EP 2:13 Storytelling in Recovery with Ed

The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

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Find the supplemental study guide for this episode here:
https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/storytelling
In this episode of the AfterMeth Podcast, Dr. Dallas Bragg welcomes artist and writer Ed Firth for a rich conversation about the intersection of addiction recovery, creative expression, and queer identity. Known for his graphic novels that candidly explore the chemsex scene among men who have sex with men, Ed shares how storytelling became both a survival strategy and a source of healing.
Together, Dr. Bragg and Ed examine the transformative power of narrative—how art and personal storytelling can help individuals process trauma, reconnect with themselves, and build community. They explore how graphic novels and other creative forms offer a unique way to engage serious topics like addiction, intimacy wounds, and sexual reintegration during recovery.
This episode emphasizes that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Whether through writing, art, or open conversation, self-expression can be a vital tool for healing. Dr. Bragg and Ed make a compelling case for using creativity not just as a therapeutic outlet, but as a bridge to deeper self-understanding and collective connection.
Ed Firth is an East London artist and writer known for his Pound Shop zine cycle and the acclaimed Horny & High anthology comic series, which explores British chemsex subculture among gay men in 2010s London. His work has gained significant recognition, with Vol 1 shortlisted for the Myriad First Graphic Novel Competition and praised by queer comics legend Ralf König, while Vol 2 earned acclaim from Attitude magazine for its powerful portrayal of addiction and comedown experiences.
Beyond his graphic novels, Firth's autobiographical comic The Lift placed second in the Observer/Faber & Faber Graphic Short Story competition in 2022, and he was named one of Broken Frontier's "Six To Watch" emerging creators in 2023. His Horny & High series is now available internationally through German publisher Salzgeber Buchverlage and US publisher Northwest Press, while he continues working on volume 3 alongside portrait commissions, running East London Life Drawing, and volunteering as a Support Keyworker for Controlling Chemsex.
You can reach / connect with Ed via:
https://typ0.bigcartel.com/contact
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