In this episode of In the Circle, I respond to a courageous and heartfelt inquiry from Barbara. She asks: How do I make peace with taking medication for Parkinson’s, after years of addiction and recovery?

Her story is raw, vulnerable, and deeply human: the daily crash after each dose, the fear it stirs up, the echoes of withdrawal, and the sense that maybe she’s being pulled back into something she’s worked so hard to rise above.

What struck me most was the physical discomfort she described and the emotional complexity behind it—the grief, the doubt, the resistance. I’ve seen this before, in myself and others: when medication is both necessary and triggering, it’s not just about dosage. It’s about trust. It’s about building a relationship with the medicine that aligns with our values, instead of clashing with our past.

My invitation to you is to reframe the story. What if this is magic medicine? What if we drop the judgment and meet the reality of the moment with full presence and compassion? It’s not giving up. It’s aligning with what’s true right now and adjusting our lives to support that truth with grace. That might mean talking to your doctor, shifting routines, or simply asking for more help. But it starts with acceptance.

So if you’re in a complicated relationship with medication, or supporting someone who is, I hope this conversation reminds you: your strength is not measured by how little you need, but by how deeply you show up for your life. There is no shame in taking what helps. There’s only the next step, the next breath, and the next moment of courage.

Tommy Discusses:

• Relief and discomfort can coexist
• Lifestyle adjustments and Medication
• Acceptance is a powerful tool
• You are not alone, you are not failing

Would you like to be a guest on the In The Circle Podcast? Submit Your Question Here: R20.com/inthecircle

Further Links & Resources

• Catch 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 Weekly UPLIFT
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction 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 Tommy

In this episode of In the Circle, I have the honor of talking with Author and master yoga teacher, Guruprem.

Guruprem has been a major influence on my life and recovery journey. It was he who passed on the teachings that helped me heal my back and laid the foundation for Recovery 2.0.

Today, he shares grounded wisdom on how to bring more ease back into your life. He touches on being of service, the role of meditation, and the practice of “acting as if”—and challenges some deeply held beliefs many of us don’t even realize we have.

Tommy Discusses:

• The power of breathwork and yoga
• Opening our hearts and minds to unconventional healing
• Understanding addiction and the mind-body connection
• The primary element in recovery

Would you like to be a guest on the In The Circle Podcast? Submit Your Question Here: R20.com/inthecircle

Further Links & Resources

• Catch 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 Weekly UPLIFT
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction 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 Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

In this episode of In the Circle, I answer one of the most important and relevant inquiries I have ever received. Michelle asks, "How Can I Handle the Pain of Weaning Off Prescribed Medication?"

She shares the emotional tug-of-war between love and shame, wanting to reduce her dose of buprenorphine, but feeling defeated when pain flares up and she takes more than planned. Her honesty opens up a deeply relevant conversation about what it means to meet ourselves with compassion in the hardest moments.

I’ve seen again and again, in my own recovery and others, that the real struggle isn’t just physical. It’s the inner conflict: the part that wants comfort now, and the part that longs for freedom.

So many people carry guilt when they “slip” during tapering. But I believe it’s not about failure. It’s about learning to listen. And with the right tools, the right support, and a shift in how we relate to pain, I truly believe we can change, not just our dose, but our entire experience of healing.

If you’re in the middle of this journey or supporting someone who is, I hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. We’re not here to rush or shame the process. We’re here to explore what’s possible, together.

Tommy Discusses:

• Withdrawal is a mental, emotional, and physical battle
• Shame is not all it seems to be
• Support and strategy are essential
• There is NO shame in needing medication, but it’s okay to wonder what’s possible without it
• Progression is not perfect

Would you like to be a guest on the In The Circle Podcast? Submit Your Question Here: R20.com/inthecircle

Further Links & Resources

• Catch 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 Weekly UPLIFT
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction 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 Tommy

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In this episode of In the Circle, I am extremely privileged to speak with Father Richard Rohr.

Richard Rohr is a Franciscan friar, author, and spiritual teacher renowned for his work in Christian mysticism and contemplative spirituality. Born in 1943 in Kansas, he was ordained a Catholic priest in 1970 and later founded the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Through the CAC and the Living School for Action and Contemplation, Rohr has helped thousands explore a deeper, more experiential faith.

Rohr’s teachings emphasize the union of action and contemplation, encouraging spiritual growth through lived experience rather than rigid doctrine. His message includes ideas like the “true self,” the “universal Christ,” and the transformative power of embracing paradox, suffering, and mystery. He is known for offering an “alternative orthodoxy” that bridges traditional Christian thought with modern spiritual needs.

He has authored numerous influential books, including Falling Upward, The Universal Christ, and The Divine Dance. Though recent health challenges have led him to step back from public speaking, Rohr continues to write and guide through his work at the CAC, remaining a vital voice in contemporary spirituality.

Tommy Discusses:

• The role of practice
• Religion, spirituality, and science
• The true recovery goal
• Healthy vs unhealthy religion

Would you like to be a guest on the In The Circle Podcast? Submit Your Question Here: R20.com/inthecircle

Further Links & Resources

• Catch 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 Weekly UPLIFT
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction 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 Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

In this episode of In the Circle, I have the honor of talking with writer, musician, and master teacher of Kundalini Yoga, Guru Singh.

Guru Singh is a globally respected spiritual teacher, musician, and author who has shaped the Kundalini yoga and meditation community for decades. Renowned for his dynamic, science-based, and musically infused teaching style, he has trained thousands of teachers worldwide, inspiring a ripple effect of conscious awareness.

Alongside his wife, Guruperkarma Kaur, he co-founded Kundalini University and The 13 Moons community, offering mentorship, teacher trainings, and spiritual guidance to a global audience. With nine books, numerous albums, and a strong media presence, Guru Singh blends ancient wisdom with modern insight—making spirituality accessible, practical, and profoundly transformative.

In this episode, we shed light on what addiction is and why it is a special gift for those who get to experience addiction and then recover from it. He delves into the causes of resentment and shame and how to move beyond these challenges.

Tommy Discusses:

• How to let go of resentment and shame
• Finding light in the darkest places
• The effect of yoga in recovery
• What is addiction?

Would you like to be a guest on the In The Circle Podcast? Submit Your Question Here: R20.com/inthecircle

Further Links & Resources

• Catch 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 Weekly UPLIFT
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction 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 Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram

In this episode of In the Circle, we take a look at an inquiry I get asked the most: How Do I Get Sober? What does sobriety truly entail?

By asking this question, we are looking for a way to evolve into a better version of ourselves– to let go of the old and embrace the new. In order to move towards a life filled with more love, connection, and fulfillment, we need to be honest, vulnerable, and open to change.

We need to remember that momentum comes slowly and develop a one-day-at-a-time concept of life. All we have to do is stay sober today. If you're reading this, the time has come for you to make the change that you know you must make.

Tommy Discusses:

• The step-by-step process to getting sober
• Why there is strength in vulnerability
• Why you should never hesitate to phone a friend!
• The one-day-at-a-time approach to addiction recovery
• The power of a daily recovery routine

Would you like to be a guest on the In The Circle Podcast? Submit Your Question Here: R20.com/inthecircle

Further Links & Resources

• Catch 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 Weekly UPLIFT
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction 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 Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, I delve into the complex and often debated topic: Is addiction a disease? We explore how society interprets addiction and the implications these interpretations have on treatment approaches. What are the motivations behind defining addiction as a disease? If addiction isn't seen as a disease, how do we understand and “fix” it?

We also take a look at the characterization of addiction as a disease of the brain and nervous system, focusing on remission rather than cure. This has led to an increased reliance on pharmacological treatments in addiction recovery. While these are important tools and can be effective for short-term withdrawal relief, their prolonged use might lead to additional dependencies and impede full emotional and mental recovery.

The holistic approach to recovery is still, in my opinion, the best and most effective long-term recovery plan—by taking abstinence-based approaches and following the transformative power of 12-step programs, yoga, meditation, and breathwork.

Tommy Discusses:

• Whether or not addiction is a disease
• The effects of prolonged use of addiction medications
• Are we treating the symptom or the root of addiction?
• Why does humankind fall for addictive substances?
• Why the holistic approach to addiction recovery is the most effective

Would you like to be a guest on the In The Circle Podcast? Submit Your Question Here: R20.com/inthecircle

Further Links & Resources

• Catch 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 Weekly UPLIFT
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction 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 Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on...

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, we’re revisiting an extremely relevant inquiry: Are the 12 Steps still relevant today, how do they fit into modern recovery, and why did I adapt the 12 Steps into the 12 Efforts?

Of course, when we explore these questions, we will need to discuss the challenges that come up with language and the power of words. Do people in recovery always have to refer to themselves as addicts or should that identification change?

In a way, this exploration is fundamental to all who are on the path of recovery. We need to know what works, why it works, and how it can work better. We must always strive to honor the past, but we must also innovate and improve upon what is there to create an even brighter future.

Tommy Discusses:

• How language gets in the way of our growth
• The ties between yoga and the 12 Steps
• How to embrace your past and overcome resentments
• Why he created the 12 Efforts
• Readying yourself to be of service to other people
• Why he is proud to be a part of “The Island of Misfit Toys”

Would you like to be a guest on the In The Circle Podcast? Submit Your Question Here: R20.com/inthecircle

Further Links & Resources

• Catch 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 Weekly UPLIFT
• Join our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addiction
• Subscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTube
• Visit our website
• Come and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/events

Addiction 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 Tommy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Recovery 2.0

• @Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
• Recovery 2.0 Facebook Group

In The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.