Episode Details

Francis sits down with Mel Helman for a very special conversation, recorded on July 16, 2026—one month before Mel’s passing.

Mel got clean on October 7, 1968, in Southern California and was a personal friend of Jimmy K., one of the founding members of Narcotics Anonymous. His life in recovery gave him a unique connection to the early days of the fellowship and to the people who helped shape NA into what it is today.

Mel specifically asked that The Living Clean Podcast release this episode on the day he recovered.

We are honored to fulfill that request.

This conversation is more than an interview about NA history. It is Mel sharing his experience, memories, and perspective near the end of his life—a final opportunity to carry the message that had been such an important part of his journey since 1968.

We are grateful to Mel for trusting us with his voice and his story.

We hope you enjoy Mel Helman’s parting message.