AA Recovery Interviews with Howard L.

Nadia S. – Sober Since August 1980


Listen Later

Nadia's personal story was published in the 4th Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous in 2001. She’s the first AA member I’ve interviewed whose backstory can be read by anyone with a Big Book. Combined with today’s interview, Nadia’s story comes alive in many ways, beginning with her emigration from France after World War II with her mother who had suffered as a slave laborer under the Nazis. Landing in Canada after the war, her childhood was a wretched time in her life, during which her mother was beaten by her stepfather, while Nadia was abused both verbally and physically. By the time she left home at 18, her escape was aided greatly by the same excessive use of alcohol that had helped her survive her teenage years. University and a law degree steered her into becoming an attorney, where her first years were spent in heart-wrenching criminal cases, before she moved into corporate governance law. As with many of the attorneys I’ve interviewed, heavy drinking quickly became part of her life. Like many other lawyers, Nadia was able to confine her drinking to non-work hours while she continued to function and even succeed in her legal career. But inevitably, the effects of her blossoming alcoholism, including hangovers and declining performance at work, began to intrude upon her work life. After some half-hearted attempts at sobriety, Nadia rapidly descended into the darkness of despair, from which the faint beacon of Alcoholic Anonymous finally guided her toward the rooms. Thoroughly licked, and ready to do the work, Nadia found AA in 1980, and immersed herself in all aspects of the Program, including sponsoring other women and all manner of service work, both in Canada and around the world.
Though Nadia’s personal story is well-told in the Big Book, it’s the 21 years since that story was printed that truly enhance the tale of life well-lived according the principals of the 12 steps. It’s a tale that runs the gamut from tragedy to triumph, replete with human foibles along the way. I am grateful to walk alongside people like Nadia on the road of happy destiny.
Whether you read Nadia's Big Book story before or after listening to this interview, I think you’ll be doubly impacted by the power and grace in both versions. So please enjoy the next hour and five minutes of this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my new friend and AA sister, Nadia S.
[This is an encore of Episode 77 originally released May 11, 2022]
If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to “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, Apple Books, or Amazon.
 I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, 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 Apple Books. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperbackfrom 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
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

AA Recovery Interviews with Howard L.By Howard L.

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

120 ratings


More shows like AA Recovery Interviews with Howard L.

View all
That Sober Guy Podcast by Shane Ramer

That Sober Guy Podcast

490 Listeners

Recovery Elevator by Paul Churchill

Recovery Elevator

1,707 Listeners

Dopey: On the Dark Comedy of Drug Addiction by Dave & Chris

Dopey: On the Dark Comedy of Drug Addiction

2,709 Listeners

Sober Cast: An (unofficial) Alcoholics Anonymous Podcast AA by AA Podcast

Sober Cast: An (unofficial) Alcoholics Anonymous Podcast AA

2,170 Listeners

The Addicted Mind Podcast by Duane Osterlind, LMFT

The Addicted Mind Podcast

636 Listeners

This Naked Mind Podcast by Annie Grace

This Naked Mind Podcast

2,595 Listeners

Sober Speak-  Alcoholics Anonymous  Recovery Interviews by John M

Sober Speak- Alcoholics Anonymous Recovery Interviews

391 Listeners

Addiction Unlimited Podcast by Angela Pugh

Addiction Unlimited Podcast

499 Listeners

Mad Dog Recovery AA Speakers by Mad Dog Recovery

Mad Dog Recovery AA Speakers

210 Listeners

How I quit alcohol by Danni Carr

How I quit alcohol

197 Listeners

Recover Your Soul: A Spiritual Path to a Happy and Healthy Life by Rev. Rachel Harrison

Recover Your Soul: A Spiritual Path to a Happy and Healthy Life

164 Listeners

AA Grapevine's Podcast by AA Grapevine, Inc.

AA Grapevine's Podcast

243 Listeners

Sober Stories from Everyday People by sassysobermum

Sober Stories from Everyday People

68 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

20,197 Listeners

Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories by Brad McLeod

Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

587 Listeners