The Light Watkins Show (Light Watkins)

We have a truly inspirational episode for you! Martinus Evans is the brain and body behind 300 Pounds and Running, as well as the Slow AF Run Club. In today's conversation, we get to hear his story and his biggest lessons and reflections. 

From growing up next door to a drug dealer to his brother's tragic death, Martinus faced adversity from a young age. He lays out the path that he took to playing football and his aspirations to play for a college team. He then explains the obstacles that he encountered along the way and how he ended up depressed, unhealthily overweight, and in a doctor's office. 

Martinus explains how this meeting kickstarted his plan to run a marathon and the journey he embarked upon to realize this goal. A born hustler, Martinus unpacks his story with humor and energy, really underlining what made it possible for him to succeed at certain points and the difficulties he encountered at others. 

We get to hear all about the platforms he has now set up and what his goals are for these support systems. To hear it all from the amazing Martinus Evans, tune in!

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Committing fully to living intentionally and with our purpose in mind should not be as hard as we make it. Sebastian Terry is a testament to this notion, and his story serves as a profound example of how to take charge of your time and energy and work towards a worthwhile goal, like being happy! 

Sebastian joins us on the show today to talk about his list of 100 things, and how he began his journey into discovering what he really wanted to do in life. He stresses that this was never a bucket list, as he wanted to keep the focus away from death, but more about prioritizing things that he wanted to do, that he believed would bring him happiness. 

We also talk about how this list transcended selfish interests and his thoughts on how to be a vehicle for change. Along the way, Sebastian shares simple yet strong pieces of philosophy about the secret to doing things, how the world can support you, and the immovable power of kindness. 

Tune in to hear all about Sebastian's story, the amazing feats he has achieved, and what has kept him motivated on his path!

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Disclaimer: This episode contains adult language and sexually explicit conversation. It is not suitable for children and, if you are especially sensitive to topics related to heterosexual dating dynamics, we recommend that you skip this episode as well.

While today’s guest takes an approach that is unconventional and perhaps even shocking, his story follows a similar formula to many of the guests that you are used to hearing from on At The End of the Tunnel. His name is Alan Roger Currie and, in this episode, you’ll learn about the leaps of faith he had to take in order to pursue his true calling. 

Alan is a dating coach and the author of several books about his unique philosophy known as Mode One, which centers around radical honesty from the start. Straightforward communication is at the core of today’s conversation with Alan, who shares his sometimes explicit views on casual sex and relationships and tells the story behind how he developed his Mode One approach before, ultimately, making it his career. 

Tuning in, you’ll learn how an adult film titled Talk Dirty to Me changed Alan’s perspective on the dynamics between men and women, how his brother encouraged him to write a book and follow his calling, and how you can implement the Mode One approach in all aspects of your life, from your sexual relationships to the workplace and even your friendships. 

We also dive into the definition of Mode One, the five archetypes, and what women can take away from Alan’s philosophy on dating, as well as the value of embracing rejection and so much more! Tune in today for an occasionally X-rated but altogether fascinating discussion with professional dating coach, Alan Roger Currie!

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Today’s guest, Quddus Philippe, burst into the international spotlight by replacing Carson Daly as a host on the iconic MTV show, Total Request Live (TRL), where he became the interviewer of choice for artists like Jay Z and Beyonce. 

After five years on MTV, Quddus started his own production company, The Q Side, to help pioneer new media and develop new talent with partners like MySpace, AOL, Yahoo, and YouTube, but he kept feeling drawn to the personal development space. That's where everything came together in terms of his purpose and his calling, and Quddus started working with entertainment and wellness leaders to help them get camera ready, which really meant helping them find their most authentic voice. 

After completing a philanthropic mission trip in his father’s homeland of Haiti and a spiritual journey in Costa Rica, Quddus devoted himself to launching The Creator Incubator, an eight-week program to help others launch their dream projects with clarity, confidence, and community.

In this episode, he shares some insight into his childhood, how hip hop became his gateway to spirituality, and the crippling imposter syndrome he grappled with in his early days at MTV. We also touch on the immense value of being forthcoming with your passions, speaking your truth, and owning your greatness in order to make the biggest impact, and Quddus shares what imposter syndrome looks like for him today, how his appearance in the Kanye West documentary, jeen-yuhs, has helped him own his voice, and what is lighting him up the most right now. Make sure not to miss this thought-provoking conversation about passion, process, and purpose with one of pop culture's foremost tastemakers, Quddus Phillipe!

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Liana Werner-Gray grew up in the Australian Outback, immersed in the wisdom of the Aboriginals. From a young age, she was aware of the value of eating healthy, natural ingredients, straight from the earth, and the dangers of highly processed, sugary foods. Despite this knowledge which was rooted deep within her, her struggles with childhood trauma caught up with her when she reached her teenage years, and she turned to unhealthy food for comfort.

When Liana reached 21, a biopsy revealed a 3.7 centimeter tumor in her lymphatic system. This was the moment her transformation journey began. Armed with indigenous knowledge and the support of a naturopath, Liana completely rid herself of cancer (and later, anxiety and depression) through changing her diet! She has since documented her approach in the form of a blog and 3 different books, and developed her own Anxiety-Free supplement, with the hope of positively impacting the lives of as many people as possible.

In today’s episode Liana shares her inspiring story, and some of the key foods which you should incorporate into your daily diet, starting right now! 

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In this show, we welcome Kevin Element Livingston, the heart and mind behind the amazing 100 Suits program, and someone who has taken an idea and run with it, fueled by a lot of belief and willpower. 

We hear from Kevin about his early years in New York City, growing up in Jamaica, Queens, and the difficulties he had in high school that led to him being kicked out. He talks about the job he got as a bank teller and how he started to collect suits from wealthy customers to provide for his community. 

Kevin ties this idea back to the importance that his father placed on being well-presented, and even Eddie Murphy's film Boomerang! We also get into the period in which Kevin was technically homeless, why and how he quit his job at the bank, and some of the milestone moments for his outreach work. 

Kevin has a strong message of taking action, and believes we all have the power to make a difference, so to catch all of this good stuff, listen in with us today!

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In today’s episode of At the End of the Tunnel, we are joined by actor, photographer, and Vedic meditation teacher, Jeff Kober. Many of us have the feeling that something is missing in our lives. We try to fill this void with accomplishments, possessions, relationships, or even drugs and alcohol, but nothing seems to work for more than a moment. And Jeff believes that the reason for this is that we are looking outside ourselves for something that can only be found within. 

Tune in to dive into his backstory, to find out how he discovered his mission of spreading his daily Vedic meditation thought-for-the-day via email, and how it led to the publication of his recent book, Embracing Bliss: 108 Daily Meditations. 

Jeff shares the story of how he found his way from a farm outside of Billings, Montana, to Hollywood, how he hit rock bottom with drugs and alcohol, and why he initially avoided the style of meditation that he now practices and teaches. 

We also touch on some of the powerful anecdotes from the book and Jeff shares what putting them together has taught him about freedom and the willingness to step into the unknown, plus so much more! 

For a fascinating and inspiring conversation with the Vedic meditation teacher that you probably already recognize from some of your favorite TV shows, make sure to tune in today!

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If you were free from fear, who would you have the freedom to be? With her new book, Happy Days, #1 New York Times bestselling author, Gabrielle Bernstein, wants to help you chart a path to heal trauma, unlearn fear, and remember love. 

Gabby has long been loved by her readers as a spiritual teacher, motivational speaker, and catalyst for profound inner change, and Happy Days presents her most powerful teaching yet: a plan for transforming the pain of your past, whatever that may be, into newfound strength and freedom. 

In today’s episode, we have a transparent and vulnerable discussion that took place over two separate conversations, one of which was an IG Live on the day that Happy Days was released in March 2022. 

Listen in as Gabby shares her definition of happiness and offers some insight into the process of clearing space to reconnect with the joy within. She highlights the importance of taking the transition from trauma to profound inner peace one step at a time before sharing some profound advice for tuning into your inner guidance system, connecting with yourself through meditation, and returning to your Self (with a capital S) with courage, compassion, and curiosity! 

For all this and so much more, make sure not to miss this thought-provoking episode with the one and only, Gabby Bernstein!

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If you’ve ever even scratched the surface of diet research, you know there are many misconceptions and lots of loosely interpreted research that many advocates of certain diets will use to vehemently defend their point of view while denouncing other diets. 

Here to help us see through that kind of research is return guest, Max Lugavere, a filmmaker, health and science journalist, and the author of the New York Times bestseller, Genius Foods. He is also the host of the number one iTunes health podcast, The Genius Life, and his most recent cookbook, Genius Kitchen, is number one in the nutrition category on Amazon. Focused on brain health, performance, and longevity, Max shares his research in order to help us eat a well-rounded diet and optimize our health. 

In today’s episode, he speaks candidly his own dietary biases and what he feels are the top five foods that we should all be including in our diet. We talk about lab work transparency, his growing social media platforms, and how he was able to rise above the noise to become one of the leading voices in wellness. 

We also discuss how he approaches engaging with trolls and ‘passionate' commenters, which he gets a lot of, given his position as a prolific health enthusiast! For all this and more from one of the foremost authorities on nutrition, make sure not to miss today’s conversation with Max Lugavere!

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Caregiving is still a misunderstood and under-celebrated role in today's society. For this episode, we welcome J Smiles to talk about her amazing story of caring for her mother, launching a career in comedy, and how she managed to navigate these difficult terrains. 

Soon after her father's passing, J Smiles’ mother was diagnosed with two forms of dementia, and it took a minute for her to realize that the deterioration she was seeing in her mother was not just grief. 

The process surrounding her mother's diagnosis and treatment was a tricky one, and J Smiles generously opens up, sharing the biggest challenges and the lessons she learned through them. 

She notably talks about how she began to talk differently about her role as her mother's caregiver, relinquishing the early methods involving avoidance and shock. J Smiles tells us all about becoming an advocate for caregiving, and what it means to normalize these conversations about sensitive topics. 

This leads to our exploration of her work as a conscious comic and how she started this branch of her life as an escape before pouring her lived experience and authentic self into her routine. 

Today our guest also has her own podcast, called Parenting UP!, in which she brings together all these areas and themes in a show that is truly her, so make sure to give that a listen, as soon as you finish with this great episode!

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The never-ending dietary debates can make getting the right information about what you should be eating seem like an insurmountable challenge. But while nutrition is a complex and evolving field of study, choosing a healthy and ethical diet does not have to be impossible. 

This is the message that our guest today, Simon Hill, wants to bring to the world. Simon is the author of The Proof is in the Plants, and the host of The Proof podcast, through which he aims to educate people on the science around a plant-based diet, while also reviving popular understanding and appreciation for the scientific method. 

This work emerged out of Simon's own journey with nutrition and veganism, and we get to hear all about his story in today's conversation, with Simon doing a great job of bringing this personal narrative into the global context of issues such as heart disease, and climate change. 

So to hear it all from our great guest, listen in today!

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So this week I'm speaking with author, speaker and meditation thought leader, Mr. Ben Decker. Ben grew up as a member of the Church of the Latter-day Saints. He also began meditating and traveling the world on spiritual pilgrimages and mission trips. And then he decided to enter the priesthood as a teenager. But a battle with addiction and depression caused him to change his mind and search for a different type of career. He ended up doing a 180 by going to Los Angeles and becoming a publicist.

And after rising up through the ranks and becoming one of Hollywood's biggest publicists, particularly for Playboy Bunnies, Ben had a dear friend died by suicide, and he felt somewhat complicit in his friend's unhappiness and depression.

So he decided to leave his prolific career in PR, and he went back to his roots by starting his own field of study, which he called collaborative religion.

Then Ben helped to open a religiously pluralistic spiritual center in Venice Beach, California called Full Circle, which is where he and I first crossed paths because I rented that space to help host one of my inspirational variety shows that I was doing at the time called The Shine. And Ben went on to become a prolific teacher and author of books on meditation.

He's now written four books, most recently publishing Modern Spirituality: A Guide To The Heart of Mindfulness Meditation, and The Art of Healing, which became a bestseller. And he's also the host of the Modern Spirituality Podcast. 

And as always, we dive deep into the backstory of how Ben came to be the author and teacher that he is today. And what's notable about almost all of my episodes was that there was always a moment where the guests decided to take a big leap of faith in the direction of what they identified at the time as their purpose. Sometimes, they were motivated by curiosity, other times they were motivated by pain. Ben's case was more of the latter. 

So if you're on the fence about making a switch in your path to something that feels more aligned with where you currently are, I think you're going to find this episode very inspiring.

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Today, we are re-visiting one of my favorite podcast episodes, which is my conversation with Bronnie Ware, the former palliative nurse from Australia who wrote the blog post, Top 5 Regrets of the Dying, which went viral and eventually went on to become a bestselling book.

Here are their top 5 regrets:

I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life that others expected of me.

I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.

I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

I wish that I had let myself be happier.

How she came to be a palliative care nurse was fascinating, as it was very much happenstance. In short, Bronnie was just nomading, and she needed a place to stay, and the woman who offered her room and board ended up passing away shortly after, and Bronnie was there to help with her transition. And that’s how she discovered her gift of presence.

Give it a listen (or a re-listen).

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This week, I’m publishing my first solo episode that is not about a  book that I wrote. For long-term listeners, you may remember my previous solo episode was about my recent book, Knowing Where To Look.

I’ve recently rebranded the podcast, and it's no longer At The End of the Tunnel. It’s now called The Light Watkins Show. 

This episode will take you back to how the podcast started  in 2020, what was going on in the background, and what the original intention of the show was, and how it's evolved over the last couple of years. I’ll also talk about where I would like for the show go in the foreseeable future.

So this is a part autobiographical, it's part masterclass, and it's part manifesto. And I plan to do many more solo episodes in the future.  

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Too often, conventional medicine treats the body as separate from the mind, ignoring physical issues like chronic illness or weight gain, but science shows that these issues are often intricately entwined with mood issues like depression, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. 

Today’s guest believes that we have the inherent capacity to create a powerful shift or ‘state change’ within ourselves and take control of our health, by ourselves, for ourselves.

Tuning in, you’ll hear from Dr. Robin Berzin, who is the Founder and CEO of Parsley Health, America's leading holistic medical practice designed to help women overcome chronic conditions. She founded Parsley to address the rising tide of chronic disease in America through personalized holistic medicine that puts food, lifestyle, and proactive diagnostic testing on the prescription pad, right next to conventional medications. 

Since founding Parsley in 2016, Robin has seen 80 percent of her patients improve or resolve their chronic conditions within their first year of care, demonstrating the life-changing value of making modern holistic medicine accessible to everyone, anywhere.

Her new book, State Change, offers readers a 30-day program for reaching a new level of energy, clarity, and calm based on one paradigm-shifting idea: you have to change your body to change your mind and mood. 

In today’s episode, Robin shares how practicing yoga inspired her to go to medical school, the story of how she came to work with Dr. Oz, and the steps she took to become the change she wanted to see in the world, as well as why her approach is centered around a real-world modern lifestyle, not a series of ‘shoulds’ and ‘should nots’, plus so much more. We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring conversation!

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In this week’s episode, my guest is Chris Pan, founder of MyIntent (which you can hear more about in Episode 13) and more recently, VOMO, who is here to give a masterclass in the creation of movements! From his childhood days as an immigrant in the United States, and throughout his time working for big corporations like Facebook and Pepsi, music has always played a meaningful role in Chris’s life. 

VOMO stands for Voice Movement, and it is Chris’s way of bringing the joy of singing and dancing to as many people as possible.
 
Tune in today to hear where the inspiration for VOMO originated, the expansion plans that Chris has for its future, and some valuable advice for starting your own movement! 

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My guest today is recognized as an ultra-successful entrepreneur, renowned keynote speaker, performance expert, coach, and bestselling author, but Ed Mylett has had to overcome some extraordinary hardships to become the man you see before you. 

Ed shares some insight into his journey; from growing up as the scrawny son of an alcoholic father with three sisters, a pro-baseball pipe dream, and zero self-confidence to finding his purpose as a counselor for disadvantaged children, which turned out to be one of the pivotal turning points of his life. 

Ed believes that you're just ‘one more’ intentional thought and action away from discovering your best life and, in this conversation, he shares some powerful philosophies to help you realize and exceed your personal and professional goals by tapping into the superpowers and gifts you already have inside you. 

We also touch on how meaning defines us, the immense power of believing in someone, and the value of questioning your faith, as well as the difference between happiness and fulfillment, goals and standards, and so much more. 

Tune in today to hear some valuable insights from a man who is well-known for combining spirituality, science, the inner workings of the mind, and practical solutions to help people produce real changes in their lives: the incomparable, Ed Mylett!

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Today on the Light Watkins Show, we are joined by Steve and Dave Flynn, who you may know as the twin faces of The Happy Pear. Our guests have been helping people all over the world eat more delicious, plant-based diets and live better lives for the better part of the last two decades! 

In our chat we chart the most important parts of the brothers' journey, from their early days in Ireland to their time at university, travels, and starting their business. They have always viewed their work as a way to sell a better way of life, and not just simply as a vegetable shop, which is how they began almost twenty years ago. 

We talk about the value of community, movement, discomfort, and some of the elements of their lives that they see as the most impactful. Steve and Dave share thoughts on their morning routines, and what a sunrise swim does for their mental and spiritual state. We also get into meditation, yoga, and a whole lot more, so do not miss this great episode.

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So many of us confuse success with happiness, and this belief can influence our life in a myriad of ways, both seen and unseen. Today’s guest, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, has witnessed the consequences of this belief, not only in his own life and the lives of his patients, but also his closest family. 

For thirty years his father sacrificed his sleep and his health for the sake of his career and providing for his wife and children. By the age of 58, Dr. Chatterjee’s father had developed the autoimmune disease, lupus, due to decades of chronic sleep deprivation and stress. 

In the years leading up to his father’s death, Dr. Chatterjee prioritized caring for his father and treasured the time they were able to spend together. The experience irrevocably changed Dr. Chatterjee’s outlook on life and what it means to be successful. 

Since then, Dr. Chatterjee has made it his goal to inspire 100 million people to start living a healthier lifestyle. He is the author of several books on health and wellness and is also the host of Europe's #1 Health and Wellbeing Podcast ‘Feel Better. Live More. with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee’, where he interviews experts on a variety of topics from mindfulness to fitness. 

In our conversation, we discuss what Dr. Chatterjee has learned from his many interviews, why he chose to become a general practitioner, and the impact that his father had on his life. Dr. Chatterjee shares details about his latest book, the concept of core happiness, and why authenticity is so important. 

He also explains how being in the public eye has made him prioritize his inner life, the value of daily meditations, and how these practices have helped him maintain perspective. W

e hope you tune in for this powerful conversation on the meaning of happiness, what it means to live a healthy life, and much more!

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Elissa was living the American dream. She had a prestigious job, the perfect husband, and the future looked bright. One day, however, her reality was broken into pieces when she discovered she had cancer. 

She was able to win the battle by using holistic, alternative approaches and treatments; despite the advice of medical professionals, friends, and family. Unfortunately, her experience with cancer did not end there. Her husband was also diagnosed with cancer shortly after her recovery and passed away not from the disease but rather from the treatment itself. 

This ignited Elissa’s passion for educating other people on alternatives and holistic approaches, and to show people the benefits of a healthy life. Today, Elissa works as a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle expert, creating her own programs and diet plans based on the lessons she had learned through improving her health. She is also the author of the book, Cancer Hacks, which provides readers with common-sense, natural, and holistic advice for those battling cancer. 

In today’s episode, Elissa shares her story and the role of health and wellbeing in her life. We learn about her life growing up, why she felt sick all the time when she was young, and when Elissa first became interested in holistic healing, as well as the moment that she first found out she had cancer. 

You’ll also gain some insight into why Elissa chose the approach she did and the steps she took to living a healthier life, plus so much more. Don’t miss out on this inspiring story and insightful conversation with health and wellness expert, Elissa Goodman!

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Discovering your dharma is, by definition, a lifelong pursuit, and many doors may open over time as our soul's purpose constantly becomes more clear. Here on the podcast today, we have a fascinating conversation about the calling to help others, the lessons we learn along the way, and truly embrace our uniqueness, with the one and only, Sahara Rose! 

Sahara is the author of a number of books including The Idiot's Guide to Ayurveda, Eat Feel Fresh, and Discovering Your Dharma, and we have an illuminating chat about the twists and turns of her journey, looking at many of the hills and valleys that have brought her to the present. We get to hear about her family history, tricky relationship with her parents, the urge she felt to go traveling, and how she managed to get her first book deal! 

Sahara also shares a little about her main inspirations, and the historical characters that she was drawn to from a young age. 

Towards the end of conversation, Sahara talks a little about a more nuanced and authentic idea of spirituality that is suited to our actual outlook and personality, and how this has evolved over time for her. 

So, to catch this inspiring and open chat with a wonderful worker in the mind and body health space, press play now! 

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In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, we are going back to one of our favorite conversations from the past, in which the amazing and inspiring Arjuna O'Neal came on to talk about his incredible journey, and unlikely road to healing and helping others. 

Arjuna talks about his early years in Detroit and West Virginia, his family's confusing connection to the Hare Krishna temple, the abuse he was subjected to while growing up, and how all of these traumas, coupled with his father's criminal mindset, led to him join the world of drug dealing before he left high school. 

Unsurprisingly this resulted in him being involved in many dangerous situations, including having a bounty on his head and being shot by a girlfriend. It was during this near-death experience that Arjuna first truly experienced God and love, and began his journey to a new life. 

Arjuna talks about the time he spent in jail, the trials he faced, and the important stepping stones that led to the amazing work he does today with Share Necessities and the Mind Elevation Project. 

To catch it all, in a conversation so good that we had to run it back, join us today! 

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The term ‘should’ may seem innocuous, but its outsized role in our vocabulary and society has had a profound effect on how we perceive the world and our place in it. Our guest today is a firm believer that eliminating the word ‘should’ from your vocabulary is the first step in developing a mindfulness practice that will help you establish decision-making practices that are aligned with your wants, values, and needs.

Tricia Huffman is a self-described joyologist, speaker, and author of the book F the Shoulds. Do the Wants: Get Clear on Who You Are, What You Want, and Why You Want It. In our conversation, Tricia shares what she has learned from working with stars like Dolly Parton and Jason Mraz on tour, and what her work has taught her about fear, happiness, and success. 

We also talk about how the sudden death of her father triggered a massive career shift, and how she finally gave herself permission to write her book after 12 years of living a life without the word ‘should’.

We loved having Tricia on the show and we’re sure you’ll find our conversation every bit as enlightening and inspiring as we did. Tune in for profound insights from our guest and plenty of practical examples on how to stop using the word ‘should’ and instead make decisions based on what you truly value!

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We welcome Ben Nemtin back to the show to talk about his most recent project, The Bucket List Journal, and how it continues the line of curiosity and drive that we discussed back in Episode 3 of this very podcast! 

Ben is now one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the world and has presented extensively on his favorite subjects of mental health and following your dreams. This work as a motivational speaker led Ben to wanting his message to be even more accessible, and hence the journal. 

In our chat, we hear about this process of discovery and publishing, and along the way, we get to hear many inspiring reflections from Ben about purpose, passion, permission, death, and so much more. 

Ben underlines why action is often the best plan, how asking for help can be great for accountability, and why setting bigger, more challenging goals might make them more accomplishable! 

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Today’s guest came into my life through his book, The War of Art, which is all about overcoming resistance. Steven Pressfield has since become a friend and mentor, having visited the Podcast once before to speak about his novel, A Man at Arms. 

Join us today to hear where Steven first encountered the idea of the Muse, drawing on Greek mythology alongside his own experience. Steven believes that there is an underground river of creativity running through all of us and that Resistance blocks its flow. 

We talk about overcoming Resistance as a path toward our destiny, and Steven shares his story of turning to write in a moment of despair. We talk about his latest book, Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be, what motivated him to choose that title, and explore the process of self-publishing. 

You’ll hear about our guest’s relationship with envy, why he describes himself as learning alongside his readers, and more. Thanks for tuning in. 

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Today on the show we sit down with Kimberly Snyder, author of several best-selling books, including Radical Beauty: How to Transform Yourself from the Inside Out, which she co-authored with Deepak Chopra. She is also the founder of Solluna, a lifestyle brand focused on progress, not perfection. 

In our conversation, Kimberly shares how her experiences growing up in New England as the daughter of a Filipino immigrant shaped her identity. She unpacks how constantly feeling like an outsider caused her to fixate on hard numbers, like achieving excellent SAT scores and restricting the number of calories she consumed, in an effort to help her feel more grounded.

We discuss how traveling through challenging areas within Asia and Africa helped her develop her intuition and how she learned to let go of her fixation with perfection. Kimberly also gives a detailed account of her yogic journey, how her career developed, and the events that led her to become an author. 

You’ll also learn about Kimberly’s latest book You Are More Than You Think You Are: Practical Enlightenment for Everyday Life, and why she felt it was important to make a modern, accessible work on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. 

Kimberly has faced profoundly difficult challenges and choices in her life, but it has always been a spirit of fearlessness that has guided her in pursuing unknown paths and living an extraordinary life. 

Join us today as we delve into the power of yoga and meditation, and why looking inward is the truest source of inspiration!

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Our guest today, Tara Stiles, first discovered yoga in New York while training to be a dancer. In our conversation, Tara shares how that first yoga class ignited her curiosity, and how she gradually made the transition from hustling in New York and being an aspiring dancer, to starting her own yoga studio, called Stråla, with her husband, Mike. 

We spend some time talking about the yoga scene at the time (including the pushback she received for diverging from established methods of teaching), and why she was determined to make yoga accessible to anyone eager to learn. 

Tuning in you’ll hear how Tara went from teaching yoga in Central Park to starting her studio and flying around the world for a dizzying array of opportunities. She reveals feeling overwhelmed at this time, the effect it had on her marriage, and how she ultimately realized that she needed to slow down. 

We also discussed Tara’s book Clean Mind, Clean Body: A 28-Day Plan for Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Self-Care, and what it was like writing it. As we wrap up, Tara shares the most important things she’s learned about life, entrepreneurship, and marriage over the course of her life and career. 

Life is rarely simple (or straightforward), and no matter how much you plan, it never seems to go quite as expected. Tune in to learn about Tara’s fascinating life journey and what she has learned from it!

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For Light Watkins, it is an honor to be able to spread inspiration through conversations with exceptional people. However, making a podcast is an arduous task, requiring hard work, dedication, and a lot of time. But once you are consistent and when you get it right, it can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences.

Today, our host Light Watkins is riding solo once again, this time to dive deeper into the origins of this podcast. After giving us a taste of the incredible sounds of Mexico City, Light tells us what it’s like to record a podcast with a minimal setup while reiterating the importance of not giving up on your podcasting dreams. 

Light takes us on a journey back to the early days of the podcast, sharing some of the mistakes that he has made along the way. In this captivating episode, you’ll be inspired by how our host overcame many initial obstacles to get this podcast to where it is today. We talk about three big interviews that Light was very nervous about and how they, ultimately, led to him overcoming fear, insecurity, and imposter syndrome. 

You’ll learn how to be more efficient when doing deep research, how our host engages with his guest’s personal stories and philosophies, the importance of recording podcasts in advance, what the common thread is between all of Light’s guests, and why you should always only do that which is aligned with the mission and purpose of your podcast. Be sure to tune in to hear it all.      

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In the increasingly digital world that we live in, finding ways to authentically connect and communicate with each other remains a vital part of a meaningful life. This concept lies at the foundation of the work of today's guest, Kalina Silverman.

Kalina is the mind and heart behind the amazing Big Talk project, which started out as a series of viral videos in which Kalina asked her subjects existential questions, like 'What do you want to do before you die?' The success of the videos led to a TEDx Talk, further speaking engagements, and the transformation of Big Talk into a broader and more international initiative. For Kalina, Big Talk and the ideas that ground it are a way to get past the barriers of social conventions and a means to connect in a way that we all crave and relish! 

In today’s conversation with Kalina, we get to hear the story behind her first video and all the important moments that informed her decisions. So, if you are ready for a fresh dose of inspiration and an insider's look at how this amazing dream became a reality, make sure to listen in with us!

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Today on the show, we are joined by the 'Sprout Guy', Doug Evans, to talk about his mission to bring this amazing group of superfoods into kitchens and common usage. 

Doug gives us such a great overview of his amazing journey and the different chapters of his life; we talk about his early days as a graffiti artist in New York City, joining the military, working in the world of design, and then starting his own businesses. 

We spend a good portion of time exploring the very important relationship that Doug developed with Paul Rand and the lasting influence that Doug garnered from the time he spent with him. 

One of the major themes of Doug's story is that of persistence, and how his commitment to his different projects was ultimately what allowed him to be successful. 

We also talk about his penchant for trouble, the impetus to get into the health sector, and the moment that Doug realized his excitement about sprouts. 

So if you want to learn more about this magical part of the natural world, and hear an inspiring story along the way, join us for this great episode of the Light Watkins Show!

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All of us are constantly faced with many choices and possibilities, and it is the decisions that we make that shape our lives. On the show today to talk about the path she has carved out for herself and her family is the supercharged Jessica Janzen, author of the book Bring the Joy! 

Jessica has such an amazing story and we are able to go deep with her, from her early days on a family farm in Canada to the twists and turns she has encountered in the different parts of her life. 

She tells us about the instinctual choice she made to help a family with two children struggling with spinal muscular atrophy, and the ripple effect this has had on the rest of her life. We then spend some time exploring Jessica's marriage, the birth of her own children, and the loss of her second child, Lewiston. 

Jessica is so open and honest about the ups and downs, and the lessons she has learned, delivering messages about showing up out of love, how acts of service can fill us up, and the hard work that goes into making magic happen! 

To hear it all from this wonderful guest, please join us!

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LaRayia Gaston might be the definition of inspiring. She is the heart behind Lunch on Me and LaRayia's Bodega, as well as the author of Love Without Reason. 

In today's episode, we are rerunning an amazing conversation with LaRayia from one of the earliest and most powerful episodes of the podcast! 

Tuning in, listeners will hear about all the most critical steps in LaRayia's journey, from her challenging childhood to her burgeoning and diverse career, and how she took her gifts and decided to dedicate her life to giving back to those less fortunate than herself. 

It was during her time in LA, around the age of 20, that LaRayia found the place to pour her desire to help the community. Always a hard worker and a generous giver, LaRayia began finding ways to provide food for the unhoused on Skid Row, and it was out of these efforts that Lunch on Me was born. 

Our guest talks about the influence that different family members had on her, how she funded this work at various points, and what has kept her going. 

We also get some insight into why LaRayia spent 43 days on Skid Row herself, her meditation practice, and her spiritual beliefs, so make sure to listen in to hear it all.

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The approach of middle age tends to inspire dread. For too long, we have been told that our “best years” are behind us once we reach midlif and that all we have to look forward to is the slow decline of our bodies and minds. 

But, for many of us, it’s actually the first time that we begin to make sense of life. This realization led performance coach, Greg Scheinman, to create a community where men who have been around long enough to own their mistakes and celebrate their successes could gather to maximize the second half of their lives. He calls it the Midlife Male Movement, devoted to the proposition that the middle is the sweet spot, not the end! 

In this episode, Greg shares his story with humor and vulnerability, offering us some insight into the life decisions that led him to where he is today. Listening in, you’ll learn how Greg is taking all of the experiences that he’s had and everything he has learned along the way and applying it to the next phase of his life. 

You’ll also hear some practical tips for how to stop seeing midlife as a crisis and start seeing it as an opportunity. Tune in today for a no-BS guide to living a longer, happier, healthier, and wealthier life (and having more fun) in your 40s, 50s, and beyond!

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Adam Roa knows how it feels to be living a life that doesn’t speak the language of your soul, and he also knows the power that comes with choosing to follow your heart, no matter what expectations the world has of you. 

Although it didn’t make logical sense to give up a promising career in advertising to pursue a risky one in acting, or to rent out an apartment without knowing where the rent money was going to come from, these decisions were led by the heart, and as you will hear in today’s episode, they paid off! 

Today, Adam is a spoken word poet whose words have gone viral across the globe and have had such an impact on some people that they have had them tattooed on their bodies. Moreover, Adam is a lifestyle and business coach who has built communities and created courses that have had transformative effects on many lives. 

Listen to this episode to hear about the journey that led to Adam’s spiritual awakening, the evolution of his understanding of relationships, and how to truly love yourself!

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Who we are as individuals are shaped as much by the good experiences in our lives, as the bad ones. And it’s important to acknowledge the full spectrum of events that shape us, even if it’s challenging or uncomfortable. 

Our guest today, Desi Bartlett, is no stranger to this truth. Through her practice of meditation and movement, she has studied how to take powerful lessons from both the positive and negative aspects of her life and apply them as an author, fitness professional, woman, and mother. 

In our conversation, Desi shares some of the details about her unstable upbringing, how she left home as a teenager, and why so much of what she does is in honor of her mother and her limitations as a parent. We delve into Desi’s journey with fitness, the transformative power of movement, and how her career has evolved since she first began to pursue fitness as a profession. 

We also discussed Desi’s work as an author, the release of her latest book Total Body Beautiful, and her passion for empowering women through movement, yoga, meditation, and nutrition. For a wonderful conversation that will surprise and delight you with its thought-provoking insights and joyful advice, make sure you tune in today!

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Today’s guest, Chip Conley, has been a serial disruptor of the hospitality industry for many decades, and since acquiring his first hotel in his 20s, has blazed a trail of innovative and successful businesses catering to a variety of different client bases. 

Chip was also instrumental in the rise of Airbnb in the contemporary landscape, and has most recently founded the amazing Modern Elder Academy, which is aimed at mentoring individuals through the later stages of human development. 

In our chat, we get to hear from Chip about the lessons he learned from his father, why he has always pursued creativity over profit, and the vital part that mentor relationships have continually played in his life. 

Our guest shares some great book recommendations and some insightful thoughts on living with purpose, before we close off with some thoughts on courage, self-belief, and his continued commitment to his calling of social alchemy. Join us to hear it all!

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Today I am doing another solo episode, which as you may know, I do on occasion. And in today's solo episode, I'm talking about minimalism, one of my favorite topics, and how minimalism helps you to become more present and more liberated, and more self-sufficient in your day-to-day life. 

I'm also describing an experiment that you can run starting today that will give you a taste of the liberation that you feel when living the minimalist lifestyle. And the best part is you don't have to get rid of anything in order to have the experience of minimalism. 

I also will show those of you who are watching this on YouTube, the actual backpack that I've been living from for the past few years, as well as my one pair of shoes and my shirts that I hand wash each night after wearing them. I also will go through the detailed instructions of how I hand wash my clothes in case you're in a situation where I don't know, you're flying, and your airline use loses your luggage, and for whatever reason, you have to make do. The clothes on your back for a day or two.

And I also talk about some of the other interesting aspects of my minimalist lifestyle and how it's evolved over the last four years because the way it started is not the way it is right now. And of course, I've written extensively about minimalism in my upcoming book, which is called Travel Light.

That's coming out in April of 2023. So there's a lot more to say in that book. But for now, I wanna just give you a peek into the minimalist lifestyle, cuz I think you'll get a lot from it, even if you have no desire to become a minimalist yourself.

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Growing up as a Dominican-Colombian in Queens, Christopher Rivas didn’t feel the weight of his difference in the world until he was introduced to the real James Bond. Learning about Porfirio Rubirosa, the Dominican diplomat on whom the famously white character was based, changed everything for him and informed the culture-centered trajectory of his career. 

Christopher is a professional storyteller, podcaster, actor, and author. In this episode, we learn about the most pivotal moments of his childhood, his path to becoming an actor, and the serendipitous tale of how he landed on the art of storytelling. 

We discuss the importance of representation, the value of meditation, and the profound difference between stories you’ve been made to believe and those you’ve chosen to believe. Tune in to discover the anatomy of an impactful story, the script-shifting theme of Christopher’s book, Brown Enough, the art of code-switching, and so much more.

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Today I am re-airing one of my earlier episodes with someone who has changed the way that I see the world. Her name is Pam Grout, and for those of you who don't know, Pam is a New York Times bestselling author, a travel blogger who has visited every continent except for Antarctica, and a student of A Course in Miracles.

In this episode, Pam talks candidly about the loss of her daughter, the little rituals they shared, and how she coped with the grief of her daughter’s passing. She shares the wisdom that she's gleaned from her adventures and from the rocky parts of her journey as well, because, even for those who know full well that we co-create our reality, life is still going to test us.

Pam also describes her writing journey, the process of writing her bestseller, E-Squared, and her advice for those looking to write spiritual guidance books. Pam’s definition of success, after everything she has been through and after writing 20 books, is to see the face of God in every person she meets, and her whole story is incredibly inspiring, so make sure to tune in today!

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Today on the show, we welcome the wonderfully inspiring and honest Danielle LaPorte, whose journey has seen many seasons and contrasting terrains. In our chat, we get to hear all about Danielle's prioritization of healing and how this relates to love and living a good life. 

We also get to discuss some principles from a few of her books, including her most recent work, How to Be Loving. Danielle opens up on the important yet sometimes misunderstood concepts of gentleness, awareness, goals, and success and even shares some great practical advice for dealing with breakups! 

So if you want to hear it all from this spiritual sister to this podcast, make sure to tune in now.

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The topic of gut health and the importance of our gut microbiome have been gaining more and more traction in the last decade or so. Before that, there was very little attention paid to the way in which our diet and healthy bacteria impacted all the others parts of our body and mind. 

This is the area that Dr. Robynne Chutkan has dedicated herself to exploring and illuminating, something she has done through her patient practice, as well as in a number of books that she has published. 

In today's chat with the gastroenterological expert, we get to go deep into the human digestive system, with Dr. Chutkan talking about pooping, bloat, sleep, sickness, immune systems, and much more. 

She also explains why certain products and medications should be avoided when possible, and how small changes to our eating habits can make a huge difference. The passion and energy that Dr. Chutkan possesses for this subject is truly inspiring, and so desperately needed if we are to really make progress in the important area of human health. 

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Today’s guest, Dylan Smith, started his first Ayurvedic practice from his bedroom at his parent’s house at the tender age of 19! He has now become an expert at using Ayurvedic techniques to treat stress, fatigue, digestive problems, back strains, and many others. Giving up his pursuit of a degree in architecture, Dylan traveled to India to take advantage of the free accommodation that came with staying with his mom and ended up leaving Southeast Asia with so much more than he bargained for! 

He describes his childhood and how he understood meditation from a young age, before explaining his relationship with the legendary Thom Knoles, how cancer brought his family closer to Ayurveda, how Deepak Chopra’s words changed his life, and whether Ayurvedic practices are spiritual, scientific, or both. 

Pulse diagnosis is an important aspect of Dylan’s work and after describing exactly what it is and why it’s extremely beneficial, our guest explains how he relates to everything he learned during his time in India and why it will always be a part of his life. 

We discuss why Ayurveda is for everyone, how to align your body with nature, why the skin is so important and how it relates to oils, and what you need to look out for when trying to identify an authentic Ayurvedic doctor. 

Our guest confirms that fasting can be a powerful way of achieving good health, but only when done correctly. We end our fascinating conversation with Dylan’s perception of success from the viewpoint of an Ayurvedic practitioner, while hearing all about the learning courses and treatments that he and his clinic have on offer. 

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Today’s guest is the wonderful writer and founder of Firestone Sisters, Mary Firestone. Mary is here to tell us about a series of traumas that she has experienced throughout her life and how she overcame them on her path to healing. 

Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Mary’s family, her childhood and early adult life, her studies in psychology, and why she decided to venture down that road. She shares a potentially triggering and emotional account of being molested as well as her life-threatening experience of being caught in the Montecito mudslide that tore through her home in 2018. 

Join us as we discuss what Mary believes trauma is, how she began practicing healing modalities, her experience in shamanism, and what she believes it means to be healed. Mary is an incredibly inspirational person dedicated to helping people work through their trauma in order to become “initiated" into their true selves. 

She tells us why she believes her life was divinely protected in the mudslide, why she does not want people to see themselves as victims, and why our bodies are our true homes, plus she shares her perspective on luck, how her experiences have helped her in her coaching, and so much more. 

Mary has just written a book called Trusting the Dawn, and today, she also lets us in on why she decided to write about her trauma, where the book’s name came from, and what she hopes to achieve with it. To hear this truly inspirational conversation about how trauma ignites the beginning of true living, press play now!

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You don’t need to lose 15 pounds, visit the seven wonders of the world, go on lavish wellness retreats, or earn a six-figure salary to be happy. In fact, Neil Pasricha believes that it’s much, much simpler than that! 

Neil is a leadership keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and positive psychology researcher whose work focuses on gratitude, happiness, failure, and resilience. Ranked as one of the most inspiring TED Talk speakers of all time, Neil has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world about cultivating a positive mindset using daily gratitudes. 

His now wildly popular blog, 1000 Awesome Things, started as an attempt to pick himself up after his divorce and a close friend's suicide, and has evolved into a series of internationally acclaimed books and a deeper understanding that happiness is a journey, not a destination. 

Today, you’ll gain some insight into Neil’s backstory, from his struggles with self-confidence to how he turned his side hustle into a successful career as an “intentional living guru,” plus so much more! No matter who you are or what your journey is, you will find valuable nuggets of wisdom in today’s episode. 

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget the unassuming things that make us smile. But in a world that is often overwhelming, Neil Pasricha reminds us of the power of celebrating the simple, awesome things that are all around us; if we’d just take a moment to notice them.

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Joining us today is Clinical Psychologist and the Author of Touching Two Worlds, Dr. Sherry Walling. Dr. Sherry has been treating patients for trauma, stress, and grief for over 20 years, and in 2017, the loss of her father and brother gave her a front-row seat to the type of devastation she’d been helping others navigate. 

She combined what she’d learned when studying both theology and psychology with her own personal experience, to develop a memoir that is as heart-wrenching and personal as it is informative and cathartic. We talk about understanding depression as a disease, how to be present in both grief and joy, why healing requires truth-telling, and how to speak to your kids about grief and loss. 

Dr. Sherry then explains why we need to change the societal narrative around suicide, the best practices when you are experiencing grief, how to speak to someone when they are grieving, and how the circus can be way more than just comical relief! 

Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning for loss, depression, and suicide. 

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As a bestselling author, today's guest is no stranger to the inner resistance that can hamper your creative journey. Regular listeners might recognize our guest Steven Pressfield, not just from his work as a bestselling author of titles like The War of Art and Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be, but also from his previous appearances on The Light Watkins Show. 

Not only has Steven produced a wealth of engrossing works of fiction and non-fiction, he has also written extensively about the writing process, overcoming resistance, and what it means to create art. His non-fiction work has helped countless artists and writers (including our very own Light Watkins) overcome their inner resistance, find their voice, and share their truth through their chosen art form. 

In today’s conversation, we discuss Steven’s latest book Govt Cheese: A Memoir and what inspired him to write it. Steven goes on to expand on why he is a big proponent of listening to the muse when inspiration strikes, and how your ego can get in the way of the writing process. 

We also discuss the types of journeys that artists need to go on, why the artist’s life may seem boring at times, and some of the key lessons Steven learned about the writing process from mentors throughout his life. 

Today’s episode covers a range of topics; from spirituality to trucking, and is filled with special anecdotes and insights from Steven’s life, so be sure to tune in for all the fascinating details!

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Life is full of ups and downs, but how we choose to overcome challenges defines who we are. Today is the annual complication episode, and the theme for this year's wrap-up is “Making Something Out of Nothing." 

Hear clips from the most memorable moments from the show about people overcoming incredible odds to fulfill their dreams. In this episode, you will hear from Sebastian Terry who created 100things, best-selling author Agapi Stassinopoulos, ex-prisoner turned writer Shaka Senghor, “Free Hugs Guy” Ken Nwadike Jr., conscious comedian J Smiles, and B.A.R.E Truth Founder Joseph Bradford. 

In the clips, you will hear how each guest was able to find their inner calling and overcome extreme challenges to realize their passion. Their stories demonstrate how we are usually not prepared to do the things we desire but that a leap of faith is required to begin the journey, no matter how small your resources are. 

Tune in, get inspired, and start taking your first steps toward making something out of nothing!

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In a creative landscape dominated by social media and online marketing, real and original artists can have a hard time finding their audience and maintaining a career. But that does not mean it is impossible, and today's guest is an example of how authenticity and hard work can pay off and allow a great connection with the right kind of audience. 

Humble the Poet joins us for a fascinating conversation in which we explore his winding path, the ups and downs, and some of the pivotal moments that he has experienced. Now the author of three books, including his latest, How to Be Love(d). 

Humble has so many great insights into this central topic of human life, and shares some of the lessons he has learned on his own journey about what we get wrong, why it feels so complicated, and what love actually means!

We also get to talk about some of the people that have helped Humble along the way, from friends and family to heroes and influences, before our guest leaves us with some great food for thought about radical honesty and success. To hear all this and so much more, be sure to listen in today!

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In Light’s fourth solo episode, he examines what purpose is, what it means to live your purpose, and how all of your choices ultimately lead you to it. 

Light shares his journey of discovering his purpose, emphasizing that nothing is an accident, even if it feels like you’re straying from your path. This episode provides clarity on the relationship between trust and opportunities, the difference between tension and friction, and the most common misconception about inner guidance. 

Tune in to discover the true value of gratitude, the safety in uncertainty, and the importance of trusting your intuition, no matter how comfortable the alternative. 

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A lot of the time, the answers to the struggles that we go through as human beings lie in love. When we don’t love ourselves, we won’t be able to find love elsewhere, nor will we be able to find the confidence to live our lives to their full capacity. 

Zachary Levi, best known for his lead roles in Chuck and Shazam, learned this lesson the hard way. During today’s episode, Zach paints a picture of his turbulent childhood which led to adulthood plagued with mental health struggles, culminating in a rock-bottom moment where he almost took his own life. 

As Zach’s story demonstrates, radical self-love can take one out of even the darkest of spaces and into the light!

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There is a growing understanding of the roots of addiction and how earlier traumas shape our needs and habits, and as this tide rises, we are able to better serve those on paths to recovery. 

Our guest today is the fantastic and inspiring Elisa Hallerman, and we have an amazing conversation about her winding soul journey of self-discovery, and her book, Soulbriety. 

Elisa's story is one of finding her way into helping others with the issues she faced, and she talks about the consistent nature of soul work, the roots of her substance abuse issues, the power of storytelling, and letting go of our connection to the ego. 

Listeners are guaranteed to come away with fresh perspectives on what it means to confront demons, how to start down a new path of self-inquiry, and why it is so valuable to share the wisdom we have gained with others. 

Make sure to catch this stand-out conversation!

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Today, we have an experimental episode in store. Having had some amazing guests on the show who have told us their backstories and shared with us their inspirations, why limit them to those that still walk the earth today?

One of the historical figures that are very intriguing is Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist that was born a slave, and eventually became one of the most prominent abolitionists of his time, even heralded as the most famous Black man in the world, and the most photographed person in all of America in the 1800s.

To share Douglass’ fascinating life story, today’s guest is Professor David W. Blight, the world’s foremost expert on the life of Frederick Douglass. He is the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Douglass biography, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom, which combines stories and insights, drawing from a repository of Douglass’ letters and papers from the latter third of his life, which have not previously been written about. 

David is the Sterling Professor of African American studies and the director of the Guider Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition at Yale University, not to mention an award-winning author of seven other books, plus multiple op-eds. 

In this episode, Professor David Blight shares a bit about his personal relationship with Black history and what attracted him to Frederick Douglass, and goes on to share Douglass’ story, from the reinvention of his life out of human bondage to discovering the power of language, and becoming a speaker during the golden age of oratory as performance, to his rise to stardom after writing his books, his mastery of multiple witting styles, and his declining mental health. 

David also explains the relationship Douglass had with his wife and his family, his foray into writing history, and his problem with the pleasures and perils of fame, as well as the legacy he has left us in his words. Tune in today!

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Today we have a real-life superhero on the show, with a breathtaking origin story. Elladj Baldé is a figure skater that has been breaking the mold and shattering expectations since his early days in the sport. 

Despite some sizable course corrections and realignments, he has managed to find an authentic place for exercising and exploring his passion for expression. In this conversation with Elladj, we hear about the challenges of being a black skater, the successes and speed humps he has lived through, why he moved into performance skating, and the difficulties he has had with multiple concussions during his career. 

Elladj talks about the beauty and allure of wild ice and the different influences and motivations that he received from his particular family dynamic. Towards the end of our chat, we also hear from Elladj about the amazing Figure Skating Diversity and Inclusion Alliance, which he helped found, and some of his hopes and ambitions for the future of the sport. 

So if you want to catch all this, join us for this great adventure with Elladj!

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Today's guest, Nora McInerny, knows a thing or two about tragedy and loss, and in today's conversation, we get to hear from her about what enabled her to keep going, course correct, and stay progressive through some very difficult times. 

Nora is the author of several books, and in her most recent, Bad Vibes Only, she tackles some of the issues she sees in being too optimistic in today's world. Our guest has a podcast of her own and is also a lifelong journaler, which we explore in some detail. 

Nora shares so much insight into some quite uncommon attitudes towards grief and loss, talking about the unique experience she went through when she lost her husband Aaron. We hear about life after these events, her second marriage, and the lessons she continues to learn and respond to, so make sure to join us to catch it all in this powerful episode!

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Our guest today, Kyle Cease, fell in love with comedy at a young age. And while he has had an incredibly successful comedy career, his hard work and ingenuity were driven by more than just a love of making people laugh. 

He also felt a deep-seated need for approval and validation. Today on the show we talk with Kyle Cease, a transformational comedian, and best-selling author, about his fascinating career as a comedian and how it has been shaped by his spiritual journey. 

We hear from Kyle about how he started doing corporate comedy events as a 15-year-old, why he always put himself in a position to learn from the best, and how he became a transformational comedian. 

Kyle goes on to share how reaching the depths of despair helped him let go of old versions of himself and set him on the path he is following today. We also discuss Kyle’s Evolve Out Loud event, how it’s grown over the past ten years, and his advice for anyone starting out on their spiritual journey. 

For a very special conversation on following your dreams, listening to your higher self, and letting go, be sure to tune in today!

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Life can be extremely challenging at times, throwing hurdles and obstacles at us that often seem insurmountable. But if you can acknowledge ‘the suck’ and find a way to sit in the discomfort, then you will have a better chance at regaining your joyful spirit! This episode explores themes of domestic violence and dealing with severe loss, please listen with care. 

Today’s guest, Dr. Neeta Bhushan, has endured unfathomable loss and hardships to come out the other side better and stronger, whilst helping others realign with their purpose, too.  

We hear of her extraordinary upbringing, which saw her lose her mother, father, and brother all before she turned 20 years old. Dr. Neeta explains the immigrant philosophy in which she was raised, how she approaches spirituality, how she dealt with the loss of three family members when she was a teenager, and how those losses nudged her toward a career in medicine. 

We also hear about her transformative trip to Rome before our guest opens up about how an abusive marriage affected her, and how saying yes to almost everything after her divorce helped her regain her passion for life. 

Turning our attention to Dr. Neeta’s new book, That Sucked, Now What?, our guest defines ‘the suck,’ how we can embrace it, and what it means to be in ‘the thriving stage.’ Finally, the remarkable Dr. Neeta Bhushan tells us how her definition of success has changed over the years, what her relationship with her family is like today, and the wondrous moments she has witnessed as a result of those around her embracing their suck!    

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Bringing the focus back onto Light, and in particular his new book, Travel Light, this episode expands on the ideas of spiritual minimalism, following inner guidance, and the process of writing a book.

Light first coined the term 'spiritual minimalism' while reflecting on the last couple of years and his backpack lifestyle, his decreasing need to accumulate possessions and material items, and the gifts that present themselves in each of life's situations. The episode starts off with some helpful insights and tips about the process of publishing a book, either through the self-publishing route or by way of traditional publishers.

Listeners can expect some great information on where to focus one's energy, and the steps that enable an author to get a book out into the world. From there, Light starts to delve into the subject matter of Travel Light, tacking the ideas of choicelessness, the benefits of a unique idea, finding comfort and discomfort, and much more. 

So if you want to hear all of this and more on the background of book number four from Light Watkins, be sure to listen in!

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If you want to hear the uncut, 3-hour long, full interview with Adriene Mishler, join Light's online community, The Happiness Insiders Community: http://community.lightwatkins.com

Online health platforms were already on the rise before the pandemic of 2020, but we have seen a sharp uptick in the utilization of video classes and communities since quarantines have kicked in. 

One such community was built by Adriene Mishler, and had humble beginnings as a yoga class hosted on YouTube in the early 2010s. 'Yoga with Adriene' grew steadily after a slow start, and by the time 2020 came around Adriene was the highest searched yoga content on the internet! 

She has built a huge community which she helps instruct from her living room. To give you an idea of her impact, she has been called 'the Mr. Rogers of yoga'! Having been born into a theatre family, Adriene has a lifelong passion for performance and connection to an audience. 

We hear from her about her earliest memories of the theatre, how this grew into a career in acting, and how this career led her to pursue teaching yoga. Constantly juggling a number of intense projects has kept Adriene on the go from a young age, and it is only through her consistency and a deep desire that she has made it through challenging times and reaped the rewards of the hard work. 

We see how her authenticity led to the videos she was publishing eventually catching fire, to the point where she now has 7 million subscribers on YouTube, with over 600 million views on her channel! 

This is a beautifully meandering conversation about this process of growth, the obstacles that Adriene encountered, and the lessons she learned along the way. Adriene talks about the role of her angels in the journey and what it means to contribute to the future of yoga! 

Listen in with us today for this amazing conversation!

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In the chaos of life, it’s easy to get caught in the mess of it all, forgetting that your pain and struggle can actually be turned into a motivational message of strength and perseverance. 

Today’s guest has valiantly turned her mess into her message, and it is a pleasure to be joined by fitness influencer, speaker, coach, @NYCfitfam creator, and the founder of The Big Ask Method, Jamie Hess. 

After Light and Jamie reminisce about when they first met, we get a sense of Jamie’s childhood and what it was like growing up with a celebrity mother, and how horseback riding saved her life. 

We discuss an injury that sent Jamie down the drug rabbit hole, how her drug use affected her relationship with her mother, the dangers of some prescription and harm-reducing drugs, and the definition of a high-functioning drug addict. 

Our guest then walks us through how she adopted a lifestyle of gratitude, her journey to finding fitness as a vocation, why she decided to be vulnerable in sharing her story, and the blind date that eventually led to 11 happy years of marriage! 

We discover how Jamie and her husband George started NYCfitfam, what they did to grow the account, how Jamie fell into an eating disorder (and how George helped her through it), and the ins and outs surrounding her decision to make her unhealthy relationship with food public. 

Finally, Jamie explains how she became a coach and why coaching also needs a dedicated, self-motivated student, before she offers listeners of the show a 20% discount that they can apply to her upcoming Reset Retreat!

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Today we are joined by international speaker, consultant, coach, podcaster, and unapologetic champion of honesty, Africa Brooke! 

Africa was born in Zimbabwe before moving to the UK, and we get to hear all about our guest's early years, challenges, and paths of self-discovery. 

Having struggled with an alcoholic father, Africa herself fell into a pattern of substance abuse, and she generously talks about what this looked like and what it took for her to break out of these habits. 

She explains the impact that learning about self-sabotage had on her, as well as the power of sharing her story publicly. From there, the conversation transitions to her outspoken comments on transcending the confines of wokeness and cancel culture, and how stepping into her truth changed things for her in so many ways. 

Listeners will come away with some inspiring and fearless thoughts on purpose, truth, making peace with contradictions, and intentionality; all things we can all use a bit more of! Africa also talks about the central role that ritual plays in her life, finding her voice as a storyteller, becoming a better listener, and much more, so tune in now!

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We’ve come full circle here on The Light Watkins Show as today, we are joined by this podcast’s very first guest! Leon Logothetis is an explorer, TV show host, speaker, and author, and he is here with us to chat about his latest book, Go Be Brave. 

After a quick recap of Leon’s extraordinary background, he tells us how he defines bravery and courage, his earliest memory of having to be brave, his extroverted and introverted selves and the one that is closer to his true self, and the correlation between being yourself and speaking your truth. 

Then, we hear about the power of the truth diary and taking action, how to use nature to reconnect with your humanity, why taking action is more important than understanding the concepts in Leon’s book, and what Leon believes is the most fundamental and non-negotiable aspect of being brave. 

We end this delightful and inspiring conversation with an exploration of the type of bravery that is needed to build long-lasting relationships, why our guest is closer to his life’s goal of marriage than he’s ever been before, and why you should be comfortable saying both yes and no, and knowing when to say them.  Enjoy!

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Imagine falling in love unexpectedly and then after only six short years together, you get the news that your wife has 15 months to live. Today’s guest, Ray “Willie Qool” Singleton is no stranger to knowing love and loss. 

With experience in singing, sales, and social media influencing, Ray quickly became ‘America’s Husband’ when a video of him singing to his wife with cancer went viral. Join us today as we discuss Ray’s upbringing, influences, time at college, years as a salesman, and so much more. 

Ray describes the incredible story of how he met his wife. He goes on to share how they handled her cancer diagnosis, touching on communication in their marriage, and staying positive in tough times. 

When Ray and Roslyn were invited to the Ellen Show, they became overnight celebrities, and in this episode, he shares how his social media community supported him and his wife through the last days of her life. He tells us about how music kept him going and the peaceful way his wife left this earth before telling us what he feels his purpose is and what is next for him. 

To hear from this incredibly talented and inspirational man, tune in now!

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The natural world has so much to teach us, and the different ways we are able to interact with it in the modern context, offers endless inspiration. 

Today on the show we welcome documentary filmmaker, Louie Schwartzberg, to talk about his intriguing life and career, and what has inspired his amazing films, such as Fantastic Fungi and Gratitude Revealed. 

The child of Holocaust survivors, Louie felt the impact of his family's trauma acutely, and in our chat, he talks about how this shaped many parts of his upbringing, in both positive and negative ways. He shares his recollections of his early fascination with plants and film and the events that led up to his exploring early time-lapse photography.

Louie underlines his prioritization of learning through watching and doing, and his desire to tell different kinds of stories. We also get into the practical steps that allowed him to build a career and reputation. Louie remains hopeful of building a movement that can change the world and believes that our gratitude is central to this project. So to hear it all from this amazing guest, be sure to tune in!

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In this episode of the podcast, host Light Watkins is in conversation with Reverend Michael Bernard Beckwith. Beckwith is the founder and spiritual director of the Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles, California, which has a congregation of over 9,000 people a week. He is also known for his work in the film and book called The Secret, which is about the law of attraction.

The episode dives into Beckwith's life story and his journey toward spirituality. He shares how he found his calling and created the Agape International Spiritual Center, as well as the foundational principles of affirmative prayer. Beckwith's experience growing up in a family with a probate officer turned judge father and a mother with psychic powers also shaped his perspective on life and spirituality.

The conversation covers Beckwith's new podcast, Take Back Your Mind, which is designed to guide listeners back to their minds and away from worry, doubt, and fear. The episode is full of inspirational stories and insights that will leave listeners feeling empowered and motivated to live their best lives. If you're looking for a transformative and inspiring conversation, this episode with Reverend Michael Bernard Beckwith is not to be missed.

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Today’s guest, Steve Izen, is a true inspiration who made his mark on the world by getting everyone around him to follow in his steps and embrace the idea of impermanence. 

After hearing of his grandfather’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Steve began to toil with the idea of how we are all constantly experiencing highs and lows and the aim is for us to find balance. 

That seed grew into his company Lokai, a bracelet brand that combines actual water from Mount Everest with actual water from the Dead Sea (the highest and lowest points in the world) to preach the word that life is ever-changing, and one should always seek internal peace and balance in an otherwise chaotic world. 

We talk about how Steve’s idea of success has changed from when he was younger to now, how he thought up Lokai, why many retailers rejected Lokai at the start, and how word-of-mouth was crucial to Lokai’s success. We explore the value of community, Steve’s hiring process and Lokai’s manufacturing process, why Steve prioritizes family and friends over everything else, and the ins and outs of the other company he founded, Elements of Balance. 

Steve truly is an example of how to work hard, earn well, and give money to charity and time to the people you love. You do not want to miss this remarkable conversation!

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This week’s episode is very special as Light finally gets to interview his lifelong inspiration: his father. It’s an absolute pleasure to introduce to you, Mr. Donald V. Watkins.

Understandably, Light and his father have a lot to discuss, so the conversation with Donald will be a two-part series.

In part one, we learn about Donald’s childhood of growing up in a close-knit community in the South during the civil rights movement, with loving parents who demanded a high work ethic, and with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a Sunday-school teacher and Rosa Parks as a close family friend! 

Donald recounts his first memory of experiencing direct racism and how his teachers taught him to be resilient against it, before explaining how he got into architecture and why he eventually left it to study law. We hear about a special custodian who mentored the black students of Alabama State College, what Donald learned from his days as an attorney, what inspired him to run for city council, and how he fought back against police misconduct while he was in office.

Donald’s life could be written as a movie, and you can get a glimpse of him as an attorney in action in Episode 4 of season 1 of the Netflix series, Trial by Media.

We wrap up part one with Donald V. Watkins by exploring his incredible 154-case win streak, how he ended up in prison, and why he believes that prison was his finest hour as a lawyer. Be sure not to miss this riveting, wonderful, wholesome conversation, and be on the lookout for part two!

Disclaimer: Please note that this episode contains graphic accounts of racism and prejudice. Please listen with care. 

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Welcome back to the Light Watkins Show as we bring you the second half of Light’s chat with his father, attorney Donald V. Watkins. The conversation resumes with Donald explaining how going to prison as a Black man in the 1960s was as good as attaining a Ph.D. 

While in prison, Donald found himself rubbing shoulders with many innocent men who were mostly there as a result of poor legal representation. He took it upon himself to be their voice in the darkness and he describes the tactics that he used to free 47 of his fellow inmates, as well as the intricacies of why the criminal justice system in America is failing. 

We learn how the prison staff received Donald’s charity toward the other inmates, why he never stopped writing and publishing articles, how his legal acumen saved his life, and the best and worst moments of his time in incarceration. 

Our guest then shares some very useful tips for how to find and properly vet a lawyer that you want to work with, before detailing how he would change the criminal justice system and why his plan to own an NFL team is not as audacious as it seems when you consider his tenacity for working hard to get what he wants! 

Finally, after two remarkable, informative, and emotional podcast episodes, the sensational Donald V. Watkins offers some important advice for green-eared lawyers who are looking to make their mark on the world. Tune in for all this and more!

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Spiritual minimalism can be simply explained as minimalism from the inside out. It is seven basic principles that serve as a guideline toward doing more with less in an effort to live a more fulfilling life. 

Today, in Light’s 6th solo episode, he breaks down the seven principles of spiritual minimalism and how they can be used as a framework for understanding relationships. After introducing his upcoming book, Travel Light, our host explains the joys of flâneuring, why “relationships” is an ever-relevant topic, and why the illusion of separation can be a source of confusion in how you relate to relationships. 

Then, we explore the essence of minimalism before Light clarifies how each of the seven principles of spiritual minimalism can help you foster meaningful relationships. Ultimately, practicing stillness and cultivating your heart voice (the first principle) will activate all the other principles, as you begin to take action in nurturing the learning opportunities that come with every relationship while being deliberate to be present in every moment. 

And remember to pre-order your copy of Travel Light to stand a chance to win one of Light’s personal-item giveaways — each with its own unique and memorable backstory! Thanks for tuning in. 

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We are so happy to welcome back Martinus Evans, Founder of the Slow AF Run Club. Since our last conversation, Martinus' amazing journey and inspiring story have kept unfolding and progressing, and in today's episode, we speak about his new book, his online community, his different business avenues, and his perspectives on success right now. 

Martinus has always been about taking things to the next level, and that is probably why running is such a strong and apt metaphor for his life. We get into his thoughts on “going through the fire,” reliance on self, making the right sacrifices, and also how he schedules his time; all of which listeners will find highly actionable and motivating. 

Martinus unpacks his framework of values, goals, and habits, and how the synergy of these three components can truly drive you forward. If you want to catch it all from the one and only Martinus Evans, be sure to join us for this essential episode! 

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In 2022, Marianne Williamson relinquished her bid to become the next president of the United States of America. There years later and this prolific author (affectionately known as Oprah’s advisor) is back at it again, this time in an attempt to don the nation’s presidential crown at the end of 2024. 

Marianne believes that the political status quo will not disrupt itself, so it’s up to spiritual candidates like her to bring about healthy, systemic change for all. 

Marianne joins Light on the show today to discuss how A Course in Miracles changed her life, the ins and outs of her decision to get into politics, why she believes that systemic change for the better is still possible, and how her current presidential race differs from the previous one. 

We explore the intrinsic link between spirituality and politics and how spiritual seekers can support their representatives, and end with a deep examination of the bipolar consciousness of America. 

Marianne is one of Light’s real-world inspirations and after you hear this enlightening conversation, she’s bound to climb up your list of motivational superstars! Enjoy.   

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In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, we are re-airing the captivating interview with renowned film director Ava DuVernay. Known for her groundbreaking work in movies like "Selma" and "13th," as well as the hit TV series "Queen Sugar," Ava has become a force in the industry. 

Host Light Watkins takes us through Ava's inspiring journey, from her upbringing in South Central Los Angeles to her career in PR and her eventual leap of faith into directing and storytelling.

Ava shares how she overcame challenges, downsizing her life and making sacrifices to pursue her passion for filmmaking. Despite picking up a camera later in life, Ava's dedication to telling diverse and important stories shines through. She discusses the creation of her nonprofit organization, Array, which focuses on distributing films by people of color and women.

With numerous awards and nominations under her belt, Ava's message is clear: it's never too late to pursue your dreams. She emphasizes the importance of using your voice and platform to uplift others, a mission she has embraced throughout her career. Join Light Watkins as he delves into the remarkable life and work of one of today's most influential creative voices, Ava DuVernay.

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What does it take to shift your path and find success in doing what truly lights you up on the inside? 

We are joined today by an amazing individual whose journey and dedication to pursuing meaningful work is something to be inspired by. Cole Cuchna is the host of Dissect, an incredibly well-received podcast aimed at countering our scrolling culture. A serialized music podcast where he examines a single album every season but doesn’t merely discuss the musical arrangements of the songs in these albums, but talks about the history, the culture, the philosophy, and the storytelling done by the musicians as well as the impact of the times in which those songs were created. 

In our conversation with Cole today, we hear about his childhood and significant moments that impacted his path through life, his thoughts on the hard-work ideology taught to him by his parents, and what eventually led him to leave his band and the touring lifestyle. 

He shares how he faked his way into his music program, the debate that ensued post-graduation, and the story behind falling in love with coffee. We then dive into the birth of Dissect, and he walks us through his process of gathering insights and interpretations for each song on the album. 

Cole’s story is relatable, and his journey is proof that you don’t have to choose between following your passion and paying the bills. To hear why he believes Beethoven and the likes stood the test of time, don’t miss out on this great episode. 

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Today, we are joined by Shona Vertue, creator of The Vertue Method and trainer of the stars, to share her holistic fitness journey. We discover how she chose life over gymnastics just as the Olympics entered her purview, and where that life took her. 

She opens up about how a patronizing counseling experience at a young age sparked her interest in psychology and shares a transformative "cult" encounter that introduced her to the profundity of the Eastern path. 

The Vertue Method aims to challenge limiting beliefs and help people optimize their overall health through flexibility, strength, fitness, mental health, and mindfulness. Shona shares the genesis story of the method, emphasizing the significance of holistic living and sharing insights into her principles of nutrition. 

Shona has succeeded in living her life in alignment with her authentic self while meeting her practical needs by creating a thriving business and engaged online community. Tune in to learn more about her journey and discover how you, too, can gain traction online, embrace a holistic approach to your well-being, and unlock your true potential.  

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We all have an inner truth that every so often nudges us into directions, whether we are aware of it, or not. We may find, however, that we do not necessarily often listen to or follow those inner nudgings, but as we dive into the story from today’s episode, we see how powerful it can be to trust life and see where it takes you. 

In our conversation today, we welcome back Kute Blackson. Kute is a transformational teacher, a sought-after inspirational speaker, and the bestselling author of two books, The Magic of Surrender and You Are The One. Born in Ghana, he had a multicultural upbringing as the child of a Japanese mother and a Ghanaian father. 

At the age of 18, Kute left everything he knew behind and followed an inner nudging that sparked a cascade of events leading him to become a spiritual legend. As you tune in to this episode of the Light Watkins Show, you’ll join us on a journey as we talk about the anatomy of a leap of faith, how to follow your heart and inner nudgings, and practical steps and advice about how to start listening to your deeper inner truth and ultimately discover your purpose. 

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Spiritual minimalism is a concept that our very own Light Watkins has led his life by and is exceptionally helpful in finding your true self and achieving happiness and success. Welcome to the seventh solo episode with Light. 

Today we are delving into his new book, Travel Light: Spiritual Minimalism to Live a More Fulfilled Life, and reminding you of the seven principles of spiritual minimalism. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the book, the themes throughout all of his books, the process of getting a book deal, how he leveraged relationships with podcast hosts as a marketing strategy and much more! 

Light reminds us what spiritual minimalism is before sharing its seven principles and how he came up with them by embracing curiosity. Often, people who follow their hearts are belittled and, in this episode, our host explains why the heart plays an important role in decision making and he shares his interesting take on imposter syndrome as a positive thing. We even learn about his podcasting journey. 

Lastly, we get special insight into how to preorder Travel Light and how to enter an amazing competition to win some of the items Light has carried with him throughout his spiritually minimalistic journey. To hear all this and be inspired to find your own way without comparing yourself to others, press play now!

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For today's episode, listeners are getting some more great insight into Light's new book, Travel Light. The format here is a punchy compilation of conversations from Instagram Live with a bunch of amazing personalities and people from Light's network and past podcast guests. 

So if you want to hear Light getting asked some powerful questions by a few of the best minds and souls out there, you have come to the right place! Featured here are Africa Brooke, Robert Brix Glover from Brix Fitness, Simona Von Woikowsky, who is the illustrator of Travel Light, Adriene Mishler from Yoga with Adriene, Jesse Israel, Bozama Saint John, Leon Logothetis, Tara Stiles from Strala Yoga, Steven Pressfield, Rosario Dawson, Will Cole, and Light's editor, Diana Ventimiglia! 

The clips cover topics such as the inspiration for the book, its most fundamental concepts, the genesis of its ideas, the format and writing process, listening to the heart voice, and much more too. Tune in to hear it all!

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Join us for a special re-airing of an inspiring episode featuring Sharon Salzberg, a renowned New York Times best-selling author and teacher of Buddhist meditation. In this captivating interview, Sharon takes us on a profound journey through her life, revealing the transformative power of meditation in the face of adversity.

Starting with her daily meditation routine, Sharon shares how her difficult childhood played a pivotal role in shaping her into one of the most influential meditative teachers in the United States and the western world. She opens up about the loss of her mother, her estranged relationship with her father, and the profound impact her immigrant grandparents had on her upbringing.

As the conversation deepens, Sharon discusses her discovery of philosophy and meditation during her college years, and her transformative travels to India, where she encountered enlightening experiences and wise teachers. Returning to the United States, she embarked on a mission to establish a center in Barre, facing numerous challenges as she blended Eastern teachings with Western ways of living in a brand new community.

Throughout the episode, Sharon delves into the significance of mindfulness, meditation, and Metta (loving-kindness), sharing anecdotes and wisdom acquired from her extraordinary journey. The discussion also touches on how the pandemic has affected her teaching and how she has adapted to a rapidly evolving world.

Don't miss this opportunity to revisit Sharon Salzberg's incredible story of resilience and discovery. Tune in today to immerse yourself in the profound wisdom of one of the most influential meditation teachers of our time.

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On the show today is a very special guest; none other than Light's brother, Drew Watkins! As a creative director for Turner Sports and Bleacher Report, Drew has been involved in some of the most-watched sports-based content in the last 20 years, and it is quite likely that you have seen a lot of Drew's work without even knowing it. 

In this conversation, we get to hear all about the early seeds of Drew's interest in video and creating recordings, and how the vibe in the Watkins home influenced his outlook on life. Drew also shares a bit about his years at college and the interesting challenges he faced during this period, through to his transition into the professional sphere. 

The most emblematic element of Drew's career is his philosophy on creativity, and hearing about his approach to making content and producing pieces that are exciting and apt is truly inspiring. 

There are so many relatable lessons for listeners to grab onto, and the message here of following a passion in interesting directions is a very strong one. Press play and hear it all!

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What does it take to start a successful YouTube channel? And how does that differ from building it once you’ve got it off the ground? 

Joining us today is return guest Robert Brix Glover, a health and fitness YouTuber whose first video (which documented his remarkable weight loss transformation) went viral and garnered him thousands of new subscribers back in 2016. 

Today that video has over six million views — and it’s not even the most viewed video on his channel! We first had Brix on the podcast back in 2020, where we chatted about his childhood, his weight loss journey, and the inner transformation that changed his life. In today’s conversation, we get into the backstory of how he built his YouTube channel, what he takes into account when choosing his subject matter, and how he plans to take his content to the next level. 

We hear from Brix about the lessons that have been instrumental to his YouTube evolution before discussing the details of how you can earn a six-figure income on YouTube as a full-time content creator. 

Brix also shares his perspective on creating content that incorporates the people and events in his life, why authenticity is central to his approach, and the transformative effect that his personal version of monk mode has had on him. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how to gain traction as a content creator, or if you want to put your ideas out there but you’re not sure where to start, then you won’t want to miss out on this game-changing conversation!

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In this week's episode, host Light Watkins delves into the remarkable journey of Tami Simon, the visionary founder of Sounds True – the publishing company responsible for bringing Light's 4th book, Travel Light, into the world. 

Tami's unconventional path began while working at a greasy Chinese restaurant, ultimately leading her to heed an inner calling and start recording spiritual teachers in her town. 

This catalytic decision paved the way for the birth of Sounds True, where Tami collaborated with a business-savvy partner to publish influential works by spiritual luminaries such as Eckhart Tolle and Michael Singer. 

Uncovering the essence of Tami's journey, the episode explores the mission behind Sounds True and its commitment to amplifying messages that resonate as authentically true. 

Light engages in a conversation with Tami, unveiling insights into the heart of Sounds True, its initiatives, and the enduring relevance of her story, even though the original interview dates back to 2021. 

You are invited to join in and draw inspiration from Tami's profound narrative, reaffirming the transformative power of embracing authenticity on the path to purpose.

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Every day, we are offered opportunities to choose between surviving and thriving. When faced with adversity, we can choose to give up or we can choose to enlarge our sense of things when pain and fear make us feel small. Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in perspective.

Today’s guest is Mark Nepo, a beloved poet, master teacher, and New York Times bestselling author who has been called one of the “most spiritually influential” people alive today. In his most recent book, Falling Down and Getting Up: Discovering Your Inner Resilience and Strength, Mark invites readers to view adversity from a different viewpoint and navigate the challenges of life by transforming them into opportunities for deepening and renewal.

In this episode, Mark shares his experience of coming face-to-face with his mortality when he was diagnosed with cancer, the perspective it gave him on life, and how it led him to become a “student of all paths.” We take a deep dive into the shifting meaning of success, what it means to find your God-given element, and how to follow the truth that’s in your heart. 

We also touch on how Mark retrieves his poems and books rather than authoring them, views pain, grief, and fear as teachers, and more. Filled with humble insights and wise words, Mark’s new book (and this conversation about it) will encourage and inspire people from all walks of life. So, tune in and join us today!

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Generational curses can cling to us like sweat on a humid summer’s day. And while how we are raised does mark us for life in a certain way, we also have the agency to rewrite the script and forge a new path of health and abundance.

Stephen Scoggins is a prime example of breaking free from generational traumas to lay new foundations of victory and hope. He joins us today to share his life’s journey as a testament that success is just a matter of mental resilience and fortitude (and a whole lot of G.O.D!).

Stephen explains the rules that govern his life and how they are rooted in truth and transparency, before diving into detail about what it was like growing up in the Scroggins’ household.

We discuss the skills that he learned as a teenager in construction and how they still help him today, how he found his faith and life’s purpose, what it means to overcome adversity, and a deep examination of the relationship between having the right mindset and living in abundance.

Stephen believes that money is not a key marker of success, and he gives some advice on how to deal with money within the family dynamic. Stephen’s stories are as colorful and full of life as the characters in them, and because he lives his life in acts of service, this conversation is another charitable offering for which we are extremely grateful! So, tune in now, open your mind and heart, and enjoy. 

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Everything in life is a story. From birth, we project stories onto our lives of what we want, how we think the world operates, and what we think we deserve from our time on Earth.

These stories may be our own, but we often adopt the stories of those around us usually in the hopes of fitting in, and often to detrimental effect. How we interpret and use these stories will determine whether we are living a life of presence and gratitude or one riddled with avoidable tribulations.

Welcome to Light’s 8th solo episode as we explore the unyielding and undeniable power of story. Through the retelling of a Watkins’ family trip, we learn that everything in life is a mere construct of what we’ve chosen to believe, and Light explains how researching weekly riddles made him realize just how arbitrary most of our belief systems are. 

We uncover the true strength of the stories we tell ourselves by examining board games, capitalism and law, cultural and societal constructs like the calendar and time zones, how stories are innate from birth, and how stories play out in our relationships.

If you’d like to know how to begin living your own story instead of the ones you’ve been told all your life, try starting with gratitude. Thanks for tuning in!

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Kris is a New York Times best-selling author, and her seventh book offering, I’m Not a Mourning Person, cements her status as “a force of nature” as quoted by O, The Oprah Magazine. She joins us today to explain how cancer was the catalyst for her venture into wellness and beyond, and we begin our conversation with Kris explaining why she is still so passionate about writing after already having numerous written accomplishments.

After taking us through a day in her life, Kris shares her childhood ideologies and the ones that she still carries with her today, how her many jobs in entertainment helped to form her worldview, the ins, and outs of her fateful cancer diagnosis, and how she found herself in the presence and company of Oprah.

Our guest then opens up about what she learned from having to take care of her father who was also diagnosed with cancer, how his words changed the direction of her life, her advice on how you can support a loved one with a terminal illness, and the many surprising truths that can be found in I’m Not a Mourning Person.

We are grateful to Kris for her vulnerability and honesty throughout this captivating conversation, and there is much for you to learn from hearing about her writing process and the underlying spirituality behind how she landed on a title for her book. 

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Joining us on the podcast is Tracee Stanley, who was the guest on Episode 43, Radiant Rest with Tracee Stanley. 

Drawing inspiration from 28 years of dedicated practice and study in yoga and tantra, she offers practices aimed at rekindling the awareness of one's true self, enabling access to the eternal, powerful, wise, and deserving aspects within.

She crafts sacred environments that foster clarity, self-devotion, and the momentum required for steering away from detrimental patterns, guiding individuals towards living harmoniously with the inner guidance of their souls. 

 During our conversation, we delve deeply into the philosophies and ideologies of sacred yogic practices and rituals that aid in rediscovering one's true self, as detailed in her latest book, The Luminous Self: Sacred Yogic Practices and Rituals to Remember Who You Are.

We explore the concept that your authentic self is revealed rather than defined, the parallel between self-forgetting and collective amnesia to a virus, and Tracee provides valuable guidance on navigating the diverse array of existing practices.

Our discussion also encompasses Samskaras and Vāsanās, the role of therapists in activating your true self, and the significance of self-inquiry. Tune in to discover more about psychic knots, the wisdom of the Dagara Tribe of West Africa, The Luminous Self training, and so much more!

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Is the pursuit of monetary abundance leaving you unsatisfied? Are you worried about having regrets in life? In this episode, we embark on an incredible journey with Bridget Hilton and Joe Huff, the authors of the inspiring book, Experiential Billionaire. While they're not actual billionaires, their wealth lies in the extraordinary experiences they've pursued.

Join us as we uncover the profound impact of experiences on their lives and how these experiences have made them wealthy in more ways than one. Bridget and Joe are far from privileged individuals. Hailing from blue-collar backgrounds in Flint, Michigan, and Southern California, they initially followed conventional career paths.

What makes their story so intriguing is how they transitioned from the nine-to-five grind to becoming fervent proponents of experiential living. In this conversation, we explore the idea of building momentum in life through novel experiences, why playing it safe is a dangerous thing to do, and how the value of experiences outweighs any monetary abundance.

We delve into the pivotal moments in each of their lives that got them on the path to pursuing experiential wealth, the motivation behind writing the book, and how they are able to continually take leaps of faith in themselves. We also discuss their entrepreneurial journeys, the concept of a “treasure map”, the principles and framework of an Experiential Billionaire, the steps to living with no regrets, and much more! Tune in and discover a different kind of wealth that will change your life for the better with Bridget Hilton and Joe Huff!

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Today’s guest, Ken Nwadike explains, what we need more of is love, empathy, and peace – and a simple hug can go a long way. Welcome back to The Light Watkins Show as we encourage you to use today’s episode as a guide for finding your center, pressing reset, and ensuring that your mind and heart are in the right place for you to be most useful and effective as a vocal activist against all wars. 

Ken Nwadike returns to the show to further explain why he decided to take it upon himself to be a pillar of calm in a world set on chaos. Ken founded the Free Hugs Project, a non-profit organization that centers on facilitating peace between two conflicting groups, and he goes into detail on how he enters conflict zones and how he approaches the leaders on either side.

We discuss the importance of differentiating between various political groups and agendas, how Ken’s activism has evolved in the past decade, the difficulty and nuance of navigating tribal narratives, and why most Americans are more concerned with and vocal about Gaza than they are about other wars around the world.

Ken also walks us through why world peace starts with loving your family, how he overcomes criticism, how we can all rise above trivial online disputes, and why those who know more about the nuances of conflict should take charge in resolving them. If you’re looking for a way for your voice to be heard, you’ve come to the right place. 

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In today’s episode, we focus on one of the most popular topics in the Happiness Insiders community: relationships. We delve into the intricacies of personal growth and preparation for a fulfilling relationship based on the first two of six modules from the Preparing for the One Masterclass.

The ultimate goal of this masterclass is to encourage individuals to take practical steps to improve themselves in various aspects of life to attract healthy, fulfilling, and compatible relationships. The course provides a structured approach for participants to address each area of their lives to align with their mission statement.

Learn about the six integral ways to get into “relationship shape.” From the spiritual to the financial. we cover everything you need to know! We also unpack the significance of understanding one's mission, aligning life decisions with your mission, finding self-inspiration, fostering a genuine path toward self-improvement, and more.

This episode acts as a compass for harmonizing the twin journeys of self-discovery and the pursuit of meaningful, fulfilling connections. To discover the roadmap to transform your life through a purpose-driven approach while preparing yourself for “the one,” tune in now!

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Today, we’re joined by returning guest, Steven Reed, a childhood friend and the first Black mayor of Montgomery, Alabama. He's here to discuss his new book, First, Best: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy from Today's Civil Rights Movement, which delves into his backstory in ways we haven't explored before.

This episode also goes beyond that and serves as a somewhat practical guide for anyone considering a journey into local politics. It's easy to criticize and complain when faced with local issues, but the real change-makers roll up their sleeves or support those who do.

In our conversation with Steven, we explore his remarkable journey, from childhood experiences to dramatic moments, as well as his challenges in politics and how seemingly unrelated experiences like running a sandwich franchise and crunching numbers at American Airlines prepared him for mayoral leadership.

Steven also shares his thoughts on the real-world differences between running for mayor versus running for probate judge, the weightiness of responsibility that comes with becoming mayor, and so much more. Every step in our journey has a purpose, and we’re on a journey to uncover how it all connects. Thanks for listening!

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In today's episode, we're joined by the incredible Dan Harris, a former ABC news anchor, journalist, meditation advocate, and bestselling author. Through books like 10% Happier and Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics, as well as his 10% Happier app, Dan has made meditation accessible to the masses.

Join us as he unfolds his journey, recounting a fateful morning in June 2004 that led him to embrace meditation, how he found time to write a book amidst a busy life, and the backstory behind the title 10% Happier.

We explore thoughts on different terms including karma, destiny, reincarnation, and enlightenment, how he found his meditation teacher and the weight that relationship carries. If you want to hear more from Dan, including what he learned from the shocking results of a 360 Review, be sure to tune in now. Enjoy. 

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Today’s guest is a prime example of finding your purpose and forging your own path no matter what life throws at you. Julio Alvarez is a Founder, Speaker, Coach, and Podcaster who is on a mission to help other leaders navigate uncertain times with a calm head and courageous heart.

We begin our conversation with an exploration of Julio’s childhood, including his favorite toys and activities as a youth, the family dynamic he grew up in, and how his idea of success differed from those of his parents.

Then, we jump into Julio’s professional journey as he explains how he adjusted to leaving home at a young age, what he learned from his first job in sales, how he built unshakable self-belief, what separates working at massive organizations like Google and Apple from jobs at their smaller counterparts, and what he learned from obsessively studying Oprah and how she deals with people.

Julio is also extremely vulnerable in opening up about his Adderall addiction, how he’s overcome the struggles of being “the other” in every environment he’s worked in, how he took ownership of his sexuality, and the moment when coaching revealed itself as his destiny. We also learn about what Julio hopes to achieve with his podcast, Let’s God with Julio, and how a snowstorm in London brought him to his soulmate. 

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The subject of reincarnation may be a divisive one, but that does not mean there are not serious scientific researchers that are still working in this field. Joining us on the podcast today is none other than Dr. Jim Tucker, a top expert on past life memories and reincarnation.

Dr. Tucker is based in North Carolina and we get to have an amazing conversation with our guest about the subject at large, his journey through the field, as well as his reflections on what the study might bring us in the future.

We get to explore some real examples from Dr. Tucker's work, stories that he has published in his books, and these examples really lend credence to this kind of endeavor. No matter what your beliefs on the subject, these anecdotes are sure to make you think twice about your assumptions, and possibly even reconsider what you thought you knew.

Dr. Tucker maintains a strict, scientific approach to his work, with no past life memories of his own, and merely a fascination with the investigation of others' experiences. We get to talk about the commonalities between the cases, the results of disparate families connecting, and also the reality of public perception of these phenomena. So for all this, and a whole lot more, join us for this fantastic conversation!

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By society’s standards, success largely refers to playing the game of capitalism. But what does being successful truly mean to you? This episode is dedicated to exploring what it means to live a more fulfilled, more successful life.

We touch on self-realization as a mechanism for creating your personal definition of success, questions to ask yourself to determine whether or not you are in alignment with your values, and the role of comfort and helping others in producing fulfilling lives. 

Touching on masculine and feminine life paths and considering what it means to fill your own cup first, we create a roadmap towards a new definition for a fulfilling life. By the end of this conversation, you will come away with a more useful definition for success which you can in turn use to inspire others. 

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After a near brush with death, today’s guest committed himself to lead a life filled with purpose and, perhaps more importantly, to empower others to embark on a similar journey. His aim? To draw from his life experiences and develop easily digestible lessons, clear action steps, and straightforward frameworks to assist you in shaping the life you have always yearned for.

In this episode, we are joined by Jordan Tarver, the author of You Deserve This Sh!t, a self-help book that promises to help you get unstuck, find your path, and become the best version of yourself. Join our conversation to hear Jordan’s inspiring story about the pivotal moment that shifted his perspective on life and purpose, the importance of being intentional, and why journaling is a cornerstone of self-awareness.

We also dive into the meaning behind his book’s title and unpack the entire process of writing, publishing, and marketing it. Furthermore, he elaborates on how he got into keynote speaking, his speaking regiment, and current topics. To hear more from Jordan about pursuing change, why self-awareness is the first step in doing so, and how journaling can help, be sure to tune in now!

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Today's episode is like a cozy fireside chat, where we're looking back at some of the most mind-blowing, heart-touching conversations of 2023.

Our theme for the annual retrospective? "Betting on Yourself." You know, that moment when your heart whispers, "Hey, there's something here!" And instead of shushing it, you lean in and say, "Alright, let's dance with this idea." We've got snippets from incredible folks who took that leap, reshaped their lives, and found their purpose.

Tune in to hear from: Humble The Poet, the hilarious Kyle Cease, the truth-spitting Africa Brooke, the soulful Reverend Michael Bernard Beckwith, the dissect maestro Cole Cuchna, and the poetic Mark Nepo.

Each clip is a bite-sized burst of inspiration, around 10-15 minutes. Check the show notes for episode numbers, and maybe, just maybe, you'll be diving into their full stories. Ready for a dose of courage? Let's roll!

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In this week’s episode, we journey through the life of Hector Marcel, a man whose story embodies resilience, transformation, and the pursuit of inner peace. Born in politically turbulent Argentina, Hector's migration to Australia marks the beginning of an extraordinary life journey, reflecting the universal themes of displacement and belonging.

From his early dreams of architecture, influenced by a childhood friend, to a career in high-pressure fashion photography, Hector's path is a testament to the fluidity and unpredictability of life's ambitions. His narrative is not just a personal history but a mirror reflecting our own shifting dreams and aspirations.

The episode takes a profound turn as Hector shares his transition from skepticism to embracing Tibetan Buddhism. This change was not just philosophical but deeply personal, reshaping his understanding of anger, reactions, and the self. Hector's insights into Buddhism offer listeners practical wisdom on personal growth and inner peace, highlighting his transformation from a practitioner to a teacher in the tradition.

Particularly enlightening is Hector's discussion on meditation, which he likens to a flight simulator for the mind. He eloquently explains how meditation can be a tool for mastering emotional responses and reshaping reality.

As the episode draws to a close, Hector delves into the awakening process and the challenge of transforming habits. He outlines the phases of awakening and the importance of imprinting positive karma through conscious actions. His personal anecdotes not only bring these teachings to life but also make them relatable and applicable, providing listeners with a framework for their own journey towards self-discovery and inner peace.

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