“Alcoholics Anonymous Number 3” describes the meeting of Dr. Bob and Bill W. with Bill D., an alcoholic patient Akron City Hospital in late June 1935. With their help, Bill D. got sober and was a pioneer member of Akron Group 1, the first AA group in the world. His story chronicles the very earliest days of the AA movement, only weeks after Bill W. met Dr. Bob and AA’s birth on June 10, 1935. While this powerful story was not published in the first edition, it did secure a permanent place in the second edition of the Big Book when it was published in 1955. It’s been printed in every edition of Alcoholics Anonymous since then and it bares witness to the power of a single idea implemented by two incredibly dedicated men.

By the way, you can listen to these lost stories from the 1st Edition of the Big Book by revisiting earlier episodes of this podcast. Simply scroll down to hear those stories that many members of AA have never seen or heard. They’re fascinating!

Howard L, sober since January 1, 1988, presents an inspired reading of the Big Book and encourages listeners to revisit earlier podcast episodes that feature the main chapters and stories in the First Edition of the Big Book. Enjoy listening on our website, BigBookPodcast.com, or download and subscribe to the podcast for free at Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. If you have a minute, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Also join our facebook group, Big Book Podcast Listeners, where you can share your thoughts and experiences with fellow listeners.