448- David G - You Have Heard Him on the Show. Now Work the Steps With David G

448- David G - You Have Heard Him on the Show. Now Work the Steps With David G

Curious about how others manage their sobriety journey? This conversation between John M and long-time AA member David G zeroes in on one simple theme: actually working the 12 steps, rather than just talking about them. David G, sober since 1993 and based in Frisco, Texas, talks candidly about his own history of going to meetings for years without truly doing the step work.

He contrasts people who “talk about the steps” with those who sit down, pen and paper in hand, and write inventory: resentments, fears, relationships – the whole lot. He even shares how, just two days earlier, he used a four-column fear inventory to deal with anxiety about a major work change and finances. A big focus here is a new online step study that David will lead with the Sober Speak community.

Aimed at anyone curious about the 12 steps – not just alcoholics and not an AA meeting – the study runs for 12 weeks via Zoom, with weekly reading and writing assignments drawn mainly from the Big Book. David explains how groups will break into smaller rooms for sharing, why there are no “gold stars or demerits”, and how missing a week doesn’t mean you’re out.

You’ll also hear some light-hearted AA culture talk: capacity limits at the Frisco Group after the fire marshal condemned the stairs, old-timers quietly giving up their seats for newcomers, and David’s speed-reading of “How It Works”. Beneath the humour sits a serious message about service, consistency, and staying connected. Family members aren’t left out either.

David shares how he now speaks with them often and offers very direct guidance: “Join Al-Anon… find a sponsor and work the 12 steps so that you know how to cope with these things when they come up.” If you’ve been circling recovery but avoiding the actual steps, could this be the nudge you’ve been waiting for?