The Living Clean Podcast

Living Clean Podcast – Francis’s ArchivesEpisode Title: Texarkana Roots: Carrying the Message ForwardAs Mason and Francis prepare to attend the Texarkana Area Convention (March 20–22), we felt it was only fitting to pause and honor the local history that made this convention — and this fellowship — possible.With the help of our friends Steven and David, Francis sits down with long-time members Russell, Carlotta, and Billy Mac to capture the story of Narcotics Anonymous in Texarkana. Together, they recount the early days of the fellowship in the area, the growth of the Texarkana Area Convention, and the powerful legacy of Terry S., the addict who helped bring NA to Texarkana.This episode is more than a history lesson — it’s a reminder of how one addict, carrying the message, can change an entire community. Through laughter, gratitude, and honest reflection, our guests share how NA took root, survived, and continues to thrive in Texarkana today.This is Francis’s Archives — preserving the voices, stories, and spiritual DNA of Narcotics Anonymous, one conversation at a time.

In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Mason and Francis sit down with returning panel members Archer, Pete, and Douglas, along with two special guests, Jay and Mindy, for a powerful and honest conversation about Step 3: “We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”This discussion goes far beyond the words on the page. The group explores what it really means to make a decision in recovery. They talk about control, ego, fear, and the deep-rooted habit of trying to run the show. Jay and Mindy bring vulnerability and fresh perspective as they share how Step 3 shifted their understanding of trust and changed the way they respond to life’s chaos. The panel wrestles with the tension between surrender and responsibility, discussing how turning it over is not passive resignation but an active daily choice to let go of self-will.Together, the conversation moves from theory to lived experience. What does it look like when we actually stop fighting everything? How do we trust something greater than ourselves without fully understanding it? And how does this step move us from belief into action? As always, the heart of recovery beats when addicts share honestly with one another, and this episode captures that spirit in a real and practical way.

In this episode of Living Clean, Francis is joined once again by David, Amanda, and Travis—and this time we’re welcoming new voices to the table: EJ, Jenna, and Brittany.Together, we take an in-depth look at the Be The Change exercises, moving beyond the page and into real life. We talk about what it looks like to practice these principles in our personal recovery, our relationships, and in Narcotics Anonymous service. This conversation explores how simple exercises can become living actions—how we carry the message, welcome the newcomer, and apply spiritual principles not just in meetings, but wherever we go.Recovery doesn’t stop at understanding—it comes alive when we practice. This episode is about doing the work, living the program, and truly being the change.

Living Clean Book Study — Page 101: Illness (Living Clean: The Journey Continues)On this episode of the Living Clean Podcast, Mason and Francis are joined by Jay, Jess, JW, Gregory, Dave, and Barb as we study page 101 from Living Clean: The Journey Continues and break down the section on Illness, one paragraph at a time.This reading speaks to a reality many people in recovery face but don’t always talk about openly: life doesn’t stop happening just because we’re clean. Physical health issues, mental health struggles, and the long-term consequences of our past can show up in recovery and sometimes feel overwhelming. Together, the panel discusses how recovery tools help us cope with illness without falling into blame, resentment, or avoidance.We explore the human tendency to search for explanations when we suffer, and how that can easily turn into judgment toward ourselves, others, or even a Higher Power. Instead of getting stuck in “why,” the conversation shifts toward perspective, acceptance, and learning how to just get through the day when life feels heavy.This episode also takes an honest look at denial versus refusal, fear of treatment, stigma around illness, and the difference between truly turning something over and simply ignoring reality. The discussion connects illness to responsibility, self-care, ongoing step work, and making living amends to our bodies and our lives in recovery.A grounded, practical Living Clean study focused on page 101 and the principle of living life on life’s terms — using recovery tools to face illness with honesty, action, and acceptance rather than fear or avoidance.

In this episode, Mason and Francis sit down with comedian Mark L., a performer known for bringing humor into recovery spaces and treatment settings across the world.While respecting the spiritual principle of anonymity, this conversation focuses on experience, strength, and hope — not identity. Mark shares about his past, the role humor played in his recovery, and how laughter can help us talk about the things we once hid, denied, or ran from.This is an honest discussion about addiction, recovery, perspective, and the power of being able to laugh without minimizing the seriousness of the journey.If we can laugh about it, we can talk about it. And when we can talk about it, we don’t have to go through it alone.

After being invited onto the Living Clean Podcast, I started listening back through the early episodes. Toward the end of many of them, Mason or Travis would often ask a simple but powerful question:“Do you have something you’d like to say to the newcomer?”This episode is a montage of those answers from the first year of the podcast.The question wasn’t asked at the end of every episode—but it came up often enough to leave a trail of wisdom, honesty, hope, and lived experience. What you’ll hear are short snippets of voices, shared in chronological order, speaking directly to the person who matters most in Narcotics Anonymous: the newcomer.Putting this together reminded me of the magic of this program. The newcomer keeps us grateful. The newcomer reminds us that recovery is not something we graduate from—it’s something we live, one day at a time. This life we’ve been given is a precious gift.Whether you’re brand new, coming back, or have some time in recovery, we hope this episode speaks to you right where you are.Thank you for listening.We’ll be back next week.You can expect Year Two and Year Three of the Newcomer Montage in future episodes.Welcome home. 💙

Atlanta has played a vital role in the growth and development of Narcotics Anonymous throughout the Southern United States.In this Living Clean Podcast episode, we sit down with members currently serving on the committee writing The History of Narcotics Anonymous in Atlanta, along with several founding members of the Atlanta Fellowship. Together, we explore the early days of NA in Atlanta — how the first meetings formed, how the fellowship grew, and how addicts carried the message at a time when resources were scarce and recovery was still finding its footing.This conversation captures the lived experience behind the history: the challenges, the service work, the unity, and the dedication that helped shape NA in Atlanta and influenced the broader Southern fellowship. These are stories of commitment, perseverance, and belief in a simple message — that any addict can stop using, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live.Whether you’re interested in NA history, service, or the roots of recovery in the South, this episode offers a meaningful look at how Atlanta became one of the building blocks of Narcotics Anonymous.

In this special episode of the Living Clean Podcast, Mason, Francis, and good friend of the podcast Ron H. guide a heartfelt conversation with the two individuals behind the powerful story “A Tale of Two Key Tags.” What started as a small, spontaneous moment involving a suitcase and a recovery key tag turned into a deeply meaningful experience that would eventually connect two recovering addicts across the country.One author reflects on being in a difficult emotional space during an overnight airport shift when he impulsively placed a key tag on a stranger’s luggage. Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, the suitcase’s owner was navigating grief, exhaustion, and the emotional weight of arranging hospice care for a loved one when he unexpectedly discovered that same key tag after returning home. What followed was a moment that served as a profound reminder that recovery is present even in life’s hardest seasons.Together, Mason, Francis, and Ron H. help unpack the emotional depth behind the story, exploring themes of service, connection, grief in recovery, and the quiet ways the fellowship shows up when we least expect it. The discussion goes beyond the written piece and dives into the human experience behind it — what it felt like in the moment, how the story unfolded afterward, and what it still means today years later.This episode is a conversation about more than a suitcase and a key tag. It is about unity, unseen connection, and the powerful reminder that none of us are as alone as we sometimes feel.

n this special episode, we pause to remember and honor the life of Mary Banner, a beloved member of the Fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous whose impact was felt far and wide.With Mason unavailable for this recording, his sister Staci graciously stepped in as host—and did a beautiful job guiding a large and heartfelt panel of friends who came together to share memories, gratitude, and love for Mary. What unfolded was a powerful collective remembrance filled with laughter, tears, and deep appreciation.Mary was a long-time member of Narcotics Anonymous in Texas, a trusted servant to the Fellowship, and a former NA World Services (NAWS) Board member. She was known for her dedication, her service, and—most of all—her heart. Mary showed up, carried the message, and lived the principles of Narcotics Anonymous in a way that touched countless lives.This episode is a celebration of a life well lived in recovery and a reminder of how one addict, committed to service and love, can leave a lasting imprint on our Fellowship.Thank you, Mary, for your service, your example, and your legacy. You are remembered. 💙

Wild Recovery is more than just a group — it’s a recovery experience built around movement, nature, and shared adventure. In this episode, we sit down with several members of Wild Recovery to talk about what it’s been like to live clean while hiking trails, pushing limits, and reconnecting with themselves, others, and the world around them. They share how challenge, discomfort, and community have become powerful tools in their recovery, and why this outdoor-based approach has resonated with people who may not have found their place in more traditional spaces. This is an honest conversation about growth, freedom, and discovering new ways to experience recovery. We’re excited to share this unique experience with you.

Last year, Francis traveled to the North Alabama Convention—home of Bill Brooks, a founding member of Narcotics Anonymous in Alabama and the author of the powerful Basic Text story “If You Want What We Have.”While there, Francis went beyond the convention floor. He visited Bill Brooks’ home, paid his respects at his gravesite, and had a meaningful phone conversation with Bill’s widow, Bettie, who shared personal reflections on Bill’s life, service, and legacy in Narcotics Anonymous.Francis also attended Open Minds and Miracles, the NA meeting Bill Brooks started in 1978—a living piece of NA history that continues to carry the message today.This episode also marks a milestone: Francis’s first time presenting on an author whose story appears in the Basic Text. Upon returning to the North Alabama Convention, he was invited to present on Bill Brooks, honoring both the man and the message behind one of NA’s most enduring stories.This is a heartfelt episode about history, humility, service, and the living legacy of recovery—reminding us that what was freely given to us is meant to be passed on.

Mason and Francis are back with a reflection on their experience at Out of the Darkness Into the Light 28, held February 4–9, 2026 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Decatur, Alabama. In this episode, they share their personal takeaways from the convention, the fellowship, and the spirit of recovery that filled the event.Francis offers his perspective coming from Northern California to the South for the second time, comparing and contrasting this year’s experience with his first visit. Mason reflects on what it meant to serve as Chair of the convention—an honor that carried both responsibility and deep gratitude—and how that role shaped his experience of the week.Beyond the convention itself, they also dive into what’s been happening in their lives outside of NA, and how those experiences intersect with the themes of the event. It’s an honest, heartfelt, and uplifting conversation about service, connection, and recovery in action.We hope you enjoy listening as much as they enjoyed sharing it.

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.