Maura Quinn came to sobriety late in life: at fifty-four, when she began a journey to reset her soul. Quinn spent twenty-five years behind the scenes in television news. Her mother’s death, the loss of four beloved pets, and a layoff sent her in search of natural beauty in Vermont. Working the steps of recovery with her fellow writers unearthed a path to liberation from inebriation.

On this week's podcast, Maura reads her original poem, "Craving."

In addition to holding workshops in recovery centers, Writers for Recovery convenes writing groups in correctional facilities across Vermont. This week's author is currently held in the Vermont correctional system and cannot be identified by name.

He reads his original poem, "Lampshade, AKA Ugly Bulb."

This episode is supported by Little Rivers Health Care. 

Robyn Joy has been making something out of nothing since 1976, sober since the first day of 2016. Her daily life includes a growing yoga practice, talking to squirrels and her cat, attempting mindful meditation, singing narrative duets with her husband, and perfecting her tofu marinade. She publishes a recovery-based zine called “Best Intentions.”

On this week's podcast, Robyn reads "I Began to Notice."

This episode is supported by Northern Tier Center for Health.

Richard Gengras moved to Vermont with his family in the late 1980s, and moved from Killington to Danville in the late '90s. He is a chef and a singer and songwriter.

On this week's podcast, Richard reads his original poem, "A Morning in the Middle of My Addiction."

This episode is supported by Gifford Health Care.

Caitlin Ferland is a participant in Writers for Recovery’s Burlington group. She has been sober for five and a half years.

Caitlin says she greatly enjoys writing about her journey: It helps her to express her feelings and love for life in a whole new way. She has participated in Writers for Recovery workshops for over two years.

In this week’s Writers for Recovery podcast, Caitlin reads her original poem, “Dear Addiction.”

This episode is supported by Community Health Centers of Burlington.