Starting your journey of recovery can feel overwhelming. As a newcomer to Alcoholics Anonymous, you’re stepping into a world filled with new concepts, fresh perspectives, and powerful stories of hope. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to navigate this path alone. The Sober Speak podcast has become one of the best sobriety podcasts available, offering real people sharing their personal experiences with substance abuse and addiction recovery.
Whether you’re taking your first step toward sobriety or supporting a family member through their recovery, this recovery-focused podcast provides the practical advice and honest conversations you need. Created by John M. in 2017, Sober Speak has grown to over 2.5 million downloads, making it a trusted resource in the recovery community.
This guide will walk you through the most impactful AA speaker episodes specifically chosen for newcomers. Each episode we’ve selected addresses the core challenges of early recovery, from understanding the steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to establishing a daily routine that supports long-term sobriety.
Why Sober Speak Stands Out Among Addiction Podcasts
The Sober Speak podcast shares experience, strength, and hope through authentic recovery interviews centered around the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. What makes this discussion podcast unique is its commitment to featuring real talk from AA members who have walked the same path you’re beginning.
Unlike other podcasts that focus on celebrity stories or the entertainment industry, Sober Speak brings you down-to-earth personal stories from people just like you. You’ll hear from individuals who’ve struggled with substance use disorders, worked through mental health challenges, and built years of sobriety one day at a time.
Each episode podcast shares experience through the lens of Alcoholics Anonymous, offering practical applications of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous principles. This isn’t academic theory: it’s the heart of Alcoholics Anonymous brought to life through real people’s journeys.
Essential Episodes for Your First Step
Episode 238: Marty C – Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous Deep Dive
Why Start Here: Understanding the first step is crucial for anyone new to AA. Marty C from Hamilton, Ontario, takes listeners through a comprehensive exploration of powerlessness and unmanageability, the foundation of recovery.
What You’ll Learn: This episode provides practical advice on how to honestly assess your relationship with alcohol addiction. Marty breaks down what it really means to admit powerlessness and why this admission is liberating rather than defeating. His discussion touches on mental health considerations and how accepting the first step opens the door to a better life.
Key Takeaway for Newcomers: You’ll discover that being “powerless but not helpless” is the paradox that makes recovery possible. This episode helps you understand that acknowledging your substance abuse isn’t a weakness. It’s the beginning of strength.
Listen here: soberspeak.com/podcast
Episode 227: Marty C – These Are The Steps We Took
Why This Matters: After grasping Step 1, newcomers should gain a comprehensive understanding of the 12-step journey. Marty returns to share his personal experiences working through all the steps, offering hope-filled stories that demonstrate long-term recovery is possible.
What You’ll Learn: This episode walks through the transformative journey of recovery, from the first drink to long-term sobriety. Marty discusses how each step builds on the previous one, creating a path to freedom from alcohol addiction and substance abuse. His approach makes the sometimes intimidating process of working the steps feel accessible and manageable.
Key Takeaway for Newcomers: The steps are more than just a theoretical framework. They’re practical tools that lead to revolutionary change in Alcoholics Anonymous. You’ll hear real-life examples of how the steps address not just drinking, but the underlying issues that fuel addiction.
Listen here: soberspeak.com/podcast
The Joe and Charlie Series: Your Big Book Study Guide
Episodes 251-256: Joe and Charlie – Big Book Comes Alive (Complete Series)
Why This Is Essential: Joe and Charlie’s legendary workshop is considered the greatest presentation of the Big Book ever created. Sober Speak has preserved this invaluable content across six comprehensive episodes, making it accessible to newcomers who want a deep dive into the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.
What You’ll Learn: These episodes take you page-by-page through the entire original manuscript of the AA Big Book. Joe McQuany and Charlie Parmley explain the historical context, decode archaic language, and reveal the practical applications hidden within the text. You’ll understand paragraph numbers, the primary purpose of AA, and how to apply Big Book principles to your own life.
The series covers everything from Dr. Silkworth’s letter to the stories in the back of the book. It’s like attending a book study meeting led by two of the most respected AA speakers in history. You’ll gain insights into the lens of Alcoholics Anonymous that will deepen your understanding, whether you’re at your first meeting or building years of sobriety.
Key Takeaway for Newcomers: The Big Book is more than a historical document. It serves as a living guide for recovery. Joe and Charlie make the solution laid out in those pages of the Big Book accessible and actionable. This series is essential listening for anyone serious about working a program of recovery.
Listen here: Start with Episode 251 and continue through the complete six-part series. Each episode of the podcast shares an experience that builds on the previous one, so listen to them in order for the best listening experience.
Episode 168: Brian P – Steps 1 and 2 of Alcoholics Anonymous
Why Newcomers Need This: Following Joe and Charlie’s comprehensive overview, Brian P’s focused discussion of Steps 1 and 2 offers a fresh perspective on these foundational steps. Sometimes hearing the same concepts explained by different people helps them click.
What You’ll Learn: Brian explores the relationship between powerlessness (Step 1) and the belief that a Higher Power can restore sanity (Step 2). He addresses common concerns newcomers have about the concept of a Higher Power, making it accessible even for those struggling with traditional spirituality.
Key Takeaway for Newcomers: You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting your journey of recovery. Brian’s honest conversations about his own doubts and discoveries demonstrate that spiritual principles can be understood gradually through engagement with the program.
Listen here: soberspeak.com/podcast
Understanding Powerlessness and Hope
Episode 239: Buddy C – Powerless But Not Helpless
Why This Resonates: The phrase “powerless but not helpless” perfectly captures the paradox newcomers must understand. Buddy C from Northern Alabama delivers this message with clarity and compassion.
What You’ll Learn: This episode tackles a common misconception among newcomers: the confusion of powerlessness with hopelessness. Buddy explains that acknowledging powerlessness over alcohol is actually empowering, as it allows you to access help from a Higher Power, your AA meeting community, and the collective strength of the fellowship.
Key Takeaway for Newcomers: Feeling powerless doesn’t mean you have been defeated; rather, it marks the beginning of your journey towards victory. This reframe helps newcomers move past resistance to the first step and embrace the solution that’s been helping millions achieve long-term sobriety.
Listen here: soberspeak.com/podcast
Working Through the Middle Steps
Episode 237: Charlie P – Steps 6 and 7 of Alcoholics Anonymous
Why Include Middle Steps: While newcomers focus on early steps, understanding the complete journey gives hope and context. Charlie P from Austin, Texas, offers clear guidance on these often-misunderstood steps.
What You’ll Learn: Steps 6 and 7 involve becoming “entirely ready” to have God remove defects of character and humbly asking Him to remove shortcomings. Charlie breaks down what this means in practical terms, moving beyond abstract concepts to actionable understanding. He addresses how these steps connect to mental health and personal growth.
Key Takeaway for Newcomers: Recovery is more than just stopping drinking – it’s about becoming a different person. These steps demonstrate the transformation possible through the program, providing newcomers with something to look forward to as they progress.
Listen here: soberspeak.com/podcast
Episode 223: Charlie P – Step 5 of Alcoholics Anonymous
Why Step 5 Matters: The fifth step, admitting the exact nature of our wrongs to God, ourselves, and another person, is often the most intimidating for newcomers. Charlie P demystifies this crucial step.
What You’ll Learn: This episode explains why Step 5 is so powerful and how it leads to freedom from shame and secrets. Charlie discusses practical advice for choosing the right person to hear your fifth step, what to expect during the process, and how this step relates to mental health recovery.
Key Takeaway for Newcomers: The fifth step isn’t about judgment. It’s about liberation. Understanding this step early helps newcomers prepare psychologically for this transformative experience.
Listen here: soberspeak.com/podcast
Historical Context and Big Book Wisdom
Episode 370: Bill S – Writing of the Big Book
Why Historical Context Helps: Understanding the origins of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous enriches every other episode you’ll hear. Bill S provides fascinating insights into the creation of AA’s primary text.
What You’ll Learn: This episode takes you behind the scenes of how Bill Wilson and the early AA members wrote and revised the Big Book. You’ll discover the controversies, compromises, and divine inspiration that went into creating this foundational recovery document. Understanding the entire original manuscript’s history helps newcomers appreciate why certain language was chosen and how the book’s structure serves recovery.
Key Takeaway for Newcomers: The Big Book wasn’t written by perfect people. It was written by alcoholics in early recovery who were desperately seeking a solution. Their human story makes the book’s wisdom even more powerful and accessible.
Listen here: soberspeak.com/podcast
Episode 196: Reno John A – Steps 6 and 7 of Alcoholics Anonymous
Why Multiple Perspectives Matter: Hearing different AA speakers discuss the same steps provides a wider variety of stories and interpretations. Reno John offers his own unique take on Steps 6 and 7.
What You’ll Learn: Reno John’s people’s experiences bring Steps 6 and 7 to life through specific examples from his journey. His discussion of character defects and shortcomings is relatable and practical, showing how these spiritual concepts apply to everyday life and relationships.
Key Takeaway for Newcomers: There’s no single “right way” to understand or work the steps. Different speakers’ perspectives help you find the interpretation that resonates with your own experiences.
Listen here: soberspeak.com/podcast
What Makes These Episodes Perfect for Newcomers
The episodes we’ve highlighted share several crucial characteristics that make them ideal for those new to AA:
Real People, Real Stories: Unlike podcasts featuring famous people or Dax Shepard-style celebrity interviews, these episodes center on ordinary individuals who’ve achieved extraordinary sobriety. The personal stories feel accessible because the speakers aren’t distant celebrities. They’re people who sat in the same AA meetings you’re attending.
Practical Applications: Each episode moves beyond theory to offer practical advice you can implement immediately. Whether it’s establishing a daily routine in early sobriety, understanding how to approach an open meeting, or learning what to expect at a step meeting, these podcasts provide actionable guidance.
Mental Health Integration: Many episodes address the connection between substance use disorders and mental health, recognizing that addiction rarely exists in isolation. This holistic approach helps newcomers understand the full scope of recovery.
Multiple Formats: Some episodes are traditional interviews, others are talks from AA speaker meetings, and the Joe and Charlie series functions as a comprehensive book study. This variety keeps the content engaging while serving different learning styles.
Focus on the Solution: While speakers honestly share what they “used to be like” and “what happened,” the emphasis is always on “what we are like now”. The solution was found through AA’s program.
How to Use These Episodes in Your Recovery Journey
Create a Listening Schedule
Start with Episode 238 (Marty C’s Step 1 Deep Dive) to build your foundation. Then move to the Joe and Charlie series, dedicating time each day for these longer episodes. The short daily audio format of individual episodes makes them perfect for your morning commute or evening routine.
Pair Podcast Listening with Meetings
Think of Sober Speak as your “meeting between meetings.” Listen to episodes that correspond with what you’re hearing in your home AA meeting. If your group is studying Step 4, queue up relevant episodes to deepen your understanding.
Take Notes and Reflect
Keep blank pages in a notebook to jot down insights as you listen. The pages of text in your notes will become a companion blog to your recovery, documenting your journey as you learn from others’ personal experiences.
Share with Your Sponsor
Discuss episodes with your sponsor, especially the Big Book-focused content. Many sponsors appreciate having a shared reference point for discussions about the steps and Big Book study.
Join Online Recovery Group Transitions
Connect with others who are also listening to Sober Speak. The podcast’s website and social media provide opportunities to connect with the community, ask questions, and share your own sobriety stories.
Beyond the Basics: Growing Your Recovery Library
As you progress beyond early sobriety, Sober Speak offers hundreds of new episodes exploring every aspect of recovery. The podcast format allows you to explore topics like:
- Long-term sobriety challenges and triumphs
- Traditional studies (the principles that guide AA groups)
- Recovery in special populations (like Episode 369’s discussion of prison and the 12 steps)
- Specific Big Book passages and their applications
- Stories from people with decades of sobriety
The greatest sobriety podcasts grow with you, and Sober Speak’s extensive library ensures you’ll always find relevant content no matter where you are in your recovery journey.
Other Recovery Resources to Complement Your Listening
While Sober Speak is an exceptional resource, newcomers benefit from multiple perspectives. Consider exploring:
Sober Cast: This podcast features AA speaker meetings and workshops in a simple audio format. It’s not a discussion podcast but rather recordings of actual talks given at meetings and conferences around the world.
Recovery Elevator: Offers a different perspective on addiction recovery podcasts with interviews and recovery stories.
The Bubble Hour: Focuses on women in recovery, though its content benefits anyone seeking sobriety.
Your Local AA Meetings: Nothing replaces in-person connection. Use podcasts to supplement, not replace, regular AA meeting attendance.
Big Book Study Groups: Join a book study meeting in your area to discuss the pages of the Big Book in detail with others.
Latest Research: Stay informed about the latest research on substance abuse and addiction recovery. Science and spirituality can work together in your recovery.
Accessible Across All Platforms
Sober Speak is available on:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Audible
- Podbean
- Any podcast app that supports RSS feeds
This accessibility means you can listen anywhere, anytime, whether you’re at home, at work, or traveling. Many listeners describe it as having an AA meeting in their pocket, available whenever they need support.
The Power of Shared Experience
What distinguishes the best addiction recovery podcasts from mediocre ones is authenticity. Sober Speak succeeds because every episode of the podcast shares experiences from people who have genuinely lived through addiction and found recovery through the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.
These aren’t actors reading scripts or influencers promoting products. These are your fellow alcoholics, real people who understand what you’re going through because they’ve been there. Their powerful stories of hope demonstrate that recovery isn’t just possible. It’s probable when you’re willing to go to any length.
A Note on the Podcast’s Independence
Sober Speak explicitly states it’s not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous in any way. This independence allows for honest conversations and diverse perspectives while maintaining deep respect for AA’s principles and traditions. The podcast operates in the spirit of sharing experience, strength, and hope, AA’s primary purpose, without claiming to speak for the organization.
Building Your Daily Routine Around Recovery
One of the most practical applications of these episodes is incorporating them into your daily routine. Many newcomers find that starting their day with a daily email from AA resources or a Sober Speak episode sets a positive tone.
Consider this simple routine:
- Morning: Listen to a 20-30 minute episode while getting ready for your day
- Midday: Read a Big Book quote or reflect on something from your morning listening
- Evening: Attend an AA meeting (open meeting or closed meeting, depending on what’s available)
- Before Bed: Short reflection or gratitude list based on the day’s lessons
This structure creates twenty-four hours of conscious recovery focus without overwhelming your schedule.
For Friends and Family Members
If you’re a family member of someone in early recovery, these episodes offer invaluable perspective. Understanding the steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, hearing personal stories of substance abuse recovery, and learning the language of AA help you support your loved one more effectively.
Episodes like the Joe and Charlie series give family members insight into what their loved one is learning and experiencing. This shared knowledge can bridge communication gaps and foster better understanding during a challenging time.
The Journey Continues
Starting recovery is both the hardest and most rewarding decision you’ll ever make. These Sober Speak episodes provide a roadmap through those crucial early days when everything feels uncertain. But remember: you don’t need to have your whole life figured out today.
As the program teaches, we live “one day at a time,” sometimes even “twenty-four hours” at a time. Each episode you listen to is a small investment in your long-term recovery and your journey toward a better life.
The story of recovery that you’re beginning to write will one day be a source of hope for another newcomer. Perhaps years from now, you’ll be the one sharing your experience on a podcast like Sober Speak, offering guidance to someone taking their first step just as you are today.
Your Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here’s your action plan:
- Subscribe to Sober Speak on your preferred podcast platform
- Start with Episode 238 (Marty C’s Step 1 Deep Dive)
- Find a local AA meeting to complement your podcast listening
- Reach out for support using the contacts at soberspeak.com
- Listen to the Joe and Charlie series for comprehensive Big Book understanding
- Keep coming back to new episodes as they’re released weekly
The Sober Speak podcast has helped thousands of people navigate early sobriety, understand the steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, and build lives free from substance abuse. These episodes for newcomers to AA represent just the beginning of what’s available.
Your recovery journey is unique to you, but you don’t have to walk it alone. With resources like Sober Speak providing practical advice, powerful stories of hope, and honest conversations about substance use disorders and mental health, you have the tools you need to succeed.
Welcome to recovery. Welcome to a new way of life. Welcome to Sober Speak.
Disclaimer: Sober Speak is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous. This podcast shares experiences, strengths, and hopes centered around recovery and the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous for educational and inspirational purposes. If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction or substance abuse, please seek professional help and attend local AA meetings in addition to listening to recovery podcasts.
About the Author: This guide was created to help newcomers navigate their early recovery journey by highlighting the most relevant and helpful Sober Speak podcast episodes. For more recovery resources, visit soberspeak.com.
Have questions about these episodes? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/SoberSpeak or email john@soberspeak.com. The Sober Speak community welcomes all who seek recovery.