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.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#119: Nervous System Regulation with Dr. Ilene Naomi Rusk, Neuropsychologist & Neuroscientist
Jul 28, 202500:56:20Tap 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 21, 202500:56:58Tap 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 14, 202501:05:35Tap 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 7, 202501:10:14Tap 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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