Berkeley Candlelight, Part 2

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Arizona Region H&I: Carrying the Message Behind the WallsFrancis sits down with Linda, Greg, and Ryan from the Arizona Region Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) Committee for a conversation about the unique challenges and rewards of carrying the Narcotics Anonymous message inside correctional facilities.The panel discusses the growing use of NA literature on tablets in prisons, how technology is changing access to recovery literature, and why maintaining the integrity of the NA message remains essential. They also explore the importance of sponsorship behind the walls, sharing practical experience on building connections that continue after release and support long-term recovery.The conversation highlights the collaboration between H&I and Public Relations committees, demonstrating how service bodies can work together to reach professionals, institutions, and addicts who have not yet found recovery.The episode concludes with an inspiring discussion about carrying the message on Death Row, illustrating how hope, dignity, and the NA message can reach addicts regardless of their circumstances.Whether you're involved in H&I service, Public Relations, or simply interested in how NA carries the message into institutions, this episode offers valuable experience, strength, and hope.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!DMing the Pamphlets is back!We're excited to bring you another installment of our ongoing collaboration between The Anonymous Podcast and The Living Clean Podcast!Douglas L., host of The Anonymous Podcast, and Mason S., co-host of The Living Clean Podcast, are back together to break down the literature of Narcotics Anonymous, one informational pamphlet at a time.In this episode, we're diving into IP #6 – Recovery and Relapse. Relapse is a reality that many of us have faced, but what does our literature actually tell us about it? What does recovery look like beyond simply putting down the drugs? And how do we continue moving forward, whether we're new to recovery, coming back from a relapse, or have been clean for years?Join Douglas and Mason as they share their experience, perspectives, and understanding of this important piece of NA literature.We're grateful for the opportunity to bring our two podcasts together again, and we hope you enjoy this joint effort!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Several months ago, Francis and I attended the Louisiana Regional Convention of Narcotics Anonymous, where one of the main speakers was a man named Hank W. As we listened to Hank share, something immediately caught our attention—he mentioned that he had known Jimmy K., one of the founding members of Narcotics Anonymous.Naturally, that sparked our interest. We knew we wanted to hear more.Hank was around during some of the early days of Narcotics Anonymous, and his firsthand experiences offer a unique connection to our fellowship's history. But there's much more to Hank than his connection to the past. He's got an unbelievable personal story of addiction, recovery, and the life he's lived along the way.In this episode of The Living Clean Podcast, we sit down with Hank W. to hear his story, talk about those early days of NA, and explore the experiences that have shaped his journey.We're grateful to Hank for taking the time to share with us, and we're excited to bring this conversation to you.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Francis continues the story of Berkeley Candlelight through conversations with Mitch, Angelina, and Lucy. Together, they reflect on the meeting, the people who have shaped it, and what it means to keep its doors open.Lucy then helps facilitate a panel with Gwen, Tosha, and Byron—newer members dedicated to carrying the meeting forward. As Berkeley Candlelight prepares to celebrate 60 years this November, their voices remind us that its history is still being made, one meeting at a time.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!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.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!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.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!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.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!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.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!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.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Be the Change SeriesWhat does commitment look like in Narcotics Anonymous service?Sometimes it is as simple as showing up.In this special Be the Change episode, Dee M. from Cookeville, Tennessee joins David, Francis, Amanda, and Travis for a conversation about commitment and service and the first exercise in Be the Change #6: Spiritual Principles in NA Service.Exercise 1 — Showing UpSpiritual Principle: Commitment“When we come together in service, we connect with each other in a vital way.”— Guiding Principles, p. 13Commitment doesn't always require doing something big. It can mean arriving a few minutes early, staying until the work is finished, being dependable, and making ourselves available to the fellowship.We explore how simply showing up connects us to something greater than ourselves. When we place our time, energy, and willingness at the service of NA, we help strengthen our groups, support one another, and make sure the message remains available to the addict who still suffers.This week's practice:Arrive a few minutes early.Stay until everything is finished.Then ask yourself: How did simply showing up help carry the message today?Join Dee M., David, Francis, Amanda, and Travis as we talk about commitment, willingness, responsibility, and what happens when recovering addicts keep showing up for each other.You don't have to change everything.Show up. Be willing. Be the change.Come back for the next exercise in the Be the Change: Spiritual Principles in NA Service series on the Living Clean Podcast.