Podcast
In The Circle
Hosted by Tommy Rosen · EN
Join Tommy Rosen – internationally renowned yoga teacher, addiction recovery expert, and founder of Recovery 2.0 – and a global community of people overcoming addiction and thriving in life. On the In The Circle podcast, you’ll hear questions asked and stories told that go far beyond just substance abuse. The insights and answers touch each and every one of us as we struggle with the human condition and find ways forward to healing and freedom.
Through deep conversation and thoughtful inquiry, Tommy helps everyone – regardless of their past with addiction – move from recovery, to discovery; to step out of isolation, and into the circle.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
133. If I Know The Steps To Sobriety, Why Do I Keep Struggling To Take Them?
Sep 3000:39:00Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode of In The Circle, we’re joined by Karen, who asks us such a relevant question in the recovery space: I know what to do to get sober, but why can’t I seem to do it?Recovery requires a mystical collaboration; we take consistent steps, but the true unfolding comes from surrendering outcomes to a higher power. Like farmers planting seeds, our role is to prepare, plant, and tend, while trusting growth to something greater.Avoiding pain or shadow work by clinging to spiritual identities or ideas does us no benefit in the long run. Real transformation requires facing the harder truths of ego, fear, and past wounds with humility and honesty, rather than skipping ahead to the light.Transformation doesn’t come from quick fixes, but from steady, consistent action and a willingness to show up in the present moment, again and again.Tommy discussesInformation vs transformationGrowth in recovery is like farmingWhat is a spiritual bypass?Daily practices matterReal recovery happens only in the present momentFurther Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.Free beginner’s yoga class - Spinal Tune-Up: https://r20.com/tuneup/Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the UpliftJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with TommyInstagramFacebookTikTokRecovery 2.0@Recovery2Point0 on InstagramRecovery 2.0 Facebook GroupIn The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.
Transcribe →132. How Can We Break Old Patterns And Habits That No Longer Serve Us?
Sep 2300:24:25Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode of In The Circle, Katya came forward with a deeply relatable question: How Can We Break Old Patterns And Habits That No Longer Serve Us? Katya is self-aware enough to notice the moment when she could choose recovery, but often still opts for old patterns. This honesty is powerful as it highlights the universal human struggle: knowing what’s good for us, yet resisting it.For those in recovery, that challenge is magnified by the belief that consistency isn’t possible. We need to put our full hearts into simple, daily practices, just as addicts once put their full creativity into finding their drug of choice. Fluctuation between old and new is natural; new consciousness doesn’t “stick” immediately. The key is to return to the higher state again and again, more often than you return to the old one. Surrounding yourself with teachers, community, and environments that reinforce recovery is essential because consciousness is contagious. Ultimately, the way forward is simple but not easy: practice with your whole heart, release attachment to outcomes, and stay close to community. This is how resistance softens, self-doubt diminishes, and new patterns crystallize into lasting freedom and joy.Tommy discussesAwareness is only step 1Fluctuation is normalConsciousness is contagiousCommunity and support are crucial in long-term recovery Further Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.Free beginner’s yoga class - Spinal Tune-Up: https://r20.com/tuneup/Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the UpliftJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with TommyInstagramFacebookTikTokRecovery 2.0@Recovery2Point0 on InstagramRecovery 2.0 Facebook GroupIn The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.
Transcribe →131. Why Is Meditation So Important For People In Recovery?
Sep 1600:34:52Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode of In The Circle, we’re joined by Jen, who inquires: Why is meditation so important for people in recovery, and am I doing the practice correctly?I used to believe I could never meditate; my mind was too busy, my body too restless. For more than 30 years, I explained to people why it was impossible for me. Everything shifted when I learned about kriya practices: sets of breathwork, movement, and mudras designed to move energy. Different kriyas serve different purposes; some calm the mind, others activate or energize, but all of them create the conditions for meditation.My biggest breakthrough was realizing that meditation isn’t about stopping thoughts. Meditation is about witnessing, watching, and acknowledging that you are not those thoughts. That separation is powerful; it restores choice. Instead of being dragged around by the mind, I can return to presence: breath, body, awareness. So, how do you know if you are meditating properly? Every time you sit and witness, you are. Progress isn’t measured by fewer thoughts but by more love, clarity, and freedom in your life.Tommy discussesMeditation isn’t about stopping thoughtsStillness is possible through challengeMeditation transforms lifeWe’re not defined by thoughts and emotionsFurther Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.Free beginner’s yoga class - Spinal Tune-Up: https://r20.com/tuneup/Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the UpliftJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with TommyInstagramFacebookTikTokRecovery 2.0@Recovery2Point0 on InstagramRecovery 2.0 Facebook GroupIn The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.
Transcribe →130. Am I addicted to sugar?
Aug 2600:22:28Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode of In The Circle, Nicole is here with us, bringing an inquiry about what I call the real gateway drug. Of course, I'm speaking about sugar. Nicole asks: Am I addicted to sugar? Should I abstain completely, or is there a place for moderation?Now, I believe that addressing one's relationship with food and sugar in particular is a central part of recovery for everyone. In Nicole's case, she let go of alcohol several years ago and wants to take her recovery journey to the next level by addressing her relationship with food. I've seen countless people stuck in the frequency of addiction because they stay in old addictive patterns when it comes to food. This is one of the most important inquiries when it comes to true recovery, as we need to be present in our minds and bodies to address the underlying reasons for our food cravings. Tommy discussesChanging your relationship with foodWhat is the root cause of your cravings?Does our microbiome affect the foods we crave?Learning to be conscious of our food choicesWhy the food we eat can make a huge impact on recoveryFurther Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the UpliftJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with TommyInstagramFacebookTikTokRecovery 2.0@Recovery2Point0 on InstagramRecovery 2.0 Facebook GroupIn The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.
Transcribe →129. Can I Rise Above Trauma Brought On By Sexual Abuse?
Aug 1900:25:18Tap to summarizeOn this episode of In The Circle, I address a deep and personal question from Annesa: Can I recover from a lifelong struggle with food and body dysmorphia resulting from sexual abuse?This inquiry sheds light on the intricate relationship between trauma, self-view, and the longing for healing in a society where many women undergo sexual assault. For us to discover true healing, we need to confront and question our deep-seated identities and beliefs and reconnect with our emotional and spiritual essence. Practicing techniques like Kundalini Yoga and mindfulness can play a huge part in helping us achieve our ultimate goal of peace and freedom. We need to be striving daily to discover our truths, discard detrimental self-beliefs, and embrace self-love and acceptance, especially when confronted with societal challenges and personal traumas. Not only does this guide us to experience true healing and recovery, it extends a beacon of hope to those on a similar healing journey.Tommy discussesThe importance of discovering one's true self beyond trauma and storiesWhy recovery is about realizing the divinity within and coming to the truth of who you areHow trauma keeps you in a story that distances you from your true selfThe multiple benefits of practicing yoga and mindfulnessHow to create an identity filled with love, compassion, and presence.Further Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the UpliftJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with TommyInstagramFacebookTikTokRecovery 2.0@Recovery2Point0 on InstagramRecovery 2.0 Facebook GroupIn The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.
Transcribe →128. Where Do Psychedelics Fit In Recovery?
Aug 1200:37:53Tap to summarizeOn this episode of In The Circle, we're diving into an intriguing discussion about the integration of psychedelic therapies with holistic healing in recovery.Aaron’s inquiry holds great significance, as many people seek answers about the role of psychedelics in the healing process. However, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this complex issue. It's not a matter of simply categorizing psychedelics as good or bad. Rather, we need to delve into our own personal truths and understand when and if psychedelic therapy is suitable for us. It's crucial to grasp the potential benefits and risks and, most importantly, to ensure that any transformative insights gained through such experiences are effectively integrated into our lives.I believe in the potential for transformation, happiness, and peace without relying on substances. My view is that integration of such peak experiences matters more than the experiences themselves. The search for these experiences can lead to neglecting the importance of mastering the day-to-day aspects of life, where true growth and healing occur.Tommy discusses:Why we need to delve into our own personal truths when considering psychedelic therapiesThe dangers of seeking constant peak experiences Factors to consider when deciding whether to explore psychedelic therapiesReasons to explore the benefits of Yoga, Meditation, and breathworkThe value of living from the inside out and aligning the outside with your inner needsThe potential benefits and risks of various psychedelic therapies (psilocybin, ketamine, ayahuasca)Further Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the UpliftJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with TommyInstagramFacebookTikTokRecovery 2.0@Recovery2Point0 on InstagramRecovery 2.0 Facebook GroupIn The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.
Transcribe →127. If Alcohol Isn’t Ruining My Life, Why Can’t I Stop Drinking?
Aug 500:30:45Tap to summarizeOn this episode of In The Circle, we get a unique inquiry from Rebecca, who says, "Alcohol is not ruining my life, but I can't stop drinking."This is especially important for those in recovery, and yet relevant for everyone, too.This inquiry is for the person who does not identify as an alcoholic. This is for the person who isn’t going to necessarily end up at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. This is for the person who can stop drinking for a week or two, but finds themselves going back to it again, and again, and again.The severe alcoholic in one single respect has it easier than anybody else, because there's no question that they have an addiction, and there's no question that they need to change. But we do not agree with the premise that people need to be utterly broken in their lives to try something new.What if we didn't judge drinking as good or bad? What if we just reflected upon our own experience, our feelings, and decided for ourselves from that place? Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?Tommy discussesThe concept of a “high bottom”The definition of a “teaching” and how it applies universallyThe importance of practice in recovery, and not looking for a specific “end date”Misunderstandings around alcoholLight, medium, and heavy drinkingFurther Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the UpliftJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with TommyInstagramFacebookTikTokRecovery 2.0@Recovery2Point0 on InstagramRecovery 2.0 Facebook GroupIn The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.
Transcribe →126. How Do I Know If Marijuana Is A Problem For Me?
Jul 2900:25:06Tap to summarizeOn this episode of In The Circle, we have a question from Arlena about a hot topic: how to stop using cannabis.Arlena explains she's trying to quit using cannabis, that she lives amongst smokers, and feels entangled in it. She refers to her relationship with cannabis as a love affair.I have heard that from so many people, and this inquiry is becoming more and more relevant as cannabis is being legalized across North America. Many people are finding that there are some challenges with this particular plant that they might not have been aware of before. If this conversation feels relevant for you, I want to let you know about a new program we created called Life Beyond Cannabis. This is a six-week online program – transformational, powerful, truly an incredible opportunity for somebody to let go of cannabis. Please come check it out at r20.com\lifebeyondcannabis.Tommy discusses3 ways cannabis can be relevant for humansMedical and spiritual uses of cannabisThis plant’s role in Tommy’s journeyHow cannabis can suppress emotionFurther Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the UpliftJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with TommyInstagramFacebookTikTokRecovery 2.0@Recovery2Point0 on InstagramRecovery 2.0 Facebook GroupIn The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.
Transcribe →125. How Can We Escape the “Frequency of Addiction”?
Jul 2200:29:56Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode of In The Circle, we dive into what it truly means to be “stuck” in the frequency of addiction.Pause for a moment on that phrase—the frequency of addiction. What does it bring to mind?Today, Sarah asks a powerful question: “How do I know when I’m in—or out of—the frequency of addiction?” To illustrate this, she brings up the analogy of the Russian nesting dolls. Each time you open one, you think you’ve reached the end—only to find another, and another, and another.Addiction can feel exactly like this—layer after layer, with no clear end in sight.Before sobriety, recognizing this frequency and its destructive patterns can feel nearly impossible. You can’t simply think your way into a new awareness; it requires practice, patience, and a willingness to see differently. But once you commit to this lifelong practice, the shift begins. You’ll find yourself attracting new kinds of people, new opportunities, and new ways of living—because you’ve changed your frequency.Tommy discussesWhy people struggling with addiction continue to find themselves in the same unhealthy patternsWhy the quality of your sobriety is not a guarantee; you must maintain the practiceWhy you need to change the frequency around you first, in order to put your body & mind into a state where you can start to identify patterns and make changesEveryone has the power to change their frequencyFurther Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the UpliftJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with TommyInstagramFacebookTikTokRecovery 2.0@Recovery2Point0 on InstagramRecovery 2.0 Facebook GroupIn The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.
Transcribe →124. Can I Be Free From Addiction Once And For All?
Jul 1500:31:42Tap to summarizeOn this episode of In The Circle, we hear from Recovery 2.0 member, Luis, who asks… Are you ever truly free from addiction? His question takes us down an interesting path, where we must dissect the perspective of people struggling with addiction and those struggling in recovery. This inquiry challenges the oft-heard phrase: “once an addict, always an addict.”In this episode, we unpack what I refer to as “The Big 6” (main categories of addiction) and the 4 Aggravations (more insidious mental addictions), providing a more hopeful context for healing.We also uncover powerful truths… That you'll be healed from addiction when you no longer seek to be healed from it, when you're no longer looking for a cure; and that a real medicine makes itself obsolete.Tommy discusses:Are you ever really "cured" from addiction?Dispelling the adage "once an addict, always an addict"If you could use again with no side effects and no one knowing, would you?The 6 main categories of addictionThe 4 aggravations (mental addictions)Looking for a way to deepen your recovery journey and meet others in the Recovery 2.0 community? You’ve felt the call — a quiet knowing that your practice, your presence, your path, are meant to serve something greater. Train to become a Recovery 2.0 Yoga-Informed Recovery Coach - R20.com/coachtraining2025Further Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the UpliftJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone’s journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It’s here that we’ll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with TommyInstagramFacebookTikTokRecovery 2.0@Recovery2Point0 on InstagramRecovery 2.0 Facebook GroupIn The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.
Transcribe →