A single moment in the darkroom changed everything. When photographer Sean Murphy watched an image rise from the chemicals, he rediscovered control, purpose, and momentum—and began rebuilding his life after addiction, divorce, and near disaster. In this conversation, Sean shares how recovery became a lifelong practice, not a phase: the sponsor who kept him accountable, the meetings he now hosts at home, and the rules that ground him—make amends fast, serve first, and let the work speak.
We trace his path from $300 music gigs and raising kids in a rough LA neighborhood to a thriving creative career built on humility, mentorship, and relentless reps. Sean opens up about breaking family cycles, showing up as a father, living with tinnitus, and advocating for access on set. For anyone chasing a creative life or fighting their own battles, this episode offers a compass: do the work, be kind, replace ego with service, and let struggle sharpen your voice.
0:00 – Hitting Bottom & Choosing Recovery
5:16 – Meet Sean Murphy, Photographer
6:13 – Fatherhood, LA Hustle & $300 Gigs
13:58 – The Compound Years & Neighborhood Truce
21:10 – Breaking Cycles & Being Present for Kids
23:07 – Darkroom Lightning Bolt: Finding Photography
28:23 – From Boston to Big Breaks
33:08 – Art as Diary & Control
36:46 – Program, Steps & The Sponsor Who Showed Up
42:37 – Building Compassion & Community
46:21 – Self-Love, Competition & Letting Go
51:07 – Work Ethic Over Hype & The 10-Year Rule
58:39 – Generational Healing & Late Apologies
1:04:31 – Turning Struggle into Service
1:08:30 – Disability, Creativity & Access
1:13:20 – Closing Reflections
When Patrick James Lynch's brother died from complications of hemophilia just weeks before Patrick’s college graduation, everything changed. What followed wasn’t just grief, but a profound calling that reshaped his entire creative path. In this deeply moving conversation, Patrick shares how he transformed from an aspiring actor into the founder of Believe Limited, a production company dedicated to storytelling for rare and chronic disease communities. His journey reveals the unexpected power of creative arts to reach people in ways traditional medicine cannot. From a dramatic reading that revealed more than years of therapy to global advocacy work in countries where children with hemophilia lack access to treatment, Patrick channels his experiences into stories that amplify unheard voices. Instead of succumbing to survivor’s guilt, he uses his privilege to build platforms for impact. Perhaps most powerful is his honest reflection on mental health, depression, and trauma in rare disease spaces—offering hope, breaking stigmas, and encouraging essential conversations around healing. As he completes "Poster Child," a decade-long documentary about HIV/AIDS advocate Ryan White, Patrick reflects on how this mission, once driven by loss, is now about the people still here. His story is a powerful reminder that our deepest wounds can become the doorway to meaningful, lasting purpose.
🎧 What Listeners Will Walk Away With
Patrick shares how the loss of his brother led to the creation of Believe Limited. This takeaway is for anyone wondering how to honor their pain while building something meaningful that serves others.
You don’t have to be fully healed to create impact. Patrick opens up about doing life-changing work in rare disease communities—while still carrying his own unprocessed grief.
From founder to CEO, Patrick talks about how he navigates burnout, emotional weight, and the constant pull to “do more.” His approach to boundary-setting and emotional balance is a must-hear for purpose-driven creatives.
Believe Limited isn’t just a production company—it’s a collective of “people people.” Patrick shares how hiring based on shared values and emotional intelligence has been key to their global impact.
Whether it’s a monologue, web series, or global documentary, Patrick shows how creative storytelling can reveal truths that therapy alone often can’t—and why art still matters in healthcare spaces.
Ever wondered how creativity can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth? Join us on a heartfelt exploration of how life's abrupt changes, like personal loss, can ignite a passion for creative expression and lead to profound transformation. Alongside our esteemed guest, Megan Caulfield—an inspiring producer, director, actor, and founder of The Heal Reel production company—we navigate the unique intersection of sound healing and artistic endeavors. Megan shares her journey through the film industry, underscoring the importance of art as a medium for healing and revealing her exciting new project in pre-production.
We delve into the complexities of grief and creativity, reflecting on personal stories that illustrate how loss can inspire some of the most expressive works of art. Drawing from our experiences, we discuss the lasting impact of loved ones, the role of family in creative pursuits, and the pivotal moments that helped redefine our paths. From the emotional toll of attending a loved one's funeral to rediscovering the joy of acting, these chapters explore the challenging yet transformative process of navigating grief and self-discovery.
Discover how balancing creative aspirations with financial stability can open the door to a fulfilling career. We touch on the journey from theater to film, the excitement of being on set, and the nuanced approaches to acting that bring characters to life. The conversation also highlights the importance of fostering creativity in future generations, offering insights into guiding children through emotional growth with meditation and yoga. Whether discussing the spiritual influence of quartz sands or the healing power of dance, this episode is brimming with inspiration to help you embrace your creative potential and find hope amidst life's challenges.
