The Carrot and The Stick

At 51 years old, Chris Cornell (@BiggestComeback on X) found himself weighing 278 pounds, struggling to regain control of his health and fitness. Despite decades of trying various methods, nothing seemed to work. That was until he reached out to a doctor friend who recommended Gary Taubes's book, "Why We Get Fat."   This book was the catalyst Chris needed. It introduced him to the concept of a low carbohydrate diet, which ultimately helped him lose 80 pounds of body fat sustainably. But more than the diet, it was the act of reaching out for help and receiving personalized advice that made a significant impact. Chris learned the importance of seeking guidance and the value of a supportive community. Over the next six years, Chris not only maintained his weight loss but also applied the principles he learned to other aspects of his life. He built a following of nearly 50,000 people on Twitter, sharing his journey and helping others with their struggles. His story took another turn in October 2018 when he was diagnosed with cancer. The mental and physical resilience he developed during his weight loss journey played a crucial role in his fight against cancer. Chris's journey is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to make meaningful changes in your life. Whether you're struggling with weight, health issues, or simply looking for inspiration, his story offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to the podcast episode to hear more about Chris's incredible transformation and the lessons he's learned along the 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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

  Dr. Sarah Michaud is a clinical psychologist who has worked in the recovery field for over thirty years. She is the author of the book  She has been sober for over forty years and brings her compassion, humor, wisdom, directness and insight to support folks on their journey of recovery. She recently launched a you tube channel called Leaving Crazytown with her sober, attorney buddy Finn . They discuss all things codependency and addiction while having lots of laughs. This podcast touches upon major themes such as the illusion of control, practical tools for recovery and self-awareness, the need for emotional recognition and the role of joy in creating your best life. For , Sarah and I continue our discussion Don’t miss this candid discussion!     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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

This episode is about getting out of your comfort zone to realize your dreams, using the Oxcart Technique developed by Terry Fossum. The Oxcart Technique is based on the principles of prospect theory, developed by Kahneman and Tversky in 1979. This states that people are more motivated to avoid pain than to seek pleasure. Terry’s method involves creating a failure scenario alongside a success scenario, thereby leveraging both positive and negative emotions to drive action. This dual approach ensures that individuals remain motivated even when the allure of positive outcomes is not enough. Where did this technique get its name? From a story about a farmer and an ox. How can the farmer motivate the ox to pull a cart? A carrot dangled in front of the ox provides motivation, assuming he’s hungry. But if he’s not, the ox needs an extra prod. A stick held by the farmer driving the ox and cart provides that motivation. And between the carrot and the stick lies motivation. Ready to take the first step to creating your own carrot and stick? Listen to the full episode now and start your journey towards achieving your dreams. Visit for more on Terry Learn more about Terry 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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

Joel Dubin is a retired cybersecurity consultant who has spent decades navigating the corporate world. Joel’s experiences have culminated in his hilariously insightful book, The book is a satirical guide on what not to do in business. Joel’s first chapter, aptly titled “If it makes sense, don’t do it”, sets the tone for the rest of the book. He shares anecdotes that highlight the absurdity of over-complicating simple tasks, such as needing multiple meetings to approve adding a column to a spreadsheet. Joel’s stories are both relatable and eye-opening. His insights extend beyond humor, offering valuable lessons on what to look for in a company and when it’s time to move on. Joel’s book is available on Amazon, and you can also find more about his work on his website, dysfunctionalcompany.com. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, s a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the often chaotic world of corporate life with a smile.     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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️ 

Charlynne's life is a testament to the incredible things that can happen when you embrace faith, courage, and adventure. Charlynne'is a minister, life coach, and military chaplain. Her faith is a key component of how she views the world and how she trusts to take on incredible adventures. From narrowly avoiding a beheading to the landscapes of Greece, Charlynne's story is one of embracing life. She finds both adventure and wisdom in travel which she shares in her book "," I find Charlynne to be a kindred spirit in many ways and I think you will too. Dive into this podcast with an open mind, an open heart and a sense of adventure.     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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

Minding Your Mindset   Gina Kunadian’s story is one  of childhood trauma, substance abuse, and  transformation.  It’s also a story about how controlling our internal narrative also controls, and can rtansform, our life. Gina’s family life was less than ideal. Her father died when she was young and she grew up with years of molestation. As a teen she started using the drug ecstasy. What started as a means to fit in and numb her pain descended into a dependency on alcohol that took over her life. By the time she was married and a mother, Gina’s alcohol consumption had escalated to a point where she needed a fifth of vodka daily just to function. Despite multiple attempts at recovery, including outpatient programs and rehab, Gina’s battle with alcohol seemed insurmountable. It wasn’t until a moment of profound despair and a severe bout of pancreatitis that she truly confronted the reality of her situation. The stark warning from her doctor that continued drinking would lead to her death within ten years was the wake-up call she needed. Her mindset changed. Gina’s path to recovery wasn’t just about quitting alcohol; it was about transforming her entire mindset. With the help of a mentor, she delved into yoga, fitness, and a women’s mentorship program focused on mindset. This holistic approach helped her rebuild her self-worth, change her limiting beliefs to create a new mindset, and cultivate a deep sense of self-love and compassion. Today, Gina is an alcohol-free sobriety coach dedicated to helping driven women break free from their alcohol dependency. Through her coaching and her podcast, “Shine Within,” she provides a platform for women to share their stories and find support in their journeys toward creating their own healing mindset.     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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️     

This is about medicine outside of the box. In this episode I welcome back Dr. Tonia Winchester, a naturopathic doctor, to explore the transformative power of thought. Her new book “y” explores our relationship with thought and consious choice. introduces a seven-step process designed to help individuals shift from self-criticism to positive thinking. This method emphasizes the importance of awareness in our daily thought patterns, which can often act as obstacles to our well-being. With an estimated 6,000 thoughts a day, many of which are repetitive, Dr. Winchester highlights the power of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) in changing these patterns. The conversation dives into various techniques, such as the “visual swish,” which involves replacing negative thoughts with empowering imagery, and the practice of peripheral vision to calm the nervous system. These strategies are designed to help individuals intercept and interrupt unhelpful thought patterns, paving the way for new, positive neural pathways. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that not only offers practical tools for personal growth but also inspires a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection. Listen now and start your journey towards a more mindful and compassionate way of living. New cover, Same award winning text     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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️     

The risk of non-conformity may not be as great as it’s perceived. Sure, you don’t fit in. But who wants to fit in? Erica Elliot’s journey took her from Navajo country to South America, from mountain climbing to medicine. But (of course!) traditional medicine didn’t work for this extraordinary woman and doctor and events forced to look at healing in a new light. Erica’s journey is one of self realization. It’s about following your intuition, heart and soul to craft a unique path for an extraordinary life. Most of all it’s about taking risks and recognizing one’s strengths. I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I did.   New cover, same award winning text. 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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

Creating Living Memories   How do you keep the memory of a loved one alive? Ken lost his wife Sherry to pancreatic cancer. The void left in his life is indescribable. How could he keep her memory alive, especially during the holidays? The Answer: a heartfelt children's book titled "Christmas Sun." Ken's tale is one of transformation, from a husband and caregiver to a storyteller with a mission. After losing Sherry ,  Ken faced the daunting reality that his grandchildren would never meet their grandmother. This realization sparked a creative endeavor to immortalize Sherry’s spirit and warmth in a children's book. "Christmas Sun" is more than just a story; it's a legacy. It tells the tale of a Polar Bear family, capturing the essence of family bonds and the power of memory. Through this book, Ken not only keeps Sherry's memory alive but also offers a tool for others to do the same with their loved ones. The book is designed to be a part of family traditions, encouraging readers to share stories and memories as they decorate their Christmas tree. He has also created a Christmas ornament to go with creating a family tradition of remembrance. Join us in this episode as we explore the themes of love, legacy, and the importance of keeping our loved ones' memories alive. Ken's story is a reminder that even in the face of loss, we can find ways to honor and celebrate the lives of those we've lost. Listen to the full episode to be inspired by Ken's journey and discover how you can keep the memory of your loved ones alive for future generations.         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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

Why am I publishing this episode, this week? Because so many of us are spending time with our families over Thanksgiving and will be facing familial patterns that may or may not suit us in our current lives. IMO, all families are dysfunctional in one manner or another. What were the quirks of yours? How has that impacted your life? Modern life can be overwhelming and we usually don’t pause to reflect on our habits or family dynamics until something breaks. In this episode, Andrea Arlington talks about her path to recognizing the patterns that were working, those that weren’t and demonstrating the power to change her family’s trajectory. Andrea’s journey is not one for the faint of heart. It involves the tumultuous world of celebrity, the unforgiving glare of the media, and the personal battles that come with addiction. Her daughter, once on the front page of the LA Times for burglarizing Orlando Bloom’s home, became the catalyst for Andrea’s awakening. “I was a broken child in an adult body trying to be a parent, which wasn’t a good combination.”​ -Andrea Arlington Facing the reality of her daughter’s opioid addiction and her own crumbling life, Andrea began to peel back the layers of generational trauma and emotional neglect that had shaped her existence. This episode is a raw and honest exploration of the depths to which addiction can take a person and the heights one can reach through genuine self-reflection and therapeutic work. Andrea’s story is interwoven with powerful insights into the nature of shame, trauma, and the illusion of control. She shares her understanding of how setting boundaries, practicing nonviolent communication, and fostering empathy can transform relationships and aid in recovery. Andrea’s experience as a model, actress, and mother brings a unique perspective to the discussion of self-worth and the societal pressures that can lead to substance use and addiction. Listeners will find themselves moved by Andrea’s courage to confront her past, change her narrative, and use her experiences to help others. Her work with families and individuals struggling with addiction shows that it is possible to break the cycle of generational trauma and build a life filled with purpose and connection.   Listen here or     New Cover, Same Award Winning Text   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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️