The Light Watkins Show

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 his neighborhood and later as an officer in the NYPD. Listeners are given a rare glimpse into the realities of police training, the systemic issues within law enforcement, and the controversial quota system that impacts police-community relations. Raymond's decision to expose these injustices, despite the personal and professional risks, paints a picture of a man deeply committed to truth and justice. His transition into activism and his plans to reform law enforcement practices through his Justice Minded Alliance initiative are both inspiring and a call to action. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of law enforcement, the importance of standing up for what's right, and the power of individual conviction in instigating meaningful change.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

Chip Conley, seasoned entrepreneur and founder of the Modern Elder Academy, shares his insights into making midlife a period of growth. Topics include societal pressures, nurturing friendships, creating fulfilling work, and finding purpose in midlife. The podcast also explores transformative experiences at the Modern Elder Academy, emphasizing vulnerability, awe, and supportive communities. A must-listen for anyone navigating midlife, offering wisdom, support, and inspiration.

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 progresses, the podcast navigates the complex emotions of heartbreak, underscoring the importance of building resilience through self-awareness.A key highlight is the concept of surrender, inspired by spiritual teachings. It reframes acceptance not as defeat, but as a courageous letting go, opening doors to transformation. The podcast also introduces practical strategies like the seven-day no contact rule, emphasizing self-care and emotional recuperation.Intriguingly, it delves into the Mandela Effect in relationships, revealing how our memories can selectively and idealistically distort past events, impeding our growth. The episode then shifts to view every relationship as a spiritual lesson, equating the end of a relationship with a graduation of sorts - a completion of an important life chapter.The episode concludes by inviting listeners to the Happiness Insiders community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared growth. It's packed with actionable advice, from meditation to reflective exercises, aimed at not just overcoming rejection but thriving in its aftermath.This podcast is more than a discussion; it's a comprehensive masterclass in healing from rejection, blending personal stories, spiritual wisdom, and pragmatic tips. It's a guide for anyone eager to turn the pain of rejection into a powerful journey of self-discovery and empowerment.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

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 to the fluidity and unpredictability of life's ambitions. His narrative is not just a personal history but a mirror reflecting our own shifting dreams and aspirations.The episode takes a profound turn as Hector shares his transition from skepticism to embracing Tibetan Buddhism. This change was not just philosophical but deeply personal, reshaping his understanding of anger, reactions, and the self. Hector's insights into Buddhism offer listeners practical wisdom on personal growth and inner peace, highlighting his transformation from a practitioner to a teacher in the tradition.Particularly enlightening is Hector's discussion on meditation, which he likens to a flight simulator for the mind. He eloquently explains how meditation can be a tool for mastering emotional responses and reshaping reality.As the episode draws to a close, Hector delves into the awakening process and the challenge of transforming habits. He outlines the phases of awakening and the importance of imprinting positive karma through conscious actions. His personal anecdotes not only bring these teachings to life but also make them relatable and applicable, providing listeners with a framework for their own journey towards self-discovery and inner peace.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

Join Humble the Poet and other inspiring guests in this cozy fireside chat as they reflect on their journeys of reshaping their lives and finding purpose. Topics include betting on yourself, living authentically, finding passion, letting go, embracing possibilities, following the desires of the heart, finding opportunities in dire situations, embracing depth and transformation, and wrapping up the year in a compilation episode.

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, Sarah became a comedian and later, an author.In today's conversation, Sarah explains how her habit of journaling when she was young helped her as a stand-up comedian and author as well as what inspired her to write her latest book, Foolish. We discuss how she found the courage to leave a steady income for the uncertainty of entertainment, how her tech background influences the work she does today, what it's like to become a celebrity overnight, and how her spirituality fits into the picture.We also explore how to navigate relationships after finding fame, the perils of trying to dismantle societal norms, what our guest learned from her memoir writing process, and how she views success today compared to before all the glitz and glamour. Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

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 you get unstuck, find your path, and become the best version of yourself. Join our conversation to hear Jordan’s inspiring story about the pivotal moment that shifted his perspective on life and purpose, the importance of being intentional, and why journaling is a cornerstone of self-awareness.We also dive into the meaning behind his book’s title and unpack the entire process of writing, publishing, and marketing it. Furthermore, he elaborates on how he got into keynote speaking, his speaking regiment, and current topics. To hear more from Jordan about pursuing change, why self-awareness is the first step in doing so, and how journaling can help, be sure to tune in now!Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

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. Touching on masculine and feminine life paths and considering what it means to fill your own cup first, we create a roadmap towards a new definition for a fulfilling life. By the end of this conversation, you will come away with a more useful definition for success which you can in turn use to inspire others. Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

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 future.We get to explore some real examples from Dr. Tucker's work, stories that he has published in his books, and these examples really lend credence to this kind of endeavor. No matter what your beliefs on the subject, these anecdotes are sure to make you think twice about your assumptions, and possibly even reconsider what you thought you knew.Dr. Tucker maintains a strict, scientific approach to his work, with no past life memories of his own, and merely a fascination with the investigation of others' experiences. We get to talk about the commonalities between the cases, the results of disparate families connecting, and also the reality of public perception of these phenomena. So for all this, and a whole lot more, join us for this fantastic conversation!Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

Julio Alvarez, a former Apple/Google exec, shares his personal and professional journey, including leaving home at a young age, building self-belief, and studying Oprah. He opens up about his Adderall addiction, struggles of being 'the other,' and realizing coaching as his destiny. The podcast explores topics like Adderall abuse, finding purpose, childhood dynamics, online communities, rebellion, sexuality acceptance, reliance on substances, and taking control of life's path.