Episodes

  • Step Six: Ready or Not, Change is Coming

    Step Six: Ready or Not, Change is Coming
    Mar 7 2025
    In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren welcomes back Jeff Schlund from the Betty Ford Center to discuss Step Six of the 12-Step Program. Step Six is about being entirely ready to have a higher power remove defects of character.
    Jeff shares insights from his 22 years of sobriety, emphasizing that alcoholism is not a defect of character but a disease—while defects of character arise from behavior patterns that develop alongside addiction. The discussion covers topics such as perfectionism, shame, and self-doubt, highlighting how these issues affect both people in recovery and those outside of it.

    Bill and Jeff explore:
    The fear and relief that comes with surrendering to a higher power
    How accountability partners, therapists, and sponsors can provide guidance
    Why taking action—even if imperfect—is crucial to personal growth
    The broader applicability of Step Six beyond substance addiction
    Jeff shares personal reflections on his own recovery journey and how making a conscious decision to let go of destructive habits led him toward a healthier, more intentional life.

    Chapter Markers:
    ⏱ 00:20 – Introduction by Bill Lundgren, discussing Step Six and welcoming Jeff Schlund
    ⏱ 02:32 – What is Step Six? Being ready to remove defects of character
    ⏱ 04:47 – Alcoholism as a disease vs. defects of character
    ⏱ 07:10 – Common defects: Perfectionism, shame, dishonesty
    ⏱ 09:39 – The challenge of turning over defects to a higher power
    ⏱ 11:50 – Recognizing patterns in behavior and making changes
    ⏱ 13:57 – The role of therapists, sponsors, and accountability
    ⏱ 16:20 – Why Step Six is a ‘half-step’ leading to deeper work
    ⏱ 19:40 – Learning to take responsibility and seek help
    ⏱ 26:08 – Perfectionism in recovery and for people with disabilities
    ⏱ 31:30 – Advice for taking action and embracing change
    ⏱ 34:41 – Closing thoughts, resources, and where to find help

    Resources & Contact Information:
    📞 Blindsight Feedback Line: (720) 712-8856
    📧 Email: feedback@aftersight.org

    💡 Additional Resources:
    Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup (Find accessible meetings and resources)
    Betty Ford Center (Support for addiction recovery)
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    35 mins
  • Step 5: Admitting Our Wrongs to Others and to Ourselves

    Step 5: Admitting Our Wrongs to Others and to Ourselves
    Feb 28 2025
    In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren sits down with Pamela Rueda, creator of My Badass Recovery, to explore Step 5 of the 12-Step Program. Together, they unpack the significance of admitting our wrongs to ourselves, to another person, and to a higher power. Pamela shares her deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and the emotional weight of confronting shame, guilt, and self-perception in the healing process. Pamela and Bill also discuss the importance of selecting the right person to share your Step 5 with, the necessity of radical honesty, and how shame can be a major barrier to recovery. They emphasize how finding a trusted sponsor, creating a safe space for vulnerability, and taking a leap of faith can lead to transformative freedom.

    Key Discussion Points & Chapter Markers
    (00:26) – Introduction with host Bill Lundgren
    (01:29) – Guest introduction: Pamela Rueda and My Badass Recovery
    (01:48) – What is Step 5? Admitting the exact nature of our wrongs
    (02:27) – Pamela’s personal recovery journey and the fears around Step 5
    (04:14) – Shame, self-perception, and breaking free from past identity
    (06:37) – The challenge of opening up and being radically honest
    (08:48) – Selecting the right sponsor: trust, wisdom, and higher power
    (11:56) – How to actually go through Step 5: process, structure, and commitment
    (14:38) – The role of a sponsor: “I’m not here to be your friend”
    (16:43) – The fear of judgment and seeking approval in recovery
    (18:35) – Relapse and learning from past experiences
    (22:24) – Understanding shame vs. guilt: The impact on recovery
    (25:09) – The cycle of addiction and self-judgment
    (28:57) – The power of sharing: How vulnerability defeats shame
    (32:48) – When and how to disclose your recovery journey
    (35:15) – Avoiding the dangers of oversharing and measuring trust
    (39:43) – Understanding motives behind sharing your story
    (40:55) – Closing thoughts: Taking the leap of faith in recovery

    Key Takeaways & Calls to Action
    Shame thrives in secrecy – Bringing shame into the light through honesty helps break its power.
    Choosing the right person for Step 5 is crucial – A sponsor should be trustworthy, wise, and aligned with your healing journey.
    Healing is an ongoing process – If we don’t uncover all aspects of our struggles, they can resurface later in life.
    Measure your vulnerability – Not everyone is safe to share with; trust and intuition play a vital role.
    The power of sharing – Speaking your truth in a safe space leads to self-acceptance and healing.

    Connect & Support
    Feedback? Questions? Call us at (720) 712-8856 or email feedback@aftersight.org.
    Support Aftersight – Your contributions help us continue making impactful content for the blind and low-vision community.
    Thank you for listening to Blindsight. Stay strong, stay connected, and see you next time.
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    45 mins
  • Step 4: Taking Moral Inventory

    Step 4: Taking Moral Inventory
    Feb 21 2025
    In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren welcomes back Darren Zenger, a counselor and advisor, to discuss Step 4 of the 12-Step Program—taking a fearless and moral inventory. They explore how this crucial step helps individuals examine resentments, fears, and past behaviors to uncover the root causes of addiction and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

    Darren explains the different areas of personal inventory:
    Resentments: Identifying the people, places, and events that trigger negative emotions.
    Fears Inventory: Acknowledging deep-seated fears that drive behavior.
    Sexual Inventory: Examining relationships and behaviors to uncover patterns.
    Assets Inventory: Recognizing strengths and values to realign with one's true self.
    Throughout the conversation, Darren shares personal insights on perfectionism, trauma, and self-acceptance, discussing how these themes have impacted his journey. He emphasizes that self-reflection can be challenging but ultimately liberating, helping individuals break free from unhealthy patterns and realign with their values.
    The episode concludes with a message of self-compassion, highlighting the difference between guilt and shame, and encouraging listeners to approach their personal inventory with courage and support.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Introduction by Jonathan Price
    00:12 – Host Bill Lundgren welcomes Darren Zenger
    01:45 – Overview of Step 4: The Moral Inventory
    03:30 – Breaking down the inventory: Resentments, fears, and behaviors
    06:20 – The importance of writing it down and working with a sponsor
    08:45 – Recognizing personal responsibility vs. blaming others
    12:00 – Overcoming fear and shame in self-reflection
    17:30 – Identifying character defects and working toward change
    21:15 – Perfectionism and its impact on personal growth
    28:30 – Aligning behaviors with values for long-term healing
    34:00 – Self-inventory as a continuous process for growth
    38:00 – Final thoughts and words of encouragement
    39:45 – Closing remarks and preview of Step 5
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    41 mins
  • Step Three: Turning It Oer

    Step Three: Turning It Oer
    Feb 14 2025
    In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren continues the discussion on the 12-Step Program with guest Darran Zenger. They explore Step 3, which involves turning one's will and life over to a higher power as they understand it. The conversation delves into the challenges of surrender, the distinction between religion and spirituality, and how different belief systems can shape an individual's recovery process.
    Darran shares insights on overcoming ego, embracing hope, and finding resources to navigate addiction and personal struggles. The discussion also touches on how individuals with disabilities, particularly blindness, may face unique challenges in trusting the process. Bill and Darran emphasize patience, faith, and openness in the journey of recovery.
    The episode closes with a preview of next week’s topic: Step 4: Taking a Personal Inventory, a crucial yet often intimidating step in the recovery process.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Introduction to Blindsight and the importance of mental health
    00:18 – Bill welcomes guest Darran Zenger to discuss Step 3
    02:26 – What is Step 3? Turning our will over to a higher power
    04:16 – Overcoming struggles with surrender
    07:10 – The challenge of giving up control and ego in recovery
    09:09 – Disabilities, faith, and the difficulty of trust
    11:42 – Differentiating between religion and spirituality
    13:35 – The role of nature and mindfulness in connecting with a higher power
    15:51 – The struggle of letting things happen vs. making things happen
    19:15 – Hope as the key to persistence and recovery
    21:06 – Instilling hope in clients and taking action
    26:21 – The patience required to form new habits in recovery
    29:48 – The connection between Step 3 and Step 4
    31:20 – Addressing religious trauma in the recovery process
    36:03 – Final thoughts: Hope, patience, and openness
    38:56 – Next week's episode preview: Step 4 – Taking a Personal Inventory
    40:19 – Feedback and contact information

    Contact & Feedback:
    📞 Blindsight Feedback Line: (720) 712-8856
    📧 Email: feedback@aftersight.org
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    41 mins
  • Step 2: Believing in a Greater Power

    Step 2: Believing in a Greater Power
    Feb 7 2025
    In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren is joined by Darran Zenger, a licensed clinical social worker at Cirque Lodge, a residential treatment center for substance use and addiction. Together, they discuss Step 2 of the 12-Step Program: Coming to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
    Darran shares his personal recovery journey, including his struggles with addiction, his experience with Usher syndrome, and how embracing faith and community support transformed his life. The conversation highlights the importance of spirituality (distinct from religion), the dangers of isolation, and how addiction impacts not just individuals but their entire family system. They also discuss the role of humility in recovery and how learning to surrender control can lead to true healing.
    Bill and Darran also explore how having a higher power—whether it be God, nature, or even a support group—can help individuals overcome addiction and navigate life’s challenges. They emphasize that recovery is an ongoing process requiring daily self-awareness, accountability, and connection with others.
    The episode concludes with an invitation to continue the conversation in the next episode, where they will dive into Step 3: Turning our will and our lives over to the care of a higher power as we understand it.

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 – Opening & Guest Introduction
    01:22 – Darran’s Role at Cirque Lodge & Family Support in Recovery
    02:10 – Step 2: A Power Greater Than Ourselves
    03:09 – Darran’s Personal Journey to Recovery
    06:12 – The Role of Spiritual Connection in Healing
    09:14 – The Importance of Reaching Out for Support
    12:46 – The Ego and the Challenge of Surrender
    14:28 – Trusting the Process and Letting Go of Control
    19:20 – Understanding Higher Power & Self-Will
    21:16 – Living with Usher Syndrome & Navigating Blindness
    27:32 – Adapting to Life’s Challenges & Overcoming Isolation
    31:35 – Family Dynamics & Codependency in Addiction
    36:11 – Spirituality vs. Religion in Recovery
    37:42 – Resources for Recovery & How to Access the Big Book
    38:44 – Closing & Contact Information

    Resources Mentioned
    The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous – Available in audio format through the Talking Book Library
    Everything AA App – A resource containing the Big Book, daily meditations, and recovery tools

    Feedback & Contact Information
    📞 Hotline: (720) 712-8856
    📧 Email: feedback@aftersight.org

    Have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics? Reach out to us! Your feedback helps shape future episodes of Blindsight.
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    38 mins
  • Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness

    Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness
    Jan 31 2025
    In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren kicks off a 12-part series on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, exploring Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness. Guest Jeff Schlund from the Betty Ford Center shares his 22-year sobriety journey, discussing the importance of honesty, surrender, and recognizing unmanageability in addiction.

    🔹 What does it mean to be powerless over alcohol?
    🔹 How does honesty transform the recovery process?
    🔹 What role does family play in addiction and support?
    🔹 Accessible AA resources for the blind and low-vision community

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Introduction: The 12-Step Series Begins
    02:28 – Guest Introduction: Jeff Schlund’s Work at the Betty Ford Center
    04:29 – Understanding Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness
    06:59 – Jeff’s Sobriety Journey: 22 Years of Recovery
    09:02 – The Importance of Honesty in Recovery
    13:14 – What It Took to Finally Get Honest
    15:12 – The Power in Admitting Powerlessness
    17:40 – Choice in Sobriety: The Daily Decision Not to Drink
    20:05 – Navigating Meetings and Finding Support
    22:27 – Early Recovery Mistakes and Overconfidence
    24:34 – The Role of Family in Recovery
    26:58 – Al-Anon and Family Recovery Resources
    29:27 – The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics
    31:18 – The Simplicity of 12 Steps and the Power of Step 1
    33:20 – Encouragement for Those Struggling with Step 1
    36:19 – Accessibility in Recovery: Resources for the Blind Community
    38:44 – Final Thoughts & Resources
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    41 mins
  • Introduction to the 12-steps of Recovery

    Introduction to the 12-steps of Recovery
    Jan 24 2025
    This episode kicks off a series on the 12-Step Recovery Program, with a specific focus on its origins, importance, and application in the blindness community. Hosts Bill Lundgren and Jonathan Price provide an engaging overview of the program, discussing its roots in the Oxford Group and its transformation into the modern-day Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

    Key Topics:
    The intersection of addiction and mental health in the blindness community.
    The statistical reality: the blindness community experiences a three times higher rate of alcoholism than the general population.
    The history and philosophy of the Oxford Group, its spiritual foundation, and how it influenced the development of the 12-Step Program.
    The importance of addressing shame and guilt through honesty, confession, and community support.
    Practical advice for starting the recovery journey, including finding accessible AA meetings.
    Bill shares his decades of experience as a therapist working with addiction, while Jonathan offers a fresh perspective, navigating the program's principles for the first time.

    Special Notes:
    Call to action: Listeners are encouraged to share their stories or questions by calling (720) 712-8856 or emailing the show.
    Tease for the next episode: Step 1 - Admitting Powerlessness.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 - Introduction: Setting the stage for the series.
    02:00 - AA and the Blindness Community: Why this conversation matters.
    04:30 - History of the Oxford Group: The spiritual foundation of the 12-Step Program.
    09:00 - Bill W. and Dr. Bob: Founders of AA and their vision for an inclusive program.
    16:30 - 12 Steps as a Lifestyle: Universality beyond alcoholism.
    28:00 - Accessible Resources: Finding ADA-compliant meetings and support.
    32:00 - Listener Engagement: Inviting stories and questions from the audience.
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    34 mins
  • Listener Q&A: Breaking Isolation & Finding Balance

    Listener Q&A: Breaking Isolation & Finding Balance
    Jan 17 2025
    In this engaging Q&A episode, co-hosts Bill Lundgren and Jonathan Price answer listener-submitted questions on two impactful topics: overcoming social isolation and finding the balance between independence and asking for help. With practical advice and insightful anecdotes, the hosts explore strategies to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. They also discuss reframing the concept of independence as interdependence and the importance of embracing vulnerability.

    The episode closes with a sneak peek into the next series on the 12-step program, including its history, misconceptions, and relevance for personal growth and recovery.

    Contact Information:
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00: Introduction and episode overview
    02:28: Question 1: Overcoming social isolation
    07:10: Strategies for breaking out of isolation
    16:48: Question 2: Asking for help while maintaining independence
    23:48: Shifting from independence to interdependence
    28:28: The importance of teaching versus doing
    37:00: Closing thoughts and a preview of the 12-step series
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    31 mins