Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick explore the first three steps of the twelve-step recovery process, which guide addicts in recognizing the problem, finding hope, and surrendering control. Despite their different journeys with addiction, both found healing through these steps.



This episode is designed to show caregivers how important the Twelve Steps are for their loved ones. Understanding these steps gives caregivers a clearer view of the recovery path, from admitting the problem to finding hope in something greater, and trusting the support system to lead their loved one toward healing. The episode highlights why these steps matter and how they can help caregivers provide better support.



Timestamps and Discussion

3:22 - 6:14


Step One: Recognizing the Illusion of Control
Ryan shares how Step One helped him realize that the control he thought he had over his addiction was just an illusion. Accepting this truth opened the door to recovery.

6:15 - 7:48

Surrender to Win
Matt explains the paradox of surrendering in Step One. While society tells us to fight for control, surrendering is a sign of growth for addicts. He highlights that honesty is key in this step.



7:45 - 11:18

Step Two: The Process of Believing
Matt talks about his experience with Step Two, explaining that "we came to believe" doesn’t happen overnight. It's a gradual process that depends on the addict’s willingness to change. This step is about starting to believe in a higher power.



11:19 - 13:30

Finding a Higher Power
Ryan discusses how to choose a higher power, emphasizing that it will become clearer as you move through the steps. He also shares some personal coincidences that made him more open to believing in something greater.



13:54 - 16:00


Step Three: Making a Decision
The third step involves making a decision to trust in something greater than oneself. Ryan and Matt discuss the importance of commitment and surrender in this step. They also explain why choosing a person as a higher power didn’t work for them and how they found other sources of belief.



21:12 - 21:53


Recap
A summary of the first three steps discussed in the episode.



22:36 - 25:40


Final Thoughts
Matt and Ryan conclude the episode with thoughts on the importance of the first three steps for both addicts and caregivers.



Resources: 

You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast! 

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org

AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings

NA Meetings: virtual-na.org

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick explore the first three steps of the twelve-step recovery process, which guide addicts in recognizing the problem, finding hope, and surrendering control. Despite their different journeys with addiction, both found healing through these steps.
 
This episode is designed to show caregivers how important the Twelve Steps are for their loved ones. Understanding these steps gives caregivers a clearer view of the recovery path, from admitting the problem to finding hope in something greater, and trusting the support system to lead their loved one toward healing. The episode highlights why these steps matter and how they can help caregivers provide better support.
 
Timestamps and Discussion
3:22 - 6:14
 Step One: Recognizing the Illusion of Control Ryan shares how Step One helped him realize that the control he thought he had over his addiction was just an illusion. Accepting this truth opened the door to recovery.
6:15 - 7:48
Surrender to Win Matt explains the paradox of surrendering in Step One. While society tells us to fight for control, surrendering is a sign of growth for addicts. He highlights that honesty is key in this step.
 
7:45 - 11:18
Step Two: The Process of Believing Matt talks about his experience with Step Two, explaining that "we came to believe" doesn’t happen overnight. It's a gradual process that depends on the addict’s willingness to change. This step is about starting to believe in a higher power.
 
11:19 - 13:30
Finding a Higher Power Ryan discusses how to choose a higher power, emphasizing that it will become clearer as you move through the steps. He also shares some personal coincidences that made him more open to believing in something greater.
 
13:54 - 16:00
 Step Three: Making a Decision The third step involves making a decision to trust in something greater than oneself. Ryan and Matt discuss the importance of commitment and surrender in this step. They also explain why choosing a person as a higher power didn’t work for them and how they found other sources of belief.
 
21:12 - 21:53
 Recap A summary of the first three steps discussed in the episode.
 
22:36 - 25:40
 Final Thoughts Matt and Ryan conclude the episode with thoughts on the importance of the first three steps for both addicts and caregivers.
 
Resources: 
You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast! 
Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org
AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings
NA Meetings: virtual-na.org
Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

The Mission

The Supporting Sobriety Podcast is dedicated to providing hope to the unsung heroes behind those struggling with addiction…their friends and family.

We will share insights, stories and resources to help listeners support their loved ones and care for themselves on the recovery journey.

The Hosts

Matt Bair

Matt considers himself blessed to be a recovering alcoholic. His lifetime profession as a radio broadcaster has been derailed multiple times by alcohol abuse but he remains alive and employed through the grace of God and help of others.

Matt lives by the humility introduced in the first step of 12-step recovery, that the alcoholic is truly “powerless over alcohol,” and the alcoholic in use of alcohol possesses a life that is “unmanageable.” He enunciates these beliefs in teaching recovery to alcoholics and addicts, while understanding there’s more to learn from the ones who don’t make it (Keep. Coming. Back). He truly believes everything “always gets better” if you don’t take the next drink or drug. Matt is dedicated to “supporting the supporters” like those who have been critical to his ongoing sobriety.

Matt is the long-time morning and afternoon traffic reporter for WIBC / Indianapolis.

Ryan Hedrick

Ryan Hedrick's life has been a journey of recovery from a challenging battle with addiction spanning nearly 25 years. His struggles with cocaine and methamphetamine led him down a dangerous path, marked by numerous attempts at treatment. However, salvation came in the form of a 12-step program that became his sanctuary.

To break free from the shackles of addiction, Ryan committed himself to giving back to recovery communities nationwide. He extended his support by bringing 12-step meetings to jails and institutions, sponsoring men on their recovery journeys, and regularly attending meetings. Like his co-host, the clutches of drugs and alcohol jeopardized Ryan's life and his career in radio.

Ryan is currently a reporter and morning news anchor at WIBC/Indianapolis where he met his podcast co-host Matt Bair. Together they strive to offer a beacon of hope to those grappling with similar struggles. Their podcast aims to reach and assist individuals behind the scenes by sharing personal experiences, strength, and hope with their followers. Through their collective journey, Ryan and Matt seek to inspire and support those supporting loved ones on the path to recovery.

The Mission
The Supporting Sobriety Podcast is dedicated to providing hope to the unsung heroes behind those struggling with addiction…their friends and family.
We will share insights, stories and resources to help listeners support their loved ones and care for themselves on the recovery journey.
The Hosts 
Matt Bair
Matt considers himself blessed to be a recovering alcoholic. His lifetime profession as a radio broadcaster has been derailed multiple times by alcohol abuse but he remains alive and employed through the grace of God and help of others.
Matt lives by the humility introduced in the first step of 12-step recovery, that the alcoholic is truly “powerless over alcohol,” and the alcoholic in use of alcohol possesses a life that is “unmanageable.” He enunciates these beliefs in teaching recovery to alcoholics and addicts, while understanding there’s more to learn from the ones who don’t make it (Keep. Coming. Back). He truly believes everything “always gets better” if you don’t take the next drink or drug. Matt is dedicated to “supporting the supporters” like those who have been critical to his ongoing sobriety.
Matt is the long-time morning and afternoon traffic reporter for WIBC / Indianapolis.
Ryan Hedrick
Ryan Hedrick's life has been a journey of recovery from a challenging battle with addiction spanning nearly 25 years. His struggles with cocaine and methamphetamine led him down a dangerous path, marked by numerous attempts at treatment. However, salvation came in the form of a 12-step program that became his sanctuary.
To break free from the shackles of addiction, Ryan committed himself to giving back to recovery communities nationwide. He extended his support by bringing 12-step meetings to jails and institutions, sponsoring men on their recovery journeys, and regularly attending meetings. Like his co-host, the clutches of drugs and alcohol jeopardized Ryan's life and his career in radio.
Ryan is currently a reporter and morning news anchor at WIBC/Indianapolis where he met his podcast co-host Matt Bair. Together they strive to offer a beacon of hope to those grappling with similar struggles. Their podcast aims to reach and assist individuals behind the scenes by sharing personal experiences, strength, and hope with their followers. Through their collective journey, Ryan and Matt seek to inspire and support those supporting loved ones on the path to recovery.

Supporting Sobriety Podcast

The Mission
The Supporting Sobriety Podcast is dedicated to providing hope to the unsung heroes behind those struggling with addiction…their friends and family.
We will share insights, stories and resources to help listeners support their loved ones and care for themselves on the recovery journey.
The Hosts
Matt Bair
Matt considers himself blessed to be a recovering alcoholic. His lifetime profession as a radio broadcaster has been derailed multiple times by alcohol abuse but he remains alive and employed through the grace of God and help of others.
Matt lives by the humility introduced in the first step of 12-step recovery, that the alcoholic is truly “powerless over alcohol,” and the alcoholic in use of alcohol possesses a life that is “unmanageable.” He enunciates these beliefs in teaching recovery to alcoholics and addicts, while understanding there’s more to learn from the ones who don’t make it (Keep. Coming. Back). He truly believes everything “always gets better” if you don’t take the next drink or drug. Matt is dedicated to “supporting the supporters” like those who have been critical to his ongoing sobriety.
Matt is the long-time morning and afternoon traffic reporter for WIBC / Indianapolis.
Ryan Hedrick
Ryan Hedrick's life has been a journey of recovery from a challenging battle with addiction spanning nearly 25 years. His struggles with cocaine and methamphetamine led him down a dangerous path, marked by numerous attempts at treatment. However, salvation came in the form of a 12-step program that became his sanctuary.
To break free from the shackles of addiction, Ryan committed himself to giving back to recovery communities nationwide. He extended his support by bringing 12-step meetings to jails and institutions, sponsoring men on their recovery journeys, and regularly attending meetings. Like his co-host, the clutches of drugs and alcohol jeopardized Ryan's life and his career in radio.
Ryan is currently a reporter and morning news anchor at WIBC/Indianapolis where he met his podcast co-host Matt Bair. Together they strive to offer a beacon of hope to those grappling with similar struggles. Their podcast aims to reach and assist individuals behind the scenes by sharing personal experiences, strength, and hope with their followers. Through their collective journey, Ryan and Matt seek to inspire and support those supporting loved ones on the path to recovery.

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