Substack subscribers can dive into exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast! To join the adventure, head to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com. Follow Bump on YouTube @BumpInTheRoadPodcast!

Dean Rudoy believes in storytelling as a bridge to understanding and connections, because it's through our emotions that we truly grasp events and each other.

Dean's life has taken numerous turns. In his own words:

After graduating college in 1971 from The Johns Hopkins University, I was off to Washington DC to stop the war, working with various peace groups and US Senators. I published two books -- Violence: The Crisis of American Confidence (1971) and Armed and Alone: The American Security Dilemma (1972).

In New York City, following my training at the New York University-Bellevue Medical Center, I received my doctorate in clinical psychology from Fordham University in 1985. I then practiced, with a focus on children and adolescents. In 1989, I left the gruff embrace of Manhattan for the tender hold of the New Mexico desert to teach, practice, speak, and write.

All along the way, I have been devoted to causes: children, peace, social justice, human rights. I have been a consultant to national and international organizations, and have sat on various non-profit boards. I currently serve on the Board of Trustees of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.

Fifty years have passed since publishing my first book. I thought it was time for another. Emissaries: Stories and Reflections is a collection of sixty stories lived and lessons learned over all these years. It is "a quiet book for chaotic times".

Join us on a walk through time and discover how the art of storytelling can illuminate your path and deepen your connections with those around you. Whether you're seeking inspiration, reflection, or simply a moment of connection, Dean Rudoy's insights will resonate long after the episode ends.

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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It takes courage to look within for the answers to life's bumps. And Julie Parker has shown that courage again and again.

Where did it lead her?

To a place of happiness at the intersection of mental health, relationships, and personal growth.

Julie recounts her own experiences with psychosis and how these challenges have shaped her perspective on life and relationships. She looks at her own self-discovery and the courage that was required to confront her own inner demons. The progress wasn't always linear. Of her setback she says: "I want to take relapses and reinterpret them as steps forward" .

Our conversation ranges from psychology to AI to the impact of social media on our relationships and mental well-being. Is it creating barriers to genuine human interaction? And if so, what is the antidote?

This is a deep and far ranging discussion about our mental health, awareness and the courage to embrace it all. It's about resilience and connection and how to find meaning in the bumps along the 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:

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Substack subscribers can dive into exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast! To join the adventure, head to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com. Follow Bump on YouTube @BumpInTheRoadPodcast!

Can a simple act of kindness make a difference?

The #PinkSocks saga says yes.

Nick began gifting these rather odd looking pink socks to people he met, sparking conversations and creating connections. The hashtag #PinkSocks quickly gained traction, and before long, the movement became a symbol of love and kindness. Over 300,000 pairs of pink socks have been gifted worldwide, each representing a moment of connection between individuals. Th original podcast with Nick can be found here.

Nick's new book PINKSOCKS: How a Pair of Socks Became a Symbol of Love and Connection is a compilation of PinkSocks stories. The stories underscore our collective need to slow down, to recognize a moment of human connection and to be present in it. Because in our presence, we create a legacy of not just connection, but care.

As we navigate a world filled with distractions and noise, the message of Pink Socks Life is clear: choose love, be kind, and take the time to connect with those around you. Tune in to this inspiring episode to hear more about Nick's journey and the powerful impact of showing up with love and kindness.

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:

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Substack subscribers can dive into exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast! To join the adventure, head to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com. Follow Bump on YouTube @BumpInTheRoadPodcast!

One of the key takeaways from this episode is that nobody is coming to push you toward your goals; it's entirely up to you to take that first step. Chris reflects on his own experiences, illustrating how he turned his life around by reprogramming his subconscious mind. One of his greatest motivators was the story of a boy with cerebral palsy who defied the odds, showcasing the incredible potential we all have to change our circumstances through belief and determination.

Taking charge of one's life may seem daunting at times. A shift towards positivity helps. As does careful screening of the information we take in. As the old saying goes, "garbage in, garbage out." What does one choose to read, watch and believe?

This episode is not just about motivation; it's about empowerment. It's a reminder that we have the ability to shape our realities and that our experiences, no matter how challenging, can lead us to a place of strength and wisdom. And it all starts by looking within.

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:

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Substack subscribers can dive into exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast! To join the adventure, head to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com. Follow Bump on YouTube @BumpInTheRoadPodcast!

"Paris is always a good idea." -from Sabrina

And so it was that Margie Goldsmith headed to Paris to pursue her passion for writing and filmmaking. Add in a bit of romance, and you have an adventure for all times.

But most importantly, Paris set the stage for a lifetime of adventure and recognition in music, writing and film, pushing her boundaries for personal transformation. Margie went on to write for Business Jet Traveler, Wine, Dine & Travel, and Food and Travel contributor has published over 1,000 articles for Forbes.com, O the Oprah Magazine, Bloomberg Pursuits, Robb Report, Saturday Evening Post, Travel and Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, The Globe & Mail and many others. She's won 101 writing awards including the coveted Lowell Thomas SATW Gold Award, Lowell Thomas Bronze Journalist of the Year Award, four Eddie and Ozzie Folio Awards, and multiple honors from ASJA, NATJA, the Solas Award, Travel Classics Award, and OWAA. She's produced movies and music, and so much more.

Margie's accomplishments are many, but perhaps her favorite tales are from travel where she learned valuable lessons about compassion and humanity. Margie exemplifies one of my favorite sayings: "Always have a good tale to tell."

My paid Substack subscribers can watch a special behind the scenes conversation with this amazing woman. Subscribe here.

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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John Kammer started his career in cybersecurity, protecting data, privacy, and trust in the digital world. But his path took a deeply personal turn into the world of grief. Today, he's a grief support innovator using AI to build tools that honor loss with care—prioritizing dignity, privacy, and human vulnerability over shortcuts or exploitation.

Substack subscribers can dive into exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast! To join the adventure, head to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com. Follow Bump on YouTube @BumpInTheRoadPodcast!

In this episode, we explore how John's security background shapes his approach to protecting people in their most fragile moments, and how AI can support grief without ever replacing real human connection. We also dive into how his lived experience—marked by profound loss—led him to create technology that meets people in the quiet space between pain and expression.

John is the founder of Guardian [AI]ngels, a platform designed for private, meaningful conversations with those we've lost. Born from his own struggle after losing close friends, the tool offers a way to say what was left unsaid. This conversation touches on grief, masculinity, trust, and the future of ethical, compassionate technology—designed not just to function, but to truly serve the human soul.

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:

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➡️ Facebook

➡️ Substack

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Substack subscribers can dive into exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast! To join the adventure, head to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com. Follow Bump on YouTube @BumpInTheRoadPodcast!

Greg has faced multiple health challenges, including autoimmune diseases and chronic illness.

Part of what helped Greg pull through was simple-or not so simple-gratitude as he was forced to recognize and appreciate the "small things", like the ability to walk or breathe.

In an effort to heal, many people find answers outside of traditional medicine. So did Greg, and his explorations took him to Japan and an unusual set of healing modalities: hydrogen therapy and truly clean water.

If you're seeking inspiration or guidance on your own health journey, this episode offers valuable insights into finding happiness and healing through gratitude and self-awareness. And of course, hydrogen.

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

Substack subscribers can dive into exclusive, extended conversations from this podcast! To join the adventure, head to BumpInTheRoad.Substack.com. Follow Bump on YouTube @BumpInTheRoadPodcast!

The journey of personal evolution can be both daunting and liberating. In this episode, we delve deep into the experiences of individuals navigating the challenges of chronic illness, resilience, and self-discovery. Our guest, Heidi, shares her powerful story of transformation, beginning with her battle against chronic illness that started in 2011.

After years of feeling trapped by her illness and the limitations it imposed, Heidie Blackie reached a turning point. In a moment of introspection, she recognized that her beliefs about healing were holding her back. 'If I don't believe, I can't heal,' she realized, marking the beginning of a profound shift in her mindset.

This story is about the importance of self-awareness and the courage it takes to confront our beliefs. Small actions add up and mindset is everything. And along the waits often discomfort that catalyzes our evolution and transformation.

Heidi personifies the path of turning your struggles into strength. Whether you're navigating your own challenges or seeking inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights into the journey of becoming your best self.

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:

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