Podcast
Sun & Moon Sober Living Podcast
Hosted by Mary Tilson · EN
Have you ever wondered why you keep turning to alcohol, drugs or unwanted behaviors even after they’ve caused you harm? Have you had a loved one gripped by addiction and questioned why they can’t just quit? Well then, you’re not alone. This podcast will help you understand what drives human behavior, and how to actually follow through on your intention to get sober and live a fulfilling life substance-free. In the Sun & Moon Sober Living Podcast, you will hear intimate conversations with those who have overcome addiction and are thriving in sobriety, and gain insights from leading experts in the fields of holistic recovery, trauma healing, nutrition, mental health, yoga & meditation, neuroscience and psychology. Mary Tilson is a certified Addiction Recovery Coach (IAPRC), Yoga & Meditation Teacher and International Retreat Leader. Sun & Moon Sober Living is inspired by her own battle with addiction, which amounted to years of inner turmoil, shame and secrecy. She’s been sober since April 27, 2013, and considers it to be the best decision she’s ever made. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
10episodes
Episodes
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#125: Beyond Misconceptions: Trauma Healing, The Nervous System & Embracing Challenge with Rachel Bilski
Dec 901:24:36Tap to summarizeRachel Bilski is a qualified Yoga Therapist, Senior Operations & Development Manager of the UK’s national PTSD charity, supervisor to yoga therapists in training and philosophy lecturer for The Minded Institute, one of the world’s leading yoga therapy training oragnizations. Rachel’s adventures with yoga have led her to host retreats in Europe & Asia, manage a a yoga studio in Vietnam and facilitate the retreat program at an internationally renowned integral yoga & meditation retreat center in Cambodia. She he shared her wisdom for years as a writer for Yogapedia, and taught over 1,000 hours of studio classes, workshops, retreats and yoga festivals before turning to yoga therapy.As a yoga therapist, Rachel specializes in working with trauma, stress, depression, anxiety and chronic pain, but is experienced in offering tools to work with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. Topics addressed in this episode include:Rachel's healing journey with C-PTSDFundraising trek to Everest Base CampMisconceptions about trauma & the nervous systemWhat it really means to be "trauma-informed"Building capacity to be with discomfortLearning to be responsive rather than reactiveLinks to connect with Rachel & explore resources mentioned in this episode:Rachel's Website: https://www.downtoearthyogatherapy.com/Upcoming Events:https://themindedinstitute.com/product/yoga-therapy-for-c-ptsd-polyvagal-insight-embodied-practice/https://themindedinstitute.com/product/online-cpd-yoga-therapy-for-ptsd-c-ptsd/___SUN & MOON SOBER LIVING UPDATES:We just announced our 2026 Hiking Retreat for Sober & Sober Curious Women in Banff! Find out more here: https://sunandmoonsoberliving.com/banff/Access a free mindfulness meditation guided by Mary Tilson to help manage cravings and regulate emotions: https://pages.sunandmoonsoberliving.com/easemeditationFollow along on Instagram: @sunandmoon.soberliving ___Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →#124: Navigating Traumatic Loss & Grief with Dr. Jennifer R. Levin
Nov 400:49:01Tap to summarizeWe just announced our 2026 Hiking Retreat for Sober & Sober Curious Women in Banff! Find out more here: https://sunandmoonsoberliving.com/banff/Access a free mindfulness meditation guided by Mary Tilson to help manage cravings and regulate emotions: https://pages.sunandmoonsoberliving.com/easemeditationFollow along on Instagram: @sunandmoon.soberliving __Dr. Jennifer R. Levin is a workplace trauma expert and licensed therapist who specializes in grief after sudden or traumatic loss. She is one of fewer than 300 mental health professionals worldwide credentialed as a Fellow in Thanatology, the top distinction in the field of death, dying, and bereavement. Through her consulting firm, Traumatic Grief Solutions, she trains organizations to respond to traumatic loss with compassion and structure. Her new book, “The Traumatic Loss Workbook: Powerful Skills for Navigating the Grief Caused by a Sudden or Unexpected Death," and online course, “A Guided Path to Healing,” provide practical tools to help readers cope with grief, process trauma, and find meaning again. She developed these resources over a decade of working with clients in Therapy Heals, Inc., her private therapy practice supporting individuals living with sudden or unexpected loss. She hosts the podcast “Untethered: Healing the Pain From a Sudden Death.”Learn more at TraumaticGriefSolutions.com. Topics explored in this episode include:The different forms of griefTraumatic loss & griefThe impact of griefHow to support a grieving personGrief in the workplaceA child's grieving processHow to restore a sense safety after traumatic lossCoping strategies & resources___Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →#123: Build a Healthy Relationship with Fitness & Nutrition with Sophie Gervais
Oct 901:18:19Tap to summarizeWe just announced our 2026 Hiking Retreat for Sober & Sober Curious Women in Banff! Find out more here: https://sunandmoonsoberliving.com/banff/Access a free mindfulness meditation guided by Mary Tilson to help manage cravings and regulate emotions: https://pages.sunandmoonsoberliving.com/easemeditationFollow along on Instagram: @sunandmoon.soberliving __Topics covered in this episode with Sophie Gervais include:Eating disorder recoveryThe impact of diet cultureMisconceptions about fitnessWhy women should lift weightsDetaching exercise from weight lossEmbracing challenges as part of growthHow discipline creates freedomSophie is a Gut and Hormone Health Specialist & Personal Trainer who has been guiding her clients to their goals for nearly five years. She is passionate about helping young girls and women overcome an unhealthy relationship with food after spending years of her own life stuck in the mental prison that is disordered eating. Her education in the field began in her undergraduate years at Vanderbilt University, where she studied eating psychology and nutrition. During that time, she was also certified in the National Eating Disorder Awareness foundation’s Body Project certification program to support women’s relationships with their bodies.Her interests progressed into physique and performance evidence-based training and nutrition while maintaining a positive relationship with food and one’s body (certifications through NASM). Her coaching centers on getting women out of the rut of under-fueling and over-training, out of the yo-yo cycle, and out of the mystery of how to fuel one’s body (blocking out all the noise out there!) while building a positive outlook towards nutrition.Sophie also supports her clients who are interested in gut and hormone health. Her interest in this field started from her own experience with IBS, acne, and painful/irregular periods that she wanted to support holistically. Her approach to hormonal support and gut health focuses heavily on evidence-based lifestyle and nutrition approaches rather than excessive supplementation and overly restrictive methods. Some conditions Sophie works with include: IBS, IBD, bloating/indigestion, dysmenorrhea, PCOS, PMS, low thyroid, and chronic stress/fatigue. Please note, Sophie is not a medical professional and provides holistic support for these conditions within her scope of practice; please consult a medical professional for these conditions first.Outside of coaching, Sophie is an animal-lover and enjoys spending her free time riding her horse and hiking with her pup. She has traveled and lived abroad extensively and loves getting to enjoy cuisines from all over the world. She loves spending time getting stronger in the gym, giving it her all at trivia nights, and exploring her home base in Nashville. See links below to follow Sophie and learn more about working with her:https://biolayne.com/coach/sophie-gervais/IG @asophiesticatedlife___Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →#122: Uncovering the Root of Food Issues with Ali Shapiro
Aug 2501:04:43Tap to summarizeAccess a free mindfulness meditation guided by Mary Tilson to help manage cravings and regulate emotions: https://pages.sunandmoonsoberliving.com/easemeditationFollow along on Instagram: @sunandmoon.soberliving __Ali Shapiro, MSOD, CHHC is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrated Health Coach, cancer survivor, and the creator of the Truce with Food method. Her approach integrates adult development psychology with behavioral change strategies, refined over a decade of real-world application to help her clients achieve lasting food freedom. Ali is also the host of the top-ranked podcast, Insatiable. Her work has been widely featured in the media by Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health and many others.In this episode, we discuss:Ali's journey to food freedomWhy eating issues are not about foodAttachment & belongingBreaking the binge cycleEmotional triggers that lead to self-sabotageSeparating exercise from weight lossHealing in communityJoin Ali's Free Workshop on Sept 3: https://alishapiro.com/why-am-i-eating-this-now-live-group/Listen to the Insatiable Podcast: https://alishapiro.com/podcast/___Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →#121: Sobriety for the High Achieving Perfectionist with Eryl McCaffrey, Psychotherapist & Yoga Teacher
Aug 1800:59:18Tap to summarizeAccess a free mindfulness meditation guided by Mary Tilson to help manage cravings and regulate emotions: https://pages.sunandmoonsoberliving.com/easemeditationFollow along on Instagram: @sunandmoon.soberliving __Eryl McCaffrey is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Yoga Teacher from Toronto, Canada with a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology and 10+ years of experience in the holistic health and wellness field. She blends mindfulness, somatics, neuroscience, and psychology with her own mental health and addiction recovery tools to offer clients a unique, holistic approach to healing. She works with individuals who are struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and grief. Eryl uses her personal experience with addiction and her love of sobriety to help others find joy, peace, and fulfillment without substances.Topics explored in this episode include:Eryl’s recovery journeyRecovering from relapseThe Stages of ChangePerfectionism Inner child workNervous system regulationRecovery as a daily practiceAuthenticityHealing co-dependencyBoundaries Links to access Eryl's resources & learn more:Aligned + Alcohol-Free: A 12 Week Program for women who are sober-curious or ready to break free from alcohol coming this fall - https://www.erylmccaffrey.com/alignedandalcoholfreeSober Starter Kit: A free guide with simple tools and resources to help you start your sober journey - https://www.erylmccaffrey.com/soberstarterkitInstagram: @erylmccaffrey___Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →#120: Sobriety, Functional Health & Finding Your True Calling with Laura Grubb
Aug 1300:39:28Tap to summarizeAccess a free mindfulness meditation guided by Mary Tilson to help manage cravings and regulate emotions: https://pages.sunandmoonsoberliving.com/easemeditationFollow along on Instagram: @sunandmoon.soberliving __Laura Grubb is a functional health coach who gave up alcohol 3.5 years ago and found so much more than sobriety—she found her calling. At the time, she was working as a nurse practitioner but felt something was missing in the way many chronic health symptoms, including her acne, were approached in conventional health. A few months into her sober journey, she began studying functional medicine and started healing her own gut imbalances. Today, she helps women get to the root of their chronic gut and hormone symptoms and reconnect with their bodies using natural, sustainable tools that support real, lasting transformation.In this episode, we discuss:Laura's alcohol-free journeyEmbracing your authentic selfFunctional healthThe impact of alcohol on gut & hormonesThe benefits of walkingDaily habitsFollowing your true callingTo connect with Laura and learn more about her work:https://www.lauragrubbwellness.com/IG: @lauragrubbwellness__Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →#119: Nervous System Regulation with Dr. Ilene Naomi Rusk, Neuropsychologist & Neuroscientist
Jul 2800:56:20Tap to summarizeTopics explored in this episode include:The Nervous System through the lens of Polyvagal TheoryHow to expand your Window of Wellness & ResilienceThe impact of lonelinessTrauma healing & addiction recoveryCo-regulation & the power of communityPractices for Vagal ToningDr. Ilene Naomi Rusk received her PhD in Psychology (Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology) in the UK with a focus on the brain circuitry involved in appetite regulation, motivation, and satiation. In Canada she completed fellowships in neuroscience + neuropsychology looking at novel treatment strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease and neuropsychiatric issues. Dr Rusk was the Parkinson’s Disease Fellow for Canada and she worked collaboratively with pharmaceutical companies authoring numerous peer-reviewed articles in neuroscience & treating brain and behavior disorders. She is trained in somatic approaches to healing trauma and nervous system disorders, and uses numerous trauma resolution techniques (EMDR and Brainspotting, among them). Training in cognitive rehabilitation adds to her healing repertoire. Dr Rusk’s extensive trainings in Polyvagal Theory has led her incorporate vagal toning into her work with patients with anxiety, depression and stress sensitivities. She draws from decades of experience in ancestral healing, yoga, breathwork + mindfulness practices and uses them as an integral part of her functional nervous system health program. Spiritual guidance is intrinsic to her work.Dr. Rusk co-founded the Brain and Behavior Clinic in Boulder, CO and developed the Healthy Brain Program. While training in a functional medicine approach to cognitive + emotional health, she developed a team-based program to integrate functional and personalized brain health with trauma healing work to optimize stress resilience, anxiety and mental health. She is former Director of Community Medical Education for Grillo Health Information Resource Center and the Director of Resilience Training with Disaster Resources an international organization dedicated to healing anxiety, stress + distress in educators, children and families after natural and man-made disasters. Dr. Rusk's work focuses on blending personalized integrative healthcare and psychological wellness within a scientist-practitioner model. She has woven spirituality and mindfulness into her practice for over 35 years, and leads monthly online Embodied Brain Polyvagal Groups. To learn more & join Dr Rusk's next Vagal Toning Practice Group visit: https://www.ilenenaomirusk.com/events__Access a free mindfulness meditation guided by Mary Tilson to help manage cravings and regulate emotions: https://pages.sunandmoonsoberliving.com/easemeditationFollow along on Instagram: @sunandmoon.soberliving __Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →#118: Food Freedom with Sue Van Raes, Functional Nutritionist & Food Psychology Specialist
Jul 2100:56:58Tap to summarizeLearn more about our upcoming Women's Hiking Retreat in Moab, Utah: https://sunandmoonsoberliving.com/moab-retreat/Access a free mindfulness meditation to help manage cravings and regulate emotions: https://pages.sunandmoonsoberliving.com/easemeditationFollow along on Instagram: @sunandmoon.soberliving __Sue Van Raes is a functional nutritionist, food psychology specialist, psycho-spiritual practitioner, and author of Food and Freedom (April 2024). With over two decades in private practice—and a personal journey of healing a lifelong struggle with food—Sue offers a holistic path to peace with your plate. Her work weaves together functional nutrition, integrative health, and soul-based self-inquiry to help women transform how they eat, think, and live.Her upcoming PBS feature shares her revolutionary approach with a national audience, inviting more women into a body, mind, heart, and soul connection with food. Sue’s teachings have been featured in People, Chopra, Livestrong, and Reader’s Digest, and her grounded, feminine voice continues to inspire women toward deeper nourishment and embodied freedom.Topics explored in this episode include:Sue’s healing journeyBalancing blood sugarFunctional nutritionHow to make peace with your plateManaging cravingsDiet cultureEmpowering women through food freedomHealing as a processFREE DOWNLOAD:https://www.bouldernutrition.com/makepeacewithyourplateWEBSITE:https://www.bouldernutrition.com/BOOK:https://www.amazon.com/Food-Freedom-Discover-Personal-Recipe/dp/1608688747/refINSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/bouldernutrition/PODCAST:Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/satiate/id1271979730Spotify Podcasts:https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZBL7jC4hxvQLQF2Q00SFx?si=QdnHuLzyQG6gbhUcZw_4OA&nd=1&dlsi=48fb7d688f004d68__Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →#117: An Exploration of Relief - From Addiction to Integrated Recovery with Shawna Rodgers
Jul 1401:05:35Tap to summarizeLearn more about our upcoming Women's Hiking Retreat in Moab, Utah: https://sunandmoonsoberliving.com/moab-retreat/Access a free mindfulness meditation to help manage cravings and regulate emotions: https://pages.sunandmoonsoberliving.com/easemeditationFollow along on Instagram: @sunandmoon.soberliving ___Topics explored in this episode include:Shawna’s storyHow relief-seeking led to addiction and recoveryThe power of surrenderIntegrated recovery practicesTransfer addictionWhen the pursuit of “wellness” becomes problematicThe need for trauma-informed spacesSobriety and the 8-Limb Path of YogaMaintaining boundaries in recovery spacesFamily dynamics of addictionEquine therapyShawna Marie Rodgers is a certified yoga instructor, event host, and environmental advocate with a mission to help individuals reconnect with themselves through mindful practices and aligned living.On the path of recovery since 2007 and actively practicing sobriety since 2012, Shawna brings a lived understanding of healing to her work. Her personal journey has included cognitive behavioral therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), energy healing, 12-step programs, embodied breath work, and Chinese medicine. In 2025, she created and led a workshop series on sobriety and the Eight-Limbed Path of Yoga, offering a compassionate, non-prescriptive lens on healing. She also participates in Al-Anon to better understand the family dynamics of addiction and mental health.With over 500 hours of yoga training—including immersive study in India—Shawna’s teaching integrates trauma-informed approaches, Ayurvedic wisdom, and a deep respect for personal transformation. She offers private sessions, group classes, retreats, and wellness coaching across California and internationally.In addition to her work in wellness, Shawna is committed to environmental sustainability. Since 2018, she has worked in organic agriculture, raising funds to support organic farmers across the U.S.Whether teaching on the mat or advocating for the planet, Shawna leads with integrity, compassion, and a belief in our shared capacity for growth and grounded living. Based in Santa Cruz, CA | Available for wellness programming, corporate offerings, and eventsFollow Shawna on social @shawnamarieyoga or at www.shawnamarieyoga.com __Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →#116: The Power of Community & Outdoor Adventures in Recovery with Robert Shearon, Founder of RECONNECTED Foundation
Jul 701:10:14Tap to summarizeLearn more about our upcoming Women's Hiking Retreat in Moab, Utah: https://sunandmoonsoberliving.com/moab-retreat/Access a free mindfulness meditation to help manage cravings and regulate emotions: https://pages.sunandmoonsoberliving.com/easemeditationFollow along on Instagram: @sunandmoon.soberliving ___Robert Shearon is the Founder and Executive Director of RECONNECTED Foundation, which is a nonprofit recovery community based in Vail, Colorado dedicated to providing peer support services, social events, community education, and ending the stigma surrounding addiction. He's passionate about combining the outdoors with recovery, and has organized everything from camping trips to national skiathons. Rob’s mission is to help others realize that recovery is not only possible, but that it can be fun!Topics discussed in this episode include:Rob’s addiction recovery storySocial anxietyGetting sober as a college studentPersonal growth in recoveryThe importance of communityDiscovering new hobbiesThe benefits of taking on challengesHarm reductionEmbracing progress over perfection#TheWeightWeCarry FundraiserFind out more about RECONNECTED Foundation: https://reconnected.org/Support #TheWeightWeCarry Fundraiser: https://donate.vailhealthfoundation.org/campaign/reconnected-the-weight-we-carry/c689856__Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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