The Light Watkins Show

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 toxic marriage. That night, she made the life-altering decision to walk away, leaving behind the illusion of success and stepping into the unknown. In this raw and emotional conversation, she opens up about the fear, shame, and self-doubt that kept her stuck for so long—and the courage it took to break free.From rebuilding her life from scratch to immersing herself in personal growth, stand-up comedy, and improv, Neeta shares how saying yes to the unknown led her to a purpose greater than she ever imagined. Now a best-selling author, emotional health advocate, and global speaker, she inspires others to turn their pain into power.If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that looks good on paper but feels completely wrong inside, this episode is for you. Neeta’s story is a testament to the strength it takes to start over—and the magic that unfolds when you do.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

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 diving into the great African seaforest transformed not just her perspective on storytelling, but also her sense of purpose. She describes the visceral experience of free-diving, the magic of witnessing underwater creatures in their natural habitat, and how these moments helped her find her creative voice. Light and Pippa also discuss the pressures of filmmaking, imposter syndrome, and the unexpected emotional weight that comes with massive success—including how winning an Oscar didn't make self-doubt disappear.If you've ever stood at a crossroads between comfort and passion, or wondered what it really means to follow your intuition despite uncertainty, this conversation is for you. Pippa's story is a testament to trusting your instincts, showing up fully, and embracing the unknown—even when the path ahead makes no practical sense.Tune in to hear how Pippa turned a wild idea into an award-winning film, how she’s navigating her journey as a filmmaker, and why sometimes the best opportunities come when you stop asking for advice and just say yes.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

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 one dramatic moment that sparked change but a series of eye-opening realizations: his best friend’s daughter drawing his birthday card in the shape of a tequila bottle, the dread of walking into his corner office, and the creeping weight gain that led to buying bigger pants. These moments pushed Greg to reexamine his life and embrace what he now calls the Six F’s: Family, Fitness, Finance, Food, Fashion, and Fun.Light and Greg dive into what it really means to "maximize midlife" without falling for the cliché advice to quit everything and chase your passion. Instead, Greg emphasizes the power of building a life around personal standards, not external expectations. They discuss how discipline—not motivation—creates lasting success, why planning for your "average busy day" beats waiting for the perfect conditions, and how small, consistent changes lead to big results.Whether you're navigating a career pivot, improving your health, or simply seeking more meaning in midlife, this conversation offers practical insights and relatable stories to inspire your next step forward.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

Michael Sartain, a men's dating coach and founder of Men of Action, shares his insights on the complex modern dating landscape. He discusses the impact of evolutionary psychology on attraction and relationship dynamics, opening up about his 'red pill' moment in a strip club. The conversation reveals harsh truths about men's struggles in dating, how social media distorts expectations, and the importance of leadership in enhancing personal connections. Sartain challenges common misconceptions about hypergamy and offers advice on cultivating self-worth for healthier relationships.

Ken Nwadike Jr. is the founder of the Free Hugs Project, using the power of hugs to foster peace and connection. He shares how missing the Boston Marathon qualifying time by just 11 seconds twice led him to activate a transformative movement after the 2013 bombing. Inspired by his mother and the challenges of his upbringing, he now spreads kindness at protests and difficult moments. Ken discusses the significance of a single hug in bridging divides and his mission to create empathy and understanding, even in the most turbulent times.

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 world—both figuratively and literally. After borrowing a simple point-and-shoot camera, Cory discovered a passion for photography that would eventually land him on assignment with National Geographic, capturing some of the most remote and treacherous landscapes on the planet. He became one of the most sought-after adventure photographers in the world, climbing Everest twice and documenting human resilience in extreme conditions.Yet, despite the accolades and success, Cory made a shocking decision: he walked away. In the middle of an expedition, at the peak of his career, he left. Not just the climb, but the entire identity he had built as a photographer and mountaineer. In this deeply introspective conversation, Cory opens up about why he chose to step away, how he navigated personal demons, and what it means to truly listen to your inner voice.We discuss the tension between passion and burnout, the struggle of defining oneself beyond external validation, and the courage it takes to let go of a version of yourself that no longer serves you. Cory also shares insights into storytelling, the power of imagery, and how his life experiences shaped the way he sees the world—both through a camera lens and beyond it.If you've ever felt trapped by success, struggled with mental health, or wondered when it's time to walk away from something you've outgrown, this episode will resonate deeply. Cory's story is a testament to the beauty of exploration—not just of the world, but of oneself.Tune in for a candid, unfiltered, and inspiring conversation about what it truly means to embrace change, redefine purpose, and find meaning in the unknown.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

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 career and perspective. He shares the mental and physical preparation required to compete at the highest level, the role visualization played in high-pressure moments, and the profound impact his upbringing and family have had on his success. Trevon also reflects on the legacy he’s building for his children and how he balances being a world-class athlete with being a present father.The conversation dives deep into themes of identity, overcoming obstacles, and embracing the unknown. Trevon’s story is rich with lessons on resilience, leadership, and finding strength in the face of adversity. Whether you’re looking for inspiration to tackle life’s challenges or insight into what it takes to make history, this episode is packed with powerful takeaways.Join Light as he unpacks Trevon’s journey from small-town beginnings to becoming a role model for generations to come.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

In this engaging conversation, Cory Muscara, a mindfulness teacher and author of Stop Missing Your Life, shares his transformative journey into meditation, which began in college. He discusses the profound insights gained from his six-month stint as a Buddhist monk in Burma, where he faced immense physical and emotional challenges. Cory distinguishes between primary and secondary pain, offering practical tools for self-discovery and resilience. He emphasizes finding one's unique teaching voice and the importance of authentic presence in today's superficial world.

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 world was turned upside down when her second child, Lewiston, was diagnosed with the very condition she had grown to understand through Shawn and Shanea, the siblings she had once cared for. Jessica shares the raw emotions of navigating SMA, from daily caregiving challenges to the deep lessons it taught her about resilience, joy, and gratitude for life’s simplest blessings.This conversation explores the power of following life’s nudges, the beauty of showing up for others, and how seemingly small actions can lead to profound impact. Jessica also opens up about her relationship with her husband, Ronnie—better known as “Hot Ronnie”—and how love and faith carried them through life’s greatest challenges.Whether you’re navigating uncertainty, seeking inspiration to embrace gratitude, or looking to connect with your purpose, Jessica’s story will remind you of the power of leaning into discomfort, trusting your instincts, and finding joy in the unexpected.Tune in for an episode filled with heartfelt lessons and unforgettable insights.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

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 harrowing recovery process, and how she defied all odds by choosing to label her accident as a source of awakening rather than a tragedy. Through humor, self-reflection, and an unshakeable sense of curiosity, Katya found healing not only in her body but in her heart and mind.Katya also shares her journey of learning to walk again, the importance of taking responsibility for her decisions, and the powerful role her family and friends played in her recovery. She delves into her writing process for Accidental Awakening, her memoir that provides readers with raw and honest insights into the architecture of her healing journey. Plus, she discusses how her scars have become a source of empowerment and the inspiration behind her charity, SCAR Positive.Whether you’re facing a physical or emotional challenge, Katya’s story offers a masterclass in reframing hardship, finding strength in vulnerability, and embracing life fully—on your own terms. Tune in for a conversation filled with hope, humanity, and powerful lessons for overcoming adversity.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!