Big Book Podcast
Latest Episodes
PROMOTED TO CHRONIC – 2nd Edition
Printed only in the 2nd and 3rd Editions of the Big Book, Promoted to Chronic was written by Helen B., who got sober in 1945. After working for the Boston Central Services Office of A.A., Helen beca
JIM’S STORY – Second Edition
“Jim’s Story” was written by Dr. Jim S., a physician in Washington D.C., who is credited with founding the first black AA group. While the struggles of starting that group are well-noted in the story, its importance as an AA milestone was recognized by...
OUR SOUTHERN FRIEND – 2nd Edition
This is one of only 5 stories to show up in all 4 Editions. The author is John Henry Fitzhugh Mayo, known to his contemporaries as “Fitz” M. Unlike some of the previous Personal Stories, quite a lot is known about Fitz and his contribution to early AA...
JOE’S WOES – 2nd Edition
This 73rd episode begins Part 3, the last part of the Personal Stories section of the Second Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous published in 1955. Part 3 is entitled “They Lost Nearly All” and contains the final 12 stories in the Second Edition.
NEW VISION FOR A SCULPTOR – 2nd Edition
This is a relatively rare story, as it is one of only five stories that was published exclusively in the 2nd Edition. There's also nothing known about the author except what can be gleaned from the story itself: It was written by Fred,
ME AN ALCOHOLIC? – 2nd Edition
This story is familiar to many, as it was printed in the Second, Third, and Fourth Editions of "Alcoholics Anonymous". Unfortunately, the author of this story is unknown. What little we know about him is from the story itself.
STARS DON’T FALL – 2nd Edition
This story was penned by Felicia G. who first came to AA in 1943, but didn’t get sober until 1944. When she first met Bill W. at the AA Foundation office in New York, he turned her over to Marty M., who became her sponsor, and,
PHYSICIAN, HEAL THYSELF – 2nd Edition
Written by Dr. Earle M. from San Francisco, who got sober in June of 1953, this story was printed in the Second, Third, and Fourth Editions. Earle was a very active member of AA throughout his life, spreading its message of hope to those he touched in ...
IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN WORSE – 2nd Edition
Printed in the Second, Third, and Fourth Editions, the author of this story is said to have been Chet R. from Santa Barbara, California, though just when he wrote it or first came into AA is not known. The only clue uncovered during a Google search po...
THE HOUSEWIFE WHO DRANK AT HOME – 2nd Edition
In this 67th episode, story number 7 in Part 2 of the Personal Stories section of the Second Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous published in 1955. It’s entitled “The Housewife Who Drank at Home”” and it was printed in the Second, Third,