Bob O. AA Male Disk 1Bob O. AA Male Disk 1
Recovery Radio Network
Bob O recounts a chaotic journey through violence, heavy drinking and near death into AA-based sobriety centred on strictly working the Twelve Steps. His story focuses on ego deflation, a practical relationship with a Higher Power, and the surprising life that followed long-term recovery.
1:02:21•3 Aug 2026
Bob O’s Wild Ride from Sociopath to Sober AA Big Book Guy
Episode Overview
- Working the Twelve Steps as precise instructions, rather than vague ideas, is presented as central to lasting sobriety.
- Repeated yearly inventories and amends are described as essential for deflating the ego and preventing relapse.
- A clear, sometimes blunt spiritual message is given: if the drinker and AA can’t stop the drinking, a Higher Power must be involved.
- The belief in being "damaged merchandise" can be challenged through the steps, leading to a new identity as "a child of God and an equal to anyone".
- Service, sponsorship, and taking newcomers on calls are shown as practical ways to stay connected and sober.
“"The only way you're ever going to find out if this works is if you're working."”
Experience the emotional and inspiring tales of recovery as Bob O shares a raw, often funny, and brutally honest account of his life before and after Alcoholics Anonymous. You’ll hear how a high-achieving church youth leader turned into a convicted violent offender, military forward observer, and frighteningly effective debt collector, all while sliding into chronic alcoholism by age 20.
Bob talks openly about being labelled "dangerously antisocial" and a "sociopath", and about the terrifying morning he couldn’t get out of the foetal position until a doctor prescribed tea with four shots of whisky. From family alcoholism and expecting to die by 35, to hallucinations, DTs, and carrying a fridge across the room to escape giant imaginary ants, his story captures just how bad it can get.
The turning point comes with a straight-talking priest who tells him, "If you can't stop and we can't stop you, there better be a God or your game's over," pushing Bob towards a concept of a Higher Power and the AA programme. He then meets sponsor Don Pritz, who treats the Big Book as a textbook with "a precise set of instructions" and insists Bob follow the steps exactly, not just warm a chair and clean ashtrays.
Bob describes joining a group inspired by Winnipeg’s "Golden Slippers", who simply decided to do the steps as written: praying the Third Step together, writing fearless inventories, making amends, and repeating the process yearly. He stresses ego deflation, seeing himself as "a child of God and an equal to anyone", and using the steps to challenge the belief that he is "damaged merchandise".
Today, he talks about sobriety bringing work in psychiatric care, a loving family, and a life he never expected. His message is clear: "The only way you're ever going to find out if this works is if you're working." Ready to see what happens if you actually do the steps?
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