From Newsroom to Purpose-Driven Storytelling | Michael's Journey with Bipolar Advocacy & Media Entrepreneurship

From Newsroom to Purpose-Driven Storytelling | Michael's Journey with Bipolar Advocacy & Media EntrepreneurshipIn this episode of The Beacon Way: Founders Edition, we sit down with Michael, co-CEO of Pizzetta Media, who shares his remarkable transformation from a seasoned news professional to a purpose-driven entrepreneur amplifying mental health voices.Michael opens up about his diagnosis with bipolar disorder, his journey through stigma in the corporate world, and how he turned personal struggles into a mission to uplift others. This conversation dives deep into mental health in the workplace, entrepreneurship with a cause, and finding harmony between family life and business.🔥 Whether you're a therapist-turned-business-owner, a creative entrepreneur, or someone navigating mental health challenges, this episode is for you.🔗 Connect with Michael:Website: https://pizzettamedia.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/pizzettamedia🧠 Topics Covered:Mental health advocacy in businessStarting a business after corporate burnoutBuilding trust as a solo media entrepreneurJuggling creativity, family, and self-careAdvice for aspiring founders with mental health considerations⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Meet Michael from Pizzetta Media 01:45 – Michael’s media background & mental health journey 03:40 – The moment he chose to become a mental health storyteller 06:20 – Facing stigma in the workplace 08:15 – Embracing vulnerability to help others 10:00 – Feedback from the community on sharing his story 11:20 – The challenge of building trust as a small media business 13:10 – Overcoming fear: Why the mission outweighs nerves 15:00 – On-camera fears & the importance of authenticity 18:00 – Work-life harmony & being present with family 21:30 – Creativity outside 9-to-5: When inspiration strikes 24:10 – Advice for new entrepreneurs: Believe in your mission 26:00 – What’s next: Collaborations, speaking, and nonprofit work 27:50 – Managing bipolar while running a business 29:45 – Practical mental health tools Michael uses 31:30 – Leveraging the Chamber of Commerce for founder support 33:00 – The value of transparency and community in entrepreneurship 35:10 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Michael