Recovery is Possible Podcast
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.
Episodes
Recovery is a marathon, but it requires a tactical mindset. Mike Van Meter and Aaron Love join forces to treat the path to sobriety like the mission it is. By blending the "Recovery is Possible" philosophy with the "Ones Ready" commitment to excellence, this podcast provides listeners with a roadmap for overcoming trauma, addiction, and the "quiet" battles fought after the uniform comes off. If you’re looking for no-nonsense strate...
In this episode, Mike and Lillie explore a radical perspective on recovery: the idea that you are actually better off having walked through the fire of addiction than if you had never struggled at all. Moving beyond standard "sobriety" talk, they dive into the psychological and spiritual "upgrading" that occurs when a person is forced to rebuild their life from scratch. They assert that the tools required to survive and thrive in r...
In this episode, Mike and Lillie tackle one of the most confusing questions in recovery: “Am I just a problem drinker, or am I an alcoholic?” Through Mike's personal story and their honest conversation as a couple, they explore the early warning signs he minimized, how his drinking impacted their relationships, and what healthy support and boundaries look like today. This episode offers hope and practical guidance for both the pers...
In this episode, Mike takes a deep dive into one of the most powerful forces that can hold us back in recovery and in life - resentments. Drawing from his own experiences in addition recovery and years in counseling, Mike explores what resentments really are, how they quietly shape our emotions and decisions, and why they can so easily become the #1 offender in both relapses and relationships.
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In this episode, join Mike and Lillie as they unpack the vital role of purpose in sustaining recovery. Drawing from Mike’s relapses, multiple treatment stints, and eventual sobriety breakthrough, this episode reveals how discovering a “higher purpose” transformed his journey from despair to drive. Lillie shares the family perspective on witnessing relapses and rebuilding through mutual support.
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In their kickoff video podcast of 2026, Mike and Lillie take an honest look at “12-step meeting fatigue” – that worn-out feeling people can get when recovery seems to revolve around nothing but meetings. Drawing on Mike's own experience and years of working with addicts, families, and veterans, Mike talks about how to tell the difference between healthy commitment and burnout, why meetings matter but are not the entire solution, an...
In this episode, Mike speaks with William Person who is a former nine-year Team USA Bobsled athlete whose career left him battling the devastating effects of CTE. At his lowest point, he could barely get up off the floor, lost in confusion, depression, intense headaches, and a deteriorating brain. Hope came when he discovered Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which restored clarity in his thinking, color to his vision, and purpose to his ...
In this episode Mike Van Meter discusses the topic "Name It to Tame It". The discussion centers around emotional labeling-a neuroscience-backed tool to calm overwhelming feelings. Drawing from his experience, Mike shares stories, strategies, steps for sobriety and resilience. This episode is ideal for addicts, their families, and everyone who is seeking clarity.
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In this episode, we sit down with Laura Lindsey from Heroes on the Water to explore how time on the water is helping veterans, first responders, and their families heal from stress and trauma through kayak fishing and the outdoors. Laura shares how Heroes on the Water builds community, lowers barriers to getting help, and creates a calm, judgment-free space where participants can reconnect with themselves and each other. Mike and L...
From Navy SEAL to jail to the French Foreign Legion and to recovery-Taylor Cavanaugh's story is one of ultimate resilience. Join Mike Van Meter and Taylor as they share their truths on this episode of Recovery is Possible.
YouTube: TCAV TV
Instagram: tcavofficial
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Music-John Williams and the ...
In this compelling episode, host Mike Van Meter sits down with Tony Crescenzo, President and CEO of Intelligent Waves and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, to explore the powerful intersection of recovery, resilience, and leadership. Tony shares his personal journey navigating the complex emotional landscape many veterans face after service, including his own experiences with PTSD and the struggle to reclaim purpose and identity in civi...
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 m...
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.
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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...
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, especia...
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 Winge...
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.
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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...
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: vanmeterwe...
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