With his life in tatters, Sam's entrée into Alcoholics Anonymous literally came down to a coin flip. Heads, he’d go AA. Tails, he’d put a bullet through his head. Such an abject choice was the culmination of a life largely ruined by alcoholism. Sam was penniless, homeless, and suffering from untreated clinical depression. His options were running out quicker than the many quarts of booze he consumed each week. Whatever knowledge Sam gained by examining his highly dysfunctional upbringing were not to be discovered until many years into his sobriety, but he admits such knowledge would have availed him nothing at the time. What Sam did discover during his early AA meetings was that his earnest desire to stay sober were hinged entirely on the time and effort he invested in his Program. So with the help of good sponsorship and an unwavering belief in AA’s literature, 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, and tireless service work, Sam built a rock-solid foundation on which he has based an AA-centric life over the past 38 years.

Sam’s brand of sobriety and his no-nonsense approach to sponsoring other men has made him highly sought-after source of guidance and wisdom. I feel that his story will resonate strongly with AA members at all stages of sobriety. He is a serious believer in AA’s three legacies of Recovery, Unity, and Service. I’ve enjoyed knowing Sam for the past 35+ years and hope you will enjoy and benefit from the next hour here on AA Recovery Interviews with my very good friend and AA brother, Sam H.

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, i-Tunes, 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 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.]