The Light Watkins Show - podcast cover

The Light Watkins Show

Light Watkinslightwatkins.com

Have you been dreaming of helping people in a meaningful way, but can’t get past your deepest insecurities or self doubt? The truth is: every change maker has to confront those same fears. The Light Watkins Show is a weekly interview podcast that unpacks the experiences of regular folks who have navigated dark and uncertain times in order to help improve the lives others. Light candidly shares these stories in the hopes of igniting your inspiration so you can start living your purpose! 

Light Watkins is a best-selling author and keynote speaker. In 2014, Light started a non-profit variety show called The Shine Movement in Los Angeles, which grew into a global inspirational variety show! In 2020 he started an online personal development community called The Happiness Insiders. His most recent book, Travel Light, documents his one-bagger nomadic journey that he started in 2018.

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Episodes

207: The Third Perspective - How to Break Free From Your Echo Chamber with Africa Brooke

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with Africa Brooke for the second time. Africa is a celebrated writer, speaker, and consultant to discuss her transformative new book, The Third Perspective. This conversation dives deep into the nuances of brave expression, self-censorship, and navigating the complexities of our polarized world. Africa is renowned for her work in developmental coaching, focusing on self-sabotage and self-censorship. She shares her compelling sto...

May 15, 20241 hr 32 min

206: He Went From Being a One-Man Food Bank to Starting a Movement: The Story of Joseph Bradford III and The B.A.R.E. Truth (Replay)

In this week’s episode of The Light Watkins Show, we revisit Light’s conversation with Joseph Bradford III about how the challenges of his childhood led him to dedicate his life to helping the homeless. Joseph started a non-profit called B.A.R.E. Truth, an organization that provides mentorship, independent living assistance, and wellness services to impoverished individuals and families. By helping them attain healthy, purpose-driven lives, Joseph ultimately changed the economic and living condi...

May 08, 20241 hr 35 min

205: The Story of Mar de Jade: How to Build a Thriving Community through Acts of Service and Following Your Heart

In this inspiring episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light engages in a deep and revealing conversation with Laura Del Valle and her daughter, Angelica, the visionaries behind Mar de Jade, a unique retreat center in Nayarit, Mexico. Laura's journey began in the bustling streets of Mexico City, where she shifted from acting to medicine, driven by a desire to serve the rural poor. Despite her family's concerns about her unconventional path, Laura's commitment to her purpose led her to establish a ...

May 01, 20241 hr 11 min

204: 5 Things To Avoid Along Your Spiritual Journey: A Solo Episode with Light Watkins

In this week's episode of The Light Watkins Show, host Light Watkins delves deep into the spiritual journey, sharing "Five Things to Avoid Along Your Spiritual Journey." Drawing on his extensive background in meditation, speaking, and writing, Light offers unique insights from decades of exploring the metaphysical, Vedic knowledge, and practical aspects of spirituality. This episode is designed not only for those who acknowledge their spiritual path but also for anyone open to the idea of a spir...

Apr 24, 20241 hr

203: The Art of Leaving Your "Successful" but Unfulfilling Career to Follow Your Heart, with Bimma Williams

In this week’s episode of The Light Watkins Show, we delve into the life and career of Bimma Williams, a marketing expert and advocate for creativity who grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Born to parents working in the hazardous environment of a chemical plant, Bimma shares how their experiences and aspirations shaped his own journey towards education and a safer, more fulfilling professional life. He discusses the profound impact of his childhood—marked by his parents' divorce and his experien...

Apr 17, 20241 hr 24 min

202: 12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations and Deeper Relationships with Topaz Adizes

In this week’s episode, we delve into the world of Topaz Adizes, an innovator who has revolutionized the way we connect through questions. Topaz shares his journey from a curious child to the creator of The And , a digital platform that challenges us to explore the depths of our relationships through meaningful dialogue. Rooted in a childhood where contribution and integrity were paramount, Topaz's work with The And reflects his lifelong quest to deepen human connections. This project doesn't ju...

Apr 10, 20241 hr 17 min

201: Jeff Krasno on Achieving Optimal Health through "Good Stress" and Mastering Online Course Creation Through Passion and Authenticity

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light reacquaints us with Jeff Krasno, the visionary behind the global wellness phenomenon Wanderlust and the founder of One Commune, an online platform designed to nurture mind, body, and soul. Returning from his initial appearance back in episode 10, Jeff shares the evolution of his journey from organizing the first Wanderlust festival to establishing One Commune and beyond. This conversation is rich with insights, weaving through the transformational...

Apr 03, 20241 hr 26 min

200: From Adversity to Unstoppable Success: Lori Harder's Unlikely Story of Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Spirit

In this episode week’s episode of The Light Watkins Show, host Light Watkins is in conversation with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, Lori Harder. They dive deep into Lori's transformative journey, exploring the pivotal moments that shaped her life, from her upbringing in a strict religious community in Michigan to becoming a fitness champion, bestselling author, and successful entrepreneur. Lori shares the struggles and breakthroughs that led to her finding courage, m...

Mar 27, 20241 hr 15 min

199: 10 Things I Learned from Publishing 200 Podcast Episodes: : Solo Episode with Light Watkins

In this week’s podcast episode, host Light Watkins marks a significant milestone by sharing a special solo episode reflecting on the journey through nearly 200 episodes. He opens up about the inception of the podcast, the evolution of its content, and the simplicity behind starting your own show. This episode offers a unique blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice for podcasters at any stage, and insights into the less obvious aspects of podcasting, like guest selection and equipment essen...

Mar 20, 20241 hr 7 min

198: Shazam Co-Founder, Chris Barton on Building a $400-Million Tech Giant with Passion and Perseverance

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, we dive into the inspiring journey of Chris Barton, the mastermind behind Shazam. Chris’ story is one of determination, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a dream amidst adversity. Shazam, now a household name, was once just a bold idea: identifying songs in mere seconds using just a snippet of music. This concept faced skepticism, technological hurdles, and financial crises, challenging Barton and his team's resolve. Chris shares the genesis of ...

Mar 13, 20241 hr 11 min

197: Shaman Durek on How to Hack Your Spirit and Reclaim Your Personal Power

In this week’s episode of The Light Watkins Show, host Light Watkins is in conversation with Shaman Durek where he discusses various topics related to spirituality and personal experiences. Shaman Durek challenges the concept of time and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment. Shaman Durek shares his early spiritual experiences and how he discovered his gifts as a spiritualist. He also opens up about his challenging childhood, including abusive experiences and encounters wit...

Mar 06, 20241 hr 33 min

196: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life: Garrain Jones Shares How He Went From Homeless To Healer (Replay)

In this special episode, we look back at Garrain Jones' life, a man who overcame huge challenges to change his life and help others do the same. Garrain lived in his car, was deep in debt, and even spent two years in prison for smuggling heroin. But these tough times helped him find his true purpose. He became a coach, speaker, entrepreneur, and wrote the bestselling book, "Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life." Garrain shares his story with us, including the lessons he learned about love, lead...

Feb 28, 20241 hr 21 min

195: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking with Josh Linkner And The Community He Co-Founded For Speakers Who Want To Make An Impact With Their Story

In this week’s episode of The Light Watkins Show, we dive into the captivating journey of Josh Linkner, a figure synonymous with innovation, resilience, and the power of creativity. Raised in Detroit, Josh's early challenges shaped a relentless drive for achievement and a passion for music, leading him from piano lessons to the smoky jazz clubs of his youth. His narrative is a testament to leveraging one's unique traits to carve a distinctive path. Josh's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, fr...

Feb 21, 20241 hr 14 min

194: The One Change That Had The Biggest Impact On My Life (It Wasn't Meditation): Solo Episode with Light Watkins

In this episode, we're keeping it real about how something as simple as giving up alcohol can unexpectedly transform your life. Imagine this: One day, you decide to stop drinking, not because you have to, but just to see if you feel any different. What unfolds isn't just a series of changes in habits, like swapping beer for more water or exploring vegetarian meals, but a surprising journey towards self-discovery and clarity you didn't know was missing. Our host, Light Watkins, shares personal st...

Feb 14, 20241 hr 12 min

193: Danny Morel on Redefining Success and Awakening to Your Highest Potential

In this compelling episode of The Light Watkins Show, host Light Watkins is joined by Danny Morel, a remarkable figure whose life story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, introspection, and embracing one's roots. Born and raised in the vibrant yet challenging streets of New York City, Danny's journey is one of overcoming adversity, cultural heritage, and the relentless pursuit of self-discovery and success. As the eldest of three boys in a traditional Latin household, Dann...

Feb 07, 20241 hr 7 min

192: How Taryn Toomey's Act of Kindness Led to the Creation of a Movment Called 'The Class'

In this week’s episode of The Light Watkins Show, host Light Watkins is in conversation with Taryn Toomey, founder and the creative force behind "The Class" – a revolutionary exercise methodology that marries fitness with mindfulness. This episode offers a profound look into Taryn's extraordinary journey from a challenging childhood, navigating the vibrant world of fashion, to her transformative experiences in Peru that led her to create The Class. Taryn's story serves as a powerful illustration...

Jan 31, 202456 min

191: NYPD Whistleblower Edwin Raymond Talks About What It's Like To Be "An Inconvenient Cop"

In this week’s episode, Edwin Raymond, a former NYPD officer and author of "An Inconvenient Cop," is back to offer an in-depth look at his remarkable journey from a troubled childhood in Brooklyn to becoming a police officer and, ultimately, a courageous whistleblower. Raymond's story is not just a personal narrative; it's a window into the complexities and challenges of policing in New York City. The episode explores Raymond's firsthand experiences with racial profiling, both as a civilian in h...

Jan 24, 20241 hr 31 min

190: Embracing Midlife as a Springboard for Growth and Transformation with Chip Conley

In this week's episode, we shed new light on midlife, transforming the dreaded "crisis" into a phase of immense growth and self-discovery. Our guest, Chip Conley, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of the Modern Elder Academy, shares his inspiring journey and profound insights into making midlife a period of unparalleled transformation. Discover how Chip's personal and professional challenges led him to create the world's first midlife wisdom school. This episode delves into the stages of midli...

Jan 17, 20241 hr 11 min

189: How to Move on from Rejection: A Solo Episode with Light Watkins

This week's podcast episode dives deep into the emotional turbulence of rejection. Whether it's a love gone sour or a career setback, this episode speaks to the universal sting of being turned down and transforms it into a stepping stone for personal growth. The episode begins with an honest exploration of the elusive quest for closure. It challenges the listener to see beyond the craving for one last conversation, highlighting this desire as a subtle hope to reignite lost connections. As it pro...

Jan 10, 20241 hr

188: Forgotten Spiritual Insights for Overcoming Anger with Rebellious Buddhist Teacher Hector Marcel

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 t...

Jan 03, 20241 hr 19 min

187: A 2023 Retrospective - How to Bet on Yourself Featuring Humble the Poet, Kyle Cease, Africa Brooke, Rev. Michael B. Beckwith, Cole Cuchna, & Mark Nepo

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 fro...

Dec 27, 20231 hr 35 min

186: Unafraid to Look Foolish, Comedian Sarah Cooper Shares Lessons From Going Viral, Divorce, Switching Careers, and Hobnobbing with Jerry Seinfeld

Entertainment is one of those industries and careers where you might only get your “big break” much later in life. But could it be worth it to leave a stable, high-paying job to venture into the arts for the very first time? Today's guest, Sarah Cooper, would answer with a resounding “Yes!” Sarah began working in tech design and at the ripe age of 32, she made a career switch that changed her life forever. Thanks to the folly of Donald Trump who inspired her videos that went viral on TikTok, Sar...

Dec 20, 20231 hr 5 min

185: Author Jordan Tarver On Beating The Odds, Going Viral On TikTok, And Why You Deserve To Do It Too

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 ...

Dec 13, 20231 hr 17 min

184: Rethinking Success and Chasing What Truly Matters: A Solo Episode With Light Watkins

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. Touchi...

Dec 06, 20231 hr

183: Dr. Jim Tucker, a Reincarnation Expert, on Finding Deeper Purpose Through the Study of Past Lives (Replay)

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...

Nov 29, 20231 hr 24 min

182: Ex Apple/Google Exec Turned Heart-Led Coach, Julio Alvarez, Shares Why The Most Important Decisions Should Be Made From The Heart

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 parent...

Nov 22, 20231 hr 22 min

181: How Former News Anchor Dan Harris Became Happier After Having a Panic Attack in Front of Five Million Viewers

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 1...

Nov 15, 20231 hr 18 min

180: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed Shares First, Best Lessons in Leadership and Legacy.

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 issu...

Nov 08, 202359 min

179: Light Watkins Solo Episode: How to Prepare for The One and Attract the Best Partner for You

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 cou...

Nov 01, 20231 hr 5 min

178: Peace Activist Ken Nwadike Jr. And Light Explore The Art of Navigating Conflict In A Chaotic World

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 pilla...

Oct 25, 20231 hr 29 min
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