Steppin' Out Review

Sunday mornings on terrestrial radio is the time allotted usually for “public service”-type of programming. They are usually of the talk show variety. One who expects music on commercial stations early on Sunday mornings knows what I’m talking about. Concretely, they are just “filler” which most regular listeners ignore. This programming allows radio stations to check the box of “good citizen.”

For the past year or so I have awoken on Sunday mornings to what I think is a gem on the radio: Steppin’ Out : The 12 Step Radio Show hosted by Drew Martin of Long Island. (Nashua, New Hampshire’s WGAM "The Game" 900AM Sundays 6AM to 8AM)

I have never been to a “12 Step” meeting but am familiar with the process and know that they do tremendous good. I know people who have benefited from this type of intervention. Its effectiveness is apodictic.

This is NOT a typical "interview the experts on recovery," public affairs program. This is real, true-to-life, inspirational, "non-preachy" programming. This is REALITY RADIO. The stories are true and the stories are the star. Steppin' Out is unlike anything else you or your listeners have ever heard on the radio. This show takes you "behind the scenes" to an ACTUAL 12 STEP MEETING on-the-air. ( www.steppingoutradio.com)
Steppin’ Out is certainly different. The guests —in anonymity— are surprisingly articulate. They talk about their history, struggle and victories over their abuse of alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, sex and the like. The host, Drew Martin, asks questions to move their personal stories along but refrains from “leading the witness.” Although it is a “confessional” with insight into the “motives” or roots of problematic behaviour, it is often humorous and always “honest”.

Is "Steppin' Out" therapy or plain old voyeurism? Diane Churchill, a Manhattan therapist who specializes in addiction, said that the radio show is not a substitute for therapy but that "it provides an inspiration to come a little closer."
She said: "Most people wait until someone can take them to a 12-step meeting. If people can hear what it's like, get to know the language, they'll have a little more confidence going in. People, whether they know it or not, are waiting to hear a piece of their story so they don't feel so isolated, so marginalized, so judged. (Reality Radio: A Faceless Confessional, By Felicia R. Lee, N.Y. Times July 17, 2004)

The foundational principle of any “12 step” program —I am not an expert on the 12 step methodology — is to recognize that there is a problem and one’s behaviour is not as is should be. The path to true happiness, success and fulfillment can be impeded or derailed in many different ways.

Not all “addictions” put one on the brink of the abyss. Most recently an episode featured a journalist who was a chain smoker. He got a once-in-a-lifetime assignment to interview Henry Kissinger. After 10 minutes into the interview he began to think of smoking. After 30 minutes, Kissinger’s words escaped him. The only thing that the journalist wanted to do was to have a smoke!

It's estimated that 10% of Americans struggle with some form of addiction. Most, [Geller Media International President Valerie] Geller explains, recover through a 12-step process. "We offer a solution to a myriad of societal problems by offering the 12-step meeting to people on the airwaves. We all know someone who struggles with addiction. Our listeners are male, female, black, white, old, young, straight and gay. The show also attracts new listeners to radio, which is great." She's convinced that radio is, indeed, the perfect medium for this type of compelling and riveting programming. "Great stories from real people always work on the air," Geller states. "Radio allows the incredible personal intimacy of a one-on-one connection to the person sharing a story. Since you only hear the voice, it allows for total anonymity. We respect all the 12-step meeting traditions and don't use last names." Most people usually don't join 12-step fellowships until hitting rock bottom. But when that happens, Geller remarks, "They really open up their hearts and souls."
"Steppin' Out," [New York radio executive Denise] McIntee adds, "can save lives and not many shows can say that." Neither Geller nor McIntee has ever been involved in a 12-step program. McIntee, however, stresses the show doesn't exploit those who are in that situation. "We all have some kind of problem. Our show breaks the stereotype that all gamblers and alcoholics are broken-down people, who wear dirty raincoats and live in a bowery." It's a fascinating peek, she says, into someone else's life, and they usually don't hold anything back. "It's incredible to hear a macho man cry and say all he ever wanted was his mother's affection. There are many core philosophies that can be applied to anybody." (AC Insider: Step Into Reality Radio by Mike Kinosian)

Steppin’ Out is dynamic and refreshing “reality” radio. For those who have an addiction, Steppin’ Out is show that can actually help. Even if one does not have an addiction, Steppin’ Out is a show that can help people become more sensitive to the struggle of others and can also certainly help in planning an intervention. Steppin’ Out is on both terrestrial and satellite radio. They also have CD’s of their shows available.

- Pazdziernik