Ryan M. on the 10th Step, Step 11, and Staying in Fit Spiritual Condition

About This Speaker Tape

Mad Dog Recovery AA Speakers - 2026

Ryan M. and Risa M. dismantle the 10th Step moving it from a reactionary 'apology tool' to a proactive state of spiritual alertness. Ryan maps out the danger of the 'toolkit of self-will'—the way he used to arrange the lights in his own life's ballet—and explains the 10th Step as a 'spot check' to avoid the tractor-trailer of disaster. Risa shares the wreckage of treating maintenance steps as 'extra credit,' leading to a period of profound emptiness and a near-relapse at 16 years sober. Together they trace the path from the 'world of the spirit' to the 'vital sixth sense,' arguing that sobriety isn't about avoiding a drink but about the daily discipline of staying in fit spiritual condition to avoid the grind of white-knuckling. They emphasize that the only way to stay safe is to stop running the show and start watching for the creep of selfishness and fear.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:45 Ryan M. introduces the 'sandwich' concept: the day starts and ends with Step 11, with Step 10 in the middle.
• 4:12 Ryan discusses the 'toolkit of self-will' and the desire to run the whole show.
• 7:30 Ryan explains the transition from the 9th Step promises to the 10th Step.
• 10:15 Risa M. shares her struggle with viewing Steps 10 and 11 as 'extra credit' rather than essential.
• 15:40 Laughter: Risa describes her 'tornado' moment in the grocery store and performing a 10th Step in the aisle.
• 20:10 Ryan breaks down the difference between 'waiting' for a mistake and 'watching' for one.
• 25:30 Discussion on the 'miracle' of the problem being removed and the reaction to alcohol as a 'hot flame'.
• 30:15 Risa warns against 'resting on laurels' and the danger of the 'spiritual buffet' on Sundays.
• 35:00 Risa shares a raw moment about nearly drinking again at 16 years sober due to spiritual emptiness.
• 38:45 Ryan describes the 'vital sixth sense' and the experience of listening to a creek in the park.