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247: Plot Twist: How Setbacks Can Guide You to Your True Path with Mindfulness Pioneer, Sharon Salzberg11 Oct 202400:28:56

In this bite-sized episode of The Light Watkins Show, renowned mindfulness teacher Sharon Salzberg shares the incredible story of how a college trip to India completely changed her life. Light Watkins takes listeners back to that pivotal moment when Sharon, a young student with a passion for meditation, encountered several twists and turns that ultimately led her to discover her true calling.

During this episode, Sharon recounts her journey, which started with meeting Tibetan Lama Trungpa Rinpoche and receiving life-changing advice. Her path was far from smooth—facing setbacks at meditation classes and attending a disheartening yoga conference. But it was at this low point that Sharon found what she had been searching for: a 10-day meditation course that introduced her to transformative practices like loving-kindness and mindfulness. She also crossed paths with iconic figures like Ram Dass, which shaped her future as one of the world's leading meditation teachers.

Listeners will hear how even the most frustrating detours can be part of a bigger plan, leading you closer to your truest path. Sharon’s story is an inspiring reminder that life's obstacles often redirect us toward the experiences we need most. By the end of the episode, you'll learn about the importance of embracing unexpected changes, trusting the process, and staying open to life’s surprises.

And if you want to hear more about how Sharon’s first 10-day meditation course led to the founding of one of the most renowned meditation centers in the U.S., click here.

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246: How to Manifest Everyday Miracles and Create a Life Full of Possibilities with Pam Grout, NY Times Best-Selling Author09 Oct 202401:19:47

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins welcomes back best-selling author Pam Grout for an inspiring conversation about creativity, spirituality, and manifesting miracles. Pam, known for her popular books like E-Squared and Thank and Grow Rich, shares her journey of following her heart and trusting in the power of possibility.

Listeners will learn how Pam's thoughts on manifesting your reality, based on her deep understanding of A Course in Miracles, can inspire them to see life from a fresh perspective. She talks about overcoming self-doubt, finding creative ideas, and how to start a project even when you're feeling unsure. Pam also opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Taz, and how that experience deepened her connection to spirituality, leading her to create the 222 Foundation, which supports creative projects.

Throughout the episode, Pam and Light dive into the idea that miracles can happen every day—if we’re open to seeing them. They explore practical advice for how to shift from focusing on problems to embracing the endless possibilities around us. Whether you're a writer, a creative, or someone looking to add more joy to your life, Pam’s wisdom is bound to resonate deeply.

Tune in to discover how to tap into your inner power, quiet the voice of doubt, and take action on the ideas that light you up inside.

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237: Plot Twist: Why Achieving Your Dreams Won’t Make You Happier with Zachary Levi, Actor and Mental Health Advocate06 Sep 202400:27:40

In this bite-sized episode of The Light Watkins Show, actor and mental health advocate Zachary Levi shares a deeply personal and powerful story about the ups and downs of his career and mental health journey. Known for his starring roles in Shazam and American Underdog, Zachary’s path to success wasn’t as smooth as it might seem. In fact, when his dreams of acting came true, his personal life hit some of its lowest points.

Zachary opens up about the pivotal moment when his career began to take off and how that success strained his relationship with his mother. He talks candidly about the mental health challenges he faced, including depression and suicidal thoughts, even when it appeared from the outside that he had it all. The episode dives deep into his struggles with self-worth, the impact of unresolved trauma, and how he used therapy to transform his life.

Listeners will find Zachary’s honesty and vulnerability inspiring as he reflects on what it means to find true purpose and happiness, even when life’s plot twists lead to unexpected places. Whether you're a fan of his work or someone looking for inspiration on navigating your own challenges, this episode delivers powerful insights into resilience, mental health, and the importance of doing the inner work.

Tune in for an episode filled with lessons on perseverance, self-discovery, and how the toughest moments can sometimes open the door to our greatest growth.

And if you’re curious to know how the rest of his story plays out, click here.

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148: Jamie Hess on How to Make The Big Ask in Order to Overcome Addictive Behaviors22 Mar 202301:15:12

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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147: Adriene Mishler: The Story Behind the World’s Biggest YouTube Yoga Platform, Yoga With Adriene (Replay)15 Mar 202302:16:41

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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146: Light Watkins Solo Episode: How Spiritual Minimalism Can Help You Live a More Meaningful and Fulfilled Life08 Mar 202301:09:54

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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145: That Sucked, Now What Author Neeta Bhushan on the Art of Navigating Loss01 Mar 202301:20:05

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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144: Kyle Cease on Becoming a Transformational Comedian and Why You Shouldn’t Chase the Money22 Feb 202301:35:45

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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143: “Terrible, Thanks For Asking” Podcast Host Nora McInerny On How Unimaginable Tragedy Led To Her Purpose15 Feb 202301:25:23

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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142: How Missing the Olympics Led Figure Skater Elladj Baldé to a Surprising Journey of Self-Discovery08 Feb 202301:20:29

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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141: Frederick Douglass: The Unlikely Journey of the Most Photographed Man in the World with Pulitzer-Prize Winning Author and Historian, David Blight (Replay)01 Feb 202301:52:42

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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140: How Elisa Hallerman Used Soulbriety To Go From Talent Management To Recovery Management 25 Jan 202301:24:02

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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139: How Actor Zachary Levi Overcame Suicidal Ideations By Finding Self Love and Now Advocates for Mental Health18 Jan 202301:29:11

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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236: How to Orgasm Your Way to Enlightenment with Sexpert and Meditation Guru, Emily Fletcher04 Sep 202401:19:07

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with Emily Fletcher, a former Broadway performer turned renowned meditation teacher, founder of Ziva Meditation, and host of the popular podcast Why Isn't Everyone Doing This?. Emily shares her journey from the bright lights of Broadway to becoming a leading voice in the wellness space, where she’s impacted hundreds of thousands of people with her meditation techniques, courses, and insights.

Listeners will be inspired by Emily’s story of transformation and her commitment to living authentically, even when faced with life’s toughest challenges. In this conversation, she reveals her personal rituals and practices that help her stay grounded, balanced, and focused—especially during times of upheaval. Emily talks about the importance of daily routines, the power of manifesting your desires, and how she uses her unique approach to sexual energy to enhance creativity and achieve her goals.

This episode also offers valuable insights for anyone interested in starting a podcast, writing a book, or stepping out of their comfort zone to pursue their passions. Emily’s practical advice on balancing personal growth with professional success, particularly as a parent, will resonate with many. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just beginning your journey into mindfulness, this episode provides actionable takeaways and a wealth of inspiration.

Tune in to hear Light and Emily dive deep into what it takes to truly follow your path and create a life of purpose, fulfillment, and impact.

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138: Light Watkins Solo Episode: How to Tap Into Your Purpose By Using the Power of Gratitude11 Jan 202301:08:05

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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137: Humble the Poet on How to Be Love(d) and Why Love Is Not Complicated 04 Jan 202301:25:00

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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136: A 2022 Retrospective - Making Something From Nothing Featuring Sebastian Terry, Agapi Stassinopoulos, Shaka Senghor, Ken Nwadike Jr., J Smiles, & Joseph Bradford III28 Dec 202202:17:58

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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135: Steven Pressfield on the Origin Story Behind Overcoming Resistance, Listening to the Muse, and Living as an Artist21 Dec 202201:23:12

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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134: Sherry Walling on How to Grieve Well and Normalize the Hard Conversations Around Suicide, Loss, and Trauma14 Dec 202201:17:36

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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133: Neil Pasricha on the Art of Noticing Awesome Things that Bring You Joy07 Dec 202201:31:02

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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132: Mudslide Survivor and Trauma Expert Mary Firestone on How to Heal From Tragedy30 Nov 202201:17:13

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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131: Ayurvedic Master Dylan Smith on Finding Your Dharma and Pursuing Your Calling23 Nov 202201:25:24

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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130: Dr. Robynne Chutkan on How to Become Anti-Viral By Living Dirty and Eating Clean16 Nov 202201:50:40

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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129: Danielle LaPorte on How To Be Loving, Forgiving, and Other Hard Things09 Nov 202201:17:40

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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235: Plot Twist: What Happens When Your Life Plans Get Disrupted by an Ill Parent with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, Author and Holistic Health Expert30 Aug 202400:37:32

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, host Light Watkins sits down with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, renowned author and host of the Feel Better, Live More podcast, to explore the deep connection between happiness, success, and what truly matters in life. Dr. Chatterjee shares his personal journey of discovering the importance of core happiness, a concept he developed and discusses in his latest book, "Happy Mind, Happy Life."

Dr. Chatterjee's story is both powerful and relatable, rooted in his experience caring for his immigrant father, who sacrificed his health while striving to provide a better life for his family. This challenging time led Dr. Chatterjee to rethink what success really means and how easily it can be confused with true happiness.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Chatterjee introduces the idea of core happiness as a "three-legged stool" supported by alignment, contentment, and control. He explains how each of these elements plays a crucial role in living a fulfilling life and offers practical advice on how to strengthen these "legs" to achieve lasting happiness.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into why many of us chase the wrong dreams and how to realign our goals with what truly brings joy and satisfaction. Whether you're struggling with stress, feeling unfulfilled, or simply looking for ways to enhance your well-being, this episode provides actionable tips and inspiring stories that will encourage you to rethink your approach to success and happiness.

And if  you’re curious to know how the rest of his story plays out, click here.

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128: Pam Grout Uses E-Squared to Prove that Our Thoughts Create Our Reality (Replay)02 Nov 202201:31:58

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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127: Christopher Rivas on Being Brown Enough and How to Tell a Story that Inspires and Connects26 Oct 202201:17:52

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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126: Light Watkins Solo Episode: Why Living A More Minimalist Lifestyle Can Help You Become More Present, And More Self-Sufficient19 Oct 202200:48:55

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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125: Chip Conley on Becoming a Modern Elder and Why You're Never Too Old To Evolve12 Oct 202201:29:55

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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124: Desi Bartlett on Becoming a Mom Into Living Fit and How To Be Total Body Beautiful05 Oct 202201:05:42

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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123: Adam Roa on When Preparation Meets Opportunity and How to Heal From Rejection28 Sep 202201:30:19

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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122: Greg Scheinman on How To Maximize Your Life After 40, 50, 60 and Beyond Using The 6 Fs21 Sep 202201:31:55

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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121: LaRayia Gaston on How Staying on Skid Row Taught Her About the Power of Giving and Loving Without Reason (Replay)14 Sep 202201:47:49

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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120: Jessica Janzen on Bringing The Joy Into Your Life By Following Your Heart’s Nudges07 Sep 202201:32:30

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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119: Doug Evans on Persisting Though Failures and The Power of Sprouts31 Aug 202201:41:50

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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234: How to Heal After a Breakup, Cultivate True Love, and Build Healthier Relationships with Mark Groves, Human Connection Specialist and Author of Liberated Love28 Aug 202401:27:24

In this enlightening episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with Mark Groves, a human connection specialist known for his candid and practical approach to improving relationships. Mark’s journey from a successful career in pharmaceutical sales to becoming a relationship coach is a testament to his passion for helping others build healthier, more fulfilling connections.

Mark dives deep into his personal experiences, sharing how his father played a pivotal role in shaping his emotional intelligence. He reflects on how these early influences, along with the ups and downs of his romantic relationships, have guided his understanding of love and emotional vulnerability.

One of the key concepts discussed is the idea of a “sacred pause” in relationships—a practice Mark believes can be transformative for healing and growth. He also opens up about the difficult decision to break off a five-year engagement, offering valuable insights into recognizing misalignment in relationships and having the courage to make tough choices.

Listeners will also learn about Mark’s transition into relationship coaching, his focus on breaking codependent patterns, and the practical tools he uses, such as cold exposure and breath work, to enhance emotional regulation and relationship health. Mark and his wife, Kylie, recently co-authored Liberated Love, a book that explores these themes and offers actionable advice for creating authentic, liberated relationships.

Tune in to discover how you can apply these lessons to your own life, whether you're looking to improve your relationships, navigate personal growth, or simply understand yourself better.

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118: Kalina Silverman on Using Big Talk to Move Past the Small Talk And Have More Meaningful Connections24 Aug 202200:58:55

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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117: Light Watkins Solo Episode - Why Starting a Podcast May Just Help You Find Your Purpose17 Aug 202201:08:03

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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116: Tara Stiles on the Creation of Strala Yoga and How She Started a Yoga Movement10 Aug 202201:26:57

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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115: Kimberly Snyder on Why You Are More Than You Think You Are03 Aug 202201:27:01

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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114: Steven Pressfield Wants You To Stop Resisting And Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants To Be27 Jul 202201:12:12

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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113: Ben Nemtin Shows Us How to Use a Personal Bucket List to Fulfill Our Dreams20 Jul 202201:14:31

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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112: Tricia Huffman on Why You Need to Stop Shoulding Yourself To Live a Life of Joy and Purpose13 Jul 202201:34:55

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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111: Arjuna O'Neal On Life After Death and the Power of Sharing Necessities (Replay)06 Jul 202201:44:17

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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110: Sahara Rose on Moving Past Limiting Beliefs About Your Purpose and How To Discover Your Dharma29 Jun 202201:26:37

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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109: Elissa Goodman Beat Cancer, And Now She Teaches Others How to Thrive in Life’s Toughest Moments22 Jun 202201:15:39

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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233: Plot Twist: How Surrendering and Letting Go Can Lead to Finding Your True Purpose with Kyle Cease, Transformational Comedian23 Aug 202400:34:42

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins revisits a powerful and transformative moment from a past conversation with Kyle Cease, a comedian turned transformational speaker and New York Times bestselling author. Kyle shares a pivotal plot twist in his life, where his successful career in comedy took an unexpected turn that ultimately led him to discover his true calling.

At the height of his comedy career, Kyle was performing regularly, yet he began to experience intense anxiety and fear on stage, culminating in a moment where he considered ending it all. When conventional solutions failed to provide answers, Kyle was led to a bookstore, where he discovered Tony Robbins’ work. This encounter marked the beginning of a profound inner journey that would shift his entire life direction.

Listeners will hear Kyle’s inspiring story of how a series of seemingly negative experiences—crippling anxiety, a brush with suicidal thoughts, and a search for meaning—became the gateway to his transformation. 

Today, Kyle is known for his unique blend of comedy and personal development, helping thousands of people worldwide break through their own barriers.

This episode offers valuable insights into how life’s unexpected twists and challenges can lead to a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. For anyone who feels stuck or is facing their own challenges, Kyle’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes the path to your true calling comes through the most unexpected detours. Tune in to hear how Kyle turned his struggles into a powerful force for change and how you can do the same in your own life.

 

And to see what happens once he goes all in on his transformational comedy, click here.

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108: Dr. Rangan Chatterjee on Getting Honest About Burnout in Order to Live a Happier and Healthier Life15 Jun 202201:33:36

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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107: The Happy Pear’s David and Stephen Flynn on How They Used Healthy Food to Build Conscious Community08 Jun 202201:22:22

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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106: Ed Mylett on Happiness, Making Hard Choices, and The Power of One More01 Jun 202201:14:56

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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