Surrendering to the Signs

In this expansive, philosophical, and deeply grounding conversation, Laura is joined by longtime mentor, friend, and executive coach Joel Kimmel to explore one of the most fundamental questions of our time:Who are we being  and how is that shaping the world we’re living in?Drawing from near-death experiences, decades of leadership work, and a lifetime of inquiry into language and awareness, Joel shares a radically compassionate way of seeing life, one that moves beyond right and wrong, success and failure, and into honor, contribution, and presence.Together, Laura and Joel explore how language doesn’t just describe our reality, it creates it. From the difference between “to-do lists” and “to-have-happen lists,” to listening beyond the thinking mind and into the quiet intelligence of being, this episode invites listeners to slow down, soften certainty, and discover new possibilities hiding in plain sight.This is not a conversation about fixing the world but about seeing it differently, and allowing what wants to happen to unfold.What You'll Hear In This EpisodeJoel’s near-death experience and the three truths that shaped his lifeWhy who we are being matters more than what we are doingThe difference between intuition and embodied awarenessWhy teams (and families) thrive when being is acknowledgedListening to the inner voice without letting it dominateResources & LinksSelf: The Vast World Behind Our Words — Joel Kimmel & Judy KimmelVisit www.surrenderingtothesigns.com Music FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicEasy to Love - Instrumental Version _Song by Saggie Night Patterns _Song by FlorianDarklouds _Song by Out of Flux Clarity_Song by Roie Shpigler Butterfly_Song by Ian PostDreamy_Song byYehezkel Raz - Creative CutHighway - Song by Yarin Primak - - Instrumental versionNever Die- Song by Noa Lembersky - - Alternative Version

In this spacious, and deeply nourishing conversation, Laura is joined by leadership coach Nancy Larocca Hedley to explore the subtle art of completion, discernment, and listening to the body as a source of truth. Nancy brings wisdom from the world's spiritual traditions to her work with leaders, team facilitation, and leading in her community.Together they reflect on how endings are not failures, but sacred thresholds, portals into the next chapter of becoming. From leaving long-held roles and relationships, to closing chapters at work, to making space for creativity, rest, and truth, Nancy shares how honorable closure has become one of her most powerful spiritual and leadership practices.They talk about discomfort as a doorway, the difference between mental resistance and bodily knowing, the courage to have crucial conversations, and why our lives so often unfold through the unexpected rather than the planned.This episode is a gentle invitation to slow down, notice what is complete, and trust what is quietly asking to be born.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeHow Nancy learned to trust her body as her primary compassA powerful story of leaving Yahoo after a series of life signsThe subtle signals that tell us when something is no longer ours to doThe Enneagram as a tool for liberation rather than identityLaura and Nancy’s reflections on the “helper” archetype and self-careWhy discomfort is often the doorway to freedomLetting go of caffeine, alcohol, and habits that no longer serve the bodyThe difference between being busy and being availableResources & LinksThe Yamas (particularly non-stealing / right use of energy)The Enneagram (as a tool for ego awareness and freedom)Yoga philosophy and Kriya Yoga lineage (Yogananda, Roy Eugene Davis, Ellen Grace O’Brien)Visit www.surrenderingtothesigns.com Music FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicEasy to Love - Instrumental Version _Song by SaggieFold _Song by nuer selfEchoes of the Forest _Song by Thomas Ben TovWakening_Song by Shai-li PaldiWere Looking Up_Song by Chris MasonAlmanac_Song by Seth ParsonSame Side - No Lead Vocals_Song by Lemon J

In this deeply human conversation, Laura sits down with her longtime friend Tim Winters to explore the winding, painful, and ultimately transformative journey of addiction, surrender, and recovery.Tim shares his story with remarkable openness, from a teenage sense of not quite belonging, to decades of alcohol and drug use that slowly narrowed his world, to the quiet, devastating moment when he realized he could no longer save himself.He recounts the unforgettable car ride when his daughter-in-law drove him, without telling him where they were going, straight to rehab. A moment of fear, resistance, and finally surrender that would change the trajectory of his life.What unfolds is not just a story about addiction, but about identity, worthiness, masculinity, grief, spirituality, and what happens when we finally stop running and let ourselves be helped.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThis episode is a powerful reminder that healing rarely arrives the way we expect but often exactly when we are ready.How early shame and identity struggles shaped Tim’s inner worldWhy alcohol and drugs became a way to feel connected, confident, and safeThe slow progression from “social” use to silent dependencyWhy “just don’t drink today” became a life-saving reframeHow anxiety and depression lifted only after sobriety beganThe power of routine, community, and spiritual practice in recoveryHow meditation and prayer became unexpected anchorsWhat Tim wishes people understood about addiction, recovery, and compassionHow small signs and nudges now guide his life in ways they never could beforeResources & LinksAlcoholics Anonymous (AA)Father Martin’s Ashleigh House treatment centerVisit: surrenderingtothesigns.comMusic FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicMarch the Machine -  One Day - Creative CutJames Forest - EmergencyBen Winwood  - IntimacyWav Two - Sakura

In this deeply resonant and wide-ranging conversation, Laura is joined by Jana Hendrickson, executive coach, researcher, and global citizen, to explore what it truly means to follow the signs even when fear, uncertainty, and practical logic are present.Jana shares her extraordinary life journey, from growing up in East Germany with no spiritual framework, to a life shaped by intuition, somatic wisdom, faith, and profound trust in the unseen. Through vivid stories, turning away from Paris at the last moment, leaving a marriage she loved but had outgrown, years of nomadic living, and ultimately finding home. Jana illustrates how the body often knows the truth long before the mind catches up.Together, Laura and Jana reflect on the discomfort of the “in-between,” the myth of instant clarity, the role of fear as a compass, and the difference between spirituality and religion. They also explore how social media, synchronicity, and shared stories can act as catalysts for courage and how our own brave choices quietly give others permission to make theirs.This episode is a powerful reminder that surrender is not passive, it’s an active, embodied practice of listening, trusting, and moving forward one honest step at a time.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Jana’s first profound experience of listening to her body’s wisdomHow “the pull” feels in the body and how to recognize it’The difference between clarity and certainty and why clarity often takes timeJana’s journey through divorce, grief, and radical self-trustNomadic living, synchronicity, and saying yes without a roadmapHow social media can act as a modern conduit for signs and connectionWhy our stories matter and how sharing them gives others courageFind Jana on Instagram at @iamjanahendrickson or connect with her on LinkedIn. She is currently completing her doctoral research in professional coaching and human development and is passionate about integrating spirituality, philosophy, neuroscience, and somatic intelligence into leadership practice. Jana’s work invites leaders to move beyond performance alone and into alignment, depth, and wholeness.Resources & LinksWorld Domination Summit (Chris Guillebeau)Brené Brown (early speaking work)Nancy Duarte – The Arc of StorytellingMarie Forleo’s B-SchoolThe 4-Hour Workweek by Tim FerrissTony Robbins coaching methodologyDavid Deida’s work on polarityVisit: surrenderingtothesigns.comMusic FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicMaya Pacziga - Winter in ParisANBR - Mon AmourNuer Self - IndigoKyle Preston - Cafe de Philosophie Jozeque - SealSaggie - Easy to Love - Instrumental Version

Welcome to Season Two of Surrendering to the Signs. In this opening episode, host Laura Gates reflects on the deeper meaning behind signs, synchronicities, and, most powerfully, the people who show up on our path at exactly the right moment.Laura explores how encounters often carry lessons, invitations, and turning points we can only understand in hindsight. From unexpected reunions and uncomfortable interactions to chance meetings on trains and long-term relationships born from unlikely moments, this episode invites listeners to look beyond first impressions and trust that the universe is constantly conspiring on our behalf.As we step into a new season, Laura offers a gentle reminder that growth doesn’t always come through dramatic awakenings. Sometimes it comes through coffee meetings, missed deadlines, difficult conversations, quiet inner nudges, and moments where listening to the body becomes the most profound act of self-trust.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why making it to Season Two is a meaningful milestoneThe many forms signs can take, goosebumps, intuition, inner voices, and peopleHow first impressions can block meaningful connection if we let themA powerful story of a chance meeting on a train to GlastonburyReflections on meeting soul-aligned collaborators, clients, and lifelong partnersHow surrendering control opens space for guidance and supportHonoring winter, rest, and seasonal cycles as part of the soul’s rhythmResources & LinksTriggers by Marshall GoldsmithVisit: surrenderingtothesigns.comMusic FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicBeauregard feat Ryvr - 101Saggie - Easy to LoveRisian - UndertowRoie Shpigler- ClarityWav Two - SakuraFamily Kush- Heavy Summer

In this reflective season finale, Laura looks back on the conversations and transformations that shaped Season One of Surrendering to the Signs.She shares what she has learned from her guests, from her own life, and from the unexpected signs that have continued to appear along the way, including the story of a small alleyway in Glastonbury that offered a message from her sister, three years after her passing.This episode speaks to the journey we are all on: learning to trust our intuition, listening for the messages that guide us, and finding the courage to walk the path, even when we can’t yet see the ending.If you’ve ever wondered: Why am I here? What is my purpose? How do I follow the signs in my life?This closing reflection offers comfort, clarity, and companionship for that journey.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Laura’s gratitude for the people who helped bring Season One to lifeHonoring the guests whose stories opened the season’s conversationThe evolving identity of the podcast and why naming the “mystery” mattersWhy so many of us hesitate to talk about spirituality or intuition openlyHow signs, synchronicities, and subtle nudges guide us toward alignmentA moving story of Laura’s sister Janice and a message that arrived in GlastonburyDreams, symbols, and the quiet language of the unconsciousSeeing relationships through the lens of soul contracts and karmic lessonsReflections on not having children and the unexpected ways motherhood showed upWhat Season Two will explore: deeper conversations, more seekers, practical guidance, and spacious truth-tellingResources & LinksSpirit Babies, Walter Makichen The Surrender Experiment, Michael SingerThe Untethered Soul, Michael Singer The Alchemist, Paulo CoelhoThe Awakened Mind, Dr. Lisa MillerSeat of the Soul, Gary Zukav  The Art of Infinity, The spiritual journey of Albert Einstein by Kieran Fox.Mind Magic, Dr. James Doty Music FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicSaggie, Steven Beddall & Jenny Penkin - Easy to Love101 feat Ryvr -  BeauregardRisian - UndertowRoie Shpigler - SakuraFamily Kush - Heavy Summer

In this profoundly moving and life-affirming conversation, Laura sits down with Ruud Hopstaken, former healthcare executive, cancer survivor, and now coach, to explore what it truly means to wake up to life.Ruud shares his extraordinary story: from a high-powered career as vice chair of a major Dutch medical university, to a sudden cancer diagnosis that brought everything to a halt. What followed was not just a physical healing journey, but a spiritual awakening invited him to redefine success, surrender control, and listen deeply to his body and soul.Together, Laura and Ruud unpack themes of identity, loss, courage, and freedom. This episode is a powerful testament to how even the darkest moments can hold sacred invitations and how surrender can lead to the most profound kind of healing.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The pivotal moment when Ruud’s life changed overnightHow illness became a messenger and teacher, not an enemyThe experience of losing his stomach and finding wholeness insteadWhy he cried tears of loss, not just joy, after being declared cancer-freeHow the need for identity and achievement can keep us from truly feelingThe long process of learning to listen to his body’s voiceStories of transformation: marathons, illness, healing, swimming with the dolphins,and walking with the MaasaiWhy he believes cancer was his greatest gift and how it led him to guide othersBioRuud Hopstaken is a coach, mentor, and former senior healthcare executive based in the Netherlands. After decades of high-intensity work in leadership and academia, his life took an unexpected turn with a diagnosis of stomach cancer, a journey that transformed how he saw himself, his work, and the world.Resources & LinksThe Work by Byron KatieMan’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklTeachings on somatic wisdom and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Ruuds website https://www.ruudhopstaken.com/Or follow his journey across Europe https://www.berlin-to-brussels.com/ Music FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicSaggie, Steven Beddall & Jenny Penkin - Easy to LoveTamuz Dekel - EvanescentSig Howler - A TripOliver Michael - Runaway Kyle Preston - Cafe de PhilosophieJozeque - SealAdi Goldstein - Ocean Voyage

In this deeply inspiring episode, Laura speaks with Allison Sagraves, data and AI strategist, educator, and lifelong learner whose unconventional journey led her from corporate burnout to a cabin in the woods and to an entirely new way of living.What began as a quiet yearning for space became a full transformation: from feeling claustrophobic in her career to creating a wild sanctuary rooted in nature, community, and creative purpose. Allison shares how buying a tiny cabin led her into beekeeping, rewilding her land, and reconnecting with the rhythms of the natural world, all while continuing to teach and consult at the highest levels of data and AI leadership.This conversation beautifully bridges the practical and the spiritual, the technological and the natural. It’s a story of listening deeply, following intuition, and allowing life to unfold in its own time, an act of applied serendipity in every sense.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How Allison’s yearning for space sparked a life-changing journeyThe healing connection between grief, land, and freedomFrom corporate claustrophobia to cabin life: what happens when you listen to intuitionHow one small cabin turned into a compound of creativity, connection, and careThe surprising intersections between AI, data science, and citizen scienceWhat nature can teach us about systems, resilience, and balanceThe future of community: family, tribe, and shared spaces of belongingHealing through simplicity, rest, and reconnectionAllison’s reflections on risk, resilience, and reclaiming her own narrativeBioAllison Sagraves is a data strategist, AI advisor, and educator who helps organizations around the world design intelligent data systems with integrity and insight. She serves on the faculty at Carnegie Mellon University in the Chief Data and AI Officer Program and is the founder of Applied Serendipity, where she blends technology, strategy, and soulful leadership.Resources & LinksConnect with Alison on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsagraves/ or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/appliedserenity Or visit her website https://www.allisonsagraves.com/ The 48 Laws of Power by Robert GreenePete Oudolf and native plant designMusic FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicSaggie, Steven Beddall & Jenny Penkin - Easy to LoveBen Winwood - IntimacyLouis Island - Forest Fire - InstrumentalMichael Drake - Milk Honey Lior Soltz - Glistening Ripples LullabyElad Perez - Only ThisSouthern Call - Cactus Flower

In this expansive and heartfelt conversation, Laura reconnects with her dear friend and fellow guide, Tesse Akpeki, to explore how we cultivate resilience in times of chaos, grief, and transformation. Tesse shares her deeply personal journey, shaped by global roots, professional pivots, and profound loss and how a serendipitous solo trip to Ghana became a turning point in her healing.Together, Laura and Tesse reflect on how disruption can become a doorway to presence, purpose, and inner strength. They talk about the power of self-compassion, the need to honor our own timeline for grieving, and how unexpected change can become the very ground of growth.This episode offers a powerful reminder: we can navigate even the most unpredictable storms with courage, curiosity, and care for ourselves and for one another.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Tesse’s multicultural background and journey from Nigeria to the UKThe impact of sudden loss and the complexity of traumatic griefHow a leadership retreat that didn’t happen became a soul pilgrimageWhat it means to be a “global citizen” shaped by many culturesTesse’s evolving work in resilience, wellbeing, and leadership in academiaThe story behind her Future Focused Wellbeing & Resilience initiativeThe culture shock of returning home to find peace in Ghana’s pace and presenceA powerful hospital story that demonstrates how loving culture can transform careThe difference between anticipatory grief and traumatic griefThe practice of intentional noticing and writing down daily moments of gratitudeBioTesse Akpeki is a governance professional, lawyer, coach, and podcast host who has dedicated her life to helping individuals and organizations thrive in complex times. A true global citizen, Tesse blends legal expertise, leadership training, and deep spiritual insight to guide others through transformation. She is the host of Tesse Talks and Tesse Leads.Resources & LinksTesse’s podcasts: Tesse Talks and Tesse LeadsMan’s Search for Meaning and Hope by Viktor FranklinMusic FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicSaggie, Steven Beddall & Jenny Penkin - Easy to LoveJimit - Forever Instrumental Version Hans Johnson - Maasai Ran Raiten - Pain ManagementSeth Parson - Lekki CTRL S - Colours of Your Heart Instrumental VersionSoft Sand - MEOD The Ladyproducer - Born Chic LUMINAR - As We Go

In this powerful and soul-bearing episode, Laura welcomes her longtime friend and fellow seeker, Sherold Barr. What unfolds is a profound exploration of trauma, trust, resilience, and spiritual awakening. Sherold opens up about the life-altering events that have shaped her journey, her brother’s unsolved murder, her son’s near-death illness, and her own harrowing accident that led to a near-death experience.Through it all, Sherold shares how she learned to question her thoughts, trust her intuition, and surrender to what she calls “the high road to healing.” Her journey has been anything but easy but her willingness to face pain with consciousness, compassion, and radical honesty is deeply inspiring.This conversation is a testament to the power of inner work, the grace of synchronicity, and the wisdom that comes when we stop resisting life and start listening.What You'll Hear In This EpisodeHow Sherold’s brother’s unsolved murder became the catalyst for deep inner healingDiscovering Byron Katie’s work and realizing how our minds can imprison usThe painful yet transformational experience of her son’s rare illness and recoveryInsights into the “mother archetype” and how to mother ourselves and othersA near-death experience in Mexico that changed everything—physically, emotionally, and spirituallyThe extraordinary synchronicities that appeared during and after her accidentLearning to listen to intuition and the consequences of not trusting itThe long journey from trauma to trust, and how writing helped uncover deeper truthsHealing generational patterns, family dynamics, and coming home to herselfLiving now from a place of spiritual clarity, sobriety, and sacred serviceSherold Barr is a writer, coach, and spiritual guide whose life has been marked by profound adversity and even more profound transformation. A former PR executive turned seeker she now brings her lived wisdom to others through coaching and writing. Sherold is currently working on her memoir, High Road to Healing, and a program to help others navigate health crises with grace and intention.Resources & LinksThe Work by Byron KatieMap of Consciousness by David R. HawkinsSeth Godin’s work on creative and conscious entrepreneurshipSherold’s website https://www.sheroldbarr.com/ Music FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicSaggie, Steven Beddall & Jenny Penkin - Easy to LoveAmick Cutler - Heartache (instrumental version)Adrián Berenguer - AwareIlan Bar-Lavi - Cielito Lindo (instrumental version)Rob Matheson - SpringRoie Shpigler - Into the Light (instrumental version)Salt of the Sound - SurrenderDream of Eden - Speak without wordsSteven Beddall - Never gonna let you goSaggie, Steven Beddall & Jenny Penkin - Easy to Love (instrumental version)

In this heartfelt reunion, Laura reconnects with Geri Esposito, her former manager at Citibank and one of the earliest catalysts on her spiritual path. What begins as a conversation about their shared professional history evolves into a profound exploration of intuition, spiritual awakening, and life-altering choices.Geri shares how a spontaneous yoga class in the 1960s set her on a lifelong journey of meditation, healing, and inner work, long before such practices were mainstream. Laura reflects on how Geri’s invitation to a retreat became a turning point in her own life, even before she understood its full significance.Together, they explore how quiet nudges and synchronicities shape our paths, how identity evolves through career transitions, and what it means to surrender to signs, even when the road ahead is unclear. This episode is a beautiful reminder that the right teachers appear when we’re ready, and their impact can last a lifetime.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How Geri’s spiritual path began with a yoga class in 1960s NYCThe unexpected healing experience that shifted Laura’s directionA powerful story of retreat, spiritual teachers, and not knowing what it meant at the timeWhy you don’t need a plan—just openness and willingness to say yesHow both Geri and Laura followed intuitive signs to leave their careers and relocateThe challenge of identity loss when shifting from corporate to spiritual workCreating a new path through trust, discomfort, and small steps forwardHow yoga, body wisdom, and heart-centered decisions continue to guide Geri todayWhat Geri learned from working in senior communities and starting over with humilityReflections on purpose, aging, and making peace with the unknownGeri Esposito is a lifelong seeker and spiritual practitioner whose journey began in the yoga studios of 1960s New York. A former Vice President at Citibank, Geri left behind her corporate identity to become a massage therapist, reflexologist, and teacher of yoga and SoulCollage® for seniors. She brings a wealth of embodied wisdom, humor, and heart to her story, illustrating what it means to live a life guided by inner knowing and spiritual integrity.Resources & LinksThe Spiritual Dimension of Therapeutic Touch by Dora Kunz and Dolores Krieger, Ph.D., R.N.Spiritual Healing by Dora ven Gelder Kunz, featuring Larry Dossey, M.D., Bernie Siegel, M.D.Therapeutic Touch the work of Dolores Krieger, Ph.D., R.N.Integral Yoga Institute https://iyiny.org/Music FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicSaggie, Steven Beddall & Jenny Penkin - Easy to LoveOnyx Music - Parallel Dimension Maya Belsitzman & Matan Ephrat - Scene 3 - Want to DanceLeroy Wild feat Blythe Cas - Around The WorldJames Forest - Beautiful Day for the RoadTamuz Dekel - Tamuz Dekel EvanescentSaggie, Steven Beddall & Jenny Penkin - Easy to Love Instrumental

In this intimate and heart-led conversation, Laura reconnects with long-time friend, collaborator, and fellow seeker Sarah Nicotra to explore the magic of “surrendering to the signs.” From hawks circling overhead to a lone sparrow nesting above her shoulder, Sarah shares how nature’s messengers have guided her through seasons of creativity, rest, and personal healing.Together, they reflect on the importance of noticing subtle signs, honoring life’s natural cycles, and allowing quiet periods to be part of the spiritual journey. This episode is a gentle reminder that guidance doesn’t always arrive as a dramatic burning bush—it can be a whisper, a nudge, or a bird’s song at just the right moment.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How Sarah first connected with Laura through a shared hawk encounterThe personal meaning hawks and other birds hold in Sarah’s spiritual practiceA touching story of a “rare bird” that became a companion Why periods of silence can be as meaningful as obvious signsThe healing power of listening to birdsong and attuning to nature’s rhythmLetting go of constant productivity to embrace rest, trust, and natural flowReflections on co-creating past projects like Be Your Own Guru and Wintering WellAbout SarahSarah Nicotra is a long-time collaborator with Laura Gates and Gates Group Consulting, where she has worked behind the scenes organizing, strategizing, and executing projects. She brings experience in corporate, government and the healthcare industry as a project manager, UX designer, executive and wellness coach, legal assistant and spiritual Care Coordinator. Sarah holds two Master’s degrees in Transpersonal Psychology and Organization Management. Her mission is to help businesses transform their visions with impact, using innovative approaches, including AI, to deliver value.Resources & LinksConnect with Laura on instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/surrenderingtothesigns/ ⁠and the shows website at ⁠https://surrenderingtothesigns.com/Music FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.Assaf Ayalon - LullabyEldar Kedem - I SeeJames Forest - Endless SongLuc Allieres - LA BELLA CAFE LUMINAR - CircleMaya Pacziga - August 16thSaggie - Easy to Love - Instrumental versionSaggie - Easy to LoveShahead Mostafafar - Golden Diamond

In this deeply personal and profoundly moving episode, host Laura Gates sits down with her father, Bob Gates, for a heart-opening conversation about awakening, personal transformation, and the art of surrender. What begins as a talk about “nothing” unfolds into a rich exploration of spiritual evolution, inner healing, and the power of self-awareness.Together, Laura and Bob reflect on generational patterns, painful transitions, and the moments of grace that have shaped their lives. With warmth and candor, Bob shares his journey from unconscious living to inner awakening through therapy, meditation, art, and the slow unveiling of a deeper truth. Their dialogue gently weaves personal stories with universal wisdom, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of turning inward.This episode is an invitation to embrace the messiness of the human journey and to trust that even our darkest moments can lead us back to ourselves.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Bob's path from unconscious living to conscious awakening in his late 30sHow meditation and creative expression became gateways to healingThe concept of “conditioning” and letting go of false identitiesThe role of suffering as a catalyst for spiritual growthLaura and Bob’s reflections on family pain, repair, and the power of presenceWisdom on aging, purpose, and walking the spiritual path in everyday lifeLeadership, power, and how unconsciousness impacts those we leadResources & LinksConnect with Laura on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/surrenderingtothesigns/ and the shows website at https://surrenderingtothesigns.com/Books mentionedDrawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty EdwardsThe Untethered Soul by Michael A. SingerThe Experience of Insight by Joseph GoldsteinMusic FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicAdi Goldstein - Solar FlareAdi Goldstein - Tear AwayAmos Ever Hadani - EvolutionBen Winwood - IntimacyDaniel Pratt - This Is My Love for You - Instrumental versionDear Gravity - HorizonFlint - Experience SonderJamie Rutherford - For Old Timesmee - Bathtub of a MonkVladislav Kurnikov - Seen the Light

In this soul-stirring solo debut, host Laura Gates sets the tone for Surrendering to the Signs by sharing her personal journey through transitions, synchronicities, and the spiritual nudges that shaped her path. As an executive coach and lifelong seeker, Laura reflects on how life’s turning points from job changes and travel adventures to deep loss and intuitive awakenings, have guided her toward a more meaningful existence.She introduces the concept of “walking the mystical path with practical feet,” inviting listeners into a conversation that bridges the spiritual and the everyday. From signs in nature to the importance of honoring our zone of genius, Laura offers insight into how we can each begin to attune to life’s whispers and follow our inner knowing.This foundational episode is both an invitation and a call to courage, a reminder that the universe is speaking to us, if only we’re willing to listen.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why Laura launched this podcast and what it means to “surrender to the signs”Reflections on destiny, free will, and how the universe nudges us forwardPersonal stories of life pivots and intuitive decisions (including leaving Wall Street, traveling South America, and embracing a spiritual path)How turning points—whether painful or joyful—hold the key to growth and transformationThe four zones of work: incompetence, competence, excellence, and geniusWhy we often know our true path but fear acknowledging itThoughts on risk, courage, and what it means to truly liveBlending spirituality and corporate life: a call to bridge the inner and outer worldsThe deep impact of loss as a catalyst for purposeful changeResources & LinksConnect with Laura on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/surrenderingtothesigns/Books mentionedThe Big Leap by Gay HendricksThe Awakened Brain by Lisa MillerThe 4-Hour Work Week by Tim FerrissMusic FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicSaggie, Steven Beddall & Jenny Penkin - Easy to Love Modern Aquatic - Anthonys Song - Instrumental Just for Kicks - Cup o JoeNovembers - Whats Real Phury - RainyBeò - This Life of Time (Only Keys Strings and Vocals)