Charlie P. from Austin, TX speaking at the South Bay mens retreat in Santa Barbara, CA - December 12th 2013

Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com

Louise C. from Gulf Shores, AL speaking at the Brentwood Beginners Workshop in Los Angeles, CA - April 30th 2015

Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com

Louise C. shares a heartfelt, humorous, and deeply personal journey of alcoholism and recovery, painting a vivid picture of her Scottish-Irish upbringing, chaotic drinking days, and ultimate transformation in AA. From childhood memories of watching her mother’s highball-fueled Saturday nights to teenage blackout adventures and an adulthood marked by broken relationships and reckless living, she openly recounts her path to hitting rock bottom. Through surrendering to AA, embracing commitments, and practicing service, Louise found purpose and healing, especially in caring for others, including her late mother, stepchildren, and an elderly family friend. Her story reflects the power of humility, responsibility, and faith, proving that through willingness and action, a sober and meaningful life is possible.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

John R. from New York, NY speaking at the 22nd Desert AA roundup in Palm Springs, CA - June 6th 1982

Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com

John R. shares his journey from arrogance and denial to a deep and humbling realization of his alcoholism, marked by the humor and self-awareness that often accompany those who have walked the path of recovery. A high-functioning alcoholic who once thrived on pressure, he eventually spiraled into chaos, facing locked wards, straightjackets, and the near-total collapse of his life and career. With a sharp wit and a keen sense of storytelling, he describes his early resistance to AA, his intellectual rationalizations, and his eventual surrender to the program, learning that true change required more than just knowledge—it demanded action. Through the 12 Steps, the support of his sponsor, and the hard-earned wisdom of experience, John found a new way of living, embracing spirituality, service, and humility.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Yvonne S. from Los Angeles, CA speaking at the Primary Purpose group's annual convention in Oslo, Norway - November 3rd 2018

Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com

Yvonne shares her journey from deep resistance to Alcoholics Anonymous to a profound transformation through surrender, service, and faith. Initially unwilling and skeptical, she followed direction reluctantly, first attending meetings just to regain custody of her daughter. Despite her initial defiance, a series of experiences—meeting young, vibrant AA members, an unexpected sponsor, and the willingness to take action despite disbelief—brought her into true recovery. A pivotal moment came when she prayed for relief from her suffering, experiencing a spiritual awakening that solidified her faith. Through the 12 steps, rigorous honesty, and making amends, she rebuilt her life, finding joy, purpose, and an unshakable connection to God. Now, with decades of sobriety, she remains deeply engaged in AA, passing on the message of hope, humility, and the power of service.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Don M. from Louisville, KY speaking at One Page at a Time group's October Thing event in Moorhead, MN - October 5th 2019

Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com

Don shares his remarkable journey of recovery, beginning with his struggles with alcoholism and self-delusion, and how divine intervention—whether through the steps or the “magic” of AA—led him to a new way of life. Despite his early intellectual resistance to the program, he ultimately found freedom by taking action, following directions even when he didn’t understand or believe in them. He reflects on his past failures, including multiple asylums and losing everything, and how surrendering to the AA way of life restored his relationships, career, and most importantly, his spiritual condition. Now, with decades of sobriety, he continues to sponsor and guide others, proving that through service, faith, and the 12 steps, true transformation is possible.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Mark T. from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada speaking at the Unity In Recovery event in Medicine Hat, Alberta - June 22nd 2019

Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: Sober-Sunrise.com

Mark shares his powerful journey of recovery, emphasizing the unity and common solution that binds alcoholics together. He rejects the idea that war stories define alcoholism, instead highlighting the physical allergy, mental obsession, and spiritual malady that make up the disease. Mark candidly reflects on his struggles, the turning points that led him to true recovery, and the mentors who guide him along the way. He stresses the importance of working the full program—recovery, unity, and service—rather than relying solely on meetings. Now, as a dedicated sponsor and advocate for Big Book sponsorship, he continues to share the message that recovery is possible, offering hope and guidance to others seeking freedom from alcoholism.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Jennifer D. from Charlotte, NC speaking at the Primary Purpose convention in Oslo, Norway - November 4th 2022

Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: sober-sunrise.com

Chris S. from New Vernon, NJ- 12 step workshop at the Mark Houston Recovery center in Manor, TX - November 1st 2008

Drop a couple dollars in our virtual basket: sober-sunrise.com

In part 4 (last) of this workshop, Chris primarily works through Steps 1 to 4 of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. He discusses the nature of powerlessness over alcohol and the unmanageability of life (Step 1), coming to believe in a higher power (Step 2), making a decision to turn his will and life over to that power (Step 3), and conducting a thorough inventory of resentments, fears, and harms caused (Step 4). He emphasizes the spiritual and practical mechanics of these steps as foundational to recovery.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu