In The Circle

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, we’re joined by Mariana, who brings us an impactful inquiry: How Can I Maintain Healthy Boundaries While Being of Service in Recovery?

We often read in spiritual scriptures that we are meant to give without expectation. Yet, as humans in relationships, we recognize that boundaries are essential, especially in recovery. 

Spiritual and religious teachings often compare service to an express...

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, I am honored to connect with Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder and CEO of Agape International Spiritual Center, a renowned trans-denominational community in Los Angeles. 

With thousands of local members and global live streamers, Agape is celebrated for its cultural, racial, and spiritual inclusivity. The late Coretta Scott King once praised Dr. Beckwith, saying, "I greatly admire wh...

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, we are joined by Rosie, who brings a relevant and powerful inquiry for our consideration:  How can I quickly regulate my emotions and ground myself, so I don't get lost in the story my mind creates?

This is a deeply relevant inquiry—who hasn’t found themselves trapped by the narratives they carry in their mind? It’s all too common to become our own biggest triggers, getting swept away by...

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, we’re joined by Elaine, who draws our attention to one of the most challenging scenarios in all of addiction: What steps can parents take to support their grown child in addiction recovery?

How do I remain silent when my child continues to make bad choices?  I don't want to enable them. I don't know how to support them. What can I do? This inquiry will bring up important questions about ...

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, we have Kathy bringing a very unique yet relevant inquiry that requires a bit of unpacking. Kathy inquires: what is the difference between being an introvert and isolating? 

Kathy wrote to us and said, “I usually hear that human beings are hardwired for connection and that we are social creatures. I do not believe it to be true for every human being - it isn’t true for me.” 

As we go...

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, I’m incredibly excited to share my interview with Bruce Lipton, Ph.D.

Bruce is an internationally recognized leader in bridging science and spirit. He was on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin's School of Medicine, and later performed groundbreaking stem cell research at Stanford University. You may have read about that in his best-selling book, The Biology of Belief. 

In 2009, Br...

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, we are joined by Donna, who asks such a brave, honest, and raw question: Is It Possible To Fully Heal From Sexual Trauma?

Can the trauma of childhood sexual abuse be overcome? The unfortunate reality is that sexual and physical abuse are very present in our world. Donna’s inquiry gives us an opportunity to explore healing from these deep, formative wounds.

I believe that healing is always poss...

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, we are joined by Elizabeth, who brings an incredibly powerful inquiry: How Can I Remain Spiritual During Troubling Times?

So many people I speak with are feeling lost, sad, depressed, or despairing in the face of the world's difficulties. Of course, it doesn’t help that we are attached to devices that inform us endlessly of other people's challenges.

This inquiry gives us a moment to explore t...

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, Galen brings to light the addictive nature of procrastination.

When we actively avoid things we need to do - and even things we may want to do - it erodes our confidence. We may even take other actions that cause us harm.  

I look at procrastination as one of the four aggravations: Negative thinking, self-doubt, procrastination, and resentment. These are all patterns of belief and be...

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, we are joined by Tracy, who inquires: Will my recovery journey positively impact my children? This is such a powerful inquiry that I know will have relevance for us all.

Part of this exploration will lead us to understand that there is no such thing as a perfect parent. There is no such thing as parenting without doing some harm. We all have negative ingrained behaviors we see in ourselves th...

On 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 of 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 severa...

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, we have Bob here with us at 20 years sober. Bob is asking a profound question related to the 12 step path: How would you describe the process of becoming entirely ready?

Now, for those who are not familiar with step six, it reads: we were entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character.  This brings up a lot of questions and some confusion about what God is doing and how God...

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, Brian asks an incredibly profound question: Can a person change their personality? He goes on to explain that the origin of his inquiry is due to his use of sarcasm and how he does not want to speak in that same tone with that same sharpness, especially to those he loves.

As someone who grew up in New York City, I'm well-trained in sarcasm, and this inquiry hit home for me. 

This naturall...

This week, I am very excited to share a podcast that breaks tradition with our normal format.  

Normally, I answer questions from people in recovery all over the world. This episode features an interview I conducted with Zach Bush, MD., from the recent Life Beyond Addiction Conference. 

Zach is a renowned, multi-disciplinary physician of internal medicine, endocrinology, and hospice care, as well as an internationally ...

In this episode of In the Circle, we dive into a compelling discussion with Patrick, a dedicated individual in long-term recovery, who inquires: Should Purpose Guide Your Path When Helping Others?

Patrick is at a crossroads in his service journey as he questions whether to pursue a conventional counseling career or continue his grassroots efforts of directly assisting people on the streets of San Francisco. Our discussion opens up a...

In this episode of In the Circle, Today, we'll hear an inquiry from Carla, who asks an important question regarding friendship and letting go: How do I release the ties of a long-term friendship that has become codependent? How can I let go of relationships that no longer serve me?

This inquiry takes us into this realm of relationships, reminding us that friendships, connections, business partnerships, and romantic relationships all...

In this episode of In the Circle, we are joined by Jamie who inquires: How can I finally be free from the frequency of addiction?  Jamie expresses that he has just celebrated five years of recovery, yet he feels that recovery should be easier by now.

What will finally set us free? How can we truly surrender and let go of the frequency of addiction? There isn't just one path to freedom; it varies for everyone. The steps and yoga...

In this episode of In the Circle, we’re joined by Sam, who brings our attention to an addiction that we don't often consider, the addiction to the struggle itself. Sam inquires: How Can I Break Away From Victimhood? 

Most of us can look back and, if we’re self-conscious human beings, notice some patterns repeating themselves, holding us back. The most common being self-sabotage.

This brings up a powerful psychological and spirit...

In this episode of In the Circle, we have June with us, sharing a powerful inquiry about building self-confidence and trust. She inquires: how can I be more confident & trust myself? This deeply relatable issue touches the foundation of our relationship with our inner selves.

By examining feelings like loneliness and the need for self-esteem, we aim to uncover what it takes to build a confident, connected, and loving self. 

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