The Difference Between Meeting Makers and Working the Steps – David P.

About This Speaker Tape

A warm six-pack of Schlitz and a two-dollar bet at age twelve set the stage for a life of psychotic breaks and criminal desperation. David P. recounts a wreckage that includes a failed suicide attempt involving a bottle of Betadine solution and a violent clash with a police officer in a hospital hallway.

After years of 'dry drunk' success—building a business across two countries while remaining spiritually hollow—he hit a second bottom in Arizona. The narrative shifts to a symbiotic recovery: David P. and Kevin C. connected through letters while Kevin C. was serving time for vehicular manslaughter in a California work camp

. Through a gritty mail-based sponsorship they navigated the steps from opposite coasts moving from the 'hustle' of prison life to a shared disciplined sobriety. David P. now navigates the quiet victories of marriage and fatherhood learning to keep his mouth shut and let his children actually want to be around him.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction of David P. and his sponsee, Kevin C.
• 2:15 David P. describes his first drink at age twelve and the 'glow' that made the world feel friendly.
• 7:40 The hospital incident: David P. attempts suicide and later tries to set a cop on fire.
• 11:30 Kevin C. shares his early drinking and the 'everyday love affair' with alcohol.
• 16:20 Kevin C. recounts the car accident and the vehicular manslaughter charge that led him to prison.
• 21:10 David P. discusses the 'dry drunk' years and the arrogance of thinking he had evolved out of the rooms.
• 26:40 Laughter: David P. describes his return to AA and the 'temporary sponsorship' program at 74 Trinity Place.
• 31:15 The connection: David P. begins writing to Kevin C. in prison.
• 36:40 Kevin C. describes working the steps through the mail and the limitations of the fifth step due to prison censors.
• 43:10 David P. reflects on the 'mathematics of AA' and the struggle with the tenth step in his professional life.
• 48:50 David P. shares the freedom found in making amends to his mother and the change in his relationship with his children.
• 53:20 Closing thoughts on the 'wagon' of sponsorship and opening the floor for discussion.