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.
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.
Please visit our web site at: vanmeterwellnes...
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...
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 ...
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. T...
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.
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
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
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