The Living Clean Podcast

History of Missouri Narcotics Anonymous Panel
In this special episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with longtime members from across Missouri and the surrounding region to explore the rich and often untold history of early Narcotics Anonymous in the Midwest.
Joining us for this panel discussion are Kimmy S. from Kansas City, MO; Rick P. from Carthage, MO; Eddie P. from Kansas City, KS; Roger F. from Mexico, MO; Jeff B. from Kansas City, MO; Bob D. from St. Louis, MO; and Barb O. from Kansas City, MO.
Together, we trace the beginnings of NA in Missouri, including the earliest meetings in St. Louis, Joplin, and Kansas City. Rick P. shares memories surrounding the formation of the Fifth Tradition Group in Joplin—recognized as the oldest registered NA meeting in Missouri. The panel reflects on the challenges of carrying the message in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when meetings were scarce and literature was limited.
We also discuss the growth of the fellowship throughout the state, the development of early area and regional service structures, the separation from the Mid-America Region, and the eventual formation of the Show Me Region. The conversation highlights the spirit of unity, persistence, and service that helped build NA across Missouri.
This episode is an important oral history conversation featuring members who helped carry the NA message when the fellowship was still finding its footing across the Midwest.
Recovery is alive in Missouri—and this episode helps tell the story of how it began.

This week on the Living Clean Podcast, we continue our walk through the Twelve Steps with one of the most powerful and freeing steps in recovery.
Our consistent panel returns — Archer, Pete, and Douglas — and we’re joined by two special guests, Janine E. and Christina T., for an honest discussion on Step Five and what it truly means to let go of secrecy, shame, and the weight we have carried for far too long.
We talk about the fear that can come before this step, the courage it takes to be fully honest, and the relief that often follows when we finally share the truth with God, ourselves, and another human being. We also explore trust, vulnerability, humility, and how Step Five helps break the isolation that keeps many of us stuck.
This step is not about punishment. It is about freedom, healing, and no longer living alone inside our own mind.
If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, fear, or telling the truth about your past, this episode is for you.
Do yourself a favor and listen.

Today we head down South to explore the early history of Narcotics Anonymous in New Orleans, Louisiana — a city known for music, resilience, culture, and survival. But underneath the stories of Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras is another powerful story: addicts helping addicts find recovery in a place where many never thought freedom was possible.
Before we get started, we want to give a huge shout out to Douglas from the Anonymous Podcast, along with Barb and Paul from the Anonymous Squad. Thank you for helping preserve recovery history and for continuing to carry the message through storytelling, fellowship, and service. We are grateful for the work all of you do.
In this episode, we sit down with early New Orleans NA members Kathe and Nancy as they share firsthand memories of the first Narcotics Anonymous meetings in New Orleans. From small beginnings and borrowed meeting spaces to the struggles and miracles of early recovery, these stories help paint a picture of what NA looked like in Louisiana during its formative years.
We also round out this episode by featuring excerpts and reflections from Anonymous Podcast interviews with Jerry S. and Iron Bill, two longtime Louisiana members whose experience, strength, and personality left a lasting impact on countless addicts. Though they are no longer with us physically, their voices and stories continue to carry hope.
This episode is more than history. It is a reminder that NA grows because recovering addicts show up, open the doors, and keep the message alive for the next suffering addict. The history of New Orleans NA is full of grit, spirituality, humor, and perseverance — and we are honored to help preserve a small part of it.
So wherever you are listening from, thank you for joining us on this journey through recovery history.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of the Living Clean Podcast: The History of New Orleans, Louisiana.

This special Mother’s Day episode of The Living Clean Podcast is hosted by Staci, who takes the lead for a heartfelt conversation featuring an all-moms panel.
Joining the episode are returning guests Becki and Shanna, along with two new friends of the podcast, Barbi and Kate. Together, they share powerful and honest stories about their experiences as mothers in addiction and the journey of redemption and healing in recovery.
This episode is a celebration of strength, honesty, and the miracles that recovery makes possible. It’s a reminder that recovery doesn’t just change one life—it can restore families and generations.
Whether you're a mother in recovery, someone who loves a mother in recovery, or simply grateful for the women who helped raise you, this episode is filled with hope, laughter, and heartfelt truth.

This week on The Living Clean Podcast, Mason shares about his trip to the 2026 World Service Conference and his short time experiencing the WSC firsthand.
Over the course of three days, he attended portions of the conference, observed discussions and decision-making in action, and got a closer look at how service work happens at a worldwide level inside Narcotics Anonymous. Along the way, he also went on what he calls a “history quest” — exploring NA history, visiting the NA World Services office, and taking in some of the people, stories, and places connected to the Fellowship’s growth over the years.
This episode is less of an official report and more of a personal reflection on the experience: the atmosphere of the conference, the passion behind service, the humanity inside the process, and what it felt like to witness pieces of NA history and world services up close.