The Living Clean Podcast

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, we’re honored to welcome the author of one of the most unforgettable recovery stories ever published in Narcotics Anonymous: “Life and Death in NA.”
In this deeply personal conversation, we revisit the story more than twenty years after it was written. Together, we explore the unimaginable losses of a father, a brother, and a son to the disease of addiction, the grief that followed, and the recovery principles that made it possible to stay clean through it all.
Beyond the pages of the story, we discuss how grief evolves over time, the importance of connection, service, forgiveness, and what it means to continue living when addiction has taken so much. Most importantly, we ask the question every reader has wondered for years: Where is he today?
Whether you’ve read Life and Death in NA or are hearing this story for the first time, this episode is a powerful reminder that recovery doesn’t protect us from life’s greatest tragedies—but it does give us the tools to face them with hope, courage, and love.

In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Francis sits down with Jacob B. for a fascinating look at the history of Narcotics Anonymous in the Metro Detroit and Michigan Regions. Together, they explore the fellowship's early roots in Michigan, including some of the first known NA meetings and the important role that meetings at Jackson State Prison played in carrying the message of recovery.
The conversation traces the growth of NA throughout the state, highlighting the dedicated members who helped establish meetings, build service structures, and create a foundation for future generations of recovering addicts. Francis and Jacob also discuss the history of newsletters, both past and present, and how they helped connect members, share information, and preserve the fellowship's story.
The episode concludes with a look at the evolution of conventions and recovery gatherings across Michigan, celebrating the events and people that helped strengthen unity and carry the NA message. Whether you're interested in NA history, service work, or the stories of those who came before us, this episode offers an engaging journey through the rich history of recovery in the Metro Detroit and Michigan Regions.

Bob J is back!
If you listened to our episode "A Tale of Two Keytags," you already know Bob has a remarkable story. That conversation left us wanting to hear more, so we invited him back to go beyond the keytags and share the journey that shaped his recovery.
In this episode, Bob opens up about his path through recovery, his decades of service, and his experiences serving on the World Board. We talk about the victories, the setbacks, the lessons learned, and the people and principles that helped him stay the course. From personal struggles to service at the highest levels of Narcotics Anonymous, Bob offers an honest look at what it means to grow, persevere, and keep showing up.
Whether you're interested in recovery, NA service, or simply hearing the story of someone who has dedicated much of his life to carrying the message, this conversation is full of experience, strength, and hope.
We hope you enjoy this conversation with our good friend, Bob J.

In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Francis sits down with longtime NA service enthusiast John L. for a wide-ranging conversation about recovery, service, and the relationships that have shaped his journey.
John reflects on his experience serving at the World Service Conference, what it was like to complete his term as the Northern California Regional Delegate, and the lessons he learned through years of trusted service. He also shares memories from his involvement with the TAC Convention, highlighting the friendships, challenges, and spiritual growth that came through serving the Fellowship.
The conversation also turns personal as John tells the story of how he met his wife and speaks with gratitude about the love, support, and blessings she has brought into his life. It's an honest discussion about balancing service, recovery, and family while remaining committed to carrying the message.
Whether you're interested in NA service, Fellowship history, or simply enjoy hearing the stories of members who have dedicated their lives to recovery, this is an episode you won't want to miss

The Living Clean Podcast welcomes Lynne and Gina as they sit down with Mason and Francis for a powerful conversation about the history of Narcotics Anonymous in New York. From the earliest days of recovery in the city to the struggles and rebirth of the fellowship, this episode explores the people, events, and spiritual determination that helped carry the message through difficult times.
The discussion covers early New York NA history, including the influence of Danny Carlsen, the story of “The Junkie Priest,” and the impact of the Rockefeller drug laws on addicts seeking recovery. Lynne and Gina share firsthand perspectives on the rise, decline, and eventual return of strong recovery communities throughout New York, along with memories surrounding the historic 1983 Narcotics Anonymous World Convention.
This episode is a heartfelt look at perseverance, service, and the addicts who refused to let the message die.