Bearing Scars artwork

Personal Journals · Michael Ertel

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 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.

Chart trend

Position in the Personal Journals chart (US), last 90 days.

#3
all-time peak
2
days in the top 3 since Feb 2026

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

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 natio

Jul 8
44 min

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 natio

Jun 24
1 h 05 min

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 de

Jun 10
1 h 07 min

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

May 27
1 h 00 min

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 -- an

May 13
42 min

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 publ

Apr 29
38 min

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 forw

Apr 15
10 min

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 o

Apr 1
1 h 03 min

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 th

Mar 18
1 h 00 min

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 th

Mar 11
1 min

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

Mar 4
1 h 02 min

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

Feb 25
1 min

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 escapi

Feb 18
1 h 01 min

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 escapi

Feb 13
1 min

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, a

Feb 4
1 h 02 min

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 th

Jan 28
1 min

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 fi

Jan 21
58 min

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 t

Jan 14
1 min

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 jour

Jan 6
1 h 05 min

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 yo

Oct 31 2025
3 min

Chart positions

Where Bearing Scars ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 4, 2026).

#7 ▲ 1 Personal Journals US
#107 ▲ 4 Society & Culture US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

Michael’s interviews are always so respectful and considerate. The stories should help us all know we are not alone in our own stories of struggle and trauma and that we can overcome and do better if we so choose! These are real people and real stories. No hype or drama - just truth and compassion.

Suncoast Pirate · May 2026

It’s always heart-rending to hear how someone’s life has gone off the rails, whether through that own person’s actions or the actions of others. I find it heartening to hear stories of how people have come back from their hardships and created new lives and taken up the challenge to serve others.

Cat in Virginia · May 2026

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.

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About Bearing Scars on Reason.fm

Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Bearing Scars, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.

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