🎙️ Rebuild & FulfillReal conversations on burnout, rebuilding, and becoming stronger than before.

Some struggles are easy to see. Others are hidden behind work, laughter, responsibility, and the appearance of being strong.In this brief solo episode, Kelsey Dunbar shares practical guidance for checking on someone who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress. He explains how to recognize that something may be wrong, ask direct questions, listen without judgment, help someone connect with support, and continue checking in after the immediate crisis has passed.Kelsey also speaks directly to anyone who may be struggling and offers simple words they can use when they do not know how to ask for help.This episode serves as an important lead-in to tomorrow’s deeply personal conversation about Kelsey’s own experience with suicidal thoughts. Because some listeners may not feel ready to hear that story, this episode ensures that potentially lifesaving information is still shared.Content Notice: This episode discusses suicide and emotional distress.If you are in the United States and need emotional support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Outside the United States, contact your local crisis line or emergency services.#SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #RebuildAndFulfill #SufferToTougher

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to remember those who died, acknowledge the grief carried by families and friends, reduce the stigma surrounding addiction, and take action to prevent another life from being lost.For Rebuild & Fulfill co-host Marc Rogala, the meaning of this day is deeply personal.Marc experienced three overdoses that resulted in hospitalization, along with others that nobody ever knew about. His final overdose occurred on July 17, 2020, when an Uber driver recognized that something was wrong and called 911. Marc’s sister found him on the kitchen floor, a police officer administered Narcan, and Marc woke up in intensive care.In this deeply personal conversation, Marc and Kelsey discuss why surviving an overdose does not automatically end an addiction, the people Marc knew who never made it into recovery, and the complicated emotions that come with surviving when others did not.They also explore the trauma experienced by parents, children, siblings, spouses, and friends, the language that can help someone accept treatment, and why recognizing addiction as an illness can replace shame with a path toward recovery.Today, we remember the people who were lost, stand beside those still struggling, support the loved ones affected, and honor the people who chose to act when someone’s life depended on it.If you believe someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, administer naloxone if available and call 911 immediately. For confidential treatment information in the United States, visit FindTreatment.gov or call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

What happens when the diagnosis you believe has destroyed your future eventually becomes the catalyst for your purpose?In this episode of Rebuild & Fulfill, Kelsey Dunbar sits down with Andrea Paquette, better known as Bipolar Babe, for a deeply personal conversation about bipolar disorder, stigma, resilience, identity, and rebuilding a life after mental illness changes everything.Andrea shares the reality of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 25, experiencing psychosis, hospitalization, a suicide attempt, and the fear that her future had been permanently rewritten. She also shares the moment she finally stood in front of hundreds of people and declared, “I have bipolar disorder, but I am not bipolar disorder.”That decision to stop hiding eventually became the Bipolar Babe Project and grew into a much larger mission through the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society, where Andrea has spent more than 15 years helping change the way people understand and talk about mental health.Andrea and Kelsey discuss the people who showed up when she needed them most, the unexpected origin of Bipolar Babe, the evolution of her advocacy, mental health in the workplace, reaching young people before they reach a crisis, and the individual stories that remind Andrea why this work matters.Andrea also opens up about her upcoming memoir, Bipolar Babe: A Tale of Two Worlds, and what an extraordinary life means to her today after decades of searching for it.Her answer is remarkably simple:Peace.If you've ever felt defined by a diagnosis, ashamed of something you've experienced, or wondered whether life can truly get better, Andrea's story is a powerful reminder that things can change—and that you don't have to have everything figured out today.Connect with Andrea:Bipolar Babe: bipolarbabe.comStigma-Free Mental Health Society: stigmafreementalhealth.comIf this conversation resonates with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear Andrea's story, leave a comment, and consider rating or reviewing Rebuild & Fulfill.#MentalHealth #BipolarDisorder #BipolarBabe #MentalHealthAwareness #EndTheStigma #Resilience #MentalHealthAdvocacy #RebuildAndFulfill

You Can’t Out-Tough Addiction | Eric Metcalf’s Journey Through Recovery – Part 1 | Episode 33What happens when the strength and discipline that carried you through life are no longer enough?In Episode 33 of Rebuild & Fulfill, Kelsey Dunbar and Marc Rogala sit down with Army veteran, recovery advocate, author, and NAMI DuPage Director of Peer Workforce Development Eric Metcalf for Part 1 of an incredibly raw conversation about addiction, military service, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, recovery, purpose, and learning to accept help.Eric shares why discipline alone couldn’t overcome addiction, what happened when drinking became intertwined with military brotherhood, and the difficult transition back into civilian life. He also opens up about receiving his PTSD and traumatic brain injury diagnoses and the realization that while he was helping other veterans piece their lives back together, his own life was being pieced back together too.One of the most powerful moments comes as Eric shares the story of Nate, a veteran he tried desperately to help who later died by suicide. The experience forced Eric to confront one of the hardest lessons for anyone who dedicates their life to helping others:You can care deeply. You can show up. You can give someone everything you know how to give. But you cannot control every outcome.And when Marc reveals that Eric later helped him through an eerily similar experience, the conversation takes an unexpected and deeply personal turn.📖 AVAILABLE TODAY: Beyond the Shadows: A Search for METhe timing of this episode couldn’t be better. Eric’s book is officially published TODAY!Beyond the Shadows: A Search for ME takes readers deeper into a journey inspired by Eric’s experiences with addiction, trauma, loss, recovery, identity, and the search to understand who we are beyond the things that have happened to us.Get Eric’s new book here:Beyond the Shadows: A Search for ME on AmazonThis is only Part 1 of Eric’s story.It’s a conversation about recovery, resilience, brotherhood, purpose, and why sometimes real strength isn’t about fighting harder.Sometimes it’s about finally allowing someone else to help carry you.And Eric’s story is far from over.Part 2 coming soon.#RebuildAndFulfill #EricMetcalf #BeyondTheShadows #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Veterans #PTSD #RecoveryJourney #Resilience #NAMI

What happens when a firefighter, paramedic, and amputee who spent years helping other people through their worst moments realizes he needs help himself?In Episode 31 of Rebuild & Fulfill, Kelsey Dunbar sits down with former firefighter and paramedic Darren Richardson for a powerful conversation about PTSD, amputation, mental health, resilience, identity, addiction, and rebuilding your life after adversity.Darren's story of resilience began at just 13 years old, when a massive boulder crushed his foot during a hiking accident. Doctors initially believed he might lose his leg. He ultimately lost two toes and was told he may never rock climb or ski again.Three months later, he was rock climbing. By that winter, he was skiing and racing again.That experience helped shape a mindset Darren would need again decades later.Darren went on to spend nearly 20 years as a firefighter and paramedic, a career he loved so deeply that being a firefighter became part of his identity. But years of traumatic calls began taking their toll. PTSD, depression, alcohol, family struggles, and eventually leaving the fire service sent Darren into one of the darkest periods of his life.Despite years of helping other people, Darren didn't initially recognize PTSD in himself. At rock bottom, with his family at risk and his life unraveling, he finally sought professional help.Darren says walking into a therapist's office was harder than running into a burning building.But asking for help became the beginning of his rebuild.Then life tested him again.While training to return to the fire service, complications from his original injury resulted in a transmetatarsal amputation, removing part of his foot. Once again, Darren was told there were things he might never do again, including running, jumping, and surfing.Once again, he challenged those limitations.Just three months after his amputation, Darren was wake surfing with his daughters on Father's Day. Today, he runs, mountain bikes, trains, and uses everything he's experienced to help others overcome their own challenges.Today Darren is the founder of Ashes to Ascent Coaching, where he works as a mindset, resilience, and mental performance coach, with a particular passion for helping first responders, veterans, amputees, and people rebuilding after adversity.In this conversation, we explore PTSD in first responders, losing your identity after leaving a career, alcohol and depression, the courage to ask for help, rebuilding after amputation, resilience and mental performance, changing destructive habits, therapy versus coaching, and why other people don't get to determine the limits of your future.One of Darren's most powerful lessons is also one of the simplest:Don't let somebody else set your limits.Your past may explain your story, but it never has to define your future.Connect with Darren Richardson:Ashes to Ascent Coaching🌐 ashestoascent.com📧 [email protected] to Rebuild & Fulfill for more real conversations about resilience, mental health, overcoming adversity, personal growth, and what it takes to rebuild your life and create greater fulfillment.#PTSD #Amputee #Firefighter #Resilience #RebuildAndFulfill

What happens when a Parkinson's diagnosis becomes the beginning of your purpose instead of the end of your story?In Part 2 of our conversation with American Ninja Warrior competitor, Parkinson's advocate, endurance athlete, and Guinness World Record holder Jimmy Choi, we explore how one man's battle with Parkinson's disease became a platform to inspire millions through resilience, mindset, and unwavering determination.If you missed Episode 26 (Part 1), we highly recommend starting there. In Part 1, Jimmy shared his incredible journey from receiving a Parkinson's diagnosis at just 27 years old to reclaiming his life through movement, fitness, and a decision to never let Parkinson's define him. We explored the darkest moments following his diagnosis, the turning point that changed everything, and the first steps toward rebuilding his life.Now, in Episode 29 (Part 2), the journey continues.Jimmy shares the incredible story behind his appearances on American Ninja Warrior, the influence of his daughter that inspired him to take the leap, and how he became a symbol of hope for the Parkinson's community. We also discuss his three Guinness World Records, his work with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, his role as a consultant on the hit Apple TV+ series Shrinking, and the mindset that allows him to continue moving forward despite living with a progressive neurological disease.More importantly, this isn't just a conversation about Parkinson's.It's about identity.It's about purpose.It's about refusing to allow adversity to become your identity.Whether you're facing Parkinson's disease, chronic illness, addiction, burnout, loss, or another difficult season of life, Jimmy's story is a powerful reminder that while adversity may change your path, it never has to determine your destination.In this episode, you'll discover:✔️ The inspiring story behind Jimmy's American Ninja Warrior journey✔️ How to develop resilience in the face of chronic illness✔️ Why identity is more powerful than your diagnosis✔️ Turning adversity into purpose and impact✔️ The mindset behind sustained personal growth✔️ Jimmy's work with the Michael J. Fox Foundation✔️ His Guinness World Records and advocacy efforts✔️ Lessons on rebuilding after life's biggest challenges🎙 Guest: Jimmy Choi🏃 American Ninja Warrior Competitor | Endurance Athlete | Parkinson's Advocate | Guinness World Record HolderConnect with Jimmy Choi📘 Facebook: @JCFoxNinja📸 Instagram: @JCFoxNinja🎵 TikTok: @JCFoxNinja💼 LinkedIn: Jimmy ChoiIf Jimmy's story inspired you, we'd love your support.👍 Like this video💬 Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations on resilience, mental fitness, and personal growthEvery subscription, review, and share helps us reach more people who may need hope today.#Parkinsons #ParkinsonsDisease #AmericanNinjaWarrior #JimmyChoi #Resilience #MentalHealth #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingAdversity #RebuildAndFulfill #Podcast #Inspiration #Motivation #Hope

Why do so many capable, successful people still struggle with feeling like they're falling behind?In this solo episode of the Rebuild & Fulfill Podcast, Kelsey Dunbar explores a challenge that almost every one of us faces—but few of us recognize until it's already shaping the way we see ourselves.We often assume comparison is the problem.But what if comparison isn't the trap at all?What if the real danger is the story we begin telling ourselves after we compare our lives to someone else's?In this episode, Kelsey introduces The Comparison Trap—a framework for understanding why comparison quietly steals confidence, fuels self-doubt, and keeps us stuck believing we'll never be enough.You'll discover:• Why comparison itself isn't the enemy• How self-worth becomes tied to someone else's success• Why social media can distort our perspective• The difference between healthy comparison and destructive comparison• The one comparison that actually helps you grow• How to stop measuring your life against someone else's timelineThis conversation also builds on the ideas introduced in The Transformation Gap, continuing the discussion about why lasting change is often harder than simply knowing what to do.Whether you're rebuilding after burnout, navigating grief, growing a business, improving your health, or simply trying to become a stronger version of yourself, this episode offers a practical mindset shift that can change the way you see your own journey.Because your greatest competition has never been someone else.It's the story you've been believing about yourself.Learn more about Suffer To Tougher:Books • Coaching • Speaking • Workshops • Mental Fitness • ResilienceIf this episode encouraged you, consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with someone who needs the reminder.Sometimes a single shift in perspective becomes the first step toward lasting change.Keywordscomparison trap, self-worth, confidence, self-doubt, comparison, personal growth, mental fitness, resilience, mindset, self-improvement, imposter syndrome, social media comparison, identity, transformation gap, overcoming comparison, rebuilding your life, emotional resilience, burnout recovery, Rebuild and Fulfill Podcast, Kelsey Dunbar, Suffer To TougherHashtags#RebuildAndFulfill #ComparisonTrap #TransformationGap #MentalFitness #SufferToTougher

Jacob Multack joins Kelsey Dunbar and Marc Rogala for an uncensored conversation about addiction, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), rock bottom, redemption, and what it truly means to rebuild your life.What happens when everything you thought defined you is stripped away?For years, Jacob chased success—the career, the money, the house, and the image of having it all together. Behind the scenes, he was battling opioid addiction, alcoholism, Multiple Sclerosis, and a war with himself that nearly cost him everything.In one of the rawest and most authentic episodes of Rebuild & Fulfill, Jacob shares how losing everything ultimately became the beginning of finding purpose. Together, Kelsey, Marc, and Jacob dive into addiction, recovery, trauma, fatherhood, faith, masculinity, mental health, resilience, and discovering that true strength isn't found in what you achieve—it's found in who you become after life breaks you.Jacob also shares the inspiration behind his memoir, From Rock Bottom to Redemption, and how his darkest chapters ultimately led him to become a psychiatric crisis therapist helping others find hope.⚠️ This episode contains strong language and candid discussions about addiction, trauma, mental health, and recovery. We chose to leave this conversation uncensored because authenticity matters more than perfection.In This Episode:• Opioid addiction & alcoholism• Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)• Mental health & trauma recovery• Fatherhood as a source of purpose• The "Oxygen Mask" philosophy• Faith, redemption & resilience• Redefining masculinity & success• From addiction to psychiatric crisis therapist• Progress over perfection• Finding hope after rock bottom📖 Guest: Jacob Multack📚 Book: From Rock Bottom to Redemption🌐 Connect with Suffer To TougherWebsite: https://suffertotougher.orgSubscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, mental fitness, personal growth, and rebuilding after life's greatest challenges.Keywords:Jacob Multack, addiction recovery, opioid addiction, alcoholism, Multiple Sclerosis, MS awareness, men's mental health, trauma recovery, resilience, redemption, rock bottom, psychiatric crisis therapist, fatherhood, faith, recovery podcast, mental fitness, Rebuild and Fulfill, Suffer To Tougher, Kelsey Dunbar, Marc Rogala, overcoming adversity, personal growth, uncensored podcast, inspirational storiesHashtags:#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #MultipleSclerosis #MensMentalHealth #RecoveryJourney #TraumaRecovery #Sobriety #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #RockBottom #Redemption #RebuildAndFulfill #SufferToTougher #Podcast #UncensoredPodcast

Have you ever caught yourself thinking... "Here we go again?"You started eating healthier... then stopped.You committed to exercising... then life got busy.You promised yourself this time would be different... but somehow found yourself right back where you started.Or did you?In Episode 23 of Rebuild & Fulfill, Kelsey Dunbar and Marc Rogala continue the conversation that began with The Transformation Gap by tackling one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves:"I'm starting over."The truth is...Most people aren't starting over at all.They're starting again—with more experience, more awareness, and more wisdom than they had before.Whether you're rebuilding after addiction, improving your mental health, pursuing fitness goals, strengthening relationships, or simply trying to become the person you know you're capable of becoming, setbacks don't erase your progress.They become part of your growth.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why recovery, healing, and personal growth are never linear• The difference between starting over and starting again• How perfectionism and shame keep people stuck• Why one setback doesn't erase months—or even years—of progress• The importance of giving yourself the same grace you'd give someone you love• How every setback teaches you something that can help you move forwardIf you've ever felt like you've failed...If you've ever convinced yourself you've lost all your progress...This conversation is for you.Because maybe you're not back at square one.Maybe you're exactly where you need to be...Starting again—with experience you didn't have before.🎙️ Subscribe to Rebuild & Fulfill for honest conversations about mental health, resilience, recovery, personal growth, and closing The Transformation Gap between knowing what to do and consistently living it.Topics CoveredThe Transformation Gap, starting over, personal growth, resilience, recovery, addiction recovery, mental health, mindset, behavior change, perfectionism, shame, habits, accountability, emotional resilience, fitness motivation, coaching, healing, sustainable transformation, and self-improvement.Hashtags#TheTransformationGap #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #Recovery #Mindset #Resilience #BehaviorChange #Healing #SelfImprovement #Habits #Consistency #SufferToTougher #RebuildAndFulfill #Podcast

Where do you start when everything in your life feels overwhelming?It's one of the most common questions we receive, and in this Midweek Q&A episode of Rebuild & Fulfill, Kelsey Dunbar and Marc Rogala tackle the fear, uncertainty, and overwhelm that often keep people from taking the very first step toward change.Whether you're struggling with your mental health, addiction, recovery, physical health, relationships, or simply feeling stuck in life, this conversation will help you stop waiting for the "perfect time" and start moving forward today.The truth is, lasting transformation doesn't begin when you have everything figured out.It begins the moment you take the first step.In this episode, we discuss:✔ Why honesty with yourself is the first step toward change✔ How overwhelm keeps people stuck before they even begin✔ Why you don't need to have everything figured out to start✔ The difference between waiting for clarity and creating clarity through action✔ Real stories of people who transformed their lives one step at a time✔ Why progress—not perfection—is the key to lasting changeIf you've ever asked yourself,"Where do I start?"This episode is for you.Because rebuilding your life doesn't begin when you have everything figured out.It begins the moment you decide to take the first step.If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's feeling overwhelmed or stuck.One step today can change everything tomorrow.Topics covered:mental health, personal growth, recovery, addiction recovery, feeling stuck, where do I start, overwhelm, anxiety, self-improvement, mindset, resilience, behavior change, habits, accountability, healing, transformation, first step, motivation, consistency, Rebuild & Fulfill Podcast, Suffer To Tougher#MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Recovery

What happens when addiction takes the life of someone you love? In this powerful episode of Rebuild & Fulfill, Katie and Nick Rizzo share the heartbreaking story of losing their 25-year-old son, Nicholas, to addiction—and how they've found hope, healing, and purpose in the wake of unimaginable grief.Rather than allowing shame and heartbreak to silence them, Katie and Nick courageously chose to share their family's story in hopes that it might help another parent, another family, or another person struggling with addiction. Their willingness to revisit the hardest chapter of their lives is a remarkable act of courage and a testament to their commitment to raising awareness, breaking the stigma surrounding addiction, and helping others realize they are not alone.Katie also discusses her upcoming memoir, The Trimesters of Grief, which explores the profound connection between love and loss, the reality of grieving a child, and what it means to continue living after life changes forever.Throughout this conversation, we discuss addiction, grief, shame, marriage, mental health, healing, resilience, and the surprising ways love continues even after death. Whether you've experienced the loss of a loved one, are supporting someone battling addiction, or simply need hope during a difficult season, we pray this conversation reminds you that healing is possible—and that you never have to walk through it alone.📖 Pre-order Katie's memoir, The Trimesters of Grief:https://a.co/d/099MDCzP🌐 Learn more about Katie Rizzo:https://katierizzo.comIf this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing, sharing it with someone who needs to hear it, and leaving a review. One honest conversation has the power to interrupt isolation, create connection, build trust, and remind someone they are not carrying everything alone.Topics Covered• Losing a child to addiction• Addiction and family dynamics• Grief and healing• Mental health and resilience• Shame and self-worth• Marriage after loss• Hope after tragedy• Supporting loved ones with addiction• Community and recovery• The Trimesters of Grief#Addiction #Grief #MentalHealth #Recovery #Healing #OverdoseAwareness #ChildLoss #ParentsOfAddicts #RebuildAndFulfill #SufferToTougher

What comes to mind when you hear the word grief?For most people, it's death.But grief is bigger than that.In this solo episode of Rebuild & Fulfill, Kelsey Dunbar explores the many forms of grief that often go unrecognized—from the loss of a loved one to the loss of a relationship, a career, a dream, your health, or even a version of yourself you thought you'd always be.Too often, we only give ourselves permission to grieve certain losses. But grief isn't limited to funerals and goodbyes. Grief is the emotional response to losing anything that mattered.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ Why grief isn't just about death✅ The hidden grief many people carry without realizing it✅ Why loss can leave us feeling stuck, angry, or disconnected✅ The difference between moving on and moving forward✅ How grief can shape us without defining us✅ Why healing doesn't mean forgetting✅ How to honor what was while remaining open to what's nextWhether you're grieving a person, a relationship, a dream, or a chapter of life that has ended, this episode offers perspective, hope, and encouragement for the road ahead.Remember:You're not broken.You may just be carrying more than people can see.#Grief #Healing #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Loss #GriefSupport #SelfImprovement #EmotionalWellness #Resilience #MentalHealthAwareness #LettingGo #Hope #RebuildAndFulfill #SufferToTougher #KelseyDunbar

From addiction to purpose, Steve Werner's journey is a powerful reminder that our greatest setbacks do not have to define our future.In this episode of Rebuild & Fulfill, Steve shares his deeply personal story of overcoming prescription medication addiction, depression, anxiety, business loss, and the difficult process of rebuilding his life when everything seemed to be falling apart.Through honesty, resilience, faith, and a commitment to serving others, Steve discovered a new purpose that led him to create the Hour of Champions community, Gritty Wellness, and Gritty Radio—helping thousands of people pursue growth, accountability, and a more meaningful life.In this conversation, we discuss:✅ Addiction recovery and overcoming dependency✅ Mental health, depression, and anxiety✅ Rebuilding after personal and professional setbacks✅ The importance of resilience and perseverance✅ Spiritual fitness and personal growth✅ Why helping others can become part of your healing journey✅ Fatherhood, legacy, and what truly matters most✅ The powerful story behind becoming "The Guy Who Says Send Me"Whether you're facing adversity, working through recovery, struggling with your mental health, or simply looking for encouragement to keep moving forward, this episode is filled with wisdom, hope, and practical insights.Connect with Steve Werner:📘 Hour of Champions- Hour of Champions | Facebook🎙️ Gritty Radio- Gritty Radio - Podcast - Apple Podcasts💪 Gritty Wellness- Gritty Wellness📧 [email protected] you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, follow, and share it with someone who may need to hear it.Remember:You're not broken.You may be carrying struggles, setbacks, wounds, or challenges that others can't see.But your story still has meaning.And your next chapter is still being written.#RebuildAndFulfill #SteveWerner #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #RecoveryJourney #Purpose #OvercomingAdversity #HourOfChampions #GrittyWellness #SelfImprovement #Mindset #MentalWellness #Podcast