

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

Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 13min
194: The One Change That Had The Biggest Impact On My Life (It Wasn't Meditation): Solo Episode with Light Watkins
In this episode, we're keeping it real about how something as simple as giving up alcohol can unexpectedly transform your life. Imagine this: One day, you decide to stop drinking, not because you have to, but just to see if you feel any different. What unfolds isn't just a series of changes in habits, like swapping beer for more water or exploring vegetarian meals, but a surprising journey towards self-discovery and clarity you didn't know was missing.Our host, Light Watkins, shares personal stories with a no-nonsense approach, from the initial skepticism about cutting out alcohol to the profound impact it had on health, mood, and even relationships. This isn't your typical wellness guru spiel. It's about real-life experiences, the kind that makes you think, "Hey, maybe I could try that." Whether you've toyed with the idea of reducing your alcohol intake or you're just looking for ways to feel a bit more connected to yourself and the world, this conversation is for you.We're not promising miracles or a one-size-fits-all solution. But through honest reflections and a bit of humor, we'll explore how making different choices can lead us to live more fully and perhaps stumble upon happiness in places we least expected. Join us for a chat that's as relatable as it is eye-opening.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!Uploaded on Aug 25, 2025

8 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 1h 8min
193: Danny Morel on Redefining Success and Awakening to Your Highest Potential
Join host Light Watkins as he dives into a captivating conversation with Danny Morel, sharing his journey from adversity to success. Danny discusses redefining masculinity, facing fears, and pursuing dreams. His insights on authenticity, fulfillment, and breaking free from societal norms will inspire and challenge listeners to embrace their true identity and purpose.

Jan 31, 2024 • 57min
192: How Taryn Toomey's Act of Kindness Led to the Creation of a Movment Called 'The Class'
In this week’s episode of The Light Watkins Show, host Light Watkins is in conversation with Taryn Toomey, founder and the creative force behind "The Class" – a revolutionary exercise methodology that marries fitness with mindfulness. This episode offers a profound look into Taryn's extraordinary journey from a challenging childhood, navigating the vibrant world of fashion, to her transformative experiences in Peru that led her to create The Class. Taryn's story serves as a powerful illustration of resilience, the pursuit of one's true calling, and the impact of embracing community and personal practices to find one's path.Taryn discusses her venture into the fashion industry, her initial forays into yoga and mindfulness, and how these experiences culminated in the inception of The Class. Taryn's approach to blending intense physical exercise with emotional release and mindfulness offers refreshing insights for anyone on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.Moreover, this episode sheds light on the significance of inner strength, following one's instincts, and the transformational power of community building. Taryn's candid discussion about her evolution, both personally and professionally, is not just her story, but a blueprint for anyone seeking to navigate their own life's challenges and aspirations. Her unique perspective on success, which transcends monetary achievements, emphasizes a deeper, more introspective understanding of personal fulfillment and well-being.You will find Taryn's narrative relatable, inspiring, and a compelling example of how blending diverse life experiences can lead to creating something truly groundbreaking and impactful. This episode is a must-listen for those intrigued by the interplay of physical wellness, emotional well-being, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!Uploaded on Aug 25, 2025

Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 33min
191: NYPD Whistleblower Edwin Raymond Talks About What It's Like To Be "An Inconvenient Cop"
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!Uploaded on Aug 25, 2025

Jan 17, 2024 • 1h 12min
190: Embracing Midlife as a Springboard for Growth and Transformation with Chip Conley
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.

Jan 10, 2024 • 1h 1min
189: How to Move on from Rejection: A Solo Episode with Light Watkins
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!Uploaded on Aug 25, 2025

Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 20min
188: Forgotten Spiritual Insights for Overcoming Anger with Rebellious Buddhist Teacher Hector Marcel
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!Uploaded on Aug 25, 2025

Dec 27, 2023 • 1h 36min
187: A 2023 Retrospective - How to Bet on Yourself Featuring Humble the Poet, Kyle Cease, Africa Brooke, Rev. Michael B. Beckwith, Cole Cuchna, & Mark Nepo
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.

Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 6min
186: Unafraid to Look Foolish, Comedian Sarah Cooper Shares Lessons From Going Viral, Divorce, Switching Careers, and Hobnobbing with Jerry Seinfeld
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!Uploaded on Aug 25, 2025

Dec 13, 2023 • 1h 19min
185: Author Jordan Tarver On Beating The Odds, Going Viral On TikTok, And Why You Deserve To Do It Too
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!Uploaded on Aug 25, 2025