I own it, I did that, not proud, but that was me, and when I face it, I take back a little dignity, not looking for excuses, I just want to be free from power.

Weakness had on me.

Free, free, free, free, free.

Hi, everyone.

Welcome to the bubble hour where real people tell real stories of addiction and recovery.

I'm Gene McCarthy, recovery author, blogger, and podcast host.

I've been chronicling my adventures in life after alcohol since my first day of sobriety over nine years ago in my blog unpickled and in in books like the Unpickled Holiday Survival Guide

and my poetry collection, The Ember Ever There.

I tell my stories there and I hold space for your stories here.

And today I'm holding space for American photographer and author Michael Blanchard.

Michael's books include Fighting for My Life,

Finding Hope and Serenity on Martha's Vineyard,

and his recent release through a sober lens,

a photographer's journey.

Michael's work combines photography and personal essays

to illuminate the recovery experience

and show the beauty and hope beyond the darkness. Michael

Blanchard, welcome to the bubble hour. Thank you for having me, Gina. I really appreciate it.

Well, I'm so glad you're here. Your work is absolutely stunning. It is just breathtaking. And I know

you have a powerful story to go along with it. So I turn the mic over to you. Michael,

tell us about yourself and tell us your story. All right. I'm actually coming to you from the

wonderful island of Martha's Vineyard. It's raining like crazy today, but it's usually a beautiful place,

...