Y Not Tony: Acceptable, Doable and Right in Front

It takes one to reach one—and Harry reached me when I needed it most.

In this raw and inspiring episode of The Cup of Joe Show, we sit down with Tony T., a man whose journey took him from a California prison cell to a life rooted in faith, purpose, and service. Tony first felt the "ease and comfort" of alcohol at just 11 years old. Growing up in the “land of sugar and honey,” where anything goes, his motto became "Y Not?"—a phrase that defined his reckless path through drinking, drugs, and time behind bars.

But even in prison, hope found its way in. Tony’s cellmate Tiny—who was anything but tiny—planted a seed by reading from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous daily. After a short-lived attempt at sobriety post-release, Tony hit another low—until a conversation with his father and the sound of bottles smashing in a dumpster woke something deep within him.

That awakening led him to Harry, a man who became the sponsor Tony didn’t know he needed. Harry, a believer in simple spiritual principles, helped Tony rebuild his life through the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and a mantra that still guides him today: “Is it acceptable? Is it doable? Is it right in front of you?”

Through heartbreaking challenges—including his wife’s cancer diagnosis, losing his sponsor, and family struggles—Tony has stayed grounded by relying on the spiritual toolbox handed to him in recovery: trust God, clean house, help others.

🎙️ This episode is a powerful testament to how grace, grit, and guidance can rebuild a life from the inside out.

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The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.