The Light Watkins Show

This week on The Spiritual Perspective, we’re diving into a question many of us wrestle with: Why do certain people trigger us so intensely? And what can we learn from it? Whether it’s public figures like Elon Musk or people in our daily lives, our emotional reactions often reveal more about our inner world than the person themselves. In this episode, we explore how triggers can serve as mirrors, reflecting unresolved parts of ourselves. You’ll gain insights into how to shift from judgmen...

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2025

In this episode of The Spiritual Perspective, I’m pulling back the curtain on the dark side of hustle culture. We’re living in a time where everything—our time, our attention, even our personal lives—is being monetized. And the message we get is clear: if you just work harder, earn more, and achieve more, then you’ll finally feel fulfilled. But in my experience, it doesn’t work that way. I’ve seen plenty of people (myself included) hit the big milestones—money, relationships, recognition—and ...

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

Most people don’t realize it until it’s too late. You’ve built a life that looks impressive on paper—but feels empty to live. Bills, responsibilities, and expectations pile up. The dream that once lit you up has been replaced by status-chasing and ego-driven choices. In this episode of The Spiritual Perspective, you’ll learn a new framework for making purpose-based decisions—without blowing up your life. You’ll discover how to reconnect with your core values, redefine success from the inside ...

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

Watch past episodes of the Spiritual Perspective here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6xBLYUXbFiCNOSUDdWTWtfPtc2VQR_pI Sign up for the 30-Day Inner Work Kickstart here: https://www.lightwatkins.com/innerwork Episode Show Notes: Some people are convinced they have a deeper calling. Others believe purpose is just a Western concept—something we tell ourselves to make life feel more meaningful. Here’s the truth: No hard scientific proof exists that everyone has a purpose. And yet—there...

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2025

Giving feedback is one of the most delicate things we do in relationships — especially when we care. Say it wrong, and you risk hurting someone or driving them away. Say nothing, and resentment builds. So how do you speak up without making things worse? In this episode, Light shares a 5-step spiritual framework for expressing what’s on your mind in a way that actually strengthens connection. Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or a coworker, you’ll learn how to navigate those uncomfortable conv...

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

Manifesting gets a bad rap—mostly because people slap random stuff on a vision board and expect “the universe” to deliver like Amazon Prime. Here’s the truth: There’s no hard scientific proof that manifesting works. But—there is research showing how your attention might be shaping your reality without you even realizing it. And here’s where most people go off the rails when attempting to manifest: They focus too much on making life cushier.They put too much faith in affirmations.They ignore ...

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2025

You’ve been feeling off around someone you used to feel close with. The connection feels forced. You’re drained after every interaction. So naturally, the question comes up: Should I cut them off? In this episode, we explore a deeper, more empowering alternative to cutting people out of your life. Because from a spiritual perspective, the goal isn’t just to protect your peace—it’s to grow into your full authenticity. And that often means asking a better question. You’ll hear a personal story ...

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

What do you do when your partner doesn’t seem interested in growth? Maybe you meditate, journal, or go to therapy—but they don’t. It’s one of the most common relationship frustrations among spiritually-aware people. In this episode, we zoom out and explore the spiritual perspective on what’s really happening when someone “doesn’t want to grow.” You’ll discover why growth isn’t always visible, and how the urge to fix or push your partner may be revealing something deeper about your own journey...

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

Life can change in an instant—sometimes in ways we hope for, like meeting the right person or finding new opportunities, and sometimes in ways we dread, like losing a home or facing heartbreak. Change is the only constant, and no amount of financial security can shield us from the emotional and spiritual challenges that come with it. This week’s Spiritual Perspective explores the concept of “inner insurance”—a form of resilience that money can’t buy but is crucial for navigating life’s twists...

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

If meditation has ever felt like a chore, or worse, like it’s not working, this episode is for you. We’re unpacking the most common (and least questioned) ideas about how meditation is supposed to look. From posture to focus to breath control, many of the well-meaning tips we’ve picked up might actually be getting in the way of the experience we’re after. You’ll hear why so many of us struggle to enjoy the practice, even when we’re “doing everything right,” and what you can shift internally...

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

Have you ever felt like your world was falling apart? From natural disasters to personal loss, it’s easy to view destruction as purely negative. But what if destruction is part of a bigger process? In this week’s Spiritual Perspective, I explore the idea that nothing “bad” ever really happens—because what seems like destruction is often the beginning of transformation. Here’s what you’ll learn: The three universal cycles: creation, maintenance, and destruction—and why they’re necessary for ...

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2025

Think you know how to meditate? Think again. In this episode of The Spiritual Perspective, we're breaking down the 5 most common misconceptions that keep people stuck, frustrated, or falling off the meditation wagon altogether. Whether you're brand new, years into your practice, or just meditation-curious — this one’s for you. We’ll explore: • Why trying to quiet your mind might be backfiring • The surprising shift that makes meditation feel way less like a chore • What most peop...

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

Are you following your intuition—or just letting fear call the shots? In this episode, we break down how to recognize the difference between your heart voice and your fear voice. You’ll learn the key traits that separate true inner guidance from the voices shaped by ego, trauma, and conditioning. I share a simple framework to help you identify which voice is speaking in the moment, plus a powerful mental analogy that will change how you relate to inner dialogue forever. We’ll also...

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025

One of the biggest misconceptions we carry into relationships is the idea that our partner is there to make us happy. When they don’t meet this expectation, it’s easy to assume that there’s someone “better” out there—someone with fewer flaws, more compatibility, and better “customer service.” But here’s the truth: Everyone has flaws, including you. And no matter who you’re with, you’ll eventually have to face the same lessons—because relationships aren’t about perfection; they’re about growth...

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2025

Ever feel like you’re living a life that was chosen for you—not by you? In this episode of The Spiritual Perspective, we explore the deeper layers behind why so many of us feel stuck, uninspired, or out of alignment—and what it actually takes to break free. From the tension between free will and determinism to the invisible conditioning passed down through culture, family, and circumstance, this episode challenges you to rethink how much agency you really have. We’ll also zoom out to offer th...

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

Why does genocide keep happening—and what can we actually do about it? In this episode of The Spiritual Perspective, we zoom out from the headlines and explore the deeper, often overlooked cause of war, violence, and mass suffering: a stressed collective consciousness. Rather than pointing fingers or choosing sides, this conversation invites you to look inward and ask, What am I contributing to the collective—peace or stress? We explore how real change begins on the inside, how personal inn...

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2025

We’ve all been there… It’s the heat of the moment. Tempers are flying high. Raw honesty gets expressed. Things are said that you’ve been wanting to say for a while. Maybe your feelings get hurt. And then, somebody says it: This isn’t working. We’ve tried. But I’m done! I think we should break up. And then, after some time passes, what happens? Well, if you’re an aware, thoughtful, spiritually-minded person – which I’m assuming, if you’re subscribed to this newsletter, you at leas...

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2025

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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