The Living Clean Podcast

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.

🎙 Sowing the Seed In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with the member who wrote Sowing the Seed, one of the personal stories in the back of the NA Basic Text (6th Edition). He shares how recovery in Israel helped him go from feeling like a lifelong outsider to finding true connection and purpose in Narcotics Anonymous.We talk about singing in meetings, unity across cultures, early service commitments, and how the spiritual principle of fellowshipping gave him a life beyond anything he imagined. A powerful conversation about pain, perseverance, and the joy of coming home.

This week, the Living Clean book study continues with a focus on “Letting Ourselves Go” from Chapter 4: Our Physical Selves.This section invites us to take a closer look at how recovery affects—and is affected by—our relationship with our bodies. We explore themes of physical self-care, acceptance, and the sometimes uncomfortable process of reconnecting with ourselves after years of neglect or harm.Whether you’re just beginning to heal or have been on this path for a while, this chapter offers powerful reflections on what it means to live clean in every aspect of our lives—including the physical.Join us for an honest and down-to-earth discussion grounded in the NA experience.

In this special feature episode, Francis and I are joined by Chris B., Boyd P., Kareem K., and Terry J. as we sit down with a familiar voice to the podcast—Ron H. While Ron has joined us before, this time we dive deep into his story.We explore Ron’s journey from his early recovery days in Moorhead, Minnesota, to his influential work at the World Service Office in Los Angeles. Along the way, he shares personal reflections on key figures in our fellowship like Jimmy K. and Bob Stone, his time serving on the World Board, and the evolution of service in Narcotics Anonymous.It’s an honest, rich, and inspiring conversation with someone who’s helped shape the fellowship from the inside out.We hope you enjoy this one as much as we did.

🎙️ The Living Clean Podcast – This Week’s Episode: Disruptive and Predatory Behavior (IDT Workshop)In this powerful episode, we dive into one of the 2023 World Service Conference Issue Discussion Topics: Disruptive and Predatory Behavior in Narcotics Anonymous. Guided by NA World Services’ workshop format, we walk through real-world examples, collective experiences, and—most importantly—spiritual solutions rooted in the atmosphere of recovery.This topic gets to the heart of our Fellowship’s ability to carry the message: If members don’t feel safe, they won’t stay. Together, we explore how to build safer, more inclusive, and spiritually grounded recovery spaces. From challenging behaviors to group-level action steps, we ask the hard questions—and offer practical, principled responses.🛠️ In this episode, we covered: • What contributes to (or damages) an atmosphere of recovery • How predatory and disruptive behaviors show up in our meetings—both in person and virtually • Tools, solutions, and real-life strategies groups are using to address these behaviors • How we can protect the vulnerable without violating traditions or resorting to control📚 Workshop Materials and Resources Mentioned (everything we promised is linked below): • 📝 NAWS Service Pamphlet: Disruptive & Violent Behaviorhttps://www.na.org/sps • 📂 Local Service Tools and Exampleshttps://www.na.org/localresources • 💬 Input Form – Share your feedback with World Serviceshttps://www.na.org/survey • 📧 Submit Local Resources:mailto:wb@na.org🔊 Whether you’re a trusted servant, a home group member, or just curious about how we keep our rooms spiritually sound, this conversation is for you. Let’s keep NA safe, loving, and open for the newcomer who needs us.Subscribe, share, and let’s keep growing—together.

In this episode, we feature the powerful personal story “Speaking Up,” found in the back of the Sixth Edition of the NA Basic Text. This deeply moving piece traces one member’s journey from childhood silence and shame, through active addiction, and into the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous—where they finally found the courage to speak their truth.We open the episode with a full narration of the story, then sit down with the person who lived it and wrote it. In this rare and intimate conversation, they reflect on how that moment of saying “I’m an addict” for the first time was the beginning of real change. We talk about fear, vulnerability, finding connection, and how sharing—despite being terrifying—became an act of healing.Whether you’re new to recovery or have been here a while, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that our voices matter.

This week, we return to our Living Clean: The Journey Continues book study and dive into Chapter 4, Our Physical Selves, focusing on the section titled “It’s a Relationship.”We’re joined by five thoughtful guests—Stephan, Butch, Connie, Barb, and Peter—who each read a paragraph from the text and offer their personal reflections on what it means to have a relationship with our bodies in recovery. From learning how to care for ourselves physically to exploring how years of addiction distorted our connection to our own flesh and bone, this episode is full of honest insight and spiritual growth.Each guest shares from the heart, and the group responds with experience, strength, and hope—making for a rich, layered conversation about healing, balance, and acceptance.Whether you’re on this step in your own journey or just exploring what it means to be fully present in your body, this is one you won’t want to miss.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with members of the Hole in the Wall Group of Narcotics Anonymous—some of whom found recovery while incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary and now carry the message back inside from the outside. Also joining us are the group’s former club president, their current outside GSR, and Chris B., a contributor to the blog “NA-supported Recovery Behind the Walls.”Together, we explore the legacy of a group that has been transforming lives since 1988. From its roots as an inmate-led NA meeting to becoming a cornerstone of recovery behind the walls, the Hole in the Wall Group has been a beacon of hope for decades. These members share their stories of freedom, service, and continued commitment to carrying the message where it’s needed most.This episode is a tribute to the power of recovery, the impact of service, and the spiritual awakening that can happen—even in the darkest places.⸻Want to support or stay connected with the Hole in the Wall Group? Here’s how:How to sign up for the Hole in the Wall Group Newsletter (free to all NA members inside and outside the walls):Send your request to:NA Newsletter C/O Activities2605 State StreetSalem, OR 97310How to purchase medallions, commemorative coins, or support the group:Make checks or CD-28s payable to:HOLE IN THE WALL GROUP OF NAAcct. No. 002432Mail to:DOC Central TrustPO Box 14400Salem, OR 97310T-shirt, hoodie, and long-sleeve orders (U.S. shipping available):T-shirts & Long Sleeves: $20Sweaters & Hoodies: $40All proceeds benefit Recovery Services at OSP.If you’re not an inmate and wish to purchase a shirt or have questions:Contact: Keddy H. at 503-983-0517 or kedwardhaines@yahoo.comMake sure to indicate which image and size you wish to purchase. Allow 4–6 weeks after payment clears.

This bonus episode came out of nowhere—in the best way possible. It started with a phone call between me and Francis, just bouncing around ideas for future episodes. Somewhere in the mix, one of us said, “Let’s just do a podcast right now.” No plan, no prep—just hit record and go.What followed was a beautiful, wide-open conversation. We were joined by Becki N, Staci K, RJ S, Dee M, Ron H, and Peter O, and together we explored everything from what’s going on in our lives and recovery communities, to the highs and lows of change, the beauty of our worldwide fellowship, family, and so much more.It was honest, real, and full of heart—exactly what recovery conversations often are when we just show up and speak from the soul. We hope you enjoy this spontaneous conversation as much as we did.

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, we’re honored to welcome back a familiar voice and a true force in recovery: Jimmy S. from Las Vegas, Nevada. Clean since November 2, 1984, Jimmy is no stranger to our listeners—he first joined us during the “Conscious Contact” episode, where he was the ninth person to share.Recently, we had the privilege of hearing Jimmy speak as a main speaker at NCCNA in Sacramento, and he lit the room up with his presence and message. Jimmy isn’t just an incredible storyteller—he’s one of those rare people who makes you feel like you’re the only person in the world when you’re talking to him. Genuine, grounded, and full of heart.We’re beyond grateful to have him on the podcast again. He’s the kind of dude you don’t forget. Hope y’all enjoy this one.