Francis’s Archives — Episode: Steve M.

In this episode of Francis’s Archives, Francis sits down with Steve M., a name that quietly appears in the early history of recovery—and a voice with a story worth hearing.

Steve was present during the formative conference years and is listed among those who helped shape the early fellowship landscape. What began as simple curiosity—tracking down a name from conference records—turned into a deeper discovery: Steve was the musician referenced in Gina H.’s story, No Excuse for Loneliness.

Steve shares openly about his early involvement, the tension he experienced around language and messaging, and how encounters with influential figures like Joseph Proctor and Scooby ultimately pushed him toward Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an honest look at how tone, expectations, and rigid ideas can unintentionally alienate people who are simply trying to find a way to stay clean.

This conversation isn’t about taking sides—it’s about understanding history, honoring experience, and reflecting on how recovery spaces evolve. Steve’s story reminds us that language matters, humility matters, and sometimes the path we take isn’t the one we expected—but it still saves our lives.