Ep 31: Turning Pain into Purpose: David Myles Shares His Comeback Story

What if the teacher who told you, “You’ll never amount to anything,” was dead wrong? And what if the darkest chapter of your life became the catalyst for your greatest purpose?In this deeply moving and energetic episode of Reforge Your Life, host Joe Rivera welcomes consultant, speaker, and resilience champion David Myles. David pulls back the curtain on his remarkable journey from being bullied and marginalized as the only African American student in his North Dakota high school—to surviving a suicide attempt, overcoming lifelong adversity, and ultimately finding his calling as a leader who helps others see the value within themselves.Key Highlights:Surviving & Thriving: David shares candidly about growing up with seizure disorders, facing overt racism, and the moment he nearly ended his own life. You’ll hear how a simple 10-second invitation from a peer changed everything—and why small acts of kindness can literally save lives.Faith & Reforging Purpose: Discover the powerful role spirituality—and specifically a real relationship with God—played in David’s turnaround, offering an antidote to feelings of emptiness that success and money alone can’t fill.Breaking Limiting Beliefs: Learn how David shattered the negative beliefs instilled by others (and himself) to go from a failing student to a scholar, NCAA All-American, and recipient of his city’s highest honors.Action Steps & Resilience: Joe and David break down actionable strategies: self-awareness, taking action, and building resiliency. You’ll also get practical resources—including the importance of dialing 988 for mental health crises, and leaning into community for support.This is more than a comeback story: it’s a masterclass in turning pain into purpose, and a clear invitation to re-examine what’s possible for your life or for someone you care about.Listen now and take that first step to reforge your life—because your condition is not your conclusion, and delayed is not denied.Timestamped Overview00:00 Scandinavian Roots: Minnesota to NYC04:02 "My Childhood with Seizure Challenges"09:03 Invitation That Changed Everything12:08 Isolation and Challenges in School14:11 Faith Transformed My Life17:41 Youth Suicide Crisis & Support21:07 "Sharing Episodes: A Lifeline"24:35 "Unexpected Spiritual Conversation"29:10 Spirituality Over Religion Journey31:27 "I'm Really Not That Deep"35:07 Baptism: Trinity and Identity Affirmed39:16 Temptation and Scripture Response43:05 "Embrace Your Destiny"45:49 Purpose and Faith in Life49:15 Refined Through Adversity and Faith54:03 Building Relationships and Gratitude56:08 "Reforge Your Life Podcast"