In this episode, Brandon reflects on the importance of reconnecting with our humanity as we enter 2026. He emphasizes the need to slow down, be present, and honor our basic human needs amidst a fast-paced world. Through personal anecdotes and practical tips, he encourages listeners to embrace their emotions, foster community connections, and create for the joy of it, ultimately framing the act of preserving our humanity as a form of resistance against societal pressures.

Follow the pod:⁠⁠ ⁠@lightmeuppodcast⁠

Follow Brandon:⁠⁠ ⁠@shinewithbrandon⁠

Podcast Artwork by:⁠⁠ Zack Faust⁠⁠, ⁠https://www.zfaust.com/⁠

Key Takeaways

• It's not about hustling harder, but fixing yourself.
• Many of us have drifted away from the simple, grounding things that make us human.
• Reconnection is the foundation for healthy relationships and sustainable joy.
• The basics of self-care are essential, not glamorous.
• Boredom can lead to creativity and insight.
• Your body communicates your needs; listen to it.
• Presence over performance is key to living authentically.
• Community is vital for restoring our humanity.
• Creating without an outcome reconnects us with play.
• Preserving our humanity is a quiet act of resistance.

Chapters

00:00: Welcome to 2026: A Year of Reconnection

01:24: The Essence of Being Human

03:37: Reconnecting with Ourselves

07:57: Practical Steps to Reconnect

13:19: The Importance of Community

20:55: Creating for the Sake of Creation

22:02: Embracing Our Humanity

23:35: Closing Thoughts and Vibe of the Week

In this episode, Brandon reflects on life lessons drawn from Roger Federer's 2024 commencement address at Dartmouth. He emphasize the importance of effort, resilience, and the understanding that success is often a result of hard work rather than effortless talent. The conversation explores the myth of effortless success, the significance of mental resilience in facing setbacks, and the need to embrace uncertainty in life. I encourage listeners to recognize their unique identities beyond their professional achievements and to appreciate the journey of personal growth.

Follow the pod: ⁠@lightmeuppodcast⁠

Follow Brandon: ⁠@shinewithbrandon⁠

Podcast Artwork by: Zack Faust - ⁠zfaust.com⁠

Key Takeaways:

Effortlessness is a myth; success requires hard work.

Our culture often celebrates effortless success, which is misleading.

It's important to assess your own abilities and growth path.

You are unique and should not compare yourself to others.

Failure and setbacks are opportunities for growth.

Mental resilience is crucial in overcoming challenges.

Life is bigger than our jobs and accolades.

Embrace uncertainty and the unknown in life.

Practice makes better, not perfect.

You exist beyond your achievements.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Gratitude

00:56 - Lessons from Roger Federer

07:31 - The Myth of Effortlessness

12:50 - Resilience and Setbacks

14:51 - Life Beyond Achievements

17:34 - Embracing Uncertainty and Change

20:58 - Key Takeaways, Vibe of the Week, and Conclusion

Vibe of the Week: ⁠Teskey Brothers - Hold Me⁠

In this episode of Light Me Up, I discusses the importance of vulnerability and emotional honesty, particularly in the context of LGBTQ+ rights and mental health. I'll emphasize the need for advocacy, especially for trans and non-binary individuals, and encourages you to embrace your vulnerabilities as a source of strength. This conversation highlights the significance of community support and the necessity of living authentically, while also addressing the societal pressures that often inhibit personal expression.

Follow the pod:⁠⁠ @lightmeuppodcast⁠⁠

Follow Brandon:⁠⁠ @shinewithbrandon⁠⁠

Podcast Artwork by:⁠⁠ Zack Faust⁠⁠

Key Takeaways

• Advocating for LGBTQ+ rights is crucial in today's society.
• Vulnerability can be a source of strength and connection.
• It's important to prioritize mental health and self-care.
• Emotional honesty is essential for personal growth.
• Trans and non-binary individuals face unique challenges that require solidarity.
• Living authentically can lead to liberation and empowerment.
• Community support is vital for those struggling with their identity.
• It's okay to not be okay; seeking help is a sign of strength.
• Vulnerability allows for deeper relationships and understanding.
• We must challenge societal norms that discourage emotional expression.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights
03:31 - The Power of Vulnerability
10:41 - Embracing Emotional Truths
15:03 - Solidarity with Trans and Non-Binary Communities
18:09 - Living Openly and Authentically
20:15 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Keep Shining Your Light!

In this episode of Light Me Up, host Brandon Bryant discusses the essential topic of setting healthy boundaries. He emphasizes that boundaries are not walls but bridges to self-respect and emotional well-being. 

Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Brandon guides listeners on how to establish boundaries that honor their needs while navigating the challenges of interpersonal relationships. 

He addresses common misconceptions about boundaries, offers strategies for implementation, and highlights the importance of self-care in the process. 

The episode concludes with a journal prompt to encourage reflection on personal boundaries. And his Vibe of the Week!

Follow the pod:⁠⁠ @lightmeuppodcast⁠⁠

Follow Brandon:⁠⁠ @shinewithbrandon⁠⁠

Podcast Artwork by:⁠⁠ Zack Faust⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

Boundaries are essential for protecting your peace and joy.

Setting boundaries can feel scary but is necessary for self-respect.

Healthy boundaries are rooted in love and clarity.

You teach people how to treat you through your boundaries.

Boundaries prevent resentment and burnout.

It's important to check your motivations for helping others.

Sometimes, people may fall away when you set boundaries.

Start small when learning to set boundaries.

No is a complete sentence; you don't need to over-explain.

You are worthy of relationships that honor your needs.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:53 The Importance of Boundaries

02:49 Understanding Boundaries

05:09 Common Questions About Boundaries

06:34 Setting Boundaries: Practical Tips

07:24 Final Thoughts and Vibe of the Week

Vibe of the Week:⁠ This Too Shall Pass by OK Go⁠

Keep Shining Your Light!

In this episode of Light Me Up!, host Brandon Bryant explores the transformative power of forgiveness, emphasizing its importance for personal healing and emotional wellness. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, the significance of self-forgiveness, and practical steps to begin the journey of letting go. Through personal anecdotes and insightful reflections, Brandon encourages listeners to embrace forgiveness as a pathway to peace and restoration. 

Follow the pod:⁠ @lightmeuppodcast⁠

Follow Brandon:⁠ @shinewithbrandon⁠

Podcast Artwork by:⁠ Zack Faust⁠

Key Takeaways: Forgiveness is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is essential to pair forgiveness with wisdom. You can forgive and still maintain boundaries. Self-forgiveness is crucial for healing. Unforgiveness can weigh down your spirit. Forgiveness starts within, not with the other person. You deserve peace more than you deserve to carry pain. You are not defined by your past mistakes. Forgiveness is a process that takes time. Letting go begins with a brave choice. 

Chapters: 

00:00- The Journey of Forgiveness 

01:57- Understanding Forgiveness

04:40- Self-Forgiveness and Its Importance 

07:38- Addressing Common Questions About Forgiveness 

10:31- The Process of Letting Go 

11:41 - Vibe of the Week 

Vibe of the Week song:⁠ Don Henley - Heart of the Matter⁠ 

Keep Shining Your Light!

In this episode of Light Me Up! Brandon discusses the importance of breaking free from societal expectations and embracing one's true self. He emphasizes the need to overcome the inner critic and the masks we wear to protect ourselves from judgment. Through practical steps and personal anecdotes, Brandon encourages listeners to express their individuality, seek validation from within, and build confidence over time. The episode concludes with empowering takeaways that inspire listeners to take control of their narrative and shine their light.

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Visit: lightmeuppodcast.com
Follow the pod: @lightmeuppodcast
Follow Brandon: @shinewithbrandon

Podcast Artwork by: Zack Faust - zfaust.com

Chapters
00:00 - Breaking Free from Expectations
02:27 - Embracing Your True Self
06:15 - Practical Steps to Authenticity
08:00 - Empowerment Through Self-Belief

Key Takeaways
Why do we let the opinions of others prevent us from blooming?
Conforming to the world's expectations is exhausting.
You are the composer of your life's symphony.
Embrace the courage to embody your true self.
Becoming who you are takes effort, repetition, and courage.
Try one thing that reflects your truth and style.
Don't wait for validation; your alignment is your permission.
Celebrate yourself and encourage your growth.
Building confidence takes time and repetition.
You can't control what the world thinks about you, but you can control your beliefs.

"Keep Shining Your Light!"

In this episode of Light Me Up! , Brandon shares a personal story about a mistake he made years ago and the lessons learned from it. He discusses the importance of separating our mistakes from our identity, owning our actions without drowning in guilt, celebrating small victories, and recognizing that our next chapter is unwritten. Brandon emphasizes self-compassion and the power of moving forward after making mistakes, encouraging listeners to embrace their journey of personal growth and healing. Don't forget to like, share, comment, subscribe!

Takeaways

• Mistakes are events, not our identity.
• Own your mistakes but don't dwell on them.
• Celebrate small victories to rebuild confidence.
• Your next chapter is unwritten; you have the power to change.
• Self-compassion is key to moving forward.
• It's important to pause and reflect on our actions.
• Listening is often more valuable than giving advice.
• Forgiveness is a process that helps us grow.
• Mental health plays a crucial role in recovery from mistakes.
• Tomorrow is a new opportunity to do better.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Life Mistakes

01:12 - A Personal Story of Regret

06:40 - Four Ways to Move Beyond Mistakes

10:48 - Embracing the Unwritten Future

Follow the podcast: ⁠@lightmeuppodcast⁠

Follow Brandon: ⁠@shinewithbrandon⁠

Podcast Artwork by ⁠Zack Faust⁠

In this episode of Light Me Up!, Brandon Bryant shares some life lessons inspired by the National Geographic documentary series '⁠Secrets of the Penguins⁠.' He reflects on the importance of community, relationships, and trust, drawing parallels between the lives of penguins and human experiences. Through storytelling, he emphasizes the value of collaboration, the courage to take leaps of faith, and the necessity of empathy and understanding in navigating life's challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• The way to navigate life's joys and pains is through meaningful relationships.
• Life is a journey that sometimes requires a leap of faith.
• Finding community can stem from shared interests and passions.
• It's important to communicate with grace and understanding.
• Apologizing costs nothing and can mend relationships.
• Strength in numbers helps us overcome challenges together.
• Trust and collaboration are essential for success.
• We can learn valuable lessons from observing nature.
• Taking risks can lead to unexpected rewards.
• Empathy and kindness are crucial in our interactions with others.

Website: ⁠lightmeuppodcast.com⁠

Follow the pod: ⁠@lightmeuppodcast⁠

Follow Brandon: ⁠@shinewithbrandon

Artwork by: Zack Faust

In this inaugural episode of 'Light Me Up,' Brandon Bryant shares his journey of self-discovery and purpose amidst chaos. He emphasizes the importance of removing distractions, finding clarity, and embracing community support. Through personal anecdotes and motivational insights, Brandon encourages listeners to pursue their passions and recognize their worth.

Follow the pod on Instagram: @lightmeuppodcast

Follow Brandon on Instagram: @shinewithbrandon

Hosted by Brandon Bryant, Light Me Up! is for curious, open-hearted listeners who are seeking clearer purpose, crave meaningful dialogue, love authentic storytelling, and the kind of insight that lingers. It’s about asking the deeper questions, honoring vulnerability, and sparking that internal flame we often forget we carry. 

Real talk. Soulful reflections. Conversations that light the way.

"Keep Shining Your Light!"