This episode features John C from Colorado Springs, Colorado. John has been sober since August 16, 1994 John’s story starts with the need to point fingers at others and try to compare rather than identify.  Fortunately for John his daughter was also in recovery.  This is where he took notice of her progress and began to take his step work much more seriously.  His story also gives rise to the importance of accountability.  He realized that he had to build a fellowship of men who would keep him honest. ============================= Reading Recommendation from John C. Man's S ..read more

This episode features Betsy W from Sarasota Florida.  Betsy has been sober since February 24, 1989 As Betsy’s story unfolds, you will see her perseverance as a parent when there is very little support from a spouse.  Transforming from a pattern of gaining knowledge to gaining experience. And being able to identify flaws and how best to repair some damage done after decades of sobriety.  She also demonstrates how to apply the principles of Alanon into her growth as a mother and wife. ============================= Reading Recommendation from Betsy W. Opening Our Hearts, Transformi ..read more

This episode features Ed M. from Southern New Jersey.  Ed has been sober since October 19, 2008. Ed’s journey as a former coach and teacher has been a tremendous asset to his recovery.  His snippets of wisdom at meetings has earned him the nickname of “The Bumper Sticker Guy” among his local fellowship. He has been able to maintain a wonderful relationship with his ex-wife and children despite the many layers of alcoholic behavior. His story demonstrates that getting sober later in life has its benefits of the wisdom of life cycles coupled with the working of the twelve steps ..read more

This episode features Hope A. from North Carolina Hope has been sober since September 14, 1981. Some of the insights in Hope’s story are following: She realized that AA could help someone who was as damaged as she saw herself. Every time she survived something difficult in sobriety her rachet of optimism would increase She realized she was avoiding AA due to some shameful behavior that resulted from an undiagnosed bipolar disorder. She has grown in effectiveness as a sponsor over the past 40 years. The importance of revisiting our illnesses other than alcoholism and addiction and the effects ..read more

This episode features Seth P from Kingston Ontario.  Seth has been sober since April 12 2010. Some of the insights in Seth’s story are following  Creating a system of accountability for himself in early recovery was invaluable The transformation from someone who looked at the steps and did not want a relationship with god to a man who decided to dedicate his life to god and others by becoming a pastor Service work in the program allowed him to meet people who are serious about attending meetings and helping others The inevitable journey of grief demonstrated to him that there was an ..read more

This episode features Andy H from Montclair New Jersey Andy has been sober since October 28th 2003 Some of the valuable take-aways in Andy’s story are following  Every problem has been definitional for him.  He says he had the wrong definition of what to do He learned that resentments from early childhood were lingering into adulthood and effected success in the work environment and eventually his financial security His long battle with giving up cigarettes and the spiritual awakening that came along with this discovery. He likes to say his wisdom comes as a result of the “awful” gr ..read more

This episode features Kathy K from Northern New Jersey Kathy has been sober since January 1st, 1987 Some of the valuable take-aways in Kathy’s story are following  An alternative approach to entering recovery from alcohol and drugs through Alanon program Control issues and her relationship with food. Insight into reciprocity in her personal friendships Letting go of that feeling of uniqueness and separation from others =========================================== Book Recommendation from Kathy The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck =========================================== Use the lin ..read more

This episode features Adam F. from the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Adam has been sober since August 11, 2011 In Adam’s story you will learn how he dealt with his stubbornness and delusion.  This is best shown in his description of how he took himself off medication and later found how necessary it was for his success in sobriety.   He also shares with us how important it is to distinguish between what the medication can do as opposed to what he can do.  In hearing Adam’s story I really enjoyed hearing about some interesting results from working the ninth step. Adam also shares hi ..read more

This episode features Marcus M from West Caldwell, NJ.  Marcus has been sober since June 1, 1986. Marcus’ story starts at the very young age of 16 where he was fortunate to admit to his innermost self that he had a problem with alcohol and drugs. Thanks to his surroundings and the support of family he was able to get in to attend meetings and begin his journey. He also had the opportunity to repay the kindness and generosity back to his mother when she needed him most during her battle with cancer.  Marcus also had the opportunity to repair a damaged relationship with his father when ..read more

This episode features Joel N originally from Bayside Queens and now lives in Glen Ridge NJ Joel has been sober since January 8, 2018 Joel’s story is an illustration of the importance of how vital it is to keep coming back.  His journey includes a battle with prescription drug medication as he was diagnosed with medical conditions requiring pain management. I appreciated his tenacity and fortitude to face his dishonesty and become a beacon of hope for those dealing with problems other than alcohol and drugs.  I think you will also enjoy how he has become a trusted servant as meetings ..read more