The Living Clean Podcast

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.