Bold Journeys Podcast

Divine Intervention: Finding Joy After Trauma and Homelessness

Josette Pelatan's story is a study in grit, faith, and the long road back from trauma. Born into addiction, adopted across an ocean, and later navigating life in the U.S. alone at sixteen, she carried years of anger, complex PTSD, and misdiagnosed illness while pushing herself through school, advanced degrees, and relentless adversity. In this conversation, Josette opens up about surviving a drug‑facilitated rape, years of neurological symptoms dismissed as "mental health," and the eventual diagnosis of relapsing MOGAD that reframed her entire medical history. She also shares the 2022 moment she calls divine intervention—a turning point that sparked her healing, her creative work, and her commitment to rebuilding her life while homeless. We talk about what real support looks like, why resilience is never just willpower, and how purpose‑driven routines—breathwork, meditation, visualization, gratitude—became her daily anchors. Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today. * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco [https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ [https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/] * Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnBtYWZYN1NfS05JelRVZUVMX0pSTWNZUkt1Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuVlZtTlVkMWJhUFNic2hhU2hfLUtscGE2ZDdBYVd6LWI5U0h3cHdZcGxrMzBXb2dBWGtrU08wRGstMUU2T0RCN2pSX2dfTXVrVU1QcUlUU0hDU1pRLUVTZVBkN3NqelVNdjdENHFvenp0d2FPVlZ2QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fboldjourneys.co%2Fsubscribe%2F&v=5GSeznRH1Sc] Chapters 00:00 Adoption and Absent Father 03:35 Meeting Josette and Her Duality 07:40 Childhood in France Begins 13:12 Grandfather Anchor and Boarding School 18:34 Texas at 16 Cowgirl Life 22:55 From Jobs to Higher Education 24:43 Assaults and Breaking Point 31:08 Mystery Illness and Diagnosis 35:58 Turning Point – Divine Intervention 39:04 Forgiveness and Daily Practices 44:10 Homelessness and Street Reality 52:36 Omnist Faith And Discernment 59:04 Breathwork And Daily Routines 01:04:18 Producing Films Against Odds 01:06:25 Disability Fight And Purpose 01:16:12 Unconditional Love For Healing

How to Stay Resilient & Optimistic: Lessons from a Mindfulness Guru

Hit by a COVID‑related brain stroke, the doctors told Professor M.S. Rao he wouldn't survive. Then when he does survive, but is left paralyzed on his right side, doctors told him he would never walk again. He refused to accept that ending. In this episode, Rao shares how disciplined self‑talk, a steady spiritual foundation, and a lifetime of resilience helped him rebuild his body and re‑shape his future—one determined step at a time. An Indian Air Force veteran, author of 55 books, and longtime advocate for mindfulness and mental health, Rao opens up about the forces that shaped him: a difficult childhood, the structure and cultural tolerance forged in the military, and the daily practices that anchor his optimism. He explains how concepts like dharma, karma, and service guide his choices, why he believes "life is an echo," and how gratitude, empathy, and ethical living became non‑negotiables in his recovery. In this episode, we explore: * How disciplined inner dialogue helped him survive and recover * The mantra he repeated when fear and doubt closed in * Why fitness, structure, and service became the backbone of his resilience * How karma and dharma shape his approach to leadership and healing * The role of gratitude, empathy, and respect in rebuilding a meaningful life Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco [https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ [https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/] Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnBtYWZYN1NfS05JelRVZUVMX0pSTWNZUkt1Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuVlZtTlVkMWJhUFNic2hhU2hfLUtscGE2ZDdBYVd6LWI5U0h3cHdZcGxrMzBXb2dBWGtrU08wRGstMUU2T0RCN2pSX2dfTXVrVU1QcUlUU0hDU1pRLUVTZVBkN3NqelVNdjdENHFvenp0d2FPVlZ2QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fboldjourneys.co%2Fsubscribe%2F&v=5GSeznRH1Sc] Chapters 00:00 Subconscious Survival 05:50 Dalai Lama Foreword 07:46 Toxic Childhood 13:12 Air Force Lessons 17:00 COVID Stroke Ordeal 21:33 No Doubt Mindset 25:44 Hinduism Dharma Karma 37:29 Writing After Stroke 41:14 Reincarnation and Karma 50:26 Gratitude Daily Ritual 57:08 Final Advice and Wrap Up

From Shame to Strength: How Honesty, Community, and Courage Sparked Transformation

In this episode of Bold Journeys, I sit down with Lisa Robinson, Golden Retriever Wrangler, Weightlifting Enthusiast, and Mountain Climber. Lisa opens up about the long road from people‑pleasing and hidden shame to sobriety, adventure, and a faith rooted in love. Lisa's story is a testament to what can happen when you stop hiding, start telling the truth, and let community and challenges reshape you. Her journey reveals that transformation happens one honest step at a time, and it can happen for you too. Core Lessons Lisa Learned * Faith grounded in love is stronger than fear — Lisa no longer believes she has to choose between who she is and being loved by God. * Sobriety grows through honesty and connection — meetings, therapy, truth‑telling, community, and a very loving sponsor kept her anchored. * Community shifts with each season, and each one plays a role in healing and growth. * Grit is built step by step, in life and on the mountain, through false summits, setbacks, and staying present in the climb. * Saying yes to adventure expands your world — building confidence, belonging, and a deeper sense of self. Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco [https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ [https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/] Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnBtYWZYN1NfS05JelRVZUVMX0pSTWNZUkt1Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuVlZtTlVkMWJhUFNic2hhU2hfLUtscGE2ZDdBYVd6LWI5U0h3cHdZcGxrMzBXb2dBWGtrU08wRGstMUU2T0RCN2pSX2dfTXVrVU1QcUlUU0hDU1pRLUVTZVBkN3NqelVNdjdENHFvenp0d2FPVlZ2QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fboldjourneys.co%2Fsubscribe%2F&v=5GSeznRH1Sc] Chapters 00:00 Secret Identity Struggle 03:44 Saying Yes to Adventure 07:29 First Trip and Training 17:39 Growing Up in Georgia 21:49 Church and Belonging 24:18 Coming Out and Fallout 27:18 Early Signs and Drinking Spiral 33:07 Faith and Identity Clash 35:42 Relapse and Rock Bottom 36:41 Recovery Program Deep Dive 39:12 Community Beyond Meetings 40:42 Love Over Legalism 43:17 Hiking as Healing 49:39 Rapid Fire Reflections 57:36 Final Advice and Support

Grit. Faith. Lesson From The First 10 Episodes

Ten episodes in, I'm taking a moment to pause and look at what Bold Journeys has already taught me —about grit, faith, resilience, and the power of simply beginning. Reflecting on the nine conversations with people who've pushed through fear, illness, doubt, and the unknown, I'm humbled and awed by their stories - and their courage to share them. I also want to take this moment to thank you for being part of this bold journey with me. I'd love to hear what you like about the show or what new stories you'd like to hear. Thanks! Rob Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco [https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ [https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/] Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnBtYWZYN1NfS05JelRVZUVMX0pSTWNZUkt1Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuVlZtTlVkMWJhUFNic2hhU2hfLUtscGE2ZDdBYVd6LWI5U0h3cHdZcGxrMzBXb2dBWGtrU08wRGstMUU2T0RCN2pSX2dfTXVrVU1QcUlUU0hDU1pRLUVTZVBkN3NqelVNdjdENHFvenp0d2FPVlZ2QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fboldjourneys.co%2Fsubscribe%2F&v=5GSeznRH1Sc] Chapters 00:00 - Celebrating 10 Episodes: The Milestone and Reflection 00:31 - The Heart of Bold Journeys: Sharing Stories of Courage, Faith, and Adventure 01:00 - Overcoming Challenges in Podcasting and Personal Growth 01:28 - The Intertwined Threads of Grit, Faith, and Adventure 02:27 - Daily Faith Practice & Its Role in My Journey 03:26 - Exploring Diverse Faiths and Cultural Stories 03:39 - Expanding Into New Adventures: Sailing, Climbing, Cycling & More 04:09 - Announcing Upcoming Live Podcast Studio & Interviews 04:37 - Your Voice Matters: Share Feedback and Stories You Want to Hear 05:21 - How You Can Support: Sharing Is Caring!

Overcoming Life's Hardest Challenges: Faith & the Warrior Mindset

What makes one person collapse under adversity while another rises? In this conversation, business leader turned sailor and Sailing Life Warriors founder Dave Mortell opens up about a life shaped by childhood abuse, near‑death medical crises, and the loss of his first boat and two dogs in a fire — and how faith, grit, and a long‑held dream to sail the world carried him forward. Dave's journey from trauma to the South Pacific is raw, honest, and deeply human. If you're navigating your own storms, his story will show you the life that can be carved out of pain through a warrior mindset and faith. What Dave Learned the Hard Way * Trauma can bury you or build you. His "warrior" mindset isn't bravado — it's the discipline of getting back up when life hits hard. * Healing takes time and truth. He didn't fully face his childhood abuse until maturity and mentors gave him the tools to do it. * Faith is a lifeline, not a slogan. Dave learned to talk to Jesus like a friend and trust that God wasn't finished with him — even when cancer and medical crises said otherwise. * Marriage requires presence. He regrets not supporting his wife well through miscarriages and learned that faith should never replace empathy. * Big dreams demand resilience. Losing a boat and two dogs could have ended the journey. Instead, it clarified what mattered: family, preparation, and a community built on shared values. Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who is searching for more courage and faith. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco [https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ [https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/] Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnBtYWZYN1NfS05JelRVZUVMX0pSTWNZUkt1Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuVlZtTlVkMWJhUFNic2hhU2hfLUtscGE2ZDdBYVd6LWI5U0h3cHdZcGxrMzBXb2dBWGtrU08wRGstMUU2T0RCN2pSX2dfTXVrVU1QcUlUU0hDU1pRLUVTZVBkN3NqelVNdjdENHFvenp0d2FPVlZ2QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fboldjourneys.co%2Fsubscribe%2F&v=5GSeznRH1Sc] Chapters 00:00 Two Choices Mindset 02:56 Sea Life Warrior Origin 06:45 Childhood Trauma Story 08:45 Faith After Abuse 10:44 Air Force Turning Point 16:15 Miscarriages and Marriage Strain 23:32 Aneurysm Scare and Recovery 27:15 Stage Four Melanoma Fight 34:29 Sailing Dream Origins 37:48 Quitting Career for Family Time 38:55 Choosing the First Catamaran 40:18 Cardiologist Shock and Stents 43:07 Boat Fire and Losing the Dogs 56:50 Faith and the Adventure Mindset 01:00:40 Rapid Fire Sea Stories 01:05:32 God and a Personal Relationship 01:11:43 Advice for Aspiring Cruisers