Living Free

Episode

• 
  Ann & Michael Chat 10.09.2026

  The show's invited guest could not make it in to the studio so Ann unexpectedly joined Michael to talk about their experiences in recovery with the help of Al Anon & Alcoholics Anonymous.The discussion included finding a place where their thinking is considered normal, after years of feeling unique, and being introduced to a new way of living that has them feeling more connected to those they care about and being useful in the world.
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  Alcoholism, A Merry-Go-Round Named Denial (Repeat) 03.09.2026

  Ann reads from a pamphlet that tells the story of an alcoholic's progress through their illness in the form of a three-act play. The play includes a cast of characters who surround the alcoholic, deeply involved in their addiction and its consequences.Act I: The drinker acts out the obsession and the immediate crisis or heavy drinking episode, while family and friends react with shock, anger, or cover-ups. Act II: The enablers, family members, or coworkers take over, stepping in to fix the mess, absorb the consequences, and manage the fallout to keep life functioning. Act III: The alcoholic returns to drinking or the cycle resets as everyone adjusts back to the familiar dysfunction, allowing the loop to start all over again. The "A Merry-Go-Round Named Denial" address originally formed part of a workshop in 1968; today the important concepts remain true for most people in an alcoholic situation.This episode is a repeat.If you think that Al-Anon  could help you cope with someone else’s problem drinking then you can phone 1300 252 666 or go to their website al-anon.org.au#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #RecoveryIf you would like more information about Alcoholics Anonymous, they can be contacted on 1300 222 222 or go online at aa.org.au The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.
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  An AA member talks to an Al-Anon member about what it's like to be addicted to alcohol 27.08.2026

  Co-hosts Michael and Ann chat about what alcoholism does to those who are addicted to alcohol and to those who are in close relationships with them.The conversation starts with an Open Letter to my Family I am an alcoholic. I need help.Don’t allow me to lie to you and accept it for the truth, for in so doing, you encourage me to lie. The truth may be painful but get at it.Don’t let me outsmart you. This only teaches me to avoid responsibility and to lose respect for you at the same time.Don’t let me exploit you or take advantage of you. In so doing, you become an accomplice to my evasion of responsibility...https://www.aacle.org/an-open-letter-to-my-family/ If you think that Al-Anon  could help you cope with someone else’s problem drinking then you can phone 1300 252 666 or go to their website al-anon.org.au#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #RecoveryIf you would like more information about Alcoholics Anonymous, they can be contacted on 1300 222 222 or go online at aa.org.au The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.  
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  Daniel F 20 August 2026 20.08.2026

  Daniel joined Michael in the studio to describe his life living with and in early recovery from alcoholism. Born in Canada and always feeling a little on the outside, Daniel discovered the freedom that music and alcohol provided in his teen years. Moving to Melbourne with his Australian partner, the work drinking culture was alluring and eventually his downfall. Unable to keep his commitments to his family and friends he sought help through various means, multiple rehabs and eventually fell through the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. He found a welcoming bunch of people and has settled in to a new life being sober & happy.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website aa.org.au.
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  What does AA look like for the 1st time? 13.08.2026

  Rose joined Michael in the studio to discuss their own experiences of what life looked life at the end of their drinking and then going to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for the first time.What were the other people there like? Did they feel judged? Did the world end? Did they find some HOPE. What was on offer at Alcoholics Anonymous that hadn't presented itself in their varying attempts to control &/or enjoy their drinking?Here is a link to the last time Rose was a guest on the program and shared her story: https://audio.3cr.org.au/3cr/living-free/2026/05/14/1300/202605141300_living-free_64.mp3If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please feel free to give us some feedback at [email protected] If you think you may have a drinking problem, or know someone who does, you can contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 1300 222 222 or go to their website at aa.org.au
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  Al-Anon Family Groups - David 06.08.2026

  David grew up in a middle-class family in Sydney. His mother had a problem with alcoholism and David and his siblings were often in the care of a nanny while his mother was away from home seeking treatment for her condition. A quiet child who had learned to be what he calls 'a people pleaser', David found himself a victim of bullying in a private boys school. He did not confide this to anyone who could intervene, but does remember a teacher who was open about his own recovery in AA and who would talk to the class about Al-Anon. By this stage David's mother was in AA but it wasn't until later in life that David sought recovery for himself in Al-Anon.  If you think that Al-Anon  could help you cope with someone else’s problem drinking then you can phone 1300 252 666 or go to their website al-anon.org.au #Alcoholism #Al-Anon #RecoveryIf you would like more information about Alcoholics Anonymous, they can be contacted on 1300 222 222 or go online at aa.org.au The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.
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  Alcoholics Anonymous Chrissie 23rd July 2026 23.07.2026

  Chrissie joined Michael in the studio to discuss her recovery from alcoholism through the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.From a chaotic, violent & scary childhood with her sister, Chrissie found a solution to the chaos in the bottle. It changed the way she felt and allowed her to push down the fear. Her drinking was always different to those around her and made it impossible to achieve the things she always wanted. To be a reliable mother, a loving partner and to provide a safe, nurturing environment for her children.Introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous through a rehab, staying stopped wasn't as easy as she thought. In this podcast we discuss the actions necessary to bring about behaviour change and a fulfilling, sober life in fellowship with other alcoholics and in the broader world.If you think you may have a drinking problem, or know someone who does, you can contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 1300 222 222 or go to their website at aa.org.au 
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  Gamblers Anonymous Kurt 16.07.2026

  Kurt joined Michael in the studio to describe the progressive nature of his gambling problem. Starting in the school yard betting on marbles, the camaraderie of underage drinking in pubs listening to the horses race after placing bets at the TAB, losing money as he grew older and took on responsibilities and eventually ending up in rehab.If you’re having trouble with gambling, or have a friend or family member that does, then maybe Gamblers Anonymous could help – phone (03) 9696 6108 or visit their website gaaustralia.org.au for information and to see a list of local meetings.
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  Al-Anon Family Groups - Janina 02.07.2026

  Janina returns to Living Free in this episode to chat about long-term recovery in Al-Anon. Janina grew up in an unpredictable household dominated by her parents' alcoholism, mental illness and trauma. Having experienced several forms of violence she found she had to confront her own trauma and anger in order to live a peaceful, fulfilling life.  Practising the 12 Steps and supporting others to do so has been a long term journey of self-understanding, acceptance of the past, and service to others. 
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  Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfuntional Families - Trinity 25.06.2026

  Trinity grew up in a family affected by rage, addiction, abuse and mental illness, all untreated. The children carried dysfunctional attitudes and behaviours into their adult lives, with each family member, including Trinity, locked into their own patterns of isolation and individual illness. Trinity married an alcoholic and, a few years ago, at the end of her rope, found Al-Anon. Next she found another fellowship, Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families and finally understood the family system of which she was a part. If you think that Al-Anon  could help you cope with someone else’s problem drinking then you can phone 1300 252 666 or go to their website al-anon.org.auHelp 3CR raise the $300,000 it needs to continue broadcasting and support the Living Free show here: https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #RecoveryIf you would like more information about Alcoholics Anonymous, they can be contacted on 1300 222 222 or go online at aa.org.auFind an Adult Children and dysfunctional Families here:https://adultchildren.org/meeting-search/ The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.
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  Radiothon Show 2 Alcoholics Anonymous 18June2026 18.06.2026

  Left to fend for himself, Michael sat in the studio all alone (wrapped in the enthusiasm of the 3CR family), spoke much too much, pleaded for donations to the radio station and played clips from Alcoholics Anonymous guests who had come in to the studio over the past 12 months.Thanks to the donations from our loyal listeners & supporters, we are sooooo close to reaching our 2026 Radiothon budget. As at 25th June,2026 we are a couple of hundred dollars short. Please donate and get us over the line.We look forward to bringing you more recovery stories over the next year. 
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  Radiothon Show 11June2026 11.06.2026

  It is Radiothon time again.The budget set for the Living Free team has been raised after a better than expected result last year. The team (Ann, Bill, Mitch & Michael) are all in the studio to thank the listeners for their donations, ask for more donations, play clips of their guests and discuss how much 3CR means to them and how important it is to keep the radio station funded. Thanks to our listeners & supporters, we are well on our way to reaching our target.Feel free to donate at any time of the year by calling the station on 9419 8377 and tell them how much you enjoy listening to recovery stories on Living Free. 
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  David - AA, Al-Anon and ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families) 04.06.2026

  When David found himelf sick and lying on the floor of his garage, he decided to seek treatment for the drinking that had kept him isolated from his family. During his time in rehab a counsellor asked him three questions that changed his life. He knew then that he was an alcoholic and committed himself to recovery. He has not had a drink since. David has found over his years of recovery that attending Al-Anon and ACA meetings has been an important part of his understand of himself and the nature of trauma and addiction.If you think that Al-Anon  could help you cope with someone else’s problem drinking then you can phone 1300 252 666 or go to their website al-anon.org.auShow your support for the Living Free show and join the celebration of 3CRs's 50th Birthday show by donating to our radiothon here:https://www.givenow.com.au/cr/living-free-2026-radiothon#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #RecoveryIf you would like more information about Alcoholics Anonymous, they can be contacted on 1300 222 222 or go online at aa.org.au The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.  
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  Al-Anon Family Groups - Jacquie 28.05.2026

  Jacquie married a man whose drinking became problematic, but it was her daughter's abuse of alcohol that led her to seek support in Al-Anon. With her daughter's additional struggle with mental illness Jacquie found the dilemmas about how to best help her daughter difficult to navigate. Al-Anon gives her the support she needs in often distressing situations and has helped her to establish boundaries to look after herself while still giving love and support to her daughter. In this episode we discuss some of the traditions of Al-Anon that Jacquie credits with making Al-Anon groups safe places to share her experience with others who understand.If you think that Al-Anon  could help you cope with someone else’s problem drinking then you can phone 1300 252 666 or go to their website al-anon.org.auShow your support for the Living Free show and join the celebration of 3CRs's 50th Birthday show by donating to our radiothon here:https://www.givenow.com.au/cr/living-free-2026-radiothon #Alcoholism #Al-Anon #RecoveryIf you would like more information about Alcoholics Anonymous, they can be contacted on 1300 222 222 or go online at aa.org.au The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.
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  Gamblers Anonymous Jason21MAY2026 21.05.2026

  Jason joined Michael in the studio to chat about the consequences of his gambling and how life looks after 7 years without gambling and 18 months in Gamblers Anonymous.Taking to gambling in his mid 30's, after his wife's passing, it soon took hold of his life and started a spiralling descent. Spending money he didn't have, leading to shame and guilt around dishonest behaviour and eventually a moment of clarity when deciding whether he wanted to live or die.Jason shares his story of hope and the joy he feels when attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings. Being able to give back through acts of service at his local meeting and rebuilding the trust of his family.If you would like to contact Gamblers Anonymous please call 03 9696 6108 or go on-line to gaaustralia.org.au
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  Alcoholics Anonymous ROSE14MAY2026 14.05.2026

  Rose joined Michael in the studio to share her story. From a young age, feeling uncomfortable in her own skin and wishing to be different to finding a solution to the internal discomfort with her first glass of red wine, Rose told her story which included battles with mental health issues and time in psychiatric facilities.Missed opportunities, unhealthy relationships and behaving in ways that didn't sit comfortably within her moral code.But ... There is a Solution. Rose spoke of getting to know herself better and finding a solution to the internal problem that she had tried to fix with drugs and alcohol.
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  A holistic approach to embodied trauma - Chris 07.05.2026

  As a young child Chris was in a situation that was traumatic for him. As a musician in his young adulthood he found himself suffering from anxiety and drank alcohol to be able to perform comfortably. Through his work as a guitar teacher he came into contact with someone in whom he confided his anxiety and through this person he was introduced to  Jung-informed and trauma-informed therapy. He now practises as a coach helping others to heal their trauma, starting from where it is stored in the body.Chris can be contacted here:https://www.facebook.com/holisticguidanceandsupportThe Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening. 
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  Living Free History – Michael and Bill on 30APR2026 30.04.2026

  Bill and Michael sample some old Living Free and Stone Free shows from the 3CR ArchivesIf you would like to find out more about Narcotics Anonymous or need to talk to somebody, then please call 1300 652 820 at any time or go online at www.navic.net.au.If you’re having trouble with gambling, or have a friend or family member that does, then maybe Gamblers Anonymous could help – phone (03) 9696 6108 or visit their website gaaustralia.org.au for information and to see a list of local meetings.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website aa.org.au.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.Show your support to the Living Free show by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate
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  Al-Anon Family Groups - Julie 23.04.2026

  Julie is a mental health and alcohol and drug therapist trained in dual diagnosis and family therapy. She works primarily with families who are suffering the effects of substance abuse. As a member of Al-Anon, Julie tells her story of being affected by her husband's addiction to alcohol - including her loss of self and having to watch the effect on her children. As a therapist with an interest in the teachings of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, Julie talks about how people are attracted by each other's 'shadow side' and how contact between AA co-founder Bill W and Jung manifested in aspects of the 12 Step approach to recovery. If you think that Al-Anon  could help you cope with someone else’s problem drinking then you can phone 1300 252 666 or go to their website al-anon.org.auShow your support for the Living Free show by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #RecoveryIf you would like more information about Alcoholics Anonymous, they can be contacted on 1300 222 222 or go online at aa.org.au The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.
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  Alcoholics Anonymous Hayley16APRIL2026 16.04.2026

  Hayley joined Michael in the studio to chat about her life and her recovery from alcoholism with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous.Hayley speaks about growing up as the youngest of 3 daughters in a household where her father was working away on a regular basis, a 10 year age gap between she and her older sisters and being given everything a child could want when young. Her drinking came with some consequences after the birth of her first child and she "hit a wall" in her late 20's. Introduced to AA in 2011, she managed to stay dry for a period of time but was back in the grips of her alcoholism in her early 30's. Returning to AA in 2020 she has experienced relapse but found hope in the fundimentals of AA. Good sponsorship, the 12 Steps, a homegroup and acts of service for others.