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, ...
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StateScoop features the latest leaders and innovators, news and events in state and local government technology. StateScoop gathers top leaders from across government, academia and the tech industry to discuss ways technology can improve government, and to exchange best practices and identify ways to achieve common goals.
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In order to attain long-term sobriety a couple of things must happen. First, you must WANT recovery more than ANYTHING ELSE. The second thing is you must listen to others that have achieved long-term sobriety. Sounds simple...it really is, but we make it difficult. Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury,…
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When we come into recovery, we may think we are doing everything right. However, upon closer inspection, we may not be doing all we think we are. I this episode I discuss following the plan and tracking what you are actually doing. Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger…
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Episode 160 - Realizing Recovery is Possible
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16:17After taking a break for about half a year the podcast is back. In this episode I discuss why I took some time off and how recovery was an integral part of me being able to pursue the journey I was on this year. Recovery certainly is possible! Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger…
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Centralized identity management: Okta's Christine Halvorsen and Pam Van Meter
28:26
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28:26Okta Public Sector CTO and former FBI executive Christine Halvorsen joins Okta Principal Solutions Engineer Pam Vanmeter in a new podcast discussion on how modern Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) platforms help state and local agencies lower costs and improve customer experience and security. The podcast is hosted by Scoop News Group'…
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Episode 159 - Eric Kreitz on Helping Organizations Reintegrate Those in Recovery
55:32
55:32
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55:32We spend a lot of time discussing what it takes to get into recovery, however, today's guest discusses what employers can do to assist the employees returning to work after treatment. This is a discussion few people have in the recovery world, and I know you will gain insight into the "other side" of recovery and learn tools you can use to help tho…
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Episode 158 - Rob Carson - Mind, Body, and Spirit
54:31
54:31
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54:31Today I interviewed nationally syndicated radio host Rob Carson. Rob came to recovery seemingly "overnight", but as he explains there was a long road traveled before the "miracle" occurred. Rob's story demonstrates that each of us has a different path, but we all come to the same conclusion. We eventually have to get well or die, and Rob explains t…
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Episode 157 - Be the Solution, Not the Problem
24:50
24:50
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24:50We can stay sober in the midst of tragedy; and in this episode, I discuss how it is important that we help those that are also suffering the tragedy we are experiencing. Using only makes the problem worse, and then you become part of the problem. We want to be part of the solution, and through remaining focused on a few basic principles and service…
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Episode 156 - We Are Responsible for Our Recovery
19:51
19:51
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19:51No one else is responsible for your recovery, and no one else is the cause for your using. We alone are responsible for our recovery, and in this episode, I discuss this concept and how we can take responsibility for our use and what we need to do to begin the process of getting well. We can and do recover...but it is up to us. This episode is spon…
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UC Riverside's Matt Gunkel at Next '24 by StateScoopBy StateScoop
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Covered CA's Karen Johnson at Next '24 by StateScoopBy StateScoop
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NJ CISO Michael Geraghty at Google Cloud Next '24
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12:17NJ CISO Michael Geraghty at Google Cloud Next '24 by StateScoopBy StateScoop
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Rich Lavers at Google Cloud Next '24By StateScoop
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Amanda Stange at Google Cloud Next '24 by StateScoopBy StateScoop
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Episode 155 - Not Relapsing After a Tragedy
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19:04My younger brother passed away a couple of weeks ago. When you look at the list of reasons why people relapse, this would be near the top. I am grateful that this did not happen to me, and I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss what the process of getting through this kind of event is like. Relapse does not have to happen, but we need to make…
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Abdullah Hammoud at Google Cloud Next '24 by StateScoopBy StateScoop
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In this episode we discuss what it takes to be sober. People in long-term sobriety tend to do similar things, and people who continue to relapse also tend to do similar things. I discuss where our focus needs to be and how you can change your mind set for success. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more informa…
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On this week’s Priorities podcast, two election experts — Ted Allen, a professor at Ohio State University, and Victoria Bassetti, senior adviser at States United Democracy Center — join us to discuss voting as we head into the 2024 election season. With the U.S. 2024 presidential election 8 months away, this episode addresses how state and local go…
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Episode 153 - The "I Get To List in Life" with John Monaghan
57:29
57:29
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57:29John Monaghan is a retired Chief of Police who now works in mental health, resilience, and Post Traumatic Growth. In this episode we discuss how to help people turn their struggle into strength, especially when it comes to addiction. John brings home the point, "Don't be afraid to ask for help, it is the most courageous thing you can do". You can a…
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Episode 152 - Hilary Phelps on Coaching and Wellness
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50:47Hilary Phelps discusses the benefits of coaching in regard to wellness and recovery. Hilary has an enormous amount of experience with recovery and discusses the unique challenges, expectations, and responsibilities they face on a daily basis. Hilary also discusses her new coaching platform she launched this year. hilaryphelps.com This episode is sp…
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Episode 151 - Fantasizing About What Our Future Can Be
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14:37Everyone that is attempting to get into recovery from drugs or alcohol has a vision of what they want their future to be. This does not have to be just a fantasy; it can be a reality. In this episode I discuss how we can make this vision a reality. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https:/…
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Episode 150 - Looking at What Recovery Does for Us
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19:30
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19:30Many people will tell you what drinking and drugging does for them, but rarely do they discuss what it does to them. In this episode, I challenge the notion that drinking and drugging helps you in any way. Instead, I discuss what sobriety does for you and challenge you to be willing to recommit yourself in this new year to a life that is happy, joy…
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Episode 149 - Getting Through the Holidays Sober
21:52
21:52
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21:52The Holiday Season is difficult for many people, but especially for those in recovery. How do you get through the season without a relapse? In this episode I discuss ways tools you can use to get through the holidays with your recovery intact. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.…
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Episode 148 - We Can Do Hard Things in Recovery
33:29
33:29
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33:29Being in recovery is certainly a bonus when we set out to do really hard things in life. In fact, we find that those around us who are not in recovery struggle more than we do. We have a program, they don't! In this episode Aparna Sain and I discuss how a program of recovery keeps us centered when the going gets really tough. This episode is sponso…
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Recovery is work, and those that get into long-term recovery do the work. In this episode I discuss how we can change our view of recovery and how to focus on what is important. Recovery is about changing your thinking and surrounding yourself with those that are share the same journey and struggles. Remember, keep the main thing the main thing! Th…
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Episode 146 - Tapping into Your Energy in Recovery
32:00
32:00
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32:00People, Places, Things, and Situations can sap our energy and put us on the path to a relapse if we are not careful. We must remain balanced in our energy levels, but life throws us "curve balls" and this is sometimes easier said than done. In this episode Aparna Sain and I discuss tools you can use to manage your energy and help prevent a host of …
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Episode 145 - The Power of Becoming a Whole Person
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26:19One of the most important parts of recovery is returning yourself to wholeness. In this episode, Aparna Sain and I discuss "The Power of Becoming a Whole Person" and the tools we need to achieve this goal. www.aparnasain.com This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhe…
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Episode 144 - Making a Decision for Recovery
31:24
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31:24How do we decide to do something we know we need to do? How do we decide to get sober? Sobriety is not about knowledge, it is about action, and until we make that commitment we are going to struggle. In this episode Aparna Sain and I explore this topic and discuss the difference between making a decision and making a commitment. These concepts may …
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Episode 143 - The Importance of Relationships
28:57
28:57
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28:57Addiction is isolation, and recovery is community. In this episode, Aparna Sain, host of the Mindful Nation radio show on WERA 96.7 and I discuss why relationships are vital for both a spiritual journey and recovery. This is a message we all need to hear whether we need to be in recovery or would like to just be our best selves. This episode is spo…
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Our government needs to do more to help with Mental Health and Addiction issues. In this episode Aparna Sain and I discuss what can and should be done to help the public with this serious issue. Addiction is on the rise and there does not seem to be any let up in sight. We are going to have to deal with this situation, or eventually this situation …
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Episode 141 - The Spiritual Awakening in Recovery
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32:00Developing your spiritual life in recovery is essential, but how do we do that? What does that mean? In this episode, Aparna Sain and I discuss the importance of developing a spiritual foundation in your life and how this can be integrated into recovery. Aparna is the host of Mindful Nation which can be heard weekly on WERA 96.7 in Arlington, Virgi…
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Episode 140 - Mindfulness with Aparna Sain
31:42
31:42
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31:42I recorded this episode live at the WERA 96.7 studio in Arlington, Virginia. Aparna Said joins me as we discuss mindfulness and meditation and how it can be used as a tool in recovery. Aparna discusses how she came into the practice of mindfulness and how it has helped her in her life journey. You will be inspired by this episode and learn concepts…
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Episode 139 - The Joys and Happiness in Life
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14:34
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14:34In this episode I am being interviewed by Lori L. who asks me about The Joy and Happiness in Life. This was a project she was doing for school, and I thought the information was relevant for those that are suffering from addiction, or for those that are looking for happiness in their life. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You…
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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 t…
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Episode 137 - People, Places, Things, and Situations
20:25
20:25
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20:25Early sobriety can be negatively affected by people, places, things, and situations. A listener asked what was meant by this because they hear this phrase quite a bit at recovery meetings. In this episode I explain what this phrase means and give practical ideas to help one stay sober. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can…
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Episode 136 - Things Everyone in Recovery Should Know
24:38
24:38
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24:38There are certain things that all people in recovery need to know. In this episode I cover twelve points I think are important in recovery, especially in the early stages. Recovery is difficult, but this list will help you begin the journey that will be the most rewarding thing you ever do. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. Yo…
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Recovery from addiction or any other mental health issue can be a long and challenging journey. One of the most critical elements of recovery is learning to accept the things we cannot change. In this episode I discuss some points we need to consider when it comes to acceptance. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find o…
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Episode 134 - Are Addicts Really Powerless Over Their Substances?
20:33
20:33
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20:33The idea that addicts are powerless over their substances is one of the great questions and mysteries. Powerlessness is a concept commonly referred to in the 12-step community and can be hotly debated. This concept suggests that addicts have lost the ability to control their drug or alcohol use, and that their addiction has taken over their lives. …
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Episode 133 - The Importance of Structure in Recovery
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18:05Structure is extremely important in recovery from addiction, mental health issues, or other behavioral health problems. Establishing a structured routine can provide a sense of stability, control, and purpose, which can help individuals in recovery maintain their progress and avoid relapse. In this episode I describe how and why structure is an imp…
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Episode 132 - Addiction Runs in The Family-Maggie Hunt
47:06
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47:06Today's guest is Maggie Hunt, Director of Communications and Marketing at Retreat Behavioral Health. Maggie discusses her recovery from Opiate Addiction and how addiction runs in families. The good news is that people can and do recover from addiction, and Maggie explains how she did just that. Today, her life is better than ever, and she is fulfil…
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Episode 131 - ”Life is Hard” - Interview with Anne Taydus
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57:35
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57:35Life is hard, but Anne Taydus is an example of someone who persevered through difficult times and drug court and achieved long-term sobriety. Drug court helped save her life, and Anne describes her road to recovery. Today, through sobriety Anne is able to accomplish incredible things that benefit the community and improve the lives of children. Ann…
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Episode 130 - Progress Rather Than Perfection
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25:01In this episode I discuss questions I received from people who are in treatment. There is a lot of work people must do early in recovery, but people need to be patient as well. Progress rather than perfection is this week's concept. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbeha…
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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 Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out m…
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Episode 128 - Medically Assisted Treatment
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21:47
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21:47For a lot of people in recovery Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a controversial subject. But does it need to be? I have seen many people struggle to achieve sobriety, and I have to say that MAT is a tool that may help many who struggle early on. In this episode, I discuss this subject and give you some insight from my experiences that you may…
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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 Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out m…
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Episode 126 - Interview with Steve Click: Ohio ASSIST Program
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59:19
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59:19I interviewed retired Ohio State Trooper Steve Click about how the Ohio ASSIST Program helps First Responders deal with Critical Incidents. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/By Michael Van Meter
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Episode 125 - FBI National Academy Instructor Suzanna Hasnay Discusses Resiliency
54:38
54:38
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54:38Resiliency is critical to wellness and dealing with all that life throws at us. In this episode I interview Suzanna Hasnay who taught with me at the FBI National Academy. Suzanna discusses how and why resiliency is important for our life, career, and recovery. This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information…
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Episode 124 - Ashley Addiction Treatment Center-Interview with the Co-CEOs
59:10
59:10
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59:10Ashley Addiction Treatment Center is a special place for many people in recovery. The founding influence was Father Joseph Martin who famously produced the "Chalk Talk" series in the 1970's and is still used extensively today. In the present-day, Ashley has evolved into a center that prides itself on utilizing the recent advancements in recovery re…
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Episode 123 - Recovery and Spirituality with Ray Houk
1:08:42
1:08:42
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1:08:42Ray Houk is a recently retired Chaplain from the United States Navy. Ray has extensive experience working with service members who have suffered trauma as well as addiction. In this episode, Ray shares with us some of those experiences as well as the role that spirituality plays in helping those who are suffering navigate these experiences. Music-J…
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Episode 122 - Sue Gilroy-Women-Self-Worth, Shame, and Trauma
56:31
56:31
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56:31Today's episode takes a little different direction where Sue Gilroy and I discuss the trauma and conditioning of women regarding their self-worth, shame, and trauma. Sue is from Australia and is a professional Life Coach, Registered Nurse, and has worked with management of Medical Centers in Singleton and Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia…
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Episode 121 - Inspiration or Desperation-Bev Perez, ShieldUs
1:10:07
1:10:07
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1:10:07More First Responders die from their own hand than from conflict from a suspect. This is a real problem, and Bev Perez, CEO and founder of ShieldUs helps First Responders deal with trauma, especially suicide. If you are in the First Responder profession, or have a loved one that is, this episode is a must listen. Bev spent ten years in the Prince G…
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