The Living Clean Podcast

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.

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.