Seasons of Sobriety

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 princip...

This episode features Barry L from Southern Minnesota.  Barry has been sober since October 29, 1988

Barry’s story starts with his identification as an alcoholic while fulfilling his pastoral duties.  He found some very understanding and helpful people early on that allowed him to build his foundation.  As a result of establishing a firm constitution for his step work and cultivating relationships, he has transitioned to being a coun...

This episode features Kami S from Lakewood New Jersey.  Kami has been sober since September 7, 1981.

Kami’s story reveals the sinister nature of that voice inside that tells us we are enough and how she overcame all the negative messages she gave herself about her learning disability.  She also has a little twist regarding an amend that has allowed her to live and forgive.

Her story demonstrates the willingness to dig deep into the e...

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 behavio...

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.
• S...

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 al...

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 ...

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

==========...

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 wha...

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 ...

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 b...

This episode features Tom P from Clifton, NJ

Tom has been sober since February 14, 1989

Tom’s story is one of challenge and diversity as he started his journey in Narcotics Anonymous and later found a place in Alcoholics Anonymous.  His experience spans many of life’s challenges and celebrations.  His message is one of perseverance and ambition.  He has been through several life cycles in sobriety from getting married to having a dau...

This episode features Todd S. originally from Oklahoma and now lives in Israel.

Todd has been sober since June 13, 1996.

Todd’s story illustrates his journey of understanding as he got sober during his legal career transitioning from a prosecutor to a  judge.  He speaks about the lessons in humility after seeing addiction from both sides.

He also opens up about the challenges of strained relationships with children and what he learned...

Patti has been sober since March 13, 1988.  

Originally from North Carolina, Patti has learned to embrace recovery and the fellowship throughout her journey as she has traveled among many different cites.

Takeaways from this episode

• The importance of getting a sponsor and fellowship when you move from one city to another.
• Using the experience and counsel of people when starting a new relationship.
• Being still cautious even with long...

Denis has been sober since January 23, 1996.

Takeaways from this episode

• Dealing with family members, especially children, after being sober for many years.
• Turning your children's will and life over to the care of God as "they" understand God.
• Defining your "Cowboy Jacket" moment.
• Helping people in treatment and the rewards of service work.

Book Recommendation from Denis

Sermon on the Mount - Emmet Fox

What is the Bible - Rob Bel...

I met Karen at a local Big Book study meeting where I found out that there were others who shared my vision as to how best to work with the book book in a group setting.

In the years since she has been instrumental in starting a big book meeting as well as traveling around the Mid-Atlantic region sharing her version of emotional sobriety.

Enjoy!!

Book Recommendation from Karen

The Steps We Took - Joe McQ

Use the link below if you would ...

Kate talks about some of the sacrifices she made to take care of her mother as she battled her last days with cancer.  She also talks about dealing with some other losses that many people experience later on in their sobriety.  

She also knows that surrender means that her success in recovery may be as a result of some of the "best decisions she never made".

Enjoy!!

Use the link below if you would like to be a guest on the show or to ...

After speaking with Bryant I got insight into relationships on many levels.  I think you will find it useful to hear about one of the tools he uses as part of his recovery which is to rely on the guidance of an Al-Anon Sponsor and be a member of that program.  Another take away I had from his story is how much help and understanding is needed to help our fellow alcoholics and addicts who are confined to the prison system.

Use the li...