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Bearing Scars

Published by Michael Ertel

  • Personal journals
  • Society & culture
  • Science
  • Social sciences

Bearing Scars hosts raw discussions with titans in their fields. But we won’t just be talking about the achievements with which you’re familiar. There are a ton of fluffy podcasts about success, but Bearing Scars peels back the visage to discover the real truth of those who admit to missteps in life, and worked to rebuild themselves in the aftermath. We talk with those who have gone from prison to prominence, from debilitating addiction to public adoration, from youthful indiscretion to business dominance and from career-ending scandal to redefining their life’s work. Our tagline here is rebounding with Grit, Grace and Growth. We learn from these leaders how they have stayed focused, continued to drive forward; maintained an inward and outward mental balance, and grown so their scars won’t define their legacy. And you’ll hopefully learn from their resilience routines, which have helped them through the tough times. The name of this series is Bearing Scars. Because those marks will never disappear, especially in this hyper-toxic, everything online forever atmosphere, but we can work to turn those scars into reminder to keep fighting for our own American Dream, and inspiring others to do the same. Let's learn together.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, opens in a new tabMake something like it

On the charts

2 chart placements

Every published chart this podcast appears in, in the snapshot behind this page. Each one links to the chart it came off.

  1. Number 51Personal journalsNorway
  2. Number 42Personal journalsUnited States

From the feed

Recent episodes

The latest episodes published to this podcast’s own RSS feed. Titles and descriptions are the publisher’s.

  1. The Ballad of the Senator

    Jul 8, 202644 min

    Just a decade ago, Senator Jeff Clemens was on a political fast track in Florida as one of the highest-ranking Democratic senators in the third-largest state in the nation. His work in economic development, social, medical and community building saw Senator Clemens as a statewide leader on a potentially national trajectory. In this episode, we discuss the scandal that ended his political career, and how his resilience routines have helped him the write the ballad of his new life. Links from this episode: BearingScars.com https://open.spotify.com/album/3XFfuVx35hhR90hOnVOUIT?si=MuCaw603THmGY_GfbdUgIA

  2. The Senator's Rock & Roll rise

    Jun 24, 20261 hr 5 min

    Just a decade ago, Senator Jeff Clemens was on a political fast track in Florida as one of the highest-ranking Democratic senators in the third-largest state in the nation. His work in economic development, social, medical and community building saw Senator Clemens as a statewide leader on a potentially national trajectory. In this episode, we’ll discuss his idyllic childhood in Michigan, to his rise as one of the most influential leaders in the State of Florida. Links from this episode: BearingScars.com https://open.spotify.com/album/3XFfuVx35hhR90hOnVOUIT?si=MuCaw603THmGY_GfbdUgIA

  3. From homeless drug addict to the pinnacle of prominence

    Jun 10, 20261 hr 7 min

    Today we revisit our discussion with Desmond Meade. The Nobel Peace Prize nominee and one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World discusses his two decade journey from homeless drug addict moments away from ending it all to sobriety, college, law school, and international prominence. Host Michael Ertel and Desmond delve into the heart of forgiveness and second chances. Links from the show: https://bearingscars.com/ https://www.desmondmeade.com/ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/653904/let-my-people-vote-by-desmond-meade/ https://floridarrc.com/ https://www.cleanslateinitiative.org/ Please review our podcast on Apple or Spotify.

  4. The man who couldn't be canceled

    May 27, 20261 hr 0 min

    Tim Kelley had done everything right: MIT degree in mathematics, strong family life, Navy commanding officer, senior executive at Oracle, community leader. Then, in the blink of an eye, two people independently set out to destroy everything he'd built. Their weapon: cancel culture. Learn about how Tim battled the smears, emerged victorious, and used those lessons to teach others how to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the chaos. Links from this episode: https://www.BearingScars.com https://www.CanceledLeader.com

  5. Beyond the Amazon Documentary, the real Heather Rovet

    May 13, 202642 min

    In part two of our discussion with Toronto businesswoman Heather Rovet, we learn how her life after being scammed for more than $100,000 was simply more of the same -- another scam. This time it wasn't just her money that was stolen, it was her heart. While her life story has become an Amazon Prime documentary titled RomCon, Who the F is Jason Porter? , we go beyond the film to meet the woman behind the story. Links from the episode: https://www.BearingScars.com https://www.amazon.com/ROMCON-Who-Jason-Porter-Season/dp/B0F7MG4GZ7 https://www.heatherrovet.com/ Please review our podcast on Apple or Spotify. You can also rate us on Podchaser at: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/bearing-scars-6266254

  6. Her life became an Amazon Prime documentary (the first scam)

    Apr 29, 202638 min

    Heather Rovet was a Toronto businesswoman on the rise. She was one of the city's most successful realtors, and her vision for marketing had been getting her a lot of publicity. But her success may also have made her a target. In part one of our discussion with the woman whose story became an Amazon Prime documentary, we learn how Heather lost her six-figure life savings to a scammer. Links from the episode: https://www.BearingScars.com https://www.amazon.com/ROMCON-Who-Jason-Porter-Season/dp/B0F7MG4GZ7 https://www.heatherrovet.com/ Please review our podcast on Apple or Spotify. You can also rate us on Podchaser at: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/bearing-scars-6266254

  7. The Resilience Routines of three impactful leaders

    Apr 15, 202610 min

    Three of our past guests return to Bearing Scars to reveal their personal resilience routines -- those things which help them to get through the tough times and move forward. These tips aren't just helpful for them, though, as you can apply them to your own life. Please review our podcast on Apple or Spotify. You can also rate us on Podchaser at: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/bearing-scars-6266254

  8. The soccer mom who accidentally became her son's drug dealer

    Apr 1, 20261 hr 3 min

    In the heartland of America, soccer mom Jennifer Chase was living the dream. A loving husband, two great kids, and a career. Until a trip to the hospital got her hooked on pain killers, and the cocktail prescribed by her doctors led her on a path of personal destruction. The impact of her addiction wasn't confined to her alone, as Jennifer discovered she had accidentally become her son's drug dealer. Listen to this episode of Bearing Scars to hear her story. Links from the episode: https://bearingscars.com https://www.riseaddictionlc.com https://al-anon.org Please review our podcast on Apple or Spotify. You can also rate us on Podchaser at: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/bearing-scars-6266254

  9. When the mafia is "The Family Business." from Bearing Scars, opens in a new tab

    Mar 18, 20261 hr 0 min

    Growing up in Worcester, Massachusetts, John Carter knew he'd inherit "The Family Business." Unfortunately for John, his father's business was being the local boss for the mafia. On his way to taking the reigns, John was shot in the back of the head by a client. His recovery included a coma, prison, physical rehabilitation, and a life transformation he never expected. Listen to all episodes at https://www.BearingScars.com John's website: https://www.johncarterauthor.com John's book, Triggered to Change: https://www.amazon.com/Triggered-Change-Life-Full-Turbulence/dp/B0DWLVRWW5 John's TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/s2-tcE-L0Lg?si=CojjHpu2XPCyogm_ John's business: https://www.titaniumhealthfitness.com/ Mobility Danes of New England: https://www.mobilitydanesofnewengland.com Please review our podcast on Apple or Spotify. You can also rate us on Podchaser at: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/bearing-scars-6266254

  10. Bearing Scars Preview: When the mafia is "The Family Business." from Bearing Scars, opens in a new tab

    Mar 11, 20261 min

    Growing up in Worcester, Massachusetts, John Carter knew he'd inherit "The Family Business." Unfortunately for John, his father's business was being the local boss for the mafia. On his way to taking the reigns, John was shot in the back of the head by a client. His recovery included a coma, prison, physical rehabilitation, and a life transformation he never expected.

  11. A child actress finally finds her own voice from Bearing Scars, opens in a new tab

    Mar 4, 20261 hr 2 min

    For generations worldwide, Hilary Momberger welcomed the holidays as the voice of Charlie Brown's little sister Sally. After her child fame ended, Hilary had to find her own voice. And, in typical Hollywood fashion, the script is all-too-familiar. The voice who welcomed our holidays, for years would spend her own holidays buying drugs, sacrificing her body, avoiding jail, and attempting suicide. Now, after years of silence and quiet despair, Hilary is finally speaking out. Tune in to this episode of Bearing Scars to hear this remarkable story of the child's voice we thought we knew, and the woman who struggled for years to find her true voice. Links from this episode: https://BearingScars.com https://HilaryMombergerPowers.com https://ChurchillStrategyGroup.com https://RAINN.org https://AA.org Please review our podcast on Apple or Spotify. You can also rate us on Podchaser at: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/bearing-scars-6266254

  12. Bearing Scars Preview: A child actress finally finds her voice from Bearing Scars, opens in a new tab

    Feb 25, 20261 min

    For generations worldwide, Hilary Momberger welcomed the holidays as the voice of Charlie Brown's little sister Sally. After her child fame ended, Hilary had to find her own voice. And, in typical Hollywood fashion, the script is all-too-familiar. The voice who welcomed our holidays, for years would spend her own holidays buying drugs, sacrificing her body, avoiding jail, and attempting suicide. Now, after years of silence and quiet despair, Hilary has finally found her voice. Tune in to the next episode of Bearing Scars to hear this remarkable story of the child's voice we thought we knew, and the woman who struggled for years to find her true voice.

  13. The Quiet Man's Inner turmoil of childhood sexual abuse from Bearing Scars, opens in a new tab

    Feb 18, 20261 hr 1 min

    Sometimes, it's the quiet man who has the most tumultuous past. For three years in the early 1970's a pre-teen Ralph Park was sexually abused by a neighbor. After escaping his abuser, Ralph created a life which eventually included a multi-million dollar business, a ten acre mansion, and a loving family. Despite his inner demons, Ralph had seemingly achieved the American Dream. Until one day, more than 40 years after his childhood sexual abuse ended; his abuser walked in to Ralph's office, and upended his life once again. The next episode of Bearing Scars unwraps the spiraling downfall of a quiet leader and his fight to regain his own life's story. Subscribe today to discover all the stories of those who have overcome. Links from episode: https://rainn.org https://988lifeline.org Please review our podcast on Apple or Spotify. You can also rate us on Podchaser at: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/bearing-scars-6266254

  14. Bearing Scars Preview: The quiet man's inner turmoil from Bearing Scars, opens in a new tab

    Feb 13, 20261 min

    Sometimes, it's the quiet man who has the most tumultuous past. For three years in the early 1970's a pre-teen Ralph Park was sexually abused by a neighbor. After escaping his abuser, Ralph created a life which eventually included a multi-million dollar business, a ten acre mansion, and a loving family. Despite his inner demons, Ralph had seemingly achieved the American Dream. Until one day, more than 40 years after his childhood sexual abuse ended; his abuser walked in to Ralph's office, and upended his life once again. The next episode of Bearing Scars unwraps the spiraling downfall of a quiet leader and his fight to regain his own life's story. Subscribe today to discover all the stories of those who have overcome.

  15. A deadly secret revealed; Navy veteran Bridget Lake discusses sexual assault, prison, addiction and redemption. from Bearing Scars, opens in a new tab

    Feb 4, 20261 hr 2 min

    We all have secrets. This powerful episode of Bearing Scars features someone you may have thought was a typical Navy veteran who became a chamber of commerce president, and then a nationally known veterans advocate. But what you haven't known is the secret Bridget Lake has kept for years. She reveals the full story for the first time on Bearing Scars. Her journey from the military, to addiction, to the deadly consequences of her life spiral will move you. But her fight to becoming the successful community leader she is today will inspire you. If you have a daughter, son, friend or neighbor who needs to be inspired and reminded the American Dream doesn't have an expiration date, then this episode of Bearing Scars is a must-listen. Links from episode: https://bridgetlake.com/ https://rainn.org/ https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ https://www.camaraderiefoundation.org/ https://www.mccormick.us/

  16. Bearing Scars Preview: A minute with Bridget Lake from Bearing Scars, opens in a new tab

    Jan 28, 20261 min

    We all have secrets. Our next episode of Bearing Scars features someone you may have thought was a typical Navy veteran who became a chamber of commerce president, and then a nationally known veterans advocate. But what you haven't known is the secret Bridget Lake has kept for years. She reveals the full story for the first time on the next episode of Bearing Scars. Her journey from the military to addiction, to the deadly consequences of her life spiral will move you. But her fight to becoming the successful community leader she is today will inspire you. If you have a daughter, son, friend or neighbor who needs to be inspired and reminded the American Dream doesn't have an expiration date, then the next episode of Bearing Scars is a must-listen.

  17. WWE wrestler Matt Morgan reveals his toughest opponent, addiction from Bearing Scars, opens in a new tab

    Jan 21, 202658 min

    Professional wrestler, American Gladiator and addiction counselor Matt Morgan is the next guest on Bearing Scars. Matt proves that sometimes the size of the man in the fight and the size of the fight in the man can both be imposing. He reveals his secrets to success in both WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and TNA (Total Nonstop Action) wrestling where he worked alongside superstars such as Hulk Hogan, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, and Mark Henry, among others in his career. Yet through all his battles, Morgan discusses defeating his toughest opponent yet: addiction. Links from episode: https://www.wwe.com https://www.tnawrestling.com https://www.na.org https://www.longwoodfl.org https://www.orlandorecovery.com https://www.bearingscars.com Please review our podcast on Apple or Spotify. You can also rate us on Podchaser at: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/bearing-scars-6266254

  18. Bearing Scars Preview: A minute with Matt Morgan from Bearing Scars, opens in a new tab

    Jan 14, 20261 min

    Professional wrestler and addiction counselor Matt Morgan is the next guest on Bearing Scars. In this one minute preview of his full episode, Matt proves that sometimes the size of the man in the fight and the size of the fight in the man can both be imposing. Full episode debuts Jan. 21, 2026 on all major podcast platforms and at BearingScars.com.

  19. Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Desmond Meade from Bearing Scars, opens in a new tab

    Jan 6, 20261 hr 5 min

    The premier episode of Bearing Scars features Nobel Peace Prize nominee and one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World discussing his two decade journey from homeless drug addict moments away from ending it all to sobriety, college, law school, and international prominence. Host Michael Ertel and Desmond delve into the heart of forgiveness and second chances. Links from the show: https://bearingscars.com/ https://www.desmondmeade.com/ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/653904/let-my-people-vote-by-desmond-meade/ https://floridarrc.com/ https://www.cleanslateinitiative.org/ Please review our podcast on Apple or Spotify. You can also rate us on Podchaser at: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/bearing-scars-6266254

  20. Bearing Scars Preview: A minute with Desmond Meade from Bearing Scars, opens in a new tab

    Dec 16, 20251 min

    Are you ready to get inspired? Bearing Scars debuts in January with Nobel Peace Prize nominee and one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, Desmond Meade. Desmond discussing his journey from homeless and drug addiction to his current status as one of the most respected men in the world.

Ranking source

Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.

Observed September 20, 2026.

Apple and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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