Julian B. AA Male

Julian B. AA Male

In this engaging episode, Julian B. shares his journey through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) with a mix of humor and profound insight. As he opens his talk, Julian expresses gratitude to the committee for inviting him back to speak, noting that he doesn't often get re-invited so quickly. He humbly acknowledges the challenge of following previous speakers he admires, such as Keith Wade, Murray, and Ramona.

Julian's story is colored by his background as a Virginia hillbilly, and he candidly shares his experiences with alcohol, noting that he never faced issues with drinking in college or high school — mainly because he didn't attend. Instead, his drinking journey began elsewhere and led him to AA, where he found support and community. Reflecting on his life and sobriety, Julian shares anecdotes that highlight the absurdity and humor in life.

One memorable story involves a young boy's first words about lumpy gravy, which Julian parallels to his own feeling of things being 'alright up to now.' Throughout his talk, Julian emphasizes that his opinions are personal and not representative of AA as a whole, asserting his right to change his mind. He dispels common expectations of alcoholics, sharing how material wealth and dreams were not what ultimately mattered in his recovery.

Julian's narrative is peppered with humor, humility, and life lessons, such as the idea that doing good for others inevitably leads to positive returns, and the importance of finding peace with one's God and fellow humans. He recounts speaking to doctors at the Health Department as a lesson in humility, likening this experience to an old lady's humorous misinterpretation of her son's educational status.

In closing, Julian uses the metaphor of an old man with a one-string fiddle to describe finding what he truly wants — a sentiment that resonates with his journey to sobriety and self-discovery.