A Shot Glass of Recovery

Mark R - Primetime From Shame to Serenity

A Shot Glass of Recovery
Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟
paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery
If you love real recovery stories told like you’re sitting across from a friend, this one’s for you. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready for some experience, strength, and hope.
Welcome to A Shotglass of Recovery’s heartfelt speaker series — where real people share real journeys. In this episode, Mark opens up about his lifelong struggle with alcoholism, the mind-driven nature of his disease, and the moment sobriety stuck in 2005. He traces his path from feeling perpetually apart and seeking belonging through booze, to finding refuge in 12-step fellowships and a life-changing relationship with a higher power he calls God. Mark talks about the gifts of awareness, acceptance, and trust, the power of sponsorship, the wisdom of AA literature, and simple daily practices — like short, honest conversations with God and gratitude walks — that helped him swap scarcity and self-will for serenity and abundance. Expect candid stories about broken relationships, blackout binges, and the slow rebuilding of a soul. If you’re looking for steady hope, spiritual tools that actually work, and a warm reminder that you’re not alone in this, Mark’s story delivers. Stay for the practical takeaways: go to meetings, lean into sponsorship, embrace powerlessness, and invite God into the small moments. PS — If this touched you, consider subscribing, leaving a review, or supporting the show to keep these voices alive.

Kevin B from the UK - From Rock Bottom to 'Another Day'

A Shot Glass of Recovery
Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟
paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery
If you love real recovery stories told like you’re sitting across from a friend, this one’s for you. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready for some experience, strength, and hope.
Hey — glad you found this talk. Kevin’s story is the kind that sneaks up on you: heartbreak, wild mistakes, and then the small, steady miracles that come from showing up. He walks through losing his dad and hitting rock bottom, the people in AA who refused to give up on him, and the sponsors who pushed him into service and helped him rebuild a life that once felt impossible. But he does sound like Anthony Hopkins....so I could listen to him all day.
This isn’t a polished success story — it’s real, honest, and full of humor and humility. Kevin shares the goofy moments, the awkward reckonings (like tracking down an old boat), and the deep gratitude he feels for sobriety and the chance to be there for his wife. If you’re new to recovery or you’ve been walking the path for a while, you’ll find warmth, tough love, and practical hope here.
Stick around for the gentle reminders: show up, do the steps, make amends, and take life one day at a time. And hey — if this resonates, support the show so more people can hear these voices that keep recovery alive.

Ed From Coal Country to Clarity

A Shot Glass of Recovery
Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟
paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery
If you love real recovery stories told like you’re sitting across from a friend, this one’s for you. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready for some experience, strength, and hope.
Welcome to the speaker series on A Shotglass of Recovery. In this intimate talk, Ed shares a raw, heartfelt story of growing up in coal country, hitting rock bottom, and finding a life-saving path in Alcoholics Anonymous. Through honest moments—from first drinks at age 10, multiple DUI crashes, and hospitalizations, to the powerful turning points in rehab and the support of AA—you'll hear real experiences of struggle, surrender, and steady recovery. Ed walks us through how the 12 Steps reshaped his life, the miracle of medical interventions, and the daily practices (prayer, meetings, sponsorship) that keep him grounded. Full of humor, humility, and hope, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too early or late to change, and that every act of service and each amends can bring deep freedom. Tune in for practical insights, moving memories, and encouragement for anyone touched by addiction—plus a warm invitation to join the recovery community.

From Bronx Nights to Sober Sunrises: Sunshine’s 39-Year Journey

A Shot Glass of Recovery
Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟
paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery
If you love real recovery stories told like you’re sitting across from a friend, this one’s for you. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready for some experience, strength, and hope.
Hey friend — this episode is a warm, honest conversation you’ll want to press play on. Lisa welcomes Sunshine, an AA member who shares her real-life journey from Brooklyn/Bronx party culture and hard living to a life she calls “beyond my wildest drunken dreams.” She walks us through the moment she finally surrendered, the hospital and recovery program that followed, and the everyday steps that rebuilt her life.
Sunshine talks about the Big Book like it’s a trusted recipe — a textbook for recovery — and how following that recipe (yes, the whole thing) changed everything. She gets candid about hitting rock bottom in California, entering detox, finding a sponsor who asked the hard question — "Are you willing to go to any lengths?" — and answering with a sacred yes.
We get a heartfelt look at spiritual awakening, the idea of a Higher Power that doesn’t have to look like the God you grew up with, and how learning to listen to that still, small voice saved her from drinking again. She celebrates 39 years sober (since Jan 10, 1987) and explains why honesty — rigorous, soul-clearing honesty — is the foundation of the whole thing. Vulnerability, owning mistakes, and speaking truth out loud: that’s what cleared the way for connection, freedom, and real recovery.
Sunshine uses real, down-to-earth metaphors (like a cake recipe you can’t half‑bake) to show why shortcuts don’t work, and she reminds newcomers and longtime members alike that AA is a we‑program, not an I‑program — we trudge this road together. If you’re curious, hurting, or just open to hope, this episode is an invitation: dig into the steps, get a sponsor, practice honesty, and take it one day at a time.
Want to help keep these stories alive? If this resonates, consider dropping a dollar or two in the PayPal basket at paypal.me/a shot glass of recovery and subscribe or leave a review. Our speakers come from AA Solution Seekers — we meet every day at 7 a.m. — so pop in sometime and say hello. Until next time, you’re not alone.

Vic from Akron OH : Vic's Powerful Return

A Shot Glass of Recovery
Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟
paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery
Hey friend — meet Vic. He’s honest, raw, and real about the wreckage his drinking left behind and the way recovery slowly rebuilt his life. From childhood and family pain to running the streets, prison scares, heartbreaking losses, and relapses, Vic doesn’t sugarcoat a single thing. But he also shares the miracles: the people who loved him back into the rooms, the second chances, the steps, and the faith that finally stuck.
This episode feels like a long conversation with someone who’s been through the worst and still shows up for others — sponsoring, bringing meetings into treatment centers and even the penitentiary, and keeping open space for newcomers. It’s not polished — it’s human, fierce, and full of heartbeat. If you’re tired, scared, or wondering whether getting clean is even possible, give this one a listen. Vic’s story is a reminder that even when you burn everything down, rebuilding — with help — is real.
We’re sharing these stories from AA Solution Seekers Toronto to keep hope alive. If something in Vic’s talk touches you, consider leaving a dollar or two at paypal.me/a-shot-glass-of-recovery to support the show and the message being carried.

Holly D - West connect group from Jacksonville FL:From Chaos to Joy

A Shot Glass of Recovery
Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟
paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery
If you love real recovery stories told like you’re sitting across from a friend, this one’s for you. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready for some experience, strength, and hope.
Hey friend — if you’ve ever wondered what real recovery looks like beyond just not drinking, this episode is for you. Holly walks us through her wild, heartbreaking, and ultimately beautiful journey from early chaos to a life filled with joy, connection, and purpose in Alcoholics Anonymous. She talks about how loving others became the secret to her joy, the power of steps 10 and 11, and how recovery isn’t just sobriety — it’s a way of living that sets you free.
She’s honest about the hard stuff: childhood trauma, blackouts, dangerous years on the road, loss, and relapse. But she’s equally honest about the miracles — sponsorship, service, and the daily practices that keep her grounded and grateful. If you’re new to recovery or have years under your belt, Holly’s warmth, humor, and fierce love for others will remind you why we keep showing up.
Tune in to hear about the small, daily actions that build a big, joyful life — and to be reminded that love given is joy received. Stick around for uplifting moments, real talk about how step work changes everything, and a powerful reminder that you don’t have to white-knuckle through life: joy is possible, and it’s contagious.

Jen R Long Island NY - From Pink Clouds to Hard Truths of being a single mom

A Shot Glass of Recovery
Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟
paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery
If you love real recovery stories told like you’re sitting across from a friend, this one’s for you. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready for some experience, strength, and hope.
Welcome to the speaker series on A Shotglass of Recovery. Hi, I'm Lisa, the host of A Shotglass of Recovery, and this is our speaker series. Let's sit back and get ready for some more experience, Strength, and hope. I'm Jen R, not Jen M. My sobriety date is 2-17-21, and I'm sharing my messy, honest story about alcoholism and what recovery looks like for me. I used to be stunned to see familiar faces at evening meetings — I only went mornings — but here I am, a little nervous, reminding myself I'm among friends and we've all got the same purpose. I discovered I had the disease of alcoholism even though I hated it and vowed I would never be like my family. Drinking started socially and turned into a slow, rolling slide into isolation, foggy thinking, and shame. I went through stints in AA before — pink cloud moments, relapses, and lots of denial. I blamed others, took inventories of everyone but myself, and even crossed lines I swore I never would. I drove drunk with other people
nd kids in the car — thank God no one was hurt. Recovery has taught me to stop fixing people, to pause before speaking, to practice love and tolerance, and to work on myself daily. I attend meetings twice a day, work steps, sponsor others, and keep coming back after relapses. Parenting has been a wild ride with one child struggling and one thriving, and I'm learning to let go and support them without controlling outcomes. My sister still rents space in my head, but small acts like sending a card show willingness. If you're in the program, hang on. This disease is progressive, and if you slip, come back. Work the steps, be honest, and you'll find a calmer, more sane version of yourself. Thanks for listening — subscribe, leave a review, or pop into AA Solution Seekers at 7 a.m. to say hello. Every dollar helps keep the podcast going.

Rob's story: Vodka, Voices, and a Turning Point

A Shot Glass of Recovery
Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟
paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery
Welcome to the speaker series on a shot glass of recovery. Welcome to a shot glass of recovery, the speaker series. I'm your host, Lisa M. This is where we share powerful, real stories from the speakers of AA Solution Seekers Toronto, my home group, people who are living the solution and walking the path of recovery one day at a time. If something you hear here resonates with you, we invite you to show your support by dropping a dollar or two into our PayPal virtual basket. It helps us keep carrying the message and making these recordings available to others who may need them.
Now let's get into today's speaker. AA, it's the last place Rob ever wanted to be in his life. One of the things that he realized when he got sober was what it used to be like and how abnormal it was. Even before alcohol entered his life, even as a little kid, he always had this knot down in his stomach. He always had a feeling down deep inside that something was wrong in there. And it was something that always held him back in life.
If you can relate, this story may be of some help to you. 
 

Sara - Tuesday night North From Broken to Whole: A Pastor’s Path Through Addiction and Redemption

A Shot Glass of Recovery
Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟
paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery
If you love real recovery stories told like you’re sitting across from a friend, this one’s for you. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready for some experience, strength, and hope.
Welcome to the speaker series on A Shotglass of Recovery. Hi, I'm Lisa, the host of A Shotglass of Recovery, and this is our speaker series. Let's sit back and get ready for some more experience, Strength, and hope
Welcome to "A Shot Glass of Recovery" — I’m Lisa M., and today’s speaker is Sarah. She opens up about a childhood surrounded by alcohol, a desperate need for control, and how the pursuit of perfection led her down a painful path. From early relationships and becoming a young mother to pastoring under heavy expectations, Sarah shares the raw, honest moments that shaped her struggle and her waking-up call.
Her journey from hiding hangovers behind smiles to finally claiming June 29th, 2019 as her first sober day is both heartbreaking and deeply hopeful. Sarah talks about the hard truths: trying to fix everything, the crushing demands of a conservative church, and how she kept pouring alcohol into the cracks until the cracks almost swallowed her whole.
But this isn’t just a story of loss. It’s about finding AA, re-learning faith without the pain it once caused, and discovering a community that actually sees her. Sarah shares how doing the steps changed from a checkbox task to a genuine design for living — how surrendering control and embracing connection helped her heal and reconnect to herself. She now runs an addiction counselling practice and gives back, carrying the hope she received into others’ lives.
If you’re listening and feeling that same ache, know this: you’re not alone. Sarah’s story is messy, real, and ultimately full of life. It’s a reminder that recovery can lead to forgiveness, purpose, and a richer kind of faith — one that welcomes you as you are.
Enjoy the episode, and if her words land with you, consider supporting the show so these stories keep reaching people who might need them.

Mary from Eugene OR: From Darkness to Wheelbarrows

A Shot Glass of Recovery
Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟
paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery
If you love real recovery stories told like you’re sitting across from a friend, this one’s for you. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready for some experience, strength, and hope.
Welcome to the speaker series on A Shotglass of Recovery. Hi, I'm Lisa, the host of A Shotglass of Recovery, and this is our speaker series. Let's sit back and get ready for some more experience, Strength, and hope
Welcome to 'A Shot Glass of Recovery' — Lisa M.'s speaker series where real people share raw, powerful stories about sobriety. In this episode, Mary from Eugene, Oregon, opens up about early trauma, being raised around alcohol, and decades of blackout binge drinking that led to multiple accidents, health crises, and losing their home. She describes hitting rock bottom — becoming blind and bedridden — and the slow, miraculous climb back through treatment, AA, and a personal, spiritual relationship she calls her higher power. Mary's talk is full of hard truths, moments of dark humor, and heartfelt gratitude: how Zoom meetings expanded her world, how prayer and spiritual practice transformed fear into serenity, and how small daily actions help her stay sober one day at a time. She also shares practical wisdom — like the "to-do vs. to-da" list — and the image of trust as getting into the wheelbarrow on the tightrope. This episode is for anyone who needs hope, connection, and proof that recovery can bring purpose, friendship, and unexpected miracles.