Recovery is Possible Podcast

Recovery is Possible Podcast

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.

Episodes

August 24, 2025 41 mins

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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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 ...

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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

 

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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

 

 

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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...

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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...

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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...

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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 mo...

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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...

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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. Y...

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March 21, 2024 23 mins

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 ...

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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 web...

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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://w...

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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 Orc...

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Many people will tell you what drinking and drugging does for them, but rarely do they discuss what it does to them. In this episode, I challenge the notion that drinking and drugging helps you in any way. Instead, I discuss what sobriety does for you and challenge you to be willing to recommit yourself in this new year to a life that is happy, joyous, and free.

This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find o...

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The Holiday Season is difficult for many people, but especially for those in recovery. How do you get through the season without a relapse? In this episode I discuss ways tools you can use to get through the holidays with your recovery intact.

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 Orchestr...

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