A standing ovation of nearly 100 men erupted when Myles recently picked up his 40 year chip. To many, this kind of AA milestone seems inconceivable, but the story of his journey is chock-full of similarities with which anyone with any length of sobriety will identify. Raised in a suburban family with a history of alcoholism, Myles’ mother suffered the disease, but never sought help. By the time his parents divorced when Myles was 11, the die had been cast for his future of drinking and using drugs. Amidst the turmoil of his home life, Myles took refuge in the various jobs he worked to make money for the pursuit of what he wanted in life. The solid work-ethic he forged was largely unaffected by his growing dependence on alcohol and drugs. In a perverse way, however, his abilities to earn money and afford more drugs only accelerated his emotional and spiritual slide to the bottom. It was at that point, Myles finally asked for and accepted help. At 22, he landed in an inpatient treatment center, followed by sober living and IOP. AA was the logical and all important next step and thus began his extraordinary journey to long-term sobriety.

Myles’ story is more than an instructive cautionary tale. It’s a fascinating amalgam of life’s lessons learned the hard way, both before and after getting sober. His experience as an action-oriented, yet selfless, member of AA continues to reassure everyone he touches. His success in building a solid family life while achieving remarkable business accomplishments is proof positive that staying centered and active in AA can truly help dreams come true and stay true for years to come.

So please enjoy the next hour and twenty minutes of AA Recovery Interviews as you listen to the uplifting and inspiring words of my good friend and long-time AA brother, Myles S.

Check out Howard’s Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

In addition to my AA Recovery Interviews series and my Big Book Podcast, have a listen to 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 testamonials 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 were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book or as a Paperback book from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. 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. -Howard L.]