Our Speakers
Gem State Round Up Welcomes the Following Speakers for Our 2026 Event!
Friday night: Richie C.
Boise Idaho,
Sobriety date January 15, 2021
I started drinking when I was 15 and got sober at 23.
After graduating from College and (narrowly) living out my dream of playing college baseball, I did what all tough guys do and moved back in with mom and dad. After picking up a job at a car wash, my drinking began to take a serious hold of my life. It was very dark and I was scared. In January of 2021, while we were all still wearing masks and social distancing, God sent me an angel. He smacked me over the head with the Big Book and we got busy carrying the message shoulder to shoulder. I assumed a position at the Hospitals and institutions committee in Las Vegas. He and I brought several weekly meetings into facilities where the patients would otherwise not hear the solution we have to offer. I sponsored many men (most of which, many years my elders). I got the opportunity to start a hospital meeting in Texas and now get to sponsor a couple men in Idaho. My life has purpose and meaning today. And I get quite a thrill out of living it the AA way. All thanks goes to the AA fellowship, the 12 steps, and most importantly, God.
Saturday night: Mark L.
San Jose, CA,
Sobriety date October 20, 1988
From the Street to the Stage!
That’s the journey of Mark Lundholm…
Once a homeless, 120 pound criminal, addict-wino…who has now performed in 15 countries and all 50 United States…repeatedly. TedX, Showtime, Comedy Central, YouTube and far too many more to mention here!!! Presented at more than 200 CE conferences, worked for U.S. Presidents, current inmates, Fortune 500 companies, rehab facilities, huge arenas full of comedy fans and MILLIONS of social media viewers have ALL experienced the fast-paced, original material and sharp tongued humor of this one man force of nature. Oh and one more thing: Mark has been sober since 1988.
Sunday morning: Sheila A.
Palm Desert, CA
Sobriety date December 15, 1984
I love Alcoholics Anonymous.
I’ve been sober since December 15, 1984.
My father was sober in the program from June 27, 1966 until May 25, 1996, when he passed away.
My son, once said Mom, alcoholism is hereditary, but so is sobriety in our family.
Such a profound statement.
My favorite thing is to work with others.
Gratitude is an action.
I am Sponsored, my Sponsor has a Sponsor and I Sponsor.
So grateful I get to live this way of life.
What a privilege.
Friday night: Nora S.
Boise Idaho,
Recovery date: November 28, 2024
My name is Nora S. My home group is here in Boise ID, and my life was forever changed when I continued to “keep coming back” after I stumbled into my first meeting on November 23rd, 2024. I came to the program with the desperate hope of keeping him sober, and instead I began a journey to find and heal myself. My journey is a story of self discovery, of finally allowing myself to feel my emotions fully, and to regain my self esteem. I’ve done it with the help of a loving sponsor, a wonderful Al-anon community, and with the love and wisdom of my higher power which I call The Universe.