In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with Shola Richards, a powerful speaker, author, and expert on workplace civility, to explore his incredible story of transformation. Shola opens up about surviving a toxic work environment, dealing with depression, and facing his darkest moment—a suicide attempt. What might have been the end of his story instead became a turning point that set him on a mission to create more kindness and empathy in the workplace.Shola shares the defining moments of his life, from growing up as a highly sensitive person in a household with a strong West African father to overcoming workplace bullying and abuse. He talks about how these experiences shaped him and led him to develop a deep sense of compassion for others. Shola also discusses his new book, Civil Unity, which focuses on the power of kindness in creating positive change at work and beyond.Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to handle difficult work environments, how to rise from rock bottom, and how small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect. Shola's journey is a reminder that even in the toughest moments, there's always hope and a way forward. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone struggling with work stress, mental health challenges, or simply looking for more empathy in their everyday life.Tune in to hear an inspiring story of resilience, purpose, and how embracing kindness can transform your life and the lives of those around you.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

In this special bite-sized episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light shares an inspiring moment from a previous conversation with ultra-successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and bestselling author Ed Mylett. Ed takes listeners back to one of the most pivotal moments in his life—a time when he was broke, in poor health, and feeling like a failure.During this tough period, a shocking conversation with his doctor about his future health forced Ed to confront the hard truth that his lifestyle wasn’t just failing him financially, but also physically. In this vulnerable yet empowering episode, Ed shares how he completely transformed his life by shifting his identity, embracing gratitude, and changing his mindset. He talks about how his experiences of being humbled in the lowest moments gave him the strength and perspective to build the incredible success he enjoys today.Listeners will gain valuable insights into how our self-image acts like a thermostat, keeping us stuck in a certain mindset—whether it’s with money, health, or relationships. Ed explains why raising that inner “thermostat” is crucial to achieving lasting change. His story offers an inspiring reminder that sometimes life’s toughest moments are detours leading us to our true path.This episode is perfect for anyone feeling stuck or facing setbacks in life and seeking motivation to make a breakthrough. Ed’s journey shows that no matter where you are, it’s possible to change your story and find success, gratitude, and fulfillment on the other side.And if you’re curious to hear the rest of his superhero origin story, click here.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with renowned author and wellness expert, Kimberly Snyder, to discuss her new book, The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts. Kimberly, known for blending spiritual wisdom with modern science, shares her groundbreaking insights on how the heart plays a critical role in both physical and emotional wellness.During their conversation, Kimberly takes listeners through the five stages of heart awakening: the Dark Heart, the Propelled Heart, the Steady Heart, the Devoted Heart, and the Clear Heart. She explains how each stage reflects a deeper connection to the heart’s intelligence and how we can all move toward greater emotional clarity, inner peace, and authentic success. Light and Kimberly also explore the difference between toxic positivity and authentic positivity, and the importance of embracing simplicity and minimalism to live a fuller, more balanced life.Listeners will gain practical takeaways on how to tune into their heart’s wisdom, develop stronger emotional intelligence, and live with greater fulfillment. Whether you’re familiar with Kimberly’s work or new to the idea of heart-based living, this episode will provide you with valuable tools to create positive change from the inside out. If you’re ready to understand the true power of your heart and how it can transform your life, this episode is a must-listen.Tune in to hear Kimberly Snyder’s heart-centered approach to wellness, spirituality, and personal growth, and how these principles can help you lead a more peaceful, purposeful life.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

In this bite-sized episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins revisits an inspiring conversation with Kris Carr, a New York City dancer and actress whose life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. As part of Light's "Plot Twist" series, Kris shares the pivotal moment that forever changed her life and career, and how a devastating diagnosis led her to discover a higher purpose.Kris walks listeners through the unexpected detour that began with a nagging pain in her side and ultimately pushed her into a new journey of self-healing and discovery. She talks about the challenges she faced navigating the healthcare system, the financial strain of her treatment, and the emotional toll of learning to live with an incurable condition. Despite the hardships, Kris found the strength to document her healing process and turned it into a powerful documentary that later aired on the Discovery Channel.In this candid conversation, Light and Kris explore the themes of resilience, the power of mindset, and how rejection can serve as a stepping stone to success. Kris also shares valuable lessons on learning to embrace life’s plot twists, trusting the process, and finding a purpose in unexpected places.Listeners will walk away inspired to reframe their own challenges and detours as potential gateways to growth, purpose, and fulfillment. Whether you’re facing personal adversity or just seeking inspiration, this episode will offer valuable insights on how to turn life’s toughest moments into opportunities for transformation.And if you’re curious how Kris navigated her healing journey, click here.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with George Peterson, a Vedic meditation teacher, author, and recovery advocate, to explore his inspiring journey from addiction to teaching meditation and finding purpose. George opens up about his personal struggles with drugs and alcohol, and how years of addiction nearly destroyed his life. He shares powerful stories of hitting rock bottom, including his arrest for multiple felony charges, and how he used meditation to transform his life completely.Listeners will hear about the pivotal moments that led George to discover Vedic meditation, how it helped him overcome his addiction, and why it eventually became his calling. He explains his unique Medi technique, which makes meditation more accessible to those who struggle with busy minds and stress, helping them unlock a deeper sense of calm and clarity.Light and George also dive into his transition from working at Trader Joe’s to becoming a full-time meditation teacher, a leap of faith that many will find relatable. They discuss how following your inner guidance, even when it seems uncertain, can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.Whether you’re interested in meditation, recovery, or simply looking for inspiration to follow your passion, this episode is packed with valuable insights. George’s story will leave listeners feeling motivated to overcome their own challenges and explore the power of meditation to create lasting change.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

In this bite-sized episode of The Light Watkins Show, actor and mental health advocate Zachary Levi shares a deeply personal and powerful story about the ups and downs of his career and mental health journey. Known for his starring roles in Shazam and American Underdog, Zachary’s path to success wasn’t as smooth as it might seem. In fact, when his dreams of acting came true, his personal life hit some of its lowest points.Zachary opens up about the pivotal moment when his career began to take off and how that success strained his relationship with his mother. He talks candidly about the mental health challenges he faced, including depression and suicidal thoughts, even when it appeared from the outside that he had it all. The episode dives deep into his struggles with self-worth, the impact of unresolved trauma, and how he used therapy to transform his life.Listeners will find Zachary’s honesty and vulnerability inspiring as he reflects on what it means to find true purpose and happiness, even when life’s plot twists lead to unexpected places. Whether you're a fan of his work or someone looking for inspiration on navigating your own challenges, this episode delivers powerful insights into resilience, mental health, and the importance of doing the inner work.Tune in for an episode filled with lessons on perseverance, self-discovery, and how the toughest moments can sometimes open the door to our greatest growth.And if you’re curious to know how the rest of his story plays out, click here.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with Emily Fletcher, a former Broadway performer turned renowned meditation teacher, founder of Ziva Meditation, and host of the popular podcast Why Isn't Everyone Doing This?. Emily shares her journey from the bright lights of Broadway to becoming a leading voice in the wellness space, where she’s impacted hundreds of thousands of people with her meditation techniques, courses, and insights.Listeners will be inspired by Emily’s story of transformation and her commitment to living authentically, even when faced with life’s toughest challenges. In this conversation, she reveals her personal rituals and practices that help her stay grounded, balanced, and focused—especially during times of upheaval. Emily talks about the importance of daily routines, the power of manifesting your desires, and how she uses her unique approach to sexual energy to enhance creativity and achieve her goals.This episode also offers valuable insights for anyone interested in starting a podcast, writing a book, or stepping out of their comfort zone to pursue their passions. Emily’s practical advice on balancing personal growth with professional success, particularly as a parent, will resonate with many. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just beginning your journey into mindfulness, this episode provides actionable takeaways and a wealth of inspiration.Tune in to hear Light and Emily dive deep into what it takes to truly follow your path and create a life of purpose, fulfillment, and impact.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, host Light Watkins sits down with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, renowned author and host of the Feel Better, Live More podcast, to explore the deep connection between happiness, success, and what truly matters in life. Dr. Chatterjee shares his personal journey of discovering the importance of core happiness, a concept he developed and discusses in his latest book, "Happy Mind, Happy Life."Dr. Chatterjee's story is both powerful and relatable, rooted in his experience caring for his immigrant father, who sacrificed his health while striving to provide a better life for his family. This challenging time led Dr. Chatterjee to rethink what success really means and how easily it can be confused with true happiness.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Chatterjee introduces the idea of core happiness as a "three-legged stool" supported by alignment, contentment, and control. He explains how each of these elements plays a crucial role in living a fulfilling life and offers practical advice on how to strengthen these "legs" to achieve lasting happiness.Listeners will gain valuable insights into why many of us chase the wrong dreams and how to realign our goals with what truly brings joy and satisfaction. Whether you're struggling with stress, feeling unfulfilled, or simply looking for ways to enhance your well-being, this episode provides actionable tips and inspiring stories that will encourage you to rethink your approach to success and happiness.And if  you’re curious to know how the rest of his story plays out, click here.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

In this enlightening episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with Mark Groves, a human connection specialist known for his candid and practical approach to improving relationships. Mark’s journey from a successful career in pharmaceutical sales to becoming a relationship coach is a testament to his passion for helping others build healthier, more fulfilling connections.Mark dives deep into his personal experiences, sharing how his father played a pivotal role in shaping his emotional intelligence. He reflects on how these early influences, along with the ups and downs of his romantic relationships, have guided his understanding of love and emotional vulnerability.One of the key concepts discussed is the idea of a “sacred pause” in relationships—a practice Mark believes can be transformative for healing and growth. He also opens up about the difficult decision to break off a five-year engagement, offering valuable insights into recognizing misalignment in relationships and having the courage to make tough choices.Listeners will also learn about Mark’s transition into relationship coaching, his focus on breaking codependent patterns, and the practical tools he uses, such as cold exposure and breath work, to enhance emotional regulation and relationship health. Mark and his wife, Kylie, recently co-authored Liberated Love, a book that explores these themes and offers actionable advice for creating authentic, liberated relationships.Tune in to discover how you can apply these lessons to your own life, whether you're looking to improve your relationships, navigate personal growth, or simply understand yourself better.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins revisits a powerful and transformative moment from a past conversation with Kyle Cease, a comedian turned transformational speaker and New York Times bestselling author. Kyle shares a pivotal plot twist in his life, where his successful career in comedy took an unexpected turn that ultimately led him to discover his true calling.At the height of his comedy career, Kyle was performing regularly, yet he began to experience intense anxiety and fear on stage, culminating in a moment where he considered ending it all. When conventional solutions failed to provide answers, Kyle was led to a bookstore, where he discovered Tony Robbins’ work. This encounter marked the beginning of a profound inner journey that would shift his entire life direction.Listeners will hear Kyle’s inspiring story of how a series of seemingly negative experiences—crippling anxiety, a brush with suicidal thoughts, and a search for meaning—became the gateway to his transformation. Today, Kyle is known for his unique blend of comedy and personal development, helping thousands of people worldwide break through their own barriers.This episode offers valuable insights into how life’s unexpected twists and challenges can lead to a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. For anyone who feels stuck or is facing their own challenges, Kyle’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes the path to your true calling comes through the most unexpected detours. Tune in to hear how Kyle turned his struggles into a powerful force for change and how you can do the same in your own life. And to see what happens once he goes all in on his transformational comedy, click here.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!