Mike's story is an inspiring testament to the critical importance of having an AA sponsor. In fact, my story is so intertwined with Mike’s that you’re likely to learn more about me in today’s podcast than you have in any other interview. When we first met in late 1988, I’d been sober only about 10 months. I had all but given up on AA and was headed towards relapse. You see, though I attended meetings and not drinking, I also wasn’t doing the steps nor any of the work to stay sober. Worst of all, I didn’t have a sponsor to guide me and to whom I could be accountable.

Mike had been in AA a year longer than I, but he’d gotten a sponsor at 3 months who worked him through the 12 steps very methodically, with an emphasis on the spiritual nature of our Program. The deep and collective wisdom that Mike imparted to me was gleaned from his sponsor who had a great sponsor. No sooner had Mike begun to sponsor me and put me to work then my program took off and soon became very sober-centric.

To this day, Mike’s guidance in AA has been indispensable to my sobriety and an integral part of my personal story.  Interestingly, Mike hasn’t lived in my same city since 1994, yet we’ve remained closely in touch over all these years. Frequent phone calls, emails, texts, and Mike’s business visits to Houston, have made the miles between us irrelevant to our relationship.

So much of what I know about living an enriched sober life and carrying AA’s message to other alcoholics, I learned from Mike. His own story is both meaningful and intriguing.

So in this, the 27th episode of AA Recovery Interviews, please enjoy my good friend, sponsor, and AA brother, Mike S.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.

[This is an encore of Episode 27, originally released May 19, 2021].

[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]

Alcoholism’s tornadic sweep through Brian’s life laid waste to his prospects for a happy future. Brian was raised in a family deeply rooted in alcoholism, a disease that ultimately took his father’s life. Brian’s his childhood and adolescence were further complicated by a severe skin allergy that physically and emotionally isolated him from others. By the time he started drinking at age 13, Brian’s pent-up frustration and pain were immediately soothed the magical effect of alcohol. With the ball in motion, he forged ahead in school and career fueled by the relief booze offered. Into his late 20’s and early 30’s, Brian’s growing use and abuse of alcohol were obfuscated from self-examination by his ability to achieve and succeed as a functional alcoholic. But, sadly, it didn’t last. Brian’s disease escalated as his life crumbled around him. Stuck in a quagmire of delusion and self-pity, Brian finally relinquished his illusions of power and manageability, and sought help from a therapist who told him to go to AA. With the fog lifted enough to get his emotional and spiritual bearings, Brian brought himself to a meeting over 31 years ago. He has been a non-stop active member of Alcoholics Anonymous ever since.

Since getting sober, Brian has buttressed his sobriety by steady attendance of meetings and continious sponsorship of other men. He leads by example from the center of the Program by enthusiastically fulfilling a wide array of service commitments.  His enthusiasm for all things AA is infectious and, together with his wife in the Program, has found a satisfying way to match sobriety with serenity. He is one of the most upbeat and friendly people I know in AA and it was a joy to interview him. After you hear his story I’m certain you’ll agree.

So crank up your podcast player. Indulge yourself in AA Recovery Interviews for the next 65 minutes as you listen to my conversation with my fine friend and AA brother, Brian A.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.

[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]

Wes’ love of writing songs as a kid grew into a hectic, alcohol-infused career in the music business. Whether it was writing, performing, or producing, daily drinking was just part of the gig. For a while, alcohol was unobtrusive and often served his creative endeavors. However, by the time alcohol turned on him, its debilitating effects on his body, psyche, and spirit had pushed him to the brink. Short periods of abstinence, but without recovery (“so-dry-ety” Wes calls it), became miserable intervals in his alcohol addiction. With all hope seemingly lost, Wes found himself staring down the barrel of a cocked Derringer looking for a way out. But a moment of clarity moved his finger off the trigger and finally gave him the desperate desire to get help. With the aid of his wife and the man who later become his sponsor, he found AA and sincerely embraced its new way of life.

Wes’ story of recovery will resonate deeply with listeners, as will his inspiring way of working the Program. His deep dive into a sponsor-driven and spiritually-based approach for working all 12 steps on a daily basis, drew him to the very center of the Program. From there, he has imparted the collective wisdom of AA to the men he sponsors and other AA members he helps. For anyone who is new to sobriety or is struggling to stay sober, Wes’ hard-earned experience provides an extraordinary blueprint for working the Program with maximum results. I think you’ll find Wes’ story to be both captivating and enlightening. It’s as easy to listen to as a well-written song and as memorable as a melody from a humble heart.

I first met Wes on a California Zoom meeting in early 2020. Sober for 30 years, he is one of those members of the fellowship whom I feel like I’ve known forever. Perhaps it’s because of our similarities growing up in physically and verbally abusive families. Or maybe it’s the language of the heart we share on the road of happy destiny. Whatever it is, it’s a fascinating tale of sobriety with which I identify. So, I invite you to relax for the next hour or so and enjoy this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my friend and AA brother, Wes H.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.

[This is an encore of Episode 56, originally released December 10, 2021].

[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]

Cody’s story is a tragic tale rooted in a family rampant with alcoholism and drug addiction. Both of his parents were hard-drug users who sadly never attempted to get sober. Cody used drugs with them on a regular basis in addition to his drinking, further complicating any notions that he might be an alcoholic. As booze and heroine addled Cody’s decision-making and behavior, he was whipsawed into the consequences that so many alcoholics face, including divorce, DUI convictions, and prison. By the time he was ready for sobriety in 2020, extended time behind bars looked like a forgone conclusion. Fortunately, Cody’s divine moment of clarity about his disease materialized and he found a rehab facility that quite literally saved his life. Sober living residence followed, as did the regular AA meetings both inside and outside. With his lifeline firmly tethered to the program, Cody found a sponsor and earnestly worked the Steps. As he progressed in his AA recovery, he took on more and more service opportunities which resulted in employment at the same recovery center in which he got sober.

Tragedy struck two years into Cody’s sobriety when his father died from a drug overdose, followed by his mother’s death five months later. Facing a plunge into relapse, Cody pulled his Program fellowship in tightly and survived to share his own critically important experience of staying sober no matter what. I believe Cody’s story is one that every recovering alcoholic should hear. The sheer intensity of this cautionary tale lends itself to the importance of always staying the course in good times and bad. And so I’m pleased to present this hour-long episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my friend and AA brother, Cody T.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series and my Big Book Podcast, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.

[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]

Originally from New England, but having lived in Great Britain for many years, Margie has over 45 years of sobriety. Having faced countless obstacles to getting to AA and subsequent challenges to sobriety during her 4 decades in the Program, Margie has remained as passionate and committed to the AA as one can be. In all those years, the longest she’s ever gone without a meeting was 10 days (during the birth of her children). The simple Program she was first told to follow by the “frigging old dudes”, as she describes them, is the same version of Alcoholics Anonymous she has embraced over these many years. It’s also the same program she has freely given to others through frequent sponsorship and a wide variety of service commitments she has fulfilled since getting to AA in the fall of 1979.

As you listen to this episode of AA Recovery Interviews, take note of Margie’s good humor and enthusiasm for Alcoholics Anonymous, and her non-stop work in the Program, and you will learn exactly how someone can put together so many years of sobriety. And whether you’ve been sober a long time or a short time, whether you’re brand new or have returned to AA after a relapse, Margie’s message of hope, faith, and trust is one you can take to the bank, that spiritual bank that is. And whether you’re listening while you’re driving, multi-tasking, or relaxing with your feet up, please enjoy the next hour, one minute at a time, with my special guest Margie D.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.

[This is an encore of Episode 7, originally released January 16, 2021].

[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]

Mike's qualification for AA was honed by years of alcohol and drug abuse. Like so many others in our Program, Mike’s experience with alcohol started as a young teenager who drank to overcome feelings of being “less than”, despite his being raised by his grandparents in a strict, but loving home. Mike’s grandfather was the local Baptist minister. Any abhorrent behavior Mike engaged in was quickly and harshly dealt with, thus maintaining Mike’s dutiful position as the pastor’s son (grandson). Of course, Mike continued to drink throughout high school and later during his job as a machinist. Finding that his acumen for fixing machinery meant good earnings and steady employment, he kept up his alcohol consumption. But Mike’s ability to function at his job, despite heavy drinking evenings and weekends, only delayed the inevitable confrontation with his worsening disease of alcoholism. Adding crack cocaine to the mix only accelerated the deterioration of his career, marriage, and personal relations. Facing the grim realities of his situation and a bottom that likely would have turned deadly, Mike had a moment of clarity and was able to check himself into an in-patient rehab facility. He emerged ninety days later as a beaten, but newly teachable, man who was ready to continue the AA meetings he’d experienced in the three months of rehab. Finding an AA club and sponsor, Mike attended as many as three meetings a day and worked the 12 Steps with enthusiasm. He got involved in service work and sponsorship along the way and today is the product of 34 years of continuous sobriety.

Mike is one of those people who demonstrates gratitude and humility as a steady member of Alcoholics Anonymous. I think you’ll find his story to be both inspirational and encouraging. So please enjoy listening for the next sixty minutes to this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my good friend and AA brother, Mike J.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series and my Big Book Podcast, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.

[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]

Mike's qualification for AA was honed by years of alcohol and drug abuse. Like so many others in our Program, Mike’s experience with alcohol started as a young teenager who drank to overcome feelings of being “less than”, despite his being raised by his grandparents in a strict, but loving home. Mike’s grandfather was the local Baptist minister. Any abhorrent behavior Mike engaged in was quickly and harshly dealt with, thus maintaining Mike’s dutiful position as the pastor’s son (grandson). Of course, Mike continued to drink throughout high school and later during his job as a machinist. Finding that his acumen for fixing machinery meant good earnings and steady employment, he kept up his alcohol consumption. But Mike’s ability to function at his job, despite heavy drinking evenings and weekends, only delayed the inevitable confrontation with his worsening disease of alcoholism. Adding crack cocaine to the mix only accelerated the deterioration of his career, marriage, and personal relations. Facing the grim realities of his situation and a bottom that likely would have turned deadly, Mike had a moment of clarity and was able to check himself into an in-patient rehab facility. He emerged ninety days later as a beaten, but newly teachable, man who was ready to continue the AA meetings he’d experienced in the three months of rehab. Finding an AA club and sponsor, Mike attended as many as three meetings a day and worked the 12 Steps with enthusiasm. He got involved in service work and sponsorship along the way and today is the product of 34 years of continuous sobriety.

Mike is one of those people who demonstrates gratitude and humility as a steady member of Alcoholics Anonymous. I think you’ll find his story to be both inspirational and encouraging. So please enjoy listening for the next sixty minutes to this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my good friend and AA brother, Mike J.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series and my Big Book Podcast, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.

[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]

Laura B. got sober at age 17 after 4 years of intensively developing her alcoholism into qualification for AA. In that first meeting, she picked up a desire chip that initiated her 37 years of sobriety as an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous. A compelling aspect of Laura’s story is that her father was in AA and her mother was in Al-Anon. They used the tools of their respective Programs to effectively deal with Laura’s alcoholism, neither preaching nor trying to cajole Laura into quitting. They allowed her to ride her own disease to the bottom and, when she was finally done drinking, helped her get into inpatient treatment followed by AA. From the minute she first joined AA, Laura embraced the Program, learning from older members how to live a sober life to the fullest. Though a move to a west Texas town in the early years of her sobriety disrupted the quantity and continuity of her meetings, Laura persevered and kept her Program front and center in her life. She worked hard to hone her relationships with members of her AA community. The indispensable value of AA fellowship was demonstrated after Laura’s father committed suicide (linked to his battle with clinical depression). Laura was enveloped in the same loving support she had been showing others. Meanwhile, the tragic occurrence of her father’s death gave Laura pause to understand the differences between the alcoholism her father recovered from in AA and the disease of clinical depression that AA could not address. Laura continues her passionate commitment to share her understanding with others. Back living in Austin, Laura is very active in sponsorship and service to this day.

Laura’s willingness to share her story has been a fine gift to me and I’m thrilled to share it with you. It’s a story that’s both inspirational and intriguing. And though Zoom audio was somewhat lackluster the day we taped this, the content is still top-drawer. So, please enjoy the next 60 minutes with my friend and AA sister, Laura B.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series and my Big Book Podcast, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.

[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]

As the frontman for a British band that was among the vanguard of punk rock in the late 1970s, my guest, David P., rode the New Wave of that musical genre as both writer and performer. Like many rock stars, his alcohol and drug use preceded, then accompanied his career. Both in good times and bad, David’s life was soaked with the same booze and cocaine that went with him when he moved from England to California. Failed relationships, both personal and professional, became consequential in David’s world as he struggled to maintain functionality in his life. But, like many, being a functional alcoholic still meant living as an alcoholic. As the disease stripped away every meaningful aspect of his life, David’s inevitable bottom rapidly approached. By the time he got sober 37 years ago, Alcoholics Anonymous became David’s sole refuge and the solid ground he so desperately needed to re-build his life. In the process of stacking his sober years, David’s involvement in AA has remained both dedicated and continuous, especially during the three decades he spent in service to the hospital and institutions committees. With every visit to a prison or hospital, David continued to build the vast amount of spiritual capital he would need in his later battles with lung cancer and other serious illnesses. While demonstrating both the nature and value of service work to his fellow AA members, he found himself enfolded in the healing love and support of his Program fellows.

David’s courage and optimism are proof-positive that AA really can help us through even the toughest of times. I think you will find the next hour of AA Recovery Interviews to be both captivating and inspirational. So please enjoy this interview with my friend and AA brother, David P.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series and my Big Book Podcast, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.

[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]

When he started making the coffee, his life got better.... Thirteen years ago, Dale started attending one of my home groups, a men’s meeting that I’ve been going to for over 33 years. Since he first stepped into that meeting, his service to the group and individual men has solidified his spot in the middle of our herd. In fact, he says it was when he started making and serving coffee in the meeting that his life began getting better. Strong testimony from a man whose drinking was fueled by the adolescent trauma he suffered when he found his father’s body immediately after he’d committed suicide. Though he knew what he’d seen, an iron-clad family secret grew out of that tragic event and he spent many years drinking to dull the pain. Like many of us, Dale managed to function with his escalating disease, finishing college and law school, before launching a successful law practice. And though he might have noticed his own heavy drinking over the years, it was his wife’s alcoholism that created the most strife in their family. But things got bad enough that she stopped drinking via AA 22 years before he did. Ironically, Dale accompanied his sober wife to many AA related functions over the years and even got to know her AA friends and sponsor quite well. But despite his own worsening alcoholism, the attraction to AA didn’t occur until late in his 50’s when the alcohol damage to his heart resulted in triple by-pass surgery. While he didn’t stop drinking after the surgery, his looming bottom was clearly in sight. So with his wife’s help, Dale finally found AA at 59 and has been sober since then.

Dale’s story is remarkable in many ways, not the least of which is the impact that service work can have on the continued durability of one’s sobriety. His solid practice of sponsoring other men while cultivating close personal relationships in AA, has served Dale well. His daily prayer, readings, and meetings have both strengthened and enriched his Program, while providing a fine example of what it takes to stay in the protective middle of AA.

I think you’ll enjoy my interview with Dale, and find it both informative and touching. So lend us your ears for the next hour and 5 minutes while you enjoy this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my fine friend and AA brother, Dale C.

[This is an encore of Episode 73, originally released April 13, 2022].

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.