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.

Tune Into the Podcast

Welcome to “What a Feeling!” the podcast where mental health matters, self-care is never selfish, and feelings always come first. Join host Archie Messersmith-Bunting, The Feelings Guy™ , and his guests as they discuss all things mental health and self-care. Discover how a focus on feelings at high and low points in your life can allow for real healing to begin and the creation of actual community. When feelings come first, no topic is off limits, no problem is too big or small, and all life lessons are on the table.

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