Drinking Archives

My Sober Story: S. Preston Duncan

Ryan Kent | December 31, 2021

Topics: ABC Grant, alcohol, documentary, Drinking, my sober story, Ryan Kent, S. Preston Duncan, sober, sober life, Video Documentary, video series, wharton major

There are roughly 7.9 billion people on our planet, and of that 7.9 billion people there are 7.9 billion individual stories, each having elements of Hollywood. Yet only one story is needed to make a lasting impact. Maybe you see a reflection of yourself in another person’s story. Maybe it’s enough to make you want to change the trajectory of your own. Maybe that change begins on New Years Eve. S. Preston Duncan is a poet, leather pyrographer, and death doula. He realized alcohol was no longer spurring his creativity; instead, it was replacing it. Preston made the decision, after the loss of a friend, to start working on something new: himself. In his departure from alcohol, Preston found the words he was looking for and realized they were there the entire time. Out of 7.9 billion, Preston’s is one story that has inspired my own. You don’t need Hollywood to make an impact.

Interviews conducted by Ryan Kent
Direction and edit by R. Anthony Harris @majormajor_____
Camera by Joey Wharton @joey_wharton
Sound by John Reinhold @thereinholder
Additional edit by Todd Raviotta @naturalsciencetrav
Production by Wharton Major 2021

My Sober Story: Faith Anne Broache

Ryan Kent | December 30, 2021

Topics: ABC Grant, alcohol, documentary, Drinking, Faith Anne Broache, my sober story, Ryan Kent, sober, sober life, Video Documentary, video series, wharton major

Most people don’t take a drink envisioning themselves six months down the road a full blown alcoholic. Most people don’t take a brief detour from booze thinking it’ll be a new way of life, either. However, these things happen. Faith Anne Broache is an amazing local artist, a resident tattoo artist at Unkindness Art, and a shining example of this frame of thought. After taking a break from alcohol out of solidarity for another, Faith saw how the temporary change affected her life and those around her, ultimately paving the road for loved ones to stop drinking too.

My Sober Story: Parker

Ryan Kent | December 29, 2021

Topics: ABC Grant, alcohol, documentary, Drinking, my sober story, Parker Galore, Ryan Kent, sober, sober life, Video Documentary, video series, wharton major

Parker S. Galore provides vivid reflection and insight about his past relationship with alcohol in his edition of “My Sober Story.” Parker is a long time community member, organizer, Gallery5 event producer and board member, art teacher, and visual/performing artist. Sharing his story with our community sheds light on the issues present in alcoholism, but also allows community members in various degrees of this struggle to know that they are not alone.

My Sober Story: BlackLiq

Ryan Kent | December 28, 2021

Topics: ABC Grant, alcohol, black liquid, documentary, Drinking, my sober story, Ryan Kent, sober, sober life, Video Documentary, video series, wharton major

BlackLiq shares insight and knowledge about his struggle with alcohol and his eventual sobriety. BlackLiq is a Richmond hip hop artist, radio host, and instructor who attained excellence after stepping away from alcohol years ago. Any amount of time spent with BlackLiq becomes an impromptu learning experience, and his episode of “My Sober Story” doesn’t differ from that rocket science trajectory. Knowledge is what we can take home from this project. Whatever we have mistaken as gifts from alcohol were already inside us. And we’re worth it.

My Sober Story: Laura Mae Lucas

Ryan Kent | December 27, 2021

Topics: ABC Grant, alcohol, documentary, Drinking, Laura Mae Lucas, my sober story, Ryan Kent, sober, sober life, Video Documentary, video series

Laura Mae Lucas shares her journey in the first of our video series, “My Sober Story.” Laura is a powerlifter, strength coach, and is a six-years-sober powerhouse. During the filming of Laura’s interview, her candid honesty reduced four adult men in the room to tears. There were no dry eyes, and it was a beautiful moment to share. Certainly an experience that will bond people together. Having pride in watching some else’s potential blossom because of their choices and dedication is what a community does. We are so proud of her.

My Sober Story Video Series

Ryan Kent | December 24, 2021

Topics: ABC Grant, alcohol, black liquid, documentary, Drinking, Faith Anne Broache, Laura Mae Lucas, my sober story, Parker Galore, Ryan Kent, S. Preston Duncan, sober, sober life, Video Documentary, video series, wharton major

Sometimes the body makes decisions for the mind. Sometimes it side-steps the brain and all of its rambling nonsense. You see athletes in the Olympics or people in acts of extreme heroism do this. Muscles popping. Faces contorted into white-knuckled fists. In agony but still fighting on, hoping to make something turn into gold. Afterwards, wondering, “How the Hell did I get here?”

For others, like me, maybe the decision to quit drinking wasn’t as action packed. Maybe not as dramatic. But it was a life-changing decision all the same. However, this is something we all have to think about, and it takes a long time.

Being able to share my story, and these stories, helps to strengthen our amazing community.

“My Sober Story” shares five sober stories from our community.

Laura Mae Lucas, Black Liquid, Faith Anne Broache, Parker S. Galore, and S. Preston Duncan are local artists, organizers, heath coaches, and most importantly – people just like you and me. This is our community, and these are their stories.

“My Sober Story” is a video series made available through an Alcohol Education and Prevention Grant by the Virginia ABC. Production of the video series is by Wharton Major‘s R. Anthony Harris (Director, Editor) & Joey Wharton (Cinematographer), along with John Reinhold (sound engineer) and Todd Raviotta (Editor).

Information regarding the grant can be found here: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/education/grants

“My Sober Story” series will be released on YouTube by RVA Magazine starting Monday Dec 27th. We drop a new video each day at 12pm!

LINK TO ALL “MY SOBER STORY” VIDEOS

December 27th, 2021 12pm: Laura Mae Lucas @pixitrainer
December 28th, 2021 12pm: BlackLiq @blackliq
December 29th, 2021 12pm: Parker S Galore @parker_galore
December 30th, 2021 12pm: Faith Anne Broache @_vitriol_
December 31st, 2021 12pm: S. Preston Duncan @sprestonduncan

Follow along & Subscribe: RVA MAG YOUTUBE

#mysoberstory