How Dan Boettcher Rebuilt His Life After a Mental Health Crisis

From breakdown to beauty, Dan’s story reminds us that transformation is rarely finished. Here’s what we can learn.

Author

Matt Gilhooly
October 08, 2025

From breakdown to beauty through gems, stories, and meaning

Dan Boettcher was on track for a life in diplomacy with Ivy League degrees and a promising law career. But a severe mental health crisis unraveled everything he had built. In losing the identity he thought he wanted, Dan discovered a new way forward – one rooted in jewelry, storytelling, and transformation.

🎧 Listen here: The Life Shift Website

📺 Watch on YouTube: Episode on YouTube

Before the 3-2-1, a thought:

Dan’s story is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected collapse clears space for a life more aligned with who we are. It is not easy, and it rarely feels safe, but it might just reveal a deeper kind of purpose.

3 Things to Think About

  1. Losing identity can be the start of finding meaning.

  2. Transformation is less about the finish line and more about the unfolding.

  3. The stories we hold – and the stories others share with us – can be healing.

2 Things to Ask Yourself

  • Am I still chasing checkmarks built by others?

  • What protective armor am I wearing that no longer fits?

1 Thing to Try This Week

Write down one area of your life where you’ve been “performing” for others. Next to it, write what you’d do differently if it was only for you.

I’d love to hear your reflections. Hit reply and share what resonated most – or listen to the full episode with Dan for the deeper story.

Matt

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PS: During a long weekend trip in May, I created a short-form podcast, “It’s Okay If…” Each episode is under three minutes long and provides a permission slip to simply be human. I’d be honored if you subscribed to the show. New episodes are released every Wednesday at noon ET.