Sober Speak- Alcoholics Anonymous Recovery Interviews

Episode 162 Bill C In this episode of Sober Speak, Bill C is back at the mic sharing his experience of being a speaker at meetings worldwide through the power of zoom, the economic repercussions of the pandemic on central office, and his experience with Step 10. Bill speaks to the realization that nothing is personal, the need for compassion in place of patience and tolerance, and how the collapse of the egoic structure leads to profound realizations. 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 161 Leave us a voice mail @ https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak Email us @ [email protected] Visit our website @ www.soberspeak.com Donate here @ Donations for Sober Speak

Episode 160 Nancy B's Friday Night meeting ID: 480 682 481 Recovery (R) In this episode of Sober Speak, Nancy B talks about how she never felt like enough in life and yet was full of arrogance. She speaks to how being diagnosed with an incurable disease had her asking questions like why but also led her to realize how blessed she is. Nancy shares about the evolving recovery community during the pandemic and how AA has given her the ability to stand up and the willingness to kneel down. 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 159 Search Sober Meditations in iTunes or Google Play app stores Transitions Daily www.DailyAAEmails.com Tao of Our understanding Podcast https://taorecovery.libsyn.com/ http://www.reverbnation.com/jacobMicheal 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 158 Matthew M 4,5,6 & 7 In this continuation of Sober Speak 157, Matt M continues to speak to his interpretation of the 12 Steps. He shares how anticipation of the fourth step is usually the hardest part of doing it, how doing the steps is an acknowledgment of the truth and surrender to things that bring you away from your higher power and the present moment. http://www.reverbnation.com/jacobMicheal 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 157 Matt M S 1,2&3 In this episode of Sober Speak, Matt M is back at the mic to share his interpretation of the first three steps. Matt speaks to the importance of acknowledging the un-manageability to yourself and someone else, how is it that he doesn't drink, and how fear is the false belief that you will not have the resources to meet the challenges of the present moment. 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 156 156 Paula R In this episode of Sober Speak, Paula R shares her life journey and how she hitchhiked her way into the program. She speaks to how she uses the skills she gained in business and the program to create a new midlife career that fulfills herm Paula also shares her acronym for P.R.A.Y and how AA is the foundation to her walk. 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 155 155 Chip B In this episode of Sober Speak, Chip B shared how a military childhood, led to military life and the explosion of his alcoholism. He also speaks to the process with which he detoxed and how he went into financial insecurity at 28 years sober. Chip speaks to how his friends reminded him that he needed to expand the construction of his higher power to get him through his new family challenges. 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 154 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CtHFTCLbEI Angie B part 2 In this continuation of Sober Speak episode 153, Angie B continues to share the story of her Al-Anon recovery. She states that she has been running to and from alcoholism her whole life and the impact of working her program and making amends has had on her life. 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 153 Angie B In this episode of Sober Speak, Angie B shared what it was like growing up in a military family with an alcoholic mother and how she found refuge in books. She shares how she ended up at her first Al-Anon meeting believing she was going to a car-related event and how each of her own family members has their own truths of their life. Angie speaks to why most people don't stay in Al-Anon and how she came to hit bottom and realize that she does not have the answers. 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 152 Jo M Tri-Cities Live In this Tri-Cities live Sober Speak episode, Jo M shares what it was like dragging her kids through active alcoholism, living through domestic abuse, and being scared of an alcoholic spiritual death. She shares the impact of kindness from an AA member on her worthiness coming in the door at the beginning and how it led her to stick around. Jo also shares what her life is like now and equates the kind of sobriety she wants to a fully loaded ice cream sundae. 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 151 In this episode of Sober Speak, Reno John is back at the mic sharing his perspective on treatment vs AA and how alcoholism now a spiritual malady that requires a spiritual condition. John speaks to how God works through people and shares a handful of the many miracles that have happened in his life. 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 150 In this episode of Sober Speak, Bill C shares his thoughts on Steps 8 & 9. Bill states that while most people get stuck on Step 3, in fact, all the steps are hard. He shares that it's okay to do a bad job on Step 3 the first time because you'll do it again. He also shares that Step 9 is important enough to do right the first time but do not do it alone. Finally, Bill shares a story about his life that demonstrates how sometimes amends can free the other person as well. 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 149 In this episode of Sober Speak, Gary K shares his views on coronavirus and what he sees as the epitome of Step 12: You did what you said you were going to do and when you said you were going to do it. Gary also speaks to the importance of location in finding a sponsor, how many of us confuse consequences with problems. Throughout the episode, Gar shares many AA gems about how recovery is to be experienced not learned, and building your life around your recovery. 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 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