Shows
The Pulse ProjectEpisode 6 - The role of Dopamine in the Food Addict BrainIn today’s episode, we discuss what’s actually happening in your brain when you crave, binge, restrict, or feel out of control with food — and why this is not a moral failure. Drawing from cutting-edge neuroscience, Dr. Anna Lembke’s work in Dopamine Nation, peer-reviewed research, Scripture, and Catholic moral theology, we’ll explore how dopamine shapes desire, how modern foods hijack the brain, and how grace and neuroplasticity work together to bring healing.
You’ll learn why cues feel so powerful, why willpower breaks down under stress, why you can be “good all day” and lose control at...
2025-12-0547 minThe Pulse ProjectNative BirthTake a deep dive with Stephanie in this Lectio Divina of Luke 2:1-7, the Nativity of our Lord. Travel back in time to walk beside the holiest of families on their journey to Bethlehem, in the piercing cold, on the eve of this native birth. Welcome the Christ child with your own eyes and capture the wonder you've always had but never knew. This episode will paint a new picture of the nativity that likely has never been painted and will catapult you into a new wonder and appreciation for this incredible gift. Enjoy this beautiful story and keep it c...
2025-12-0510 minThe Pulse ProjectEpisode 5 - Can Catholics receive Acupuncture?What's the deal with acupuncture? Is it science? Is it voodoo? Is it REALLY medicine? Learn the answers to those questions and more in this riveting episode as Stephanie explains, once and for all, the science behind the medicine, the art behind its origins, and the philosophy that runs through the entire practice like a lively pulse. It is well documented that cultures do not keep practices that do not serve them. Being that this medicine is 3,000 years old, its sheer longevity is proof that it is effective and necessary for good quality health. But what about the faith? Is it ok...
2025-12-0231 min
The Cyclical Doula Podcast: Fertility Awareness, Charting Cycles, and Reproductive Health EducationFood, Faith, and Freedom: Rewriting Recovery with Stephanie MattreyIn this conversation, licensed acupuncturist and women’s health practitioner Stephanie Mattrey shares her lived experience with anorexia and bulimia and how it informs her work helping women recover from food addiction and disordered eating. We explore the brain-based nature of addiction, why some 12-step frameworks help (and where rigidity can harm), and how faith became an anchoring part of Stephanie’s recovery. Stephanie explains cycle-aware patterns—why cravings and coping often intensify in the luteal phase, what perimenopause can feel like when cycles stretch or sleep shifts, and how to support yourself with steady protein, simple meals...
2025-11-2047 minThe Pulse ProjectEpisode 4 - GAPS and food addictionJoin Stephanie as she delves into the science behind GAPS, "Gut and Psychology Syndrome," explains what it is, and shares why it is important in the study and treatment of food addiction. In this episode, you'll learn how the GAPS diet is used to treat all kinds of mental ailments and the unique connection your gut has with your brain. Stephanie will brush on the TCM theory behind this connection and how TCM doctors treat it. She will also discuss the types of foods that can heal a gut that has gone haywire, which is true for many food add...
2025-11-1438 minThe Pulse ProjectEpisode 3 - Food Systems and AddictionIn this episode, you'll learn the truth behind the history of the food industry and why your struggle is not your fault, while willpower is more of a misnomer than a truth, and what mechanisms of the market have mastered in order to keep you stuck and buying more. Flour, sugar and UPFs (ultra-processed-foods) hijack the brain on purpose and the industry knows exactly how. Prepare to have your mind blown as Stephanie takes a deep dive into what makes the food industry tick and why you should know about it. For more good info on real honest science, cli...
2025-11-0714 minThe Pulse ProjectEpisode 2 - Square Breathing for Recovery and FaithIn this episode, you'll learn a practical tool that you can begin using TODAY immediately. Square breathing is a technique that reduces anxiety, curbs cravings, enhances energy, increases parasympathetic nervous activity, and reminds us of the breath of God, which lives inside of us. Learn how and when to use it, why it is a strong tool for recovery and how to apply it to times of prayer, at mass, during meals, or during stress. This is just one of the many practical tools that are taught inside The Pulse Project course which will show you how to win at...
2025-10-3112 minThe Pulse ProjectEpisode 1 - CravingsExplore the deeper meaning behind cravings for all things that bring you worldly pleasure. You'll learn the brain components as well as the spiritual components of cravings and how they keep you stuck in cycles that don't serve you. You'll also learn how they are invitations and stepping stones that can, if you allow them, become stepping stones to get closer to God. This episode is packed with a wonderful combo of both science and faith, the mission behind The Pulse Project. Learn about this and more in The Pulse Project online course which is found inside The Ember Loft...
2025-10-2415 minThe Pulse ProjectThe LeapTake a deep dive into The Visitation with Stephanie's Lectio Divina of Luke 1:39-56. Learn how Mary, Elizabeth, and John can support your recovery as you walk with The Mother of God to the hills of Judah. This episode, rich in deep imagery, will catapult you into a world that was just getting to know the Son of God. This Lectio will come alive in your bones as you learn how to relate to John, of all characters, when it comes to how you can move through the world in a state of willing surrender, devout charity, and contented rec...
2025-10-1608 minThe Pulse ProjectWhy The Pulse Project existsWhat is the Pulse Project? How did it come to be? This episode will answer those questions. Stephanie will share her journey through 12 step recovery and how it led her to the creation of her own Catholic food addiction recovery program for women. You'll learn about how 12 step recovery is an important stepping stone for addicts, and also how it's not the only answer. You'll also learn why a Catholic approach to recovery enhances your experience as a Christian woman who seeks to stop using food addictively. Join Stephanie as she travels with you through her Holy Spirit led idea o...
2025-10-1634 minThe Pulse ProjectThe Fiat EmbryoDive into this Lectio Divina of the incarnation with a twist. You will get to know Mary's fiat on an intimate level with Christ Himself walking alongside you. This meditation is a powerful tool to use when you are discouraged or ready to throw in the towel. By reminding ourselves of our own humanity and how that nature is directly related to the fact that we are indeed created in Christ's image, we can crawl out of the quicksand of self pity and into our God given purpose.
2025-10-0109 minThe Pulse ProjectStephanie’s Food Addiction StoryListen to Stephanie's harrowing story of how she developed, suffered from, and then overcame anorexia and bulimia. This episode is a raw unabridged version of Stephanie's life which details the nature of her disease and how her recovery is connected to her conversion to the Catholic faith. This episode is a personal account of Stephanie's life and is not meant to aid others in diagnosing, treating, or managing their own disordered eating and addictions. If you are struggling with addiction, it is important for you to connect with your medical doctor to get help and treatment if necessary. Trigger warn...
2025-09-201h 03
The Catholic Sobriety PodcastEp 43: Unmasking Hidden Struggles: Stephanie Mattrey's Journey to Recovery from Eating Disorders and PTSDWelcome to our latest episode where we delve into societal pressures and the internal struggles many women face while maintaining appearances. Our guest today is Stephanie Mattrey, a Catholic wife and mother who has bravely battled anorexia and bulimia.Stephanie shares her inspiring journey toward recovery, shedding light on the often-unspoken struggles women undergo in their quest to fit societal molds. If you've ever felt trapped by your thoughts or societal expectations, this episode will resonate.We explore the complex topic of PTSD and its connection to addiction. Stephanie's candid conversation on these subjects brings...
2023-11-2147 min