Overview

In this illuminating episode of the I Don't Believe in Astrology podcast, host Debra Silverman engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Scott Lyons, a double Cancer with a background spanning clinical psychology, dance therapy, osteopathy, and somatics.

The discussion delves into the phenomenon of "drama addiction" and how we unconsciously use stress as a distraction mechanism to avoid underlying emotional pain. Through personal stories of his own recovery journey, Dr. Scott Lyons offers powerful insights into why many of us struggle to sustain peace in our lives.

Debra and Dr. Scott Lyons explore how our modern society functions as a "stress economy" that competes for our attention through constant stimulation, further exacerbating our nervous system dysregulation. Dr. Scott Lyons also explains how stress provides immediate pain relief by blocking receptors and distracting us from deeper emotional wounds, creating a cycle of addiction.

 

This fascinating conversation weaves together Astrology, neuroscience, and somatic understanding to explain why finding authentic calm feels so challenging— and what we can do to break free from the cycle of unnecessary turmoil.

 

Find more information about Dr. Scott Lyons and his work with the Embody Lab: https://theembodylab.com

Order your copy of Debra's new book, I Don't Believe In Astrology, here and get access to Debra's companion tarot booklet while you still can: I Don't Believe In Astrology

Connect with Debra on social media and get access to her latest offerings, workshops, and more: solo.to/dsAstrology

 

Key Highlights From The Episode

• How to break free from drama addiction and find authentic peace

• How stress addiction serves as a mechanism for distraction from deeper emotional pain and Dr. Lyons' personal journey of recovery from drama addiction, including the crucial role of facing boredom

• The concept of the "stress economy" and how our society is built on capturing attention through activating the amygdala

• Understanding the difference between tolerance for stress versus genuine capacity for processing emotions

• How to reconnect with nature and physical presence as medicine for an overwhelmed nervous system

Timestamps

[00:01:30] Opening conversation between Debra Silverman and Dr. Scott Lyons

[00:03:29] Introduction to the podcast and discussion about technology changes over time

[00:05:28] Dr. Scott Lyons introduces himself and shares his favorite ice cream flavor (mint chip)

[00:06:46] Discussion of Dr. Lyons' background in psychology, dance therapy, and osteopathy

[00:07:27] Debra notes Scott's double Cancer Astrological makeup and its connection to embodiment

[00:08:48] Dr. Lyons explains how stress blocks pain receptors and distracts from emotional pain

[00:12:08] Discussion of the hierarchy in our body of what gets attended to first (emotional vs. physical)

[00:15:11] Explanation of "revving" - how we source internal and external stimuli to avoid settling

[00:17:59] Dr. Lyons describes how we interrupt our own peace and avoid proximity to ourselves

[00:21:42] Discussion of the addiction to stress because we don't know how to sustain peace

[00:24:52] Dr. Lyons shares his personal journey of recovery, including accepting boredom

[00:26:33] Description of sitting through the discomfort to access deeper emotions

[00:29:56] Dr. Lyons explains his cardiac collapse from stress overload ("overdosing" on stress)

[00:31:29] Discussion of how addiction to drama makes dysfunction feel "normal"

[00:34:02] Dr. Lyons describes recognizing his craving for stress and creating space between craving and action

[00:39:02] Explanation of how drama is "the freest, most accessible drug there is"

[00:42:42] Discussion of internal dialogue and its role in stress addiction

[00:45:28] Dr. Lyons shares how he began accepting boredom despite it being "fucking awful"

[00:48:23] Explanation of mindfulness as preparation for "surfing the waves of life" not escaping them

[00:57:21] Discussion of how meditation and yoga can sometimes be "a beautiful place to hide"

[01:07:59] Closing thoughts on taking social media pauses and attuning to your capacity

[01:11:37] Debra's final thoughts on connecting with nature as the ultimate medicine for the nervous system