The Great Detour

In this episode, Jess is joined by Elle Davis — mother, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and author of The Art of the Bounce Back. In 2014, Elle’s life changed overnight when she became a widow at 36, left to raise her two-year-old daughter on her own. What followed was a season of deep grief, transformation, and unexpected growth.

Elle shares how she navigated solo motherhood, created space for healing, and slowly found her way forward — one small step at a time. Together, Jess and Elle talk about building resilience, honoring your own pace, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when life doesn’t go as planned.

This conversation is honest, encouraging, and full of hard-earned wisdom. If you’ve ever found yourself at a crossroads or wondered how to begin again, this episode is for you.

About Elle Davis:

LaTrice Davis, known as Elle, is a champion for change with nearly 25 years devoted to uplifting communities and empowering youth. Her journey began at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, where she discovered the transformative power of community and innovative program development. When life threw a curveball in 2009 with a layoff, Elle turned a challenge into an opportunity by launching on her own and eventually founded The Ellevate Group, LLC—a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations and individuals transform obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Her creative work has touched over 25,000 young people and helped secure more than $20 million in grant funding. Through her engaging training sessions and hands-on program development, she’s empowered thousands of youth development professionals nationwide. Elle’s collaborative spirit has led her to work with remarkable organizations such as Illinois Action for Children, The Music Center, YWCA, Teach for America, Southland RISE, and many others.

In 2014 her life changed forever when she unexpectedly lost her husband Paul and became a widow. Inspired by her own journey of overcoming personal loss, Elle shares her story of grief and resilience on stages big and small, including a TEDx talk at Babson College in 2023, about how resilience can be a superpower. Her book, The Art of the Bounce Back: 31 Days of Resilient Living, invites others to exercise their resilience and live purposefully. Elle holds degrees in social work from Creighton University and New York University and proudly serves as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., all while calling Bronzeville home with her teen daughter.

Learn More about Elle Davis, The Art of the Bounce Back, and Ellevate Group:

• The Art of the Bounce Back Book: https://www.bouncebackcrew.com
• Elle Davis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elledavisspeaks
• Ellevate Group Website: https://www.ellevategroup.us/
• Ellevate Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theellevategroup/ 
• Elle's TEDx Talk: https://bit.ly/ElleTEDxTalk 

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour
Substack: @jessprudhomme

In this week’s episode of The Great Detour™, I sit down with Jake Bushman, host of the Journey with Jake podcast, to explore how life’s unexpected turns can lead to meaningful new paths. Jake opens up about his career detour during the COVID-19 pandemic, the struggle of losing stability, and how that experience ultimately led him to discovering his passion for podcasting and storytelling.

We talk about navigating uncertainty, embracing change—even when it feels uncomfortable—and how to find resilience in the midst of difficult times. Jake also shares insights from his new chapter in Sacred Spaces Volume 3, highlighting how small shifts in perspective can create space for growth and gratitude.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or overwhelmed by uncertainty, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Jake’s inspiring journey and practical advice on getting through tough times and finding new opportunities along the way.

About Jake Bushman:

Jake Bushman is the host of Journey with Jake, a weekly podcast about adventure and how we can be inspired and overcome life’s challenges through our experiences. While he has always been drawn to adventurous stories, hosting the podcast has pushed him beyond his comfort zone, helping him embrace new experiences and perspectives. Through meaningful conversations with guests from all walks of life, Jake has discovered that adventure isn’t just about thrill-seeking—it’s about the memories we create, the resilience we build, and the lessons we carry forward. His passion for storytelling and connection continues to shape his journey, proving that some of life’s most unexpected detours lead to the greatest discoveries.

Website: https://journeywithjake.net/
Instagram: @journeywithjakepodcast

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour
Substack: @jessprudhomme

In this episode of The Great Detour™ podcast, Jess speaks with Isabel Melgarejo, founder of Tum Coeur, an organization dedicated to guiding family caregivers through the challenges of caring for loved ones. She is also the host of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, a show focused on caregiver support. 

Jess shares her personal journey of navigating her father's health challenges, while Isabel reflects on becoming a caregiver at 20 and how it shaped her mission to support others. They discuss the emotional toll of caregiving, the importance of setting boundaries, and strategies for having difficult conversations with loved ones. Isabel also emphasizes the need for self-care and building a supportive community.

This episode offers practical advice and reassurance for anyone facing the realities of caregiving.

Key Takeaways:

• Managing the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving
• Initiating essential yet difficult conversations
• Prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries
• Planning ahead to ease caregiving burdens
• Finding support and community

About Isabel Melgarejo:

Isabel Melgarejo is the founder of Tum Coeur and host of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, which is a show dedicated to supporting family caregivers. After her father’s passing in college, Isabel was thrust into a caregiving role, learning firsthand the importance of open conversations and support.

With a background in engineering and project management, Isabel developed a structured program to guide caregivers through both emotional and logistical hurdles. Passionate about balance and family connections, she approaches caregiving with compassion and practicality.

When she’s not creating senior care strategies, Isabel loves traveling and exploring new cuisines—because life is too short not to savor every moment.

Learn More about Isabel Melgarejo and Tum Coeur:

Website: https://www.tumcoeur.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tumcoeur/

A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast: https://pod.co/a-time-to-care-the-caregivers-podcast

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour
Substack: @jessprudhomme

In this episode of The Great Detour, Jess welcomes guest Janel Gonzalez, founder and host of The Rising, a podcast and community for personal transformation and self-discovery. Together, they explore how life's challenging moments can serve as catalysts for growth, discussing the importance of embracing vulnerability, navigating periods of solitude, and trusting your inner wisdom. Janel shares her journey of reclaiming inner power through her unique R.I.S.E. principles—Reflection, Intention, Simplicity, and Enjoyment—and offers practical insights for anyone on their own path to authenticity. Tune in for empowering guidance to help you turn life's detours into stepping stones on your journey toward a more aligned, resilient self.

About Janel Gonzalez:

Janel Gonzalez is a writer, mother, recovering perfectionist and reforming people-pleaser who decided to prioritize her spiritual growth in the second half of her life. She holds a Master’s in Psychology but researches different schools of thought to help others with valuable insights and tools along their personal development journey. Her approach helps others shed societal pressures and expectations to connect with their inner selves and embody a new way of being. As the host of The Rising podcast, she inspires others to rise to their higher selves and embrace a new way of being.

Learn more about Janel and The Rising:

Website: https://www.the-rising.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.rising.co/

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour
Substack: @jessprudhomme

Divorce is often seen as an ending, but what if it’s actually a new beginning?

In this episode, Jess sits down with Lulu Rios-Hollmann, a woman whose journey through divorce led her to self-reclamation, courage, and a deeper sense of purpose. Together, they explore the emotional, mental, and even societal challenges of ending a marriage—and how that moment of loss can ultimately be the catalyst for growth, confidence, and a renewed sense of self.

In this episode, Jess and Lulu discuss:

• The pivotal moment of realizing a marriage is over
• Overcoming fear and choosing courage through uncertainty
• The power of self-talk and inner child work in healing
• Redefining family, co-parenting, and breaking the stigma around divorce
•  Finding new passions and rediscovering yourself post-divorce
• How faith, community, and self-trust can guide you through life’s detours

Whether you're navigating a breakup, divorce, or any major life transition, this conversation is an invitation to see change as an opportunity for growth and reinvention.

About Lulu Rios-Hollmann:

Lulu Rios-Hollmann is an entrepreneur, mom, and advocate for personal transformation. She embraced the experience of her divorce as an act of courage and self-reclamation, rediscovering her passions through creative pursuits like joining a rock band and competing in ballroom dancing. Her journey is a testament to resilience and finding joy in life’s detours.

With a career spanning TV production, Columbia Records, and skin therapy, Lulu is now launching Lulu Skincare New York in Rye, NY. Her business reflects her mission to empower others to feel confident and radiant as they embrace their own journeys.

Learn more about Lulu Rios-Hollmann and Lulu Skincare New York:

Instagram: @luluskincarenewyork

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour
Substack: @jessprudhomme

Navigating the ups and downs of a career can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for growth. In this episode of The Great Detour™ podcast, Jess is joined by Diamond Mullings, career coach and CEO Tailor Made Growth, for a candid and empowering discussion about career transitions—whether by choice or by force.

Diamond shares her insights on how to strategically approach career pivots, why clarity is a win worth celebrating, and how to turn workplace challenges into invaluable learning opportunities. They explore the intersection of careers and personal development, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach that integrates health, wellness, and mindset.

From advice on managing job market impatience to tips for rebuilding confidence after unexpected detours, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom. If you’re considering a career change or simply looking for inspiration, Diamond’s relatable stories and practical strategies will leave you feeling hopeful and ready to take your next step.

About Diamond Mullings: 

Diamond Mullings, Owner and Coach at Tailor Made Growth, is dedicated to helping individuals access high-performing lives. With a strong foundation in career development and holistic approaches, Diamond leverages her expertise to enhance access to fulfilling careers, wellness, and community through innovative coaching, transformative training, and impactful events.

Learn more about Diamond and Tailor Made Growth:

Website: https://tailormadegrowth.com
Instagram: @tailormadegrowth

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour
Substack: @jessprudhomme

In this powerful episode of The Great Detour™ podcast, Jess shares the inspiring story of her friend Dan Carazo, a dedicated endurance athlete who has transformed his life through perseverance and resilience. Dan opens up about his battle with addiction, the toll it took on his life, and the pivotal moments that sparked his journey to recovery.

Through endurance sports and triathlons, Dan found a new purpose that became central to his sobriety and personal growth. He shares the highs and lows of his races, his training routines, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

This episode is a testament to the incredible potential for transformation when we refuse to give up. Dan’s journey from addiction to crossing finish lines is nothing short of extraordinary.

About Dan Carazo:

Dan Carazo is a shining example of resilience and transformation. Once battling addiction, Dan reached a turning point in his life that led him on a path to recovery and ultimately to the world of endurance sports. What began as a personal journey to rebuild his health and mindset evolved into something much larger—completing his first Half Ironman, an achievement that embodies not only physical endurance but an incredible story of perseverance and growth.

Through his involvement in local sports communities, Dan discovered the power of connection, discipline, and setting ambitious goals. His journey serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story and redefine what’s possible. Whether training for his next race or sharing his experiences, Dan continues to inspire others to embrace challenges, push their limits, and find strength in the process of transformation.

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour
Substack: @jessprudhomme

In this solo episode of The Great Detour™ podcast, Jess shares her personal journey through solitude and self-discovery. Reflecting on her experiences of spending New Year's Eve alone and the transformative period following her divorce, Jess delves into the importance of being comfortable with oneself, the challenges of loneliness, and the growth that comes from spending time alone. She talks about the 'cocoon chapter' of life, the significance of listening to one's intuition and body, and the process of reevaluating friendships and social circles to align with personal well-being. Join Jess as she offers insights and encouragement for those navigating their own periods of solitude.

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour
Substack: @jessprudhomme

In this heartfelt episode of The Great Detour,™ Jess sits down with Wanda Richardson, a private chef whose life has been anything but linear. Wanda shares her incredible story of navigating love, loss, and career pivots with grace and resilience. From the devastating loss of her soulmate to a bold career shift in her 40s, Wanda takes us on a journey of transformation and self-discovery.

Wanda opens up about how she turned her pain into purpose, embracing life’s detours to find joy and authenticity. She shares her insights on following your passion, cultivating resilience, and the beauty of stepping into the unknown. Whether you're facing a loss, considering a career change, or simply seeking inspiration, Wanda's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.

Tune in for an uplifting conversation full of wisdom, laughter, and lessons that will leave you inspired to embrace your own detours.

About Wanda Richardson:

Chef Wanda, a native New Yorker now based in Greenwich, CT, transformed her life in her 40s by pursuing her lifelong passion for cooking. After the unexpected loss of her husband in the first year of their marriage, she embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery. This pivotal chapter gave her the courage to step away from a successful career in real estate and finance and embrace the uncertainty of following her true calling.

In 2015, Wanda declared her dream of becoming a private chef, and in 2016, she graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education. Her path to launching JAR Cooking Co. was anything but conventional, including teaching sushi rolling, leading cooking classes at Sur La Table and private homes, and landing her first private clients through persistence and passion.

For Chef Wanda, cooking is more than a profession—it’s a creative outlet and a way to connect with others on a deeper level. Her journey is a testament to finding growth and authenticity in life’s unexpected detours, turning challenges into opportunities to do what she loves most.

Learn more about Wanda Richardson and JAR Cooking Co.:

Website: www.jarcookingco.com

Instagram: @jarcookingco

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour
Substack: @jessprudhomme

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Great Detour™ podcast, Jess talks with her close friend, Jaime Maldonado. Jaime shares her journey of navigating life’s detours, from her experiences with infertility to rediscovering passions that light her up, including dancing, yoga, and empowering women through her travel business, SipSoulSavor.

In this episode we dive into Jaime's unique journey, including: 

• How life’s challenges shaped her path to self-discovery and authenticity
• The role of connection in her life and how she uses it to build community
• The importance of feeling emotions, balancing positivity, and learning to let go of societal expectations
• Starting SipSoulSavor, a curated travel business inspiring women to explore the world and themselves

Jaime’s story is a testament to the beauty of embracing uncertainty, finding joy in unexpected places, and using life’s detours as a path to growth. Whether you’re navigating your own detour or seeking inspiration, this conversation will leave you feeling uplifted and empowered.

About Jaime Maldonado:

Jaime Maldonado is a passionate advocate for connection, empowerment, and self-discovery. By day, she works as a hair colorist, where her daily interactions with women fuel her dedication to creating meaningful connections. Jaime channels this passion into teaching salsa and yoga, helping others find balance and joy through movement. She is also the founder of SipSoulSavor, a travel group that encourages women to explore the world and themselves. Jaime’s journey is a testament to discovering authenticity and purpose through life’s unexpected detours, including her personal experiences with resilience and growth.

Learn more about SipSoulSavor:

Instagram:@sipsoulsavor
Email: [email protected]

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour
Substack: @jessprudhomme