Sponsorship Without the Thinking – Dick M.

About This Speaker Tape

A sidewalk cafe on Connecticut Avenue, Northwest Washington. Dick M. is sipping Rémy Martin and leaning on a brand new American Express card, playing the part of the sophisticated man of the world. But the image is a lie. For decades, Dick used alcohol to "alter instantly his perceptions of reality," transforming from an emotional cripple into a man who felt equal to the universe. He lived as a paradox: a towering, arrogant figure on the outside who was terrified and alienated on the inside.

The wreckage is concrete: 23 arrests for public intoxication, a marriage dissolved by a drinking buddy on the side, and the crushing guilt of children left behind. He warns against the "intellectual giants" who quote the Big Book by heart but won't go on a 12-step call. For Dick, sobriety isn't about outthinking the program or psychological theories; it is found in the gritty, spiritual actions of sponsorship and the humility of wearing a coat and tie to honor the fellowship.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Opening readings and the Fox Hall Group's guidelines on participation.
• 5:15 Laughter: Discussion about 'Dapper D.' and the anniversary cakes.
• 12:40 Mary B. shares a story about a 12-step call and the excitement of seeing the Big Book in action.
• 18:30 Dick M. begins his talk, addressing the group's habit of 'jabbering' during meetings.
• 24:10 Dick M. discusses the importance of wearing a coat and tie to honor the fellowship.
• 31:00 Dick M. describes his childhood as an 'emotional cripple' and the onset of his arrogance.
• 42:15 The story of the first drink (Canadian A. Ale) and the feeling of no longer being an alien.
• 55:20 Dick M. details his legal troubles, including 23 arrests for public intoxication.
• 1:05:10 The 27-million-dollar marriage proposal and the subsequent moment of clarity.
• 1:15:40 Dick M. recounts his first meeting in Silver S. and the advice to eat sugar to curb cravings.
• 1:25:00 Discussion on the 'magic' of action over intellect and the role of sponsorship.
• 1:35:10 The story of his first sponsor, Buck D., and the tragedy of a sponsor who never worked the steps.