Personal Growth, Mindfulness, Motivation and Inspiration: Bump In The Road

Everyone hits a bump in the road. What do you do with it? Be inspired as we explore the ways people experience, navigate and manage the ups and downs and twists and turns in this road trip called life. Find insights into developing your own personal growth mindset, becoming mindful, dealing with stress, and fostering better mental health.

Christine Davies 07/01/2025

What Secrets Do You Keep? 06/26/2025

Taoist Psychology 06/24/2025

Taoist Psychology Subscribers can enjoy exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast. To subscribe, go to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com This is a story about radical transformation. Gerard Wouters brings us into the fascinating world of Taoist therapy. With his revolutionary approach, he focuses on using the present to change our attitudes about the past. Instead of focusing on what cannot be changed (i.e., the past), he encourages people to embrace the present moment and create a new path forward. In this manner, deep seated psychological change can be nearly instantaneous, rather than taking months or even years of talk therapy. This Taoist approach touches upon consciousness and the unconscious mind. Gerard explains that we only utilize a small fraction of our consciousness, and by tapping into a deeper understanding of ourselves, we can unlock transformative potential. Through techniques that blend elements of hypnosis and body awareness, he guides individuals to connect with their emotions and release pent-up energy that often manifests as physical tension or emotional distress. This episode is about personal development, emotional intelligence, and the art of living a more conscious life. By embracing the principles of Taoist therapy, listeners can learn to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. Tune in to discover how you can apply these teachings to your own life, and take the first step towards a happier, more successful existence. Whether you are facing setbacks or simply seeking to understand yourself better, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom that invites you to explore the Taoist way. What they're saying: “This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove “Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.” –Gary Hensel Learn more at Follow Bump on: ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ /episode/index/show/bumpintheroad/id/37116965

How To Grow Beyond Your Family's Dysfunction 06/19/2025

How To Grow Beyond Your Family's Dysfunction Subscribers can enjoy exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast. To subscribe, go to While I often say that all families are dysfunctional, Michael Swerdloff's family had some pretty serious issues including violence and infidelity which deeply impacted the entire family and for Michael, set the stage for a tumultuous childhood that would shape his understanding of love, relationships, and self-worth. As Michael narrates his experiences, he takes us through the pivotal moments that led to his transformation. From dealing with the trauma of family secrets to facing his own demons through substance abuse, Michael's journey is one of grappling with self-hate and anger. He candidly discusses the turning point when he found himself in a locked mental hospital, which became a catalyst for change. It was there that he began to confront his past and the patterns that had defined his life. From this came a commitment to self care. From a mental health perspective, Michael found meditation which opened doors to self-reflection and inner peace. His dedication to this practice led him to profound realizations about his identity and purpose. Heshares how the act of sitting with oneself can lead to unimaginable growth and understanding. Michael's journey from a past filled with shame and anger to a life characterized by love and self-acceptance serves as a reminder that change is possible, no matter how deep the scars may run. Tune in and discover how embracing vulnerability and seeking help can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. Part Two of this episode is available for subscribers at What they're saying: “This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove “Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.” –Gary Hensel Learn more at Follow Bump on: ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ /episode/index/show/bumpintheroad/id/37031585

Life Lessons From The Autistic Spectrum 06/17/2025

Living With Integrity: Josh McConkey, MD 06/12/2025

Living With Integrity: Josh McConkey, MD Subscribers can enjoy exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast. To subscribe, go to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com Josh McConkey was the first in his family to attend college, breaking a long-standing lineage of railroaders. His passion for medicine led him to a successful career in emergency medicine. As a part-owner of a freestanding emergency department in Georgetown, Texas, Josh initially found success and fulfillment in his work. However, the joy was short-lived when he discovered that the majority shareholder was embezzling funds. Josh was offered a $3.4 million bribe to look the other way. Josh turned the bribe down, but what happened next is the stuff of a Hallmark movie. I won't give away the incredible twists and turns, but suffice it to say that Josh's ethical response to a very difficult situation that nearly bankrupted him worked to his ultimate benefit. This is a story that will take you on a ride from highs to lows and back again, from America to Australia, and more. The key takeaways from this incredible story include listening to one's instincts, valuing family, and embracing the lessons that life presents. His mantra, "You can only control what you do," resonates throughout the episode, reminding us all that while we cannot dictate the actions of others, we can choose how we respond to life's challenges. Join us for this powerful episode that offers valuable insights into leadership, personal growth, and the unwavering pursuit of integrity. What they're saying: “This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove “Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.” –Gary Hensel Learn more at Follow Bump on: ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ /episode/index/show/bumpintheroad/id/36925980

How To Navigate Life 06/10/2025

The Healing Journey of a Navy SEAL 06/05/2025

Where Psychology and Spirituality Meet 06/03/2025

When 'No" Is Your Friend 05/29/2025

When 'No" Is Your Friend The fear of rejection can hinder our personal and professional growth. Can we learn to see transformative growth in "No"? Andrea Waltz is the author of "," a concept that encourages us to embrace rejection as a stepping stone to success. The crux of the "Go for No" philosophy is simple yet profound: to achieve more 'yeses' in life, we must intentionally increase our failure rate. Andrea explains how this mindset shift can empower individuals to face rejection head-on, rather than allowing it to deter them. By normalizing the experience of hearing 'no,' we can cultivate resilience and ultimately open ourselves up to greater opportunities. The conversation also touches on the importance of emotional intelligence and the ability to connect with others. Andrea highlights the need for curiosity and active listening in building relationships, which can significantly enhance our chances of success in any endeavor. By understanding the perspectives and needs of others, we can tailor our approaches and create more meaningful connections. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a sales professional, or simply someone looking to grow personally, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you thrive in the face of adversity. Tune in now to discover how embracing rejection can lead to a more successful and fulfilling life! Subscribers can enjoy exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast. To subscribe, go to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com What they're saying: “This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove “Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.” –Gary Hensel Learn more at Follow Bump on: ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ /episode/index/show/bumpintheroad/id/36626175

The Menopause Queen 05/27/2025

Is Marijuana Benign Or Is It A Gateway Drug? 05/22/2025

The Garage Sale Millionaire 05/20/2025

The Garage Sale Millionaire Aaron, Lapedis knows what a second chance looks like. Just over 16 years ago, Aaron was thriving as an art gallery owner in Denver, Colorado. However, the recession hit hard, and his business faced unprecedented challenges. As he struggled with financial burdens, his personal life was also in turmoil, with his wife experiencing a difficult pregnancy and his father’s health declining. In December of 2008, everything came to a head. Faced with mounting debts and the possibility of losing his gallery, Aaron’s world crumbled. The stress culminated in a massive heart attack on January 5, 2009 — an event that would forever change his perspective on life. Doctors informed him that if he had waited just two months longer, he wouldn’t have survived. This shocking revelation forced Aaron to reevaluate what truly mattered.. With a newfound appreciation for life, he shifted his focus from merely surviving to thriving. He transformed his gallery, focusing on creating meaningful experiences for his customers, and rewrote his book, which eventually became the bestseller "Garage Sale Millionaire." This book details his journey and offers insights into how anyone can turn collectibles into profit. Anyone can do it, he says, especially in this digital world. Aaron's experience is about the preciousness of time, the importance of family and about creating opportunity even in the midst of difficult times. Listen and consider how important it is to make every moment of your life count. Subscribers can enjoy exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast. To subscribe, go to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com What they're saying: “This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove “Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.” –Gary Hensel Learn more at Follow Bump on: ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ /episode/index/show/bumpintheroad/id/36532740

The Education Revolution 05/15/2025

The Education Revolution Kristina Heagh-Avritt is a former public school teacher who now supports families in finding the best educational paths for their children. Kristina focuses on the pressing issues within the current educational framework—more rules, regulations, and a lack of connection with families and students. She emphasizes how the school system is broken and suggests that the solution lies in empowering parents to take control of their children's education through homeschooling. With her experience, Christina founded Vibrant Family Education (),where she helps families navigate the homeschooling landscape. One of the advantages of homeschooling is a personalized curriculum that caters to each child's unique learning style. This flexibility fosters a love for learning, as children can progress at their own pace without the pressure of a standardized curriculum. Kristina also dispels common myths about homeschooling, such as the belief that parents cannot be effective teachers or that homeschooled children lack socialization. She argues that parents are inherently their child's first teachers and can provide a supportive learning environment that nurtures their child's interests. In fact, many homeschooled children excel socially, often being more prepared for real-world interactions than their peers in traditional schools. With parents and former teachers like Kristina, education is quietly undergoing a revolution, one that places children and mastery first. Learning is becoming fun again. And more importantly, it's providing the skills kids need in this modern world. Join the conversation. Subscribers can enjoy exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast. To subscribe, go to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com What they're saying: “This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove “Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.” –Gary Hensel Learn more at Follow Bump on: ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ /episode/index/show/bumpintheroad/id/36518675

A Psychic's Journey 05/13/2025

A Psychic's Journey As a psychic medium and life coach, Mark Charters has navigated a difficult path. His journey began in a family where psychic abilities were both a gift and a burden. Growing up in a household where his mother and grandmother were psychic, he struggled with his identity and the societal stigma attached to his gifts. Mark's path was not an easy one. Along the way, he faced addiction, homelessness and the loss of his daughter. Holding his daughter in his arms after she passed away, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening that propelled him to change his life. This moment crystallized his belief that every tragedy carries a lesson, and every loss can lead to a deeper understanding of love and life. Mark’s insights extend beyond personal anecdotes; they resonate with universal truths about the human experience. He discusses the duality of life, the necessity of facing our fears, and the importance of trust—both in ourselves and in the journey of life. Mark shares his wisdom through his book, which delves deeper into his experiences and the lessons learned along the way. His story is a reminder that while life can be filled with challenges, it is also rich with opportunities for healing, connection, and transformation. Join us for a fascinating conversation. Subscribers can enjoy exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast. To subscribe, go to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com What they're saying: “This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove “Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.” –Gary Hensel Learn more at Follow Bump on: ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ /episode/index/show/bumpintheroad/id/36512015

The Power of Community 05/08/2025

The Path of An Empath 05/06/2025

The Path of An Empath Marbeth Dunn's story is one of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. Growing up in a traditional environment in New Jersey, she took a leap of faith and ran away to Haiti with her husband, where they lived in the mountains without electricity or running water for seven years. Along the way, Marbeth found herself coping with potentially life threatening asthma which sent her on a quest to heal. In seeking to heal herself, Marbeth became a healer. Margot is also an empath. This unique ability eventually led her to develop her practice in somatic healing, which focuses on the body-mind connection. She describes somatic healing as a way to reintegrate emotions stored in the body, helping others to release trauma and find peace. She emphasizes the importance of feeling emotions rather than suppressing them, and how this process can lead to profound healing. Marbeth’s story is not just about overcoming personal struggles; it's also about embracing adventure and the unexpected paths life can take. It's a reminder that our challenges can be our greatest teachers. Marbeth encourages listeners to trust their intuition, embrace their journey, and recognize that they are not victims of their circumstances. Instead, they have the power to change their thoughts and, ultimately, their lives. Subscribers can enjoy exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast. To subscribe, go to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com What they're saying: “This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove “Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.” –Gary Hensel Learn more at Follow Bump on: ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ /episode/index/show/bumpintheroad/id/36426470