Keith S- 5 Years in the Making

After nearly five years of persistence, Francis finally tracks down Keith S., and in this special episode, both Mason and Francis sit down with him for a rare and powerful conversation about early Narcotics Anonymous history and service.

Keith was deeply involved in the Ohio fellowship during the early 1980s and attended both the 1982 and 1983 World Service Conferences. He shares firsthand insight into that pivotal era, including the moment he made the motion for Bob Stone to become office manager — a decision that had a lasting impact on NA’s service structure and communication. He also reflects on his experience at the Fifth World Literature Conference in Warren and what the fellowship felt like during one of its most challenging and formative periods.

Mason and Francis explore Keith’s memories of Jim M., discussions around Greg P., and the realities of navigating unity, growth, and difficult transitions within the fellowship at that time. Alongside the history, Keith opens up about his personal recovery journey and what it was like to stay clean and committed to service while NA itself was still evolving.

This episode is a rare blend of fellowship history, personal experience, and deep service perspective — an honest, insightful conversation that captures the spirit, struggles, and resilience of NA during a defining chapter in its development.