AA Recovery Interviews with Howard L.

Diego R. grew up in Venezuela in a fear-ridden household with an alcoholic father whose rage left an indelible mark on the only child. Though his father left when he was five, Diego had learned how to use rage and rebellion to compensate for his fear and lack of self-confidence. By the time he started drinking, the alcohol combusted with his attitude and egoism to stoke a fast and reckless lifestyle. Working as a mechanical engineer, Diego’s job had two, three, and four week rotations that allowed him to drink and chase women unimpeded while he was off the job. Working at facilities around the world, he was a functional alcoholic fulfilling many critical roles. But his around-the-clock work commitment meant he couldn’t  drink for or up to 28 days at a time. As the disease progressed, he spent much of his time on the job devising elaborate plans for his inevitable benders once off-duty. Drinking soon occupied all his hours off the job and started to bleed into Diego’s ability to perform his work while on the job. Ironically, one of Diego’s roles involved monitoring other employees for alcohol and drug use. But working in an environment where drinking and alcoholism were rife continued to make life more miserable for him. Hitting bottom in 2018, Diego committed to AA’s Program of recovery. He has been a sober, active, and engaged member of the Program ever since.

Staying sober for five plus years has generated many gifts for Diego and countless opportunities to be of service to other sober alcoholics. I think you will find his testimony to be of great value, especially those of you in the early years of your AA Program. And though it may take a few seconds to acclimate to Diego’s Venezuelan accent, your investment of one hour to listen to Diego’s awesome story will be time well spent. So please enjoy this episode of AA Recovery Interviews con mi amigo y AA hermano, Diego R.

Check out Howard’s Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

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 testamonials 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 or as a Paperback book from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

[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.]

[This is an encore of Episode 36, originally released July 21, 2021]  The original episode description is available on this podcast by searching for or scrolling down to Episode 36 on your podcast app or by visiting aarecoveryinterviews.com.

Check out Howard’s Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

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 testamonials 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 or as a Paperback book from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

[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.]

Joseph found recovery in AA entirely on Zoom during the Covid Pandemic. As of the date of this interview, that was over two years ago. Since then, he has enthusiastically embraced the Program in a way that will inspire those AA members in their early years to stay the course and recover from the disease of alcoholism. Joseph came from a strict upbringing during which he followed all the rules for being good but did so at the expense of his self-esteem, confidence and general enjoyment of life. By the time he found alcohol late in his teens, it rapidly became his best friend and constant companion. Deep into his successful career in the corporate world, where he drank all the time, the alcoholism that had always been in tow morphed into a full-blown destroyer. It ruthlessly sank every opportunity for happiness and left him bereft of all hope for the future. By the time he called for help, his life had become increasingly hopeless and suicidal thoughts recurred on a daily basis. Fortunately, the man he called had been sober over 30 years who lived the AA life. He took Joseph under his wing, initiating a rigorous program of action and accountability. Today, Joseph credits his sponsor for literally saving his life and AA for safeguarding his future.

Though we live states away, I can reliably count on seeing Joseph at the Zoom meetings we both attend. I look forward to meeting him in person and sharing some in-person meetings with him. I think you’ll find Joseph has wisdom beyond his years of sobriety and those of you with less than two years will find much to be inspired with in his story.

So gather up your friends and enjoy AA Recovery Interviews with the AA brother I gratefully found on Zoom, Joseph L.

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 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 W. shares a story of alcoholism’s unimpeded march through a man’s life, sweeping aside all of the talents and abilities to dominate his daily living. While alcoholism showed up clearly in his family tree, it skipped his parents and landed squarely on Chris with his first drink at 17. Though he excelled at sports, especially golf, his family’s move to Texas in his senior year in high school created a struggle to fit in. Fortunately, alcohol entered the picture and created the comfort and camaraderie he sought. Frequent drinking and marijuana use during his college years and early career accompanied Chris’ soaring talent on the links. But his growing use of booze, weed, and, later, cocaine, became toxic and infiltrated all of his decisions and ambitions. By the time he found AA at age 29, Chris’ life had deteriorated around him to the extent that his handicap no longer meant anything, compared to the handicap his alcoholism and addictions had created. As he dragged into his first meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, Chris was clearly ready and willing to follow AA’s formula for sobriety and a better life.

Since getting sober, Chris has burnished his sobriety by immersing himself in many of the service opportunities available in the AA community, most notably his involvement in a sober recreation committee in which he helps organize and promote sporting and social events for AA members throughout the area. He leads by example from the center of the Program, attending regular meetings and sponsoring other men. His enthusiasm for all things AA is infectious and leaves all who know him with a broad smile on their faces to match his. He is, without a doubt, one of the most upbeat people I know in AA and it was a joy to interview him.

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

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 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.]

Joanie's story is full of similarities with which many alcoholics will readily identify. Her early drinking at age 14 escalated during her high school and college years. It rapidly became an indispensable part of her life during her first marriage. As a young mother of two, Joanie’s budding alcoholism became entwined with her home and social lives and caused mounting problems in both areas. Fortunate to have a husband who took over the parental roles that Joanie was increasingly oblivious to, her daily drinking inevitably led to divorce. And, of course, divorce led to more drinking and irresponsibility. As her life became more isolated and miserable, Joanie tried to stop drinking many times. At first, she tried using psycho-therapy and multiple treatment centers, only to start drinking again. With few options left and self-loathing becoming a greater part of her existence, Joanie found AA as a last resort. After some fits and starts, she finally caught the hand of Alcoholics Anonymous over 6 years ago and has been sober since.

Joanie’s journey in sobriety started with lots of meetings and working the 12 steps under tutelage of some great sponsors. Her success has grown into sponsorship of other women and reliably fulfilling service commitments, including involvement in local non-profits dealing with alcoholism and drug addiction. She continues to occupy her hard-earned position in the spiritual center of the Program and demonstrates daily the gifts AA offers to all who seek it.

I believe Joanie’s story is important to hear for new-comers, old-timers, and folks in between. So get comfortable to listen for the next hour to this week’s episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my friend and AA sister, Joanie 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.

Check out my Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

[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.]

[This is an encore of Episode 16, originally released March 14, 2021] The original program description is available on this podcast by searching for or scrolling down to Episode 16 on your podcast app or by visiting aarecoveryinterviews.com.

Check out Howard’s Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

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 testamonials 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 or as a Paperback book from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

[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.]

Growing up Cajun in South Louisiana, Jason's tough childhood was punctuated by drinking at age 8 and smoking crack by 14. His predilection for rageful and violent behavior was fueled by daily use of alcohol and drugs. His life spun rapidly out of control when he stole a car at gunpoint and led police on a high speed chase through the streets of New Orleans. Jason was sent to prison where he managed his fear and boredom by staying high every day. His one attempt at prison escape ended after an 8-hour pursuit by guards on horseback who caught him in the undergrowth of a nearby forest. When he was released after 13 years behind bars, Jason went right back to his old life of drinking and using, during which time he was in two abusive marriages that ended in divorce and two children in the balance. As his life spiraled downward, Jason somehow managed to keep a job where he happened to know a few men who had gotten sober. By the time he hit bottom in early 2021, Jason’s meager knowledge of rehab was enough to inspire a  drive to Houston where he knew no one. He detoxed alone for seven days in a motel room. Emerging shaky and broken, he was somehow able to get a bed in a state-sponsored men’s rehab facility and, later, a sober living house.  It was in those places that Jason found and embraced the Program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

After the sordid life he had led, Jason knew the odds were stacked heavily against his ever staying sober. But, so far, he has beaten those odds by establishing and maintaining a close connection to AA. Two years sober, Jason has worked the steps with a sponsor and goes to daily meetings where he has developed many relationships with other men. Prayer, reading AA literature, and being of service to his groups and sponsees have all girded his ability and resolve to stay sober one day at a time. As you listen to Jason’s story on today’s episode of AA Recovery Interviews, I believe you will sense the humble nature of the wisdom he has earned at the high cost of experience. For listeners with limited tenures of sobriety, there is much to learn from his words. So I invite you to relax and enjoy the next hour and 10 minutes with my friend and AA brother, Jason 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.

Check out my Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

[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.]

Kim's story begins with a dysfunctional family in which there was verbal and physical abuse. With a family history rife with alcoholism, Kim’s childhood solution to the domestic chaos was to run away from home multiple times, only to be found and returned to the maelstrom . When she finally found alcohol, the solutions to her problems were quickly expunged by a can of beer or bottle of hard liquor. Toss in street drugs and the die was cast for a future of alcoholism and drug addiction. As all aspects of Kim’s life became ruled by the disease and she considered herself an alcoholic from the start. After a difficult time in high school and an alcohol soaked college experience, she continued heavy drinking and dangerous relationships well into her twenties. With the tenacity of an active drug user, Kim managed to keep her various jobs and functioned well-enough to support herself. But the disease eventually damaged all aspects of Kim’s life. Finally, beaten down and ravaged by her 28 years of emotional, physical, and spiritual damage of drug and alcohol abuse, Kim found the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. 

Though it took a while for her to embrace the Program, Kim finally allowed herself to be surrounded by fellow AA members who offered her friendship and support.  The rest of her story is both inspiring and informative, and spoken from seven years of hard-won experience. I believe you will enjoy Kim’s words of wisdom and invite you to get comfortable while you enjoy today’s episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my friend and AA sister, Kim 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.

Check out my Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

[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.]

As one of our most senior members of the Fellowship, George is now 89 years old and approaching 40 years of sobriety in AA. Like many other guests who got sober later in life, George’s story is a dichotomy between a well-lived life before getting sober and a life in AA. As a heavy drinker, yet highly functional alcoholic, he was able to successfully juggle his career in the financial sector and a marriage with raising four children. As alcoholism grew more ominous in his life, George found himself divorced and married two more times before he quit drinking. The impending, yet inevitable, loss of his family and career at nearly fifty, was enough to convince him to get sober. He found Alcoholics Anonymous in mid-1983 and has been sober since. His sobriety gave him the key to a whole new life, rich with as many experiences in sobriety as before, but infinitely happier and much more meaningful.

I believe you will find George’s story of fine interest and invite you to enjoy his rich and inspirational words of hope. So get comfortable and immerse yourselves in today’s episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my close friend and AA brother, George 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.

Check out my Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

[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.]

Today’s show is an encore of Episode 9, my interview with Sally G. in 2021. I believe you’ll enjoy listening to it again, or for the first time, if you missed its original release in January 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 my Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

[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.]