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The Newcomer Montage returns with a second collection of voices speaking directly to the most important person in Narcotics Anonymous: the newcomer. This montage covers episodes of The Living Clean Podcast from November 3, 2024, through December 28, 2025—a period that also represents an important chapter in the evolution of the podcast. It begins around the time Francis joins Mason as co-host, and the two begin recording together on a regular weekly basis. During these conversations, Mason again starts making a point of asking our guests a simple question: “Is there anything you would like to share with the newcomer?” The answers were never scripted. Some are brief, some emotional, some practical, and some come from members with decades of experience. Put together, they become a collection of experience, strength, hope, encouragement, and reminders of what helped each person stay clean. Through this episode, the purpose remains simple: carrying the message to the addict who still suffers. If you're new, coming back, struggling, or simply need to remember what it felt like when you first walked through the doors, these voices are speaking to you. Keep coming back. Give yourself a chance. Listen to the people who have walked this road before you. You never have to do this alone. Welcome home.

In this Living Clean Book Study episode, we begin the section “Spiritual and Emotional Crisis,” covering the first four paragraphs. Recovery doesn’t mean we stop going through hard things. Sometimes the crisis isn’t about wanting to use—it’s about feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, uncertain, or struggling to make sense of what we’re going through. We discuss what Living Clean has to say about these difficult periods, what they can reveal about where we are spiritually and emotionally, and how staying connected to recovery can help us move through them without returning to old ways of coping.

Mo returns to The Living Clean Podcast to lead a panel discussion exploring gender bias in sponsorship and the traditional “men with men, women with women” approach. What happens when we look at sponsorship outside of heteronormative and binary thinking? How do gender, sexual orientation, attraction, safety, identification, and personal experience influence who we choose as a sponsor? And most importantly, how can we make sure the newcomer has access to the guidance and support they need? Mo is joined by a panel representing different communities and perspectives: Shane C. — Vacaville, California Elaine — Ben Lomond, California Veronica M. — Paradise, California Evan — Tupelo, Mississippi

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with Michael M., who has been clean since August 17, 1975. Michael takes us back to his early days in recovery and shares what Narcotics Anonymous looked like at that time, including his involvement in the early development of the fellowship in his area and his experience attending the 7th World Convention. From there, we get into Michael’s many years of service and some of the major changes he witnessed and participated in as NA grew. We talk about his involvement with It Works: How and Why, the Sixth Edition of the Basic Text, the development of the first World Board, and his experience serving as the first chair of the World Board. Along the way, Michael shares stories from more than 50 years of recovery and service and gives us a firsthand look at some of the people, decisions, challenges, and changes that helped shape Narcotics Anonymous into the worldwide fellowship it is today. There is a whole lot of NA history in this one, but more importantly, there is a whole lot of recovery. Join us for a conversation with Michael M., clean since August 17, 1975, on this week’s episode of The Living Clean Podcast.

The Paradise Strong Book Study presents a special historical meeting commemorating the 40th anniversary of Narcotics Anonymous’ Sixth World Literature Conference, held in Miami, Florida, in September 1981. The World Literature Conferences were an extraordinary period in NA history. Members from across the Fellowship came together to write, review, organize, and shape the material that would eventually become the Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text. By the time members gathered for the Sixth World Literature Conference, years of work at conferences, regional literature committees, workshops, and through correspondence had brought the Fellowship closer than ever to having its own book. Chris and Boyd from Preserving the Message join the Paradise Strong Book Study and take us back into that history through a PowerPoint presentation, archival material, and the voices of members who participated in the literature movement. During the presentation, we hear historical audio from Charles K., Sally Evans, Doug W., and Mary Banner, offering firsthand memories of the conference and the remarkable grassroots effort that surrounded the writing of the Basic Text. The meeting then opens for discussion and sharing. Bo S., Charles K., Al R., Mark B., Bryant S., Henry S., and Pete B. add their own experience, memories, and reflections on the literature movement and the history being preserved. The Sixth World Literature Conference represents an important chapter in the story of NA literature—a time when recovering addicts took responsibility for putting their collective experience into words. That work helped carry the Basic Text toward the 1982 World Service Conference, where the book was approved by the Fellowship’s service structure, followed by publication of the First Edition in 1983. Five years ago, members gathered to remember what had happened forty years earlier. Today, Francis’s Archive brings that meeting back so another generation can hear the history in the voices of those who helped live it.

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, Francis and Mason mark the 45th anniversary of the 6th World Literature Conference, held in Miami, Florida, September 14–20, 1981. In Part One of this special episode, we go day by day through the conference, using the original minutes and historical records to look at what was actually happening in the room as members worked to complete the Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text. We talk about the unfinished chapters, the debates over How It Works, the all-night group conscience meetings, the heat, the typewriters and photocopiers, the disagreements, the laughter, and the incredible amount of work that eventually led to one simple sentence being recorded in the minutes on September 20: “The book is finished.” This episode sets the stage for Part Two, where you’ll hear firsthand memories from people who were actually there in Miami and participated in this historic conference. For an even deeper look at the 6th World Literature Conference, visit PreservingTheMessage.org and check out the accompanying presentation on the Preserving the Message YouTube channel. Links to the blog and YouTube presentation are included below.

What does it really mean when we say, "The therapeutic value of one addict helping another is without parallel"? In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Francis sits down with Chris C. from Yreka, California, an active member of Recovery at Work (RAW), to explore one of the most recognizable sentences in Narcotics Anonymous literature. Using the unique RAW format, Chris thoughtfully breaks down the statement one phrase at a time, revealing the depth, practical application, and spiritual principles contained within these few powerful words. Together, they discuss how addicts carrying a message of hope to other addicts creates a connection that no professional treatment, education, or outside resource can fully duplicate. Along the way, Francis does his best to navigate the RAW format—with a few stumbles, laughs, and plenty of humility—making for an engaging conversation that's both insightful and entertaining. Whether you're new to recovery, active in service, or simply curious about why peer-to-peer recovery has transformed millions of lives, this episode offers a fresh perspective on a timeless principle. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about the simple yet profound power of addicts helping addicts.

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, we continue our journey through the Twelve Steps with Step Nine—the step where the preparation of Step Eight becomes action. Our returning panel of Archer, Pete, and Douglas is back, and this week we’re joined by Brandon B. and Lucy for an honest conversation about making direct amends. We talk about what an amends actually is, the fear that can come before making one, the difference between an apology and an amends, and why repairing the damage from our past is about much more than simply saying “I’m sorry.” We also explore the important qualification built into the step—“except when to do so would injure them or others”—and why willingness, guidance, timing, and our motives matter. Step Nine gives us an opportunity to stop hiding from the past without becoming trapped in it. We take responsibility for the harm we caused, do what we can to make things right, and begin experiencing a different kind of freedom—the freedom that comes from cleaning up our side of the street. Join us for Step Nine as Brandon B., Lucy, Archer, Pete, and Douglas share their experience, strength, and hope about making amends and what happens when we finally become willing to face the people and situations we once wanted to avoid.

September 5 is World Unity Day, and Francis and I decided there was no better reason to jump behind the microphones for a spontaneous special episode of The Living Clean Podcast. Unity has always been at the heart of Narcotics Anonymous. We come from different places, different backgrounds, and different experiences, but we share a common purpose: to carry the NA message to the addict who still suffers. In this special episode, Francis and I talk about what unity actually means in NA, why Tradition One — “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on NA unity” — matters far beyond the words on the page, and what it means to belong to a worldwide Fellowship. We’ll also talk about World Unity Day 2026, when NA members around the world will pause together, share the Serenity Prayer, and reflect on the Fellowship and our primary purpose. No big production. No guest. Just Francis and me having a conversation about something we both love: Narcotics Anonymous, our worldwide Fellowship, and the unity that makes all of this possible. Happy Unity Day from The Living Clean Podcast.

What started as a simple message turned into an unexpected journey through the history of Narcotics Anonymous in Indiana. After receiving a random request for ideas and questions for the Dinosaur Panel at the 40th Annual Fun in the Sun Hog Roast in the South Central Area of Indiana, Francis realized there was a much bigger story waiting to be told. Instead of just helping prepare for the panel, he sat down with Indiana's own NA History Couple, Jessica R. and Tony R., to explore the rich history of the fellowship throughout the Hoosier State. Whether you're attending the 40th Annual Fun in the Sun Hog Roast, interested in NA history, or simply enjoy hearing how the message of recovery spread one addict at a time, this episode is filled with experience, strength, hope—and a few unexpected turns. Recovery is built one addict helping another, and our history reminds us how we got here. The Living Clean Podcast is dedicated to preserving the history of Narcotics Anonymous and sharing the stories of the members who carried the message so that others could find recovery.

In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with Pamela T. to hear her recovery story and explore a journey through Narcotics Anonymous service that has taken her into some fascinating places. Pamela shares her experience helping establish a new NA area and being involved during the early days of what was, at the time, a groundbreaking approach to service: Consensus-Based Decision Making (CBDM). We talk about what it was like watching those ideas develop, learning a different way of reaching decisions, and seeing how service structures evolve over time. Her journey eventually took her to the NA World Service Office, where she had the opportunity to serve in different roles and participate in workgroups connected to NA literature. We discuss some of that experience, including her involvement with Guiding Principles: The Spirit of Our Traditions and A Spiritual Principle a Day. This conversation is part recovery story, part NA history, and part look behind the curtain at how service and literature actually develop. More than anything, it is the story of where saying yes to service can take one recovering addict—and the experiences, relationships, and lessons picked up along the way.

Francis and Rowan return for a second panel discussion exploring the Arizona Narcotics Anonymous history book, As the Journey Began. This episode shifts from the stories in the book to the work of preserving them for future generations. Together they discuss how technology has transformed NA archiving, from scanning old newsletters and photographs to organizing digital collections and safeguarding decades of fellowship history. The conversation explores the advantages and challenges of digital storage, graphic design, file management, and the importance of creating archives that can be accessed by future trusted servants. Whether you're an NA history enthusiast, an archivist, a trusted servant, or simply curious about how our fellowship's story is preserved, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful discussion about carrying our history forward in the digital age. Recovery's message is carried one addict to another—but our history reminds us how we got here. Join Francis and Rowan as they continue the conversation on preserving the legacy of Narcotics Anonymous, one archive at a time. If you are looking for the Arizona NA History book it can be found on Amazon: https://a.co/d/02FfBePZ

Every piece of NA history begins with someone who cared enough to preserve it. In this episode, Francis sits down with members of the committee behind As the Journey Began, the Arizona Narcotics Anonymous history book. Together, they share the inspiring story of how a dedicated group of trusted servants spent years collecting memories, interviewing members, preserving photographs, verifying facts, and assembling the rich history of Narcotics Anonymous in Arizona. The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of documenting a fellowship built on anonymity, the importance of preserving our collective experience for future generations, and the countless volunteers whose contributions made this remarkable project possible. Whether you're passionate about NA history, involved in service, or simply curious about how fellowship history is preserved, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most significant regional history projects in Narcotics Anonymous. Join us for an engaging discussion about fellowship, perseverance, and why remembering where we've been helps guide where we're going. "We don't preserve history to live in the past—we preserve it so the message of recovery continues to inspire those who have yet to arrive." https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WP0j60LPV6Tab--3sc4OkPZAPfwszWGm/view?usp=sharing

What happens when a story from the Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text comes to life? Mason, Francis, and Jasmine B. sit down with Lucia C., whose recovery story, "A Brazilian Full of It," appears in the Basic Text. Lucia shares an honest and inspiring conversation about the road that led her to recovery—from traveling the world as a professional dancer during her addiction to finding a new way of life through Narcotics Anonymous. Lucia reflects on the experiences that shaped her journey, the lessons she learned along the way, and what it means to have her story included in NA literature. She also brings listeners up to date on her life today, sharing how recovery continues to transform her relationships, purpose, and outlook. The conversation also explores the growth of Narcotics Anonymous in Brazil, highlighting the unique cultural differences within the fellowship while celebrating the universal message that recovery is possible for any addict, regardless of language, culture, or geography.

What does it take to help a fellowship grow from the inside out? In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Francis is joined by Kristin D. from St. Louis, Missouri, Brawnyn B. from Berkeley, California, and Travis M. from Chico, California, for an engaging conversation about Fellowship Development in Narcotics Anonymous. Together, they explore this exciting and evolving area of NA Public Relations, discussing how Fellowship Development strengthens local communities, supports struggling meetings, encourages unity, and helps carry the message of recovery to addicts who still suffer. The conversation highlights practical ways members can build healthier, more connected NA communities through service, mentorship, collaboration, and shared experience. Whether you're new to Fellowship Development or already involved in service, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and real-world examples of how members are helping NA grow from within—one meeting, one community, and one addict at a time. Recovery grows when we work together. Join us for a conversation about service, connection, and the future of Narcotics Anonymous.