Step 1 – Stevie B. – Life Is Good Group – 2025

About This Speaker Tape

Stevie B. opens with a high-energy, gritty account of a life defined by 'debauchery' and a 'Higher Power-sized hole.' He describes the wreckage of his youth—lying about having a famous brother to feel like a somebody, and a childhood accident where he lost an eye in a 'you shoot at me' game with a neighborhood bully. He details the mental obsession of the 'yes man,' unable to refuse a drink or a bathtub gin concoction from Home D.

. The narrative shifts from the desperation of hiding behind a furnace in a sober building during a relapse to the relief of the 'little tiny promises'—having money in his pocket and knowing where he parked. He emphasizes that faith is a muscle that must be exercised through the work of the steps and service, contrasting spiritual sobriety with those who are merely 'dry' and look like moles.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction and greeting to the Golden Text Group.
• 0:45 Laughter: Story about the crack-addicted Roman guard in the Christmas play.
• 2:15 Discussion on the difference between physical sobriety and spiritual sobriety.
• 4:30 Reference to page 52 of the Big Book regarding personal relationships and bedevilments.
• 6:10 Story of relapsing in Minneapolis and hiding behind a furnace in a basement.
• 7:20 Mention of suicide attempts and the Minnesota detox center.
• 9:15 Discussion on faith as a muscle and the necessity of working the steps.
• 12:10 The 'you shoot at me' game and the loss of his eye.
• 14:50 Step 4 and Step 9: Making amends to the boy who shot him after 30 years of resentment.
• 17:30 Applause: Celebrating Melanie's one-year sobriety anniversary.
• 19:10 Discussion on the 'Doctor's Opinion' and the mental obsession/compulsion.
• 22:40 Laughter: Story about his sponsor Russell and the 'worst day of my life' at the swap shop.