Keep Coming Back - Speaker Meetings

Hannah, a retread, has built a strong program, shaped by the hard-earned wisdom gained through the pain of picking up a drink after the freedom of sobriety. With vulnerable honesty, she shares her journey in a way that draws you in and has you rooting for her. Today, she does this deal on the daily.Sobriety Date: 9/26/2022 Quotes“I fell in love with the freedom that AA gives me.”“Just pray and ask just for the willingness to try something new.”Referred by: Sara A. (Episode #211)InstagramFacebook

With 25 yrs of sobriety Lorrie lives and breathes the AA way. She's all about taking action, practicing the principles, and guiding others with grace and love. With strong values and a heart for sponsorship, she's proof that recovery isn't just about staying sober—it's about thriving and lifting others up along the way.Sobriety Date: 11/28/1999Quotes “I have a selfish disease that demands a selfless cure. That means we work an altruistic plane, that means we get closer to god when we're serving others.”“Prayer and mediation are not optional, that's how you're going to stay centered and emotionally sober.”Referred by: Sara A. (Episode #211)InstagramFacebook

Michael grew up with a strong “never surrender” mindset, shaped by generations of warriors before him. But it was through a surrender that he achieved victory over alcoholism and addiction. Today, Michael lives a life with tools, purpose and peace. Sobriety Date: 1/20/2023Quotes “There's no cure for this disease, but there's a solution.”“This program is full of paradoxes . . . when I surrendered, I achieved victory; the more I give, the more I get back; my greatest weakness is my greatest strength.” Referred by: Ryan D. (Episode #220)InstagramFacebook

Suicidal-felon turned happy, joyous and free attorney—this is a story of an alcoholic who through the gift of desperation asked for help. Then it was hard work, dedication and a commitment to these principles that brought him the grace of sobriety.Sobriety Date: 4/3/2011Quotes“It's easy to help other people, but it's not always so easy to let other people help you.”“Do what we do here and you will get what we got here.”Referred by: Ryan D. (Episode #220)InstagramFacebook

Though a well-educated and confident man today, Mark was once consumed by anger and alcohol. Through the honesty in the rooms, and a bit of humility, he began to learn about himself and his place in the world. By living the 12 step principles in all his affairs, Mark discovered peace and purpose – and 35 years of sobriety. Sobriety Date: 2/5/1990 Quotes “Every day I pray, I turn my life over, I say: just let me know what I'm supposed to do and help me do it.”“I learned how to be a friend to people, I learned how to love and to be loved, I learned how to stay sober, I learned how to be a parent.”Referred by: Michael L. (Episode #248)InstagramFacebook

Jodi didn't dive headfirst into a rigorous program; instead, she did just enough to not pick up. It was the pain of sober, restless, irritable and discontent that brought her to a point of full and complete surrender with work: Steps & Service. Sobriety Date: 7/2/2010Quotes “There's so many pages in the book that explain what alcoholism is and what a alcoholic is and what the solution is to my problem of alcoholism.” “When I give my will and life over to the care of that god of my understanding, I get that peace and serenity—and that's what I'm after today.” Referred by: Toni S. (Episode #189)InstagramFacebook

Chuck was just 17 when his parents dragged him to his first AA meeting. After years passed and he earned his 8th DUI (2 in one day) he found AA again and sat all the way down. Today, Chuck works his program like his life depends on it—because he knows, without a doubt, that it does.Sobriety Date: 9/11/1991Quotes “No one ever comes to AA by accident; I belong here, this is where I need to be.”“Come in the door and sit all the way down.”Referred by: Keep Coming Back listenerInstagramFacebook

Cristy started drinking late but quickly went all-in and made up for lost time. After an intervention and a few good choices, she unexpectedly found herself sober. Today, she's living as her true self, discovered through sobriety.Sobriety Date: 8/22/2013Quotes “It turns out that I had no control over my drinking.”“I had no idea that it was the first drink that got me so drunk.”Referred by: Anna (Episode #89)InstagramFacebook

It was a moment of grace that brought Kent to his first AA meeting, and it was a man reaching out his hand and asking a simple question that kept him here – that was almost 15 years ago. Today, Kent does the deal: the steps, the service and the fellowship – and his reward is peace of mind.Sobriety Date: 5/27/2010 Quotes “I have no defense over what's going to happen when I put alcohol in my body.”      “I reached a point where I realized that I needed to make this a priority consistently, and when I did I immediately saw dividends.” Referred by: Michael L. (Episode #248)InstagramFacebook

Wayne grew up in an atmosphere of drugs and alcohol, beginning his drinking at 8 and selling drugs at 11 yrs old. This led to 20 years of being on probation, parole or locked up. His is a story of hope – it was with the steps, fellowship and service of AA that brought Wayne to more than 30 years of peace and sobriety.  Sobriety Date: 12/7/1992Quotes “Alcoholics Anonymous is a beautiful way to live.”“If you go to enough meetings, you're gonna hear what you need to hear.”“The whole thing about Alcoholics Anonymous is you gotta get busy, stay busy, then you get other people busy.”Referred by: Marlys S. (Episode #253) InstagramFacebook

David's first drink was at 14 and a treatment center at 15. He struggled while sober in the rooms which led to relapses and suicidal thoughts. But it was this history that gave David the ability to recognize and support suffering sober AA members. David works his program every single day—it's a commitment to himself and others. Mentioned in the share: Tom B. Emotional Sobriety talkSobriety Date: 12/22/22Quotes “That's the process of AA . . . it's designed not to fail.”“I needed long-term relief, I needed to be recovered.”Referred by: Bert W. (Episode #228)InstagramFacebook

Marlys found sobriety at 25, and despite a relapse, she returned to and fell in love with Alcoholics Anonymous. Since getting sober in 2018, she has endured the loss of her son yet stayed strong in her recovery. She is a testament to the power of the fellowship.Sobriety Date: 5/6/2018 Quotes “I accepted the fact that I am an alcoholic and this is the road I'm going to travel . . . and it worked.”“This program has given me a long-term solution. Alcohol gave me a short-term solution to a long-term problem.”Referred by: KCB ListenerInstagramFacebook

Drinking and driving and taking a life at 18 years old, James had a long road to forgive himself, but he made his way there. James's gentle and honest recounting of his experience transforms into a touching story, offering profound insights and wisdom.Sobriety Date: 9/25/2018Quotes “I don't have to be right today; I just have to be sober and loving and forgiving.”“That's where you're blocking the spirit of God, when you're thinking there's nothing wrong with you.”“That's the secret to the program, accepting that you're really broken and need help.”Referred by: KCB Listener InstagramFacebook

Without ever having a driver's license, Garet gathered 168 traffic tickets. He was in the revolving door of prison and had no idea how to stop using and drinking. In this story of recovery, you'll hear about the game changing hug that gave Garet just enough hope to do the necessary work.  Sobriety Date: 3/17/2013Quotes “I get to be in that one place that I never was—and that was this moment.”  “I just love participating in the AA way of life.”Referred by: KeepComingBack.net listener InstagramFacebook

In this funny and heartfelt tale, Fernando shares the horrors of addiction and the joys of sobriety. He very much disliked everything about AA when he arrived, but he stuck around and over 30 years later, he lives a life beyond his wildest dreams.Sobriety Date: 8/21/1991Quotes “King Alcohol found me, picked me up and took me away.”“I don't know what my higher power is, but I know it when I feel it.”Referred by: Sean J. (Vol. 199)InstagramFacebook

Sara found sobriety at the age of 25, and notates her first addiction as reading. The escape she found in books she replaced at 11 yrs old with alcohol, and then drugs. With complete transparency, Sara shares the endless possibilities sobriety brings and the many lessons she continues to learn. Sobriety Date: 3/15/2016Quotes “The possibilities are truly endless to what can happen in this life as long as I stay sober.”“It's just one foot in front of the other until the fog lifts.”Referred by: Anonymous speakerInstagramFacebook

Sober at 26, Michael has been in the program for almost 30 years. During this time he has maintained a strong program, never without a sponsor, and still attends 5 meetings a week – because it fills his soul and permits the beauty in his life.Sobriety Date: 5/14/1995Quotes “Once I'd start drinking, I literally had no control over the amount I took afterwards.” “I needed a new way of living.”“Come, see what we do here, this is pretty special.”Referred by: Website contact InstagramFacebook

Ben's anxiety and depression stemmed from many challenges, including attending 13 different elementary schools. After a 30-year drinking career, he's now approaching his 2-year sobriety birthday. Ben has traded his drinking for healthy soul-feeding people, like his wife, children and friends.Sobriety Date: 2/14/2023Quotes “Alcohol had its grip on me from the very, very, very beginning.”“I think it's really hard to be anxious or depressed when you have this huge list of things to be thankful for, and you visit it and revisit it often.”"These have been the best 2 years of my life."Referred by: Tara V. (Vol. 54)  InstagramFacebook

Ron spent nine years in and out of the program, struggling with alcohol. After four DUIs and trading his three-year sobriety chip for a bottle, he hit rock bottom with a 90-day county jail stint. Faced with the choice of getting sober or succumbing to alcoholism, he decided to do the AA deal all the way. Quotes “I've learned how to become the person that I'd like to be and just strive to get better at being the person I need to be.”“I just knew that this was the only way I was gonna make it - is if I dig into AA and stay in, and do the next right indicated thing.”Referred by: Anonymous KCB speakerInstagramFacebook

38 years sober and Gena still does all the things she did when she came into the rooms. In this story, she recounts her journey of finding grace, humility and gratitude through the 12 steps. While Gena tried various 12-step groups, it was in Alcoholics Anonymous where she found her people and her recovery.  Sobriety Date: 1/3/1987Quotes “I'll never be able to repay Alcoholics Anonymous, and the people, what they've done for me.”“They told me that even if I want to take a drink, I just don't have to.”Referred by: Sean J. (Episode #199)InstagramFacebook

Stephanie, raised in an agnostic liberal home with Jewish parents, struggled with anxiety and anger. Eventually there was no barrier between her and a drink. Through the steps of AA, Stephanie discovered a spiritual life, and her dedication to recovery has brought her peace and purpose.Sobriety Date: 6/19/2022Quotes “If I drank, I would over-drink.”“I didn't know that I could be spiritual; I didn't want to come into these meetings and become religious.”Referred by: Sean J. (Episode #199)InstagramFacebook

Gabby discovered 12-step programs in her teens, but it took years to achieve and maintain sobriety. Two years ago, fearing death, she returned to AA and committed to the program. Today, Gabby enjoys a life filled with more joy than she thought possible.Sobriety Date: 12/30/2022Quotes“I'm a very grateful and satisfied customer of Alcoholics Anonymous.”“If you keep falling down, just keep getting up.”Referred by: Bert W. (Episode #228)InstagramFacebook

Sean came into the rooms suicidal and desperate. In an attempt to stop drinking for 30 days, he found lasting sobriety and hasn't had a drink since. Despite drifting from the program after moving, Sean never drank and eventually returned. Today, he treats his alcoholism with the tools offered within the 12 steps. Sobriety Date: 10/28/1989Quotes “That was the main thing, was that I felt better when I left the meeting than when I went into the meeting.”“Keep going to meetings until you want to go to meetings.”Referred by: Dave M. (Episode #240) InstagramFacebook

Nalani shares a moving recovery story, emphasizing the importance of staying in the solution. By diligently working her AA program, she has found serenity and peace. Nalani's story brings hope and inspiration to anyone on their recovery journey.Sobriety Date: 8/6/2018Quotes “Every time I tried to control my drinking I wasn't having fun, and every time I didn't try to control it, terrible awful things happened.”“If I want to stay sober, I need to keep doing the things that got me sober in the first place.”Referred by: Website contact InstagramFacebook

Dave silently struggled with the need to control what other people thought of him and a deep need to be liked. After an ultimatum, Dave found his way to the rooms and today is completely comfortable in his skin – no matter what anyone thinks of him.Sobriety Date: Middle of August in 2008Quotes “I couldn't drink enough to cover the shame.”“Everyone in the world quits drinking at some point, just some people get to do it before they die." Referred by: Glenn (Episode #28) InstagramFacebook

Alexia endured a painful childhood, seeking escape from a very young age. By 11, drinking had become her mission, and by 17, she was a daily drinker. At 21, she found sobriety. Through her heartfelt storytelling, Alexia brings hope and inspiration to others.Sobriety Date: 12/24/2021Quotes“I wanted to drink and use for a long time in sobriety, and I got some relief and then I kept moving through the steps and more relief, and then I felt like a person among people.”“AA was like this compassionate parent - this unconditionally loving parent."Referred by: Bert W. (Episode #228) InstagramFacebook

Kurt took his first drink at 9 and found sobriety by 23. In his story, Kurt emphasizes the profound impact AA has had on his life, offering hope and tools for redemption. His authenticity and wisdom shine through as he shares the transformative power of the AA program.Sobriety Date: 9/10/1987Quotes“I needed hope and that's exactly what people in AA gave me, they gave me hope.”“The tools that I've been given in Alcoholics Anonymous—they work, if I use them.”“You don't ever have to take another drink again.”Referred by: Tate H. (Episode #234) InstagramFacebook

Overpowered by alcohol and drugs, Bonnie once stood at the brink of prison. Through her authenticity and storytelling, Bonnie brings pure hope to this share. Others loved on her and provided a safe place until she healed enough to help others – and that is her priority today.For Alyssa's AA Morning Snippets mentioned in the Q&A visit:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1769725Sobriety Date: 6/10/2008Quotes “I was shown patience, love and tolerance when I didn't have any.”“This pain is universal and the solution is the same, and it's very, very simple; it's not easy, but it's simple, it's 12 steps.”Referred by: Shawn (Episode #69) InstagramFacebook

John Henry came into the rooms after 4.5 years of not drinking; he was suicidal and desperate. No longer miserable, today John Henry has peace in his life and the desire to serve in his heart—he is truly free.Sobriety Date: 6/17/2023Quotes “I know what my problem is now; I have this thing, it's called alcoholism and there's a solution.”“The gift that I got from the program of not being miserable anymore is what matters most.” “Give this thing a shot, what do you have to lose?”Referred by: Bert W. (Episode #228) InstagramFacebook

Sara O. was also Episode #35—our first repeat speaker at KeepComingBack.net! Sara's share beautifully showcases the incredible growth experienced by members of Alcoholics Anonymous that are doing the deal. Sobriety Date: 5/26/2014Quotes “I really was struggling—I was trying to control AND enjoy.”“Don't give up on finding your tribe.”Referred by: Sara O. is also Episode #35 and was referred by Maureen (Episode #7) InstagramFacebook

After decades of suffering, Tate finally embraced AA, asking his mom to take him to his first meeting. Through attending multiple meetings a day, Tate found hope, healing, and support in the rooms. His journey exemplifies the power of the steps, fellowship, and simply doing the next right thing.Sobriety Date: 10/18/2016 Quotes “I could-not not-drink—I didn't know what was wrong with me.”“I was so terrified to take a drink . . . I just wanted to be in meetings, it's the only place I felt safe.”“It works – if you allow yourself to have an experience.”Referred by: Paul B. (Episode #233)InstagramFacebook

A moment of clarity during a drunken episode made Paul realize he might die alone if he didn't change. Through AA, he has developed a selfless life, focusing on others and finding joy in helping countless suffering alcoholics.Sobriety Date: 6/13/2018Quotes “Alcohol had me by the balls.”“This program works perfectly, it just doesn't work your way, and it doesn't work your way by design.”“Alcoholics Anonymous is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.”Referred by: Ryan D. (Episode #220)InstagramFacebook

After 4 years of trying, Alecia just celebrated her first year of sobriety! She used alcohol to escape or enhance all emotions, which eventually caused havoc on her life. Alecia's journey highlights the power of vulnerability, determination and grace. She is also the lovely co-host of Taste of Recovery Podcast.Sobriety Date: 7/24/2023Quotes “I feel incredible now that I'm sober.”“I didn't want 1 or 2 glasses; I wanted the whole bottle.”“I am so grateful to live this incredible life that I have today because of AA and because of being sober.”Referred by: Eden S. (Episode #201)InstagramFacebook

Born in the 1950s to an unwed mother and subjected to severe abuse by his stepfather, Chris faced unimaginable challenges from the beginning. Despite these hardships, he found his way to the rooms of recovery, where Chris gained clarity and purpose, embracing the 12-step life with intention. Sobriety Date: 9/15/2015Quotes “Willingness is key for me in every aspect of recovery.”“In AA, that's what I learned: you can't think your way out, you gotta work your way out.”Referred by: Robert P. (Episode #175) InstagramFacebook

Stephanie, 1st generation Cuban-American, was a drug addict and alcoholic that found a home in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. She has lived on the dark side of addiction and keeps herself in the light and love of recovery with faith, service and the steps. Sobriety Date: 7/4/2019Quotes “I wanted to share my story because I don't want it to be for nothing . . . our darkest secrets are our biggest assets.” “It's home . . . this is where you come in and you're able to change your life and be happy.”Referred by: KCB listener  InstagramFacebook

After a few years of sobriety and then slipping away from the program, Christian found himself face-to-face with Jack Daniels and said yes . . . following that was years of misery. Now back in the rooms and into action, today, Christian lives a life of freedom and faith.Sobriety Date: 9/28/21Quotes “Nothing worked for me except Alcoholics Anonymous.”“The people in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous had what I wanted, which was sobriety . . . if these people have what I want, I just need to do what they're doing.”“All you have to do is just play that tape forward and you know exactly where it's going to lead you if you pick up a drink.”Referred by: Ryan D. (Vol. 220) InstagramFacebook

An only child from a home filled with love, Bert had no outside reason to be an alcoholic and addict. But on the inside, he felt different-than, even less-than others. After a doctor's recommendation, Bert found himself in the rooms of recovery. Today he lives a life of almost complete serenity, despite life happening around him.Sobriety Date: 4/27/2013Quotes “Alcohol is a good treatment for alcoholism in the very beginning, but that doesn't last long.”“When I started doing the right thing, miraculous things started to happen.”“You don't have to suffer, you don't have to drink again, you can have a life better than you can ever imagine.” Referred by: Michele R. (Vol. 172) InstagramFacebook

From prison to preaching, John brings passionate truth and a calm energy to his story. Addicted to alcohol and its cousins, John had a dark bottom, however he doesn't spend his time there, instead he shares of his way out and the peace in being free.Sobriety Date: 12/8/2022Quotes “Nothing that I go through will a drink make better.”"I don't think I'll ever stop doing the 12 steps, because it works.”Referred by: Bert W. (Vol. 228) InstagramFacebook

Jack tried everything he could to prove he wasn't an alcoholic, but all roads kept leading him back to AA. In this share, he details the seriousness of our disease and highlights the joy in living a life of freedom and peace.  Sobriety Date: 9/28/2018Quotes “This disease never gets better; it only gets worse."“One drink will lead to 100.”“When I don't like who I am, I know I'm probably not working the program very well.”Referred by: Tara V. (Vol. 54) InstagramFacebook

Mayra believes she struggled with alcoholism long before her first drink; it was her thinking that was the problem and the drinking that helped it. After a run of loss and new bottoms, Mayra found and built a new life in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. Sobriety Date: 5/1/2017Quotes “I owe all of my sobriety to Alcoholics Anonymous."“There's literally no other answer for me than to just stay in AA, come all the way in, sit all the down and stay; and that's the only thing that I've seen work.”“Don't give up . . . there really is a life after the darkness.”Referred by: Robert P. (Vol. 175)InstagramFacebook

After more than a decade of suffering, the gift of desperation was strong for Lisa, and with that soul-brokenness she was able to commit to 1 year of Alcoholics Anonymous – and she hasn't had a drink since. Sobriety Date: 4/2/2020 Quotes “Alcohol and drugs kill the joy.”“I remember telling myself that I would get a sponsor and for a whole year I would do what I was told no matter how I felt about it . . . it was the first time I felt hope."Referred by: Friend of Tara V. (Vol. 54)InstagramFacebook

Ian grew up insecure, for no good reason and found himself a “cure” in drugs and alcohol—which had a short shelf life. At 25 yrs. old, Ian found himself at the bottom of a downward spiral, willing to do whatever it took to recover—and it worked, and still works for him today.Sobriety Date: 8/28/2015Quotes “There is no such thing as just one more.”“I was in that stage of whatever you tell me to do I'm gonna do, my best ideas had been beaten out of me.”“I found a way of living that finally works.”Referred by: Robert P. (Vol. 175)InstagramFacebook