

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

Jan 23, 2025 • 55min
275: How to Create Lasting Impact and Legacy From the Ground Up with Trevon Jenifer, 3-Time Paralympic Gold Medalist
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!

5 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 44min
274: How to Stop Missing Your Life and Heal from Pain with Cory Muscara
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.

Jan 10, 2025 • 42min
273: Plot Twist: How Jessica Janzen Turned Family Tragedy into Advocacy, and Found Gratitude in Life’s Hardest Moments
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!

Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 19min
272: How to Reframe Life’s Hardest Moments and Find Strength in Adversity with Katya Komleva
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!

Jan 3, 2025 • 40min
271: Plot Twist: How a Doctor’s Insult Inspired Martinus Evans to Run Marathons and Redefine Fitness for All
Martinus Evans, a determined marathon runner, shares how a doctor’s harsh words ignited his journey from self-doubt to empowerment. He recounts his struggles and triumphs, including battling injuries and societal biases in the running community. With humor and resilience, he emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in fitness, proving that everyone belongs, regardless of speed or size. Martinus' story highlights the transformative power of defiance, pushing oneself to the limit, and redefining what it means to be an athlete.

Jan 1, 2025 • 58min
270: The 7 Key Principles For Fulfilling Your Vision In The New Year with Light Watkins
Explore empowering strategies to fulfill your vision in the new year! Learn how to break free from unfulfilled resolutions with practical tips on habit formation and personal accountability. Discover the importance of intrinsic motivation and self-validation in achieving goals. Navigate the concept of 'choicelessness' to enhance focus and simplify decisions. Embrace commitment for personal growth and uncover the value of community support and meditation in realizing your purpose. Transform your intentions into achievements!

Dec 27, 2024 • 28min
269: Plot Twist: How to Advocate for Yourself and Fight for Truth and Freedom with Donald V. Watkins
Donald V. Watkins, an accomplished attorney and advocate for justice, shares his extraordinary journey from freedom to prison and back. While serving a sentence, he ingeniously helped 47 fellow inmates advocate for their release, exposing wrongful convictions and systemic flaws. He emphasizes the vital importance of self-advocacy and community support within the harsh realities of incarceration. Donald's resilience turned a personal tragedy into a movement for change, showcasing the unwavering strength of the human spirit.

Dec 25, 2024 • 1h 26min
268: How to Heal from the Inside Out and Master the Art of Being Well with Dr. Will Cole
Dr. Will Cole, a leading functional medicine practitioner and New York Times bestselling author, discusses his inspiring journey from rural Pennsylvania to pioneering telehealth medicine. He emphasizes the connection between diet, gut health, and emotional well-being, advocating for small, sustainable lifestyle changes. The conversation also highlights the fight against harmful food dyes in popular cereals while promoting a holistic approach that blends modern diagnostics with ancient practices. Dr. Cole encourages mindfulness and being present as crucial elements for health and happiness.

Dec 20, 2024 • 33min
267: Plot Twist: Why Training for Vanity Can Hurt You and What to Do Instead with Aaron Alexander
In this plot twist episode, Light Watkins revisits a pivotal moment in the life of Aaron Alexander, founder of the Align Method. Once a personal trainer focused on building muscle to look good in the mirror, Aaron’s single-minded pursuit of physical aesthetics came at a high cost—shoulder dislocations, chronic back pain, and an overall destabilized body.This wake-up call coincided with a life-changing move to Hawaii, where Aaron was exposed to a holistic approach to health and movement. Immersed in new environments and influences, he shifted from training for appearance to training for functional well-being. His journey included becoming a massage therapist, studying Rolfing, and creating the Align Method, which blends principles of movement, posture, and mindfulness to transform lives.Aaron’s story highlights the pitfalls of valuing physical appearance over health, the importance of seeking new environments for growth, and the power of alignment—both physically and mentally. From his early struggles with imposter syndrome as a young trainer to his realization that true fulfillment lies in the ongoing pursuit of personal and professional growth, Aaron’s insights are both relatable and inspiring.Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, someone seeking a deeper understanding of mind-body connection, or simply curious about transformative journeys, this episode offers wisdom, humor, and actionable takeaways to help you align with your own path to well-being.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 50min
266: How to Heal Old Wounds and Build a Life You Truly Love with Alexi Panos
In this compelling episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with transformational leader Alexi Panos, who candidly opens up about her personal evolution and the life lessons she’s gained through immense challenges. From growing up in a traditional Greek family to stepping into a fierce independence inspired by her mother, Alexi shares how her upbringing shaped her views on success, relationships, and feminine power.Alexi and her husband, Preston Smiles, are well-known for their work in personal growth and relationship coaching, but Alexi reveals the unseen struggles they faced in their marriage. She explains how hitting rock bottom together led to a complete reinvention of their partnership, teaching her profound truths about self-betrayal, feminine embodiment, and authentic love.In this conversation, Alexi delves into her early years in the entertainment industry, including surviving a traumatic experience that shaped her resilience and independence. She also discusses the pivotal moments that led her to embrace somatic coaching, which helped her uncover the power of reconnecting with her body as a source of wisdom.Whether you're navigating personal growth, seeking deeper connections, or curious about balancing ambition with inner peace, Alexi’s story offers invaluable insights. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to move beyond surface-level success and step into a more embodied, fulfilled life.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!


