The Living Clean Podcast

For this second episode in our 12-month journey through the 12 Steps, we dive into Step Two: "We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." Our panel regulars—Douglas, Archer, and Pete—are joined by Bronwyn and Dan. Together, we explore what "coming to believe" means, how sanity is restored, and how this step builds the foundation for hope in recovery. Join us as we unpack the belief in something greater!

In August of 2025, Francis and Mason traveled to Tupelo, Mississippi for a Narcotics Anonymous convention—and what turned out to be a meaningful milestone for the Living Clean Podcast.This was our first time presenting Narcotics Anonymous history at a convention, and while we did run out of time for our full PowerPoint presentation, it was a powerful and encouraging test run. We were warmly welcomed, supported, and reminded just how hungry our fellowship is for its history.Francis was also asked to serve as the Sunday morning speaker, an experience that carried a beautiful irony. Coming from Northern California, he found himself speaking at a Grateful Dead–themed convention—not Elvis-themed, even though Tupelo is famously the birthplace of Elvis Presley. That theme opened the door for Francis to share honestly about his own experience with addiction, the Grateful Dead culture, and how recovery eventually found him after that chapter of his life.Whenever Francis visits a new place in Narcotics Anonymous, he makes a point to explore the local NA history—and Tupelo did not disappoint. This episode includes an interview with Billy Y., a longtime member who was present at the very first Narcotics Anonymous meeting in Tupelo. His firsthand account offers a rare and valuable glimpse into how NA took root in this community.Beyond the interview, Francis also went on a local NA history adventure with J.W., visiting several former meeting locations—including the very first spot where the Tupelo group met: an old beauty salon, where members famously sat in the dryer chairs during meetings. It’s a reminder that NA has always grown wherever addicts were willing to gather, no matter how humble the setting.We hope you enjoy this episode, the stories, the laughter, and the deep sense of connection that comes from remembering where we came from.Thanks for listening—and thank you for helping us keep NA history alive.God loves you, and so do we. 💙

“In this special bonus episode titled ‘The Storm,’ Mason and Francis share raw, personal reflections. Mason recounts how a literal ice storm disrupted his recovery, while Francis opens up about a difficult separation. Together, they explore how life’s storms—both literal and emotional—can challenge recovery, and what it means to weather them.”

In Episode Two of DM’ing the Pamphlets, Douglas and Mason sit down with one of the most foundational pieces of Narcotics Anonymous literature: “Who, What, How, and Why.”This pamphlet answers the core questions so many of us had when we first showed up — Who is an addict? What is NA? Why are we here? And how does this actually work? Together, we slow it down and talk through the language, the principles, and the lived experience behind the words.We explore what NA says about addiction as a disease, the idea of complete abstinence, the role of honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness, and why one addict helping another remains at the heart of recovery. We also touch on the Steps, the Traditions, and how these principles show up in real life — not just on paper.We’re not gurus or experts. We’re simply sharing our experience and perspective, and we’re genuinely interested in yours. This is a conversation, not a lecture — and we’d love to hear what this pamphlet has meant to you.

45th anniversary of the Third World Literature Conference of Narcotics Anonymous — held in Memphis, Tennessee in 1981 — the gathering that brought the NA Basic Text into being.In this special episode, we’re joined by Doug W., Linda M., George R., and Gene L., members who were there and helped carry the responsibility of finishing the book so that addicts they would never meet could find recovery.Rather than reading minutes or timelines, this conversation explores the human side of that work: the pressure, disagreements, unity, spiritual grounding, and trust required to bring the Basic Text to life. This is a story about service, surrender, and what can happen when addicts come together for something bigger than themselves.We are the book — and together we will always have the book.

Welcome back to Francis’s Archives, a special solo series within the Living Clean Podcast where history, personal stories, and reflections come together to honor the voices that helped shape recovery as we know it today.This week, we remember Bill Brooks — a foundational member in the growth of Narcotics Anonymous in Alabama whose influence continues to be felt by generations of recovering addicts. Bill has a personal story in the back of the Basic Text titled “If You Want What We Have,” and many members recognize the powerful opening line that begins, “My name is Bill, and I’m a junkie and a juicer.” — a simple yet unforgettable introduction that has resonated with countless people over the years.Through shared memories, historical context, and heartfelt reflection, this episode highlights the humility, service, and compassion Bill carried into every room. We’ll also touch on excerpts from his story that capture the spirit of openness, love, and the life-changing impact of walking into an NA meeting for the first time.This episode isn’t only about looking back — it’s about recognizing the people who helped build the path we walk today and continuing to carry the message forward. The heart of recovery beats strongest when we remember those who came before us and honor their legacy through action.

In this episode of the Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with the author of “Just Say Yes,” a powerful personal story from Life on Life’s Terms written more than 20 years ago.Raised in a traditional Sikh family, our guest shares his journey from a double life of addiction and professional success to recovery through Narcotics Anonymous. We talk sponsorship, willingness, prayer before belief, service, and what it means to trust the process over time.This conversation bridges early recovery and life today, offering an honest look at how spiritual principles continue to guide growth, relationships, and change—one day at a time.

Be the Change 2 | Francis’s ArchivesWelcome back to Francis’s Archives, the midweek bonus series from the Living Clean Podcast, where Francis continues to step outside the usual format to explore recovery through reflection, history, and lived experience.In Part 2 of “Be the Change,” Francis returns to the exercise that began with a spontaneous lobby conversation at the Volunteer Regional Convention in Memphis, Tennessee. What started as a single moment of honesty has continued to unfold into something deeper — a closer look at responsibility, personal ownership, and what it actually means to live the message we talk about.This episode moves beyond the idea itself and into application. What does it look like to be the change in our relationships, our service, our fellowships, and our everyday choices? Where do we get stuck? Where do we resist? And what happens when we stop waiting for others to move first?Raw, thoughtful, and intentional, this installment continues the conversation — not with answers, but with direction. Less theory. More practice. More recovery in action.More content. More connection. More recovery.

This week on the Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with Bella A and Craig R to revisit an article they wrote for the NA Way Magazine back in 1999, where they boldly tried to predict the future of Narcotics Anonymous. Together, we reflect on which of those predictions came true, which expectations were exceeded, and where reality took a different turn than anyone imagined.The conversation also explores how NA has evolved in reaching the newcomer, including changes in public relations and communication, and how the message continues to find addicts in new and unexpected ways. We close the episode by looking ahead once again, asking what Narcotics Anonymous might look like in the year 2050.A thoughtful, reflective, and forward-looking episode that bridges NA’s past, present, and future.

Francis’s Archives — Episode: Steve M. In this episode of Francis’s Archives, Francis sits down with Steve M., a name that quietly appears in the early history of recovery—and a voice with a story worth hearing.Steve was present during the formative conference years and is listed among those who helped shape the early fellowship landscape. What began as simple curiosity—tracking down a name from conference records—turned into a deeper discovery: Steve was the musician referenced in Gina H.’s story, No Excuse for Loneliness.Steve shares openly about his early involvement, the tension he experienced around language and messaging, and how encounters with influential figures like Joseph Proctor and Scooby ultimately pushed him toward Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an honest look at how tone, expectations, and rigid ideas can unintentionally alienate people who are simply trying to find a way to stay clean.This conversation isn’t about taking sides—it’s about understanding history, honoring experience, and reflecting on how recovery spaces evolve. Steve’s story reminds us that language matters, humility matters, and sometimes the path we take isn’t the one we expected—but it still saves our lives.

Welcome to the first episode of DM’ing the Pamphlets, a collaborative series between The Living Clean Podcast and The Anonymous Podcast.In this series, Douglas and Mason sit down to break down the Information Pamphlets (IPs) of Narcotics Anonymous and bring some attention to literature that often sits on the rack unnoticed.In Episode One, Douglas and Mason take Another Look at IP #5, slowing it down, unpacking the message, and talking about what it really says — and how it applies to real life and real recovery.We’re not gurus or experts. We’re just sharing our experience and perspective, and we’re genuinely interested in your take — reach out and let us know your thoughts.

In this special holiday episode of the Living Clean Podcast, Francis and Mason hop on the mic in a spontaneous moment to connect with our listeners during the holiday season.The holidays can bring a mix of gratitude, joy, stress, loneliness, reflection, and everything in between — especially for people in recovery. Rather than offering a polished or scripted episode, we simply wanted to show up, check in, and remind you that you’re not alone.We talk honestly about staying grounded, managing expectations, leaning into connection, and keeping recovery at the center during a season that can feel heavy for many.Whether you’re celebrating, grieving, struggling, or simply getting through the day — this episode is our way of reaching out and saying: we’re glad you’re here.Thanks for being part of this community, and for walking this path with us.

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, we wrap up the Wellness and Health section from the Living Clean book study series. We continue right where we left off, finishing the remainder of this powerful chapter and exploring how wellness, balance, and self-care evolve as we grow in recovery.We’re joined by Kevin, Holly, Steve, Denise, Karen, and Brian as we dig deeper into these principles — discussing our experiences, what health looks like today, and the ongoing effort to take care of ourselves in recovery.Thanks for following along with this series. We hope you enjoy the conversation and take something meaningful back to your own recovery journey.

Step One is where recovery begins.In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we start a 12-month journey through the Twelve Steps by talking honestly about Step One:“We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.”This panel discussion explores what powerlessness and unmanageability actually looked like in our lives, how denial and rationalization kept us stuck, and what surrender finally felt like. We share personal experience around addiction as a disease, hitting bottom, reservations, and the spiritual principles that bring hope.This episode is not a replacement for working the steps. We encourage addicts to attend meetings and work the Twelve Steps with a sponsor. We don’t speak for NA as a whole — we’re simply sharing our experience, strength, and hope.Step One gave us hope. This is where the journey begins.

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, we’re honored to welcome Betül B. from Istanbul, Turkey. Betül shares pieces of her personal recovery story — a journey of courage, transformation, and finding freedom through Narcotics Anonymous. She also takes us inside the history of NA in Turkey: how the fellowship first took root, the challenges of growth in a predominantly non-English-speaking community, and the incredible strides being made to bring recovery to those seeking a new way to live.From cultural barriers to breakthroughs in service, Betül offers an inspiring look at what it really means for NA to be a global fellowship. Recovery is alive and well in Turkey — and her message reminds us that the solutions we find in NA transcend borders, languages, and backgrounds.Tune in, be inspired, and help us carry the message worldwide.

In this week’s episode of the Living Clean Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome our good friend Gogs T. from Namibia. Gogs shares his personal story, his involvement with the African Zonal Forum, and the incredible work he’s doing to support fellowship development across Southern Africa. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about how the message of recovery is spreading and growing in new ways.

In this week's episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we're sitting down with Charles K., who’s been a part of the recovery community since 1978. Charles shares his fascinating experiences from the literature conferences of the late '70s and early '80s—moments that helped shape the very literature many of us rely on today.Along the way, we dive into Charles's personal journey, his reflections on the evolution of newer recovery texts, and just have an all-around great conversation that you won't want to miss. Join us as we explore a bit of the past, the present, and the enduring wisdom of someone who’s seen it all.

In this episode of the Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with our longtime friend Ron H. to break down the 2026 Conference Agenda Report (CAR) and help NA members truly understand how the World Service Conference process works. Ron brings deep experience from his time on the World Board, working with NA World Services, and reporting on conference business for years. We start by explaining what the CAR is and why it’s the vehicle NA uses to conduct fellowship business at the world level. Then we walk through how input from home groups flows up through areas and regions to the World Service Conference, so members know how their voices can make a difference. We go through each of the motions in the 2026 CAR, talk about issue discussion topics (IDTs), and explain the surveys — what they’re for, how the information is used, and how you can participate. We wrap up with practical guidance on how you can get involved at every level of service: home group, area, region, workshops, and more. Whether you’re new to NA or have been in the rooms for a long time, this episode will help you understand how the process works and how your voice matters.Full CAR link we’re discussing: https://na.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-CAR-11-12-25.pdf

In this special episode, we have the privilege of chatting with Chuck G., Jack B., and Phil P., three individuals who were absolutely instrumental in the development of Narcotics Anonymous from the 1970s and 80s right up to today. We dive into their experiences in service, their relationship with Jimmy K., and a whole range of fascinating NA history and insights. Tune in to hear these stories that connect the past to our present recovery journey!

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, we’re diving back into our Living Clean book study. We’re on page 97, exploring the first six paragraphs of the Wellness and Health section.We’re joined by Marta, Terry, Teresa, MJ, Danial, and Abby as we unpack this chapter together—breaking down the ideas, sharing personal experience, and exploring how wellness, balance, and daily practice show up in our recovery today.If you’re following along with the Living Clean book or just love hearing real people connect recovery principles to real life, you won’t want to miss this conversation.