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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
Friday Sep 18, 2020
Friday Sep 18, 2020
Today I discuss the work of Faces & Voices of Recovery with COO Philip Rutherford. Find out more at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org
Wednesday Sep 16, 2020
Wednesday Sep 16, 2020
Today I do Part II of an interview with Sharon Webster of Recovery Dundee in Scotland. We discuss the great work they are doing for the people of Scotland, and how recovery needs to be embraced and promoted. Find out more at recovery-dundee.
Friday Sep 04, 2020
Friday Sep 04, 2020
I interview Sharon Webster of Recovery Dundee. This community organization works to combat addiction in Scotland and is based in Dundee. Find out more at recovery-dundee.
Friday Sep 04, 2020
Friday Sep 04, 2020
In this episode, I interview Cliff Richards, President/CEO of the Hale Foundation, about Valor Station in Augusta, GA. Valor Station will be the first standalone treatment center devoted to our nation's first responders. Find out more at thehalefoundation.com.
Monday Aug 31, 2020
Monday Aug 31, 2020
I discuss how your thinking can get in the way of your progress. We need to think the way the winners do.
Friday Aug 28, 2020
Friday Aug 28, 2020
I interview retired Patrol Sergeant Mark DiBona. Mark discusses how he overcame two suicide attempts and is living a joyous and fulfilling life today. Find out more at bluehelp.org.
Thursday Aug 27, 2020
Thursday Aug 27, 2020
It seems we are forgetting about the basics of recovery in meetings. I discuss my observations and thoughts on why the basics are so important.
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
Many people ask whether it is a good idea to quit a substance Cold Turkey. In this episode I discuss my thoughts on this subject.
Saturday Aug 08, 2020
Saturday Aug 08, 2020
I get asked about what the meaning of a "bottom" is frequently. Here is an explanation of the term.
Wednesday Aug 05, 2020
Wednesday Aug 05, 2020
Many people struggle with whether addiction is a choice or a disease. I address my thoughts on this subject.
Saturday Aug 01, 2020
Saturday Aug 01, 2020
Discussion on tips for how to help yourself achieve the first year of sobriety.
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
People in early recovery wonder if they can drink non-alcoholic beer. Here on my thoughts on that.
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
Treatment helps alcoholics to safely stop drinking. Once stopped, alcoholics need to be engaged in a program and lifestyle that keeps them from starting up again.
Monday Jul 27, 2020
Monday Jul 27, 2020
I discuss the term "allergy" when it comes to the alcoholic. What is its origin and what does it mean?
Sunday Jul 26, 2020
Saturday Jul 25, 2020
Saturday Jul 25, 2020
People often attend 12-Step meetings and try to rationalize how different they are from others rather than looking at how they suffer from the same disease.
Friday Jul 24, 2020
Friday Jul 24, 2020
I describe the five year cycle of recovery and how to anticipate the changes you will experience.
Friday Jul 24, 2020
Friday Jul 24, 2020
Recovery takes time, and you need to be patient. Progress rather than perfection, but the one thing you must do perfectly is to not take that first drink or drug.
Thursday Jul 23, 2020
Thursday Jul 23, 2020
My first guest discusses how Al-Anon helped her cope with her husband's drinking. Find out more about Al-Anon at al-anon.org.