Sober Sunrise - AA Speaker Podcast

Jay S. from Redondo Beach, CA speaking at the "Living Fearlessly Men's retreat" in Estes Park, CO - April 18th 2008 Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com In Part 4 of the men's retreat, Jay and his wife Adele explore the themes of perception, love, relationships, and the transformative power of meditation. Adele shares a deeply personal realization about how she had never truly seen Jay for who he was, but rather through the lens of her own expectations, judgments, and stories. Through years of meditation and spiritual practice, she found peace and clarity, allowing her to love him fully without the need for change. Jay then shifts the focus to relationships in sobriety, discussing his conscious approach to dating after divorce, the importance of integrity in intimate relationships, and the profound trust-building process he and Adele cultivated before marriage. He highlights the role of meditation, patience, and mutual support in fostering deep connections, contrasting it with the impulsive and often destructive patterns of relationships in active addiction. Jay also shares his experiences with spiritual awakenings, emphasizing the difference between sudden, profound moments of clarity and the more gradual, educational variety of spiritual development. He recounts his own encounter with an overwhelming presence of love and knowledge, reinforcing that such experiences are available to anyone willing to seek and remain open. Tying it all together, he challenges attendees to embrace meditation, deepen their faith through action, and recognize their role in carrying the message of recovery. The retreat closes with a powerful call to live with purpose, reminding each man that they are destined to change lives through their sobriety. The final moments are spent in five minutes of shared silence, reinforcing the weekend’s theme of deep spiritual connection.

Deandre M. from Lancaster, CA speaking in Ventura, CA - April 4th 2008 Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com DeAndre shares his powerful journey from the streets of Watts to long-term sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, blending humor, raw honesty, and deep insights into the nature of alcoholism and recovery. He recounts his early struggles with denial, manipulation, and self-destruction, leading to a moment of surrender at a rehab facility. Through the guidance of a tough but transformative sponsor, he learned not only how to stay sober but also how to live a life of service and spiritual growth. DeAndre emphasizes the importance of long-term sobriety, commitment to the steps, and resisting complacency, urging newcomers to embrace the process fully. His message is clear—true recovery comes from humility, action, and a willingness to serve others in the fellowship.

Jay S. from Redondo Beach, CA speaking at the "Living Fearlessly Men's retreat" in Estes Park, CO - April 18th 2008 Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com In Part 3, Jay delivers a powerful message on forgiveness, transformation, and the deep impact of unresolved resentments. Through his wife Adele’s moving story about writing a long-overdue letter of forgiveness, Jay highlights how clinging to past wounds can silently consume us, and how true healing only happens when we release the narratives we've built around our pain. He shares his own journey of confronting and ultimately forgiving his father, illustrating how Alcoholics Anonymous provides the tools to show up, make amends, and face even the most difficult moments—whether it’s reconciliation, loss, or the responsibility of being present at life’s end. Jay’s experience witnessing his father’s passing on the anniversary of his own sobriety serves as a profound reminder that everything is unfolding as it should, and that true peace comes when we surrender control and embrace grace. This session challenges the men at the retreat to let go of their deepest resentments, making space for healing by symbolically writing names down and committing to forgiveness.

Mike S. from Denver, CO and David M. from Palm Springs, CA speaking about steps 8 and 9 at the Fellowship of the Spirit in Conyers, GA - April 7th 2014 Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com Mike & David delve into the critical steps of making amends in Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on Steps 8 and 9. Mike shares his journey of initially doubting the existence of God but ultimately finding faith through the amends process. He emphasizes that true change happens when we become willing to take responsibility for our past actions without excuses, writing out detailed amends to prevent self-justification. He recounts life-altering experiences, including turning himself in for old warrants and making amends to dangerous figures from his past, proving that either the program works or it doesn’t. The discussion highlights the importance of making amends with an open heart, not as a selfish act to clear one's conscience but as a means to restore relationships and integrity. Stories of financial amends, amends to deceased loved ones, and the profound realization that most people don’t even remember the harms we agonize over further illustrate the ego-deflation required for deep spiritual growth. The takeaway is clear: the amends process isn’t about protecting ourselves; it’s about stepping into the world fearlessly, knowing that honesty, responsibility, and faith will guide the way.

Jay S. from Redondo Beach, CA speaking at the "Living Fearlessly Men's retreat" in Estes Park, CO - April 18th 2008 Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com In Part 2 of this men's retreat, Jay dives deeper into the emotional and spiritual challenges of sobriety, focusing on topics like chronic pain, depression, and the stigma surrounding medication in Alcoholics Anonymous. Through his wife's powerful writings and personal experiences, he explores the complexities of suffering and the importance of responding with love, kindness, and patience. Jay also addresses the role of Al-Anon and other 12-step fellowships in supporting not just alcoholics but those struggling with other compulsions, emphasizing that true recovery is about spiritual growth and self-awareness. He discusses the importance of establishing a spiritual practice within the home, sharing how he and his wife meditate together to create a foundation of peace and connection. As always, Jay delivers his message with humor, humility, and wisdom, reminding the men at the retreat that true transformation happens through community, faith, and consistent action.

Valerie D. from Richmond, VA speaking at the 60th annual Texas State AA Convention in Dallas, TX - August 20th 2005 Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com Valerie D. shares her powerful journey through alcoholism and recovery, highlighting her struggles with feeling different, early drinking, and eventual immersion into Alcoholics Anonymous. She details her initial resistance to AA, relapses, and eventual surrender, crediting strong sponsorship and deep engagement with the steps for saving her life. Through making amends, practicing daily spiritual principles, and committing to service in her home group, Valerie finds the fellowship and purpose she had always sought. Her story is one of transformation—moving from deception, instability, and self-will to a life of accountability, connection, and faith in a higher power. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Jay S. from Redondo Beach, CA speaking at the "Living Fearlessly Men's retreat" in Estes Park, CO - April 18th 2008 Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com With decades of sobriety, Jay is known for his deep understanding of AA’s spiritual principles and his engaging storytelling. In Part 1 of this retreat, Jay shares his insights on the importance of AA literature, the spiritual journey of recovery, and the significance of community in maintaining sobriety. He references historical AA figures like Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob, and Carl Jung, highlighting the spiritual awakening necessary for lasting recovery. With humor and wisdom, he challenges attendees to engage in self-examination, prayer, and step work, emphasizing the role of personal accountability in spiritual growth. Throughout his talk, Jay’s experience, strength, and hope shine through as he encourages men to deepen their commitment to AA principles and create a supportive, safe space for one another.

Yisrael C. from Jerusalem, Isreal speaking at the Hamilton Archives Breakfast in Toronto, Canada - April 15th 2018 Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com Yisrael shares his heartfelt journey in Alcoholics Anonymous, blending humor, wisdom, and deep gratitude for the fellowship that saved his life. Reflecting on his transformation from a troubled teenager in Philadelphia to a sober, spiritual man living in Jerusalem, he highlights the importance of AA traditions, sponsorship, and service. Through personal anecdotes, he emphasizes the power of human connection, the necessity of humility, and the reality of alcoholism’s devastating grip. His message is clear: sobriety is a daily reprieve, rooted in action and shared experience, and every member of AA plays a role in keeping the message alive for those still struggling.

Linda R. from Indianapolis, IN doing a workshop titled "A Day In The Big Book" in Charlottesville, VA - April 9th 2005 Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com In parts 4 and 5 of Linda’s "A Day in the Big Book", she shares deeply personal experiences about love, loss, and spiritual growth through the lens of Alcoholics Anonymous. She reflects on being fully present with her father during his final months with cancer, overcoming self-centered fears, and embracing the profound lessons of service and surrender. Linda also recounts the transformative relationship with her late husband Richard, navigating his illness and death with grace and newfound intimacy that transcended physicality. Through step work and inventory, she highlights the freedom found in amends, the discipline of daily spiritual practice, and the realization that sobriety is not just a personal gift but a channel for God's love to others. She closes with a meditation, guiding others to detach from ego, fear, and even their own personalities, to recognize their true essence as God's creation. Her journey exemplifies the promises of AA—living in a new and wonderful world, no matter the circumstances.

Linda R. from Indianapolis, IN doing a workshop titled "A Day In The Big Book" in Charlottesville, VA - April 9th 2005 Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com In Part 3 of A "Day in the Big Book", Linda shares how the journey of making amends and following spiritual principles opened her life in ways she could never have planned. She reflects on the 9th Step promises and the profound impact of direct amends, including a powerful moment of healing with her father. Through personal stories, like her struggles with financial dishonesty and the unexpected blessings that came from choosing integrity over comfort, she illustrates how self-will and fear often keep us from experiencing the true gifts of sobriety. Linda emphasizes that following God's will isn't about knowing the full plan—it's about trusting each step and being open to the unexpected, whether that means moving into her sister’s home or showing up for her father’s final months. Her journey is a testament to the promise that, no matter the circumstances, a new and wonderful world awaits those who walk in faith. Music: Deep by KaizanBlu