Happily and Usefully Whole: Marian G.’s 38 Years

God didn’t just take away her drinking—jokingly she says He stole her car, left her with no radio, and opened the door to a spiritual connection through the only songs she knew: Christmas carols.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Cup of Joe Show, Marian G. shares what 38 years of sobriety, service, and spiritual growth have taught her. Raised in a strict household and drinking regularly by age 12, Marian lived with intensity—unruly, driven, and completely self-directed.

She married young, drank in blackouts, cycled through a DUI and rehab, and spiraled into dangerous relationships. When a roommate left a note that read, “You scare me,” Marian began to confront her reality. But it wasn’t until a moment of incomprehensible demoralization that she finally got honest—and was ready to find a new way of life.

Since July 12, 1987, Marian has walked the road of recovery, anchored in the 12 steps and the power of service. She’s taken meetings into correctional facilities for nearly four decades, and in her signature mix of grit and dark humor, learned how to forgive, love, and grow.

This episode includes a moving tribute to her beloved husband David G., who passed away in August 2024. Marian shares what it meant to build a marriage grounded in recovery, walk together through deep loss, and rely on spiritual tools to face the hardest year of her life.

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The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.