Recovery is Possible Podcast

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

November 22, 2025 37 mins
In this episode, Mike and Lillie discuss the core idea that recovery from addiction is difficult but not impossible, using the rigorous training of Navy Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training as a compelling analogy. The key strategy for tackling overwhelming challenges, whether SEAL training or lifelong sobriety, is to break them down into small, manageable increments—a concept mirrored by the "24-hour day" philosophy o...

Mark as Played

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.

taylorcavanaugh.com

YouTube: TCAV TV

Instagram: tcavofficial

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 ...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played
October 12, 2025 62 mins

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: v...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played
September 23, 2025 66 mins

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...

Mark as Played
September 11, 2025 62 mins

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: vanmeterwellnes...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

In this episode we discuss the importance of recovery meetings, address family needs as well as how to build 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 strategies to make early recovery easier for everyone involved.

Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com

Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic ...

Mark as Played
August 12, 2025 42 mins

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.

Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com

Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

 

Mark as Played

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.

Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com

Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

 

 

Mark as Played

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. T...

Mark as Played

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

Mark as Played
April 18, 2025 21 mins

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

Mark as Played
February 24, 2025 13 mins

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

Mark as Played

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

Mark as Played

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 Lead...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.