At 88 years of age and 47 years sober, Bob B., is widely-known as one of the “elder statesmen” among the people in my AA community. Bob’s journey on the road of happy destiny has taken many turns along the way. He encountered hopelessness and desperation in the beginning, followed by teachability and humility as the years passed. Bob’s sobriety was challenged by pride, ego, and self-centeredness as he trudged the road, even in the midst of helping many suffering alcoholics. But his spiritual awareness and reliance on his higher power was ever-evolving during those many years, ultimately casting a bright golden light upon those dim regions of fear and doubt that affect us alcoholics, no matter how long we’ve been sober. That illumination transformed and enriched Bob’s sobriety and his continuous service to AA.

When I first met Bob, 33 years ago, he was a scary guy, sharing in meetings about getting shot and knifed in seedy bars down on the waterfront. But, as I’ve gotten to know him, his story of growth in the Program has taken on new context and meaning. It’s both cautionary and instructive, but also entertaining. As a recovering drunk with an enduring message to share, Bob’s story, bolstered by service work and love for other AA’s, has endeared him to several generations of recovering alcoholics. He’s been a cherished part of my recovery. Whether you’ve known Bob for years or are meeting him for the first time on this show, I believe you’ll be captivated during this 90-minute podcast.  

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 word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and more than 50 original stories most people have never seen. If you’ve only read the Fourth Edition, these amazing stories will be brand new to you. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

[Disclaimer: In accordance with A.A.’s traditions, my anonymous guests and I speak for ourselves only, not for Alcoholics Anonymous at large. We share only our personal experiences with A.A. recovery. We acknowledge that AA’s sole concern is the recovery and continued sobriety of those alcoholics who turn to the Fellowship for help. As members of AA, our primary purpose is to stay sober and to help other alcoholics achieve sobriety. – Howard L.]