Bump In The Road

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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️     

Losing one's parent at 10 years old definitely qualifies as a bump in the road. But Marilyn Robinson has navigated this and other bumps with seeming ease. Her perspective on life is optimistic and take charge. She moves through many life phases as if it were a neighborhood walk. Something is always evolving, changing and blooming. You just have to look for it. From home schooling to a successful career, Marilyn's story is a reminder that change is inevitable, and how we respond to it defines our path. She emphasizes that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth.  'You own your life,' is a wonderful guiding mantra for all of us. Join us for this inspiring conversation that encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and find the good in the bad. Whether you're navigating personal challenges or career shifts, Marilynne's story will inspire you to embrace change with grace and optimism. Tune in now and discover the lessons that can be learned from life's bumps in the road.   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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

Where do spirituality and psychology meet? Are they polar opposites or can they complement each other? This conversation touches on the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, the importance of presence, and the use of meditation for body, mind and soul connection. Ellen talks abut meditation as a vehicle to develop conscious thought which allows one to become an observer of the mind, rather than a prisoner of ruminating, often negative thoughts. Ellen calls the latter the “Critical Witness” (that part of your brain that’s constantly finding flaws in you and your life). As one becomes an observer, the  “Benevolent Witness” can appear and be nurtured to provide an internal voice that encourages self-compassion and understanding. The world is full of distractions. It’s easy to jump from topic to topic, to multitask, and move through the day without conscious cognition of the world around us. But it’s only in the present that we can develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and foster a sense of connectedness with others. Come listen into a deep and fascinating conversation as Ellen guides us through her journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of meditation and spirituality. The second half of this amazing podcast is available to paying subscribers. You can subscribe 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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️     

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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

Menopause takes many women by surprise. Society is focused on the illusion of perpetual youth. But when menopause hits, hormones change, our bodies change and possibly the way society sees us changes as well. Lisa Triggs candidly discusses her downward spiral into depression and weight gain during her menopause years, exacerbated by life events that caused extreme stress. She realized that she needed to change the narrative. Self-love, according to Lisa, is essential during menopause. Many women find themselves lost, caring for others while neglecting their own needs. Lisa emphasizes that it is crucial to reconnect with our inner selves, to love ourselves regardless of our physical changes. This realization was pivotal for her and can be for many others as well. Through her journey, Lisa learned three invaluable lessons that she wishes to share: First, prioritize self-love. Second, practice patience with yourself, as healing is a process. Lastly, focus on finding joy in your life, as it can be a powerful catalyst for change.   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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️     

Marijuana is legal. It's safe. Or is it? Rayond Wiggins questions the safety of this widely used drug, both from his professional and personal experience. On the personal side, Raymond has witnessed the devastating effects of substance abuse within his family. Professionally he has administered nearly 30,000 general anesthetics, which point to the increased drug tolerance and mental health issues he has observed in marijuana users. According to Raymond, 30% of marijuana users develop an addiction and that this figure rises to 46% among young people. The physical and mental health complications associated with marijuana, including decreased IQ, increased anxiety, and even a rise in domestic violence rates accompany this increase in use. Marijuana use has more than tripled since 2010. Raymond argues that the push for legalization often overlooks the societal costs associated with increased marijuana use, including healthcare expenses and the impact on public safety. Statistics, he says, matter. And the statistics are not good. How we can collectively work towards a healthier understanding of marijuana and its implications in our lives? What is safe? What are the long term effects? Or is it all ok?   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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

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: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️