Cal Chat

SEE the full trailer video about the CAL Chat podcast at: https://youtube.com/@CALChatPodcast. For any questions about the show, contact me by using the form at:  https://CALChatBlog.com/about.  LOOK MOM!  I'M BEING SOCIAL...

In Part 6 of 6 (of Episode 1 from "CAL Chat - Deep Dive"), Evelyn and I talk about the next “field trip” for the Delegates to the World Service Office in 2023.  To wrap up this episode, she offers some parting words to anyone that isn’t quite sure about standing for service. Show-referenced links from Al-Anon's website: Al-Anon's mobile app: https://al-anon.org/mobileapp  Archive of all the World Service Conference Summaries: https://al-anon.org/for-members/world-service-conference-wsc/world-service-conference-archive  Additional links mentioned: Stepping Stones website:  https://www.steppingstones.org  1961 Timeline:  https://worldhistoryproject.org/1961  QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM EVELYN: "We are all clueless about something in life, because we are all humans." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Courage to Change"  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4,   Episode 5: part 3 of 4,   Episode 9: part 1 of 4,   Episode 9: part 2 of 4,   Episode 13: part 1 of 11,  &  Episode 13: part 7 of 11  "First Steps -

In Part 5 of 6 (of Episode 1 from "CAL Chat - Deep Dive"), we focus on the Delegates’ “field trip” to Stepping Stones, the home of Al-Anon’s co-founder Lois W.  Evelyn describes how the World Service Office was involved and how it felt to go back to the 2022 World Service Conference the very same day. Show-referenced links from the Stepping Stones' website: "Homecoming" video:  https://www.steppingstones.org  List of books in Lois and Bill W.'s library:  https://www.steppingstones.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/List_of_Books_at_Stepping_Stones.pdf  QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM EVELYN: "It is a museum, but it is a house!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Lois Remembers" "2022 World Service Conference Summary" OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog -  www.calchatblog.com  Instagram -  www.instagram.com/​CALChatFan1  Pinterest -  www.pinterest.com/​CALChatFan  Twitter -  www.twitter.com/​CALChatFan  "CAL Chat" website -  www.calcha

Continuing the discussion about the "1961 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46) in Part 4 of 6 (of Episode 1 from "CAL Chat - Deep Dive"), I explain how I time traveled as research for this particular show.  Evelyn talks about what moved her spiritually and reveals a surprise about the 2022 Conference. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM EVELYN: "...the whole Conference is a spiritual meeting!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "The Forum" (magazine)  –  Episode 5: part 4 of 4,   Episode 6: part 1 of 4,   Episode 6: part 2 of 4,   Episode 7: part 4 of 5,   Episode 10: part 2 of 4,   Episode 12: part 4 of 5,  &  Episode 12: part 5 of 5  "First Steps - Al-Anon 35 Years of Beginnings" "Many Voices, One Journey"  –  Episode 10: part 4 of 4,    Episode 11: part 3 of 4,  &  Episode 13: part 4 of 11   "1961 World Service Conference Summary" "2022 World Service Conference Summary" OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog -  www.calchatblog.com 

In Part 3 of 6 (of Episode 1 from "CAL Chat - Deep Dive"), we begin to explore the "1961 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46) and what Evelyn identified with from back then that is still happening in 2022.  We discuss why the 2021 and 2022 Conferences were historic and what may lie in Al-Anon’s future 60 years from now. Show-referenced links from Al-Anon's website: Online version of the new "2022 World Service Conference Summary": https://al-anon.org/pdf/P46-2022-web.pdf  Archive of all the World Service Conference Summaries: https://al-anon.org/for-members/world-service-conference-wsc/world-service-conference-archive  QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM EVELYN: "...we'll survive the most difficult circumstances because of the way the founders of Al-Anon were thinking." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "The Forum" (magazine)  –  Episode 5: part 4 of 4,   Episode 6: part 1 of 4,   Episode 6: part 2 of 4,   Episode 7: part 4 of 5,   Episode 10: part 2 of 4,   Episode 12: part 4 of 5,  &  Episode 12: p

In Part 2 of 6 (of Episode 1 from "CAL Chat - Deep Dive"), Evelyn describes what she discovered about her Area Delegate position that she didn’t know about before she stood for it, how humor can be a spiritual principle when breaking down expectations, and what she would like Al-Anon and Alateen members to know about her position as a Delegate.  We also cover how the WSC (World Service Conference) is different from the WSO (World Service Office). Show-referenced links from Al-Anon's website: Online version of the new "Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2022-2025":  https://al-anon.org/pdf/P2427.pdf  A brief timeline of Al‑Anon’s history:  https://al-anon.org/for-members/wso/archives/al-anon-timeline  Frequently asked questions about Al‑Anon’s history:  https://al-anon.org/for-members/wso/archives/faq-al-anons-history  QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM EVELYN: "Language should not be a barrier to put your name as a Delegate... overcoming that fear is part of our recovery." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Hop

What really goes on at an Al-Anon World Service Conference (WSC)?  How is the WSC different than the WSO?  What’s it like for a Delegate to visit Stepping Stones, the house of Al-Anon’s co-founder?  Welcome to the very first "CAL Chat - Deep Dive" episode!  This spin-off show is where we take a closer look at Al-Anon and Alateen Conference Approved Literature.  This episode is in 6 parts and in Part 1, before we dive into the "1961 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46) - which was Al-Anon's first Conference - I introduce Evelyn, an Area Delegate, that has currently attended two Conferences.  She compares the experience attending one virtually (in 2021) and in person (in 2022), and how she feels like a Millennial in a Senior’s body.  I share about my first interaction with the greater Al-Anon organization when I received a “cease and desist” letter. To see all the World Service Conference Summaries on Al-Anon's website, visit:  https://al-anon.org/for-members/world-service-conference-wsc/world-service-confe

Diane wraps up the conversation in Episode 13's last part (#11), about the beauty that springs from the book "How Al-Anon Works" (B-32), community-building, and doing outreach/Twelfth Step work.  She delivers an emotional "Last Words'' section which leads to an exchange of heartfelt gratitude and I reveal the reason why I'll keep doing this podcast for the rest of my life.

Diane mentions (in part 10 of 11 from Episode 13), how this podcast inspires her to try something new (like the audiobook version of "How Al-Anon Works" (eA-22)) and always reminds her that she has choices.  She explains how the vision motto "Dream Big" applies to the long-term outreach project she's working on, more virtual recovery avenues we want to explore (especially for outreach purposes), and how a pandemic is similar to recovery.   QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM DIANE: "...our experiences lift us up and not hold us down."  LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "How Al-Anon Works" (audiobook)  –  Episode 6: part 3 of 4  "How Al-Anon Works"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2,   Episode 6: part 3 of 4,   Episode 10: part 1 of 4,   Episode 10: part 2 of 4,   Episode 11: part 2 of 4,  &  Episode 12: part 2 of 5  "How Al-Anon Works" (electronic book)  –  Episode 6: part 3 of 4  "As We Understood"  –  Episode 6: part 1 of 4,   Episode 6: part 2 of 4,  &  Episode 10: part 2 of 4  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE &am

I compare the audiobook of "How Al-Anon Works" (eA-22) to the print version (B-32) in Episode 13's part 9 of 11.  A moving story about suicide, Chapter 27's "Finding Reasons To Live," is highlighted because of what it taught me about expectations when listening to the audiobook version.  The show wraps with an update given on all Al-Anon audiobooks available.  Lastly, for the 2009 World Service Conference Summary, click this link  www.al-anon.org/pdf/P46_​2009_web.pdf  to check out page 14 that is mentioned in this show. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM THE SHOW: "...with the audiobook, my heart was more involved with the listening."  LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "How Al-Anon Works" (audiobook)  –  Episode 6: part 3 of 4  "How Al-Anon Works"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2,   Episode 6: part 3 of 4,   Episode 10: part 1 of 4,   Episode 10: part 2 of 4,   Episode 11: part 2 of 4,  &  Episode 12: part 2 of 5  "From Survival To Recovery"  –  Episode 4: part 1 of 2,   Episode 4: part 2 of 2,   Episode 11: p

In Episode 13's part 8 of 11, Diane and I discuss the importance of libraries and how doing outreach is not a duty but a privilege.  And she reminds me why I need to go back and listen to my own podcast!  Click here for a video of the hardcover version of "How Al-Anon Works" (B-22) that was accepted into a local library.  Also, at this podcast show's website,  www.calchatpodcast.com,  I've attached *bonus content* so you can see a screenshot image of the library's unique summary of the book and try to locate where they got the description from.  Can you find it?  Happy hunting!

In part 7 of 11 (of Episode 13), Diane lists all the Spanish versions of books (such as "How Al-Anon Works" (SB-32)) that she has also included in the public outreach project.  We talk about cross-germination and unintended ripples outreach can sometimes have.  Lastly, at this podcast show's website,  www.calchatpodcast.com,  I've attached *bonus content* so you can see the final complete breakdown of Al-Anon and Alateen materials in the outreach project gift basket. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM DIANE: "You don't have to get rid of all your worldly goods... to learn how to be kind.  Get involved in Al-Anon service and you'll watch it, you'll see it, you'll feel it..."  LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "How Al-Anon Works"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2,   Episode 6: part 3 of 4,   Episode 10: part 1 of 4,   Episode 10: part 2 of 4,   Episode 11: part 2 of 4,  &  Episode 12: part 2 of 5  "How Al-Anon Works" (Spanish) / "Cómo ayuda Al-Anon" "From Survival To Recovery"  –  Episode 4: part 1 of 2,   Episode

Diane details (in part 6 of 11 from Episode 13), how she uses "How Al-Anon Works" (B-32) for outreach in a broader sense - especially in an extensive relationship-building project that just started.  Find out how outreach is like mining gold!   QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM DIANE: "...having this book available makes a big difference because anybody can pick it up... It's not too deep and it's not too scary."  LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "From Survival To Recovery"  –  Episode 4: part 1 of 2,   Episode 4: part 2 of 2,   Episode 11: part 1 of 4,   Episode 11: part 3 of 4,  &  Episode 11: part 4 of 4  "How Al-Anon Works"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2,   Episode 6: part 3 of 4,   Episode 10: part 1 of 4,   Episode 10: part 2 of 4,   Episode 11: part 2 of 4,  &  Episode 12: part 2 of 5  "How Al-Anon Works" (Spanish) / "Cómo ayuda Al-Anon" "Just For Today" (bookmark)  –  Episode 1: part 2 of 2,   Episode 10: part 3 of 4,   Episode 10: part 4 of 4,  &  Episode 12: part 4 of 5  "Just For Tonight"

In Episode 13's part 5 of 11, Diane's favorite book to use for outreach is the softcover version of "How Al-Anon Works" (B-32) and she points out how intimate individual outreach can still be done in an electronic (telephone/chat) or virtual (video) meeting.  We reminisce about the days when we hauled Al-Anon books around in our cars. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM DIANE: "Somewhere in these pages, folks will possibly see themselves."  LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "How Al-Anon Works"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2,   Episode 6: part 3 of 4,   Episode 10: part 1 of 4,   Episode 10: part 2 of 4,   Episode 11: part 2 of 4,  &  Episode 12: part 2 of 5  "How Al-Anon Works" (audiobook)  –  Episode 6: part 3 of 4  "How Al-Anon Works" (electronic book)  –  Episode 6: part 3 of 4   2021 CAL Catalog    "2018 World Service Conference Summary"  –  Episode 12: part 4 of 5  &  Episode 12: part 5 of 5  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog -  www.ca

In part 4 of 11 (of Episode 13), Diane and I keep the discussion going about the book "From Survival To Recovery" (B-21) focusing primarily on the chapter "Untangling Confusion" from page 269 (or 270 depending on the book's edition), the infamous "Promises" section from page 267 (or 269 in the first edition) and the book's very last chapter on page 287 which leads to an idea for a possible workshop!  To find a virtual Al-Anon book study group, visit www.al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings and you can type into the search bar the term: “book,” or “literature,” or the particular book’s title that you’d like to study.  Additionally, at this podcast show's website,  www.calchatpodcast.com,  I've attached *bonus content* so you can see an image of the "From Survival To Recovery" special bookmark/order form! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM DIANE: "...there's no predicting anything."  LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "From Survival To Recovery"  –  Episode 4: part 1 of 2,   Episode 4: part 2 of 2, 

The conversation continues with Diane (in part 3 of 11 from Episode 13), about  "From Survival To Recovery" (B-21) which she feels is one of the most relevant books during the Covid-19 pandemic.  She talks about what she does after climbing a high recovery mountain and we discuss one of the benefits of the pandemic with regards to literature.  To find a virtual Al-Anon book study group, visit  www.al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings  and you can type into the search bar the term: “book,” or “literature,” or the particular book’s title that you’d like to study.  Last but not least, at this podcast show's website,  www.calchatpodcast.com,  I've attached *bonus content* so you can see an image  (or click here for a video)  of Diane's Al-Anon bookshelf mentioned in this part of the episode! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM DIANE: "...we don't have to go out and grow a new tree!"  LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "From Survival To Recovery"  –  Episode 4: part 1 of 2,   Episode 4: part 2 of 2,   Ep

In Episode 13's part 2 of 11, Diane describes how cycles of violence and "predictable darkness" affected her while growing up in an alcoholic home.  We touch on the story "Authorities Frightened Me" from page 253 (or 255 depending on the book's edition) in "From Survival To Recovery" (B-21) and Chapter 5 ("Becoming Aware" on page 21) from "How Al-Anon Works" (B-32).  Lastly, I learn how a book can be a picture frame! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM DIANE: "This book was a part of the freedom to tell the truth."  LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "From Survival To Recovery"  –  Episode 4: part 1 of 2,   Episode 4: part 2 of 2,   Episode 11: part 1 of 4,   Episode 11: part 3 of 4,  &  Episode 11: part 4 of 4  "How Al-Anon Works"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2,   Episode 6: part 3 of 4,   Episode 10: part 1 of 4,   Episode 10: part 2 of 4,   Episode 11: part 2 of 4,  &  Episode 12: part 2 of 5  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog -  www.calcha

How is a pandemic similar to recovery?  What audiobooks are available from Al-Anon?  Can a book also be a picture frame?  In part 1 of 11 (of Episode 13), Diane explains why the title of the book "From Survival To Recovery" (B-21) is so appropriate, how it helped her tell her own personal story and experience authentic joyfulness in her life.  Also, find out why we can't use highlighters when reading Al-Anon books!  Lastly, at this podcast show's website,  www.calchatpodcast.com,  I've attached *bonus content* so you can see an image of the two versions of "From Survival To Recovery" mentioned in this part of the episode! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM DIANE: "This book helped me to be seen..."  LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "From Survival To Recovery"  –  Episode 4: part 1 of 2,   Episode 4: part 2 of 2,   Episode 11: part 1 of 4,   Episode 11: part 3 of 4,  &  Episode 11: part 4 of 4  "Courage to Change"  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4,   Episode 5: part 3 of 4,   Episode 9: part 1 of 4,  &  Epis

Terry Anne highlights new upcoming Al-Anon literature in part 5 of 5 of Episode 12 and explains how the motto chosen for the "2018 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46) applies to her own personal life.  To submit your suggestion for your favorite "Forum" article that you’d like to see in the new upcoming book, email it to: wso@al-anon.org – be sure to use the working title "The Forum Book" in the email's subject line and they’ll also need to know the article's title, and the month and year in which it appeared in the magazine.  Visit this podcast’s website, www.calchatpodcast.com, to download and print out a PDF form if you’d like to send in your suggestions by regular mail.  Lastly, to submit your sharing for the new Daily Reader visit www.al-anon.org/for-members/members-resources/literature/literature-resources and click on the blue button that says “Send Your Sharing.” QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM TERRY ANNE: "...there’s always room for me to grow more...  I’m so grateful to be a work in progress." LITERATUR

In part 4 of 5 (of Episode 12), Terry Anne’s pick for her favorite outreach piece of literature is the bookmark "Just For Today" (M-12) and we talk about how it helps puts the focus on ourselves, not the alcoholic.  Then we pull out our "2018 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46) to dive into page 51 regarding the new upcoming bookmark "Just For Tonight" (M-81) that originally came from the August 2016 edition of "The Forum" magazine.  To download the free "2018 World Service Conference Summary" so you can see page 51, visit: www.al-anon.org/pdf/P46_2018_web.pdf. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM TERRY ANNE: "The phone seems heavier at night." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Just For Today" (bookmark)  –  Episode 1: part 2 of 2,   Episode 10: part 3 of 4,  &  Episode 10: part 4 of 4  "Just For Tonight" (bookmark)  Al-Anon Newcomer Packet   –  Episode 1: part 2 of 2,   Episode 4: part 2 of 2,  &  Episode 10: part 3 of 4  "The Forum" (magazine)  –  Episode 5: part 4 of 4,   Episode 6: part 1 of 4