Richmond Is Relearning Connection: Aspen DeRosa on Photography, Sobriety & Community #033

Got thoughts? Throw them at us by sending a text here10% OFF your next purchase at Point 5 in Carytown: https://verahouse.co/point5⁠Attend the January 31st Event: https://celestefarms.com/product/point-5-field-spread-3/Follow the movement:instagram.com/verahouse.coyoutube.com/@verahousepodverahouse.coIn this episode of Vera House Unscripted, we sit down with Aspen DeRosa, a Richmond-based photographer, educator, and community builder.Follow Aspen:https://www.instagram.com/bevelcut_shawti/https://www.aspenderosa.comRiffs and Recovery:https://www.instagram.com/riffsandrecoveryWe talk about Aspen’s approach to photography as people-focused work, including how they help subjects feel comfortable, present, and confident in front of the camera. The conversation covers them teaching at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, how education informs their creative practice, and what it means to balance multiple roles as a working creative.We also discuss sobriety within Richmond’s music and creative scenes, including the realities of navigating social spaces without alcohol and the work Aspen is doing through Riffs and Recovery to build intentional, sober-friendly community spaces. The episode touches on non-alcoholic culture, local collaborations, and how events and gatherings can be designed around presence and connection rather than drinking.Throughout the conversation, we explore photography, teaching, sobriety, and community building as practical, lived experiences, with a focus on how people show up for themselves and each other in creative spaces.Quick interjection to invite you to Vera House Studios. If you are a local Richmond business, entrepreneur, brand owner, or service provider—and you know you need to create better content to get your products and services in front of the right people—we can help.Support the showGet more info about our studio here.This podcast is produced by Vera House — a creative club and premium media studio based in Richmond, Virginia. Our studio exists to champion local brands, creative expression, rva culture, and produce high-impact content for founders, makers, and modern businesses.Follow the movement:instagram.com/verahouse.coyoutube.com/@verahousepodverahouse.coHosted by Myke Metzger & Perri Young:instagram.com/mykemetzgerinstagram.com/planetperri