Mike Van Meter

Recovery is Possible Podcast

Health EN ↓ 187 episodes

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. With almost 14 years of long-term sobriety, Mike, together with his wife Lillie, leads candid, compassionate conversations on addiction, reco...

Author

Mike Van Meter

Category

Health

Latest episode

Mar 31, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 87 - Sharpening Your Ax 26.12.2021

It is believed that Abraham Lincoln once said, "If I had an hour to chop down a tree, then I would spend the first 45 minutes sharpening my ax." Recovery is the same way; we spend a lot of time getting ready for the day when our sobriety is tested. It is the preparation leading into that day that is going to count. We need to "sharpen our ax" and today's discussion reminds us of the importance of...

Episode 86 - Charlie Engle: Running Man 23.12.2021

Join me for this fascinating discussion with Charlie Engle, Ultramarathon runner and author of Running Man: A Memoir. Charlie was also highlighted in the 2007 documentary "Running the Sahara" which was narrated by Matt Damon, where he, Ray Zahab, and Kevin Lin attempted to run across the entire Sahara Desert. In this episode we cover topics that include Charlie's recovery from drugs and alcohol, a...

Episode 85 - Powerlessness and Unmanageability: Part II of an FBI National Academy Retrainer 12.12.2021

In this episode we discuss powerlessness, unmanageability, and how we want to "fix our back problem" by getting others off of our back. We also discuss how addiction is isolation, and how recovery is community. This is Part II of a presentation I conducted on 9/30/2021 titled "Addiction, Prevention, and Treatment" for the New Mexico Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. I want to thank M...

Episode 84 - Getting Through the Holidays Sober 01.12.2021

One of the biggest challenges of early recovery is getting through the Holiday Season and staying sober. The good news is it can be done! In this podcast I discuss some simple concepts to think about as we enter this season. This episode is brought to you by fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Episode 83 - Life Balance: Interview with Heidi Ramsey 14.11.2021

In this episode we discuss life balance, pushing yourself to the point of injury, process addictions, and more. Heidi previously appeared in Episode 20 of this podcast, and she wanted to let us know what has happened since then. Heidi has married and gained a whole new perspective on life and balance. Please check out this tremendous interview, and don't forget to listen to Heidi's previous interv...

Episode 82 - Lt. Molly Harris of Ohio ASSIST 05.11.2021

In this episode Lieutenant Molly Harris of the Ohio Highway Patrol and I discuss Ohio ASSIST and the origin and purpose of Post Critical Incident Seminars (PCIS). The Ohio ASSIST Post Critical Incident Seminar (PCIS) is a three-day program that provides counseling, peer support, and education for Ohio’s safety services personnel, their families, retirees and coworkers. This interview has lots of i...

Episode 81 - How Our Trauma Can Be Used to Help Others 30.10.2021

My good friend Steve Miranda discusses how our trauma can be used to help others and their families. Steve spent a career as a Corrections Officer and has seen firsthand the devastating effects of trauma on himself, his family, and those around him. Steve has also seen how this same trauma can be used to benefit others in their struggles. You will not want to miss Steve's compelling story. Email:...

Episode 80 - What is Reiki? Art Nieves Explains 28.10.2021

My good friend and fellow FBI Academy instructor now retired Art Nieves explains what Reiki is and how it can be used to reduce stress and promote healing. We are always looking for tools to help us in recovery and life. Art gives us an outstanding explanation of this tool! Find Art Nieves on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/art-nieves-6533606 This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Fin...

Episode 79 - David Nassef: Senior Advisor and Envoy for Ashley Treatment Center 19.10.2021

David Nassef is the Senior Advisor and Envoy for Ashley Treatment Center. In this interview David not only gives us tremendous insight into the founding of Ashley, but a first hand account of how Father Joseph Martin came to be associated with Ashley and the creation of the now classic "Chalk Talk" series on alcoholism. You will certainly not want to miss this episode! Music-John Williams and the...

Episode 78 - Addiction, Prevention and Treatment: FBI National Academy Retrainer, New Mexico 04.10.2021

On 9/30/2021, I conducted a presentation titled "Addiction, Prevention, and Treatment" for the New Mexico Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. This is part I of the four hour presentation I did. In this presentation you will hear about the development of a course titled "Leading At-Risk Employees", the disease and progression of addiction, and why our society still stigmatizes those tha...

Episode 77 - First Responders Peer Support Network: Interview with Eric Stephenson 20.09.2021

In this episode Eric Stephenson discusses the First Responders Peer Support Network which is doing great work helping First Responders get the help they need in a career that can be toxic to the mind, body, and spirit. You will not want to miss Eric talk about this tremendous resource and how they can help you or someone you know. Website: www.frpsn.org Hotline: 833-377-7648 This episode is brough...

Episode 76 - Parents of Addicted Loved Ones 08.09.2021

We spend a lot of time talking about the addict and the destruction caused by addiction. But what about the family? In this episode I speak with Kim Humphrey, Executive Director of Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL). Join me in this fascinating discussion and learn how you can take care of yourself during this difficult time. Website: https://palgroup.org This episode is brought to you by FHE He...

Episode 75 - Let‘s Talk About Fear 01.09.2021

Fear is a double-edged sword. It is often what drives people towards recovery and often it is also what keeps some people in recovery. However, fear can also prevent us from living a full and meaningful live. In today's episode, we discuss the ups and downs of fear and a simple way of managing it. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and...

Episode 74 - Misperceptions That Get In The Way Of Pursuing Recovery 30.08.2021

Many people have misperceptions about recovery that get in the way of pursuing a life of freedom and joy. Join me as I discuss this issue with Don Thiry, a fellow student at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Graduate School. Don describes the many facets of recovery and how you can find a path that works for you. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-J...

Episode 73 - Resolving Spiritual Skepticism In Recovery-Interview with Andrew Pierce 24.08.2021

Andrew Pierce has a new book called "Resolving Spiritual Skepticism In Recovery" and discusses his views on the podcast. Spirituality is an issue that nearly everyone will need to address in recovery, and this is a fascinating interview that you will not want to miss. Website: www.andrewgpierce.com This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and...

Episode 72 - ”Your Body Keeps The Score” 08.08.2021

In this episode I talk with A.K. Dozanti, founder and creator of Life Saver Wellness. A.K. discusses "beating the burnout" and shares her experience as a former Deputy Sheriff and Criminal Court Victim Advocate who ultimately became a Yoga instructor, Life Coach and educator who combined all of her skills to build Life Saver Wellness. Website: lifesaverwellness.com This episode is brought to you b...

Episode 71 - Getting Right Sized in Recovery 01.08.2021

In this episode I discuss "Getting Right Sized in Recovery" with retired firefighter Ric Jorge of Palm Beach County Fire/Rescue. Ric discusses his amazing story of experience, strength, and hope and gives us some great insight into what successful recovery looks like, and which pitfalls to avoid. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and t...

Episode 70 - Using Imagery in Recovery 31.07.2021

In this episode I discuss the use of imagery in recovery. Coming from a military and police background, I always found the use of symbols during milestones and celebrations helpful. Learn how I used this concept as a tool to help me, and maybe you will find it will help you too. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com

Episode 69 - Avoiding HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired 23.07.2021

In this episode I discuss one of the many tools you can use to help your recovery. The acronym HALT has long been used to remind ourselves of things to avoid in order to increase the chances of preventing relapse. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com

Episode 68 - KL Wells and VoicesInCourage 04.07.2021

In this episode I interview KL Wells of VoicesInCourage. KL's mission for helping families and parents of addicted loved ones inspired her to launch VoicesInCourage, a community that provides instrumental resources for individuals who need to heal, connect and grow during the most challenging times. Website: https://voicesincourage.com This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at...

Episode 67 - The Yeah Buts... 28.06.2021

People come to recovery looking for solutions to their problems. After they arrive, they often hear "pearls of wisdom" and solutions that are tried and true for millions of people. Often, after being presented the solution, clients will say "Yeah, but...and then go on to explain how their plan is better. In this episode we discuss how your plan got you into treatment in the first place, and offer...

Episode 66 - Dr. Sachi Ananda of FHE Health discusses Recovery and First Responders 20.06.2021

As Director of "Shatterproof," Dr. Sachi Ananda, Ph. D., LMHC, MCAP, is responsible for providing clinical direction to FHE Health's specialized treatment program for first responders. In this interview we discuss some of the innovative work FHE Health is doing such as neurorehabilitation and EMDR and how these modalities help in the recovery process. This episode is sponsored by FHE Health. Find...

Episode 65 - Can You Be Too Smart For Recovery? 07.06.2021

People who are well educated and outwardly successful sometimes struggle with recovery because of their success. In this episode I discuss why this is a problem, and I offer a solution for those that are willing to put their egos aside. This episode is sponsored by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com

Episode 64 - Willingness is the Key 01.06.2021

Many people just do not have the willingness to listen to others and learn how they achieved sobriety. Ego, our perceived intellect, and stubbornness get in the way. In this episode we discuss this topic, as well as the importance of getting active and committed to meetings. This episode is sponsored by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com

Episode 63 - Interview with Julie Yocca of Movement Forward, Inc. 20.05.2021

In this episode I discuss how we can build a bridge between Law Enforcement and our Communities to help heal wounds with Julie Yocca of Movement Forward, Inc. Recovery from addiction is in everyone's best interest, and we talk about how we can work to address this common goal by recognizing the humanity in one another, and learn where we can work together to heal and move forward. We can recover f...

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