Sober Cast: An (unofficial) Alcoholics Anonymous Podcast AA Workshop: 12 Steps by Sandy B - Part 2: Step 4
Nov 7, 2025
Sandy Pichon, a seasoned AA circuit speaker known for his global workshops, dives deep into Step Four, focusing on moral inventory work. He discusses the importance of group support in recovery and the fears newcomers face when confronting their pasts. Sandy emphasizes the need for spiritual guidance to navigate life while clearing self-centeredness that blocks progress. He also highlights common barriers like pride and fear that hinder honest inventories. Through sharing and validation, participants gain new perspectives on their journey to sobriety.
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Powerlessness Drives Recovery
- Addiction forces people into a communal solution because individual willpower usually fails.
- Sandy Pichon says powerlessness drives alcoholics into AA and the steps provide a path to sobriety and growth.
Being Forced Into The Program
- Sandy Pichon recalls thinking the steps were chores to postpone until later.
- He says addiction forced him down the path he would never have chosen voluntarily.
Grab The Life Preserver First
- A 'higher power' is presented as practical help, not a theology test.
- Sandy Pichon advises accepting help first and defining the higher power later to avoid paralysis by debate.