In his late teens, Bruno R. initially attended Alcoholics Anonymous to satisfy the terms of probation after his first DWI. His half-hearted attempts resulted in short stints of sobriety. But he wasn’t ready to do what AA suggested. Even after violating his probation with another DWI, Bruno remained resistant to AA recovery and continued to drink. Facing felony charges after his third DWI in Texas, Bruno was looking at ten years in prison. Somehow, the courts another chance to embrace AA. After years of drinking and regular drug use as a functional alcoholic, Bruno finally reached the bottom of the bottom. The next time he walked into Alcoholics Anonymous, he was ready to get a sponsor, attend meetings, study the Big Book, and be of service to his fellow alcoholics. That was twelve years ago and Bruno has remained a ready and willing participant in his own recovery.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Bruno for a dozen years and it’s gratifying to see him be of service to other men. I am happy to share his enthusiasm for the Program and his cheerful approach to the very basics of staying sober one day at a time. So please sit back for this new episode of AA Recovery Interviews while you soak up the words of my friend and AA brother, Bruno R.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews podcast, 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. While you're there, 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.

[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.]