Jimmy A Steps 6-7 Saratoga Springfest 2026Jimmy A Steps 6-7 Saratoga Springfest 2026
Mad Dog Recovery AA Speakers
Jimmy A shares his journey from homelessness and despair to 39 years of sobriety, focusing on AA’s Steps 6 and 7 and the daily work of facing character defects. The talk highlights drifting in long-term sobriety, pride, secrets, and the move towards emotional sobriety through willingness, inventory and spiritual growth.
54:55•27 May 2026
Jimmy A on Steps 6 and 7, Character Defects, and Long-Term Sobriety
Episode Overview
- Sobriety without inner change is fragile; just not drinking while clinging to fear, anger and pride leaves a person stuck.
- Steps 6 and 7 ask for willingness to stop using character defects as tools for control and to start living by spiritual principles instead.
- Regular inventory, honest sharing and amends help uncover the “dark side” that blocks connection with a higher power and other people.
- Drifting is subtle; comfort, work and family can quietly push AA and spiritual practice into the background until a crisis hits.
- Emotional sobriety grows as the “pendulum” of extreme reactions slows, leading to being right-sized and more useful to others.
“Alcoholism doesn’t come in a bottle, it comes in my mind.”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This Saratoga Springfest talk puts that question front and centre as Jimmy A shares 39 years of experience with Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on Steps 6 and 7 and what it really takes to change.
Speaking with a mix of humour and hard truth, Jimmy traces his story from homelessness and despair in Newark Airport to being ushered into his first AA meeting by complete strangers who simply said, “Get in the car.” He describes the moment he finally saw alcohol as a problem, later realising that, as he puts it, “alcoholism doesn’t come in a bottle, it comes in my mind.” The heart of this talk is character defects and spiritual growth.
Jimmy explains how he once believed that just not drinking and going to meetings was enough, while still living in fear, anger, secrets and pride. He shares how a blunt sponsor forced him to face questions like, “If AA works, why do you have so many problems?” and how real change began when he became willing to walk into “the darkness” of his life through inventory, confession, and amends.
You’ll hear practical AA language brought to life: what it means to be “entirely ready”, why many cling to anger and blame because they think these traits still have value, and how simple ideas like “getting back on the bike” each day can turn Step 6 and 7 from theory into daily practice. Jimmy also talks honestly about drifting in sobriety, blowing up his life without taking a drink, and finding his way back to spiritual basics.
Anyone wrestling with recurring behaviours, long-term sobriety ruts, or fear of real change is likely to feel seen here. It’s a straight-talking reminder that the real payoff of AA’s programme is emotional sobriety, not perfection. Which parts of your own “character defect resume” might you be ready to lay down?
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