RR85 | Bill W.’s Story — The Beginning of Hope

If you’ve ever wondered why you keep going back to the foods that hurt you—even when you truly want to change—Bill W.’s story might surprise you, challenge you, and give you real hope.

In this episode, Tony and I dive into the life of Bill W., the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and I share why his journey matters so deeply for those of us recovering from overeating, sugar addiction, emotional eating, or any compulsive behavior. I used to think, “I’m not an alcoholic—so why should his story matter to me?” But once I heard what he went through, I realized I had lived the same pattern with food.

Bill tried everything to control his drinking. He made promises. He swore off “for good.” He wanted to stop… but he couldn’t. And if you’ve struggled with food, sugar, or binge eating, you know exactly what that feels like.

In this episode, we talk about:

✨ How Bill’s early life, war experiences, and loneliness fed his addiction

✨ Why willpower kept failing him—and why it fails us with food

✨ The moment he realized “just one drink” (or one bite) is the doorway back into addiction

✨ How God used a transformed friend to interrupt his downward spiral

✨ The spiritual experience that finally broke the bondage

✨ How his journey became the foundation of the 12 Steps

✨ Why helping others was the key to staying sober—and why that matters for food recovery

✨ The biblical principles that quietly shape every step of the program

I also share a piece of my own story—how I came into recovery already believing in God but never once asking Him to help me with food. I thought He had “bigger things to deal with.” But once I finally invited Him in, everything started to change. Little by little, God gave me the strength I never had on my own.

Bill W.’s story reminds all of us that:

• We can’t fix ourselves by trying harder.

• God can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

• Community and accountability protect our freedom.

• Our stories—especially the messy parts—can bring hope to someone else.

If you’re feeling stuck, discouraged, or tired of trying to change through sheer willpower, I pray this episode encourages you. God still rescues. He still restores. And He still uses ordinary people—people like you and me—to carry hope to others who are hurting.