This week on The Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with Chris M., an addict in recovery whose personal journey eventually led him to create something that would have a lasting impact on Narcotics Anonymous service around the world: the Basic Meeting List Toolbox, better known as BMLT.But before we talk about technology, databases, or service, we start with Chris himself.Chris shares his personal recovery story — where he came from, what brought him to Narcotics Anonymous, and the experiences that shaped his life in recovery. It’s a fascinating story and an important reminder that behind every piece of NA service is an addict who first had to find a way to stay clean.From there, we get into the story of BMLT.The Basic Meeting List Toolbox was created to give NA service bodies a stable, secure, and centralized way to maintain meeting information. Instead of Areas, Regions, and other service bodies maintaining separate versions of the same information, BMLT allows meeting data — where a meeting is, when it meets, and its format — to be maintained from a central source and then used across multiple websites and meeting-finding tools.In other words, when an addict pulls out a phone, visits an NA website, and searches for a meeting, there is a good chance there is much more happening behind that search than they realize.Chris takes us back to how the idea started, the problem he was trying to solve, how BMLT developed, and how something created to serve a practical need grew into a tool used throughout the NA service structure.We also talk about what happened when Chris eventually passed the project on to others to continue maintaining and developing it — an incredible example of the spirit of service: build something that helps addicts, give it freely, and allow it to become bigger than the person who started it.This episode isn't really about software.It's about what can happen when recovery, experience, talent, and service come together — and how one addict's desire to contribute can quietly help countless other addicts find their way into a meeting.

What happens when recovery takes you halfway around the world and into the driver's seat of one of the most famous cities on earth?In this episode, Francis and Travis sit down with the unforgettable Bombay Mark—a recovering addict whose journey began in Bombay and eventually led him to the streets of New York City as a nighttime cab driver.Mark shares the story of finding recovery, building a new life in America, and navigating the endless parade of humanity that climbs into the back seat of a New York City taxi after dark. From moments of danger and heartbreak to unexpected kindness and inspiration, his stories reveal the resilience of the human spirit and the life-changing power of recovery.This conversation is filled with humor, honesty, and hope as Mark reflects on the lessons he's learned from thousands of passengers and how staying clean has allowed him to witness life through a completely different lens.

What happens when one simple idea grows into a worldwide source of hope and connection?In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with Camilla, the person whose vision sparked the Loving Our Long-Timers meeting. What began as a way to honor members with decades of continuous recovery has become a place where experience, strength, and hope are shared by some of the fellowship's longest-clean members.Camilla shares the story behind the meeting, how it got started, the impact it has had on recovering addicts around the world, and why preserving the experience of long-term recovery matters so much. Whether you're brand new to recovery or have decades clean, this conversation is a powerful reminder that recovery truly works.If you're looking for encouragement, wisdom, and stories from members with 30+ years clean, we highly recommend checking out the meeting.Loving Our Long-Timers (Zoom Meeting) ❤️ Two meetings every weekZoom ID: 974 8817 4579 Password: hopeFridays5:30 PM Eastern4:30 PM Central3:30 PM Mountain2:30 PM PacificSaturdays11:30 AM Eastern10:30 AM Central9:30 AM Mountain8:30 AM PacificThe meeting has featured 900+ speakers with more than 28,000 combined years of recovery, and many of those talks are available as free downloads.Learn more at nalongtimers.org.

What inspires someone to answer the phone when another addict reaches out for help?In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, Mo brings an idea to life with an episode titled "Tales from the Helpline." Francis and Mo sit down with members who have dedicated themselves to Narcotics Anonymous helpline service, exploring the heart behind one of NA's most important yet least visible forms of service.Our guests share what motivated them to volunteer, the experiences that have stayed with them, and the quiet rewards of being there for the still-suffering addict. They discuss the responsibility of carrying the message with compassion, maintaining anonymity, and offering hope to someone who may be making the most important phone call of their life.Whether you've served on a helpline, are considering getting involved, or simply want to learn more about this vital service, this conversation offers a heartfelt look at the power of one addict helping another.Join Francis and Mo as they celebrate the spirit of selfless service and the dedicated members who help ensure that, whenever an addict reaches out, someone is there to answer.Recovery begins with a connection—and sometimes, that connection starts with a simple phone call.

This week on the Living Clean Podcast, we continue our journey through the Twelve Steps with Step Eight: “We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.”Our returning panel is back — Archer, Pete, Douglas, and, of course, the co-host with the most, Francis. This week, we're joined by special guests Shane and Margaret as we unpack one of the most significant turning points in recovery.Step Eight marks the moment when recovery begins to move outward. After taking an honest look at ourselves in the previous steps, we now begin looking honestly at the people our addiction affected. We discuss what it means to make a complete list, how willingness often comes before action, and why this step is about far more than simply saying, "I'm sorry."Together, we explore fear, guilt, shame, forgiveness, accountability, and the difference between making amends and seeking forgiveness. We also talk about difficult names to put on the list—including ourselves—and how becoming willing lays the foundation for the life-changing work of Step Nine.This conversation is practical, heartfelt, and full of experience from people who have walked this path. Whether you're preparing to work Step Eight or reflecting on it years later, there's something here for everyone.

In this episode of Francis's Archive, we hear firsthand stories from two longtime members of the Narcotics Anonymous fellowship of Joplin, MO. Pam M. and Vern P. They share memories of the early days of recovery in southwest Missouri, recalling the first meetings, the challenges of carrying the message, and the dedication that helped establish a strong NA community throughout the Show Me Region.Pam and Vern reflect on how meetings were started, how trusted servants stepped forward when there were few resources, and how the NA service structure gradually developed to support groups across the region. Their stories paint a vivid picture of the commitment, sacrifice, and faith that built a foundation still benefiting recovering addicts today.The conversation also honors several remarkable pioneers whose lives left a lasting impact on the fellowship. Through heartfelt memories of Bob R., Jim N., Blackie B., and Danny Jo, listeners will hear stories of compassion, humor, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to carrying the message of recovery. These personal recollections preserve an important chapter of NA history while reminding us that one addict helping another remains at the heart of everything we do.Whether you are interested in the history of Narcotics Anonymous, enjoy hearing the experiences of longtime members, or simply appreciate stories that celebrate recovery and service, this episode offers an inspiring look at how a fellowship grows—one meeting, one member, and one act of service at a time.Thank you for listening to The Living Clean Podcast. If you enjoy preserving the history of Narcotics Anonymous, please follow, share, and leave a review to help others discover these stories and ensure that our fellowship's history continues to be remembered for future generations.

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