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.

Chapters

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