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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?

It's an Award Winning, Amazon best selling book!

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 BumpInTheRoad.us

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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.

It's an Award Winning, Amazon best selling book!

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 BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

➡️ Twitter

➡️ Facebook

➡️ Substack

➡️ Instagram

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Subscribers can enjoy exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast. To subscribe, go to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com

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 BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com

It's an Award Winning, Amazon best selling book!

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 BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

➡️ Twitter

➡️ Facebook

➡️ Substack

➡️ Instagram

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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, “Fish Dreams: A Mother’s Journey from Curing Her Son from Autism to Loving Him as He Is“, 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.

It's an Award Winning, Amazon best selling book!

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 BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

➡️ Twitter

➡️ Facebook

➡️ Substack

➡️ Instagram

➡️ YouTube

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.

It's an Award Winning, Amazon best selling book!

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 BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

➡️ Twitter

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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

It's an Award Winning, Amazon best selling book!

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 BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

➡️ Twitter

➡️ Facebook

➡️ Substack

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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 BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com/subscribe.

It's an Award Winning, Amazon best selling book!

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 BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

➡️ Twitter

➡️ Facebook

➡️ Substack

➡️ Instagram

➡️ YouTube