One of the first 100

One of the first 100

This episode of Recovery Radio Network takes you back to 1960 with Ryan Farns, a stalwart of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community. With 44 years of sobriety under his belt, Ryan shares his wealth of experience and wisdom on the journey to recovery. He challenges the notion of 'recovering' versus 'recovered', arguing that one can achieve lasting recovery by sticking to the AA program.

Ryan's storytelling is rich with history, recounting the early days before AA was even established, when alcoholics were part of the Oxford Group's six-step program. His tales highlight the struggles and triumphs that shaped the AA fellowship into what it is today. Ryan's reflections on honesty, rigorous self-inventory, and the importance of a supportive community offer valuable lessons for anyone on the path to sobriety. He emphasises the need for rigorous honesty and the willingness to change old habits.

His anecdotes about the early days of AA, including the friction between different religious groups and the eventual formation of a separate fellowship for alcoholics, are both enlightening and entertaining. You'll find Ryan's perspective on the importance of having a 'manager'—a higher power to guide one's recovery—particularly thought-provoking. He also discusses the financial and emotional costs of alcoholism, underscoring the value of the AA program as a life-saving fellowship.

His humour and candidness make this episode not just informative but also deeply engaging. Whether you're new to recovery or have been on this journey for years, Ryan's insights provide a refreshing look at the fundamentals of AA. Tune in to hear his compelling stories and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly 'recovered'.