Sober Sunrise - AA Speaker Podcast

Barefoot Bill L. from Westfield, NJ speaking on the topic of Help Others at the Westfield Big Book Workshop of the Spiritual Awakenings Group in Westfield, NJ - August 19th 2012 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Bill shares passionately about the importance of helping others in AA, emphasizing that true service flows only after trusting God and cleaning house. He highlighted how the Big Book repeatedly stresses being of maximum service, not just for relief but for transformation, and that sponsorship should guide people toward independence rather than dependence. Through personal stories—driving hours to work with sponsees, organizing conferences, sending daily inspirational emails, and preserving AA history—he showed how service has become his life. His message was clear: sobriety is not about half measures or complacency but about quick, deep work in the steps, full presence with others, and carrying the gift of awakening forward so both we and others may truly live free. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Sean A. from Vancouver, Canada speaking at West Edmonton Beef dinner in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada - June 11th 2008 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Sean shares his journey with honesty and humor, describing how drinking and drugs once consumed his life despite outward success in acting, real estate, and appearances of stability. After hitting bottom, he was 12-stepped into AA in 1974, where he found safety, identification, and a path through the steps that helped him rebuild from despair. He spoke about the power of amends, spiritual growth, and carrying the message, stressing that real recovery comes from one alcoholic helping another. With decades of sobriety, he has faced life’s ups and downs—divorce, health challenges, success and failure—yet remains deeply grateful for AA, a spiritual awakening, and the chance to live with peace, dignity, and purpose. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Scott P. from Elyria, OH speaking at the North Ridgeville Sunday Night Men's group in North Ridgeville, OH - December 4th 2005 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Scott shares a raw and powerful account of his life shaped by alcoholism, beginning with early drinking, blackouts, and growing up in a family where dysfunction felt normal. His drinking escalated into broken relationships, jail time, and deep shame, until a DUI and moment of clarity pushed him to seek real help in AA. He described learning to surrender his ego, work the steps honestly, make amends, and rely on God and fellowship instead of willpower. Today, sobriety has given him peace, a renewed sense of self-worth, marriage to his best friend, and full custody of his son—proof that through honesty, spiritual growth, and service, life can be rebuilt with purpose and hope. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

John K. from Dallas, TX and Myers R. from Dallas, TX speaking on step 1 at the 2nd Annual Stay Sober For Keeps Workshop in Laguna Niguel, CA - January 21st 2012 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com John K. shares his experience of being a grateful recovered alcoholic (sober since 1999) and emphasizes how the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous is a textbook with precise instructions for recovery rather than just stories or opinions. He contrasts the old AA approach—rapidly taking newcomers through the Steps, focusing on the allergy, the mental obsession, and a spiritual solution—with today’s tendency toward endless discussion meetings and watered-down sponsorship. Using humor, vivid examples, and the “cake recipe” analogy, he drives home that alcoholism is not just about bad decisions or drama but a fatal disease requiring a textbook-guided program of action and spiritual experience. His main accomplishment is living and teaching this structured recovery, showing that half measures and vague fellowship aren’t enough; following the Big Book’s instructions exactly leads to lasting sobriety, sanity, and the ability to help others. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Tara R. from Sedona, AZ speaking at the Connect the Dots group in Las Vegas, NV - November 19th 2012 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Tara shares a powerful arc from early bullying and self-loathing to a first drink at 12 that “saved” her life but led to years of chaos, two marriages, and profound shame—then a turning point after her husband’s death when, despite 19 years dry, desperation nearly took her back out. Guided through the Big Book line-by-line, she experienced a true Third Step surrender, did fearless inventory and amends (including a life-freeing reconciliation with the woman from her first marriage), and discovered that the real problem was in her mind and the real solution was a daily relationship with God and service. Her key accomplishments include maintaining sobriety since August 24, 1986, transforming grief and jealousy into spiritual growth, becoming a devoted mother who made living amends, and sponsoring others with urgency and love. Life-importance takeaway: half measures are torture—when she stopped settling for “crumbs” and worked the Steps as written, she found the banquet of a useful, joyful life centered on God, community, and helping newcomers. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Audrey C. from Dallas, TX and Michael K. from Dallas, TX speaking on steps 1-3 at a sponsorship and 12 Step workshop in Dallas, TX - March 2011 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Audrey C. and Michael K. (seasoned Big Book teachers co-leading a Dallas 2011 workshop) share lived, long-term sobriety marked by heavy sponsorship and service, and they translate that experience into a crisp roadmap: Step One’s honest self-diagnosis (body “allergy” + mind “obsession”), Step Two’s practical hope in a Power greater than ourselves (because our real dilemma is lack of power), and Step Three’s decisive handoff from self-will to a new Director via the Third Step prayer—proved by action that launches 4–12, not by theory. Their core message is life-level, not lecture-level: put God first, serve others, and your life gets bigger than your problem; keep self at the center, and the problem stays bigger than your life. Their accomplishment is turning decades of recovery into a do-this-next method—sponsorship, inventory, amends, and daily service—that lets newcomers trade chaos for purpose and helps old-timers deepen freedom, usefulness, and love. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Jerry J. from Lake Whitney, TX doing the steps at the Space Coast Roundup 2005 in Melbourne Beach, FL - February 2005 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Jerry spoke with humor and humility about nearly losing everything to alcohol before finding lasting sobriety on January 1, 1973, through the grace of God and the steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. He shared stories from his Texas upbringing—like his bulldog Patches and the “cattle trucks” of life—to illustrate the insanity of alcoholism and the futility of trying to control it. A lawyer by trade, he admitted to hiding behind rationalizations, burning his bed from "smoking drunk", and ignoring doctors’ warnings until he was forced to face reality. In AA, he learned that recovery is not about willpower but about surrender—discovering the truth of powerlessness, the obsession of the mind, and the allergy of the body. Through Steps One, Two, and Three, Jerry found that selfishness and self-centeredness were at the root of his troubles, and that turning his will and life over to a Higher Power brought freedom, humility, and spiritual awakening. His message showed the transformation from denial and self-will into a life anchored in honesty, connection, and a daily walk with God. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Desmond T. from New York, NY at North East Texas Area Fall Convention - September 21st 2002 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Desmond hid behind white shirts, ties, and miniature bottles—until the love of AA finally broke through his defenses. Despite early slips and arrogance, he kept coming back, drawn to the honesty and realness of the people, who welcomed him, carried him past bars, and showed him what surrender looked like. Over time, he discovered the power of meditation, the truth of powerlessness, and the daily reprieve found in service. From near death with bleeding ulcers to serving as a Grapevine trustee and later its leader, his life transformed from self-will and denial into one of humility, connection, and love. He closed by affirming that AA gave him not just sobriety, but the ability to live with presence, intention, and a heart open to God’s will and to others. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Wes H. from Denver, CO speaking at the Colorado State CA Convention in Denver, CO - September 2006 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Wes shares his journey with humor and honesty, reflecting on his years lost to alcohol and drugs, and how ego and fear nearly destroyed him. From early music career highs to homelessness and despair, he confused temporary relief from drugs with real spirituality until the gift of recovery showed him a different path. Sobriety brought him teachers, deep spiritual experiences, and lessons on surrender, clarity, power, and walking in beauty. He spoke of marriage sustained by the Twelve Traditions, the danger of “too many years and not enough days,” and the daily reprieve found in service and connection. His story highlighted the transformation from loneliness and self-will to a life of balance, gratitude, and spiritual growth. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Mike W. from Wilmington, NC speaking about steps 4, 5, 6 and 7 at the 25th Brazos Conference - October 19th 2002 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Mike shares his story with warmth and humor, grounding it in nearly five decades of sobriety since July 1970. He reflected on how love—not something to be earned, but freely given—became central to his recovery, alongside honesty and acceptance. Drawing from the Big Book and 12 & 12, he emphasized that the root problem is self—resentments, fear, and pride—and that the solution is surrendering to a loving Higher Power. He broke down steps four through seven, explaining how inventories, confession, and willingness lead to transformation, courage, and freedom. His message underscored that true change comes not from willpower but from reliance on God and fellowship, turning a life once ruled by fear and resentment into one of spiritual growth, connection, and joy. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Peter M. from Union, NJ speaking about steps 1 to 7 at the Primary Purpose Group in Long Island, NY - August 3rd 2006 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Peter shared that simply putting down the drink is not recovery—true freedom comes from ongoing spiritual growth through the Steps. He warned against worshipping knowledge or intellect in AA, saying we must seek experience with the Big Book and God’s power, not just quotes and soundbites. He stressed the importance of continually revisiting the first nine steps, using 10 and 11 daily to smash ego, and remembering that alcoholism shows up in many forms if left untreated. His message was clear: recovery is about surrender, action, and relying on God, which transforms life from restless misery into peace and usefulness. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Bart R. from Sedona, AZ speaking at the 68th Duluth roundup in Duluth, MN - September 22nd 2013 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com From sneaking alcohol in grade school to repeated detentions and juvenile jails, Bart describes how alcohol ruled every decision—costing him freedom, trust, and dignity. Even as an adult, he tried jobs, relationships, and sheer willpower, but the craving always returned. What changed was finding the Big Book and a sponsor who walked him through the steps: learning about the physical craving, mental obsession, and spiritual malady gave him clarity on why he drank and what to do about it. He spoke of hitting a true bottom—not measured by arrests or losses, but by admitting deep inside that he was alcoholic. Through surrender, inventories, amends, and daily step work, he rebuilt his life: reconciling with family, finding freedom from rage through Step Ten, and even becoming a father active in service. Today he describes himself as a “recovered alcoholic,” living proof that with God, the steps, and service, anyone can move from despair to usefulness and joy. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Mary L. from Great Falls, MT at Inland Empire AA Convention - October 21st 2001 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Mary shares a tender, funny, and fearless arc from lifelong fear and people-pleasing to deep recovery and service: sober since January 15, 1972, she survived blackouts, repeated treatments, and a six-month institution, then spent 14 more months in a women’s halfway house where she began living the Steps for real. She described learning to accept herself unconditionally (Step One), to act into faith before she felt it, and to let God—not self-will—be the change agent (Six–Seven). Her life’s biggest “wins” weren’t trophies but transformations: moving from resentment to forgiveness with her father, from crisis-seeking to quiet presence, from bulimia to healing during a dark night of the soul, and from isolation to love—marrying in sobriety and adopting four hard-to-place children with complex needs. Today she lives “one God, many faces; one day at a time,” staying active in two home groups, sponsoring, practicing gratitude and amends, and measuring success as the flow of love through her—proof that everything good came by saying yes to a spiritual way of life. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

James T. from Auburn, CA speaking at Sacramento Monthly Speaker meeting in Sacramento, CA - June 12th 2010 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com James shares how his life shifted from loneliness, denial, and failed attempts to control drinking into a life of faith, service, and love. He described how, after years of believing he only had a “drinking problem,” he finally admitted he was alcoholic and began working the steps in earnest. His journey included moving from skepticism about God to taking action anyway, finding that willingness brought results. Along the way he found companionship, marriage, and family, learning to replace fault-finding with love and patience. Making amends and practicing gratitude brought healing in relationships, and he grew into service both at home and in the wider community. With decades of sobriety, he reflected on daily action as essential—likening recovery to walking up a down escalator—and shared how gratitude, forgiveness, and continued step work keep him free. Everything good in his life, he said, came from living this program one day at a time. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Lindsay M. from Atlanta, GA speaking at the Fellowship of the Spirit in Conyers, GA - April 6th 2014 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Lindsay shares openly about her struggles with alcoholism from an early age, the chaos it caused, and the grace she found in AA. She emphasized repeated spiritual awakenings, setbacks, and the humility of knowing all willingness and strength come from her Higher Power. Her story underscored the reality of ongoing growth, the value of laughter, and the joy of carrying the message to others, closing with gratitude and excitement for the weekend of fellowship. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Dhulkti B. from Navarre, FL speaking at the 17th Annual Southeast Louisiana Spring Roundup in Covington, LA - May 28th 2006 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Dhulkti shares a powerful testimony of transformation, tracing a life once marked by chaos, trauma, and deep brokenness into one of recovery and spiritual rebirth. She spoke of a childhood filled with fear, shame, and early exposure to alcohol, which led her into years of heavy drinking, drugs, violence, prostitution, arrests, and hospitalizations. Even after near-death experiences, she couldn’t stop on her own until, desperate and suicidal, she prayed for God’s help—and that prayer opened the door to Alcoholics Anonymous. Through AA, sponsorship, service, and the steps, she rebuilt her life: making amends, becoming a devoted mother, marrying in sobriety, and eventually sponsoring other women. Despite ongoing struggles, including trauma resurfacing later in sobriety, she leaned on her higher power, prayer, and community. Today, with over four decades sober, she describes herself as a “stand up spiritual warrior,” living with peace, purpose, and gratitude, and finding her greatest joy in helping others find the same light. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Scott M. from Fort Worth, TX and Matthew M. from Forth Worth, TX doing a Big Book Workshop at the 24 hour group in Fort Worth, TX - July 22nd 2006 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Scott & Matthew share how deeply the Big Book and the Doctor’s Opinion shaped their recovery since November 28, 1997. They reminded everyone that sobriety isn’t just about abstaining but about studying and applying the Big Book as a true textbook, not just a self-help read. They traced AA’s growth from a handful of members to millions worldwide, highlighting the role of Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob, and even moments like Bill’s phone calls at the Mayflower Hotel as acts of “willingness to go to any length.” Scott emphasized that the Doctor’s Opinion is the foundation of the first step—understanding the body’s allergy, the mind’s obsession, and the spirit’s malady—and warned that ignoring it leaves alcoholics at risk of drinking again. With energy and humility, he underscored that AA’s power lies in one alcoholic helping another, that traditions and unity came out of necessity, and that the book—not opinions—is the lifeline that turned a fledgling group of 100 into a global fellowship. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Peter M. from Union, NJ speaking at the Primary Purpose Group in Lynbrook, NY - August 3rd 2006 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Peter shares his experience-driven walk through AA’s solution—emphasizing that sobriety built on spirit, not mere abstinence, is what truly restores life. He challenged “plug-in-the-jug” thinking, urging seekers to rework Steps 1–9 repeatedly, live in 10–11, and carry the message in 12, because only a spiritual awakening removes the obsession and heals the “page 52” misery. Drawing from his own hard road—multiple treatment centers, a June 23, 1988 turning point, and a home base at A Vision for You (Union, NJ)—he spotlighted practical action: sponsorship, rigorous inventory (including fear and sex ideals), amends, prayer/meditation, and immediate service. His core accomplishment is modeling “recovered” living—smashing ego, surrendering outcomes to God, and becoming a dependable guide at the door for newcomers—showing how a life once ruled by compulsion can be rebuilt into purpose, usefulness, and the sunlight of the Spirit Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Ralph W. from Los Angeles, CA sharing on the steps at the "Spiritual Progress rather than Spiritual Perfection" convention in Oslo, Norway - October 30th 2015 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Ralph describes arriving in AA in 1986 after his double life as a respected businessman by day and a destructive “vampire” by night collapsed, leaving him broken and powerless. Through treatment, meetings, and surrender, Ralph discovered that recovery is not about information but transformation—training his feet in action, finding humility, and learning to rely on a higher power rather than self-will. He spoke about the power of the steps, the importance of unity, service, and recovery, and the way AA turned his life from darkness into light, allowing him to stand as a whole man in his own skin. His journey reflects the enduring truth that healing comes from surrender, connection, and carrying the message to others. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Jay S. from Redondo Beach, CA speaking at the 26th annual Tumbleweed Conference in Hobbs, NM - September 15th 2006 Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com Jay shares a life reclaimed: a 1979 sobriety date, decades free from the “front drink,” and a journey from blackout living and DUIs to spiritual action, amends, and service. He frames alcoholism as allergy + obsession + soul sickness—and recovery as complete abstinence, prayer/meditation, and working all 12 steps. Key wins: he stayed sober when the obsession lifted around 100 days, made hard amends, sponsored widely (“if God sends them, you can’t hurt them”), and helped family—supporting his father through illness with dignity and boundaries. He became a man who shows up: building community from Hermosa Beach meetings to Central America service trips, honoring Al-Anon family healing, and tapping empty chairs as a quiet daily “prayer.” His message is simple and urgent—“find God or die”—but inclusive: try the disciplines, notice the results, and let AA’s kitchen-table sponsorship raise the dead. The arc of his life proves that when we put AA first, everything else becomes first-class: love, family reconciliation, purposeful work, and the privilege of carrying a message that’s saving lives across the world tonight. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu