Step 9 and the Slight of Hand with ‘Wherever Possible’ – Bruce E.

About This Speaker Tape

Bruce E. maps out the vital role of sponsorship as the essential human connection that pulls a person out of the wreckage. He traces his early days—from drinking a stolen quart of whiskey under a bridge as a teen to the violent 'rotten' years of his early marriage.

He describes a series of sponsors: the honest Jim the gentle Tim and the abrasive 'Hitler of AA' Jerry who forced him to read the Big Book and carry a pocket dictionary to kill his arrogance. Bruce details the shift from wanting to be the 'chairman' to scrubbing black bakelite ashtrays in the club kitchen. He eventually finds a long-distance anchor in Clancy who taught him that a 'pukey little poodle story' can save a life if told with honesty.

Bruce argues that recovery isn't found in textbooks but in the voices of other human beings who refuse to accept a newcomer's bullshit.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Bruce E. opens by arguing that sponsorship is the most important element of AA because of the human connection.
• 2:15 Story about drinking a stolen quart of whiskey under a bridge and nearly drowning in a lake.
• 7:40 Description of the 'rotten' years of his marriage and his violent behavior.
• 12:10 The intervention of a sober counselor who called him four days in a row and called him a 'worthless loser' to get his attention.
• 16:30 The 'red D' and the struggle to pass senior English.
• 21:00 First meeting and the experience of being a 'total dummy' among old-timers.
• 25:45 The relationship with Jerry, the 'Hitler of AA,' and the study of the Big Book (mention of the 'phenomenon of craving').
• 32:10 Laughter: The misunderstanding about being the 'Chairman' and the reality of setting up chairs.
• 38:00 The long-distance sponsorship with Clancy and the discipline of the Friday letters.
• 45:20 Discussion on how a 'pukey little poodle story' can be a superpower when working with others.
• 52:00 Reflections on the 'Higher Power of my own understanding' and the necessity of willingness, open-mindedness, and honesty.