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"This podcast serves as an additional recovery tool for those embracing a new way of life through Narcotics Anonymous. Our goal is to provide insights, experiences, and discussions that support the journey of recovery. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the individual contributors and do not represent the official stance of Narcotics Anonymous. NA does not take positions on outside issues, ensuring the name of Narcotics Anonymous remains free from public controversy."
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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 Message and 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 Description On 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.
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