Mike has seen the devastating impact of addiction in his life, work, and community. His career began as a Navy helicopter pilot and later as a Corrections Officer, DC Police Officer, and FBI Agent. While an instructor at the FBI Academy, he developed a course on addiction, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence. After retiring in 2019, he earned a Master’s in Addiction Counseling and now works as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a major nonprofit hospital.
Together with his wife, Lillie, Mike leads candid, compassionate conversations on addiction, recovery, and mental health—breaking stigma, offering support, and sharing resources. He also interviews guests who bring unique perspectives and lived experiences, reminding everyone that recovery is possible and no one has to face these struggles alone.
To connect with Mike and Lillie, visit vanmeterwellnessolutions.com.
All content for Recovery is Possible Podcast is the property of Mike Van Meter and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Mike has seen the devastating impact of addiction in his life, work, and community. His career began as a Navy helicopter pilot and later as a Corrections Officer, DC Police Officer, and FBI Agent. While an instructor at the FBI Academy, he developed a course on addiction, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence. After retiring in 2019, he earned a Master’s in Addiction Counseling and now works as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a major nonprofit hospital.
Together with his wife, Lillie, Mike leads candid, compassionate conversations on addiction, recovery, and mental health—breaking stigma, offering support, and sharing resources. He also interviews guests who bring unique perspectives and lived experiences, reminding everyone that recovery is possible and no one has to face these struggles alone.
To connect with Mike and Lillie, visit vanmeterwellnessolutions.com.
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.
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 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
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 Laura talk about the impact they see in real lives, the power of peer support, and how listeners can get involved, volunteer, or refer someone who could benefit from these free programs.
heroesonthewater.org
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 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
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 of 12-step programs.
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 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
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 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
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 civilian life.
As a leader who champions innovation in veteran care, Tony discusses the significant mental health challenges confronting veterans and first responders, emphasizing the urgent need for transformative, mission-driven recovery solutions. Through his work at Intelligent Waves and Peak Neuro, an AI-powered neuroscience company dedicated to human performance and recovery, Tomy sheds light on cutting-edge advancement that support brain health, cognitive performance, and sustained recovery.
peakneuro.com
Tony.Crescenzo@intelligentwaves.com
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 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
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 make all the difference.
YouTube: Put the Shovel Down
familyrecoveryacademy.online
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 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
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: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com
Make sure you sign up for our weekly newsletter on the website
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
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, The Winged Messenger
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, especially before surgery or other high-stress, high-risk situations where addiction often begins.
thrivegenetics.ai
contact@thrivegenetics.ai
Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnesssolutions.com
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
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 Winged Messenger
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
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
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
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 Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mike has seen the devastating impact of addiction in his life, work, and community. His career began as a Navy helicopter pilot and later as a Corrections Officer, DC Police Officer, and FBI Agent. While an instructor at the FBI Academy, he developed a course on addiction, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence. After retiring in 2019, he earned a Master’s in Addiction Counseling and now works as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a major nonprofit hospital.
Together with his wife, Lillie, Mike leads candid, compassionate conversations on addiction, recovery, and mental health—breaking stigma, offering support, and sharing resources. He also interviews guests who bring unique perspectives and lived experiences, reminding everyone that recovery is possible and no one has to face these struggles alone.
To connect with Mike and Lillie, visit vanmeterwellnessolutions.com.
