Bearing Scars

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,...

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...

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 fr...

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 the...

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 behi...

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 th...

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-62...

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 deal...

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 htt...

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.

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. N...

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. N...

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...

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...

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, t...

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 t...

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 Hul...

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.

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 sh...

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.

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 the real truth of those who admit to monumental missteps in life, and worked to rebuild themselves in t...