In this inspiring episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with Tami Simon, founder of Sounds True Publishing, to explore the incredible journey that led her to discover her true calling. Tami shares the pivotal moments in her life, starting with a trip to India that took an unexpected turn and set her on a path she never could have imagined.

Tami recounts how getting sick in India forced her to return home, but also ignited a deep desire to drop out of college and dedicate her life to spirituality. Through a series of unexpected twists and turns, including waiting tables at a Chinese restaurant and volunteering at a local radio station, Tami's journey is a testament to the power of following one's inner calling, no matter how unconventional it may seem.

Listeners will be captivated by Tami’s stories of perseverance and faith, including how a chance encounter with a crystal enthusiast led her to start Sounds True, a publishing company dedicated to disseminating spiritual wisdom. Tami’s journey is filled with moments of self-discovery, from her struggles with academic life to finding peace and purpose in audio journalism and spiritual teachings.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling lost or uncertain about their path. Tami’s experiences remind us that sometimes the greatest opportunities arise from the most unexpected circumstances. Join Light Watkins and Tami Simon as they dive into a conversation about resilience, faith, and the incredible power of trusting your instincts. Discover how embracing life’s plot twists can lead you to your true purpose.

If you want to see how Tami grew Sounds True to what it is today, go to episode 64, at exactly the 1-hour mark.

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In this captivating episode of The Light Watkins Show, host Light Watkins sits down with the renowned Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a neuroscientist, primatologist, and acclaimed author of "Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers" and "Determined." Known for his extensive research on baboons and their stress-related behaviors, Dr. Sapolsky dives deep into his fascinating journey from growing up as an Orthodox Jew in Brooklyn to becoming a leading voice on the science of stress and the concept of free will.

Listeners will be intrigued as Dr. Sapolsky shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path, including his teenage realization that led to atheism and his early obsession with primates. He recounts his experiences in the Serengeti, observing baboons' complex social structures and drawing parallels to human behavior. Dr. Sapolsky's insights reveal how stress impacts our health, why certain individuals are more prone to stress-related diseases, and the surprising similarities between baboon and human social dynamics.

The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as Light and Dr. Sapolsky discuss the illusion of free will, exploring how our choices and actions might be more predetermined than we think. They delve into the implications of this idea for society, touching on topics like criminal justice, personal responsibility, and the human tendency to seek punishment and reward.

With engaging anecdotes and clear explanations, Dr. Sapolsky breaks down complex scientific concepts into relatable, everyday language. This episode promises to leave listeners pondering their own beliefs about free will and how much control we truly have over our lives.

Tune in for an enlightening and inspiring discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and offers a fresh perspective on the forces that shape our behavior. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the most brilliant minds in neuroscience and primatology, only on The Light Watkins Show.

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In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, host Light Watkins shares a special "Plot Twist" episode from author and speaker Kute Blackson. A Plot Twist is a short clip from past episodes where guests talk about life-changing moments that took them in new directions.

In this episode, Kute Blackson tells the incredible story of moving from Ghana to America. He starts with a touching conversation with his mother, who supports him when he decides not to take over his father’s church. Despite being scared, Kute bravely tells his father about his decision, knowing it might disappoint him. This choice leads to two years of silence between them.

Kute then talks about his dream of going to America with no money, no connections, and no formal education. He shares how he won the Green Card Lottery against all odds, strengthening his belief in trusting the universe and following his gut feelings.

Kute’s determination will inspire listeners as he struggles but never gives up in a new country. He explains how he worked hard to meet Steven Spielberg to pitch his dream of becoming the next Oprah. His commitment to his vision is truly inspiring.

Throughout the episode, Kute talks about being true to yourself, staying strong, and following your real path, even when it’s tough. His story reminds us that life’s unexpected turns can lead us to our true purpose.

Tune in to hear Kute Blackson’s incredible leap of faith and discover how embracing life’s twists and turns can help you find your true purpose. And just when you think you’ve heard it all, Kute shares a surprising encounter with Steven Spielberg that changed everything—don’t miss the exciting details!

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In this week’s episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with Jessica Zweig, author of The Light Work: Reclaim Your Feminine Power, Live Your Cosmic Truth and Illuminate The World. Jessica shares her incredible journey from a struggling young entrepreneur to a powerful voice in personal branding, authenticity, and spiritual growth.

Listeners are invited to delve into Jessica's upbringing in the affluent Jewish suburb of Highland Park, Chicago, and explore how her early challenges with body image and fitting in shaped her path. Jessica candidly discusses her experiences with the "fake it till you make it" philosophy and offers valuable insights into navigating a business divorce—a scenario many entrepreneurs face.

Jessica's story is filled with relatable moments, including her struggle with body dysmorphia and her transformative journey to Egypt. She reveals how her visit to the temples and pyramids opened her eyes to a new perspective on life, joy, and spiritual fulfillment. Jessica emphasizes the importance of mentors, both in business and spiritual growth, and shares actionable tips for integrating a personal and professional brand.

Throughout the conversation, Light and Jessica explore the deep and sometimes painful lessons learned from family dynamics, especially her relationship with her father. They also discuss the power of authenticity and the necessity of embracing one's shadow to fully express their light.

This episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights, nuggets of wisdom, and personal anecdotes that can inspire anyone on an entrepreneurial or spiritual journey. Join Light Watkins and Jessica Zweig for an engaging and enlightening discussion that promises to leave you with a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh perspective on living your best life.

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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 divorce

03:44 - The impact of a friend’s suicide

05:08 - Neil's lowest point in life

06:13 - How to stay positive amid tragedy

10:47 - How to get things done no matter the circumstance

16:08 - The power of journaling and why start today

20:35 - How to keep your 9-5 while pursuing your passion

25:14 - Life at a crossroads? Ask yourself these two questions

Want to find out how the rest of Neil's story played out? Check out his full episode here.

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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.

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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 - Introduction

3:09 - Seb's dark night of the soul moment

4:45 - The list that changed Seb's life

6:03 - How to follow your passion AND pay the bills

9:48 - Why Seb's list is NOT a bucket list

11:48 - What's it like to visit death row

17:02 - How Seb's mission evolved as more people got involved

21:56 - Why the world conspires for you and not against you

Curious about the adventures Seb got into during his quest?? You can continue the story here.

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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.

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