The Great Detour

In this episode of The Great Detour™ podcast, Jess speaks with Matt Carnaghi, founder of Dubset Running Collective. They explore the importance of community and movement in navigating life's transitions. Matt shares how he transformed his passion for running into a collective that supports personal growth and the local community. They discuss the impact of Dubset on its members, celebrating personal achievements, and the inclusive nature of the club which operates with a mantra to celebrate movement. Matt emphasizes the importance of giving your all when starting a new project and shares his firsthand experience in building the collective from the ground up. This episode highlights the broader impact of surrounding oneself with a supportive community and staying true to one's values and how it can lead to the creation of something truly transformative.

About Matt Carnaghi:
 
Matt Carnaghi is the founder of Dubset Running Collective, a dynamic running community based in White Plains, NY. With a deep passion for fostering connection and promoting movement, Matt has created a space where runners of all levels come together to challenge themselves and form meaningful friendships. By day, he is a special education teacher who brings the same dedication and energy to his classroom as he does to his running community.

A dedicated runner himself, Matt has completed three marathons and remains an active member of the growing community he built. Guided by a growth mindset, he is always striving for personal improvement while supporting and connecting with his fellow runners. Through Dubset Running Collective, Matt not only inspires others to embrace the transformative power of running but also strengthens local connections by partnering with small businesses, fostering a vibrant and supportive community both on and off the road.

For more information on Dubset Running Collective:

Website: www.Dubset.net
Instagram: @dubset_running_collective 

Learn more about The Great Detour™

Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour 

In this episode of The Great Detour™ podcast, Jess welcomes Vanessa Dias, Co-founder and CEO of Able Athletics, a nonprofit that creates inclusive sports opportunities for children with high support needs. Vanessa shares her personal journey through her daughter's rare genetic diagnosis, how it inspired her to build a community focused on acceptance and empowerment, and the significance of teaching inclusion. Jess and Vanessa discuss the impact of Able Athletics on the community, the educational approaches they use, and the importance of community support for families navigating similar challenges. The episode emphasizes the power of resilience, community, and transforming life's hardships into meaningful change.

Vanessa Dias is the Co-founder and CEO of Able Athletics, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children with disabilities and support needs through adaptive sports programming. Inspired by her daughter Elle’s diagnosis with MED13L syndrome, Vanessa turned a deeply personal journey into a mission to create inclusive opportunities for youth of all abilities. Through Able Athletics, she not only provides life-changing sports experiences but also leads educational initiatives to foster empathy and awareness in volunteers, paving the way for a more inclusive future. A former nurse, Vanessa brings compassion, resilience, and a commitment to community into everything she does.

Learn more about Able Athletics:

Website: https://Ableathletics.org/

Instagram: @Ableathleticsorg 

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

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

In this first episode of The Great Detour™ podcast, host Jess Prudhomme welcomes Ryan Benz, an authenticity strategist, speaker, and best-selling author of Wander: A Memoir of Letting Go and Walking 2,000 Miles to a Meaningful Life. Ryan’s incredible journey of leaving the corporate grind to hike the Appalachian Trail is a testament to the power of stepping away from convention and embracing the unknown.

Ryan shares the pivotal moments that led him to leave behind a "successful" life for one filled with purpose and meaning. Along the way, he learned transformative lessons about mindfulness, embracing uncertainty, and hiking his own hike—both on and off the trail.

In this episode Jess and Ryan discuss:

• How stepping off the beaten path can lead you to a life of alignment and purpose.
• The role of mindfulness and stillness in navigating life’s challenges.
• Why “hike your own hike” is more than a trail motto—it’s a mantra for authentic living.
• How to let go of societal expectations and focus on your unique journey.
• Practical strategies for slowing down, tuning into your intuition, and taking the next step—even when the destination feels out of reach.

About Ryan Benz:

Ryan Benz is a bestselling author, speaker, and authenticity strategist dedicated to helping individuals and teams explore the power of authenticity to inspire growth, build resilience, and lead with purpose.

After over a decade as a successful brand strategist, Ryan found himself at a crossroads, unfulfilled despite external success. He made a bold decision to leave his career behind and embark on a transformative 2,000-mile journey along the Appalachian Trail. This life-changing adventure became the foundation for his memoir, Wander: A Memoir of Letting go and Walking 2,000 Miles to a Meaningful Life, and inspired his mission to help others reconnect with their values, align with their authentic selves, and walk their own path with intention.

Through keynotes, workshops, and one-on-one guidance, Ryan empowers individuals and teams to embrace authenticity and uncover their potential in both life and work.

To learn more about Ryan Benz and Wander:

• Website: www.RyanBenz.com
• Instagram: @aroundthebenzadventures

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

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

Officially launching on February 5, 2025!

Welcome to The Great Detour™ podcast, a space where we explore life’s unplanned paths together. I’m Jess Prudhomme, your host, and this podcast is inspired by my own journey navigating the detours that have shaped and challenged me in ways I never imagined. Through these experiences, I’ve come to believe that the most unplanned journeys often lead us closer to our most empowered and authentic selves.

I’ll be sharing stories of resilience, growth, and healing—both my own and from incredible guests across all walks of life. The show will also include episodes on practical tools and resources to help you navigate the challenges that come with life’s changes. Together, we’ll dive into heartfelt conversations about how these moments redefine us and help us discover meaning, connection, and strength along the way. I can’t wait to take this journey with you.

Learn more about The Great Detour®:

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