If anything in this episode resonates and you're struggling, please reach out.

📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)

You don't have to overcome anything alone.

Bernard Quisumbing is a transformational coach. Approximately four weeks before this episode was recorded, his brother, David Quisumbing, died by suicide. Bernard sat down with Tommy for one of the most honest conversations ever shared on this show.

In this conversation:

• Who David was and the kindness lessons he left behind • Why mental illness is illness, not a choice • Bernard's own period of suicidal ideation in 2021 • 14 years of recovery from meth addiction • The Don't Quit Legacy Foundation, launched in David's memory • The two hands we all carry: vulnerability as strength • The daily non-negotiables that keep Bernard upright • Bitter, battered, or better: the choice after loss

Bernard Quisumbing is a transformational coach and founder of the Don't Quit Legacy Foundation, launched in memory of his brother David Quisumbing. Find Bernard at @BernardQuisumbing on all social platforms.

This episode is published during Men's Mental Health Awareness Month.

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Website: https://savvyexperiencegroup.com/ Instagram: @savvyexperiencegroup

Resources if you or someone you know is struggling:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) • Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741)

SHOW NOTES:

WHAT WE COVER

• Bernard's last four days with David and the signs that something was wrong • Why David couldn't stop showing up for everyone • The Don't Quit Legacy Foundation and why mental illness is an illness, not a choice • Survival mode and what happens when the prefrontal cortex shuts down • Tommy and Bernard on the dark places men don't talk about • Bernard's wife's weekly women's support group • Anger at God and the answer Bernard received • David's kindness lessons: tipping, supporting service workers, and showing up for others • Two hands: vulnerability as strength • Bernard's daily non-negotiables • Bitter, battered, or better: the choice after loss

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Mental illness is an illness, not a choice.

If we wouldn't say someone "quit" because they died of cancer, we shouldn't say it about mental illness. This is the reframe the Don't Quit Legacy Foundation is built on.

1. We all carry two hands.

One says, "I need help." The other says, "I can help." Vulnerability isn't weakness. It's strength. The strongest people are often the ones willing to ask for support.

1. The choice after loss is yours.

Bitter, battered, or better. Better is the path that allows you to keep moving forward and help others along the way.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• David Quisumbing • Don't Quit Legacy Foundation • Bernard's wife and her weekly Wednesday women's support call • Bernard's brother Michael, his sister, and his late mother • Speedtin (David's business) • Mr. Q's BBQ Sauce (family business featuring David's tribute on the label) • Bar A and Porta

GUEST LINKS

Instagram: @BernardQuisumbing

ABOUT TAKE A SAVVY SEAT

Hosted by Tommy Gucciardo, founder of Savvy Experience Group, Take A Savvy Seat features conversations with founders, operators, entrepreneurs, athletes, and industry leaders across sports, hospitality, business, and live events.

RESOURCES

If you or someone you know is struggling:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) • Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741)

You don't have to overcome anything alone.