If It's Not in the Book It's Not Important -  AA Speaker - Ray O. episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 25, 2026 · 2H 56M

If It's Not in the Book It's Not Important - AA Speaker - Ray O.

from Sober Sunrise - AA Speaker Podcast · host Sober Sunrise

A law professor who lost everything sat in a wet, smoldering chair planning his revenge — then a sponsor with one rule changed everything: if it's not in the Big Book, it's not important. We just launched our new Episodes page — search hundreds of AA speaker meetings by topic, speaker, or step ☀️  Sober-Sunrise.com This isn't a typical AA story — it's a former law professor walking through steps one through three with the precision of a courtroom argument and some of the funniest stories you'll hear from any podium. Ray O. was the youngest tenured law professor in America, sitting in a chair he'd set on fire and wet in the same night, planning exotic legal revenge on everyone who'd wronged him. His sponsor John had one rule: if it's not in the Big Book, it's not important. Six months into sobriety, Ray sat down at his desk one morning and realized he hadn't thought about a drink — and that was the moment power became real, not because someone explained it but because he experienced it. From there he builds the clearest explanation of the first three steps you'll find anywhere: powerlessness needs power, power needs an open mind, and the third step is just deciding whether you're going back or staying here. Ray O. from Miami, FL doing a step workshop in Grant's Pass, OR - July 1991 Music: Deep by KaizanBlu  

A law professor who lost everything sat in a wet, smoldering chair planning his revenge — then a sponsor with one rule changed everything: if it's not in the Big Book, it's not important. We just launched our new Episodes page — search hundreds of AA speaker meetings by topic, speaker, or step ☀️  Sober-Sunrise.com This isn't a typical AA story — it's a former law professor walking through steps one through three with the precision of a courtroom argument and some of the funniest stories you'll hear from any podium. Ray O. was the youngest tenured law professor in America, sitting in a chair he'd set on fire and wet in the same night, planning exotic legal revenge on everyone who'd wronged him. His sponsor John had one rule: if it's not in the Big Book, it's not important. Six months into sobriety, Ray sat down at his desk one morning and realized he hadn't thought about a drink — and that was the moment power became real, not because someone explained it but because he experienced it. From there he builds the clearest explanation of the first three steps you'll find anywhere: powerlessness needs power, power needs an open mind, and the third step is just deciding whether you're going back or staying here. Ray O. from Miami, FL doing a step workshop in Grant's Pass, OR - July 1991 Music: Deep by KaizanBlu

NOW PLAYING

If It's Not in the Book It's Not Important - AA Speaker - Ray O.

0:00 2:56:04

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Big Old Life: Heather Blackbird interviews people on planet earth. Heather Blackbird loves asking questions. This podcast is a learning experience. Join me, Heather Blackbird, as I talk to people about their lives. Frequency of new episodes is a little all over the place and I'm learning as I go. Big Old Life is a small way of talking about the vastness of life, one person at a time. If you are reading this or found this podcast it's probably because someone you know gave you a link to it. :) Explicit The Sacred +Profane Podcast nephtaragrace The Sacred + Profane Podcast is a provocative conversation dedicated to cementing a better future for all. We specialize in unpacking the nuances of what is considered sacred and profane, particularly focusing on sex, death, and all that pertains to the circle of life. Our aim in focusing on such ”taboo” subject matter is to demystify what is unconscious, bring to light what has been known for centuries as ”the occult,” and empower the rapid transformation that is occurring on the Planet. Explicit Undeniable w/ Braxton Curtis Braxton Curtis The official Podcast of Braxton Curtis.A Father, Husband, and Business Owner just trying to figure it all out. Explicit Bitcoin Gateway Lea meakin Welcome to Bitcoin Gateway, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of Bitcoin, hosted by Lea Meakin. This show is for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by the complex world of cryptocurrencies and wants a simple, straightforward explanation. Each episode, we’ll break down the basics of Bitcoin, explore its history, and discuss its potential impact on the future of finance. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to expand your knowledge, Bitcoin Gateway is here to help you understand Bitcoin, one episode at a time. Explicit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Sober Sunrise - AA Speaker Podcast?

This episode is 2 hours and 56 minutes long.

When was this Sober Sunrise - AA Speaker Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on March 25, 2026.

What is this episode about?

A law professor who lost everything sat in a wet, smoldering chair planning his revenge — then a sponsor with one rule changed everything: if it's not in the Big Book, it's not important. We just launched our new Episodes page — search hundreds of...

Can I download this Sober Sunrise - AA Speaker Podcast episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!