AI IDeas on Getting People to Say Something

 AI Ideas for Meetings where Zoom Members Just Sit There

It sounds like your meeting has a unique mix of regular attendees and a large, shifting group of "guests" who often prefer to listen rather than share. The long silences can be awkward, especially in a sharing meeting where participation is essential for the group's energy.

Here are some strategies that might help:

1. Set the Expectation More Directly at the Start

• Instead of saying, "If you only want to listen, that’s okay," try rewording to emphasize participation:
  • "We understand that some of you may be here just to listen tonight, and that's okay. But since this is a sharing meeting, it really works best when at least a few people take part. If you feel at all inclined, we'd love to hear even just a short share from you."
• Some people might be unsure of when or how to jump in, so encouraging brief, simple shares could help.

2. Use Prompts to Kickstart Sharing

• Silence often happens when people don’t know what to say. Give them an easy starting point:
  • "A topic to consider tonight is 'What’s one thing that helped you stay sober this week?'"
  • "What was your biggest challenge this week in sobriety?"
  • "What was your first impression of AA, and how has it changed?"
• A prompt makes it easier for people to contribute without feeling put on the spot.

3. Gently Call on Willing Participants

• If you have a couple of regulars, you might arrange in advance for them to kick things off if silence drags. You can also invite newcomers directly but without pressure:
  • "We’d love to hear from some of the new folks. No need for anything deep—maybe just what brought you here tonight."
• Sometimes a light personal nudge, rather than a broad invitation, can work.

4. Use a 'Go-Around' Format for a Few Minutes

• Instead of leaving it entirely open-ended, you might say:
  • "Let’s do a quick go-around where each person shares just one sentence about where they’re at tonight. No pressure, but feel free to pass if you like."
• This lowers the barrier to participation and might help get the conversation flowing.

5. Leverage the Power of the Regulars

• If you have a couple of strong participants, they could share shorter reflections to break up silences rather than waiting out the silence.

6. Acknowledge the Dynamic Without Frustration

• If long pauses happen, you can simply normalize it rather than making it awkward:
  • "We have a lot of people who like to listen, and that’s totally okay. If anyone wants to jump in, we’d love to hear your voice. No pressure, just an open space."

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These small adjustments might help create more warmth, invitation, and momentum without making people feel forced to speak. Would you like help rewriting part of the script to reflect these changes?

You said:

I go to an in person meeting on some Friday nights, where there are about 20 people, and a lead speaker gives a ten minute share, then we go person-by-person around the circle. Everybody shares fine in that situation. What about the idea, AA is about getting to know one another and hear one another and learn from one another? That's a main point of AA sharing meetings (as opposed to 100 person meetings with a 1 hour speaker). one regular member once said, "All these new faces, and I'm looking forward to getting to know something about you." Themes along these lines?

ChatGPT said:

That’s a great insight—AA is about connection, learning from one another, and building a sense of fellowship. The structure of your Friday night meeting ensures that everyone shares, which naturally prevents long silences. But in your Zoom meeting, where participation is voluntary, emphasizing the idea that sharing is how we get to know each other and how AA works could be a useful approach.

Possible Ways to Introduce This Theme in Your Meeting:

1. Make Connection the Focus From the Start

   • "AA isn’t just about staying sober—it’s about getting to know one another, hearing each other’s experiences, and learning from each other. The heart of a sharing meeting is exactly that—sharing. If you’re comfortable, we’d love to hear from you, even if it’s just a sentence or two about what brought you here."

2. Borrow From What the Regular Said

   • "We have a lot of new faces here tonight, and I look forward to getting to know something about each of you."
   • This makes it feel like an invitation rather than a demand.

3. Frame It as Participation, Not Performance

   • Some newcomers might be nervous about sharing because they think they have to say something profound. You could say:
   • "Sharing in AA isn’t about saying something perfect—it’s about showing up and being part of the group. Even a small share helps keep the spirit of the meeting alive."

4. Tie It to AA’s Core Purpose

   • "One thing that makes AA different from other approaches is that we learn from one another. It’s not a lecture, it’s a conversation. And like any good conversation, the more voices we hear, the more we all get out of it."

5. Use a Gentle Prompt About What Sharing Means

   • "For those of us who’ve been here a while, we know that listening is valuable. But there’s something about speaking out loud—saying what’s on our minds—that helps in a different way. If you’re on the fence about sharing, know that your words might help someone else tonight, just as theirs might help you."

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Would you like to update your script to include some of these ideas? I can help rewrite sections to weave in this theme naturally.

You said:

Yes, please update selected sections to weave this in. You don't need to re print the whole script.

ChatGPT said:

Here are the updated sections with the theme of AA as a place to get to know one another, share, and learn from each other woven in:

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INTRODUCTIONS:

"We’re glad to have everyone here tonight, whether you’re new to this meeting or a regular. One thing that makes AA different from other approaches is that we learn from one another—not through lectures, but through sharing our experiences. So if you’re comfortable, we’d love to hear from you, even if it’s just a sentence or two about what brought you here."

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Before Opening for Sharing:

"AA isn’t just about staying sober—it’s about connection. One of the best ways we support each other is by sharing. A regular at this meeting once said, ‘All these new faces, and I’m looking forward to getting to know something about you.’ That’s the heart of a sharing meeting. It’s not about saying something perfect—it’s just about being part of the conversation. If you feel comfortable, we’d love to hear even a small share from you tonight."

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To Gently Encourage Sharing When Silence Stretches:

"We understand that some people prefer to listen, and that’s okay. But sharing is what keeps this meeting alive. If you’re unsure what to say, you might just share one thing that helped you this week, or what brought you here tonight. Even a few words can help someone else who’s listening."

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These slight adjustments should help set the expectation in a warm and inviting way without putting anyone on the spot. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!

A Very Short Form of WE AGNOSTICS SUNDAY 8 PM

If a regular member of the group is not attending, the Guest Host may use this SHORT FORM of the meeting agenda.

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Welcome to the regular Sunday night meeting of the AA group "We Agnostics."  We are hosted at the SHARE  center in Culver City, California, and we welcome members nation wide via Zoom.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.  

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. 

Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

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INTRODUCTIONS.   Welcome people to introduce themselves both in the room and on Zoom.

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We Agnostics welcomes persons of all beliefs.  We are a secular group, for example, we do not close with the Lord's Prayer.   

Most of our members have taken a flexible approach to concepts like "higher power."    As Appendix II of the Big Book states, our experience with sobriety develops over a period of time.  Most of us find we get out of AA based on, what we put into it.

Many of our members find it is useful to have a home group.   As far as the Twelve Steps, they talk about quitting drinking and seeking help, facing problems on the inside, and facing problems on the otuside.   Many of us worked some version of the steps, and many of us have a sponsor which helps us learn about AA outside of the meetings.   Sharing at meetings is also important.   

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This is a sharing meeting, one person shares at a time, for five minutes or less, and then the next person.  We avoid crosswalk on outside topics, criticizing someone, or starting a question and answer with someone during the meeting.    The meeting is now open for sharing.   

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AT TEN TO THE HOUR

Our time has run out.   We want to especially welcome everyone who was new to our meeting, and we hope you come back another Sunday night.    (Offer an email for court cards, if possible.)    We will cose with the Responsibility Rtatement on the cout of three.   1,2,3.

When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, we want the hand of AA always to be there, and for that, we are responsible.  Keep coming back.!

Some Theme Ideas for "TOPIC" Meetings

 

Nine Discussion Topics

Turning Points	Living with Uncertainty	Redefining Freedom
Letting Go	Connection with Others	What helps, “when nothing helps”
My old “normal” drinking	Small wins in recovery	Your story changes

  

I chair and Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that is mostly a sharing meeting. Traditionally, for years, we have not used a topic, that is, no one suggested topic, it is just open sharing. Although it’s a typical Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, it’s class as being of the secular type, so for example, we do not close with the Lord‘s prayer.    Could you give me 10 potential suggestions as topics for future meetings? Gratitude is an old reliable, but I’d like to think a little more originally than that over and over.  Topics can usually be expressed in one or a few words.  When that I have always liked, is, what did you think of AA the first time you were exposed to it?  Which I admit, cannot be expressed in a few words.

Here are 10 thoughtful and original topic suggestions that could resonate in a secular AA meeting, while still fostering meaningful sharing:

1. Turning Points – Moments when something shifted in your sobriety journey.
2. Living with Uncertainty – How you cope with the unknown without drinking.
3. Redefining Freedom – What freedom means now, compared to when drinking.
4. Letting Go – Experiences with releasing control or old beliefs.
5. Connection vs. Isolation – Navigating relationships in sobriety.
6. What Helps When Nothing Helps – Tools for tough days when nothing seems to work.
7. The Myth of "Normal" – Thoughts on what "normal drinking" used to mean to you.
8. Small Wins – The power of minor victories in recovery.
9. Changing the Story – How your narrative about yourself has evolved.
10. Sober Curiosity – How curiosity (about yourself, life, others) plays a role in recovery.

These topics invite reflection beyond the usual while still staying grounded in personal experience

That’s excellent. The format you used with one or two bolded words and then a phrase of explanation is a good format. People people can remember the two words, but as we start the sharing, the extra phrase clarifies what the one or two words mean.    Often in our sharing meeting, especially in the new world where it’s mostly on Zoom, often we have long silences where no one puts up his hand to share. On the other hand, maybe if we had a topic, the 15 people would just sit there and think they have nothing to share on that particular topic!

That’s a thoughtful observation. A well-chosen topic can spark sharing, but it can also feel limiting if people don’t connect with it. To keep the meeting open and dynamic, you might consider framing the topic in a flexible way. Here’s a revised approach with that in mind:

1. Turning Points – Moments when something shifted in your sobriety—or in life generally.
2. Living with Uncertainty – How you cope with the unknown, whether it’s about sobriety, relationships, or life changes.
3. Redefining Freedom – What freedom means to you now, whether related to drinking or not.
4. Letting Go – Experiences with releasing control, expectations, or even old habits—not just about alcohol.
5. Connection vs. Isolation – Times you’ve felt connected or isolated, and how that’s affected you.
6. What Helps When Nothing Helps – Strategies you’ve found for tough days—or even times when nothing worked and what you learned.
7. The Myth of "Normal" – What “normal” used to mean to you, and how your view of it has changed.
8. Small Wins – Little victories that mattered more than you expected, in sobriety or life in general.
9. Changing the Story – How your personal story—or how you tell it—has evolved over time.
10. Sober Curiosity – How curiosity has played a role in your life, whether about yourself, others, or the world.

You could introduce the topic like this: “Our topic today is ‘Turning Points.’ But as always, you’re welcome to share on anything that’s on your mind.” This keeps the door open for people who might feel stuck while giving others a jumping-off point

You're raising a great point. The ten topic ideas might be the same, but the problem is, getting an enthusiastic series of "shares" from the participants on Zoom (rather than stony silence). the phrase or question that is a tag to the keywords, could have a more or less favorable influence on behavior. Framing is everything! One could even do A/B testing with the same theme ("Small Wins") and different clarifying "tags".

xactly! Framing can be the spark that either ignites a room or leaves it in quiet reflection (or awkward silence on Zoom). The subtle shift in wording can tap into different emotional currents, making the same topic feel fresh or more personally relevant. Here’s an A/B approach for the same ten topics, designed to test which framing generates more engagement:

1. Turning Points

   • A: “What moment made you realize something had to change?”
   • B: “What’s a small shift that turned out to be a big deal?”

2. Living with Uncertainty

   • A: “How do you stay steady when life feels unpredictable?”
   • B: “What’s helped you get comfortable with not having all the answers?”

3. Redefining Freedom

   • A: “What does freedom mean to you today, compared to the past?”
   • B: “When have you felt the freest in sobriety—or even outside of it?”

4. Letting Go

   • A: “What’s something you’ve let go of that brought unexpected relief?”
   • B: “What’s been the hardest thing to let go of—and did you?”

5. Connection vs. Isolation

   • A: “When have you felt truly connected, and what did that feel like?”
   • B: “What helps you when you feel disconnected from others—or yourself?”

6. What Helps When Nothing Helps

   • A: “What do you do on days when nothing seems to work?”
   • B: “When have you surprised yourself by getting through a tough time?”

7. The Myth of "Normal"

   • A: “What did ‘normal’ mean to you before sobriety—and what does it mean now?”
   • B: “Have you ever chased the idea of ‘normal’—and did it work?”

8. Small Wins

   • A: “What’s a small victory you’re proud of—even if it seemed minor to others?”
   • B: “When did a little win matter more than you expected?”

9. Changing the Story

   • A: “How has the story you tell yourself about your life changed?”
   • B: “Is there a story about yourself you used to believe that no longer fits?”

10. Sober Curiosity

• A: “What are you curious about now that sobriety has cleared the fog?”
• B: “How has curiosity—not just about sobriety—helped you grow?”

You could even keep notes after meetings to see which frames lead to more hands going up quickly, more laughter, or deeper shares. Over time, you’d develop a kind of “greatest hits” of framing strategies that really resonate with your group.

From Chat GPT: Great Speakers of AA of 1990s Los Angeles

 

AA in Los Angeles 1990s – Great Speakers Era

 

I got sober in Boston in early 1990 and moved to Los Angeles in July 1990.   I believe that in the first six months, I heard talks by both Fr Terry Richie (at Pacific Group) and Clancy Imuslund (at Brentwood Thursday Workshop).   

 

Over the years, I heard Clancy speak several times and I had lunch with him in 2004.   Around the same time, it turned out that Fr Terry and I usually attended the same Sunday-night speaker meeting in the mid-Wilshire area.  

 

I never met Dr. Paul Ohliger.  An Orange County physician, he wrote a story about himself appearing in Big Boook (edition 3 and 4, in 4 as “Acceptance is the Answer.”)  He was an extremely funny speaker I knew only through cherished CD’s.   

 

Dr. Paul died around 2000, and Fr. Terry and Clancy died around 2022.

 

To my surprise, Chat GPT can provide a pretty good description of each of them.

Talks by each are easy to find on YouTube (e.g. Fr Terry AA Speaker).

 

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What is known about Dr Paul O.,

a famous AA speaker who died about 2000.

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Dr. Paul O., also known as Dr. Paul Ohliger, was a well-known figure in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), renowned for his impactful story featured in The Big Book of AA under the title "Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict" (originally titled "Acceptance Was the Answer" in later editions). His story appeared in the third edition of the Big Book and became one of the most frequently cited and beloved personal stories in AA literature, particularly for its emphasis on the principle of acceptance.

Background and Life:

• Full Name: Dr. Paul Ohliger (commonly referred to as Dr. Paul O. in AA circles to maintain anonymity).
• Profession: He was a medical doctor, specializing in [internal medicine], which added depth to his story as both a physician and someone struggling with addiction—a duality that resonated with many.
• Struggles: Dr. Paul struggled not only with alcoholism but also with addiction to prescription drugs, including sedatives. His professional status masked his addiction for some time, complicating his path to recovery.

Key Contributions to AA:

• "Acceptance Was the Answer": This story is known for the pivotal line:
  “Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.”
  This idea became a cornerstone concept for many in AA, emphasizing the importance of acceptance as a spiritual and psychological tool in recovery.
• Impact as a Speaker: Dr. Paul O. became a sought-after speaker at AA conventions and meetings across the country. His talks were known for blending wisdom, humor, and a relatable, down-to-earth style that resonated with people from all walks of life. Many of his recorded talks circulate widely within AA communities.

Later Life and Death:

• Dr. Paul O. continued to be active in AA until his death around 2000. His influence persisted long after his passing, particularly because his story remained in the AA Big Book, and his speeches continued to inspire members.
• Personal Life: His wife, Max, was also part of the recovery community through Al-Anon, and their relationship was often cited in his talks as an example of the transformative power of recovery principles.

Legacy:

Dr. Paul O.'s legacy within AA is profound. His story of acceptance, humility, and perseverance continues to be quoted in meetings worldwide. For many, his message represents a turning point in understanding that recovery isn’t just about abstaining from substances but also about embracing life on life’s terms.

If you're interested, many of his recorded AA talks are available online, often shared as part of speaker series or AA archives

 

 

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I corrected that his specialty was internal medicine, not surgery.

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You're correct—Dr. Paul O. (Dr. Paul Ohliger) was indeed an internist, not an orthopedic surgeon. I appreciate the clarification.

More About Dr. Paul O.:

• Profession: He was a practicing internal medicine physician, which added an interesting dimension to his story, as he dealt with the contrast between his role as a healthcare provider and his struggles with alcoholism and addiction to prescription medications.
• Big Book Story: His story, originally titled “Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict” (later renamed “Acceptance Was the Answer” in the Fourth Edition), has had a profound influence within the AA community. It’s especially known for this memorable line:
  “Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.”
• Core Message: Dr. Paul emphasized the power of acceptance over control—teaching that serenity comes not from changing circumstances but from changing how we respond to them. This resonated with countless AA members, making his story one of the most quoted passages in meetings worldwide.
• Speaking Legacy: He became a beloved AA circuit speaker, known for his wit, humility, and heartfelt reflections on recovery. His talks often blended personal anecdotes, insights from his medical background, and humor, making his message relatable to diverse audiences.
• Personal Life: Dr. Paul’s wife, Max, was active in Al-Anon, and their relationship was frequently referenced in his talks as an example of how recovery can heal not just the individual but also family dynamics.
• Passing: Dr. Paul passed away around 2000, but his words and lessons continue to inspire people in recovery through his recorded talks and writings.

His story remains a cornerstone in AA literature, especially for those grappling with the challenge of letting go of control and embracing acceptance as a path to peace.

 

 

 

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Do you know about Father Terry, an AA Figure?

 

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Father Terry is a name that comes up in AA circles, often referring to Father Terry Richey, a well-known and respected AA speaker and recovery advocate. He was a Catholic priest who played a significant role in spreading the message of recovery, both within Alcoholics Anonymous and the broader spiritual community.

About Father Terry Richey:

• Background: Father Terry was a Catholic priest who openly shared his own struggles with alcoholism and addiction, making him a relatable figure for many in recovery. His dual role as a priest and a recovering alcoholic allowed him to bridge the gap between spirituality and practical recovery tools, appealing to both religious and non-religious audiences.
• AA Involvement: He was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, frequently speaking at conventions, retreats, and recovery events across the U.S. His talks often focused on the spiritual aspects of recovery, emphasizing how AA’s principles align with universal truths about personal growth, humility, and service.
• Style: Father Terry was known for his warmth, humor, and authenticity. His talks were heartfelt, often mixing personal anecdotes with deep spiritual insights, making him a favorite on the AA speaker circuit.
• Legacy: While not as universally cited in AA literature as figures like Dr. Paul O., Father Terry’s impact lives on through recorded talks, workshops, and the countless individuals he inspired through his personal story and teachings.

If you’re interested, many of his recorded AA talks are available online through AA speaker archives, where you can hear his reflections on recovery, spirituality, and life

 

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I knew Fr Terry.  He died around 2022.

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That’s wonderful that you knew Father Terry Richey—he clearly left a lasting impact on many people in recovery. His legacy continues through the countless lives he touched with his wisdom, humor, and heartfelt approach to both spirituality and sobriety.

A Bit More About Father Terry:

• Passing: Yes, Father Terry passed away around 2022, leaving behind a rich legacy within the AA community. His death was deeply felt, especially among those who had the privilege of hearing him speak in person or working with him directly.
• Influence: He was known for blending spiritual guidance with recovery principles, making AA’s message accessible to people from all walks of life. His ability to speak openly about his own struggles made him relatable, even to those who might have been wary of traditional religious figures.
• Memorable Style: His talks often combined humor, vulnerability, and a profound understanding of human nature. Many remember him for his ability to lighten the room while delivering deep truths, which made his message stick with people long after they heard him.
• Legacy in Recovery: Father Terry’s influence still resonates in AA speaker tapes, personal stories, and the hearts of those he mentored. For many, his teachings were not just about staying sober but about living a meaningful, spiritually grounded life.

It must have been special to know him personally. Do you have any particular memories or stories about him that stand out?

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When I moved to los Angeles newly sober in 1990, I heard Fr Terry speak to Pacific Group. 

 

Much later, 2003, we often attended the same Sunday night speaker meeting.

 

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Hearing him at the Pacific Group must have been powerful, especially as a newcomer in 1990. His mix of spiritual insight and down-to-earth honesty likely made a deep impression at such a pivotal time in your sobriety.

And to have crossed paths with him again years later, regularly attending the same Sunday night speaker meeting, must have felt like coming full circle. It’s rare and meaningful when someone who impacted your early recovery becomes part of your ongoing journey, not just as a voice from the podium but as a familiar face in the room.

 

Do you remember any specific moments or things he said that stuck with you over the years?

 

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I also knew Clancy Imuslund. 

I heard him speak at least 4 times, and I also had lunch with him once.

 

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That’s remarkable—you had direct connections with two of the most influential figures in the AA community: Father Terry Richey and Clancy I. (Imuslund). Clancy’s reputation as a powerful, sometimes polarizing figure in AA, especially through his leadership with the Pacific Group in Los Angeles, left a significant mark on recovery circles both locally and globally.

About Clancy I.:

• Legacy: Clancy was known for his charismatic, no-nonsense approach, emphasizing discipline, commitment, and structure in sobriety. His leadership style shaped the culture of the Pacific Group, often referred to as the “AA with neckties” group due to its formal, structured meetings.
• Speaking Style: His talks were known for being both intense and inspiring, often weaving in sharp wit, personal stories, and a strong message about the importance of service and sponsorship. Hearing him speak four times—and having lunch with him—must’ve provided a unique window into both the public and personal sides of a man who influenced so many.
• Controversy and Influence: While Clancy’s approach wasn’t for everyone, his impact is undeniable. He sponsored hundreds of people, some of whom went on to become influential in their own right. His emphasis on action over contemplation helped many people find stability in early sobriety.

Your Connection:

To have met Clancy not just as a speaker but over lunch must have been fascinating. I imagine he was as direct and engaging one-on-one as he was from the podium. Did anything stand out from that lunch—something he said, or just the vibe of being in his presence outside of the meeting setting?

 

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I’ve always been part of the secular movement in AA.

 While Dr Paul, Fr Terry, and Clancy weren’t formally part of that, all three gave beloved and noteworthy talks for decades, rarely directly mentioning God.

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ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

That’s a profound observation—and it speaks to the breadth and inclusivity within AA’s tradition, even among figures like Dr. Paul O., Father Terry, and Clancy I., who each had distinct personal backgrounds but managed to connect with people across the spiritual spectrum. The fact that all three gave beloved, lasting talks while rarely directly mentioning God highlights how AA’s message of recovery can resonate beyond religious frameworks.

 

Their Unique Approach to Spirituality:

• Dr. Paul O.: His focus on acceptance as a spiritual principle transcended traditional religious language. His message—"acceptance is the answer to all my problems today"—spoke to a universal human experience, not tied to any deity but to an internal shift in perspective. That’s why his story became so cherished across diverse groups in AA, including secular circles.
• Father Terry Richey: Despite being a Catholic priest, his talks often centered on practical spirituality—things like connection, humility, and personal growth—without heavy theological overtones. His emphasis seemed to be more about lived experience than doctrine, which made him relatable even to those skeptical of organized religion.
• Clancy I.: Known for his structured, almost militant approach to sobriety, Clancy’s talks often revolved around self-honesty, discipline, and service, rather than explicit religious language. His message was one of action, which appeals strongly to secular members because it’s grounded in what you do, not what you believe.
•  

The Broader Secular Movement in AA:

Your involvement in the secular AA movement reflects the evolution of AA over the decades. While AA’s roots include references to a "Higher Power," the real heartbeat of the program is often found in the shared human experiences of recovery—stories of struggle, change, and connection, which don’t require religious belief to be meaningful.

It’s inspiring that you’ve found alignment with AA’s secular approach while also appreciating speakers like Dr. Paul, Father Terry, and Clancy, who managed to transcend those boundaries. Their ability to focus on universal truths—without heavy-handed spiritual language—is a testament to the adaptability and inclusivity of recovery itself.

 

Were there specific talks or moments from any of them that felt especially resonant within that secular context?

 

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Strong use of wit and humor!!

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bsolutely—wit and humor were the lifeblood of all three speakers, and it’s part of why their messages landed so powerfully, even for those in the secular movement. Their ability to blend profound truths with sharp, disarming humor made recovery feel less like a solemn duty and more like an honest, shared human experience. Laughter, after all, can cut through resistance faster than any sermon.

How They Used Humor to Connect:

• Dr. Paul O.: His humor often came from self-deprecation and his candid reflections on his own flaws. He had that perfect balance of poking fun at himself while delivering wisdom, like when he’d recount his professional arrogance as a doctor—only to realize that his medical degree didn’t exempt him from human messiness. It made him relatable: a guy who had all the credentials but still couldn’t outthink alcoholism.
• Father Terry Richey: As a priest, he could’ve easily leaned into solemnity, but instead, his talks were full of wry observations about life, faith, and the absurdity of human behavior. He had that Irish-like storytelling charm—able to drop a heavy truth bomb right after making people laugh. It’s what made his spirituality feel grounded, not preachy.
• Clancy I.: Clancy’s humor was often more biting and irreverent, with a kind of military drill sergeant energy. He’d roast himself and others with equal fervor, using sharp anecdotes to call out self-pity or denial. But even when he was being tough, it was laced with humor that made people laugh at their own ridiculous thinking—a hallmark of his "pull no punches" style.

Why It Worked for Secular AA:

For people in secular AA, humor often serves as a spiritual experience in itself—a moment of connection, relief, and perspective. These speakers didn’t need to invoke God because they invoked something just as sacred: human honesty wrapped in laughter.

 

Do you remember any specific jokes, one-liners, or funny stories from their talks that stuck with you? I’d love to hear one that still makes you smile.

 

 

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Makes me smile.  I actually think of a different speaker, not Paul, Terry, or Clancy.

 

Actually this is a different speaker. He spoke of waking up at night in the street, flashing red and blue lights all around. He said,”I knew, from experience, this was Not Good.” Pause. “And I knew from experience, people were likely - to blame me.” (Laughter)

 

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That’s a classic AA speaker moment—the perfect mix of dry wit, impeccable timing, and brutal honesty. That pause before the punchline is what makes it land so well: “I knew, from experience, this was Not Good.” (Pause.) “And I knew from experience, people were likely—to blame me.” It’s the kind of humor that works because it’s painfully true yet delivered with a lightness that invites everyone to laugh, especially those who’ve been there.

This style of humor is such a hallmark of great AA speakers—turning what were once moments of despair into shared laughter. It’s like the ultimate alchemy: taking shame and flipping it into something that connects people instead of isolating them. The joke lands because it’s not just funny; it’s a little piece of recovery wisdom wrapped in self-deprecating charm.

Do you remember who the speaker was? Or maybe any other gems like that? I love these kinds of AA one-liners—they stick with you for decades because they’re as funny as they are true.

 

 

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Dr. Paul died around 2000. 

 Fr Terry and Clancy both died circa 2022 or 2023.

 

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Thank you for that clarification. It’s moving to reflect on how Dr. Paul O., Father Terry Richey, and Clancy I. each left such lasting legacies in AA, spanning generations of sobriety. Their words and wit continue to ripple through the fellowship, long after their passing.

Timeline of Their Passing:

• Dr. Paul O. (Paul Ohliger) passed away around 2000, but his story, “Acceptance Was the Answer,” remains one of the most quoted pieces in the Big Book. His insights on acceptance have provided comfort to countless people navigating both sobriety and life’s broader challenges.
• Father Terry Richey passed away around 2022 or 2023. His ability to blend spirituality with humor, without alienating secular members, made him a beloved figure across diverse AA groups. His talks continue to be cherished for their warmth, honesty, and practical wisdom.
• Clancy I. (Imuslund) also passed around 2022 or 2023, leaving behind a complex but undeniably influential legacy. His leadership within the Pacific Group shaped the culture of AA in Los Angeles and beyond, emphasizing structure, sponsorship, and service.

It’s powerful that you crossed paths with all three—not just hearing them speak, but sharing meetings, conversations, even meals. That’s living history within AA, woven into your own journey. Their impact lives on not just through recordings or written stories but through the people they influenced—like you—who carry their messages forward.