In this powerful episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck sits down with entrepreneur and author David Shamszad, who opens up about his decade-long battle with untreated bipolar disorder and addiction, and how he rebuilt his life through treatment, community, and self-belief.

From facing the darkest moments of mental illness to founding an 8-figure real estate company, David shares the real, raw, and redemptive story of what recovery can look like. You’ll hear how vulnerability became his greatest strength, why he wrote his memoir I Am Someone You Know, and what he wants others facing similar struggles to understand.

This is an episode that proves healing is possible — and you're never alone.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet David Shamszad: entrepreneur, author, and mental health advocate

03:45 – Living with untreated bipolar disorder and addiction

08:15 – What made recovery finally stick

12:30 – The mindset shifts that helped David rebuild

17:00 – From rock bottom to real estate: launching a new life

21:45 – Why he wrote I Am Someone You Know

25:00 – Vulnerability, stigma, and sharing your story

30:15 – David’s message for anyone still struggling

33:00 – What recovery really looks like on the other side

Chuck’s Challenge

Where in your life are you holding back from being fully seen?

This week, try sharing something vulnerable with yourself or someone you trust. You might be surprised by how freeing it feels.

Connect with David

Buy David’s Book: https://davidshamszad.com/book/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_shamszad

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shamszad-16236310/

Website: https://davidshamszad.com/

Business Website: https://sgreinc.com/

Connect with Chuck:

Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/

Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked

Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we’re breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.