<![CDATA[Bearing Scars]]>https://www.BearingScars.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:22:40 GMTMon, 30 Mar 2026 13:55:45 GMT60Michael ErtelBearing 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.episodicMichael Ertelk6ts66tfrp@privaterelay.appleid.comno<![CDATA[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 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

]]>da3ef8c0-bb6d-4b70-9805-4ded178670a9Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:06:03 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Links from the episode:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bearingscars.com" target="_blank">https://bearingscars.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.riseaddictionlc.com" target="_blank">https://www.riseaddictionlc.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://al-anon.org/" target="_blank">https://al-anon.org</a></p>no01:03:27The soccer mom who accidentally became her son's drug dealerfull<![CDATA[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 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

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/the-quiet-mans-inner-turmoil-of-childhood-sexual-abused9700151-6f84-4850-9cd0-cabf7a53346bWed, 18 Feb 2026 15:45:00 GMT<p>Sometimes, it's the quiet man who has the most tumultuous past.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>The next episode of Bearing Scars unwraps the spiraling downfall of a quiet leader and his fight to regain his own life's story.</p><p>Subscribe today to discover all the stories of those who have overcome.</p><p>Links from episode:</p><p>https://rainn.org</p><p>https://988lifeline.org</p>no01:01:388The Quiet Man's Inner turmoil of childhood sexual abusefull<![CDATA[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 all major podcast platforms and at BearingScars.com.

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/a-minute-with-matt-morgan-full-episode-preview8c0eb697-9bc7-4b7d-9f4c-8d056be31931Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:30:00 GMT<p>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.</p>no00:01:074Bearing Scars Preview: A minute with Matt Morgantrailer<![CDATA[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, prison, physical rehabilitation, and a life transformation he never expected.

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/bearing-scars-preview-when-the-mafia-is-the-family-business-aea4f0e0-efec-4640-b64a-11592677fa8cWed, 11 Mar 2026 08:30:00 GMT<p>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.</p>no00:01:4111Bearing Scars Preview: When the mafia is "The Family Business."full<![CDATA[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 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.

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/the-quiet-mans-inner-turmoil12d741d0-8acd-47ce-ae4d-8e29b51f0bdeFri, 13 Feb 2026 14:30:00 GMT<p>Sometimes, it's the quiet man who has the most tumultuous past.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>The next episode of Bearing Scars unwraps the spiraling downfall of a quiet leader and his fight to regain his own life's story.</p><p>Subscribe today to discover all the stories of those who have overcome.</p>no00:01:438Bearing Scars Preview: The quiet man's inner turmoilfull<![CDATA[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 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/

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/a-deadly-secret-revealed-navy-veteran-bridget-lake-discusses-sexual-assault-prison-addiction-and-redemption-7f0c7a1e-1353-4667-997c-83944d05f92dWed, 04 Feb 2026 14:45:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p>Links from episode:</p><p>https://bridgetlake.com/</p><p>https://rainn.org/</p><p>https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/</p><p>https://www.camaraderiefoundation.org/</p><p>https://www.mccormick.us/</p>yes01:02:037A deadly secret revealed; Navy veteran Bridget Lake discusses sexual assault, prison, addiction and redemption.full<![CDATA[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 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.

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/bearing-scars-preview-a-minute-with-bridget-lakeaa8c3a3f-9071-45bd-a19b-7c19f0e06357Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p>no00:01:196Bearing Scars Preview: A minute with Bridget Laketrailer<![CDATA[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 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

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/wwe-wrestler-matt-morgan-reveals-his-toughest-opponent-addiction9ec20ced-fb21-4667-829d-216723c2d7aeWed, 21 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p>Links from episode:</p><p>https://www.wwe.com</p><p>https://www.tnawrestling.com</p><p>https://www.na.org</p><p>https://www.longwoodfl.org</p><p>https://www.orlandorecovery.com</p><p>https://www.bearingscars.com</p>no00:58:485WWE wrestler Matt Morgan reveals his toughest opponent, addictionfull<![CDATA[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. 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/

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/nobel-peace-prize-nominee-desmond-meadecf832414-4d56-4f7d-a1d0-fd8b14f54501Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:30:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p>Links from the show:</p><p>https://bearingscars.com/</p><p>https://www.desmondmeade.com/</p><p>https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/653904/let-my-people-vote-by-desmond-meade/</p><p>https://floridarrc.com/</p><p>https://www.cleanslateinitiative.org/</p>no01:05:253Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Desmond Meadefull<![CDATA[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 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.

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/bearing-scars-preview-a-child-actress-finally-finds-her-voicec9f5e0ba-ebd2-44a5-8b48-1f53ceacc3e0Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:30:00 GMT<p>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. </p><p>Now, after years of silence and quiet despair, Hilary has finally found her voice.</p><p>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. </p>no00:01:599Bearing Scars Preview: A child actress finally finds her voicefull<![CDATA[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 in the world.

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/bearing-scars-preview-a-minute-with-desmond-meade8723a468-a076-491f-9394-685c51f87eceTue, 16 Dec 2025 14:30:00 GMT<p>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.</p>no00:01:032Bearing Scars Preview: A minute with Desmond Meadetrailer<![CDATA[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 the real truth of those who admit to monumental missteps in life, and worked to rebuild themselves in the aftermath.

We’ll 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 a redefining their life’s work.

Our tagline here is rebounding with Grit, Grace and Growth. We’ll 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.

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/coming-soon-bearing-scars71c6fde1-f7d7-4729-914e-9084e6ed6c62Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:30:00 GMT<p><strong>Rebounding with Grit, Grace and Growth</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>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 the aftermath.</p><p>We’ll 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 a redefining their life’s work.</p><p>Our tagline here is rebounding with Grit, Grace and Growth. We’ll 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.</p><p>And you’ll hopefully learn from their resilience routines, which have helped them through the tough times.</p><p>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.</p>no00:03:571Coming Soon: Bearing Scarstrailer<![CDATA[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, 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

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/when-the-mafia-is-the-family-business-00d73808-7426-4ed0-81e5-f20bea73b27dWed, 18 Mar 2026 13:45:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p>Listen to all episodes at https://www.BearingScars.com</p><p>John's website: https://www.johncarterauthor.com</p><p>John's book, Triggered to Change: https://www.amazon.com/Triggered-Change-Life-Full-Turbulence/dp/B0DWLVRWW5</p><p>John's TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/s2-tcE-L0Lg?si=CojjHpu2XPCyogm_</p><p>John's business: https://www.titaniumhealthfitness.com/</p><p>Mobility Danes of New England: https://www.mobilitydanesofnewengland.com</p>no01:00:3212When the mafia is "The Family Business."full<![CDATA[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 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

]]>https://bearingscars.com/episode/a-child-actress-finally-finds-her-real-voicee92043ea-c621-4270-a383-1c7f7b9dc3caWed, 04 Mar 2026 12:45:00 GMT<p>For generations worldwide, Hilary Momberger welcomed the holidays as the voice of Charlie Brown's little sister Sally.</p><p>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.</p><p>Now, after years of silence and quiet despair, Hilary is finally speaking out.</p><p>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.</p><p>Links from this episode:</p><p>https://BearingScars.com</p><p>https://HilaryMombergerPowers.com</p><p>https://ChurchillStrategyGroup.com</p><p>https://RAINN.org</p><p>https://AA.org</p>no01:02:4410A child actress finally finds her own voicefull