Essays on recovery, culture, and being human. Explore the ideas, questions, and stories behind the work.
A reflection on intelligence, progress, and whether meaningful change has to begin with suffering. Joe considers another source of motivation: curiosity, connection, and the possibility of a better life.
Explore the articleAfter watching the Hemingway documentary, Joe reflects on the experiences behind the literary legend, including family history, trauma, alcohol, and emotional distress. This is an interpretive essay about a historical figure.
Explore the articleRecovery involves more than willpower. Joe explores the value of relationships, resources, stability, and opportunities that people can draw on as they build a life in recovery.
Explore the articleAn essay connecting questions about perception and shared reality with substance use and modern culture. Joe begins with the complex range of experiences described as psychosis.
Explore the articleShared meaning can make a place feel sacred without requiring a particular religion. Joe explores the boundaries, relationships, and agreements that give recovery spaces their significance.
Explore the articleJoe examines the differences between sharing another person’s feelings, recognizing their distress, and responding with care. The discussion connects empathy with emotional regulation and relationships.
Explore the articleJoe distinguishes concern about an action from a painful judgment about the self. The essay explores what that distinction can mean for accountability, belonging, and recovery.
Explore the articleJoe describes the ongoing practice of self-examination in Step Ten. The essay explores how noticing thoughts and reactions can become part of daily life.
Explore the articleJoe revisits a familiar recovery phrase through reflections on time, attention, and the present moment, with a sense of humor about the difficulty of staying here.
Explore the articleJoe connects modern pressures around status and opportunity with older patterns of threat and survival. The essay explores how social conditions shape a person’s experience of recovery.
Explore the articleNo articles match. Try another word or choose all topics.
Listen to All Better with Joe Van Wie.
Explore the podcast
