From Rock Bottom to Redemption: My Father’s Powerful AA Story

From Rock Bottom to Redemption: My Father’s Powerful AA Story

From Up2 by Up2 Foundation

May 7, 2026 · 1h 19m · Season 7 · Episode 3

About this episode

This episode features a powerful AA speech by the host's late father, exploring themes of addiction and redemption.

In perhaps the most personal and emotionally raw episode of Up2 ever released, host Adam Kaufman shares the full, never-before-publicly-heard 2001 AA convention speech given by his late father, Bill Kaufman. Recorded live in Myrtle Beach, SC in 2001— about one year before Bill passed away —this is more than a recovery story. It is a heartfelt confession, a stand-up comedy routine, a raw apology, and a profound testimony of hope, all wrapped into one unforgettable hour. Another Up2 guest, Special Ambassador Doug Holladay, likes to remind us that "we're all born into someone else's story." Here we learn about the story our host was born into.... This episode is for anyone who has struggled with addiction, loved someone who has, or simply needs to be reminded that no one is beyond redemption. It is funny, heartbreaking, and deeply inspiring all at once.

People in this episode

Host: Adam Kaufman

Guest: Doug Holladay

Topics covered

  • addiction
  • recovery
  • personal story
  • redemption
  • family
  • hope

Keywords

  • AA convention
  • addiction recovery
  • Bill Kaufman
  • redemption story
  • family legacy

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Myrtle Beach, SC

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