441 - Charlie P - Our Troubles, We Think, Are Basically of Our Own Making (Greatest Hits)441 - Charlie P - Our Troubles, We Think, Are Basically of Our Own Making (Greatest Hits)
Sober Speak- Alcoholics Anonymous Recovery Interviews
AA speaker Charlie P explains alcoholism as more than just drinking too much, using powerful stories and Big Book teaching to show how self-will and craving drive relapse. John M frames the talk as a "meeting between meetings" for anyone wanting a clearer grasp of Step One and the spiritual solution offered in Alcoholics Anonymous.
1:23:02•27 Mar 2026
Charlie P on Why Our Troubles Are Basically Our Own Making
Episode Overview
- Alcoholism is described as a combination of physical allergy and mental obsession, leading to a cycle of drinking until you must stop, then staying stopped only until you have to drink again.
- The feeling of “I thought I changed my mind” is linked to the phenomenon of craving, not to weak character or bad intentions.
- The Big Book states that selfishness and self-centredness are the root of the problem, with alcohol acting as a faulty solution to the discomfort created by a self-run life.
- A clear Step One experience and the resulting desperation are presented as necessary before a person genuinely seeks and accepts spiritual help.
- Charlie argues that focusing only on not drinking, without addressing self-will and the deeper spiritual programme in the Big Book, can leave sober people still miserable and confused.
“"So our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making. Because if my problems are of everybody else's making, the only way I'm ever going to be okay is if I can get everybody else to act right."”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This "greatest hits" replay brings back much-loved AA speaker Charlie P from Austin, Texas, whose line-by-line Big Book teaching has helped countless people understand why they drink, and why willpower alone keeps failing. Host John M sets the scene with warmth, humour and a bit of Texan charm, sharing how deeply Charlie is missed since his passing and why his talks are still so valued.
The tone here is classic AA: straight-talking, story-driven and grounded firmly in the 12 steps, aimed at anyone from shaky newcomer to long-time member who feels a bit stuck. Charlie introduces himself as a “very grateful, recovered alcoholic” and breaks down Step One in practical terms.
He explains the “physical allergy” and “mental obsession” described in the Big Book, and uses his vivid pawn shop story to show what it really looked like when he “lost the power of choice and control” around alcohol. You’ll hear him unpack that familiar baffling phrase, “I thought I changed my mind,” and link it directly to the phenomenon of craving. From there, he shifts focus from the bottle to self-centredness.
Using pages 60–63 of the Big Book, he argues that alcohol was never the core problem; it was the only thing that eased the pain of a life run on self-will. His take on the line “selfishness – self-centredness… is the root of our troubles” invites anyone listening to ask: what’s it really like to live with me? John keeps things light with small jokes and behind-the-scenes chat, but stays respectful of the seriousness of addiction.
If you’re wondering why you keep going back to drink despite your best intentions, or you’ve been sober a while but still feel restless and irritable, this one could prompt some honest reflection and renewed hope. Are your troubles really of everyone else’s making – or is there something here you might recognise in yourself?
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