shows us how to build an arch that we can walk through to true freedom.

Sep 7, 2025 • 1h 32min
The Sixth Step Dilemma – Episode 218
“Were entirely ready” is trickier than it sounds.
Step Six asks us to be “entirely ready” to have God remove our defects of character — but what does that really mean? In this episode, we explore the Sixth Step dilemma: why letting go is harder than it sounds, how willingness develops, and what the Big Book and spiritual principles teach us about becoming truly ready for freedom and change.

Aug 31, 2025 • 1h 27min
Half Measures Avail Us Nothing- Episode 217
Trying to work the program halfway only leads to frustration, relapse, or a joyless sobriety. In this episode, we explore why real recovery requires full surrender—and how going all-in is necessary for real recovery.

Aug 24, 2025 • 1h 30min
98 BURN - Episode 216
Recovery isn’t conditional. In this episode, we confront the lie that healing depends on people or circumstances—and share how true freedom comes when we shift our dependence from others to God. Guest James offers a powerful story of surrender, loss, and spiritual restoration.

Aug 17, 2025 • 1h 19min
Sex and Love Addiction - Episode 215
In this powerful episode of the Counterfeit Contentment series, we expose how sex and validation-seeking hijack our brains, warp intimacy, and leave us spiritually empty — and how healing happens through connection with God, community, and recovery.