The Living Clean Podcast

In this episode of the Living Clean Book Study, Mason and Francis dive into Chapter Four – “Our Physical Selves,” focusing on the section “Thrill-Seeking and Adventure.” Chris A., Justin K., Mallory S., Mo C., and Shaun join them for a raw and insightful discussion about how the drive for excitement shows up in recovery — from chasing adrenaline and chaos to rediscovering passion and purpose in healthy ways. Together, they explore how to find balance between the rush of living fully and the serenity that comes from spiritual growth.

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, we’re bringing you something a little different — and completely unplanned. Francis sat down with Pete and George from the Bristol Literature Committee to talk about their experiences at the Third World Literature Conference, a pivotal event in the history of the Basic Text. Both of them were deeply involved in putting that conference together and helping shape the chapters that would eventually define our fellowship’s foundational book.What started as a simple historical discussion quickly evolved into a heartfelt, wide-ranging conversation. The topics naturally expanded into Step Working Guides, Living Clean, sponsorship, and the process of working the Steps — both personally and with others.It became one of those organic moments that capture the true spirit of recovery: connection, insight, and shared experience. We hadn’t planned to release it, but it turned out too good not to share — so here it is, a bonus episode we hope you’ll really enjoy.

When the 2018 Paradise wildfires devastated Northern California, entire towns — and recovery communities — were wiped out overnight. In this episode, members of Narcotics Anonymous share their powerful stories of survival, loss, and the unbreakable spirit that kept recovery alive amid the ashes.These are firsthand accounts of fleeing the flames, finding each other again, and rebuilding meetings from nothing. From borrowed church basements to new meeting halls, the fellowship proved that recovery is stronger than any disaster.Paradise Strong is a story of courage, connection, and the enduring power of addicts helping addicts — no matter what burns down around them.

This week, we got to do something truly special. The inspiration for starting The Living Clean Podcast came from the struggle of getting into prisons to carry the message through H&I. When those doors wouldn’t open, the podcast became a new way to reach people on the inside.Since then, we’ve connected with some incredible folks doing deep, meaningful work—bringing recovery meetings into prisons both virtually and in person. Because of their dedication, we finally get to accomplish something we’ve dreamed about since the very beginning.In this episode, we’re joined by actual inmates from inside Indiana State Prison who share their experience, strength, and hope directly from behind the walls. This moment represents everything our fellowship stands for—proof that recovery knows no boundaries, and the message always finds a way.

Even in paradise, addiction finds a way in—but so does recovery. In this powerful episode, we hear one woman’s story of transformation from the streets of Waikiki to the rooms of recovery on a remote corner of Hawaii. She shares her journey through trauma, shame, and repeated relapse to a life of spiritual awakening and freedom.Through fearless inventory work and the love of a sponsor who helped her “meet herself,” she learned to let go of the pain that once defined her and discovered what it means to live clean—body, mind, and spirit. Today, she embraces recovery as a daily practice of forgiveness, connection, and conscious contact.From darkness to light, this is a story of healing, honesty, and the miraculous breath of life that recovery offers us all.

Clean since January 13, 1977, AJ H joins us for a candid and inspiring NA conversation spanning nearly five decades of recovery. In this episode, AJ shares stories from his early days in the Fellowship, lessons learned through service, and reflections on how recovery—and NA itself—has evolved through the years.From the early meetings and literature development to the spiritual principles that still guide his daily life, AJ reminds us that recovery is timeless, living proof that the NA message endures: an addict, any addict, can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live.A heartfelt and historical chat filled with experience, strength, and hope.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most practical — and spiritual — aspects of NA service: making sure addicts can find us. We sit down with a trusted servant who walks us through the workshop Helping Addicts Find Us: Meeting Lists, Websites, and Flyers. Together, we explore how meeting information gets shared, the common mistakes we make, and the best practices that help ensure no addict slips through the cracks.From flyers and websites to the new NAWS meeting search tool and virtual meeting listings, this conversation highlights why clarity, accessibility, and unity matter so much. We’ll talk about spiritual principles, share real-life examples, and discuss how members and service bodies can work together to carry the message more effectively.Whether you’re new to service or a long-time trusted servant, this episode offers insight and direction on one of the most important questions we can ask: How do we help the still-suffering addict find us?

In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we’re joined by a powerful voice in recovery whose story is featured in the Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text. Growing up in an inner-city environment shaped by crime, addiction, and spiritual disconnection, our guest found himself chasing the acceptance and toughness of the street life—despite being surrounded by examples of success within his own family. Heroin quickly became his solution, and addiction took him down a long road of pain, isolation, and near-death experiences.After hitting bottom and uttering the simple prayer, “Please, God, help me,” he found himself at his first NA meeting. That moment marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation. With the support of the fellowship, the Twelve Steps, and a growing relationship with his Higher Power, he rebuilt his life from the ground up. He earned a GED in his thirties, overcame barriers of age and race in academia, graduated college with honors, and went on to earn a master’s in social work. Today, he’s pursuing a PhD, runs a recovery-based nonprofit he founded, and continues to carry the message of hope to others.This conversation explores the spiritual awakening that emerged through service, the struggle to find belonging as a Black man in both NA and academia, and the power of personal surrender. With humility, depth, and contagious gratitude, our guest reminds us that God still hears an addict’s prayer—and that it’s never too late to become who we were meant to be.

This week on the Living Clean Podcast, we bring you A Conversation with Tommy B. — a longtime member with nearly five decades clean whose story is deeply woven into NA’s early history.Many in the fellowship know the famous story of Bo S. flying out to California for the Seventh World Convention to discover who was writing the Basic Text — a journey that led him to meet Greg P. and others who shaped NA literature. What’s less known is that Bo didn’t make that trip alone. Alongside him was our guest, Tommy B., who shares his memories of that historic moment.In this episode, Tommy reflects not only on that pivotal story, but also on the beginnings of Narcotics Anonymous in Atlanta, his decades of service, and his personal experience, strength, and hope.This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who has lived NA’s history and continues to carry the message today.

Podcast Description:In this powerful episode, we sit down with a member of Narcotics Anonymous from Nairobi, Kenya, whose story of redemption and recovery has deeply impacted the NA fellowship both locally and abroad. Born in the heart of Nairobi's slums, he experienced a life of loss, crime, and addiction that spiraled out of control—until he found hope in an NA meeting. After years of battling heroin addiction, personal heartbreak, and living on the streets, he discovered a sense of belonging in NA, where even during lonely meetings, he found renewed commitment and purpose in his recovery.Hear about his journey of self-discovery, from being the "junkie in sunglasses" to becoming an active member of a growing NA community in Kenya. Despite facing immense struggles, including hepatitis C and the challenges of spreading NA’s message across East Africa, he remains committed to serving others, sponsoring new members, and making a lasting impact on those around him.This episode highlights the power of service, the growth of NA in Kenya, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from being a part of something greater than oneself. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, recovery, and the importance of never giving up.

This week on the Living Clean Podcast we continue our journey through Chapter 4 of Living Clean: The Journey Continues and dive into the section on Sex. It’s one of those topics that can bring up everything from laughter to discomfort, and the book gives us a powerful framework to unpack it honestly in recovery.Helping us break it down is none other than “the squad” from The Anonymous Podcast. We had an incredible time collaborating with them, sharing experience, strength, and hope about how we’ve each navigated sexuality, intimacy, and relationships in recovery.Don’t miss this crossover episode—be sure to like, subscribe, and follow The Anonymous Podcast to keep up with their amazing work as well.

We’ve got something special for you this week! 🎙️ Instead of our usual format, we’re dropping the full panel discussion from the Speaker Jam 2025 in Hohenwald, Tennessee, held on September 13, 2025.This was our first time trying out a more live podcast style approach rather than a traditional speaker meeting. You’ll hear from panelists sharing their experience, strength, and hope in real time, creating a dynamic and powerful conversation around recovery.We’d love to hear what you think of this new format! Drop us your feedback anytime on the Living Clean Podcast Facebook page.

This week on the Living Clean Podcast, we sit down for A Conversation with Bob S. — a trusted servant who has dedicated decades to Narcotics Anonymous at nearly every level of service.Bob’s journey includes his time working at the World Service Office, where he witnessed and contributed to many of the most significant events in NA’s history. In this episode, we explore his firsthand perspective on milestone moments, the evolution of our fellowship, and the lessons carried forward from those experiences.Join us for a powerful conversation filled with history, insight, and inspiration from someone who helped shape the message we carry today.

This week on the Living Clean Podcast we’re celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Second World Literature Conference, held in Lincoln, Nebraska, September 8–14, 1980. This historic gathering helped shape the fellowship’s written message and gave birth to the earliest drafts of what would become our Basic Text.We’re joined by special guests who were in the room during that week, and together we’ll explore: • The atmosphere and energy of the conference • The workings and process of creating literature by addicts for addicts • The significance of the Literature Prayer • Stories, reflections, and insights from those who helped preserve our messageDon’t miss this rare opportunity to hear firsthand what it was like to help write the book that carries our message around the world.👉 And don’t forget to check out Preserving the Message’s YouTube page for a full breakdown of the Second World Literature Conference.

In this episode, we continue our journey through Living Clean: The Journey Continues, picking up where we left off on page 89 in Part 2, "Letting Ourselves Go." This section explores the delicate balance of surrender and growth in recovery—how letting go of our past selves and the tight grip we have on old behaviors can be the key to living a clean life.I’m joined by several special guests who bring their insights and personal experiences to the table, helping us unpack this powerful chapter. Together, we dive into the challenges and rewards of releasing the baggage that holds us back and embracing the freedom that comes with true self-acceptance in recovery.Tune in for an honest and engaging discussion as we finish this transformative section of the book. Whether you're new to recovery or a seasoned member, there’s something here for everyone looking to deepen their understanding of letting go and living fully in the present.

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Tim B., whose story of recovery from addiction is nothing short of miraculous. Born in Australia, Tim’s addiction spiraled into a world of violence, crime, and despair. His breaking point came when, in the depths of his addiction, he attempted suicide. But by the grace of God, he was given another chance to live.Now clean for over sixteen years, Tim shares his journey from the crossroads of life and death to finding hope and purpose through Narcotics Anonymous. He talks about the emotional pain he carried, his struggles with relapse, and the ultimate surrender that allowed him to embrace recovery.Tim’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and the power of NA’s message. He now lives a fulfilling life, full of love, purpose, and service to others. His dedication to helping others find recovery mirrors the core principle of NA: "We keep what we have by giving it away." Tune in to hear how Tim turned his darkest moments into the driving force for a life worth living.

In this exciting episode, we chat with Danny M., a passionate NA literature collector and the proud owner of the largest known collection of Narcotics Anonymous materials. Danny shares his incredible journey of hunting down rare and coveted pieces of NA history, with some wild and unexpected stories about how he came across these priceless items. From early literature to limited edition treasures, Danny’s collection is a testament to the evolution of the fellowship and the stories behind the pages.With dreams of one day opening an NA history museum, Danny takes us behind the scenes of his collection and reveals how the items he’s gathered have shaped his understanding of NA’s rich legacy. Whether you’re a collector, a history buff, or just curious about NA’s origins, this episode is packed with fascinating insights into the world of NA memorabilia and the impact it has had on recovery communities worldwide.Danny also shares how listeners can contribute to the future of NA history through the Carry The Message Museum. To donate or learn more, visit carrythemessagemuseum.com. Don’t miss this one!

What makes a Narcotics Anonymous group strong, healthy, and welcoming—and how do we carry that spirit with us when life moves us to new places?In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we dig into the essentials of building strong NA home groups: unity, service, commitment, and carrying the message. We explore the practical and spiritual principles that help groups thrive, as well as the challenges that can arise—and how to meet them with love and purpose.We also talk about the experience of relocating and the vulnerability of starting over in a new fellowship. How do you find your place? How do you get involved without feeling like an outsider? Whether you're planting new roots or helping others do the same, this episode is filled with experience, strength, and hope for anyone looking to grow in service and connection.

In this extraordinary episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with the man behind one of the most beloved stories in the back of the Sixth Edition of the Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text—Sandwich.With vulnerability, warmth, and deep spiritual insight, our guest takes us beyond the pages of his original story and into the heart of his ongoing recovery. From a moment of suicidal despair on a stairwell in the Netherlands to a simple act of kindness—a sandwich shared by a stranger—this episode traces the long and beautiful arc of a life transformed by the NA Fellowship.We explore the early days of not fitting in, the pain of grief and addiction, the fear of being unwelcome because of his sexuality, and the slow, steady healing that comes from being seen, heard, and loved just as we are. He speaks candidly about coming to trust a Higher Power, rebuilding relationships, and finding freedom through the Steps.This conversation is a living testimony to the power of love, service, and hope. Whether you’ve read Sandwich a dozen times or never at all, you won’t want to miss hearing the voice behind the story share how his recovery has unfolded in the decades since it was first written—and how that feeling of belonging in NA still carries him today.

This episode explores one of the current Issue Discussion Topics (IDTs) selected by the Fellowship: Gender Neutral and Inclusive Language in NA Literature.The conversation centers around how the language in NA literature impacts identification, inclusion, and the ability to carry the message to all addicts. The episode includes background from the 2023 World Service Conference, real member experiences, and examples of how NA literature has evolved over time—such as changes in the Basic Text and the inclusive language used in Living Clean.Listeners are invited to reflect on questions like: What would be the effect if the literature were to change—or not change? How does language affect how welcome someone feels in recovery?This isn’t about making decisions—it’s about having an open, respectful dialogue rooted in unity and understanding. Tune in for a thoughtful breakdown of a timely and important topic in our Fellowship.