Joe C.

Early this millennium, I looked for a secular daily reflection book for addicts/alcoholics. Over years, I tried different addiction/recovery daily devotionals; they all made an assumption about a prayer-answering, sobriety-granting higher power that isn't part of my worldview. I hoped - I even assumed - the secular, practical book I wanted had already been written. My search left me empty handed and grumpy. I complained to recovery friends. Friends consoled me, then someone said, "Your a writer, Joe; you're sober for decades. Why don't you write it?" In time, I switched from "Why me?" to "Why not me?" I had been writing for print and radio for over 20 years at that point. I write, broadcast and podcast about emerging music, financial planning, addiction/recovery & mental health. I am a regular contributor to TheFix.com, In Recovery Magazine, Renew Magazine, The Pacific Standard, AAagnostica.org, 12-Step journals such as AA Grapevine and in the blogosphere. IndieCan Radio on SiriusXM #173 "The Verge" can be streamed and downloaded free at http://www.indiecan.com and Rebellion Dogs Radio @ https://rebelliondogspublishing.com/rebellious-radio Beyond Belief: Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life isn't a collection of my opinions. It's not what I know; Beyond Belief is what I've learned - from you, in the rooms. What were the best ideas I learned? I thought about the 500 best ideas I had heard since 1976, books that had been recommended by fellow addicts/alcoholics and therapists. It was about one good idea a month. From the 500 best ideas the 365 most cohesive ideas were distilled into a 21st century language and voila! I write prose, research and songs, I blog, sometimes I do workshops or share research to treatment/healthcare professionals or to the larger recovery community. I cherish reading and I love sharing books that matter to me. I have been part of recovery culture since I was a teenager. "The rooms" aren't my life but they inform my life. While I enjoy a full life, outside of 12 Step circles, I have been to over 10,000 meetings, met remarkable people and learned remarkable things. Recovery is multi-layered and as individual to each of us as our finger-prints. I am a critic of 12-Step lore and culture and I am also a loyal servant. As a skeptic, I remain appreciative and, at the same time, a seeker - wondering how we could do better. Google Rebellion Dogs Radio. From there you can find some of my favorite books, my blogs and feel free to phone or email me.