The Living Clean Podcast

What happens when a story from the Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text comes to life?Mason, Francis, and Jasmine B. sit down with Lucia C., whose recovery story, "A Brazilian Full of It," appears in the Basic Text. Lucia shares an honest and inspiring conversation about the road that led her to recovery—from traveling the world as a professional dancer during her addiction to finding a new way of life through Narcotics Anonymous.Lucia reflects on the experiences that shaped her journey, the lessons she learned along the way, and what it means to have her story included in NA literature. She also brings listeners up to date on her life today, sharing how recovery continues to transform her relationships, purpose, and outlook.The conversation also explores the growth of Narcotics Anonymous in Brazil, highlighting the unique cultural differences within the fellowship while celebrating the universal message that recovery is possible for any addict, regardless of language, culture, or geography.

What does it take to help a fellowship grow from the inside out?In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Francis is joined by Kristin D. from St. Louis, Missouri, Brawnyn B. from Berkeley, California, and Travis M. from Chico, California, for an engaging conversation about Fellowship Development in Narcotics Anonymous.Together, they explore this exciting and evolving area of NA Public Relations, discussing how Fellowship Development strengthens local communities, supports struggling meetings, encourages unity, and helps carry the message of recovery to addicts who still suffer. The conversation highlights practical ways members can build healthier, more connected NA communities through service, mentorship, collaboration, and shared experience.Whether you're new to Fellowship Development or already involved in service, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and real-world examples of how members are helping NA grow from within—one meeting, one community, and one addict at a time.Recovery grows when we work together. Join us for a conversation about service, connection, and the future of Narcotics Anonymous.

Francis sits down with Mel Helman for a very special conversation, recorded on July 16, 2026—one month before Mel’s passing.Mel got clean on October 7, 1968, in Southern California and was a personal friend of Jimmy K., one of the founding members of Narcotics Anonymous. His life in recovery gave him a unique connection to the early days of the fellowship and to the people who helped shape NA into what it is today.Mel specifically asked that The Living Clean Podcast release this episode on the day he recovered.We are honored to fulfill that request.This conversation is more than an interview about NA history. It is Mel sharing his experience, memories, and perspective near the end of his life—a final opportunity to carry the message that had been such an important part of his journey since 1968.We are grateful to Mel for trusting us with his voice and his story.We hope you enjoy Mel Helman’s parting message.

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with Chris M., an addict in recovery whose personal journey eventually led him to create something that would have a lasting impact on Narcotics Anonymous service around the world: the Basic Meeting List Toolbox, better known as BMLT.But before we talk about technology, databases, or service, we start with Chris himself.Chris shares his personal recovery story — where he came from, what brought him to Narcotics Anonymous, and the experiences that shaped his life in recovery. It’s a fascinating story and an important reminder that behind every piece of NA service is an addict who first had to find a way to stay clean.From there, we get into the story of BMLT.The Basic Meeting List Toolbox was created to give NA service bodies a stable, secure, and centralized way to maintain meeting information. Instead of Areas, Regions, and other service bodies maintaining separate versions of the same information, BMLT allows meeting data — where a meeting is, when it meets, and its format — to be maintained from a central source and then used across multiple websites and meeting-finding tools.In other words, when an addict pulls out a phone, visits an NA website, and searches for a meeting, there is a good chance there is much more happening behind that search than they realize.Chris takes us back to how the idea started, the problem he was trying to solve, how BMLT developed, and how something created to serve a practical need grew into a tool used throughout the NA service structure.We also talk about what happened when Chris eventually passed the project on to others to continue maintaining and developing it — an incredible example of the spirit of service: build something that helps addicts, give it freely, and allow it to become bigger than the person who started it.This episode isn't really about software.It's about what can happen when recovery, experience, talent, and service come together — and how one addict's desire to contribute can quietly help countless other addicts find their way into a meeting.

What happens when recovery takes you halfway around the world and into the driver's seat of one of the most famous cities on earth?In this episode, Francis and Travis sit down with the unforgettable Bombay Mark—a recovering addict whose journey began in Bombay and eventually led him to the streets of New York City as a nighttime cab driver.Mark shares the story of finding recovery, building a new life in America, and navigating the endless parade of humanity that climbs into the back seat of a New York City taxi after dark. From moments of danger and heartbreak to unexpected kindness and inspiration, his stories reveal the resilience of the human spirit and the life-changing power of recovery.This conversation is filled with humor, honesty, and hope as Mark reflects on the lessons he's learned from thousands of passengers and how staying clean has allowed him to witness life through a completely different lens.

What happens when one simple idea grows into a worldwide source of hope and connection?In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with Camilla, the person whose vision sparked the Loving Our Long-Timers meeting. What began as a way to honor members with decades of continuous recovery has become a place where experience, strength, and hope are shared by some of the fellowship's longest-clean members.Camilla shares the story behind the meeting, how it got started, the impact it has had on recovering addicts around the world, and why preserving the experience of long-term recovery matters so much. Whether you're brand new to recovery or have decades clean, this conversation is a powerful reminder that recovery truly works.If you're looking for encouragement, wisdom, and stories from members with 30+ years clean, we highly recommend checking out the meeting.Loving Our Long-Timers (Zoom Meeting) ❤️ Two meetings every weekZoom ID: 974 8817 4579 Password: hopeFridays5:30 PM Eastern4:30 PM Central3:30 PM Mountain2:30 PM PacificSaturdays11:30 AM Eastern10:30 AM Central9:30 AM Mountain8:30 AM PacificThe meeting has featured 900+ speakers with more than 28,000 combined years of recovery, and many of those talks are available as free downloads.Learn more at nalongtimers.org.

What inspires someone to answer the phone when another addict reaches out for help?In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Mo brings an idea to life with an episode titled "Tales from the Helpline." Francis and Mo sit down with members who have dedicated themselves to Narcotics Anonymous helpline service, exploring the heart behind one of NA's most important yet least visible forms of service.Our guests share what motivated them to volunteer, the experiences that have stayed with them, and the quiet rewards of being there for the still-suffering addict. They discuss the responsibility of carrying the message with compassion, maintaining anonymity, and offering hope to someone who may be making the most important phone call of their life.Whether you've served on a helpline, are considering getting involved, or simply want to learn more about this vital service, this conversation offers a heartfelt look at the power of one addict helping another.Join Francis and Mo as they celebrate the spirit of selfless service and the dedicated members who help ensure that, whenever an addict reaches out, someone is there to answer.Recovery begins with a connection—and sometimes, that connection starts with a simple phone call.

This week on the Living Clean Podcast, we continue our journey through the Twelve Steps with Step Eight: “We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.”Our returning panel is back — Archer, Pete, Douglas, and, of course, the co-host with the most, Francis. This week, we're joined by special guests Shane and Margaret as we unpack one of the most significant turning points in recovery.Step Eight marks the moment when recovery begins to move outward. After taking an honest look at ourselves in the previous steps, we now begin looking honestly at the people our addiction affected. We discuss what it means to make a complete list, how willingness often comes before action, and why this step is about far more than simply saying, "I'm sorry."Together, we explore fear, guilt, shame, forgiveness, accountability, and the difference between making amends and seeking forgiveness. We also talk about difficult names to put on the list—including ourselves—and how becoming willing lays the foundation for the life-changing work of Step Nine.This conversation is practical, heartfelt, and full of experience from people who have walked this path. Whether you're preparing to work Step Eight or reflecting on it years later, there's something here for everyone.

In this episode of Francis's Archive, we hear firsthand stories from two longtime members of the Narcotics Anonymous fellowship of Joplin, MO. Pam M. and Vern P. They share memories of the early days of recovery in southwest Missouri, recalling the first meetings, the challenges of carrying the message, and the dedication that helped establish a strong NA community throughout the Show Me Region.Pam and Vern reflect on how meetings were started, how trusted servants stepped forward when there were few resources, and how the NA service structure gradually developed to support groups across the region. Their stories paint a vivid picture of the commitment, sacrifice, and faith that built a foundation still benefiting recovering addicts today.The conversation also honors several remarkable pioneers whose lives left a lasting impact on the fellowship. Through heartfelt memories of Bob R., Jim N., Blackie B., and Danny Jo, listeners will hear stories of compassion, humor, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to carrying the message of recovery. These personal recollections preserve an important chapter of NA history while reminding us that one addict helping another remains at the heart of everything we do.Whether you are interested in the history of Narcotics Anonymous, enjoy hearing the experiences of longtime members, or simply appreciate stories that celebrate recovery and service, this episode offers an inspiring look at how a fellowship grows—one meeting, one member, and one act of service at a time.Thank you for listening to The Living Clean Podcast. If you enjoy preserving the history of Narcotics Anonymous, please follow, share, and leave a review to help others discover these stories and ensure that our fellowship's history continues to be remembered for future generations.

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, we’re honored to welcome the author of one of the most unforgettable recovery stories ever published in Narcotics Anonymous: “Life and Death in NA.”In this deeply personal conversation, we revisit the story more than twenty years after it was written. Together, we explore the unimaginable losses of a father, a brother, and a son to the disease of addiction, the grief that followed, and the recovery principles that made it possible to stay clean through it all.Beyond the pages of the story, we discuss how grief evolves over time, the importance of connection, service, forgiveness, and what it means to continue living when addiction has taken so much. Most importantly, we ask the question every reader has wondered for years: Where is he today?Whether you’ve read Life and Death in NA or are hearing this story for the first time, this episode is a powerful reminder that recovery doesn’t protect us from life’s greatest tragedies—but it does give us the tools to face them with hope, courage, and love.

In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Francis sits down with Jacob B. for a fascinating look at the history of Narcotics Anonymous in the Metro Detroit and Michigan Regions. Together, they explore the fellowship's early roots in Michigan, including some of the first known NA meetings and the important role that meetings at Jackson State Prison played in carrying the message of recovery.The conversation traces the growth of NA throughout the state, highlighting the dedicated members who helped establish meetings, build service structures, and create a foundation for future generations of recovering addicts. Francis and Jacob also discuss the history of newsletters, both past and present, and how they helped connect members, share information, and preserve the fellowship's story.The episode concludes with a look at the evolution of conventions and recovery gatherings across Michigan, celebrating the events and people that helped strengthen unity and carry the NA message. Whether you're interested in NA history, service work, or the stories of those who came before us, this episode offers an engaging journey through the rich history of recovery in the Metro Detroit and Michigan Regions.

Bob J is back!If you listened to our episode "A Tale of Two Keytags," you already know Bob has a remarkable story. That conversation left us wanting to hear more, so we invited him back to go beyond the keytags and share the journey that shaped his recovery.In this episode, Bob opens up about his path through recovery, his decades of service, and his experiences serving on the World Board. We talk about the victories, the setbacks, the lessons learned, and the people and principles that helped him stay the course. From personal struggles to service at the highest levels of Narcotics Anonymous, Bob offers an honest look at what it means to grow, persevere, and keep showing up.Whether you're interested in recovery, NA service, or simply hearing the story of someone who has dedicated much of his life to carrying the message, this conversation is full of experience, strength, and hope.We hope you enjoy this conversation with our good friend, Bob J.

In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Francis sits down with longtime NA service enthusiast John L. for a wide-ranging conversation about recovery, service, and the relationships that have shaped his journey.John reflects on his experience serving at the World Service Conference, what it was like to complete his term as the Northern California Regional Delegate, and the lessons he learned through years of trusted service. He also shares memories from his involvement with the TAC Convention, highlighting the friendships, challenges, and spiritual growth that came through serving the Fellowship.The conversation also turns personal as John tells the story of how he met his wife and speaks with gratitude about the love, support, and blessings she has brought into his life. It's an honest discussion about balancing service, recovery, and family while remaining committed to carrying the message.Whether you're interested in NA service, Fellowship history, or simply enjoy hearing the stories of members who have dedicated their lives to recovery, this is an episode you won't want to miss

The Living Clean Podcast welcomes Lynne and Gina as they sit down with Mason and Francis for a powerful conversation about the history of Narcotics Anonymous in New York. From the earliest days of recovery in the city to the struggles and rebirth of the fellowship, this episode explores the people, events, and spiritual determination that helped carry the message through difficult times.The discussion covers early New York NA history, including the influence of Danny Carlsen, the story of “The Junkie Priest,” and the impact of the Rockefeller drug laws on addicts seeking recovery. Lynne and Gina share firsthand perspectives on the rise, decline, and eventual return of strong recovery communities throughout New York, along with memories surrounding the historic 1983 Narcotics Anonymous World Convention.This episode is a heartfelt look at perseverance, service, and the addicts who refused to let the message die.

n this episode of Francis's Archive, Francis is joined by David, Travis, and Amanda as they continue their discussion of Be The Change #6: In All Our Affairs, Part 2. Together, they work through the Step Twelve exercises found in the Be The Change workbook, exploring how spiritual principles move beyond meetings and become a way of life.The conversation focuses on the ripple effect our attitudes, actions, and behaviors have on the people and environments around us. Through personal experience and recovery insight, the panel examines what it means to practice honesty, humility, accountability, patience, and compassion in every area of life—including work, home, meetings, online interactions, and times of conflict.The group discusses the "Ripple Effect Awareness Exercise," encouraging listeners to reflect on where their attitude influenced the atmosphere throughout the day. They explore practical questions such as: What would spiritual maturity look like in this situation? Am I helping create safety? Would I say this in person? and What response reflects growth?The episode also highlights the power of unconditional practice—the willingness to live spiritual principles regardless of circumstances. Whether it is showing kindness when others are short, remaining honest when uncomfortable, or helping someone without recognition, the discussion emphasizes that recovery is built through consistent daily actions.Join Francis, David, Travis, and Amanda for a practical and thought-provoking conversation about carrying the message through our behavior and becoming the change we wish to see in all our affairs.

This week on the Living Clean Podcast, we continue our journey through the Twelve Steps with Step Seven: “We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”Our returning panel is back — Archer, Pete, Douglas, and Francis — and this week we're joined by special guests JW and Danette for a thoughtful and honest discussion about humility, willingness, and the ongoing process of spiritual growth.Step Seven asks us to move beyond simply identifying our shortcomings and become willing to let them go. In this episode, we explore what humility really looks like in everyday life, why some defects seem so difficult to release, and how pride, fear, self-reliance, and ego can keep us stuck in old patterns. We also discuss the difference between knowing what needs to change and becoming willing to trust the process of change.Recovery is not about achieving perfection. It is about becoming teachable, remaining open, and continuing to grow. Step Seven reminds us that lasting transformation doesn't come from self-improvement alone—it comes from humility, honesty, and a willingness to seek help beyond ourselves.Through personal experience, practical examples, and heartfelt sharing, this episode offers insight into one of the most powerful and often overlooked steps in recovery.Do yourself a favor and listen.

The Living Clean Podcast, we are pleased to share this special recording of the Paradise Strong Book Study meeting commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Fifth World Literature Conference (WLC5). Originally held on June 29, 2021, this event brought together members who attended the Fifth World Literature Conference, along with other trusted servants and members who participated in World Literature Conferences throughout the years.This unique gathering offers firsthand accounts, historical reflections, and personal memories from those who helped shape Narcotics Anonymous literature. The discussion explores the spirit of service, collaboration, and dedication that contributed to the development of the Fellowship's message of recovery.The meeting concludes with an open question-and-answer session, giving members of the Fellowship an opportunity to engage directly with the panel and learn more about this important chapter in NA history.This recording was captured during a live Zoom meeting and is presented in its entirety to help preserve and share our Fellowship's history. We hope you enjoy this fascinating look back at the Fifth World Literature Conference and the members who helped carry the message forward.

In Part One, we break down the conference itself — the lost chapters of the Basic Text, the all-night group conscience meetings, the workshops, the editing battles, the spiritual moments, and the unbelievable amount of work done by recovering addicts trying to build a book that could carry the message worldwide. We explore not only what happened at WLC V in Warren, Ohio in 1981, but also the spirit of the process — the unity, passion, exhaustion, humor, and faith that held it all together.In Part Two, we’re joined by members who were actually there. They share personal memories and firsthand insight into what it was like to live through the process of building the Basic Text and participating in one of the most historic literature conferences in NA history.This episode is both a historical deep dive and a reminder that the literature we often take for granted today was built by addicts who believed the message was worth sacrificing for.We also encourage everyone to check out the incredible work being done at:Preserving the Messageand subscribe to the:Preserving the Message YouTube Channel

In this episode of Francis's Archive, Francis sits down with Kareem K. to explore the history and preservation of the Orange County Area Archives. Kareem shares his journey into archival service, what sparked his passion for preserving Narcotics Anonymous history, and the importance of safeguarding our fellowship's collective memory.Together, they discuss the value of archives in NA, the stories and documents that help connect us to our roots, and how preserving our past helps carry the message to future generations. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an archivist, or simply curious about the evolution of NA, this conversation offers insight into the dedication and service behind preserving our fellowship's legacy.Join Francis and Kareem for a fascinating discussion about NA history, archival work, and the importance of remembering where we came from as we continue to move forward in recovery.https://drive.google.com/file/d/196rEBBOrOExH2c-o0sHZ2qPDcFHYyEHp/view?usp=sharing

Earlier this year, we released a special Mother's Day episode, and we knew we couldn't let Father's Day pass without doing the same.In this special episode of the Living Clean Podcast, Francis and Mason sit down for a heartfelt conversation about fatherhood, recovery, and the men who helped shape our lives. We share stories about our own dads—the lessons they taught us, the things we carry with us today, and how our relationships with them have evolved through recovery.We also talk about being fathers ourselves. Recovery has given us opportunities many of us never thought possible: the chance to be present, dependable, loving, and engaged in the lives of our children. We discuss the challenges, responsibilities, joys, and occasional fears that come with trying to be the fathers our kids deserve.Along the way, we explore how Narcotics Anonymous helped us heal family relationships, break generational cycles, and learn what it means to show up consistently for the people we love. Whether your experience with your father was positive, complicated, painful, or somewhere in between, we hope this conversation offers identification, hope, and encouragement.Join us for a candid discussion about fathers, sons, daughters, gratitude, forgiveness, legacy, and the incredible gift of being able to participate fully in our families' lives—clean and present, one day at a time. Happy Father's Day from all of us at the Living Clean Podcast.

The Living Clean Podcast returns with a spontaneous and heartfelt conversation as Francis sits down with friend of the podcast, Mo. In this deeply personal episode, Mo shares how she first met Mason and Francis at NCCNA and how those connections grew into friendship, fellowship, and ongoing participation with the podcast community.Mo opens up about her journey in recovery, the experience of becoming part of the Living Clean Podcast family, and the spiritual connection that developed through shared recovery and service. The conversation also explores the painful reality of relapse, the isolation that can come with drifting away from recovery, and the courage it took for Mo to find her way back to Narcotics Anonymous.This episode is honest, emotional, and filled with hope—a reminder that no matter how far we wander, the doors of recovery remain open and the fellowship is ready to welcome us home.

In this episode of the Living Clean Podcast, we continue our discussion of the Living Clean chapter on Disabilities. Recovery doesn't eliminate life's challenges, but it does give us new ways to face them. Whether those challenges are physical, cognitive, emotional, visible, or invisible, this conversation explores what it means to live a full and meaningful life in recovery while navigating limitations, obstacles, and differences.Our panel discusses the importance of acceptance, self-worth, accessibility, asking for help, overcoming shame, and finding purpose despite circumstances that may feel unfair or overwhelming. We also examine how recovery helps us move beyond seeing ourselves as our disability and instead allows us to recognize our value, strengths, and ability to contribute.This chapter reminds us that while disabilities may affect how we move through the world, they do not define who we are. Recovery offers connection, dignity, hope, and the opportunity to participate fully in life—one day at a time.Join us as we continue this powerful and heartfelt conversation on resilience, inclusion, gratitude, and the freedom that comes from learning to live clean no matter what challenges we face.

In this episode, “More Mo,” we continue our journey through the history and spirit of recovery in Missouri with two longtime members of Narcotics Anonymous.First, Jeff B. from Kansas City shares about the beginnings of NA in Kansas City, his relationship with Bob R., and his involvement in helping start the region. Jeff also reflects on the efforts toward unity in Kansas City and the challenges and rewards of bringing addicts together in service and recovery.Then we hear from Roger F. from Mexico, Missouri, who once again shares powerful stories about Bob R. Roger talks about recovery in rural central Missouri, the importance of conventions and fellowship gatherings, and the spirit behind Cabin Fever—one of the events that helped connect recovering addicts across the state.These stories help preserve the living history of Narcotics Anonymous—one addict helping another, carrying the message across cities, small towns, and generations.

This week on the Living Clean Podcast, we continue our Twelve Step journey with Step Six: “We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”Our returning panel is back — Archer, Pete, and Douglas — and this week we’re joined by special guests Karen J. and Ron H. for a deep and honest conversation about willingness, readiness, and the lifelong process of change.We explore what character defects really are, why some behaviors are so difficult to let go of, and how many of us want relief while still holding on to the very things causing us pain. We discuss pride, fear, control, resentment, self-centeredness, and the inner resistance that often shows up when real transformation begins.Step Six is where we stop just identifying the problem and start becoming willing to live differently. It is where honesty meets humility, and where growth becomes possible.This is one of the most relatable and practical episodes in the Step series so far.If you’ve ever known what needs to change but struggled to let it go, this episode is for you.Do yourself a favor and listen.

On this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we explore a friendship that bridges generations in recovery.Francis, with 33 years clean, and Travis, celebrating just over a year, share how recovery creates connections that go far beyond time clean. Though they come from different experiences and different places in their journeys, they’ve found something powerful in common: the ability to help each other grow.This episode follows a special weekend in Northern California. On Thursday night, Francis speaks in Nevada City, sharing decades of experience, hope, and the spiritual principles that have carried him through life clean. The very next evening, Travis takes the message to Red Bluff at an Ice Cream Social Bingo Night, carrying a fresh and passionate message of early recovery.Together, their stories show that recovery isn’t about seniority—it’s about connection. One addict helping another. Experience meeting enthusiasm. Wisdom meeting willingness. And both people walking away changed.Whether you’re brand new or have decades clean, this conversation is a reminder that we never stop learning from each other, and we never outgrow the need for fellowship, friendship, and purpose.

Spotify Episode DescriptionOn this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with Jim H., one of the earliest members of Narcotics Anonymous in the Philadelphia area. Jim shares what it was like in the early days of recovery in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including getting clean on June 6, 1974 — a date that would ultimately change the course of his life.Jim talks about being what he calls the fifth member of NA in Philadelphia around 1971, going back out for several years, and then finding his way back to recovery in 1974. From there, his story becomes deeply connected to the growth of Narcotics Anonymous itself. He helped start meetings throughout the Philadelphia area and carried the message internationally to places like Iceland and Copenhagen during a time when NA was still finding its footing around the world.This episode is filled with personal history, hard-earned experience, humor, honesty, and a firsthand look at what recovery looked like before there were meeting lists, literature everywhere, or established fellowships in many cities. Jim’s story is a reminder that recovery survives because addicts continue carrying the message one person at a time.

In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Francis sits down with Bryant S. for a deep dive into a pivotal era in the history of Narcotics Anonymous. Bryant got clean in July 1981 during the closing years of the Literature Movement that helped produce the Narcotics Anonymous, and he shares firsthand memories from one of the most transformative periods in NA history.Bryant recounts his experiences at the legendary Rising Sun Club House and his involvement with the Atlanta Literature Committee during the years leading up to and following the publication of the Basic Text. The conversation explores the energy, passion, and controversy surrounding the early literature conferences, including Bryant’s attendance at the 6th World Literature Conference and two Mid-South Regional Service Conferences.He also reflects on what was presented at the 9th World Literature Conference at the Bucks County Farmhouse, including collaborative work connected to the Youth and Recovery IP. Along the way, Bryant shares personal stories about service, fellowship politics, spiritual growth, and the dedication many members had toward carrying the NA message to addicts still suffering.The episode also takes a deeply personal turn as Bryant speaks openly about complacency in recovery, his relapse, and the difficult road back to Narcotics Anonymous. His story is one of humility, perseverance, and the enduring power of recovery and fellowship.This episode is packed with living history, personal experience, and hard-earned wisdom from someone who witnessed—and participated in—some of the most important moments in early NA literature development.

What makes us love Narcotics Anonymous so deeply? In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Mason and Francis sit down for a heartfelt conversation about the many reasons NA continues to mean so much to us.We share personal stories, memorable experiences, and those small moments that often say the most—moments of connection, laughter, growth, service, friendship, and recovery. From meetings that changed our lives to the people who helped shape our journey, we reflect on the things that make NA more than just a program—it’s a way of life and a worldwide fellowship built on hope.This episode is a celebration of gratitude, recovery, and the countless blessings we’ve found through Narcotics Anonymous. Whether you’re brand new or have decades clean, we hope this conversation reminds you why we keep coming back.We Love NA.

History of Missouri Narcotics Anonymous PanelIn this special episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with longtime members from across Missouri and the surrounding region to explore the rich and often untold history of early Narcotics Anonymous in the Midwest.Joining us for this panel discussion are Kimmy S. from Kansas City, MO; Rick P. from Carthage, MO; Eddie P. from Kansas City, KS; Roger F. from Mexico, MO; Jeff B. from Kansas City, MO; Bob D. from St. Louis, MO; and Barb O. from Kansas City, MO.Together, we trace the beginnings of NA in Missouri, including the earliest meetings in St. Louis, Joplin, and Kansas City. Rick P. shares memories surrounding the formation of the Fifth Tradition Group in Joplin—recognized as the oldest registered NA meeting in Missouri. The panel reflects on the challenges of carrying the message in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when meetings were scarce and literature was limited.We also discuss the growth of the fellowship throughout the state, the development of early area and regional service structures, the separation from the Mid-America Region, and the eventual formation of the Show Me Region. The conversation highlights the spirit of unity, persistence, and service that helped build NA across Missouri.This episode is an important oral history conversation featuring members who helped carry the NA message when the fellowship was still finding its footing across the Midwest.Recovery is alive in Missouri—and this episode helps tell the story of how it began.

This week on the Living Clean Podcast, we continue our walk through the Twelve Steps with one of the most powerful and freeing steps in recovery.Our consistent panel returns — Archer, Pete, and Douglas — and we’re joined by two special guests, Janine E. and Christina T., for an honest discussion on Step Five and what it truly means to let go of secrecy, shame, and the weight we have carried for far too long.We talk about the fear that can come before this step, the courage it takes to be fully honest, and the relief that often follows when we finally share the truth with God, ourselves, and another human being. We also explore trust, vulnerability, humility, and how Step Five helps break the isolation that keeps many of us stuck.This step is not about punishment. It is about freedom, healing, and no longer living alone inside our own mind.If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, fear, or telling the truth about your past, this episode is for you.Do yourself a favor and listen.

Today we head down South to explore the early history of Narcotics Anonymous in New Orleans, Louisiana — a city known for music, resilience, culture, and survival. But underneath the stories of Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras is another powerful story: addicts helping addicts find recovery in a place where many never thought freedom was possible.Before we get started, we want to give a huge shout out to Douglas from the Anonymous Podcast, along with Barb and Paul from the Anonymous Squad. Thank you for helping preserve recovery history and for continuing to carry the message through storytelling, fellowship, and service. We are grateful for the work all of you do.In this episode, we sit down with early New Orleans NA members Kathe and Nancy as they share firsthand memories of the first Narcotics Anonymous meetings in New Orleans. From small beginnings and borrowed meeting spaces to the struggles and miracles of early recovery, these stories help paint a picture of what NA looked like in Louisiana during its formative years.We also round out this episode by featuring excerpts and reflections from Anonymous Podcast interviews with Jerry S. and Iron Bill, two longtime Louisiana members whose experience, strength, and personality left a lasting impact on countless addicts. Though they are no longer with us physically, their voices and stories continue to carry hope.This episode is more than history. It is a reminder that NA grows because recovering addicts show up, open the doors, and keep the message alive for the next suffering addict. The history of New Orleans NA is full of grit, spirituality, humor, and perseverance — and we are honored to help preserve a small part of it.So wherever you are listening from, thank you for joining us on this journey through recovery history.Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of the Living Clean Podcast: The History of New Orleans, Louisiana.

This special Mother’s Day episode of The Living Clean Podcast is hosted by Staci, who takes the lead for a heartfelt conversation featuring an all-moms panel.Joining the episode are returning guests Becki and Shanna, along with two new friends of the podcast, Barbi and Kate. Together, they share powerful and honest stories about their experiences as mothers in addiction and the journey of redemption and healing in recovery.This episode is a celebration of strength, honesty, and the miracles that recovery makes possible. It’s a reminder that recovery doesn’t just change one life—it can restore families and generations.Whether you're a mother in recovery, someone who loves a mother in recovery, or simply grateful for the women who helped raise you, this episode is filled with hope, laughter, and heartfelt truth.

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, Mason shares about his trip to the 2026 World Service Conference and his short time experiencing the WSC firsthand.Over the course of three days, he attended portions of the conference, observed discussions and decision-making in action, and got a closer look at how service work happens at a worldwide level inside Narcotics Anonymous. Along the way, he also went on what he calls a “history quest” — exploring NA history, visiting the NA World Services office, and taking in some of the people, stories, and places connected to the Fellowship’s growth over the years.This episode is less of an official report and more of a personal reflection on the experience: the atmosphere of the conference, the passion behind service, the humanity inside the process, and what it felt like to witness pieces of NA history and world services up close.

In this episode of the Living Clean Podcast, Francis sits down with Bob D. to explore the roots of Narcotics Anonymous in St. Louis and the powerful connections that helped carry the message across the country.Bob shares firsthand experiences from the earliest NA meetings in St. Louis, offering a glimpse into what it looked like when the fellowship was just beginning to take hold in the Midwest. He reflects on the influence of Bob B. from San Francisco, whose efforts helped spark the growth of NA in the area and connect St. Louis to the broader fellowship.We also dive into Bob’s experiences attending the 3rd and 4th World Literature Conferences—pivotal moments in NA history where members came together to shape the Basic Text and define how our message would be shared worldwide. Through these stories, we see the passion, struggle, and unity that went into creating NA literature.Finally, this conversation highlights the early formation of Area and Regional service structures, and how trusted servants worked to build a framework that could support growth while staying true to NA’s spiritual principles.This is a powerful look at how NA grew—one meeting, one connection, and one act of service at a time.

This week, we’re doing something a little different to keep our Sunday momentum rolling. Since our Service Day episode dropped earlier in the week, Francis and Mason decided to share a live recording from TACNA40 in Texarkana.In this special episode, Mason S. speaks on the topic of Conscious Contact and shares his personal experience with prayer, meditation, surrender, and building a real relationship with a Higher Power in recovery. Through honesty, humor, and practical experience, he explores what it means to stay spiritually connected one day at a time.Whether you’re new in recovery or have been around for years, this message offers encouragement and insight into how conscious contact can move from an idea into a daily practice.Thank you for continuing to grow with us and for being part of The Living Clean Podcast.

Service is where recovery comes alive.In this special Service Day episode of the Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with Lady D., Dee M., Branwyn B., Francis, and Mason to talk about what service really means beyond positions, beyond titles, and beyond obligation.We get into the heart of it: what service has done for us, how it’s kept us clean, and why giving back is one of the most powerful tools we have in recovery. We talk about the impact of sponsorship, carrying the message, showing up when we don’t feel like it, and how service connects us to something bigger than ourselves.In Narcotics Anonymous, we often say: “The heart of NA beats when two addicts share their recovery.” Service is how we keep that heart beating.Happy Service Day.

Francis, David, Travis, and Amanda return with a new set of Be The Change exercises focused on the 12th Step and practicing recovery principles “in all of our affairs.”In this episode, the group reviews how the spirit of welcoming newcomers began to naturally show up in everyday life — at home, at work, in conversations, and in how we respond to challenges outside of meetings. What started as intentional kindness within the fellowship began to overlap into personal lives, reminding us that the message is carried through how we live.Together, we introduce this next series of exercises designed to help us practice being the change in practical ways — applying spiritual principles consistently, not just inside meetings, but wherever we go.This discussion explores:• living the 12th Step through action• how welcoming others changes us• practicing principles beyond the meeting room• carrying the message through example• building consistency between recovery and daily life• simple ways to Be The Change in relationships, responsibilities, and communityThese exercises are intended to support continued growth, deepen awareness, and strengthen the connection between recovery and everyday living.If you are interested in participating in this next set of exercises, reach out to Francis by text.Recovery is not just something we talk about — it becomes something we live.Be The Change — In All of Our Affairs

In this special episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Mason and Francis take a deep dive into one of the most pivotal moments in the history of Narcotics Anonymous literature.The Fourth World Literature Conference, held in Santa Monica, California in April 1981, was part of the intense and passionate effort to create a book written by addicts, for addicts. The work done at these conferences helped shape what would eventually become the NA Basic Text, a cornerstone of recovery for addicts around the world.In the first half of the episode, Mason and Francis break down what led up to the conference, what happened during those historic days in Santa Monica, and why the literature movement inside NA was so important to the fellowship’s growth.In the second half of the episode, we’re joined by Bob S. and Kathy M., two members who were actually present at the conference. They share their personal memories of participating in the literature effort, the atmosphere in the rooms where addicts were shaping recovery literature, and the challenges and excitement of that moment in NA history.Their stories bring the conference to life and provide insight into a time when the fellowship was still young, passionate, and determined to create literature that carried the message of recovery.This episode is part history, part oral archive, and part celebration of the addicts who helped build the foundation of NA literature.If you’re interested in the origins of the Basic Text, the literature conferences, or the early years of NA service, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we continue our journey through Chapter 4 of the Living Clean book as we begin exploring the section on “Disabilities.”We’re joined by a group of special guests who bring real, lived experience to this conversation. Each of them faces different types of disabilities, and together they help us break down the first half of this powerful section.This episode dives into what it really looks like to navigate recovery while also managing physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. Our guests share honestly about the obstacles they’ve faced—but more importantly, they share the strength, courage, and perseverance it takes to stay clean and keep moving forward.This is a conversation about resilience. About not giving up. About finding hope even when life adds extra layers of difficulty.Because recovery doesn’t require perfect circumstances—it requires willingness, connection, and the courage to keep going.

In this episode of the Living Clean Podcast, I’m joined by Jay L. (Montana) and Chris C. (Yreka, CA) as we sit down with Marc S., who shares a powerful story of addiction, transformation.Marc’s journey takes us deep into the counterculture era, where LSD became a central part of his life and identity. From couch surfing and hitchhiking to living on the streets, Marc found himself immersed in a fast-moving lifestyle shaped by the psychedelic scene and the cultural shifts of the time. What began as experimentation gradually turned into deeper involvement in the drug trade, eventually spanning multiple cities including San Francisco and Los Angeles.At first, the lifestyle seemed exciting and full of freedom. But over time, the consequences of addiction began to surface. Marc describes how the very thing that once felt like connection ultimately led to isolation, instability, and spiritual bankruptcy.Marc eventually found recovery in the early 1980s in Miami, beginning a new way of life grounded in principles, community, and service. His recovery journey carried him across both coasts, where he built friendships with longtime members and individuals connected with the World Service Office, helping shape a foundation of lasting recovery and connection. His story reminds us that no matter how far we go into addiction, there is a way back—and a life beyond what we ever imagined possible.

After sitting in the archive for over a year, we’re finally releasing this conversation with Bo S.Bo was there in the early days. He served as the first World Literature Conference Chair and was one of the members who stepped forward when the question was asked, “Who’s going to write the book?”The answer he got was simple: “Any addict.”And Bo said, “Well, I’m an addict.”He would go on to be one of only two members to attend all seven World Literature Conferences, playing a role in the development of what would become the Basic Text.This episode wasn’t easy to release.When we recorded this, Bo’s health was declining. At times he was sharp and clear, and at other times he struggled with details and timelines. Because of that, we held onto this recording for a long time. We wanted to make sure anything we shared respected both the history and Bo. After going back through the archive and carefully editing this conversation, what remains is something honest and human.This may not be our cleanest episode but it’s real.

From the early days of Narcotics Anonymous in Memphis, Chet P. shares firsthand memories of a time when the Fellowship was still finding its footing in the Mid-South. He recounts going through treatment at the historic Memphis House, attending the Mid-South Regional Service Conference, and taking road trips with Joseph Proctor to help carry the message of recovery wherever addicts were still suffering.But Chet’s story doesn’t end there.Decades later, in his 70s, Chet found himself living a very different reality—homeless on the streets of San Francisco. His journey reflects both the promise and the fragility of recovery, reminding us that addiction is a lifelong illness and that staying connected matters.This episode is not just NA history—it is a powerful reminder that recovery is something we live, one day at a time.Follow Chet’s current journey and outreach work on Instagram:@uplifthumanitysfLiving Clean Podcast — preserving our history, carrying our message, and remembering that every story matters.

This week on the Living Clean Podcast, we dive headfirst into Step Four: “We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”Our consistent panel returns — Archer, Pete, and Douglas — and we’re joined by two powerful guests, Tim and Dawn, as we break down all things Step Four. We talk about what it really means to be searching. What fearless actually looks like. How to write honestly without drowning in shame. Why resentment, fear, and sex inventories matter. And how this step becomes a turning point in recovery instead of a punishment.This conversation is real. It’s raw. It’s practical. And it might be the strongest episode in our Step series so far.If you’ve ever been intimidated by Step Four… If you’ve ever avoided it… If you’re in the middle of it right now…Do yourself a favor and listen.This is where freedom begins.

In this episode of Francis’s Archive, we follow Brad S. from Jackson, Mississippi as curiosity about his home group, the Foglifters, turns into a deep dive down the NA history rabbit hole. What begins as a simple desire to learn more about the roots of his home group quickly grows into a passion for preserving the stories of how Narcotics Anonymous took hold in Mississippi.Brad doesn’t just listen—he pitches in. Through interviews and conversations with trusted servants who were there in the early days, we begin to piece together a living history of the Mississippi Region. Dennis E. shares his recollections of the beginnings of the Mississippi Region and the spirit of service that helped carry the message in its formative years. Scott P. reflects on what is believed to be the first meeting in Jackson, Mississippi, and possibly the first meeting in the state, offering insight into the courage and commitment it took for NA to take root in a new place.These stories remind us that NA history is not just about dates and events—it is about addicts helping addicts, one meeting at a time. The willingness of members like Brad to ask questions, seek connection, and participate in preserving our shared past helps ensure that the message remains available for the next newcomer who walks through the door.From one home group’s story to the broader development of a region, this episode highlights how our history lives through the members who care enough to learn it, share it, and carry it forward.Welcome to Francis’s Archive.

This week’s episode came together in a way that honestly couldn’t have been planned any better.Francis and I had the opportunity to be together in person at the Texarkana Area Convention in Texarkana, Arkansas, and that alone made this week different. While we were there, we were both involved in different parts of the convention. We did a History of the Basic Text workshop together, I shared on conscious contact, and Francis was scheduled to be the Sunday morning spiritual speaker on the topic “Creative Action of the Spirit.”All of the topics for the convention were pulled directly from Living Clean: The Journey Continues, and as we were talking through what we were going to do for this week’s episode, Francis mentioned he was having a hard time figuring out what he wanted to say on his topic.That’s when the idea hit.Instead of just recording a normal episode, we decided to take advantage of being surrounded by addicts in recovery from all over and do a live, in-person Living Clean study on the section “Creative Action of the Spirit.” We broke it up into its 12 paragraphs and had members from the convention share on different sections.What came out of that was something powerful. You’ll hear different perspectives, different experiences, and real-time insight from people who don’t normally sit in the same rooms together.And then we took it one step further.At the end of this episode, we included Francis’s full Sunday morning message. So what you’re getting is the process and the result. You get to hear the preparation through the study and then hear how that message came to life.This one is special.

n this episode of Be The Change, the team presents the Welcoming the Newcomer workshop based on Traditions Three and Five.Together we explore how the actions of a group shape the atmosphere of recovery and how every member plays a role in creating a space where newcomers feel safe enough to stay.Through discussion, reflection, and role-play examples, we talk about what it really means to carry the message—not the addict.This episode reminds us that Tradition Three keeps the door open and Tradition Five keeps the message clear.

n this episode of the Living Clean Podcast, we continue our book study of Living Clean: The Journey Continues, focusing on the final six paragraphs of the “Illness” section in Chapter 4.Illness can challenge our recovery in ways we never expected. Physical suffering, fear of the future, and difficult choices can test the spiritual principles we rely on every day. In this conversation, we explore how the tools of recovery help us navigate those moments when life becomes uncertain and painful.We discuss the importance of reaching out—calling a sponsor, leaning on our support group, and turning to the wisdom found in NA literature such as In Times of Illness. These tools help us make decisions we can live with and take the next right action, even in the middle of crisis.The episode also explores the spiritual tension many of us feel when illness strikes. We talk about bargaining with God, expectations in prayer, and the powerful shift that happens when we move from demanding outcomes to practicing surrender. Recovery teaches us that our Higher Power is not a vending machine, and that acceptance of life on life’s terms often opens the door to gratitude—even when gratitude feels hardest to find.We also examine the deeply personal nature of health decisions. Recovery does not give us a single model for how to live, and each of us must find our own balance between caring for ourselves and avoiding the self-destructive patterns of our past. Through honest reflection, inventory, and surrender, we learn how to live according to our values rather than our fears.Ultimately, this section reminds us that recovery is not about perfection. It is about continually returning to the tools of the program, refining our balance between health and illness, action and acceptance, and learning how to live a life that aligns with our beliefs.Freedom in recovery means something powerful: we get to live life according to our own choosing and design.

Gratitude is one of the spiritual principles that transforms our recovery and changes the way we experience life. In this special episode of the Living Clean Podcast, My Gratitude Speaks, we hear a chorus of voices from members of Narcotics Anonymous sharing what gratitude means to them today.Inspired in part by the spirit of the Newcomer Montage and the Original Gratitude Exercises, this episode brings together reflections from addicts in recovery who have found a new way to live. Each voice represents a different journey, but the message is the same: recovery has given us more than we ever imagined possible.Members share about the simple and profound things they are grateful for today—freedom from active addiction, connection with others, the gift of service, the power of the Steps, and the ability to live one day at a time. What emerges is a collective expression of hope and appreciation that reflects the heart of our fellowship.Gratitude reminds us where we came from, keeps us grounded in the present, and points us toward the future. When we share it, it multiplies.Sit back and listen as addicts from across the fellowship let their gratitude speak.Because in Narcotics Anonymous, we don’t recover alone.

n this episode of DM’ing the Pamphlets, Mason from the Living Clean Podcast sits down with Douglas from the Anonymous Podcast to take a deep dive into IP #2 – The Group.The group is often described as the heart of recovery. It’s where addicts find connection, accountability, and a place where the message of recovery can be carried addict to addict. But what actually makes a group work? What is the purpose of a group beyond just holding meetings? And what responsibility do members have in protecting the unity and integrity of their home group?Douglas and Mason walk through the pamphlet line by line, discussing the principles behind healthy groups, the importance of participation and service, and how groups function as the foundation of the fellowship. They also explore practical topics like home groups, group conscience, unity, and the role each member plays in keeping the doors open for the next addict who walks in.Along the way, the conversation blends literature, personal experience, and a bit of real talk about what happens when groups thrive—and when they struggle.Whether you’re new to recovery or have been around meetings for years, this episode offers insight into why the group matters and how each of us contributes to keeping the message alive.DM’ing the Pamphlets is a series where we explore recovery literature one pamphlet at a time—breaking it down, discussing its meaning, and connecting it to real recovery.

After nearly five years of persistence, Francis finally tracks down Keith S., and in this special episode, both Mason and Francis sit down with him for a rare and powerful conversation about early Narcotics Anonymous history and service.Keith was deeply involved in the Ohio fellowship during the early 1980s and attended both the 1982 and 1983 World Service Conferences. He shares firsthand insight into that pivotal era, including the moment he made the motion for Bob Stone to become office manager — a decision that had a lasting impact on NA’s service structure and communication. He also reflects on his experience at the Fifth World Literature Conference in Warren and what the fellowship felt like during one of its most challenging and formative periods.Mason and Francis explore Keith’s memories of Jim M., discussions around Greg P., and the realities of navigating unity, growth, and difficult transitions within the fellowship at that time. Alongside the history, Keith opens up about his personal recovery journey and what it was like to stay clean and committed to service while NA itself was still evolving.This episode is a rare blend of fellowship history, personal experience, and deep service perspective — an honest, insightful conversation that captures the spirit, struggles, and resilience of NA during a defining chapter in its development.