Sober Cast: An (unofficial) Alcoholics Anonymous Podcast AA ESH: Father Tom W speaking in Seattle
Jan 14, 2026
Father Tom W, a Jesuit priest and seasoned member of Alcoholics Anonymous, shares his journey from alcoholism to recovery. He humorously reflects on the importance of storytelling in AA and discusses his early life and struggles with seeking help. Father Tom recounts his intervention, steps into treatment, and the transformative power of his first AA meetings. He emphasizes the emotional roller coaster of early sobriety and the essence of community, friendship, and gradual personal growth in recovery.
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Saved By An Awkward Intervention
- Father Tom describes being intervened on and sent to treatment while studying theology, which felt shameful and humiliating at first.
- He later took months to appreciate the people who saved his life and admits it took years to truly thank them.
From Childhood Sips To Daily Drinking
- Father Tom recounts early drinking experiments from childhood through high school, including a bike accident after drinking.
- He became a daily drinker and a frequent drunk driver, admitting he was willing to risk others' lives.
Three Phases Of Alcoholism
- Dr. Gil's three-phase model frames alcoholism as fun, fun-plus-problems, then full alcoholism where fun disappears.
- The crucial question in step one is whether drinking is still fun; desperation opens the door to recovery.
