Meet Archie: Using dynamism and authenticity, Archie Messersmith-Bunting champions mental health awareness worldwide at corporations and universities. He challenges people to rethink complicated and emotional topics like depression, suicide, alcohol and drug addiction. Through his company ArchieCares, LLC, Messersmith-Bunting aims to reframe the narrative surrounding mental illness and addiction by facilitating honest and vulnerable conversations.Messersmith-Bunting reaches individuals personally as he openly and honestly shares his own struggle with addiction and clinical depression. He weaves research of top therapists and addiction specialists into his storytelling, allowing audiences to understand the potential for loss and pain. Whether it’s a conversation with corporate employees about mental health in the workplace or a student workshop on resilience, Archie delivers a vibrant mix of life lessons. Attendees are inspired, empowered and ready to make authentic changes in their life.The Virginia native served as the Assistant Director of Programming at Illinois State University in 2010, and Fraternity Services Director at Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) Fraternity headquarters in 2013. At SigEp, he created the organization’s first member safety curriculum focusing on consent, sexual assault prevention, and healthy relationships. Messersmith-Bunting also was the inaugural Vice President of Campus Operations and Health & Safety for the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) in 2017 where he championed the organization’s Health & Safety Initiative and the adoption of the NIC’s Alcohol & Drug Guidelines.In 2019, he transitioned to full-time speaker and consultant providing leadership, mental health and alcohol & drug prevention education at corporations like Solenis and The Job Sauce, and college campuses including Clemson University, Iowa State University and The University of Southern California.Messersmith-Bunting graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Samford University and a Master of Science in College and Student Personal Administration from Illinois State University. He was recognized by Illinois State University with the Outstanding New Professional award and Outstanding Faculty/Staff Advisor of the Year. He lives with his husband and son Kade in Charlottesville, Virginia and loves to binge romantic comedies, explore the outdoors and read to Kade in his spare time.Show Notes:-Intro- Growing up in the 70’s, Gay, and in the South…- Then I met drugs and they made everything better until they didn’t… - Waking up in the ICU with a tube down my throat to eventually trying to take my own life!- I finalized realized drugs was not the problem….- I was told my whole life I was not good enough, a sinner, failure, etc…. and I bought into that “I was a piece of shit” - The life I have now was impossible to even dream about when I was on drugs… that’s how good it is now! - A story Archie never told before…- Then a straight man taught me what love was!- The difference between being HONEST and TRUTHFUL- By the way… did I mention I was Adopted. - You have to learn to say NO- Stepping into the new me! - We all wear costumes, and none of them make you any smarter or more qualified to do anything.- YES, I finally let the shit train go! - Bottom Line… TAKE ACTION, KEEP TAKING ACTION, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF…. THEN TAKE MORE ACTION!!!- ArchieConnect with Archiehttps://archiecares.com/Connect with Jeremy and Optimal Self:Links: (We LOVE to be tagged in your posts, please share our content and tag us!)- Main Page: www.OptimalSelf.Today - Links to our Podcast, all social media, PLUS join our Private Facebook Group, Free "Identity Creator" Course, and more!-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkydziqrlYZIFmOgD1kTPA- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimalSelf1- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimal_self/- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optimalself