Have you ever felt like you're running through life, chasing goals, and suddenly, you hit a bump in the road? Ben Katt is a man who experienced just that. Ben was in his early thirties, a father to three young children, and a founder of three community startups. His life was full of purpose, yet one rainy morning in Seattle, while running around a familiar lake, he was stopped in his tracks by a profound inner voice that said, "If you don't have your heart, you have nothing."

Ben's midlife crisis was set off by the societal pressures to achieve, the perfectionist streak, and the need for approval that can lead even the most purpose-driven individuals to lose themselves. Ben's shares his personal story of burnout and the transformative journey that followed in his book, "The Way Home."

Throughout the conversation, we explore the non-linear nature of life and the fallacy of the linear path society expects us to follow. We touch on mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling as tools to help navigate the liminal spaces of uncertainty one encounters through these transitions. The simple act of presence and how it can open up creativity, intuition, and ultimately, a more fulfilling existence is explored.

While all our journeys are unique, often our experiences are not. This is a thoughtful primer on mid-life crisis that we can all relate to no matter our age.

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

Dr. Jennifer Nash is a business leadership consultant and author of "Be Human. Lead Human," a guide for leaders who aspire to create more empathetic, connected, and high-performing teams. Jennifer’s framework provides actionable steps to develop relational skills that are vital for modern leadership.

Jennifer grew up in the Midwest and worked her way through school, eventually finding herself in a career where she felt unnoticed and undervalued. It wasn’t until she encountered a leader who truly saw her as a human being that her life took a transformative turn. This pivotal experience led her to question why more leaders don’t foster environments where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. Driven by this question, Jennifer pursued an MBA and a PhD, diving deep into the intricacies of leadership and human connection.

Her consulting business and subsequent book, "Be Human. Lead Human," are the culmination of her research and experiences. The book is structured around relatable stories and practical tools that help leaders understand and implement behaviors that make their teams feel appreciated and connected.

A particularly striking part of our conversation was Jennifer’s discussion on the concept of "mattering." Drawing from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, she explained how crucial it is for individuals to feel that they matter both at work and in their personal lives. This sense of mattering can significantly impact motivation and purpose, which are essential for a fulfilling life.

This book is written for business leaders but it's applicable to all of us. In a world of technology we have to remember the human element and its importance.

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

Mike Hassell was born into a family of engineers. He followed the expected path, earning his degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech. However, he soon realized that his education was narrowly focused on his profession, leaving little room for his broader interests in philosophy, humanities, and the arts.

This realization led Mike to pivot his career towards publishing, focusing on the great ideas of history, including economics, philosophy, science, religion, and political thought. At around 40 years old, while working on a series about the moral problems of our age, Mike experienced a profound "aha" moment. He recognized that many of these issues—war on terrorism, drugs and alcohol, love and sexuality, abortion, and euthanasia—were not problems with clear-cut solutions.

This epiphany became the foundation for his book, "Deep Trade-Offs," which explores the inherent conflicts and choices we make without even realizing it. For instance, Mike discusses the trade-off between focus and sensitivity, using his own experience with his son's attention disorder to illustrate how different people navigate these conflicting aspects of attention.

In this episode we touch upon various thought-provoking topics, including the balance between ideals and reality, the role of intuition in seeking truth, and the importance of personal relationships in resolving conflicts. Mike's insights remind us that life is full of complex, often conflicting choices, and understanding these deep trade-offs can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life.

Mike's journey and his thoughtful reflections on life's moral and philosophical dilemmas offer valuable lessons for us all. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the trade-offs that shape our lives and how we can navigate them more consciously.

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

This is a “how to” on surviving a divorce for your best benefit.

For Stacie Shifflett, the implosion of her 28-year marriage felt like shattering into a million pieces. She likened herself to Humpty Dumpty, wondering how she would ever put herself back together. Stacie’s story offers a road map for everyone going through the dissolution of a marriage.

Stacie’s journey began with the shock and grief of her marriage ending. Despite initiating the divorce, she never imagined it would happen. The loss of a long-term commitment and the future she had envisioned left her feeling anchorless and broken. She needed to find a way to heal.

Stacie uses the metaphor of Kintsugi to describe her healing process.In Kintsugi, broken pottery is repaired with gold, making it more beautiful and stronger than before. Stacey saw her life in the same way – as an opportunity to rebuild with intention and grace.

Stacie's path to healing integrated the concept of the present moment, learning about human nature, exploring her emotions, and expanding her perspective. She also focused on forgiveness and compassion. She learned to give grace to others and herself, recognizing that everyone is doing the best they can at any given moment. This shift in perspective allowed her to release her anger and resentment, paving the way for true healing.

Stacie's evolution to a life of mindfulness and peace offers hope and inspiration to anyone facing similar challenges. By embracing the art of Kintsugi and rebuilding with intention, we can all create a more beautiful and resilient life.

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

Joe Hippensteel is an extraordinary athlete and innovator in the field of sports medicine. From a young age, Joe was passionate about sports, but his smaller stature led him to focus on track and field, specifically the decathlon. His journey was anything but easy; it involved years of intense training, often spanning six to ten hours a day. Despite facing over 100 injuries.

Traditional methods and medical advice often fell short for Joe prompting him to experiment with his own techniques. He discovered that achieving specific ranges of motion could prevent and alleviate a wide array of injuries, from tennis elbow to migraines. This revelation was the foundation of what is now known as the Joe Hippensteel Method, a revolutionary approach that has transformed athletic training and injury rehabilitation.

Joe’s method is based on the principle of tension neutralization. By reaching certain ranges of motion, athletes and everyday individuals alike can prevent the accumulation of tension that leads to common ailments such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and even chronic migraines. His approach has garnered attention and respect from various communities, including Navy SEALs and professional athletes, who have experienced significant improvements in their performance and well-being.

Whether you’re an athlete looking to enhance your performance, someone dealing with chronic pain, or simply interested in stories of resilience, this episode is a must-listen. Joe’s insights into the world of athletic training and his revolutionary methods offers new hope and valuable lessons for all of us.

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

Mike Vasquez is a trailblazer in healthcare technology dedicated to fighting the opioid crisis.

His interest in the opioid crisis is deeply personal: his oldest son and his best friend became involved with opioids. His son’s friend died.

In response, Mike and his wife decided to create an evidence-based opioid treatment program from scratch. Fast forward 14 years, and their program has become one of the largest opioid detox centers in the world, attracting patients from across the United States.

With the success of their treatment center, they sold the program to a national firm and turned their focus to prevention. Using AI and data from hundreds of thousands of opioid cases, Mike and his team developed a technology that identifies early indicators of potential opioid addiction. By analyzing medical records for patterns, they can intervene before patients become addicted, providing crucial information to physicians to help them alter their prescribing practices.

Tune in to hear Mike’s full story and learn how AI is making a difference in the fight against opioid addiction. This episode is packed with insights, real-life experiences, and a hopeful message for the future.

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

n a world where ageism often dictates the narrative, Mariann Aalda is proving that age is not a barrier but a stepping stone to new opportunities. At 76 years of age, starring in a film showed in Cannes.

Growing up in an era where limitations were placed on young black women, Marianne defied the odds and carved out a successful acting career.

Mariann’s story is not just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about rewriting the script of what it means to be an older woman. Her solo shows, like “Occupy Your Vagina” and “Getting Old as a Bitch,” challenge societal norms and encourage women to embrace their power and sexuality at any age. Her work on Clubhouse and collaborations with younger filmmakers have opened doors to new opportunities, including her first starring role in a film at the Cannes Film Festival.

Marianne’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. Her message is clear: don’t let society dictate your worth. Instead, turn inward, discover what makes you happy, and pursue it with vigor. Whether it’s through acting, writing, or hypnotherapy, Marianne is living proof that life after 50 can be vibrant, fulfilling, and full of possibilities. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and learn how you can break free from societal expectations and live life on your terms.

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

In this episode Jim Flaherty, at the age of 89, shares his remarkable journey of embracing life with vigor, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of purpose. For Jim, age is not a barrier to productivity but an opportunity to explore new avenues and enrich one’s life.

Jim sees our period of greatest productivity moving with an aging demographic. Is 70 the new 50? Having authored five books, created a TV series, and penned a screenplay, Jim’s accomplishments in his 80s alone are a testament to his philosophy of lifelong learning and creativity. His message is clear: life is full of transitions, and each phase brings new opportunities for growth.

Jim talks about the importance of community and connection, especially for seniors. He advocates for reaching out to others, volunteering, and engaging in activities that foster companionship. His belief that “what you give, you get back” underscores the value of kindness and generosity in building meaningful relationships.

Jim also challenges the traditional notion of retirement, suggesting that this stage of life should be redefined as a time for continued contribution and mentorship. His approach to aging is not about slowing down but about finding new ways to contribute and stay relevant.

For those feeling stuck or uninspired, Jim encourages introspection to discover one’s true passions, urging listeners to

This episode is a powerful reminder that aging is not a decline but an evolution. Jim’s infectious enthusiasm and wisdom offer a blueprint for embracing life at any age with joy, purpose, and a commitment to making a difference. Listen to the full episode to be inspired by Jim’s journey and learn how you too can live a life full of vitality and meaning.

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