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Relapse is not a part of recovery, unlike what a lot of people may tell you; however, it does happen often. What do we do? In this episode Lillie and I break this question down and provide our thoughts which may help you if and when you run into this situation.
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 explore how to handle intense cravings and protect long-term sobriety by leaning into a supportive recovery community.
Drawing from personal experience—including a pivotal work trip to Poland—they discuss how isolation feeds addiction while connection provides the antidote. The episode emphasizes the practical power of in-person meetings, active service, and building lasting relationships that help individuals successfully navigate and ride out powerful urges.
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
Recovery is a marathon, but it requires a tactical mindset. Mike Van Meter and Aaron Love join forces to treat the path to sobriety like the mission it is. By blending the "Recovery is Possible" philosophy with the "Ones Ready" commitment to excellence, this podcast provides listeners with a roadmap for overcoming trauma, addiction, and the "quiet" battles fought after the uniform comes off. If you’re looking for no-nonsense strategies and a community that refuses to leave anyone behind, you’ve found your extraction team.
Instagram: @aaron_loves_america
Ones Ready Website: onesready.com
YouTube: Ones Ready YouTube Channel
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 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 and Lillie tackle one of the most confusing questions in recovery: “Am I just a problem drinker, or am I an alcoholic?” Through Mike's personal story and their honest conversation as a couple, they explore the early warning signs he minimized, how his drinking impacted their relationships, and what healthy support and boundaries look like today. This episode offers hope and practical guidance for both the person who drinks and the loved one who's desperate to help, showing that recovery—and healing for the whole family—is truly possible.
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 this episode, join Mike and Lillie as they unpack the vital role of purpose in sustaining recovery. Drawing from Mike’s relapses, multiple treatment stints, and eventual sobriety breakthrough, this episode reveals how discovering a “higher purpose” transformed his journey from despair to drive. Lillie shares the family perspective on witnessing relapses and rebuilding through mutual support.
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 speaks with William Person who is a former nine-year Team USA Bobsled athlete whose career left him battling the devastating effects of CTE. At his lowest point, he could barely get up off the floor, lost in confusion, depression, intense headaches, and a deteriorating brain. Hope came when he discovered Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which restored clarity in his thinking, color to his vision, and purpose to his life. Today, William is on a mission to raise awareness of brain damage in sports, the military, and other lifetime collisions, and share the importance of protecting and healing the brain. He's on a mission to open a non-profit CTE Recovery Center to help athletes, veterans, and civilians heal from brain injuries--at no cost to them.
American Post Collision Center-LLC
CTE Wellness Center
@onemanwithachamber
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
From the publisher's feed
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…