Sober Speak- Alcoholics Anonymous Recovery Interviews

Episode 148 In this episode of Sober Speak, Mimi F shares what it was like for her before she got sober and what it is like now recovering out loud as a public persona. She speaks to how alcohol was always the solution for her since childhood and how it took her eight years of trying to get sober before it stuck. Mimi also details the importance of putting the effort into the program and how sobriety has become her superpower. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 147 Vannoy's Big Book Study Thursday nights @ 6:00 pm CDT 839 386 904 P/W 927889 In this episode of Sober Speak, Vannoy S shares about her 51 years of experience in Al-Anon. She describes how an article in Ann Landers planted a seed within her for when she hit bottom and she reached out to AA. It was through meeting with alcoholics that gave her hope and brought her into AA and eventually Al-Anon. Vannoy speaks about the importance of the Big Book in Al-Anon and how she found herself in trouble at 46 years because of nickel and dime-ing the program Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 146 In this Sober Speak Live event, David G answers listener questions on topics such as the impact of meditation on his life and recovery, family and briefly touches on religion. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 145 145 David G Sober Speak Live Part 1 In this Sober Speak Live event, David G shares how his avoidance of AA led him to attend NA meetings and then promptly go to the crack house. However, this action planted the mustard seed for when he was ready. David shares a little about his childhood and the impact AA program had on his relationship with his mother giving her the son she always wanted. He also speaks to how individual recovery is like a thumbprint, while similar no two are the same. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 144 In this episode of Sober Speak, Brian P shares how he turned to bank robbery to feed his addictions, going to prison multiple times, and what it took to make him realize he was an alcoholic. As with many of us, Brian shares how through grace, help, and one last chance from another alcoholic, he was able to get sober. He also shares how in sobriety he started a program to bring prisoners through the steps fulfilling the saying if you want to keep it, you've got to give it away. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 143 In this episode of Sober Speak, Rick W unabashedly shares his story of childhood trauma, navigating life as a homosexual alcoholic, and the utter blind faith he has been achieved through working the steps. Rick speaks to how he came into the rooms and the highs and lows of his life both while active and sober. He also shares how Insanity doesn't have an expiration date and how he needs to continue to make amends in his life. https://www.takethe12.org/ Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 142 In this continuation of Sober Speak episode 141, Matt M shares how he went through treatment and how serendipity kept him sober upon his release. Matt speaks to how surrender leads to him to a life of grace and love and how members of the program have been there to support him during the tragedy. Matt eloquently describes the strength and hope received as a direct result of working the program. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 141 In this episode of Sober Speak, Matt M speaks to the subtle theft of life and human decency he experienced by his drinking. He shares how alcoholism brought him to new lows, suicidal tendencies, and to domestic violence. Matt details how he accidentally took step one on a porch step speaking with another alcoholic when his intent was to kill himself that day and how sometimes all-night takes is a glimmer of hope. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 140 In this Sober Speak Live event, Bubba C is at the mic to share his story of what it was like and what it is like now. Bubba shares how you don't want to lose things as an alcoholic but that sometimes is necessary. He shares how being sober allowed him to make amends to his family and to be there for them when they passed. Bubba speaks to how through working together with the program of AA, he stills has character defects but they aren't as glaring. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 139 This episode of Sober Speak is a continuation of 138, where Doug M shares his strength and hope in getting sober. Doug speaks to how he finally reached his bottom and emerged from delusion in a treatment program. Through treatment, Doug was able to connect with AA leading him to a new honesty, a new life, and a new way of being. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 138 In this episode of Sober Speak, Doug M shares his experience of what it was like before he got sober. Doug details his desire to be someone else from a very early age, attempted geographical cures, touring with the Grateful Dead, and how he didn't know how to ask for help. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 137 In this episode of Sober Speak, Jay S shares the story of his 41-year relationship with Alcoholics Anonymous. Jay speaks to always being on the front lines of the program where he can help the newcomer, how one can determine if they are an alcoholic and how the approach seems to have softened since he first came into the rooms. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 136 In a continuation of the Sober Speak Live event, Bill C answers listeners' questions while sharing a little bit more of his experience, strength, and hope. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 135 In this special edition Sober Speak Live event, Bill C shares how before he got sober he was a biker, a surfer, and a tough guy whose bike didn't run, he never went to the beach and he was afraid of getting hurt. In his share, Bill speaks to the role of ego in the human experience and deep dives into the 5 aspects of a spiritual condition Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 134 In this episode of Sober Speak, Reno John is back at the mic continuing his the story of his experience strength and hope. Jon shares how he found that God provides once he stopped praying for himself and instead prayed to know God's will. He shares his philosophy of Let God be God and me be his son and have him take care of me. John also shares some anecdotal stories of AA reluctance to embrace new technologies as well as how he began his marathon "career" at 64. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 133 133 Reno John / John A Part 1 In this episode of Sober Speak, John A shares how he believes alcoholism progresses in three parts: 1) spiritual 2) mental and 3) physical and sobriety returns in the reverse order. He shares the origin of his nickname and the story of his struggle getting sober and finding a sponsor. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 132 In the episode of Sober Speak, Bill C returns to continue his thoughts on Steps 5, 6 & 7. Bill talks about how when active, many believe/d things were happening to us, we lack/ed compassion and took everything personally and in doing the steps we acquire a knowingness that transcends intellect. He speaks about he has grown emotionally in the program and the face of recovery has changed with the pandemic emerging as another form of togetherness. Bill closes with how once in AA, you will never be alone in your life, all you have to do is open the door. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 131 In this episode of Sober Speak, Spencer T from The Recovery Show shares the mic to talk about the twelve steps of Al-Anon. Spencer shares that the programs share verbatim steps except for twelve and how he has a surrender date instead of the sobriety date found in AA. Spencer speaks to the shame he experienced being married to an alcoholic and his inability to fix her (step one). He feels that in order to progress in his program, he had to get past Step 3 and how acting as if it has benefitted his recovery. Spencer's website is... http://therecoveryshow.com/ Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 130 In this episode of Sober Speak, Brittany W takes the mic to share about how growing up in an alcoholic/addictive family led her to develop eating disorders and multiple addictions in search of relief from her home life. Brittany speaks to the many troubles, situations, and struggles she endured trying to fill the void of a loving and caring home family. She talks about how in AA, she was finally able to find the love of a mother in the form of a sponsor and how she now has the support network and sisterhood she was so desperately seeking. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 129 In this episode of Sober Speak, Bill C returns to the mic to expound on his view of the 12 Steps. Bill states we are a society of storytellers and that when speaking we should stick to just sharing your story to take the ego out of it; don't preach! Bill shares how over time his fear list has become more important than his resentment list and that in doing the work we become willing to remove the character defects we don't just humbly ask. Bill believes that we don't just go to a meeting to get something out of it but rather than to add to it. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 128 In this episode of Sober Speak, Stephen F shares his experience living a life that they make movies about and how second chances led him to get and stay sober. He describes how he believes based on the text of the Big Book that he is a Recovered alcoholic and how recovered doesn't mean cured, it is only a daily reprieve based on spiritual condition. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 127 #prayforbrice In this episode of Sober Speak, Chris M shares his experience prior to getting sober, his faith in something bigger than him and the strength he has learned going through unimaginable tragedy. Chris speaks to his relapse after getting everything back in sobriety and how he is no able to find miracles where others see only pain. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 126 In this episode of Sober Speak, David G is back at the mic to expound on his interpretation of Step 11. David talks about how when he stops working the steps, old patterns reappear without picking up a drink. He believes that God has done for him what he thought impossible and that Step 11 brings him into the present and is his submission to something greater than himself. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 125 [email protected] Bill's above email address was referenced on the episode In this episode of Sober Speak, Bill C is back at the mic to continue his interpretation of steps 3 through 5 as well as the concept of God. Bill states that we create a god and then don't believe in him and that God is truly an experience, not a concept. He also shares about how there is only one AA program but that every member has a unique experience. Bill believes that AA members are the mechanism used to save lives every day and how doing the work is a good use of one's will. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 124 In this episode of Sober Speak, Jimmy D shares his interpretation of Steps 1, 2 and 3. Jimmy speaks to the secular nature of Alcoholics Anonymous and how it is not a self-help program and that the sole mission of AA is to help the still sick and suffering. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 123 In this episode of Sober Speak, Adam T gives a little history of the Oxford Group, the four rules that block God in his life and shares a little about his life seeking treatment 28 times before maintaining sobriety. He states that he has a body that can't process alcohol and a mind they can't process reality. Adam also shares about the formation of the traditions and how singleness of purpose is both vital and detrimental to the survival of AA. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 122 Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 121 In this episode of Sober Speak, Renee E shares her experience of growing up in an alcoholic family, the strength she uncovered in sobriety and the hope she found in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. Renee speaks to how daily contact with another alcoholic is the most important thing she does to maintain her spiritual condition and how AA has given her the tools to endure terrible loss. You just got to keep showing up, no matter what. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 120 In this episode of Sober Speak, Gary K is back at the mic talking about his experience with the 11step and how 11 & 12 are not for extra credit. Gary shares how when he was drinking, he never surrendered to any power other than himself and how alcoholics are producers of confusion and chaos. In his experience, Step 11 is vital Spiritual Hygiene and that following your Higher Power will lead you to a wonderful life no matter what your circumstances are. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 119 In this episode of Sober Speak, John D shares his experience of what it was like and how he got sober nearly 50 years ago. John talks about how something happened to him when he started to work the steps and how praying for his desire to drink to be removed every time he had the thought has gifted him with lasting sobriety and a good life that he enjoys. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 118 In this episode of Sober Speak, Joseph S tells his story of what it was like drinking his way through multiple failed rehabs attempts, lost relationships, lost jobs and homelessness. He describes how accepting a service position led him to lasting sobriety and how he is now employed at the place where his sobriety truly began. Joseph talks about he now finds ease and comfort through spiritual experiences instead of alcohol. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 117 In this episode of Sober Speak, Jimmy D shares an anecdotal history of the origin of the Big Book. Filled with little known facts and stories this episode is sure to enlighten the listener's day with how the program of AA was first codified and why. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 116 In this episode of Sober Speak, Gary K is back at the mic to discuss his experience with the 10th Step. Gary shares how he believes his alcoholism is a spiritual disease that needs a spiritual answer and tools, not a therapeutic one and how overtime there is no new level to achieve in AA, the same tools he got when he first came in are the same tools he has now. But with the more he uses them, the better he gets at using them. Gary shares how he is always on Step 10 and 11 and how it helps him to achieve emotional balance. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 115 ***Trigger Warnings: Strong Language and Rape *** In this episode of Sober Speak, Andrew A shares his journey of survival from being raped as a child and distancing others to taking his power back and turning the tables on his victimhood by sharing his story freely. Andrew talks about what he thought was a failure was what allowed him to become who he is now and to accept life on life's terms. Andrew closes with how the discipline he has learned in the rooms is what allows him freedom in life. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 114 In this episode of Sober Speak, Jo M shares her story of doing things against her moral fiber and thinking she was unforgivable to being totally present in her life and experiencing the gifts of the program through a lot of hard work and questions. Jo speaks to the miracle of you don't have to believe it will work, you just have to do it. She also talks about the traditions and how practicing the traditions allowed the groups to manage themselves and discuss things peacefully. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 113 In this episode of Sober Speak, Bill C is back at the mic talking about his thoughts on Steps 1, 2 & 3. For step one, he shares how he has come to understand he is powerless over everything and how faith is not knowing and being okay with not knowing. Bill candidly shatters some AA myths regarding bad behavior, speaks to his return to sanity and briefly touches on Step 3 where he discovered everything he needed to heal himself he already possessed. http://wendychildmusic.com/ Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 112 In this episode of Sober Speak, Jill N shares her personal experience of how recovery from Alcoholism is a family affair. Jill N is a member of Al-Anon and it was through her experiences with this program that she learned that basic self-care is really caring for the whole family and that sometimes less support/confrontation can take away the power of disruptive behavior. http://wendychildmusic.com/ Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 111 In this Sober Speak Live episode, Brenda J is back at the mic to answer some listener questions. Brenda preaches her thoughts on forgiveness, compassion, grief, and grace in the program and life. http://wendychildmusic.com/ Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 110 In this episode of Sober Speak, Jenny L shares the raw story of her first drunk, how drinking led her to promiscuity, abortion, incarcerations and abusive relationships. Jenny speaks to the many amends she had to make but also how if you do the work of the program, remarkable things will happen no matter what your current circumstances. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 109 Lee Y 109 In this episode of Sober Speak, Lee Y shares his what it was like growing up with a dependent sister, the resentments he formed and how his first experience with alcohol began a cycle of crime and addiction that lasted many years. Lee Y speaks to how a kindness given to him while in solitary confinement began his journey into recovery and truly changed his life for the better. http://wendychildmusic.com/ Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 108 Magdalena In this episode of Sober Speak, Magdalena shares her experience of always being a heavy drinker but how things began to escalate until she knew something bad was going to happen if she continued drinking. She speaks to how growing up under a communist regime has impacted her, her difficulty finding the right sponsor in early recovery and how with hard work she has found a blessed life in sobriety. http://wendychildmusic.com/ Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 107 http://wendychildmusic.com/ Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 106 106 Julie W In this episode of Sober Speak, Julie W is at the mic talking about what it’s been like for her during her 40 continuous years of sobriety. Julie stresses the importance of how the program remains the same after all these years, to look for the “Sames”, not the differences in life and how sharing the program with others is the most profound way to get out of self. Julie closes by reinforcing that there is a reason for us all being here, everyone has value and her purpose is to “Pass It On.” http://wendychildmusic.com/ Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 105 105 Denise B In this episode of Sober Speak, we listen in on Denise B as she shares her sober story. She shares what it was like to have two small children while drinking, how moving cross-country at 7 years sober dramatically altered her family dynamic and how she believes alcoholism is in her DNA just like her curly hair. Denise B speaks to the importance of a good sober foundation which she developed while attending 3rd step meetings, how good sponsors have helped her get through some rough times. This episode concludes with two pearls of wisdom she has learned in the program. http://wendychildmusic.com/ Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 104 http://wendychildmusic.com/ 104 Tammy U In this episode of Sober Speak, we listen to Tammy U as she shares her story of transitioning from workaholic to alcoholic. Tammy speaks to how she can now understand the disengagement of her alcoholic father and how this need for connection led her to create a party lifestyle in school. Tammy’s story is a powerful example of how giving AA a chance despite initial reservations can dramatically change your life for the better and add color to your world again. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Support us @ Contributions are appreciated

Episode 103 This episode of Sober Speak is a live taping of Brooks B at the Tri-City Speaker Meeting in Texas. Brooks shares about how the humility learned from doing the steps has kept him sober for over 46 years and how the most difficult sobriety to achieve is continuous sobriety. Brooks speaks to his quick progression into alcoholism and how AA has given him a life worth living. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 102 In this episode of Sober Speak, we listen in on Bob C as he gifts his experience, strength, and hope garnered over 56 years of sobriety. Bob C talks about entering reform schools and joining the army/navy at a young age to ending up in military prison and insane asylums as a result of his drinking. Bob C shares a little bit about the early days of AA when the program was truly anonymous to meeting Bill Wilson, who told him newcomers were vital to AA. Bob C talks about how time plus pain equals change and how even after all this time in recovery he still attends 5 meetings a week. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 101 In this episode of Sober Speak, Harris S returns to the mic to share a little bit more about what it was like, what happened and how he got sober. Harris speaks to being a wild child growing up with little supervision as one of ten kids to how chasing a rabbit led him to a profound spiritual experience and recovery. Harris talks about his gift of desperation, how AA is a "we" program and how there is hope to be found in the rooms of AA. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com S

Episode 100 Episode 🥳 David G In this episode of Sober Speak, David G gives a detailed discussion of his experience with the 10th step and is a continuation of episodes 59, 67, 73 & 87. David talks about how he didn’t stop making mistakes just because he got sober and how the creation of resentments significantly impacts his life. David speaks to how the 10th step leads him to be an active participant in life and showing others how to behave versus watching the world and judging what is wrong with it. This episode highlights the importance and gifts of continuing step work throughout your life as you change and grow. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com

Episode 99 Episode 99 Alky Dan In this episode of Sober Speak, Dan shares what his life was like growing up a fourth-generation alcoholic and how he came to see the hand of God working in his life. Dan shares his personal experience with the first step and his journey in AA led him from being a three-time felon to becoming a minister. Dan speaks to the importance of sponsorship and giving those in early sobriety a chance. Leave us a message @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com