Recovery Is Possible - podcast cover

Recovery Is Possible

Michael has seen first-hand the devastating effects of addiction on the public, his profession, and himself. Michael began his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy. After eight years, he became a Corrections Officer, Washington DC Police Officer, and then FBI Agent. In 2010, Michael became an instructor at the FBI Academy. In 2013, he created a course titled “Leading At-Risk Employees” geared toward Police Executives to help them understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence as it relates to policies and procedures for their agencies worldwide. In 2019, Michael retired from the FBI but his passion for helping others continued. In August 2022, he graduated with a Master’s in Addiction Counseling: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. He currently works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a large nonprofit hospital. Pulling from his personal and professional experience, Michael shares his thoughts on this sensitive, complex, and controversial subject.

Episodes

Episode 41- Interview with Mike N.

Mike N. just celebrated four years of continuous sobriety. Mike tells us what he did, and what his life is like now.

Feb 01, 202152 minSeason 2Ep. 41

Episode 40 - Part II Suicide Awareness with Mark Pfetzer

Suicide is a growing problem and many do not get help because of the stigma associated with Mental Health issues. There is hope, and we discuss how to help yourself and others through difficult times. Find out more at guardianinitiatives.org .

Jan 25, 20211 hrSeason 2Ep. 40

Episode 37 - Part II Interview with Christina Van Meter

In this episode we continue Christina's experience with Virginia Tech. This episode demonstrates how parents in recovery are involved and supportive of the pursuits and desires of their children. In recovery, all things are possible and you too can be there for your children.

Jan 12, 202132 minSeason 2Ep. 37

Episode 36 - Part I Interview with Christina Van Meter

This interview is not necessarily about recovery. Christina discusses Virginia Tech, The Corps of Cadets, and Air Force ROTC. The reason I am including this interview is so you can see how the lives of children are so much more enriched when those around them are involved in their lives and support their hopes and dreams. In recovery, you can do this too!

Jan 11, 202132 minSeason 2Ep. 36

Episode 35 - Interview with Jim M.

Jim M. is a Vietnam Veteran, a former Police Officer, and survivor of sexual abuse from a priest. Jim discusses recovery from alcoholism and how good life can be.

Jan 09, 202140 minEp. 35

Episode 34 - Abstinence is the Key

There is a lot of talk about being able to moderate use. This episode discusses this dangerous viewpoint and why it is not a good idea.

Jan 02, 202116 minSeason 1Ep. 34

Episode 33 - Spinning/Exercise and Recovery

Diet and exercise in recovery are important. I discuss how I became involved in teaching Spinning classes and how this helped with my recovery.

Dec 16, 202021 minSeason 1Ep. 33

Episode 32 - Recovery and the Pandemic

During the Pandemic we have to double down our efforts to stay connected. Addiction is isolation, and we have to work to combat loneliness.

Dec 05, 202016 minSeason 1Ep. 32

Episode 22 - Interview with Eilidh from Recovery Dundee

In this episode we discuss heroin addiction with Eilidh and her experiences with the National Health Service (NHS). Eilidh describes the help that Recovery Dundee has provided her on her journey to recovery. Find out more at recovery-dundee .

Sep 28, 202048 minSeason 1Ep. 22

Episode 18 - Part II Interview with Sharon Webster: Recovery Dundee

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 .

Sep 16, 20201 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Episode 13 - Back To Basics

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.

Aug 27, 202017 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Episode 12 - Quit Cold Turkey or Not

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.

Aug 20, 202019 minSeason 1Ep. 12