The Living Clean Podcast

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Recovery doesn't mean we stop experiencing emotional pain, spiritual struggles, or moments when life feels overwhelming. Sometimes, even with years clean, we find ourselves facing challenges that shake us to our core. So how do we navigate those moments without losing sight of our recovery?
In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we continue our study of the Narcotics Anonymous book Living Clean: The Journey Continues, exploring the section "Emotional and Spiritual Crisis," paragraphs 4–9, on pages 111–113.
We're joined by four guests—Amber M., Erik J., Jason B., and Belinda—as we break down these paragraphs, share our personal experiences, and discuss what it means to face emotional and spiritual challenges while staying connected to the principles of recovery.
Together, we explore how difficult experiences can challenge our understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and our Higher Power—and how the tools of Narcotics Anonymous can help us find our way through.
Whether you're going through a crisis right now or simply looking to deepen your understanding of recovery, this conversation reminds us that we don't have to face life's challenges alone.
The heart of NA beats when two addicts share their recovery.

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In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Francis sits down with Steve A. and Despie B. to explore the history, people, and spirit of the Berkeley Tuesday Night Candlelight meeting of Narcotics Anonymous, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026.
Steve, who got clean in 1983, reaches back into his memories of the members who were carrying the message in those early years. He shares about his relationship with his sponsor, “Papa Ray,” and reflects on Papa Ray’s contribution to the Berkeley Candlelight and the lasting influence he had on Steve’s recovery.
Despie takes us through the history of the meeting and some of the changes she has witnessed over the years. She also shares a deeply personal part of her own journey—how her daughter influenced her decision to return to NA and the quiet, humble leadership that grew from simply showing up and serving.
Despie talks about the years she and her husband, Chris, served the Berkeley Candlelight together and what it has meant to continue carrying on after Chris’s passing.
This is more than the history of a meeting. It is a story about sponsorship, love, loss, service, perseverance, and the people who keep the doors of Narcotics Anonymous open for the next addict.
Berkeley Tuesday Night Candlelight — 1966–2026. Sixty years of carrying the message.

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Join us for another episode of The Living Clean Podcast as Francis takes us along on his big Midwestern adventure! What started as a trip through the heartland turned into a history quest filled with new friendships, unexpected discoveries, and a deeper connection to the history of Narcotics Anonymous.
From attending three different NA conventions to meeting members, hearing their stories, and uncovering pieces of our fellowship’s history, Francis shares the experiences and connections that made this journey special.
Along the way, he spent time with Todd and Kimmy in Kansas City, connected with fellow recovering addicts, and discovered once again how rich our history is and how powerful the bonds of our fellowship can be.
This episode is about more than traveling. It’s about preserving our history, carrying the message, and discovering that wherever we go, we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.
One fellowship. Countless stories. A message that continues to travel.

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Join Francis for a special two-part conversation with Mike R. from Mike and Chris’s Cool NA History Page.
Mike shares his personal journey: finding Narcotics Anonymous, getting clean, and the experiences that shaped his life and his connection to the fellowship.
Francis and Mike dive into their shared passion for Narcotics Anonymous history. They talk about collecting and preserving our history, the stories behind the memorabilia and literature, the people and events that helped shape NA, and why keeping these stories alive matters.
More than an interview, it’s a conversation between two addicts who genuinely love digging into NA’s past and preserving it for the future.
Two addicts. Two history enthusiasts. One shared passion for the story of Narcotics Anonymous.

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What does it take to preserve the history of Narcotics Anonymous, and what happens when a few dedicated members decide that the stories of those who came before us are too important to lose?
In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we're joined by members of the Northern California History and Archives Committee to discuss their journey from a small history project during the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming an officially recognized regional subcommittee dedicated to preserving the history of NA.
We explore how Art M. and Francis C. began connecting with longtime members and NA predecessors, the challenges they faced in gaining support within the service structure, and how the determination of local Areas helped establish the committee in 2023.
Along the way, we discuss the importance of oral histories, the preservation of photographs, letters, meeting directories, newsletters, and other historical materials, and the incredible work that has gone into recording more than 100 interviews by the end of 2024.
We also talk about the committee's efforts to digitize historical collections, including materials from the San Francisco Area Service Office, and their work documenting the development of NA throughout Northern California.
Looking ahead, we explore one of their most ambitious projects yet: a comprehensive history book documenting the growth of Narcotics Anonymous throughout Northern California.
One of the most powerful messages from this conversation is simple: "You Are the Book." Every member has a story, every Area has a history, and every generation has a responsibility to preserve what was freely given to us.
This episode is a reminder that the history of Narcotics Anonymous isn't just found in old documents or photographs. It lives in the experiences of the addicts who carried the message, built our service structure, opened meeting doors, and helped make recovery possible for those who followed.
Preserving our past. Documenting our journey. Sharing our history with future generations.