Recovery Is Possible

Health & Wellness Podcasts

Michael has seen first-hand the devastating effects of addiction on the public, his profession, and himself. Michael began his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy. After eight years, he became a Corrections Officer, Washington DC Police Officer, and then FBI Agent. In 2010, Michael became an instructor at the FBI Academy. In 2013, he created a course titled “Leading At-Risk Employees” geared toward Police Executives to help them understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence as it relates to policies and procedures for their agencies worldwide. In 2019, Michael retired from the FBI but his passion for helping others continued. In August 2022, he graduated with a Master’s in Addiction Counseling: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. He currently works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a large nonprofit hospital. Pulling from his personal and professional experience, Michael shares his thoughts on this sensitive, complex, and controversial subject.

Location:

Virginia

Genres:

Health & Wellness Podcasts

Description:

Michael has seen first-hand the devastating effects of addiction on the public, his profession, and himself. Michael began his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy. After eight years, he became a Corrections Officer, Washington DC Police Officer, and then FBI Agent. In 2010, Michael became an instructor at the FBI Academy. In 2013, he created a course titled “Leading At-Risk Employees” geared toward Police Executives to help them understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence as it relates to policies and procedures for their agencies worldwide. In 2019, Michael retired from the FBI but his passion for helping others continued. In August 2022, he graduated with a Master’s in Addiction Counseling: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. He currently works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a large nonprofit hospital. Pulling from his personal and professional experience, Michael shares his thoughts on this sensitive, complex, and controversial subject.

Language:

English

Contact:

8176906700

Website:

https://recoveryispossible4u2.podbean.com/

Email:

recoveryispossible4u2@gmail.com

Episodes

Episode - 137 People, Places, Things, and Situations

5/31/2023

Early sobriety can be negatively affected by people, places, things, and situations. A listener asked what was meant by this because they hear this phrase quite a bit at recovery meetings. In this episode I explain what this phrase means and give practical ideas to help one stay sober. 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:00:20:25

Episode - 136 Things Everyone in Recovery Should Know

5/29/2023

There are certain things that all people in recovery need to know. In this episode I cover twelve points I think are important in recovery, especially in the early stages. Recovery is difficult, but this list will help you begin the journey that will be the most rewarding thing you ever do. 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:00:24:38

Episode - 135 Acceptance in Recovery

5/21/2023

Recovery from addiction or any other mental health issue can be a long and challenging journey. One of the most critical elements of recovery is learning to accept the things we cannot change. In this episode I discuss some points we need to consider when it comes to acceptance. 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:00:22:29

Episode - 134 Are Addicts Really Powerless Over Their Substances?

4/30/2023

The idea that addicts are powerless over their substances is one of the great questions and mysteries. Powerlessness is a concept commonly referred to in the 12-step community and can be hotly debated. This concept suggests that addicts have lost the ability to control their drug or alcohol use, and that their addiction has taken over their lives. In this episode, I expand on this concept and discuss how and why addiction is discussed in these terms. 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:00:20:33

Episode - 133 The Importance of Structure in Recovery

4/29/2023

Structure is extremely important in recovery from addiction, mental health issues, or other behavioral health problems. Establishing a structured routine can provide a sense of stability, control, and purpose, which can help individuals in recovery maintain their progress and avoid relapse. In this episode I describe how and why structure is an important element of a successful program of recovery. 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:00:18:05

Episode - 132 Addiction Runs in The Family-Maggie Hunt

4/17/2023

Today's guest is Maggie Hunt, Director of Communications and Marketing at Retreat Behavioral Health. Maggie discusses her recovery from Opiate Addiction and how addiction runs in families. The good news is that people can and do recover from addiction, and Maggie explains how she did just that. Today, her life is better than ever, and she is fulfilling the dreams she always had. Through recovery, you too can fulfill your potential through helping others. 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:00:47:06

Episode - 131 ”Life is Hard” - Interview with Anne Taydus

3/31/2023

Life is hard, but Anne Taydus is an example of someone who persevered through difficult times and drug court and achieved long-term sobriety. Drug court helped save her life, and Anne describes her road to recovery. Today, through sobriety Anne is able to accomplish incredible things that benefit the community and improve the lives of children. Anne is also a person that works hard to remove the stigma associated with addiction so others feel safe and can pursue their own path to recovery. 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:00:57:35

Episode - 130 Progress Rather Than Perfection

3/30/2023

In this episode I discuss questions I received from people who are in treatment. There is a lot of work people must do early in recovery, but people need to be patient as well. Progress rather than perfection is this week's concept. 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:00:25:01

Episode - 129 Willingness Is The Key

3/20/2023

Many people just do not have the willingness to listen to others and learn how they achieved sobriety. Ego, our perceived intellect, and stubbornness get in the way. In this episode we discuss this topic, as well as the importance of getting active and committed to meetings. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/

Duration:00:17:08

Episode - 128 Medically Assisted Treatment

2/28/2023

For a lot of people in recovery Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a controversial subject. But does it need to be? I have seen many people struggle to achieve sobriety, and I have to say that MAT is a tool that may help many who struggle early on. In this episode, I discuss this subject and give you some insight from my experiences that you may not have considered. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/

Duration:00:21:47

Episode - 127 Willingness Is The Key

2/28/2023

Duration:00:16:51

Episode - 126 Interview with Steve Click: Ohio ASSIST Program

2/28/2023

I interviewed retired Ohio State Trooper Steve Click about how the Ohio ASSIST Program helps First Responders deal with Critical Incidents. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/

Duration:00:59:19

Episode - 125 FBI National Academy Instructor Suzanna Hasnay Discusses Resiliency

2/26/2023

Resiliency is critical to wellness and dealing with all that life throws at us. In this episode I interview Suzanna Hasnay who taught with me at the FBI National Academy. Suzanna discusses how and why resiliency is important for our life, career, and recovery. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/

Duration:00:54:38

Episode - 124 Ashley Addiction Treatment Center-Interview with the Co-CEOs

1/28/2023

Ashley Addiction Treatment Center is a special place for many people in recovery. The founding influence was Father Joseph Martin who famously produced the "Chalk Talk" series in the 1970's and is still used extensively today. In the present-day, Ashley has evolved into a center that prides itself on utilizing the recent advancements in recovery research to help patients navigate the difficult path towards recovery. In this episode I interview the Co-CEO's, Alex Dentsman and Dr. Gregory Hobelmann about the great work they are doing and what they believe the future of addiction treatment is. For more information on Ashley Addiction Treatment Center, check out their website at: https://www.ashleytreatment.org/ Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Duration:00:59:10

Episode - 123 Recovery and Spirituality with Ray Houk

1/22/2023

Ray Houk is a recently retired Chaplain from the United States Navy. Ray has extensive experience working with service members who have suffered trauma as well as addiction. In this episode, Ray shares with us some of those experiences as well as the role that spirituality plays in helping those who are suffering navigate these experiences. Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Duration:01:08:42

Episode - 122 Sue Gilroy-Women-Self-Worth, Shame, and Trauma

12/3/2022

Today's episode takes a little different direction where Sue Gilroy and I discuss the trauma and conditioning of women regarding their self-worth, shame, and trauma. Sue is from Australia and is a professional Life Coach, Registered Nurse, and has worked with management of Medical Centers in Singleton and Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia. This is an important topic that relates to recovery and women struggling in so many ways. Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Duration:00:56:23

Episode 121 - Inspiration or Desperation-Bev Perez, ShieldUs

11/18/2022

More First Responders die from their own hand than from conflict from a suspect. This is a real problem, and Bev Perez, CEO and founder of ShieldUs helps First Responders deal with trauma, especially suicide. If you are in the First Responder profession, or have a loved one that is, this episode is a must listen. Bev spent ten years in the Prince George's County, Maryland Police Department and experienced a traumatic incident herself. After healing herself, Bev created ShieldUs which utilizes holistic practices. Bev also conducts training, engages in motivational speaking, and is planning retreats that she hopes will begin in 2023. Marian "Bev" Perez www.shieldus.app Instagram: @Shieldus.app _Bevebev Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Duration:01:10:06

Episode 120 - Former NFL Player Ken Harvey on Setting Goals

11/7/2022

Ken Harvey was an Outside Linebacker for both the Phoenix Cardinals and the Washington Redskins. He was the First Round, Twelfth Overall Pick in the 1988 NFL Draft, four-time Pro Bowler, played 164 NFL games and had 89 sacks. He played professionally from 1988-1998 and he has had an incredible journey. Ken's story is special in that he never thought he would make it to where he did, but through perseverance, determination, and above all setting goals for himself he was able to accomplish things few people ever will. I met Ken at a luncheon for the Loudon Serenity House, which provides affordable sober living opportunities for people who want to achieve long-term sobriety. Ken was the Keynote speaker at this event, and I thought his story was so inspirational I asked him if he would come on to this program. He did! Ken has been very gracious with his time, and I know his story will both touch and inspire you. Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Duration:00:58:47

Episode 119 - Tom Farley Interview

10/20/2022

Tom Farley is comedian Chris Farley's brother, who tragically died from his addiction in 1997. I met Tom at a fundraising event for a recovery center and was deeply touched by his story of recovery and the work he is doing not only for his own sobriety, but for the community. Tom discusses his own struggles with addiction, and describes what life was like growing up in an environment where people were so focused on Chris' addiction, that they failed to address their own. Tom has a powerful message of hope and strength that will surely help those who are struggling. tfarley@rosecrance.org rosecrance.org Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Duration:01:06:35

Episode 118 - Radio Broadcast ”Can You Be Too Smart for Recovery?”

10/10/2022

Our material is now being broadcast weekly on 96.7 FM WERA here in Arlington, Virginia. This episode is titled "Can You Be Too Smart for Recovery" and explores the reasons why people discount recovery programs to their own detriment. I also discuss why it is important to trust those that have experience, and more importantly have had success with recovery. This is a very important message for people looking to improve their lives through recovery and is also helpful for those who have loved ones that are still suffering. Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Duration:00:29:30