Cara Wilson-Granat was taken with Anne Frank’s story. Anne Frank, as you’ll recall, wrote about her experiences as a young jewish girl hiding from the Nazis as WWII approached. Her writings are published in the book The Diary of a Young Girl.

So when the chance for a Hollywood audition to star in the role of Ann Frank appeared, Cara leapt at the opportunity She didn’t get the role, but she did get a lifelong friend and mentor in Otto Frank, Ann Frank’s father. And that relationship changed her life.

This is a story about the love of stories, about literature and about how reaching out and following your passion can impact your life’s purpose.

You can learn more and reach Cara at WordsAtCara.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

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Phillip Blackett's journey has taken him from the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, to the bustling streets of Wall Street, and beyond. Today he is an author. His book, Disagree without Disrespect, looks at restoring this nation's traditions civil discourse.

• Disagree Without Disrespect," offers a five-step framework for navigating disagreements with empathy and respect:
• Separate the Idea from the Identity* Understand that criticizing an idea is not the same as criticizing the person who holds it. This helps prevent defensiveness and allows for a more open conversation.
• Acknowledge Two Things Can Be True* You can disagree with someone's belief while still respecting and loving them. This mindset fosters goodwill and sets the stage for constructive dialogue.
• Focus on Merits* Discuss the facts, logic, and merits of the issue at hand. Avoid name-calling, getting personal, or letting emotions derail the conversation.
• Show Appreciation* After the debate, express gratitude for the conversation. This is akin to shaking hands after a sports game, promoting good sportsmanship and preserving relationships.
• Keep the Dialogue Open** Respect and appreciate the person, regardless of whether you agree or disagree. This keeps the door open for future conversations and deepens the relationship.

Philip's insights are particularly relevant in today's often polarized world. By focusing on what we are for rather than what we are against, we can create a more positive and proactive environment for discussions. His emphasis on active listening, being present, and showing appreciation for differing perspectives offers a refreshing approach to maintaining relationships despite differences.

Tune in to this episode to hear more about Philip's journey, his book, and practical tips for civil discourse with empathy and respect. Whether you're dealing with family, friends, or colleagues, Philip's five-step framework provides valuable guidance for fostering healthier and more meaningful relationships.

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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Kathy Gardarian is the Founder and CEO of Qualis International Inc., a multi-million dollar sales and distribution company. She has served as a director on many boards, both corporate and non-profit, including Van’s Inc., The World Business Academy, Chapman University, The Gorbachov State of the World Forum, and the Woman’s Leadership Board at Harvard’s JFK School. She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Woman Business Owners, and her company Qualis International Inc. has been one of the top forty woman-owned businesses in Orange County in Southern California.

In many ways, Kathy is an old soul. She possesses wisdom that is deep and profound. She has done the inner work necessary to take charge of her life. And she uses her intuition and energy to bring love and kindness to everyone she meets. In her business and personal life she walks the walk of this philosophy.

This is a story about realizing your best life. It’s about trusting your intuition. And it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, believing in yourself, and following your passion.

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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Shaan Patel is the founder and CEO of PrepExpert, an online test preparation company that has transformed the lives of over 100,000 students. Shawn’s journey from struggling with SAT anxiety to becoming a successful entrepreneur and Shark Tank star is nothing short of inspiring.

Shawn’s story begins in the urban public schools of Las Vegas, Nevada, where he grew up in his parents’ budget motel. Despite being a good student, Shawn struggled with standardized tests, scoring just above average on his first SAT attempt. Determined to improve, he spent hundreds of hours studying in the library, eventually achieving a perfect SAT score—a feat accomplished by only 0.02% of students. This achievement opened doors to top universities and half a million dollars in college scholarships.

Driven by a desire to help other students, Shaan founded PrepExpert. He applied for and appeared on Shark Tank in 2015 where the competition was fierce. But Shaan secured a deal with Mark Cuban, who has been a valuable mentor and partner. That investment has allowed him to grow and expand his business. He has helped students secure one $100 million in scholarships, grants and financial aid for college.

Shaan’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and resilience. His story serves as an inspiration for anyone facing challenges and looking for ways to turn obstacles into opportunities. Tune in to this podcast episode to hear more about Shawn’s incredible journey and the valuable lessons he has learned 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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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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