An All Night Place - Secular AA

Honesty, Humility, and Mushrooms: Sarah Jane's Evolving SobrietyIn this candid and funny share, Sarah Jane opens up about her winding journey through addiction, recovery, and rediscovery. From her first drink in middle school to cross-country moves in search of peace, she reflects on the running, the pain, and the ultimate relief of finding a program that helped her face herself honestly. With humor and vulnerability, Sarah Jane talks about resetting her sobriety date, working Step One again, and finding strength in honesty rather than perfection. She also dives into lessons from Step Ten—how justified anger, resentment, and self-pity once ruled her life, and how contrary action and humility now guide her toward real peace.A grounded, heartfelt reminder that recovery isn’t about getting it “right”—it’s about staying honest, connected, and willing to grow.

This is a powerful, raw, and deeply human AA share. Ralph’s story traces the full arc of alcoholism—from denial and destruction, through surrender, to recovery—and then shows how recovery tools sustain him even through the unimaginable grief of losing a daughter.A few things that stand out:The turning point: His surrender moment in the back of the patrol car is described with visceral clarity—he frames it as survival instinct rather than divine intervention, but the effect is the same: the compulsion to drink left him.Honesty about the wreckage: He doesn’t minimize the harm his drinking caused—family neglect, DUIs, jail, shame. This makes his recovery testimony even stronger.Recovery practices: Commitments, listening to others, honesty, authenticity, showing up, helping without expecting a return. He describes the transformation from “acting as if” to genuinely becoming the man he wanted to be.Grief in sobriety: The death of his daughter is crushing, yet he turns to program principles—showing up, being present, not escaping into alcohol or drugs. His choice to “walk straight with eyes wide open” shows the strength that long-term recovery can bring.This is the kind of share that newcomers can cling to for hope, and old-timers can recognize as truth.

In this powerful share, Jack opens up about his journey through addiction, homelessness, and the turning point that led him into recovery. From days spent in a tent behind a motel, cut off from family and consumed by alcohol and methamphetamines, to finding hope in detox, rehab, and the rooms of A.A., Jack’s story is raw, honest, and inspiring.He reflects on the pain of living in constant need, the fear of never escaping the cycle of addiction, and the relief of finally stepping off the “Ferris wheel.” Today, nearly a decade sober, Jack talks about rebuilding his life: reconnecting with family, finding real friendships, sponsoring others, and living with integrity.It’s a testimony to the fact that no matter how low the bottom, recovery is possible—and life on the other side can be beautiful.

From a Catholic schoolgirl to a crack house, from a promising engineer to a ditch in Georgia: Alex’s story is a raw and harrowing journey through addiction, trauma, and mental health crisis. After multiple DUIs, psych wards, and a terrifying psychosis, she found herself completely broken. But through the unexpected strength of her family, the love of a loyal dog, and the structure of recovery, she discovered that who she truly was had never been destroyed—it was just buried, waiting to shine through. This is a powerful testament to survival, hope, and the profound change that is possible.There is also a JEEP, and a dog.

In this raw and deeply personal share, Charlie—an alcoholic and addict with a tumultuous past—opens up about his decades-long struggle with addiction, identity, and recovery. From his first drink at age five to his last, which finally made him confront his self-destructive behavior, Charlie’s story is one of repeated cycles of sobriety and relapse, self-sabotage, and hard-won redemption.He recounts a life marked by childhood trauma, failed relationships, military service, prison time, and a harrowing legal battle that forced him to flee to Mexico. Despite multiple attempts at recovery, it wasn’t until he found an online secular AA group during COVID that he truly began to heal—this time, with honesty about his marijuana use and a rejection of rigid definitions of sobriety.Now in his 60s, Charlie reflects on the peace he’s found: a loving marriage, self-respect, and the ability to face life without substances. His message is clear—don’t wait as long as he did. Recovery is possible, but it requires honesty, self-acceptance, and doing "the next right thing."A powerful reminder that there’s no one "right" way to get sober—just your way.

Michael’s Journey – From Sobriety to Relapse and Back AgainMichael’s story is a raw, powerful reminder of addiction’s grip—and the resilience it takes to break free. From his first drink as a teenager, alcohol became an obsession, leading to DUIs, stolen cars, and fractured relationships. After finding sobriety in AA, he rebuilt his life—only to drift away from the program, convinced he had "beaten" his addiction. Then, decades later, loss and despair pulled him back into drinking.In this candid episode, Michael shares the painful lessons of relapse, the ego’s pitfalls, and the moment he realized: I don’t want the next 20 years to look like the last 20. Now sober again, he’s reclaiming the tools that once saved him—meetings, steps, and a higher power he defines as love. His journey asks a universal question: How do we stay honest when life convinces us we’re cured?Listen for:The slippery slope of complacency in long-term sobrietyHow trauma and grief can reignite addiction—and the way outWhy "crushing the ego" became Michael’s key to survivalA story of humility, hope, and starting over—with experience.

"From Chaos to Connection: Mary Beth’s Story of Recovery"In this powerful share, Mary Beth—sober since November 10, 2015—takes us through her tumultuous journey from a childhood marred by family dysfunction and alcoholism to her eventual surrender in AA. With raw honesty and humor, she recounts:Growing Up in Chaos: Raised in a seemingly "normal" family with an alcoholic father who turned violent, Mary Beth learned early to shield her siblings and resent her passive mother. She carried unresolved anger and low self-worth into adulthood.Dangerous Drinking: From hitchhiking with a self-proclaimed murderer (while sharing a bottle of liquor) to flagging down cops to change her flat tire during a DUI, Mary Beth’s drinking was reckless—yet she denied her alcoholism until a seizure during self-detox forced a reckoning.The Gift of Desperation: After a DUI and a moment of clarity (fearing she’d die drunk in her new home), she called AA. A kind stranger named Joe listened without judgment, and she attended her first meeting—skeptical but willing.AA’s Lifeline: From baking cakes daily to stay busy (and feeding entire meetings) to confronting old-timers who criticized her outreach, Mary Beth found purpose in service. She embraced a higher power she calls "Harvey"—a humorous, forgiving presence that guides her.Healing Relationships: Sobriety helped her reconcile with her parents, understanding their flaws with compassion. Today, she tends to her aging mother with love, free from resentment.Key Quote:"Our very lives as ex-problem drinkers depend upon the constant thought of others—not convenient, constant."Mary Beth’s story is a testament to transformation through AA’s steps, service, and spiritual connection. Her wit and wisdom remind us that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, laughing at ourselves, and helping others along the way.Episode Note: This share is a reminder that recovery begins when we stop running from ourselves. Mary Beth’s journey—from geographic cures to genuine connection—will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt "less than" or struggled to surrender.

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, we hear from Chris — a member whose story reminds us that healing rarely follows a straight line. Chris shares his early experiences with alcohol, how it became both a refuge and a destructive force, and how a complicated relationship with his father shaped his understanding of connection, masculinity, and emotional survival.Though his share is cut short by a sudden family emergency, we’ve chosen to present it exactly as it unfolded — a quiet reminder that sobriety doesn’t pause life’s interruptions, but rather equips us to face them with clarity and courage. In the spirit of Marshall McLuhan, the medium is the message.This episode stands not only as a testament to personal growth but also as a snapshot of life in motion — honest, unfinished, and undeniably real.

Alyssha: Show Up, Stay Sober, Be HonestIn this powerful and unflinchingly honest share, Alyssha opens up about the realities of recovery after her first year of sobriety—navigating grief, motherhood, relationships, and the slow unravelling of deeply rooted survival mechanisms. From the loss of her father just before her first sober anniversary to the heartbreak of losing her husband and becoming a single parent to six children, Alyssha reflects on how the rooms of AA, her sponsor, and her home group kept her grounded through unimaginable pain.She talks about discovering uncomfortable truths through her fourth and fifth steps—about cheating, emotional dependence, and resenting motherhood—and how even years into recovery, more is still revealed. Alyssha’s story reminds us that sobriety isn’t perfection; it’s about growth, willingness, and showing up when you want to run.Whether you're in early recovery or decades sober, this episode offers wisdom, humor, and deep humanity. Alyssha shows us how to stay honest, stay connected, and—above all—keep coming back.

The Best Gift I Ever Gave Myself – Maggie’s Story of SobrietyIn this powerful and deeply personal episode, Maggie shares her journey through addiction and recovery. From her first drink at 15 to waking up in treatment on her 38th birthday, she recounts how alcohol and Adderall gradually took over her life—despite a successful career, a loving family, and everything to live for. Maggie speaks candidly about denial, near-death experiences, the shame of relapse, and the turning point that finally led her to choose sobriety. Her story is a raw, honest look at the insidious nature of addiction—and the freedom and hope found in recovery.

From Rock Bottom to Redemption: A Raw Journey Through Alcoholism and RecoveryIn this gripping and unfiltered episode, Luke shares his harrowing descent into alcoholism—from romanticizing the 'tortured artist' lifestyle to waking up covered in spit, blood, and regret. He recounts the delusions that kept him drinking (thinking booze made him 'more interesting'), the isolation of hiding bottles in his mother’s house, and the terrifying reality of withdrawals and DUIs. After hitting a breaking point—willing to live in a 'metal box' if it meant escaping the mental prison of addiction—he finally surrenders to AA.With brutal honesty, Luke reveals the messy, non-linear path of recovery: relapsing on Thanksgiving, the humility of calling his sponsor, and the slow, transformative power of accountability and the 12 Steps. Today, he’s sober, married, traveling the world, and even bought a race car—proof that recovery isn’t just survival, but a life beyond his wildest dreams.A must-listen for anyone struggling with addiction or seeking hope in the chaos."

Recorded on 14 May 2025In this moving AA share, Ash K reflects on recently passing the 1,000-day sobriety milestone — a journey marked not just by abstinence, but by profound personal growth. With clarity and grace, she opens up about one of the hardest decisions she’s had to make in her relationship — a step that seemed impossible until she chose to honour her truth. Once she found the courage to be authentic, what once felt difficult became surprisingly simple. This is a story about honesty, healing, and the quiet power of becoming who you truly are.

Recorded on 28 May 2025In this raw and emotional share, Phill recounts his harrowing journey through addiction—from teenage drinking to meth dependency, lost marriages, and criminal threats. He describes the manipulative cycles of addiction, the heartbreak he inflicted on his wife, and the moment he hit rock bottom: jobless, homeless, and facing an EPO. A desperate call to rehab (after showing up late) became his lifeline. Though initially motivated by family reconciliation, Phill ultimately chose sobriety for himself. Now, despite a painful separation, his daughter keeps him anchored to recovery. A testament to resilience, accountability, and the power of second chances.

Recorded 7 May 2025In this powerful share, Jeff Taylor—an alcoholic with 38 years of sobriety—reflects on his journey from traditional AA to secular recovery. He discusses how Alcoholics Anonymous gave him "wings to fly," then took away the sky, and how he found freedom by embracing a non-theistic approach. Jeff opens up about childhood trauma, bipolar disorder, failed relationships, and the healing power of community. He highlights AA’s core principles—First Things First, Live and Let Live, Easy Does It—while challenging dogma and advocating for inclusivity. A raw, inspiring story of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of sobriety.

Recorded on Wednesday 18 June 2025In this moving episode, Jill shares an intense life experience — at times harrowing, at times uplifting, but always deeply sobering. With remarkable humility and courage, she takes us through moments that challenged her spirit and reshaped her path.What unfolds is not just a personal story, but a universal one: of pain, perseverance, and profound transformation. Jill doesn’t flinch from the hard truths — yet she brings light into the dark corners with grace, wit, and a quiet strength that will leave you thinking long after the episode ends.An unforgettable listen for anyone navigating recovery, change, or simply being human.

Recorded on 3/19/2025 Speaker : Jennifer

As Bek stepped doewn from her shift in charge of the AANP Speaker Meeting, she left us with her own stor.Take a listen.Recorded 26 March 2025IMAGE CREDIT: episode photo @sidthevisualkid

"It started just after 9am on a Tuesday morning..."From that inauspicious start, Dave shares his story that was about to reach the 2 years of sobriety mark just after this was recorded.RECORDED: 24 April 2025

AANP's very own Cat-Herder, and Tarot Tuesdayer steps up to the podium to share with us the twists and turns of a life that could've turned out very differently, but eventually lead to sobriety.Buckle up.RECORDED: 17 April 2025

Becca catches us up on her first 6 months in this episode of BEYOND THE BOTTLE.Recorded on 3/7/2025Becca - 6 Months Milestone