Recovery is Possible Podcast

In this episode, Mike and Lillie explore a radical perspective on recovery: the idea that you are actually better off having walked through the fire of addiction than if you had never struggled at all. Moving beyond standard "sobriety" talk, they dive into the psychological and spiritual "upgrading" that occurs when a person is forced to rebuild their life from scratch. They assert that the tools required to survive and thrive in recovery—such as extreme ownership, rigorous honesty, and emotional intelligence—often result in a level of character development that "normal" people never have the catalyst to achieve. 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 takes a deep dive into one of the most powerful forces that can hold us back in recovery and in life - resentments. Drawing from his own experiences in addition recovery and years in counseling, Mike explores what resentments really are, how they quietly shape our emotions and decisions, and why they can so easily become the #1 offender in both relapses and relationships. 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 their kickoff video podcast of 2026, Mike and Lillie take an honest look at “12-step meeting fatigue” – that worn-out feeling people can get when recovery seems to revolve around nothing but meetings. Drawing on Mike's own experience and years of working with addicts, families, and veterans, Mike talks about how to tell the difference between healthy commitment and burnout, why meetings matter but are not the entire solution, and how to re-engage with recovery in a way that feels more balanced and sustainable. This episode is for anyone who wonders if they’re overdoing it, underdoing it, or simply tired—and is ready to find a saner, more durable path in long-term recovery. 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 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, 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

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, 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

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

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, 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

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 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