Richard K. AA Male

Richard K. AA Male

Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This Recovery Radio Network episode centres on Richard K., a long-time member of Alcoholics Anonymous, sharing a raw and often funny account of how alcoholism shaped — and nearly destroyed — his life. You’ll hear Richard describe growing up in Silas, Alabama with an alcoholic father, vowing never to repeat the chaos he witnessed as a child.

Years later, he finds himself doing "exactly the same thing" to his own family, drinking from morning to blackout and living in terror and denial. His storytelling style is fast-paced, emotional and laced with humour, making some very dark moments surprisingly accessible.

A big theme is how ordinary “coincidences” became turning points: his boss quietly sliding him a paper with "Alcoholics Anonymous" and a phone number, a stranger named Ray arriving at his house shouting "My name is Ray and I'm an alcoholic", and a series of chance events that blocked his planned relapse. As Richard puts it, these coincidences feel like "minor miracle[s] in which God chooses to remain Anonymous." The episode also highlights family recovery.

Richard talks about Joy, his wife, his children, and how AA and Al-Anon helped rebuild relationships after years of fear, broken promises and desperate attempts to control his drinking (including vodka in the windscreen washer and a car "covered" with fake blood and hair). He later sees his former sponsee become "Dr. Keith C." and that same man taking Richard’s daughter to her first meeting, underscoring how recovery can ripple through generations.

This one’s aimed at anyone affected by alcoholism — drinkers, family members, and those who work with them — who want real stories of AA in action rather than theory. Richard’s message is simple: "You don't ever have to live like this again" if you’re willing to do the work. Ready to ask what coincidences might already be nudging you toward change?