

The Spiritual Perspective
Light Watkins
Ever wonder what the spiritual perspective is on genocide? On cheating? On getting back with your ex? On toxic people?If so, this is your channel.You identify as spiritual — but you’ve still got questions about how to show up in life’s messiest, most nuanced situations. And you don’t have time for fluffy, feel-good answers that don’t hold up in the real world.This is where you’ll find a grounded spiritual take on life’s hardest questions.I’m Light Watkins — keynote speaker, author, and longtime meditation teacher — and every week, I share short, no-BS videos that help you zoom out, tune in, and reframe what you’re going through.If you’re tired of surface-level advice and ready to go deeper, join me every Monday and Thursday for new episodes of The Spiritual Perspective. Your next breakthrough might be one perspective shift away.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 19, 2024 • 29min
223: Plot Twist: From Being Cheated On to Becoming Awesome, with Bestselling Author Neil Pasricha
In this Plot Twist episode of The Light Watkins Show, we revisit Neil Pasricha's inspiring story and highlight a pivotal moment that transformed his life forever.Neil Pasricha, the author and motivational speaker behind the popular blog 1000 Awesome Things, began his blog during a tumultuous period. After enduring a heartbreaking divorce and the tragic loss of his best friend to suicide, Neil sought a way to lift his spirits. He started the blog as a small project to focus on the little joys in life, not knowing it would become a worldwide sensation.In this episode, Neil shares his experiences of starting 1000 Awesome Things, a project that began with modest intentions but became a beacon of positivity for millions. He talks about the challenges he faced in keeping up with daily posts, the unexpected growth of his audience, and how writing about everyday joys helped him navigate his darkest times.Listeners will hear about the blog's origins, the moments of doubt, and the small victories that kept Neil going. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact of gratitude and the transformative power of focusing on the positive aspects of life. Neil's journey from personal despair to becoming a leading voice in positive thinking is a testament to resilience and the importance of mental well-being.Here’s what’s covered in Neil’s plot twist episode:01:36 - Neil's journey through divorce03:44 - The impact of a friend’s suicide05:08 - Neil's lowest point in life06:13 - How to stay positive amid tragedy10:47 - How to get things done no matter the circumstance16:08 - The power of journaling and why start today20:35 - How to keep your 9-5 while pursuing your passion25:14 - Life at a crossroads? Ask yourself these two questionsWant to find out how the rest of Neil's story played out? Check out his full episode here.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

Jul 17, 2024 • 1h 9min
222: How to Overcome Resistance Around Creativity and Finding Your Muse with War of Art Author, Steven Pressfield
In this week’s episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with bestselling author Steven Pressfield, known for his influential book The War of Art and his latest release, The Daily Pressfield. Steven shares profound insights into the creative process, discussing the ever-present struggle with resistance and the importance of showing up consistently to overcome it.Steven offers a unique perspective on creativity, likening it to an improv exercise where there's always something in the box waiting to be discovered. He emphasizes the concept of the muse, a creative force that consistently provides ideas, and how crucial it is to invite this muse into our lives through disciplined practice.Steven also shares personal anecdotes, including how carrying the Bhagavad Gita on flights led him to a breakthrough book idea. Light and Steven explore the importance of mindset in the creative journey, with Steven offering practical tips for writers and creators on how to entice the muse and defeat resistance.The episode is packed with actionable advice for aspiring writers and creatives. Steven discusses the necessity of consistency, the significance of not judging your work too harshly, and the benefits of embracing imposter syndrome as a sign of stretching one's potential. He also shares fascinating stories from his career, including a strange writing circumstance that involved a medical condition and standing up to write.Listeners will also learn about Steven’s upcoming intimate writer's workshop in California, where attendees can gain his personal instruction. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to deepen their creative practice and overcome the blocks that hinder their progress. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of the most insightful voices in the creative world.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!Uploaded on Aug 25, 2025

Jul 12, 2024 • 27min
221: Plot Twist: How a List of 100 Things Led to Unexpected Adventures and Fulfillment with Author Sebastian Terry
In this episode, Light Watkins brings you an inspiring and heartfelt Plot Twist featuring Seb Terry, an author and speaker known for his adventurous spirit and unique approach to life.Seb's story begins with a devastating phone call informing him of a close friend's sudden death. This tragedy prompted him to reflect on his own life, leading to a pivotal moment where he realized he wasn't living fully. Seb was working tirelessly but had little to show for it. In a moment of clarity, he created a list of 100 experiences that he believed would bring him happiness and fulfillment.Here’s what’s covered in Seb’s plot twist episode:0:05 - Introduction3:09 - Seb's dark night of the soul moment4:45 - The list that changed Seb's life6:03 - How to follow your passion AND pay the bills9:48 - Why Seb's list is NOT a bucket list11:48 - What's it like to visit death row17:02 - How Seb's mission evolved as more people got involved21:56 - Why the world conspires for you and not against youCurious about the adventures Seb got into during his quest?? You can continue the story here.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

Jul 10, 2024 • 1h 10min
220: Why Your Darkest Truth is Your Greatest Creative Weapon with Spoken Word Prodigy, IN-Q
In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins welcomes back the dynamic poet and spoken word performer Adam Schmalholz, better known as IN-Q. Light dives into an inspiring conversation with IN-Q, exploring the extraordinary journey of one of today's most electric spoken word artists.IN-Q opens up about his latest project, The Never Ending Now Poetry Journal, a 10-week guided journal designed to help individuals express their dreams, growth, fears, and gratitude through the power of poetry. He shares the story behind the creation of this journal and its accompanying album, emphasizing the transformative impact of storytelling and self-expression.Listeners will hear about IN-Q's personal experiences, including his sensitive and raw journey through therapy and a pivotal conversation with his wife that became a key element of his album. IN-Q reveals the deeply personal nature of his work and the courage it takes to share such vulnerable moments with the world.The episode also features engaging discussions about creativity, vulnerability, and the power of art to heal and inspire. IN-Q's insights into his creative process, his thoughts on the importance of authenticity in art, and his perspective on the role of vulnerability in personal growth provide valuable takeaways for listeners.Light and IN-Q's conversation is not just an interview but a heartfelt exchange between two friends, making it a rich and relatable experience for the audience. Tune in to discover how IN-Q's work can inspire you to embrace your own creative journey and find deeper meaning and connection in your life.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!Uploaded on Aug 25, 2025

Jul 5, 2024 • 34min
219: Plot Twist: From Solitary Confinement to NY Times Best Selling Author, Shaka Senghor’s Incredible Story of Redemption
In this week's Plot Twist episode of The Light Watkins Show, we revisit the remarkable story of Shaka Senghor. This bite-sized Plot Twist episode takes listeners through Shaka’s life, highlighting a pivotal moment that transformed his path forever.Here are some of the topics discuss in this episode:1:12 - Introduction3:39 - What's it like to be in solitary confinement5:40 - How Shaka wrote a book in prison11:05 - How Shaka managed to get his book out of prison15:44 - How Shaka got himself out of prison using only a letter18:09 - What it takes to become a bestselling author21:13 - The first book Shaka ever sold out of prison23:31 - How to get your life back after prison31:17 - The call that changed Shaka's lifeIf you want to find out why Oprah didn’t want Shaka to come to Hawaii, watch here.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 28min
218: Mastering Viral Content and An Unconventional Approach to Modern Mindfulness with Author and Social Media Influencer Cory Allen
In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, host Light Watkins sits down with author, podcast host, and meditation expert Cory Allen for an inspiring and insightful conversation. Cory, a daily meditator for over 25 years, shares his journey from a chaotic family environment to becoming a renowned digital creator, author, and podcast host. With a following that reaches over a million people weekly on Instagram, Cory’s content on mental clarity and motivation has resonated deeply with his audience.Light and Cory dive deep into the secrets behind Cory’s viral Instagram posts, offering valuable tips for creators looking to grow their online presence. Cory breaks down his analytical approach to content creation, providing a unique perspective on how to gauge and optimize the impact of social media posts. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice for aspiring influencers and anyone interested in the digital space.Listeners will also get an intimate look into Cory’s personal story, including how his unstable childhood led him to self-discovery and daily meditation. Cory’s candid sharing of his life’s challenges and triumphs offers a relatable and motivational narrative that underscores the importance of perseverance and inner growth.Additionally, the episode explores Cory’s innovative approach to music production and his early days of growing his Instagram page. Light’s thoughtful questions guide the conversation, making it easy for listeners to connect with Cory’s experiences and insights.Tune in and discover how Cory Allen has turned his life’s obstacles into opportunities, and learn practical strategies for finding your path and purpose. Whether you’re a creator, a meditator, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode promises to leave you with actionable takeaways and a renewed sense of possibility. Don’t miss this engaging and uplifting conversation.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!Uploaded on Aug 25, 2025

Jun 28, 2024 • 19min
217: Plot Twist: How Sahara Rose Turned Familial Criticism into Fuel for Doubling Down on Her Path
In this “Plot Twist” episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with Sahara Rose, a best-selling author and Ayurvedic expert, to explore her remarkable journey of resilience and self-discovery. Known for her books Eat Feel Fresh, The Idiot's Guide to Ayurveda, and Discover Your Dharma, Sahara shares how she overcame significant challenges to follow her true path.Listeners will hear Sahara recount the difficulties she faced while writing her first book, especially the intense opposition from her parents, who labeled her a failure. Despite these hurdles, she persevered, driven by a deep belief in her mission. Her story takes a fascinating turn as she moves to Bali, where she finds solace and inspiration among spiritual entrepreneurs. This period in her life introduces her to transformative practices like ecstatic dance and shamanic training, which help her reclaim her power and trust her intuition.Sahara's journey is a powerful example of believing in oneself, even when faced with doubt from those closest to us. She emphasizes the need to protect one’s dreams from negative influences and to trust in one's inner voice, no matter how unconventional the path may appear.Featured in major publications like Vogue, Forbes, and Yoga Journal, and as the host of the number one spiritual podcast on iTunes, The Highest Self Podcast, Sahara Rose's story is both inspiring and enlightening. This episode will resonate with anyone who has ever faced a difficult choice or a challenging path. Tune in to hear how Sahara Rose turned her life's plot twists into a powerful narrative of triumph and transformation.If this Plot Twist inspires you to revisit the original (longer) conversation, you can check it out here (it’s episode 110).Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

15 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 20min
216: Robin Sharma on The Wealth Money Can't Buy and The Secrets to Living Your Richest Life
Robin Sharma, a renowned author celebrated for his bestseller, shares transformative insights from his latest book. He discusses the eight hidden habits to live your richest life, emphasizing personal fulfillment over monetary wealth. Robin recounts his journey from law to literature, the significance of small moments, and the power of journaling for emotional well-being. He reveals practical tips like the benefits of fasting and the importance of solitude. This engaging conversation is filled with personal stories and strategies for mindful living.

Jun 21, 2024 • 27min
215: Plot Twist: Reverend Michael Beckwith on His Strange Journey from Ganja to Guru of Agape Spiritual Center
In this Plot Twist episode, we bring you an extraordinary story from Reverend Michael Beckwith, founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center. With a congregation of over 9,000 people each week, Reverend Beckwith is a prominent thought leader featured in the film and book, "The Secret," and has been a guest on Oprah several times. He's also the author of several spiritual books and hosts the popular podcast, Take Back Your Mind.But Reverend Beckwith’s journey to becoming a spiritual leader wasn’t straightforward. He started as an atheist and had a stint as a pharmaceutical distributor. In this episode, we delve into the pivotal moment that changed his life forever.Reverend Beckwith recounts the time he was arrested for selling marijuana and how this life-altering experience redirected him toward his true path. Despite the dire situation, he remained calm and centered, guided by an inner voice that assured him he would walk free. He shares how the illegal actions of the police led to his release and how this miraculous turn of events deepened his faith and commitment to a spiritual life.You’ll hear about his transformation from a life of dealing drugs to becoming a respected spiritual teacher. Reverend Beckwith’s story is filled with remarkable incidents, like his vision of Agape while in Mexico and the profound moment when he fully surrendered to his spiritual calling.Join us as Reverend Beckwith opens up about the challenges, miracles, and divine interventions that shaped his journey. This episode is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and following one’s true calling. Listen in and be inspired to embrace your plot twists, knowing they might lead you to your true purpose.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!Uploaded on Aug 25, 2025

Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 26min
214: The Science of Manifestation and Unlocking Your Mind's Magic with Neuroscientist, Dr. James Doty
Neuroscientist Dr. James Doty shares his inspiring journey from challenges to success, exploring the science of manifestation, intention, visualization, destiny, and the placebo effect. He emphasizes compassion, letting go of attachment, and the power of visualization in achieving goals.