Stepping Out Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Subscribers can enjoy exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast. To subscribe, go to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com.   Barb's story will resonate deeply with those who have ever felt stuck or unfulfilled in their careers. Barb transitioned from a successful career in manufacturing to becoming a renowned coach and motivational speaker. She was spurred on by a class at Kripalu, a yoga retreat center, where she discovered a plethora of new possibilities. All of which were outside her comfort zone. If there is just one take away from Barb's story, it's about stepping outside your comfort zone. Barb believes that true growth happens when we embrace the unknown and challenge ourselves to explore new opportunities. Her insights are a reminder that life is not a linear path but rather a winding road filled with bumps and surprises.     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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

Subscribers can enjoy exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast. To subscribe, go to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com   Brian May, is a real estate entrepreneur turned spiritual consultant. What initiated this dramatic change in focus? Brian lost his wife Deborah  to an unexpected tragedy. Grief is one of the most difficult "bumps" to master and  Brian's candid reflections reveal that while the pain never truly disappears, it transforms over time, becoming more manageable as life continues to unfold. A nascent spirituality served as a bridge between his business and personal world. And thus Brian's outreach to the business community started.. He encourages people to embrace the lessons that come from adversity and to find strength in vulnerability. Brian's story is one that everyone can relate to. The wisdom embedded in his story offers transformation, from grief to love. Tune in to see how Brian cultivates his own transformation and what they may mean for you.   Lookig for stories about transformation and wisdom?    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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️ 

Deborah is a former pharmaceutical rep turned life coach. Her story begins on a New York City subway platform, a moment that sparked a profound change in her life. After years of pushing herself to be number one, she found herself trapped in a cycle of negativity, exhaustion, and fear. It was a wake-up call that led her to realize, 'Nothing will change unless I change.' So Deborah sought out change. She learned to live in the present and focus on what really matters—her loved ones, her health, and the little joys of life—in order to cultivate a more fulfilling existence. Deborah's journey is a testament to the fact that we all have the capacity to change our lives for the better. By embracing positivity, practicing self-awareness, and taking baby steps towards our goals, we can create a life filled with joy and meaning. Tune in to learn how you can break free from negativity and embrace a more positive, 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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

What happens to a primary care physician when he can no longer prescribe drugs? The allopathic medical model depends on pharmaceuticals, especially for pain relief. But without access to these drugs, Gary Sprouse had to re-think the way he managed chronic pain and addiction. Gary turned toward holistic medicine which meant integrating both physical and mental health strategies to help individuals achieve a better quality of life. And it changed the way he saw things. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to manage stress, improve their mental well-being, and find their own happy place. Whether you're grappling with challenges in your personal or professional life, Gary's story serves as a reminder that it's possible to navigate through adversity and emerge stronger. 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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

For behind the scenes cnoversations, subscribe on    Christine V. Davies has a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University. With over two decades of experience as a hospital chaplain, pastoral educator, cognitive behavioral therapist and healthcare administrator, Christine offers "spiritual direction" What is spiritual direction? From Christine: Some of my clients are clergy, others would never set foot in a house of worship. It is not about being religious, or even believing in God. It is about getting in touch with your spiritual side, whatever that looks like for you. You might be well established in a faith tradition or wondering how to bring more mindfulness in your everyday life. Spiritual Direction meets you wherever you are and we go from there! This conversation examines the role of spirituality connection vs religion; the impact of grief throughout our lives; and the interplay of life and death that can positively impact on our quality and understanding of our time here on Earth. This episode is a reminder of the importance of spiritual care, and the connection we all seek.      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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

  How do our secrets define us?  Everyone has a story or two they just don't tell. But Sandra Schnakenburg grew up in a family of secrets. And perhaps the greatest secret was that of her beloved housekeeper, Lee. On Lee's deathbed, she asked Sandra to write her story. Her story? Sandra had no idea what this really meant. But it prompted an investigative journey that uncovered not just Lee's fabricated past but also her family legacy of incredible wealth, poverty, and resilience across numerous generations. This story is about the power of secrets and how they shape our lives. Listen in and ask yourself how well do any of us really know each other?     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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

  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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

Subscribers can enjoy exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast. To subscribe, go to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com   Artist, educator, nonprofit leader, and author Irma Velasquez is dedicated to living from a place of presence and connection—especially in the face of adversity. Her life’s work is rooted in the ongoing journey of bridging inner and outer divides, often through turbulent terrain. Through the arts and spiritual practices, she has found ways to stay grounded, meet hardship with grace, and transform pain into purpose. Her life lessons are something we can all learn from. Irma’s story is one of resilience and renewal. She has faced and navigated barriers in the education, medical and social structures with fierce love and unwavering hope. Her memoir about her autistic child, ““, reveals a deep personal and spiritual transformation—one that moves from fixing to accepting, from struggle to spaciousness. This episode is for all of us, seeking inspiration in the human journey and some of the life lessons that go with it.     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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️