AA Recovery Interviews with Howard L.

At age 13, Charlie suffered hydrocephalous and underwent the first of 5 brain operations over the next 8 years. By 15, he had begun using alcohol and pot both recreationally and to relieve his head pain. With sports out of the question, Charlie learned guitar and started playing in bands. His alcohol and drug use escalated through high school and college, and ultimately through law school. By the time he passed the bar exam and embarked on his childhood dream of being a lawyer, Charlie had become a functional alcoholic, drinking daily as he chased the goal of winning a multi-million dollar lawsuit. But even after he achieved that goal, Charlie realized that money and acclaim did nothing to fill the spiritual hole in his psyche. In fact, it resulted in him drinking more than ever, seeking relief and release. As years passed, his alcoholism was fueled by a fifth of scotch per day. A failed first marriage, and 3 arrests for DWI, drove Charlie into AA in 1992. But his refusal to do the work, and his resistance to God in the Steps, eventually washed him out of the Program. By the time he dragged back into AA in 1997, after 5 years of increasing drug use and sordid behavior, Charlie had finally had enough. He got a sponsor, started working the Steps, and established a relationship with a power greater than himself.  Regular meetings, sponsoring other men, and doing service work all drew him into the center of the Program where he lives today. A healed relationship with his current wife and children as the result of the Program further solidified his commitment to sobriety above all else.

When you listen to Charlie’s story on today’s AA Recovery Interviews show, you’re sure to hear similarities to your own story. As with all my interviews, Charlie’s willingness to share intimate parts of his life with listeners speaks to his love and concern for recovering alcoholics everywhere. His dedication to the Program and his ongoing desire to help other alcoholics achieve sobriety are radiant in his words and enthusiasm.

So, savor the next 60 minutes of this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my friend and AA brother, Charlie D.

[This is an encore of Episode 37, originally released July 28, 2021].

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.

Check out I 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.]

Chimene's story will resonate with those in their first few years of sobriety. It will also ring familiar with those who drank for many years before alcoholism took control of their lives. In Chimene’s case, drinking was part of her life for over 30 years, from the time she was 18 until she joined AA a few years ago. A social drinker for many of those years, she functioned in her job and homelife with few of the consequences that might have indicated a problem with alcohol long before she arrived at the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. By the time Chimene noticed that her mostly innocuous drinking had morphed into serious alcohol abuse, she was loathe to believe herself to be an alcoholic. But she knew she had to stop, or, at least, moderate, her consumption of booze. Thinking she could manage it herself, Chimene implemented a variety of planning, rule-making, and self-control measures that had worked so well in other aspects of her life. Unsurprisingly, she sought an online solution through various forums, smartphone apps, and interactive “programs” that promised the help she so desperately needed. None of them worked. Finding herself with diminishing options, Chimene sought out AA through the readily available Zoom meetings that have become the mainstay of her Program. Through Zoom, she has actively participated in the core elements of AA, including Step work with a sponsor; chairing and leading meetings; and online fellowship. She also added an in person meeting at a local AA club to her meeting schedule, sufficient to maintain a well-rounded Program.  

I believe you will find much of interest and meaning in Chimene’s story. So sit back and please enjoy the next hour of this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my friend and AA sister, Chimene M.

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 and no one receives financial gain from the show. 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 England, Martyn immigrated to the U.S. in the mid-1970’s bringing along his predilections for excessive drinking. Insecurities from his earlier life, fueled by fears of not measuring up, stoked his drive to succeed. And for years, while Martyn’s drinking morphed into alcohol abuse, his rapid ascent in business and lack of consequences from drunken behavior, made functional alcoholism a working part of his life. While dodging alcoholic mishaps, Martyn rose in the ranks of the early computer industry and later he started, built, and sold a highly profitable company. But the culture of drinking both within his company and as an adjunct to its growth, inevitably transformed Martyn’s rise into a steep decline. As his disease rapidly took control of more and more of his life, the shift from functional to dysfunctional alcoholism became clearly appeared in Martyn’s life. Obtaining in-patient treatment, and ultimately entrée into Alcoholics Anonymous, he found the kind of relief and comfort that he had longed for throughout his life. Getting a sponsor, going to meetings, and digging into the Steps quickly became the most important aspects of Martyn’s life and something he could readily give away to newly sober alcoholics. And while the nearly three decades of involvement in AA have had their ups and downs in his life, Martyn’s desire for sobriety seems apparent to all who know him. It certainly does to me.

So without further verbosity, please enjoy this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my good friend and AA brother, Martyn C.

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 and no one receives financial gain from the show. 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.]

Chris G. found AA over 15 years ago, but after the first year and a half, he decided to go back out. Relapse for some is a sad and tragic story. Many alcoholics are claimed by incarceration, institutionalization, or death before they have the chance to make it back. In Chris’ case, by the grace of God, he survived to finally return to AA and today has 4 and a half years of continuous sobriety.

I met Chris 15 years ago when he first came to AA, welcomed him into the fold, and was glad to see him every week. Despite the many time he slipped and came back, we were glad to see him and all of us encouraged him to do the work and reap the gifts of sobriety. Now, with nearly 5 continuous years in the Program, many of those gifts have shown up in Chris’ life, and are his to keep as long as he stays actively in the middle of the AA Program.

Chris’ story may be of particular interest to listeners in early sobriety, as well as newcomers and those back from relapse. It’s also essential listening for those who’ve been around a while who will appreciate the heartfelt gratitude for AA present in the experience, strength, and hope offered by my very special guest, Chris G.

[This is an encore of Episode 8, originally released January 24, 2021].

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.

Check out I 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.]

Walt was raised in a military family who moved every couple of years. The transitory nature of Walt’s childhood and adolescence meant making and losing friends on a frequent basis. A sense of impermanence drove his desire to excel in whatever short-term opportunities the relocations created. But, by the time college allowed him to stay four years in one spot, alcohol had already pervaded Walt’s life. He drank for all the usual reasons and had a proclivity for drinking more than his peers. Nonetheless, he graduated, got his career underway, and married shortly thereafter. But the trajectory towards heavy drinking and alcoholism was impeded by a diagnosis of a lupus-type autoimmune disease that Walt battled for fifteen years. Drinking took a backseat to the medications and pain killers, but thankfully he did not become addicted to the opioids or other meds. Alcohol was not advised, but Walt’s intake of liquor continued, especially at those times when painkillers were effective. By the time he overcame the disease of his immune system, Walt’s drinking had escalated. His disease of alcoholism was disrupting every aspect of his life, especially with his family. Ultimately, it took a DUI to convince Walt to come into AA. He dove into the Program, got a  sponsor, worked the steps, and became of reliable service to others. Walt tethered himself to a group of men who reside in the middle of the Program and he has become solid in AA fellowship.

Walt’s story is both poignant and inspiring, and has much wisdom to impart to current and future members of Alcoholic Anonymous. So please enjoy this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my good friend and AA brother, Walt 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 and no one receives financial gain from the show. 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.]

With 51 years sober in AA, today’s guest, John C., shares a story chocked-full with experience that will resonate with newcomers, old-timers, and folks in-between. Growing up in Ontario, Canada, John’s childhood and adolescence were indelibly influenced by his overbearing alcoholic father and pill-addicted mother. Staying out of the house away from his parents for days at a time was one of the few ways he could cope with the madness at home. Indelibly imprinted on John’s psyche was the belief that he was a failure and would not amount to anything. By the time he was kicked out of high school, his drinking had commenced affecting every aspect of his life. Touched by the characters and story in the movie “Days of Wine and Roses”, John’s identification with the film’s depiction of alcoholism planted a seed that took root in his early attempt at AA in his early 20’s. He managed to stay sober for about a year before he relapsed for 14 months. A thorough beating inflicted by the disease brought John back into AA in 1972 when his commitment to the Program was set for the next half-century. His focus on AA principles has served him well over these many years and he is always looking for new opportunities to help others, both in and out of the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous.

I believe you’ll find John’s story to be captivating, instructive, and inspiring. So please enjoy the next hour and fifteen minutes with my new friend and AA brother, John C.

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 and no one receives financial gain from the show. 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.]

Diana’s love of AA is unmistakable. In her words: “AA is at the center of my life. It keeps me sane. It gives me structure, a sense of purpose. It teaches me about myself. It gives me fellowship.” When I first met Diana L. on a London AA Zoom meeting almost a year ago, the humility of that sentiment had me listening carefully every time she shared in that weekly meeting. I intuitively knew that such a heartfelt love for the Program occurs only after a particularly difficult road to sobriety. That’s how it was for Diana. It took her more than ten arduous years, fraught with multiple relapses, to finally anchor her current sobriety date to 2011. To save her own life, she got a sponsor, read the Big Book, worked the 12 Steps, went to meetings, prayed, and fulfilled her service commitments. Her love of AA was a natural result, as was her tenacious and ongoing commitment to the Program. That love continues today. So, have a cup of tea and a biscuit while you enjoy the next hour with my AA sister from Great Britain, Diana L.

[This is an encore of Episode 18, originally released March 24, 2021].

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 and no one receives financial gain from the show. 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.]

Sober since 2020, Kevin's backstory of drinking belied his ultimate identification as an alcoholic who needed help from AA. Raised in a successful family where neither parent was an alcoholic, various ancestors had suffered from the disease, though a few had gotten sober in AA. As alcoholism appeared to skip a generation, Kevin had managed his drinking to achieve a successful business career and active social life, as well as marriage and four children, well into his 30’s. But the patience of the disease outlasted Kevin’s growing use and then abuse of alcohol. Toward the end, drunken behavior and negative consequences rapidly appeared in his life, threatening his job, marriage, and physical health. By the time he asked his parents for help, his attempts to quit drinking on his own had failed miserably and culminated with admission to inpatient treatment. And though Keven often chose not to attend optional AA meetings offered by the treatment center, his exposure to the Program was enough to lead him to the doors of AA when he was finally willing to throw in the towel. That was over 3 years ago from the date of this podcast and Kevin is still sober. He got a sponsor, worked the steps, and did what AA suggests to build a solid foundation for sobriety. Kevin regularly attends meetings, sponsors other men, and clings to the inner-most regions of the Program. That his marriage and career survived is yet another one of those miracles that occur whenever sincere and active work is done in AA.

If you’re in early AA recovery, I feel you’ll gain much from Kevin’s message of hope. For those listeners with longer-term sobriety, his story provides a great pause to reflect on your own experiences in the early years of your membership in Alcoholics Anonymous. Irrespective of where you are in your own recovery, you are sure to enjoy the next hour of AA Recovery Interviews  with my friend and AA brother Kevin S.

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 and no one receives financial gain from the show. 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.]

The wisdom MaryCeline conveys is that of one who’s fought hard and suffered much in her battle for sobriety. With multiple stints in AA since 1999, her relapses became increasingly miserable and hopeless. When she finally claimed her current sobriety date in 2013, it was at the desperate end of round-the-clock drinking. From the ashes, her AA program was reignited under the careful guidance of a loving sponsor whom it appears God placed in her life. Together they launched MaryCeline's ongoing commitment to reside in the middle of the Program, replete with the kind of service upon which truly solid sobriety can be based.

As you listen to MaryCeline’s story, you’re likely to identify with many of her experiences, as did I. Her cautionary, yet instructive, tale inspires gratitude that the teller survived and returned to the Program to convey such a vital message of experience, strength, and hope. That she survived to become an active member with contented sobriety, living in the middle of the herd, is proof that surpasses understanding that AA does indeed work, if we work it.

For this podcast, the 28th episode of AA Recovery Interviews, please allow me to share with you the next 60 minutes with my friend and AA sister, MaryCeline L.

[This is an encore of Episode 28, originally released May 26, 2021].

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 and no one receives financial gain from the show. 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.]

Steve first got sober in the early 80s. But five difficult and prolonged relapses over the next 25 years delayed his current sobriety date until July 2008. As bad things got after each relapse, Steve somehow managed to make it back to AA with plenty of reasons why he slipped. Unlike some alcoholics who stay out weeks or months before re-entering AA, Steve’s intervals of daily drinking lasted for years. During those intervals, he somehow managed to keep his job, though his physical and mental health were steadily declining with every drink. Several stints of in-patient treatment restored him to sobriety and guided him to the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. But sporadic sponsorship, intermittent meetings, and insufficient Step work eventually gave way to whatever cravings and triggers led Steve back to drinking, often for years at-a-time. But it didn’t kill him. By the time Steve picked up his 5th desire chip he’d been thoroughly beaten by the disease and willing to do whatever was necessary to stay sober. The sponsor who’d helped him after his 4th relapse was willing to take Steve back after his last re-entry into AA. Through a combination of willingness and compliance, Steve’s ultimate surrender transported him to the center of the Program. He finally worked the steps, consistently prayed, studied the Big Book, attended regular meetings, and sponsored other recovering alcoholics. Steve has also volunteered at our local Intergroup every week for the past 15 years.

For everything Steve lost in a quarter-decade of slipping, he never lost the belief that he could stay sober in AA. That he lived to survive his relapses is a miracle in itself. His story provides a unique kind of hope to others who have struggled or are now struggling with the desire to drink. So please enjoy the next hour with my long-time friend and AA brother, Steve R.

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 and no one receives financial gain from the show. 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.]