Keep Coming Back Podcast

Matty grew up as the youngest of 8 on the South Side of Chicago. He quickly turned to substances as a remedy for life, which led him to the rooms young. For years he came and went, but he always came back. Today, Matty’s life stands as a testament to the program and to his commitment to working it.

Sobriety Date: 3/3/2023

Quotes
“I didn’t get sober to be miserable.”

“It changed for me when I stopped viewing myself as a victim to life.”

“Praying is like smiling, I do it even when I don’t want to ‘cause at some point I’ll mean it.”

Referred by: Sara A. (Episode #211)

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Growing up without the safety of a childhood, David started drinking and using at 10. With over 40 years of sobriety, David brings a surprising perspective on “outside issues” one you might not expect from an old timer. Gratitude is what grounds David, and it’s through gratitude that he finds his Higher Power.

Sobriety Date: 7/4/1983

Referred by: JD (Episode #190)

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Scott grew up in chaos—very young parents, a wild home of 3 boys, and the weight of being the oldest. He got sober in Narcotics Anonymous but soon found his path in Alcoholics Anonymous. Scott tends to hit new bottoms before making changes—but the steps and fellowship have kept him growing, connected and sober.

Sobriety Date: 12/26/2013

Quotes
“My biggest problem in life is my attitude and perception.”

“Don’t drink, go to a meeting, and ask for help.”

Referred by: Sara A. (Episode #211)

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Alexa’s program is rooted in faith and she finds strength and clarity through prayer, scripture, and her community. While she doesn’t follow a traditional AA program, her spiritual practice provides the foundation she needs to lead a lasting life of peace and sobriety.

Sobriety Date: 9/15/2019

Quotes
“It’s crazy because addiction is like being in chains and you have no idea you’re locked up until you’re free.”

“I am now the wife, the mother, the daughter, the sister that I’ve always wanted to be.”

Referred by: Sara A. (Episode #211)

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67-year-old stroke survivor Reed got sober almost 25 years ago, though 20 of them were away from the rooms. Through a new dark bottom, Reed found his way back to AA, and today he has earned his emotional sobriety. Today, Reed has a calm contentedness about his life and his place in it. 

 Sobriety Date: 6/11/2001

Quotes
“It’s wonderful when you find yourself again.”

“I want you to have what I have, because I have this really good life.”

“Put the steps in your heart, don’t leave them in the book.”

Referred by: Anonymous Speaker

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AA circuit speaker R.M. brings recovery to life with her inspiring and skillful delivery. With deep knowledge of the Big Book and the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, she cuts through the noise and speaks directly to the heart of what it means to get sober, stay sober, and create a life of peace.

Sobriety Date: 4/21/2006

Quotes
“Today, I get to live really, really free because of all the work that I’ve gotten to do around here.”

“The 12-step process gives me a set of tools to always get back to feeling free.”

Referred by: Anonymous Speaker

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Adam grew up fast—his dad left before he was born, and his relationship with his mom was deeply co-dependent. He learned early that if he didn’t take care of himself, no one else would. When he drank, it was never just one—he went from zero to wrecked every time. Adam has rebuilt his life through service, honesty, and daily action. He’s learned that recovery isn’t about convenience—it’s about commitment.

 Sobriety Date: 3/29/2019

 Quotes
“Service starts where convenience ends.”

“If you don’t do the work, you’re not gonna get the relief.”

 Referred by: Sara A. (Episode #211)

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Mary, who calls herself a “drunk mom,” grew up in a military household, moving so often she never felt rooted. Even in sobriety, she battled suicidal thoughts—but with the right support, she found her way through. Today, Mary meets life with courage and clarity. She is truly, completely free.

Sobriety Date: 4/10/2009

Quotes
“Alcoholics Anonymous changed my life—my oldest said: Mom, you’re not even the same person.”

“There’s so much love in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous.”

Referred by: Tara V. (Episode #54)

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Jeff didn’t start drinking until college—but he quickly made up for lost time. In this calm share, Jeff reflects on the journey that brought him to today: two years sober, grounded in a strong program that he approaches with the commitment of a newcomer. That mindset, he says, is what allows him to experience the promises in full.

Sobriety Date: 8/9/2023

Quotes
“My life has become so much more manageable because I understand that I don’t have to control everything, because I can’t.”

“It’s not that my life is easy, but I just feel so much more relaxed that I know things are going to work out because I trust in a higher power."

“Parttime employees don’t get fulltime benefits, if you want the full benefits of this program and to see the promises come true, you have to work at it fulltime.”

Referred by: Sara A. (Episode #211)

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Sober at only 17 yrs. in the 1980’s, Mark brings deep wisdom from the earlier days of Alcoholics Anonymous, with sponsorship lineage close to Dr. Bob. Mark has wisdom and an incredible memory, which turns this story of a miracle into a testament to the power of the program and the steps.

Sobriety Date: 6/4/1986

Quotes
“I need to always keep an open mind and the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous has repeatedly helped me keep my mind open.”

“I clearly understand that I eat fruit from a tree I didn’t plant and I drink water from a well I didn’t dig.”

Referred by: Steve W. (Episode #275)

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