Kathleen W. from Studio City, CA speaking at the Brentwood Beginners Workshop in Los Angeles, CA - October 2nd 2014

Visit our website - Sober-Sunrise.com

Kathleen W. delivers a raw, humorous, and deeply moving account of her transformation from a court-ordered attendee to a woman celebrating 23 years of sobriety. Born into a laid-back surf culture in Santa Barbara, Kathleen turned to alcohol early to silence her inner critic and navigate a life of blackouts, shame, failed relationships, and professional disasters. Her bottom came when her acting career imploded and her husband overdosed—pushing her to finally seek real help. Reluctantly, she committed to a year of AA, only to discover connection, grace, and the power of the steps. Today, Kathleen lives a life beyond her wildest dreams with a husband, children, a meaningful spiritual practice, and a fierce dedication to service. Her story is a testament to how AA can rescue not just lives, but identities, restoring dignity, family, and love through honest work and daily spiritual maintenance.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Charlie P. from Austin, TX speaking at the South Bay men's retreat in Santa Barbara, CA - December 12th 2013

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Sober since March 22, 1985, Charlie shares his transformative AA journey with humor, vulnerability, and conviction, reflecting on how following the clear-cut directions of the Big Book—rather than just attending meetings—completely changed his life. After 17 years of sobriety, he hit a spiritual bottom despite staying dry, and rediscovered recovery by recommitting to the steps, deep sponsorship, and service. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual experience, identification with fellow alcoholics, and a full surrender to a Higher Power. From pawn shops and psych wards to purpose and peace, Charlie’s message is a testament to the power of real recovery through action, not just abstinence.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

Chris S. from Pottersville, NJ and Steve L. from Nashville, TN speaking at workshop entitled Upping your Game at the Wilson House in East Dorset, VT - August 21st 2021

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In part 2 of Chris S. and Steve L.'s workshop, the focus turns inward as they guide listeners through the deeply personal process of the 4th through 7th steps of recovery. Chris opens with raw self-reflection, sharing how his resentments, fear, and selfishness nearly pushed him out of AA entirely—until working the steps helped him see that his thinking and perception, not the world around him, were the root of his pain. Through humorous but vulnerable stories, he highlights how early sobriety was marked by turmoil, denial, and self-will run riot, until he embraced the 4th step's spiritual inventory. Steve builds on this, illuminating how resentment, fear, and dishonesty keep us blocked from connection with God and others. He emphasizes the freeing power of forgiveness and spiritual surrender, using vivid analogies (like NCIS-style “spiritual autopsies” and metaphorical yard sales) to show how self-examination, willingness, and humility make space for God to work in our lives. Both men stress that recovery is not about perfection, but about spiritual growth, one surrendered defect at a time.

Music: Deep by KaizanBlu