Our Primary Purpose: GSO Podcast

[collapse title="Episode Summary" collapsed="collapsed" class="text text-bold text-italic"]

As the excitement builds for the A.A. 2025 International Convention in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, July 3-5, we take you behind the scenes to chat with A.A. Board members and our convention coordinator about what to expect at this gathering of more than 40,000 A.A. members, families, and friends. Find out what makes this global event so memorable and how you can join the celebration.

[/collapse]

Meet the General Manager at the A.A. General Service Office and learn more about servant-leadership, A.A. literature translation, and the global impact of the A.A. service structure.

[collapse title="Episode Summary" collapsed="collapsed" class="text text-bold text-italic"]

In our season finale, we meet Bob W., the General Manager of the General Service Office. Bob shares his thoughts on servant-leadership and the vital work of translating A.A. literature into numerous languages. Roberto, a recovering alcoholic from Miami, tells us about his powerful experience serving the Spanish-speaking A.A. community and his service trip to Mexico.

[/collapse]

Learn how A.A. works with professionals to help problem drinkers.

[collapse title="Episode Summary" collapsed="collapsed" class="text text-bold text-italic"]

Dive into how A.A. members and GSO Staff share the A.A. message with professionals who work with individuals struggling with a drinking problem through ‘Cooperation with the Professional Community’ committees.  Plus, Wallace R, a recovering alcoholic and social worker from Vancouver, Canada, shares his A.A. journey and the power of connecting professionals with A.A’.s life-saving program of recovery.

[/collapse]

Take an exclusive virtual tour of the GSO Archives, exploring AA’s history, growth, and impact with insider stories.

[collapse title="Episode Summary" collapsed="collapsed" class="text text-bold text-italic"]

Tour the A.A. Archives with our GSO archivists who give us behind-the-scenes access to rare collections and artifacts from A.A. history and learn more about A.A.’s beginnings,  growth, and impact around the world. 

[/collapse]

Explore how GSO helps support the work of bringing A.A. into jails and prisons.

[collapse title="Episode Summary" collapsed="collapsed" class="text text-bold text-italic"]

A.A. reaches behind the walls to bring hope and recovery to persons in custody in the U.S. and Canada. GSO staff member Eileen A. shares powerful stories of how A.A support from the “outside” helps carry the A.A. message to alcoholics on the “inside.” We also hear from an A.A. member who found sobriety while in custody, as he shares the transformative impact of A.A. meetings and fellowship in correctional facilities.

[/collapse]

Explore the powerful impact of AA literature in making the message accessible to diverse communities here at home and around the world.

[collapse title="Episode Summary" collapsed="collapsed" class="text text-bold text-italic"]

Many people struggling with a drinking problem first encounter A.A. through our numerous pamphlets, books, flyers, and other material. Learn all about the critical role and impact of A.A. publications in a conversation with Publishing Director David R. And hear how the most recent publication, the Plain Language Big Book, is designed to so that the A.A. Twelve Step program of recovery from alcoholism may be easily understood and accessible by all people who have a desire to stop drinking. Also, in this episode, Michael, a visually impaired A.A. member, highlights the importance of inclusivity in A.A. Misha Q., a  GSO Staff member, reveals how A.A. literature helped her share the A.A. message while abroad.  

[/collapse]

Explore Public Information, Bill W's insights, and the global reach of AA, including the 2025 International Convention.

[collapse title="Episode Summary" collapsed="collapsed" class="text text-bold text-italic"]

In this episode, discover the powerful role of Public Information in carrying the A.A. message of recovery. Meet GSO Staff member Patrick C, who discusses how the principle of “attraction rather than promotion” guides A.A. in the digital age. Hear from co-founder Bill W. and learn more about the important role of anonymity. Plus, a sneak peek at the 2025 A.A. International Convention in Vancouver, Canada.

[/collapse]

Tour GSO, exploring its departments, literature distribution, support of local and regional A.A., and commitment to AA's mission.

[collapse title="Episode Summary" collapsed="collapsed" class="text text-bold text-italic"]

Take a tour of the General Service Office in New York City and meet the people who support A.A. groups and members in the U.S. and Canada. Get an inside look at how work at GSO helps advance the mission of carrying the message of A.A. 

[/collapse]

[collapse title="Notice about external links" collapsed="collapsed" class="text text-bold text-italic"]

Clicking on the SoundCloud or Privacy policy links in the audio player will redirect you to the SoundCloud website

This website provides links to other websites, including websites affiliated with other organizations. Linking to any other website, including but not limited to websites affiliated with other organizations inside the Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) service structure, does not constitute the endorsement, sponsorship, or approval of such other website by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (A.A.W.S.), or any products, services, or content displayed, provided, promoted, or offered by such other website. Please be aware that A.A.W.S. is not responsible for the content, practices, policies, or methods of any other website, including, without limitation, any other website's collection, dissemination, use, and protection of personal information, its use of tracking technology, or its level of computer security. Additionally, A.A.W.S. cannot attest to the accuracy, relevancy, timeliness, legality, or completeness of information provided by any other website.

[/collapse]