Our Primary Purpose

Kicking off the season, we dive into A.A.'s history and structure with words from co-founder Bill W. and interviews with GSO staff. Learn more about the unique and central role of self-support, the organization’s diverse membership, and the importance of service, revealing how this worldwide fellowship carries the message of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Alcoholics Anonymous World Services (AAWS) is thrilled to announce the launch of Our Primary Purpose, the official podcast from the General Service Office (GSO) of Alcoholics Anonymous for the U.S. and Canada. Through engaging interviews with GSO staff and A.A. members—and voices from A.A. history—this new podcast explores how GSO supports A.A. groups and members to carry the message of recovery to those who need it most—which is Our Primary Purpose.

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.

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.

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.