Advertise on podcast: AA Recovery Interviews with Howard L.

From alcoholism, homelessness, and despair to more than three decades of sobriety, Marianna L. shares a remarkable journey of recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous. Sober since 1991, she speaks candidly about the challenges and promises of long-term sobriety, the spiritual principles of AA, and the renewed connection and purpose she has found through fellowship and service. Her story offers experience, strength, and hope to anyone seeking a new way of life.

Paul’s liver disease, the result of years of heroin use and heavy drinking, nearly killed him three years ago. With no liver function and two failed transplants, survival seemed impossible. A last-minute transplant, more surgeries, and 17 days in ICU gave Paul another chance. Today, he credits his Higher Power and AA fellowship for his life—and his renewed commitment to the Program. His story is a powerful testament to sobriety, recovery, and hope.

Ryan grew up in a chaotic home where addiction was a best-kept secret. As an only child, Ryan’s family had also moved more than ten times by the time he was 12. Dealing with the constant loss of whatever brief friendships he experienced, the impermanence of his relationships fueled not only feelings of loneliness and isolation, but also the need to act out. Believing that alcohol and drugs would fix what was wrong with his life, Ryan opened the throttle on his growing disease during his teenage years. By 19, Ryan’s behavior warranted a short stint in AA where his half-hearted attempt was largely ineffective. Five more years of drinking and drugging landed him at inpatient treatment, followed by IOP, but once again prideful intellectualism and ego conspired with his alcoholism, and forced another slip. Landing in the same mire as before, Ryan continued to flail the disease and the mounting problems it caused during the next five years. By April of 2017, his quality of life deteriorating, Ryan finally came to AA with the willingness and desire to do whatever was necessary to achieve sobriety. With a new commitment to stay sober, Ryan implemented all of the tools needed to succeed at sobriety. He got a sponsor and worked the steps. He attended daily meetings. He took on service responsibilities, including staffing the coffee bar four days-a-week at a large AA club. He also found time to sponsor men and attend AA retreats. The net effect of all his sincere efforts was a spiritual awareness and awakening that wholly enriched the quality of his Program. I’ve learned a lot from Ryan during the time we’ve spent together and am pleased to see his outstretched hand of welcome to those who attend the meetings we go to each week. But for those who are relatively new in sobriety, Ryan’s demonstration of a well-worked Program will provide significant hope and inspiration for a brighter future. So please enjoy listening to this episode of AA Recovery Interviews as you spend the next 65 minutes with my good friend and AA brother, Ryan A. If you’ve found meaning, hope, or inspiration through my AA Recovery Interviews podcast, I invite you to go even deeper with a truly essential resource for recovery:“Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism.” This is a word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, originally published in 1939—brought vividly to life through careful narration that lets the wisdom, clarity, and power of the text fully land. Listening allows the Big Book to meet you wherever you are: at home, on the road, or in moments when opening the book just isn’t possible. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and deeply engaging way to enrich your AA program through focused listening.You can listen to a free at Audible, iTunes, or Amazon. I also invite you to explore my latest audiobook,Lost Stories of the Big Book: 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. Narrated by me, this audiobook restores powerful, long-forgotten personal stories that many AA members have never encountered. These original testimonials were removed to make room for newer stories in later editions—but their messages of surrender, transformation, and hope are just as vital today as when they were first written. For many listeners, this will be the first time hearing these voices speak again—honest, raw, and deeply human. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon for those who wish to read along while listening. Whether you’re newly sober or decades into the journey, these audiobooks are must-have companions—designed to deepen understanding, strengthen connection, and help keep the message alive, one careful listen at a time.

“Crazy Ray” G. shares his remarkable journey from a booze-soaked, drug-addled life and mounting DUIs to recovery. After years of failed attempts and a final shot at redemption, Ray found AA. Twenty years later, he’s sober, grateful, and dedicated to a life of maximum service.

Tilda B. shares how AA carried her from alcoholism in London to lasting sobriety in Kenya, proving that recovery, fellowship, and hope truly have no borders.

Growing up amid music, success, and the chaos of an alcoholic home, Gary followed a path that led from the music business to alcoholism. After years of failed attempts to quit on his own, a chance encounter with a sober friend led him to Alcoholics Anonymous. In this inspiring episode, Gary shares how wholehearted commitment to AA and daily practice of its principles have sustained decades of sobriety through life's greatest challenges and blessings.

Some alcoholics drink hard from the start. Chris S. didn’t. He rarely drank until his early 40s, despite a lifetime of loneliness, low self-esteem, and quiet emotional pain. But when alcohol and cocaine finally entered his life, they seemed to offer everything he had been missing—until they nearly destroyed him. After multiple relapses, six desire chips, and a life-changing sponsor, Chris finally found lasting sobriety and the freedom he had searched for all along. Today he’s a trusted sponsor, devoted servant, and carries the AA message into Texas prisons. Join me for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, recovery, and the extraordinary transformation that happens when we refuse to give up.

Jeff’s drinking took hold in his late teens, fueled by isolation, low self-esteem, and a lack of purpose. As alcoholism and work addiction consumed his life, his marriage began to collapse. Faced with an ultimatum and urged by a therapist, he turned to Alcoholics Anonymous. Though the marriage ended, Jeff embraced AA’s program, built a rewarding life in recovery, married a woman he met in the Fellowship, and became a devoted husband, grandfather, and servant to others. His story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and AA works for those willing to do the work.

In this episode, guest Maryrose M. shares her journey to sobriety, detailing how alcoholism developed later in life despite earlier signs of its growing impact on her life. After facing escalating binges, blackouts, and deep self-reproach, she embraced a well-worked AA program to achieve over five years of continuous sobriety. Listeners will hear an inspiring story illustrating how finding similarities and shared experiences can be the key to lasting recovery.

Corby’s story is one of pain, relapse, survival, and redemption—an honest reminder that alcoholism can reemerge even after meaningful time in recovery. After entering AA in 2017, Corby later faced a devastating relapse when prescribed pain medication for severe back problems gradually led him back to alcohol. What followed was a difficult journey through addiction, treatment, and ultimately a return to the Fellowship. But this episode is not primarily about falling—it’s about getting back up. Corby shares how accountability, sponsorship, service, and fully engaging in the Program of Alcoholics Anonymous helped him reclaim his sobriety and discover a renewed purpose in helping others. We’re deeply grateful for the worldwide AA Recovery Interviews family. Every episode carries hope to alcoholics, families, and friends seeking answers. If you or someone you love is struggling, Corby’s experience offers a powerful reminder that recovery—and a new way of life—is possible, one day at a time.

C.T.’s story begins with loss and instability— Like many recovering alcoholics, C.T. grew up in a fractured family. His mother died when he was five and he’d never met his biological father, early family contention centered on where C.T. should stay. He never knew why his grandparents didn’t take him in, C.T. ended up being raised by his “Auntie” Irene, from whom C.T. learned values, virtues, and how to be a decent human being in a society where the pursuit of ease and comfort could morph into serious addiction to alcohol and drugs. During the 1960s, 70’s, and early 80’s,, C.T.’s life was disrupted many times by alcohol and drugs. Fortunately, his employer health plan afforded him treatment, IOP, and sober living as the first steps toward sobriety. The balance of C.T.’s story exemplifies the saying that, “AA is not for people who need it or want it. It’s for people who do it.” Listen carefully to my interview with C.T. and you will learn dozens of ways to enrich a well-worked program as well as valuable ideas for recommitting and re-invigorating your AA Program. If you’ve enjoyed the interviews in this podcast series, will you do a little service work by spreading the word about this rich and meaningful listening experience? This show is another helping hand of AA we can all to extend alcoholics everywhere. AA Recovery Interviews is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, and all other podcast providers. Or visit our website, aarecoveryinterviews.com where you can listen to every episode of AA Recovery Interviews. And if you want to contact me directly with any comments or suggestions, simple email [email protected]. Please also take a minute to leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’ve found meaning, hope, or inspiration through my AA Recovery Interviews podcast, I invite you to go even deeper with a truly essential resource for recovery:“Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism.” This is a word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, originally published in 1939—brought vividly to life through careful narration that lets the wisdom, clarity, and power of the text fully land. Listening allows the Big Book to meet you wherever you are: at home, on the road, or in moments when opening the book just isn’t possible. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and deeply engaging way to enrich your AA program through focused listening.You can listen to a free sample  at Audible, iTunes, or Amazon. I also invite you to explore my latest audiobook:Lost Stories of the Big Book: 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. Narrated by me, Howard L., this audiobook restores powerful, long-forgotten personal stories that many AA members have never encountered. These original testimonials were removed to make room for newer stories in later editions—but their messages of surrender, transformation, and hope are just as vital today as when they were first written. For many listeners, this will be the first time hearing these voices speak again—honest, raw, and deeply human. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon for those who wish to read along while listening. Whether you’re newly sober or decades into the journey, these audiobooks are must-have companions—designed to deepen understanding, strengthen connection, and help keep the message alive, one careful listen at a time. By the way, this podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs, and no one receives financial gain from the show. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. The next episode of AA Recovery Interviews is on the way, so keep coming back, it’ll be here soon.

April T., experienced the kind of nightmare that recovering alcoholics refer to when we say, “There, but for the grace of God, go I”. April’s road trip of terror began while drunk during a 4-hour drive on a major interstate. Halfway into the trip, while drinking vodka from a plastic bottle, she crossed the median at over ninety miles an hour, and crashed head-on into a car of three people, ejecting the driver. Injured and barely coherent, with a blood alcohol level four times the legal limit, April over-heard the EMT’s radio that the driver was dead at the scene. With death and destruction surrounding her, April’s first thought was an alcoholic one: “How can I get out of this?” Even though she’d been in AA years earlier and had even been in treatment, her disease made her amnesiac to the right thoughts about what to do. Thus began April’s odyssey on the road of dire emotional, legal, financial, and psychological consequences of her drunken behavior. The tragic crash became the bottom from which April’s sobriety finally emerged. And it was in prison that she found a spiritual awakening by working the AA program and being of service to other alcoholic women. She set up meetings and put full effort into every measure of sober living one can hope while incarcerated. By the time she was paroled, April was truly a changed women thanks to AA. Today, as an active member of the Program. She can be seen in meetings everywhere. She freely shares first-hand an agonizing story from which we can all benefit without having to experience it. Attitudes about drunk driving vary, even among recovering alcoholics. Those of us whose stories include drunk driving often express gratitude to God for having escaped grievous and deadly outcomes of our drinking.  And while many non-alcoholics would just as soon want someone like April put away for good, those of us recovering from alcoholism understand the true nature of this disease and how it wrecks lives. We also understand how sharing that experience can save lives.  Personally, while I’m somewhat vexed and saddened by April’s story, I am incredibly grateful that she has been sober since that fateful day. Knowing that she is sober and sharing her experience, strength, and hope with others, both inside and outside AA, gladdens my heartfelt outlook for the potential of healing from alcoholism one day at a time. So please enjoy the next hour and ten minutes of AA Recovery Interviews as you listen to the inspiring words of my friend and AA sister, April T. If you’ve found meaning, hope, or inspiration through my AA Recovery Interviews podcast, I invite you to go even deeper with a truly essential resource for recovery:“Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism.” This is a word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, originally published in 1939—brought vividly to life through careful narration that lets the wisdom, clarity, and power of the text fully land. Listening allows the Big Book to meet you wherever you are: at home, on the road, or in moments when opening the book just isn’t possible. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and deeply engaging way to enrich your AA program through focused listening.You can listen to a free at Audible, iTunes, or Amazon. I also invite you to explore my latest audiobook,Lost Stories of the Big Book: 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. Narrated by me, this audiobook restores powerful, long-forgotten personal stories that many AA members have never encountered. These original testimonials were removed to make room for newer stories in later editions—but their messages of surrender, transformation, and hope are just as vital today as when they were first written. For many listeners, this will be the first time hearing these voices speak again—honest, raw, and deeply human. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon for those who wish to read along while listening. Whether you’re newly sober or decades into the journey, these audiobooks are must-have companions—designed to deepen understanding, strengthen connection, and help keep the message alive, one careful listen at a time.

This episode is another deeply personal story—one that reflects the courage it takes to face alcoholism head-on and the transformation that becomes possible through recovery. My guest, Rudy T., has been sober for 27 years. What he shares is not just a timeline of events, but a lived experience of what it means to surrender, to grow, and to stay the course over time. It’s also a brilliant  example of revealing one’s own higher power, by praying for another. As always, we honor the principle of anonymity. You won’t hear last names, see photographs, or find links tied to our guests. What you will hear is something far more valuable: truth. Unfiltered, experience-based truth that carries the power to reach another alcoholic right where they are. If you’re new, you may hear parts of Rudy’s story that sound familiar—feelings, behaviors, or consequences that resonate in a way that’s hard to ignore. If you’ve been around a while, you may recognize the deeper themes: willingness, honesty, and open-mindedness. These are not just slogans—they are lifelines. They are the essential ingredients that allow recovery to take root and grow. Over the years, I’ve received countless messages from listeners who say this podcast helped them stay sober one more day… or gave them the courage to walk into their first meeting… or reminded them why they chose this path in the first place. With over 500,000 listens across more than 250 episodes, it’s clear that these conversations matter. Lives are being changed. And in some cases, quite possibly saved. But none of that happens without you—the listener—showing up, pressing play, and being willing to hear something new… or something you may not have wanted to hear before. So I invite you to listen closely today. Not just to Rudy’s words, but to what might be underneath them. Look for the similarities, not the differences. Listen for the hope, even if it’s quiet at first. And most of all, stay open to the possibility that what you hear could strengthen your own journey—wherever you may be on the path. This is AA Recovery Interviews. And this is Rudy T.’s story. If you’ve found meaning, hope, or inspiration through my AA Recovery Interviews podcast, I invite you to go even deeper with a truly essential resource for recovery:“Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism.” This is a word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, originally published in 1939—brought vividly to life through careful narration that lets the wisdom, clarity, and power of the text fully land. Listening allows the Big Book to meet you wherever you are: at home, on the road, or in moments when opening the book just isn’t possible. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and deeply engaging way to enrich your AA program through focused listening.You can listen to a free at Audible, iTunes, or Amazon. I also invite you to explore my latest audiobook,Lost Stories of the Big Book: 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. Narrated by me, this audiobook restores powerful, long-forgotten personal stories that many AA members have never encountered. These original testimonials were removed to make room for newer stories in later editions—but their messages of surrender, transformation, and hope are just as vital today as when they were first written. For many listeners, this will be the first time hearing these voices speak again—honest, raw, and deeply human. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon for those who wish to read along while listening. Whether you’re newly sober or decades into the journey, these audiobooks are must-have companions—designed to deepen understanding, strengthen connection, and help keep the message alive, one careful listen at a time.

Like many I’ve had the privilege to interview, today’s guest, Julie R., took her first drink at 14 and felt immediate relief from fear, sadness, and anxiety at home. Her early binge drinking didn’t stand out much in high school or college, but it quietly laid the groundwork for deeper struggles with alcohol and cocaine. Though she began to suspect alcohol was part of the problem, quitting wasn’t yet on her radar. In a twist, it was her husband who took her to treatment just six months into their unhappy marriage . He insisted that she get well. At rehab, Julie was introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 Steps—meetings, sponsorship, the Big Book, and a growing openness to a Higher Power. With sincerity and willingness, she embraced the work and built a strong foundation in sobriety. But as the years passed and life improved, her connection to the program slowly faded. Nearing six years sober, she drifted—and eventually drank again. What followed was a turning point. Julie’s return to sobriety is honest, humbling, and deeply hopeful—a clear reminder that this program works when we work it. I think you’ll find her story both inspiring and encouraging. If you’ve found meaning, hope, or inspiration through my AA Recovery Interviews podcast, I invite you to go even deeper with a truly essential resource for recovery:“Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism.” This is a word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, originally published in 1939—brought vividly to life through careful narration that lets the wisdom, clarity, and power of the text fully land. Listening allows the Big Book to meet you wherever you are: at home, on the road, or in moments when opening the book just isn’t possible. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and deeply engaging way to enrich your AA program through focused listening.You can listen to a free at Audible, iTunes, or Amazon. I also invite you to explore my latest audiobook,Lost Stories of the Big Book: 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. Narrated by me, this audiobook restores powerful, long-forgotten personal stories that many AA members have never encountered. These original testimonials were removed to make room for newer stories in later editions—but their messages of surrender, transformation, and hope are just as vital today as when they were first written. For many listeners, this will be the first time hearing these voices speak again—honest, raw, and deeply human. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon for those who wish to read along while listening. Whether you’re newly sober or decades into the journey, these audiobooks are must-have companions—designed to deepen understanding, strengthen connection, and help keep the message alive, one careful listen at a time.

Craig came to AA later in life, getting sober at 63. For years he appeared to manage his drinking while building a highly successful business and providing a rich lifestyle for his family. But alcoholism is patient—and progressive. As control slipped and cocaine entered the picture, the consequences grew harder to ignore. Anxiety mounted. Relationships suffered. The very abilities that built his success began to erode. In a courageous moment of clarity, Craig walked into an AA meeting and asked for help. He found a strong sponsor, committed himself to the work, and has built nearly five years of solid sobriety. Today, you’ll find him calling other men, working with newcomers, and living the principles that once saved his own life. This is a compelling story of late-in-life surrender, willingness, and transformation. Settle in, listen closely—and let hope do its quiet work. I’m honored to introduce my friend and AA brother, Craig S. If you’ve found meaning, hope, or inspiration through my AA Recovery Interviews podcast, I invite you to go even deeper with a truly essential resource for recovery:“Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism.” This is a word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, originally published in 1939—brought vividly to life through careful narration that lets the wisdom, clarity, and power of the text fully land. Listening allows the Big Book to meet you wherever you are: at home, on the road, or in moments when opening the book just isn’t possible. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and deeply engaging way to enrich your AA program through focused listening.You can listen to a free at Audible, iTunes, or Amazon. I also invite you to explore my latest audiobook,Lost Stories of the Big Book: 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. Narrated by me, this audiobook restores powerful, long-forgotten personal stories that many AA members have never encountered. These original testimonials were removed to make room for newer stories in later editions—but their messages of surrender, transformation, and hope are just as vital today as when they were first written. For many listeners, this will be the first time hearing these voices speak again—honest, raw, and deeply human. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon for those who wish to read along while listening. Whether you’re newly sober or decades into the journey, these audiobooks are must-have companions—designed to deepen understanding, strengthen connection, and help keep the message alive, one careful listen at a time.