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Bearing Scars

by Michael Ertel

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 n

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 3, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. The Ballad of the Senator

    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...

  2. The Senator's Rock & Roll rise

    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...

  3. From homeless drug addict to the pinnacle of prominence

    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...

  4. The man who couldn't be canceled

    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…

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  5. Beyond the Amazon Documentary, the real Heather Rovet

    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…

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

    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…

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  7. The Resilience Routines of three impactful leaders

    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…

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

    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…

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  9. When the mafia is "The Family Business."

    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,...

  10. Bearing Scars Preview: When the mafia is "The Family Business."

    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,...

  11. A child actress finally finds her own voice

    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...

  12. Bearing Scars Preview: A child actress finally finds her voice

    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...

  13. The Quiet Man's Inner turmoil of childhood sexual abuse

    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...

  14. Bearing Scars Preview: The quiet man's inner turmoil

    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...

  15. A deadly secret revealed; Navy veteran Bridget Lake discusses sexual assault, prison, addiction and redemption.

    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...

  16. Bearing Scars Preview: A minute with Bridget Lake

    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...

  17. WWE wrestler Matt Morgan reveals his toughest opponent, addiction

    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...

  18. Bearing Scars Preview: A minute with Matt Morgan

    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...

  19. Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Desmond Meade

    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....

  20. Bearing Scars Preview: A minute with Desmond Meade

    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…

    more
  21. Coming Soon: Bearing Scars

    Rebounding with Grit, Grace and Growth 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’s already a ton of fluffy podcasts about success, but Bearing Scars will peel back the visage and discover...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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 n

HOSTED BY

Michael Ertel

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Bearing Scars have?

Bearing Scars currently has 21 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Bearing Scars about?

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...

How often does Bearing Scars release new episodes?

Bearing Scars has 21 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Bearing Scars?

You can listen to Bearing Scars on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Bearing Scars?

Bearing Scars is created and hosted by Michael Ertel.
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