Ralf S. from München, Germany speaking at the Men Among Men Group's first conference in Copenhagen, Denmark - August 8th 2009

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Ralf, a German mathematician, blends humor, intellect, and honesty. He described how childhood trauma left him people-pleasing and empty, and though he built success and wealth worldwide, he lived as an “empty suit,” disconnected from himself and relying on alcohol to survive. His drinking spiraled in Miami until even alcohol stopped working, leading him into AA where the obsession was lifted but where, for years, he lacked true step-based recovery. Returning to Germany, he found himself lost in meetings that didn’t work the steps, plagued by fear, emptiness, and loneliness despite outward success. Through long-distance sponsorship and finally working the steps in earnest, he learned the importance of fellowship, rigorous honesty, and unity in practicing the same program together. Today, he is not only sober but pursuing dreams he never dared admit—like becoming a comedian—living proof that sobriety allows space for courage, service, and possibility beyond fear.

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Kerry C. from Tannersville, PA speaking at Live At Pine Lake in Seattle, WA - May 2010

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Getting sober at just 18, Kerry spent her entire adult life learning to live through the 12 steps, guided by strong sponsors and a commitment to honesty. She recounted a chaotic childhood, early drinking, and destructive relationships, but also the miracle of willingness that brought her to AA. Kerry became known as a “big book thumper,” unapologetically teaching recovery straight from the first 164 pages, often making people uncomfortable with her blunt truth. Over the years, she built a sober life with her husband, raised children who never saw her drink, made powerful amends—including reconciling with her old principal which led her back to education—and carried the message to countless women. Her story is one of resilience, service, and spiritual awakening: turning brokenness and fear into integrity, family, education, and a life defined by practicing principles daily, no matter how uncomfortable.

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Valerie D. from Richmond, VA doing a workshop titled "The Spirit of the 12 Steps" in Santa Fe, NM - October 26th-28th 2007

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Valerie’s story is one of chaos transformed into purpose: raised in a violent alcoholic home, she always felt different and disconnected until her first drink at 14 gave her a false sense of belonging. From stealing toys as a child to juvenile detention, treatment centers, and years of bouncing in and out of AA, her life spiraled through lies, broken relationships, and repeated relapses. Even sober, she became dangerously sick—angry, manipulative, and spiritually bankrupt—until she hit a point of utter desperation. Guided by strong sponsors who challenged her denial and taught her to fully embrace the Big Book and the circle-and-triangle way of life, Valerie discovered service, honesty, and true reliance on God. Through humility, making amends, and learning not to fight everything and everyone, she grew into a woman capable of trust, integrity, and self-support. Today, with decades of sobriety since October 13, 1992, she shares her story to show that recovery is not about perfection but about transformation through surrender, service, and spiritual growth.

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Todd S. from Keene, NH speaking at Area 11 Soberfest in Bozrah, CT - June 5th 2015

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Growing up in a working-class family, Todd began drinking at 14 and eventually drank himself out of the Navy. His life spiraled into five DWIs across three states, countless arrests, and even a devastating crash after fleeing police. Yet the turning point came when, faced with his wreckage, he finally turned to AA, where the fellowship embraced him and mentors like Red guided him. Todd’s path wasn’t smooth—he relapsed after two years—but in 2006 he recommitted, found a sponsor, worked the steps, and began truly living in recovery. He’s since endured hardship—losing his father, his brother’s tragic death, jail time, bankruptcy—but through it all, he stayed sober by serving his group, sponsoring others, and embracing AA’s principles. His story shows the progression of alcoholism, the power of humility, and the life-saving gift of fellowship and faith.

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Gisli "Kort" K. from Minneapolis, MN speaking on the topic of "Working With Others" at The Firing Line Group of Alcoholics Anonymous in Saint Paul, MN - June 2008

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Kort shares how his sobriety, beginning in 1999, grew from despair into lasting recovery through working the Twelve Steps directly from the Big Book. He described failed early attempts to stay sober with routines like swimming and reading, until he embraced sponsorship and spiritual action that led to a profound shift in perspective. Over the years, he’s sponsored many men, learning to balance sincerity with boundaries, focusing not on rigid rules but on principles and genuine connection with God and others. His story highlighted humility, the dangers of arrogance in sponsorship, and the life-saving power of carrying the message—reminding us that recovery is not about prestige or perfection, but about staying sober by helping the next alcoholic.

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Vaughan Q. from Toronto, Ontario, Canada doing a 12 step seminar at St. Teresa's Church in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada - January 22nd 1994

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Vaughan shares his experience with humor and deeply moving accounts, blending his perspective as a Roman Catholic priest with his own recovery journey. He described how alcoholism left him walled off despite outward charm, and emphasized that the real gift of AA lies not just in fellowship but in the internalization of the 12 steps, which bring true freedom, peace, and joy. Drawing on decades of sobriety since 1965, he shared his own bottoming out, time in institutions, and eventual surrender that led to lasting recovery. With candor, he explained how recovery demands action, humility, and ego reduction, not just attendance at meetings or intellectual understanding. He reminded listeners that alcoholism is life and death, but also that the program offers measurable transformation—moving from guilt, shame, and isolation toward dignity, hope, and love. His story underscored the importance of personal responsibility, spiritual awakening, and the daily work of change.

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Steven V. from Honolulu, HI speaking at the Hawaii State Convention in Honolulu, HI - November 6th 2010

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Steven talks on the theme of responsibility by reflecting on his 24 years of sobriety since getting sober at age 22 in Honolulu. He described his early struggle with alcoholism—drinking heavily through high school and into his early 20s—until professional help brought him into AA, where he immediately felt a weight lift. His long journey emphasized two key responsibilities: carrying AA’s message of hope and recovery, and pursuing a daily relationship with a Higher Power. Through sponsors, service, and spiritual practice, he learned to “err on the side of compassion,” smile through adversity, and integrate all parts of his life under faith. He spoke of overcoming compartmentalization, surviving personal losses, and moving from grudging service to genuine service from the heart. Ultimately, Stephen found that sobriety is about expression through action—choosing compassion, living the steps, and trusting a loving universe—so he can be useful, grateful, and truly free.

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Tom I. from Southern Pines, NC speaking at the 22nd Annual Mens Fall Retreat in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - September 17th-19th 2010

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Tom shares his story of redemption, walking into his first AA meeting in 1957 at just 24 years old. At first unable to identify, he slowly came alive through the steps, sponsorship, and service, transforming from a broken young man into one of dignity, integrity, and leadership. He went on to build a 39-year career in corrections—rising improbably from inmate to prison warden—while also helping countless alcoholics. Alongside his wife of 42 years, he raised two children who went on to professional success, and he emphasized that genuine recovery requires more than just not drinking—it’s about unity, service, and living fully in the spiritual dimension of life, where freedom and joy endure as long as we practice the principles.

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Bob D. from Las Vegas, NV speaking the topic of "Ending Loneliness using the 12 Traditions" at the Unity and Service conference in Concord, CA - August 19th 2017

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Bob D. from Las Vegas shares with raw honesty how his journey from a broken man in 1978 to nearly four decades of sobriety was shaped by stubborn resistance, painful relapses, and eventually deep surrender to AA’s principles. He highlights the critical role of action—showing up for his home group, honoring his sponsor, embracing service, and learning to apply both the Steps and the Traditions not only in meetings but in his personal life and business. Through humility, amends, and prioritizing unity over ego, Bob explains how the 12 Traditions became a path out of loneliness and into real connection, reminding us that sobriety is sustained not by abstinence alone but by living in service, brotherhood, and surrender to a higher power.

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Deandre M. from Lancaster, CA speaking in Simi Valley, CA - April 20th 2008

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Deandre shares his powerful recovery story, sober since May 29, 1991. Growing up in Watts, he found early escape in alcohol, which led to dishonesty, chaos, and self-destruction. Rehab introduced him to AA, where through painful resistance he began working the steps, especially the Fourth and Fifth, uncovering resentments, fears, and secrets that blocked him from connection. Guided by sponsors, he learned that amends meant change, not just apology, and that true sobriety requires ongoing commitment, not just looking good or “feeling better.” He warns that many relapse not at their lowest but when life improves, stressing the daily need for inventory, prayer, sponsorship, and service. Despite hardships, including family pain and personal struggles, he testifies that his life today is built on being properly armed with AA’s principles and carrying the message. His story highlights resilience, accountability, and the importance of staying grounded in the program to maintain long-term sobriety.

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