The Light Watkins Show

Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the inner work—reading the books, meditating, journaling—but you're still getting triggered by the same people, still stuck in overthinking, still reacting instead of responding? If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In it, we’re breaking down five deceptively simple but powerful fundamentals that will help you accelerate your spiritual growth starting today. These aren’t new-age hacks or complicated theories—they’re the basics most people ...

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

After five years and nearly 300 episodes, I’m making a shift. In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I’m stepping away from the podcast in its current form—not out of burnout, but because it feels complete. The conversations, the stories, the intention behind it all… it’s done what it came here to do. If you’ve ever found yourself holding onto something just because it’s familiar—or struggled with knowing when to move on—this episode is for you. I’ll share how to recogni...

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

What happens when success costs you your peace? Tom Cronin spent 26 years in high-stakes finance — making millions, closing international deals, and living the kind of life most people dream about. But behind the high-performance exterior was a man quietly falling apart. Years of chronic stress, sleepless nights, and panic attacks eventually brought him to a breaking point. And that’s when everything changed. In this episode, Tom shares the full arc of his transformation — from a nervous br...

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

Jeff Krasno, co-founder of Commune and Wanderlust, returns for his third appearance on the show with one of his most personal and transformative stories yet. Despite leading two of the most influential wellness platforms in the world, Jeff found himself battling brain fog, chronic fatigue, weight gain, and even pre-diabetes. He had access to the best health experts and cutting-edge protocols—but like so many of us, he had normalized what he now calls a “patently abnormal” way of living. That ...

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Jeff Krasno, co-founder of Commune and Wanderlust, returns for his third appearance on the show with one of his most personal and transformative stories yet. Despite leading two of the most influential wellness platforms in the world, Jeff found himself battling brain fog, chronic fatigue, weight gain, and even pre-diabetes. He had access to the best health experts and cutting-edge protocols—but like so many of us, he had normalized what he now calls a “patently abnormal” way of living. That ...

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

In this episode, Light Watkins sits down with Sean Hoess, co-founder of Wanderlust—the global wellness festival that once redefined how people experienced yoga, music, and community. Sean shares his winding journey from burnt-out New York City lawyer to record label co-founder, and eventually to the unlikely creator of a worldwide movement focused on mindfulness and well-being. But what happens when your dream job starts to feel like just another grind? Sean gets real about the pressures of s...

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, Light Watkins sits down with holistic health coach, author, and one-percenter Nate Ortiz. Nate’s life began in crisis—born with heroin in his system and abandoned in the ICU. What followed was years of instability: foster homes, abuse, addiction in the family, and the trauma of watching loved ones go to prison. But instead of letting that define him, Nate transformed pain into purpose. In this episode, Nate shares how he found his way out of survi...

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

In this Plot Twist episode, former MMA fighter Justin Wren shares the incredible story of how he walked away from everything he thought he wanted—and found something far more meaningful. On the surface, Justin had it all: a winning streak, legendary coaches, and the fight of a lifetime in Tokyo with a six-figure payday. But inside, he was quietly unraveling—struggling with painkiller addiction, depression, and a deep sense that he was on the wrong path. Then came the moment that changed ever...

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

Before Human Design became a go-to tool for personal alignment and self-awareness, before the bestselling book and thousands of client sessions, Erin Claire Jones was a 25-year-old consultant burned out from startup life and sitting next to a stranger at a dinner party in New York City. That moment changed everything. In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Erin shares the fascinating story of how she went from corporate burnout to becoming one of the world’s leading Human Design experts....

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

In this solo episode, Light Watkins breaks down the real reason most people struggle with change—it's not a lack of motivation or discipline. It's the lies we keep telling ourselves without realizing it. Drawing from over two decades of personal practice and coaching thousands of people through lasting transformation, Light outlines the five distinct phases that every meaningful change journey goes through. More importantly, he reveals the hidden trap that keeps you stuck in each phase—someti...

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

In this special episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light brings together five individuals from his online coaching program, The Year of Transformation, to share what really happens when you commit to inner change — one challenge at a time. Each of these guests started the program feeling stuck, burned out, or simply craving something more. Over the course of a year, they all participated in dozens of seven-day challenges designed to spark personal growth without blowing up their lives. The re...

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

Before Chad Caruso set a Guinness World Record for skateboarding over 3,000 miles across America, before the viral YouTube channel and the documentary, there was a broken-down car at 4 a.m., a failed breathalyzer, and a man staring down the barrel of a second DWI charge and possible jail time. That was Chad’s rock bottom—a wake-up call that pushed him to turn his life around. In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Chad shares the raw, unfiltered journey of how that moment sparked his sobr...

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

In this episode, Light Watkins sits down with Dr. Steven Gundry, a world-renowned heart surgeon turned bestselling author and nutrition expert, to unpack a fascinating journey of personal health transformation and professional reinvention. Dr. Gundry shares how he was once at the top of his career—performing complex heart surgeries, running marathons, and following what he thought was a textbook “healthy” lifestyle. Yet, despite it all, he was 70 pounds overweight, battling high blood pressur...

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

In this deeply personal episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light reconnects with Leon Logothetis—also known as "The Kindness Guy"—for their fourth conversation on the podcast. While Leon is widely known for his global adventures and bestselling Netflix show The Kindness Diaries, this episode reveals a different side of his journey—one rooted not in exploration of the world, but in an inner quest to answer one of life’s biggest questions: Is God real? After years of seemingly “living the dream...

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

On the outside, Jonathan Fields had it all. He was a successful New York City lawyer pulling in six figures, wearing tailored suits, and working on billion-dollar deals. But on the inside, he was quietly falling apart. Working 100-hour weeks and living on caffeine and takeout had taken a toll, and a sudden health crisis forced him to reckon with a hard truth: the life he’d worked so hard to build was slowly destroying him. That wake-up call didn’t just spark a career change—it sparked a full-...

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

On the outside, Jonathan Fields had it all. He was a successful New York City lawyer pulling in six figures, wearing tailored suits, and working on billion-dollar deals. But on the inside, he was quietly falling apart. Working 100-hour weeks and living on caffeine and takeout had taken a toll, and a sudden health crisis forced him to reckon with a hard truth: the life he’d worked so hard to build was slowly destroying him. That wake-up call didn’t just spark a career change—it sparked a full-...

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

In this powerful follow-up conversation, Light Watkins reconnects with Shaman Durek, now married to Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, to explore what life looks like when love meets public scrutiny — and how to stay grounded through it all. Since his last appearance on the podcast, Shaman Durek has entered into royal family life, become a bonus dad to three daughters, and stepped further into the public spotlight. He shares candidly about the media attacks, betrayal by close friends, and navi...

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

Most people chase success, thinking it will bring happiness. But what if the job that looks perfect on the outside is actually draining you from the inside? That’s exactly what happened to Sarah Grynberg. She had a dream job in radio—working with some of Australia’s biggest celebrities, attending glamorous events, and earning more than she ever had. But behind the scenes, she was burnt out, sleep-deprived, and deeply unhappy. Then, a breaking point led her to completely rethink her path. In t...

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

Most of us want to do our part to help the environment. We recycle, we conserve energy, we bring reusable bags to the grocery store. But does any of that actually make a difference? Paul Hawken, one of the world’s foremost environmentalists and author of Carbon: The Book of Life, says that the way we think about climate change is all wrong. In this episode, Paul breaks down why fear-based climate messaging hasn’t worked—and what actually inspires people to take action. He reveals why carbon i...

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Most of us want to do our part to help the environment. We recycle, we conserve energy, we bring reusable bags to the grocery store. But does any of that actually make a difference? Paul Hawken, one of the world’s foremost environmentalists and author of Carbon: The Book of Life, says that the way we think about climate change is all wrong. In this episode, Paul breaks down why fear-based climate messaging hasn’t worked—and what actually inspires people to take action. He reveals why carbon i...

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

In this Plot Twist episode, Dr. Neeta Bhushan shares her powerful journey of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. On the surface, she had it all—a thriving dental practice, financial success, and a picture-perfect marriage. But behind the scenes, she was trapped in an abusive relationship, living in fear, and hiding the truth from everyone, including herself. Neeta takes us back to the pivotal moment on New Year’s Eve in 2011 when she finally admitted to herself that she was in a t...

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

In this episode, Light Watkins sits down with Pippa Ehrlich, the co-director of the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher. Pippa's journey is nothing short of remarkable—she left behind a stable, dream-worthy career as a marine journalist to follow an inner calling that defied logic. With no guaranteed funding and no clear roadmap, she took a leap of faith to help filmmaker Craig Foster tell an extraordinary story—one that would ultimately captivate millions. Pippa shares how d...

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with Greg Scheinman, founder of Midlife Male, for a powerful conversation about navigating and thriving in midlife. Greg, now on his second appearance, opens up about his journey from burnout and unfulfillment to creating a life centered around purpose, health, and joy. Greg shares how, despite outward success—career achievements, family life, and financial stability—he found himself exhausted, unhealthy, and disconnected. It wasn’t o...

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with men's dating coach and evolutionary psychology enthusiast, Michael Sartain. If you've ever been curious about the modern dating landscape, the rise of the "manosphere," and the often controversial conversations around attraction, hypergamy, and relationship dynamics, this episode is packed with insights. Michael breaks down the realities of dating based on data, not just opinion. He dives into the misconceptions men and women hav...

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

In this Plot Twist episode, Ken Nwadike Jr. shares how missing the Boston Marathon qualifying time by just 11 seconds—twice—led to a life-changing movement of peace, connection, and activism. Ken grew up in a Nigerian household with a strict mother who instilled discipline and resilience in him from a young age. Despite facing financial struggles and homelessness, he found his way through running, eventually organizing the Hollywood Half Marathon, a moment that brought his mother to tears as ...

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, adventure photographer and storyteller Cory Richards takes us on a journey through his extraordinary life—one filled with raw honesty, unexpected pivots, and hard-earned wisdom. From a childhood marked by undiagnosed bipolar disorder and turbulent family dynamics to living in abandoned buildings and dropping out of school, Cory's path was anything but conventional.But it was that unconventional journey that led him to some of the highest peaks in the...

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with Trevon Jenifer, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist in wheelchair basketball, who embodies the essence of resilience and determination. Born without legs, Trevon’s journey to the pinnacle of athletic excellence wasn’t without its challenges, but his story is a testament to the power of mindset, community, and perseverance.Trevon opens up about how his decision to leave a secure job and play basketball overseas transformed his c...

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2025

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with Cory Muscara, mindfulness teacher, meditation expert, and author of Stop Missing Your Life. Cory's fascinating journey into mindfulness began in an unlikely way—trying to impress a girlfriend during college. Fast forward to today, he has spent over 15,000 hours meditating, including an intense six-month stint as a Buddhist monk in Burma, where he meditated up to 20 hours a day in challenging conditions.Cory shares the pivotal mom...

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2025

In this moving Plot Twist episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light revisits the pivotal moment that forever changed Jessica Janzen's life. Jessica recounts how a reluctant volunteer experience at her church led her to care for two children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)—a rare genetic condition that limits physical abilities but not cognitive sharpness. What started as a Sunday morning act of service became a profound journey of love, gratitude, and transformation.Years later, Jessica’s w...

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

Katya Komleva’s life was irrevocably changed at the age of 20 when a boiler explosion left her with third-degree burns, nine amputated toes, and years of surgeries and recovery ahead. What could have been a story of despair became an extraordinary journey of resilience, transformation, and purpose.In this episode, Light Watkins sits down with Katya to explore how she turned her trauma into what she calls a “happy chance.” Katya opens up about the fateful night that changed everything, her har...

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2025

In this bite-sized plot twist episode of The Light Watkins Show, we revisit the incredible turning point in Martinus Evans’ life—a journey fueled by defiance, resilience, and a desire to prove the naysayers wrong.It all began with a random hip injury that led to a doctor's blunt and humiliating diagnosis: "You're fat, and you'll die if you try to run a marathon." For most, such words might have been crushing, but for Martinus, they sparked a fire. Determined to prove his doctor wrong, he walk...

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2025

In this bite-sized plot twist episode of The Light Watkins Show, we revisit the incredible turning point in Martinus Evans’ life—a journey fueled by defiance, resilience, and a desire to prove the naysayers wrong.It all began with a random hip injury that led to a doctor's blunt and humiliating diagnosis: "You're fat, and you'll die if you try to run a marathon." For most, such words might have been crushing, but for Martinus, they sparked a fire. Determined to prove his doctor wrong, he walk...

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2025

In this special solo episode, Light Watkins delivers an empowering blueprint for achieving your vision in the new year. Drawing from decades of teaching meditation and coaching others, Light dives into the seven foundational principles that will help you break free from the cycle of unfulfilled resolutions and finally turn your intentions into lasting habits.Why do we start the year with big dreams only to watch them fade by February? Light addresses this universal challenge with grounded ins...

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2025

In this bite-sized Plot Twist episode, Light Watkins shares the extraordinary story of his father, Donald Watkins Sr., an accomplished attorney whose life took a dramatic turn when he was sent to prison on charges of conspiracy and fraud. What could have been a moment of despair became an unexpected calling as Donald used his legal expertise to fight for justice from within the prison system.During his three years behind bars, Donald worked tirelessly to help 47 fellow inmates gain their free...

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2024

In this episode, Light Watkins sits down with Dr. Will Cole, a leading functional medicine practitioner, New York Times bestselling author, and pioneer in telehealth medicine. Dr. Cole’s journey from a rural upbringing in Western Pennsylvania to becoming a trailblazer in functional medicine is nothing short of inspiring. He shares how his parents' passion for health and nutrition shaped his path and how his unconventional childhood helped him break through traditional healthcare barriers to c...

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2024

In this plot twist episode, Light Watkins revisits a pivotal moment in the life of Aaron Alexander, founder of the Align Method. Once a personal trainer focused on building muscle to look good in the mirror, Aaron’s single-minded pursuit of physical aesthetics came at a high cost—shoulder dislocations, chronic back pain, and an overall destabilized body.This wake-up call coincided with a life-changing move to Hawaii, where Aaron was exposed to a holistic approach to health and movement. Immer...

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

In this compelling episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with transformational leader Alexi Panos, who candidly opens up about her personal evolution and the life lessons she’s gained through immense challenges. From growing up in a traditional Greek family to stepping into a fierce independence inspired by her mother, Alexi shares how her upbringing shaped her views on success, relationships, and feminine power.Alexi and her husband, Preston Smiles, are well-known for their work...

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2024

In this bite-sized episode of The Light Watkins Show, we revisit a pivotal moment in the life of Cole Cuchna, creator of the acclaimed podcast Dissect. Before Cole became known for breaking down albums track by track, he was a struggling musician sleeping on floors, living the band life, and questioning his path.Cole shares the turning point that led him to walk away from the band and pursue formal music education—even though he couldn’t read musical notation at the time. His journey was far ...

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

In this episode, Light Watkins sits down with Preston Smiles, a spiritual teacher, abundance coach, and bestselling author of Love Louder and Spiritual Millionaire. Preston shares his incredible story of transformation, starting with a challenging childhood in Compton, California. By age seven, he was placed in special education, and by age 11, he joined a gang. But a pivotal decision at 15 set him on a completely different path—one that would eventually lead to profound spiritual and persona...

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2024

In this bite-sized Plot Twist episode, Light Watkins revisits an inspiring moment from his conversation with Koya Webb, a track star turned spiritual leader. Koya shares how a sudden back injury during her college track career changed the course of her life forever. At the peak of her athletic success, Koya suffered a stress fracture that left her unable to run, plunging her into a period of uncertainty and depression.Her journey took a surprising turn when a counselor introduced her to yoga,...

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

In this episode, Light Watkins sits down with Johnny Earle, better known as Johnny Cupcakes, the creator of one of the most unique T-shirt brands in the world. What started as a high school nickname turned into a global phenomenon, known for its bakery-themed stores and limited-edition designs that spark joy and curiosity.Johnny shares how his entrepreneurial spirit began as a child, starting 16 small businesses before he turned 16. From selling candy and performing magic tricks to DJing in a...

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2024

In this bite-sized Plot Twist episode, Light Watkins dives into the transformative journey of Doug Evans, a trailblazer in the health food world. After a series of devastating family losses to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, Doug’s perspective on health and nutrition shifted dramatically. These painful experiences set him on a mission to reimagine food as medicine, leading him to discover the power of sprouting—a practice he’s championed for over 25 years.Doug takes listeners back to the...

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

In this inspiring episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with transformational health and fitness coach Brix Glover for an honest and motivating conversation about achieving lasting change. Brix turned his own life around by losing 150 pounds, going from 360 pounds to stepping on stage in a fitness competition with a six-pack. Now, he’s on a mission to help others take charge of their health and transform their lives.Brix shares his journey and breaks down the realities of weight ...

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

In this Plot Twist episode, Light Watkins introduces Dr. Robin Berzin, whose unexpected career pivot reveals how life's challenges can lead to meaningful transformation. After watching her grandmother's battle with preventable cancer and feeling unfulfilled in her role at the U.S. Attorney's Office, Robin realized she wanted to help people rather than prosecute them—a realization that would eventually revolutionize modern healthcare.Through a series of serendipitous events, including landing ...

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with Dr. Frank Anderson, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, world-renowned trauma expert, and the author of To Be Loved: A Story of Truth, Trauma, and Transformation. Dr. Anderson has spent his career helping people heal from deep wounds of trauma, but his ability to connect so profoundly comes from his own personal journey of resilience and self-discovery.Dr. Anderson shares his powerful story of growing up in a household filled with pa...

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2024

In this Plot Twist episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with Simon Hill to uncover the pivotal moments that led him to become a leading voice in nutrition and wellness. For Simon, the journey began with a family crisis—a heart attack his father suffered at the age of 41. This health scare became a wake-up call, as a cardiologist warned Simon that, due to genetics and lifestyle, he might face the same fate. Although the warning lingered, Simon initially pursued a career i...

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with licensed therapist, mental health educator, and author Israa Nasir to dive deep into the topic of toxic productivity. Israa recently released her debut book, Toxic Productivity: Reclaiming Time and Emotional Energy in a World that Always Demands More. Her story is rooted in personal experience, having grown up in a culture where productivity and achievement were prioritized above all else. Like many, Israa was driven to c...

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2024

In this Plot Twist episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins brings listeners the inspiring story of Christine Platt, a writer, speaker, and advocate for minimalism. Christine’s journey, shared through a heartfelt and relatable narrative, explores the defining moments that led her to rediscover her passion for storytelling and become known as “The Afrominimalist.”The episode begins with Christine’s early experiences—her unexpected choice to attend law school, becoming a single mother, ...

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with Mihalis Eleftheriou, the creator of the revolutionary language-learning platform Language Transfer. Mihalis shares his inspiring journey, from growing up in a multicultural neighborhood in East London to creating a powerful method for learning languages that’s changing the way people approach not just language, but communication and connection itself.When Mihalis first began learning Spanish, he noticed that traditional language ...

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2024