Recovery is Possible Podcast
Health & Wellness Podcasts
Mike has witnessed the devastating impact of addiction in his life, work, and community. He began his career as a Navy helicopter pilot and went on to serve as a Corrections Officer, DC Police Officer, and FBI Agent. In 2010, while teaching at the FBI Academy, he developed a course to help police executives better understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence. After retiring from the FBI in 2019, he earned a Master’s in Addiction Counseling and now works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a major nonprofit hospital. Together with his wife, Lillie, he draws on personal and professional experience to have honest and compassionate conversations about addiction, recovery, and mental health, focusing on breaking stigma, offering support, and sharing resources that remind people they are not alone and that recovery is possible. To connect with Mike and Lillie, subscribe to their weekly newsletter, or simply learn more about them, visit vanmeterwellnessolutions.com.
Location:
Virginia
Genres:
Health & Wellness Podcasts
Description:
Mike has witnessed the devastating impact of addiction in his life, work, and community. He began his career as a Navy helicopter pilot and went on to serve as a Corrections Officer, DC Police Officer, and FBI Agent. In 2010, while teaching at the FBI Academy, he developed a course to help police executives better understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence. After retiring from the FBI in 2019, he earned a Master’s in Addiction Counseling and now works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a major nonprofit hospital. Together with his wife, Lillie, he draws on personal and professional experience to have honest and compassionate conversations about addiction, recovery, and mental health, focusing on breaking stigma, offering support, and sharing resources that remind people they are not alone and that recovery is possible. To connect with Mike and Lillie, subscribe to their weekly newsletter, or simply learn more about them, visit vanmeterwellnessolutions.com.
Language:
English
Contact:
8176906700
Episodes
Episode 175 - Put The Shovel Down-Amber Hollingsworth
10/20/2025
In this episode, I sit down with Amber Hollingsworth, the creator and host of the YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down. As an Addiction Recovery Specialist, Amber shares valuable insights on focusing on what's going right in recovery and the importance of building healthy relationships along the way. She highlights how supporting others in making the decision to pursue recovery-and guiding them through that challenging journey-can make all the difference.
YouTube: Put the Shovel Down
familyrecoveryacademy.online
Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com
Make sure you sign up for our weekly newsletter on the website
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:01:01:54
Episode 174 - The Deception of Denial
10/12/2025
In this episode, we explore how the disease of addiction can convince you that you don't have it. We take a closer look at the defense mechanisms and cognitive distortions that fuel denial-such as rationalization, minimization, self-deception, blame-shifting, and justification. We also share practical strategies to help you break through denial and move toward lasting recovery and long-term sobriety.
Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com
Make sure you sign up for our weekly newsletter on the website
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:01:02:18
Episode 173 - Saying No: Real Talk on Social Drinking Pressures
10/6/2025
Peer pressure is not just for teens; adults in early and even long-term recovery can experience strong pressures in social or work settings. There is no shame in protecting sobriety, and in this episode, we discuss how you can handle the peer pressure that often arises in social situations.
Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:01:02:37
Episode 172 - Using Genetics to Predict Addiction: James Piacentino and Thrive Genetics
9/29/2025
Where does addiction really come from, and how can we get ahead of it? In this episode, I interview James Piacentino, Co-Founder and CEO of Thrive Genetics to explore how genetics may hold the key to predicting addiction risk. We dive into the groundbreaking role of genetic insights in guiding treatment; more importantly, supporting lasting recovery. James explains how genetic testing can help identify those at higher risk, especially before surgery or other high-stress, high-risk situations where addiction often begins.
thrivegenetics.ai
contact@thrivegenetics.ai
Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:01:06:40
Episode 171 - The Living Amends
9/23/2025
A living amends is more than apologizing; it's about radically changing one's behavior and lifestyle to support ongoing sobriety and healing relationships. In this episode, we dispel myths about the living amends, encourage practical change, and provide hope for long-term growth.
Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:01:06:40
Episode 170 - There Is No Secret to Recovery
9/11/2025
In this episode we discuss how people in long-term recovery have been able to achieve this incredible goal. We discuss the realities of early recovery from addiction and how families can support their loved ones during this phase. In recovery there is no simple secret or quick fix, and we focus on practical insights and encouragement for both individuals in recovery and their families.
Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:01:02:34
Episode 169 - Stigma and misconceptions about Medically Assisted Treatment
9/3/2025
In this episode Lillie and I discuss the stigma surrounding Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT). MAT integrates FDA approved medication and counseling to support people in recovery from addiction, primarily opioid or alcohol use disorders. Medications help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, which improves retention in treatment and overall recovery outcomes. In this episode, we discuss why this can be controversial in recovery communities and how you can improve your chances of long-term recovery.
Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:01:03:41
Episode 168 - Influence Your Recovery: Motivation, Ability, and Lasting Sobriety
8/24/2025
In this episode, Mike and Lillie dive into Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change by Joseph Grenny and his colleagues. The book explores the interconnected roles of motivation and ability, and we reflect on how these ideas can be applied to the recovery journey. By embracing these principles, individuals can greatly increase their chances of building and sustaining long-term sobriety.
Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:41:26
Episode 167 - Meeting Recovery and Addressing Family Needs
8/17/2025
In this episode we address meeting recovery and addressing family needs as well as building boundaries together. Early recovery is tough, but it is even harder if the person in recovery and the family members are not working together. We discuss how this can be addressed and discuss strategies to make early recovery easier for everyone involved.
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:55:37
Episode 166 - Another Year of Sobriety!
8/12/2025
On this Sober Anniversary Mike and Lillie discuss what the journey has been like, and what it took to get here. Also, they discuss how life has changed, and how the recovery journey ebbs and flows.
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:42:13
Episode 165 - Mike and Lillie Discuss Early Recovery
8/4/2025
In this episode, we announce the changing of the name of this podcast. Mike and Lillie discuss early recovery and how families can support their loved one.
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:55:24
Episode164 - Tom Anderson "Begin to Live Again"
6/9/2025
In this episode retired Fire Fighter Tom Anderson discusses the dangers of self-diagnosis and not being honest with yourself. After suffering deep depression, Tom learned he was not alone in his suffering and that other people share our story. Join us as Tom discusses his tale of recovery and how he learned to live again.
Trauma Tuesday Meetings
e-mail: firehat2@yahoo.com
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:56:26
Episode 163 - Rowing Across the Atlantic-Mark Pfetzer from Guardian Initiatives
5/5/2025
Mark Pfetzer from Guardian Initiatives was previously on this show and discussed plans to cross the Atlantic Ocean in order to raise awareness about suicide. Mark and his team completed the trip and shares what this experience was like.
www.row3000.com
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:56:51
Episode - 162 Listening to Others
4/18/2025
In order to attain long-term sobriety a couple of things must happen. First, you must WANT recovery more than ANYTHING ELSE. The second thing is you must listen to others that have achieved long-term sobriety. Sounds simple...it really is, but we make it difficult.
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:21:34
Episode 161 - Follow The Plan
2/24/2025
When we come into recovery, we may think we are doing everything right. However, upon closer inspection, we may not be doing all we think we are. I this episode I discuss following the plan and tracking what you are actually doing.
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:13:23
Episode 160 - Realizing Recovery is Possible
1/12/2025
After taking a break for about half a year the podcast is back. In this episode I discuss why I took some time off and how recovery was an integral part of me being able to pursue the journey I was on this year. Recovery certainly is possible!
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:16:17
Episode 159 - Eric Kreitz on Helping Organizations Reintegrate Those in Recovery
6/30/2024
We spend a lot of time discussing what it takes to get into recovery, however, today's guest discusses what employers can do to assist the employees returning to work after treatment. This is a discussion few people have in the recovery world, and I know you will gain insight into the "other side" of recovery and learn tools you can use to help those who are beginning the recovery process.
Eric Kreitz
Leadership Coach
Renovium Leadership
919-802-2681
Eric@renoviumleadership.com
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:55:32
Episode 158 - Rob Carson - Mind, Body, and Spirit
6/21/2024
Today I interviewed nationally syndicated radio host Rob Carson. Rob came to recovery seemingly "overnight", but as he explains there was a long road traveled before the "miracle" occurred. Rob's story demonstrates that each of us has a different path, but we all come to the same conclusion. We eventually have to get well or die, and Rob explains that we need to work on our mind, body, and spirit. Life gets better, in fact, it gets a lot better when we stop drinking or using. This is a fascinating discussion, and you will undoubtably get a lot out of it.
The Rob Carson Show on wjfnradio.com
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:54:31
Episode 157 - Be the Solution, Not the Problem
5/19/2024
We can stay sober in the midst of tragedy; and in this episode, I discuss how it is important that we help those that are also suffering the tragedy we are experiencing. Using only makes the problem worse, and then you become part of the problem. We want to be part of the solution, and through remaining focused on a few basic principles and service, we can.
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:24:50
Episode 156 - We Are Responsible for Our Recovery
4/29/2024
No one else is responsible for your recovery, and no one else is the cause for your using. We alone are responsible for our recovery, and in this episode, I discuss this concept and how we can take responsibility for our use and what we need to do to begin the process of getting well. We can and do recover...but it is up to us.
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Duration:00:19:51