Jonathan S. from Austin, TX speaking on the topic of "Recovered versus Recovering" at the Nosara Big Book Workshop in Nosara Playa Guiones, Costa Rica - March 23rd 2012

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Jonathan shared a remarkable story of redemption, describing how years of failed attempts at sobriety finally gave way to true recovery when he surrendered fully to the Big Book’s program and God’s direction. After multiple treatments, the loss of his veterinary license, family, home, and self-respect, he entered a recovery center in Austin in 2008 and discovered that his problem was not alcohol itself but a lack of power. Working the 12 Steps honestly transformed his life—restoring his family, career, and serenity. He learned that recovery is not about avoiding a drink one day at a time but about living a spiritual way of life that removes the need for alcohol altogether. Today, Jonathan lives with humility and gratitude, serving others through sponsorship and teaching, his story proving that from complete collapse can come a life of purpose, peace, and grace.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

James T. from Auburn, CA speaking at the 39th Winter Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - February 1st 2013

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James shares with humor, heart, and humility how Alcoholics Anonymous transformed his life from restless self-centeredness into peace, gratitude, and service. After quitting drinking but clinging to marijuana, he arrived at AA not yet convinced he belonged, until the warmth and love of the fellowship broke through his defenses. Guided by his sponsor, he faced his resentments, fears, and character defects, learning that alcoholism was not about alcohol—it was about his thinking, his ego, and his separation from God. Over decades of recovery, he became a devoted husband, stepfather, teacher, and sponsor, finding freedom through honesty, humility, and laughter. His talk reminded all that the real miracle of AA isn’t just not drinking—it’s waking up, changing from the inside, and learning to live with kindness, service, and spiritual growth one day at a time.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Part 1 - Kenny D. from Seattle, WA doing a 12-step spiritual retreat in Santa Fe, NM - December 8th 2006

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Kenny shares a deeply moving account of his descent into alcoholism and his eventual recovery, showing how grace and service replaced years of self-destruction. Born into chaos and addiction, he began drinking at twelve, quickly spiraled through violence, homelessness, and IV drug use, and nearly died in motel fires and dark alleys, spiritually and physically bankrupt. His mother’s love and prayers couldn’t reach him until, by what he calls divine intervention, AA members offered him detox and a chance at life. Through their generosity and the Big Book’s principles, he found freedom from obsession and the compulsion to drink, learning humility, gratitude, and purpose through sponsoring others. Now decades sober, Kenny lives with peace, family, and faith—proof that no matter how far one falls, a life once driven by despair can be transformed into one of service, healing, and spiritual connection.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Cindy M. from Dallas, TX speaking about the 12 step at the Primary Purpose Group in Dallas, TX - January 2009

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Cindy shares a powerful journey of recovery that began after years of denial, relapse, and self-deception, despite growing up in a loving, church-centered family untouched by alcohol. From her first drink at fifteen, she chased the feeling that alcohol gave her worth and confidence, leading to decades of chaos, broken marriages, and self-justification through therapy, religion, and intellect. Even after joining AA in 1982, she struggled for seventeen years before truly understanding the Big Book and surrendering to the truth of her powerlessness. Her turning point came in 1999, when she finally grasped the nature of the allergy and loss of choice, and in 2003, under her sponsor’s direction, she followed the steps with full honesty and willingness. Today, Cindy lives in gratitude as a recovered alcoholic, anchored by faith, humility, and the daily practice of carrying the message to others.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Chris S. from Bedminster, NJ speaking on the topic of "Evolution of the Big Book experience" at the Nosara Big Book Workshop in Nosara Playa Guiones, Costa Rica - March 23rd 2012

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Chris recounts moving from blackout drinking and violence to a Big Book–centered spiritual recovery, insisting that chronically sick alcoholics need thorough step work—not meetings alone—to stay sober. He spotlights a modern AA “renaissance” that treats the Big Book as a true textbook—doing inventories, amends, prayer/meditation, and sponsoring others—with far better outcomes than mere fellowship. Personally, Joe & Charlie and Joe Hawk workshops catalyzed his daily practice and service, leading to lasting sobriety and purpose; professionally, he’s served on a treatment-conference board, interviewed leading clinicians, and now helps spearhead a traveling Big Book study to reach the still-suffering with stronger medicine delivered humbly.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Don L. from Bellingham, WA speaking at 10th annual beef dinner of the Mystic Knights of Sobriety group in Edmonton, Canada - June 9th 2010

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Don’s story is a powerful testament to the transforming grace of Alcoholics Anonymous — from a life ruled by denial, destruction, and hopeless drinking to one anchored in faith, humility, and service. After years of rationalizing his pain and hurting those who loved him, he finally surrendered, found a sponsor who challenged him without compromise, and embraced the spiritual program of action. Through the steps, he learned that sobriety wasn’t just about not drinking but about giving back — becoming a man of purpose, gratitude, and love. Now decades sober, Don honors the gift of recovery by helping others, living in service, and remembering every day how far God and AA have brought him.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Kent L. from Montgomery, AL, USA speaking at the 5th Anniversary of the Happy Hour Group in Montgomery, AL - June 5th 2013

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From a high-achieving yet fear-driven alcoholic whose drinking destroyed ambition, marriage, and career in the Army, to a man who embraced AA’s program of action, sponsorship, and daily spiritual disciplines to build a life of freedom and service. He rebuilt his education, earning degrees and a strong career with the Air Force, made peace with his past military shame through deployment service, and deepened his spiritual life through ongoing study and conscious contact with God. Today, Kent thrives in recovery by sponsoring others, practicing humility, and finding joy in service, proving that through AA and God’s grace, even a seemingly hopeless life can be reborn into purpose and inspiration.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Edie C. from Sacramento, CA at Sacramento Spring Fling, Sacramento, CA - February 18th 2000

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Edie shares her journey of survival and recovery, marked by a childhood of trauma, abandonment, and witnessing alcoholism destroy her mother and guardian. Despite being told she’d never succeed, she found Alcoholics Anonymous at 24, where fellowship, sponsorship, and service gradually healed her wounds. Through hard work, she transformed from a broken, angry young woman into a 16-year sober professional, becoming the first woman hired as an industrial inspector for California, later a superintendent at UC Davis, and a respected leader in diversity and service. Her story highlights forgiveness, resilience, and the miracle of AA—turning pain into purpose, brokenness into strength, and granting her “the keys to the kingdom.”

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

"Blind" Dave A. speaking at the 14th Annual Mouth of the Brazos Conference in Lake Jackson, TX - May 15th 2009

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After decades of alcoholism, relapse, and failed attempts to quit on faith alone, Dave finally surrendered to Alcoholics Anonymous in 1998 and discovered that God could reach him through the fellowship and the Big Book. He described powerful spiritual experiences, including a fifth step that lifted a lifelong burden, moments where God intervened to keep him sober, and even being miraculously freed from a 40-year chewing tobacco addiction. By fully embracing service, meditation, and helping other alcoholics, he found that AA is not just about sobriety but a whole adventurous way of living—one filled with purpose, miracles, and a deep conscious relationship with God.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

David R. from Atlantic Highlands, NJ speaking on steps 1-12 at the NCCYPAA Young Peoples Conference in Raleigh, NC - September 2nd 2006

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David shares how he grew up in a broken and violent home, found alcohol at 14, and quickly spiraled into decades of destruction, losing jobs, relationships, and even his health—eventually ending up drinking mouthwash, homeless, and pronounced dead before being revived. His first attempt at AA failed when he coasted without working the steps, but after a relapse he met a sponsor who walked him through the Big Book and the program in depth, leading to a true spiritual awakening. Through completing amends, he reconciled family relationships, found long-lost relatives, and rebuilt his life. Today he works on Wall Street managing a computer department, earned his degree, is pursuing graduate studies, and lives with faith, service, and peace, emphasizing that AA’s promise of recovery comes through action, honesty, and reliance on God.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu