Bud S. – Sober 44 Years (Encore Episode)

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AA Recovery Interviews with Howard L.

Howard L.

246 episodes

3 days ago

AA Recovery Interviews explores the lives of people who have recovered from alcoholism by working the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. In each one-on-one interview, guests share their stories of what it was like, what happened, and what it’s like now. We also discuss the rest of the story by looking at the incredible challenges they’ve faced and gifts they've realized during their years and decades of sobriety. We talk about staying sober: The joys and tragedies, the good times and bad times, and just everyday life in sobriety. We discuss the work they’ve done in AA to enrich their lives and the lives of those they love.

AA Recovery Interviews is hosted by Howard L., sober in AA since January 1, 1988, one day at a time. 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. No advertising is allowed. 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.

All content for AA Recovery Interviews with Howard L. is the property of Howard L. and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Bud S. – Sober 44 Years (Encore Episode)

AA Recovery Interviews with Howard L.

1 hour 10 minutes 8 seconds

5 months ago

Bud S. – Sober 44 Years (Encore Episode)

[Program Note: Bud S. passed away shortly after the release of this interview in 2022 at age 94. He had 44 Years of sobriety when he died. This interview may be the last time Bud shared his extraordinary story, but it lives on in the hearts those who knew him.]

My guest on today’s show is Bud S., a man of remarkable longevity and long-term sobriety. At 94 years old, his 44 years of sobriety is the perfect backdrop for the story of a life well-lived through the Program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Though he started drinking later than most, his disease quickly branched off an alcoholic family tree that claimed the lives of his father and both sisters. Like many alcoholics, Bud built a successful career despite his growing addiction to alcohol. For a long time, he managed to keep his drinking confined to evenings and weekends with his wife and friends who shared in the glow of his good cheer. But as his drinking escalated, that glow turned into a glare from the harsh reality that he had become an alcoholic. Early attempts at rehab and short stints in AA were minimally effective as he allowed the differences in his drinking life to dominate similarities with other alcoholics. His downhill slide, abetted by more frequent binges and blackouts, culminated in expulsion from his home by his wife. Thoroughly licked by the disease, Bud came all the way in and sat all the way down in AA at the age of 49. He has never left.

Bud’s exceptionally long and illustrious life in sobriety contains all of the elements familiar to recovering alcoholics whose lives have been enriched by AA. His regular attendance at many meetings, combined with non-stop service work that includes sponsoring other men and participating in interventions, have made him indispensable to the groups he serves. His friendly disposition and welcoming spirit make it easy for newcomers and old-timers alike to comfortably join him in the center of the Program.

At 94, Bud’s well-seasoned message of hope rings fresh and true on a daily basis. And though the audio quality of this interview was slightly affected by a glitchy Zoom, I believe you’ll find Bud’s story immediately enthralling and quite easy to listen to. So kick back, relax, and please enjoy the next hour of AA Recovery Interviews with my good friend and AA brother, Bud S.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, Apple Books, or Amazon.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they...