Our Primary Purpose is the official podcast from the General Service Office (GSO) of Alcoholics Anonymous for the U.S. and Canada. Through interviews with GSO staff and voices from A.A. history and the Fellowship today, we explore how GSO supports A.A. to carry the message of recovery to those who need it most, which is…Our Primary Purpose.
Get in the Car: An A.A. Traditions Radio Comedy (in Stereo) [Season 2, Episode 8]
Two home group members, one lost meeting space, and Twelve Traditions put to the test. This immersive A.A. radio play brings us along on one group’s search for a new location while teaching the spiritual principles that keep Alcoholics Anonymous unified and alive.
28 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
50 Years of GSO Archives [Season 2, Episode 7]
For five decades, the GSO Archives Department has preserved the story of Alcoholics Anonymous. Through one member’s remarkable 66-year journey in sobriety, we uncover how those records deepen our understanding of A.A.’s past.
21 Apr 2026
Self-support in A.A. [Season 2, Episode 6]
Self-support in Alcoholics Anonymous goes beyond financial contributions; it also reflects a deeper guiding value. This episode explores A.A.’s 7th Tradition, its benefits, and the spiritual principle behind turning down outside contributions through interviews, testimonials and…poetry.
14 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
How We Carry the Message, Bridge Gaps, and Demystify A.A. [Season 2, Episode 5]
Ninety years after its founding, many people have heard of A.A., but not everyone understands how it works. In this episode, we hear how non-alcoholic professionals, A.A. members and GSO Staff help open the doors to recovery by dispelling misinformation about A.A.
7 Apr 2026
The Structure That Saved My Life [Season 2, Episode 4]
Service not only sustains A.A. – it transforms the lives of the members who participate in it.Go inside the General Service Structure of A.A. to see how groups, delegates, and the GSO work together to protect the future of recovery.
From handwritten letters in war zones, radio waves and Morse code at sea to virtual campfires in VR space, hear how A.A members go to any lengths to carry the message of recovery.
24 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT
A.A. is for Everyone [Season 2, Episode 2]
What happens when A.A. members say, “We need this now”? Discover how expressed needs within Alcoholics Anonymous lead to new publications, ASL interpretation, and culturally relevant literature while helping newcomers find identification and hope.
17 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT
International Convention 2025 – Celebrating 90 Years of A.A. [Season 2, Episode 1]
Experience the 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous in Vancouver, B.C., Canada where 33,000+ people from 89 countries gathered to celebrate 90 years of recovery, and global unity in A.A.
3 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT
Season 2 Trailer
Welcome to Season 2 of Our Primary Purpose, the official podcast of the General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous. This season brings you closer to the voices, service, and stories that keep A.A. growing and connected across generations. From global gatherings and trusted servants to history, humor, and heartfelt experience, discover new perspectives on how the Fellowship continues to carry its message of hope. Tune in as we spotlight service in action and the many ways members live out A.A.’s shared purpose.
25 Mar 2025
Bonus Episode: Countdown to Vancouver! [Season 1]
As the excitement builds for the A.A. 2025 International Convention in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, July 3-5, we take you behind the scenes to chat with A.A. Board members and our convention coordinator about what to expect at this gathering of more than 40,000 A.A. members, families, and friends. Find out what makes this global event so memorable and how you can join the celebration.
4 Mar 2025
Leading with Service [Season 1, Episode 8]
In our season finale, we meet Bob W., the General Manager of the General Service Office. Bob shares his thoughts on servant-leadership and the vital work of translating A.A. literature into numerous languages. Roberto, a recovering alcoholic from Miami, tells us about his powerful experience serving the Spanish-speaking A.A. community and his service trip to Mexico.
25 Feb 2025
Beyond the Rooms [Season 1, Episode 7]
Dive into how A.A. members and GSO Staff share the A.A. message with professionals who work with individuals struggling with a drinking problem through ‘Cooperation with the Professional Community’ committees. Plus, Wallace R, a recovering alcoholic and social worker from Vancouver, Canada, shares his A.A. journey and the power of connecting professionals with A.A’.s life-saving program of recovery.
18 Feb 2025
Unlocking the Vault [Season 1, Episode 6]
Tour the A.A. Archives with our GSO archivists who give us behind-the-scenes access to rare collections and artifacts from A.A. history and learn more about A.A.’s beginnings, growth, and impact around the world.
11 Feb 2025
Sobriety, Service, and Second Chances [Season 1, Episode 5]
A.A. reaches behind the walls to bring hope and recovery to persons in custody in the U.S. and Canada. GSO staff member Eileen A. shares powerful stories of how A.A support from the “outside” helps carry the A.A. message to alcoholics on the “inside.” We also hear from an A.A. member who found sobriety while in custody, as he shares the transformative impact of A.A. meetings and fellowship in correctional facilities.
4 Feb 2025
Plain Language, Big Impact [Season 1, Episode 4]
Many people struggling with a drinking problem first encounter A.A. through our numerous pamphlets, books, flyers, and other material. Learn all about the critical role and impact of A.A. publications in a conversation with Publishing Director David R. And hear how the most recent publication, the Plain Language Big Book, is designed to so that the A.A. Twelve Step program of recovery from alcoholism may be easily understood and accessible by all people who have a desire to stop drinking. Also, in this episode, Michael, a visually impaired A.A. member, highlights the importance of inclusivity in A.A. Misha Q., a GSO Staff member, reveals how A.A. literature helped her share the A.A. message while abroad.
28 Jan 2025
Behind the Mic [Season 1, Episode 3]
In this episode, discover the powerful role of Public Information in carrying the A.A. message of recovery. Meet GSO Staff member Patrick C, who discusses how the principle of “attraction rather than promotion” guides A.A. in the digital age. Hear from co-founder Bill W. and learn more about the important role of anonymity. Plus, a sneak peek at the 2025 A.A. International Convention in Vancouver, Canada.
21 Jan 2025
Welcome to GSO [Season 1, Episode 2]
Take a tour of the General Service Office in New York City and meet the people who support A.A. groups and members in the U.S. and Canada. Get an inside look at how work at GSO helps advance the mission of carrying the message of A.A.
14 Jan 2025
Flipping the Triangle [Season 1, Episode 1]
Bill W. and GSO staff share insights from A.A.'s history and structure, highlighting the crucial role of self-support, diverse membership, and service in carrying the worldwide fellowship's message.
4 Jan 2025
Trailer
A.A. General Service Office staff and members share how the organization supports A.A. groups and members in carrying the message of recovery to those who need it most.
Inside a recent episode
Get in the Car: An A.A. Traditions Radio Comedy (in Stereo) [Season 2, Episode 8]
Published 5 May 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] We are an open meeting. Is AA religious? No. A lot of people think so, but... The only reason we ask is the library can't be seen as favoring any one religion over another. That's how it is with us. This is amazing. And the library likes to make clear that we do not endorse any organization. Perfect. We don't accept endorsements or give them. I can't believe how much the two of us have in common. You and Jasmine? What? Shh. I meant the library and AA. Would we be able to serve refreshments? Yes. What night of the week are you looking for? We were actually hoping for three nights a week. I'm sorry. […]
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