Recovery is Possible Podcast
Health & Wellness Podcasts
Mike has witnessed the devastating impact of addiction in his life, in his work, and in the community. He started his career as a Navy helicopter pilot, then served as a Corrections Officer, DC Police Officer, and FBI Agent. In 2010, he became an instructor at the FBI Academy, where he created a course to help police executives better understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence. After retiring from the FBI in 2019, Mike earned a Master’s in Addiction Counseling and now works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a major nonprofit hospital. Alongside his wife, Lillie, he draws from his personal and professional experience to have honest, compassionate conversations about addiction, recovery, and mental health. They focus on breaking stigma, offering support, and sharing practical resources—reminding everyone that no one has to face these struggles alone, and that recovery is possible. To connect with Mike and Lillie or learn more about them, please visit vanmeterwellnessolutions.com.
Location:
Virginia
Genres:
Health & Wellness Podcasts
Description:
Mike has witnessed the devastating impact of addiction in his life, in his work, and in the community. He started his career as a Navy helicopter pilot, then served as a Corrections Officer, DC Police Officer, and FBI Agent. In 2010, he became an instructor at the FBI Academy, where he created a course to help police executives better understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence. After retiring from the FBI in 2019, Mike earned a Master’s in Addiction Counseling and now works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a major nonprofit hospital. Alongside his wife, Lillie, he draws from his personal and professional experience to have honest, compassionate conversations about addiction, recovery, and mental health. They focus on breaking stigma, offering support, and sharing practical resources—reminding everyone that no one has to face these struggles alone, and that recovery is possible. To connect with Mike and Lillie or learn more about them, please visit vanmeterwellnessolutions.com.
Language:
English
Contact:
8176906700
Episodes
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
Episode 155 - Not Relapsing After a Tragedy
4/15/2024
My younger brother passed away a couple of weeks ago. When you look at the list of reasons why people relapse, this would be near the top. I am grateful that this did not happen to me, and I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss what the process of getting through this kind of event is like. Relapse does not have to happen, but we need to make our recovery the priority.
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:00:19:04
Episode 154 - What It Takes To Be Sober
3/21/2024
In this episode we discuss what it takes to be sober. People in long-term sobriety tend to do similar things, and people who continue to relapse also tend to do similar things. I discuss where our focus needs to be and how you can change your mind set for success.
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:00:23:02
Episode 153 - The "I Get To List in Life" with John Monaghan
2/12/2024
John Monaghan is a retired Chief of Police who now works in mental health, resilience, and Post Traumatic Growth. In this episode we discuss how to help people turn their struggle into strength, especially when it comes to addiction. John brings home the point, "Don't be afraid to ask for help, it is the most courageous thing you can do".
You can also reach out to John on Facebook and Instagram at JohnMonaghanIII as well as his website:
DeepBlueCompass
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:00:57:29
Episode 152 - Hilary Phelps on Coaching and Wellness
1/16/2024
Hilary Phelps discusses the benefits of coaching in regard to wellness and recovery. Hilary has an enormous amount of experience with recovery and discusses the unique challenges, expectations, and responsibilities they face on a daily basis. Hilary also discusses her new coaching platform she launched this year.
hilaryphelps.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:00:50:47
Episode 151 - Fantasizing About What Our Future Can Be
1/8/2024
Everyone that is attempting to get into recovery from drugs or alcohol has a vision of what they want their future to be. This does not have to be just a fantasy; it can be a reality. In this episode I discuss how we can make this vision a reality.
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:00:14:37