Don, Olis and Sam report on their wonderful experiences at the 2025 International Convention in Vancouver. Don took in the convention and described the scenes, and with microphone in hand interviewed over a dozen participants: April, Bob, Callie, Catherine, Chris, Evan, Galrous, Kenneth, Marty, Melinda, Michelle, Miles, and Nick. We finish with Sam reading an excerpt from the closing talk by Scott, our General Service Board Chair.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept direct contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at podcast@aagrapevine.org. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to podcast@aagrapevine.org

Leslie joins Olis and Don and tells them about her early reluctance with AA. It was at ICYPAA that she first felt the spirit and saw the benefit that drew her in. She was also reluctant with her first sponsor because they had so many differences, but the sponsor's emphasis on the First Step eventually won Leslie's heart. We hear Listener Feedback from Victor, Joe, Kelly and Matt.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept direct contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at podcast@aagrapevine.org. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to podcast@aagrapevine.org

Karen, whose article appears in the August 2025 issue of Grapevine, tells Don and Sam that her feeling of despondence and knowing that drinking was not good for her brought her to AA. It was out in nature that Karen first felt connected to something larger than herself. Now she has a regular practice of letting go and trying to do the next right thing.

While we provide the podcast at no charge, we do have expenses. Grapevine is the only AA entity that does not accept direct contributions, so to support the AA Grapevine Podcast, please subscribe to Grapevine Magazine in print, online, or on the Grapevine app. You can also provide a subscription to someone in need through our "Carry the Message" program or purchase books or other items at aagrapevine.org/store

You can email us at podcast@aagrapevine.org. To record an Ask-It-Basket question or a recovery-related joke, call 212-870-3418 or email a voice recording to podcast@aagrapevine.org