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Bearing Scars

Bearing Scars

Written by: Michael Ertel
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About this listen

 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 monumental 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’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 together.Copyright 2026 Michael Ertel Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • WWE wrestler Matt Morgan reveals his toughest opponent, addiction

    WWE wrestler Matt Morgan reveals his toughest opponent, addiction
    Jan 21 2026

    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
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    59 mins
  • A Minute with Matt Morgan (full episode preview)

    A Minute with Matt Morgan (full episode preview)
    Jan 14 2026

    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.
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    1 min
  • Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Desmond Meade

    Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Desmond Meade
    Jan 6 2026

    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/
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    1 hr and 5 mins
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