Chris' life was ruled by alcoholism until he got sober in AA in 2011. Raised by loving parents, he had a spiritual realization of the universe at age 5 that was cut short at age 9 with the tragic death of his 12-year-old sister. As inconsolable grief upended his family, Chris’ spiritual and religious beliefs were mostly severed while drinking became his respite during his adolescent years. Finding additional solace in music, Chris embarked on a successful career as a musician whose functional alcoholism only accelerated his inevitable plunge to the bottom. Though the well-known frontman for the band in which he played had gotten sober and invited Chris to do the same, Chris refused to admit his own alcoholism. He kept drinking for many years, despite additional tragedies and horrible outcomes. As the disease rapidly drained any regard for his own life, Chris reached the end of a long rope and he finally uttered the three words that have saved countless alcolholics: “God help me”.

Chris’ long journey to the doors of AA culminated in the start of a new life. He gave himself wholeheartedly to the Program and the fellowship, and has stayed sober amidst triumphs and tragedies along the way. His commitment to service work and practicing the principals is unmistakable as he continues his passionate work in the music business. His easy-going demeaner and enthusiasm for sobriety are readily apparent and create a warm, friendly attraction to what Alcoholics Anonymous has to offer.

I believe Chris’ story will touch the hearts of those who listen to his words. So please enjoy the next hour with my friend and AA brother, Chris L.

If you’ve enjoyed 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 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 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 and in Paperbackfrom Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “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, i-Tunes, or Amazon.

[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews 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 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. -Howard L.]