About

Michael Fitzpatrick

Michael Fitzpatrick is one of the leading historians and speakers in the field of alcoholism and recovery, specializing in the origins and evolution of the Twelve Step movement. He is coauthor, with William G. Borchert, of 1000 Years of Sobriety; coauthor, with Mel B., of Living the Twelve Traditions in Today’s World; and author of We Recovered Too, the first title published under the Legacy 12 imprint.

Over the last two decades, Michael has expanded his historical work into large‑scale preservation and public education. He founded and now serves as president of Recovery Speakers, a nonprofit that has built the world’s largest digital home for Twelve Step talks—an archive that continues to grow and inspire people in recovery worldwide. He also owns and operates RecoveryCollectibles.com, the leading marketplace for Twelve Step books, memorabilia, and artifacts.

As a global public speaker, Michael has led workshops, retreats, and conferences across North America and Europe. His core theme, the Golden Thread, reflects the shared truth that connects people across generations and traditions. His background in sales and decades of teaching experience make his presentations both practical and inspiring.

For more than twenty-five years, Michael has been a leading authority in the authentication and valuation of recovery-related artifacts. His appraisals have served private collectors, estates, and institutions including Brown University and Dr. Bob’s Home in Akron. He has valued some of the most important pieces in recovery history, such as first-edition Big Books signed by co-founder Bill Wilson. Through Recovery Collectibles and Recovery Speakers, Michael continues to preserve and share the living history of the recovery movement.