"Spirit of Gratitude" Podcast hosted by YoggNation

Reflecting on the podcast launch since August 8, 2024, join host Yogesh Patel on the second part of the 2-part Series as he recaps his favorite Reel from guests 11 to 20 as he shares the impact their wisdom/perspective has had on him.  

Part II Guests include:

Episode 11. Brian Dawson - Being Vulnerable

Episode 12. Rennu Dhillon - Technology Kills Human Connection

Episode 13. Pandit Manuj Dutt - “90% of our troubles, problems, worries are self created.”

Episode 14. Denene Millner - Self-conscious about her dark skin

Episode 15. Gene Podsiadlo - Unconditional Love

Episode 16. Tyler Copenhaver - Being Popular, Being Cyberbullied

Episode 17. Cliff Starks - “Allow the Fear to go into Faith.”

Episode 18. Riyani Patel - Being Fed Up Being Bullied

Episode 19. Mychal Threets - “It’s OK to not be Okay.”

Episode 20. Richard Nungesser - Making an Impact for Others

Reflecting on the podcast launch since August 8, 2024, join host Yogesh Patel on a 2-part Series as he recaps his favorite Reel from each of his first 10 guests as he shares the impact their wisdom/perspective has had on him. 

As part of the introduction, Yogesh opens up and shares intimate details about why he started the podcast, the gratitude he expresses daily from life-altering eye surgery and the heartfelt emotions he has towards his parents and family. He lets his guard down, revealing his vulnerabilities for listeners to better understand the person behind the podcast mic. 

Part I Guests include:

Episode 1. Chef Ron Young - "You can be Confident and Humble."

Episode 2. Luke Russert - "Taking the journey of Self-Discovery."

Episode 3. "Boss" Gil Rud - "Never heard the term bullying growing up."

Episode 4. Amanda Talty - "Education combats Ignorance."

Episode 5. Amy Truesdale -  "Success Leaves Clues."

Episode 6. Nick Lowery - "Gratitude is the magic potion."

Episode 7. Jeff McKinney - "Resources to support your overall well being."

Episode 8. Jon Karl - "A responsibility to tell stories that are not being told."

Episode 9. Nicole Talbot - "Never met a person like me...(transgender)."

Episode 10. Danny Bader - "Coming Back to Life."

What if the smallest act of kindness could ignite a global movement of hope and healing?

Richard Nungesser — founder of Bread of Life International — joins Spirit of Gratitude for an inspiring conversation on compassion, purpose, and the ripple effect of showing up with love. What began as a simple moment of empathy in Kenya evolved into a global organization rescuing and empowering individuals in crisis across continents.

In this heartfelt episode, Richard and Yogesh explore the power of self-awareness, service, and the importance of faithfulness in making an impact. With reflections on gratitude, the strength of community, and the qualities of a true servant-leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder that greatness begins with availability and love.

✅ You'll learn:

• How Bread of Life International began from one small act of kindness
• Why faithfulness, availability, and teachability are keys to serving others
• The importance of self-awareness in purpose-driven leadership
• How communities thrive when compassion is at the center
• The lasting power of everyday acts of love and generosity
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Serving others starts with simply being present.
• Gratitude and compassion create lasting change.
• Love in action builds stronger, more connected communities.
  
  

🎧 Tap play to hear how one man's obedience to love transformed thousands of lives — and how you can do the same.

What if the quietest place in your community held the loudest lessons on kindness, literacy, and self-awareness?

Mychal Threets — viral library advocate and mental health champion — joins Spirit of Gratitude for an uplifting conversation about the evolving power of libraries, the impact of cyberbullying, and how emotional literacy is just as important as academic success. From his lifelong love of libraries to his viral storytelling online, Mychal embodies the message that kindness is a form of courage.

Together, he and Yogesh dive into the intersections of mental health, toxic positivity, and how generational shifts are reshaping the conversation around emotional well-being. With shoutouts to PBS icons like Mr. Rogers, Bob Ross, and LeVar Burton, this episode offers a warm reminder that compassion, community, and curiosity still matter — especially in a tech-driven world.

✅ You'll learn:

• How libraries promote both literacy and mental health
• Why self-awareness is essential in digital and offline spaces
• The difference between toxic positivity and authentic encouragement
• How social media can be used to advocate for kindness
• Ways to protect yourself from cyberbullying and online negativity
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Kindness is not weakness — it’s resistance in a noisy world.
• Libraries are safe havens for both minds and hearts.
• Gratitude, empathy, and storytelling can still cut through the noise.
  
  

🎧 Tap play for a soul-nourishing reminder that literacy, love, and libraries still have the power to change lives.

What if the very thing you were bullied for became the voice that empowers others?

Riyani Patel — teen author, Tourette’s advocate, and daughter of host Yogesh Patel — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about growing up with Tourette Syndrome, facing bullying, and finding strength through self-awareness, storytelling, and self-acceptance.

With raw honesty and remarkable poise, Riyani shares how she turned isolation and anxiety into activism — writing her truth to help others feel seen. The episode explores the mental health pressures youth face today, the influence of social media, and why being authentically yourself is the greatest rebellion of all. Her journey is not just inspiring — it's a rallying cry for compassion, confidence, and courage.

✅ You'll learn:

• What it’s really like to grow up with Tourette’s in a digital world
• How bullying shaped Riyani’s advocacy and authorship
• The role of self-awareness in managing anxiety and identity
• Why support networks are critical for youth mental health
• How owning your story can help others find their own
  
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Your differences are your superpowers.
• Self-acceptance is the antidote to shame.
• Speaking your truth helps silence stigma — and awaken strength.
  
  
  

🎧 Tap play to hear how Riyani’s journey reminds us that strength isn’t about fitting in — it’s about standing tall in your truth.

What if overcoming bullying didn’t just build strength, but awakened your inner spirit?

Cliff Starks — retired professional fighter, MMA Hall of Famer, and co-host of the Bully This podcast — joins Spirit of Gratitude for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and the power of gratitude. In this episode, Cliff opens up about being bullied as a kid for being overweight — and how that adversity led to deep self-awareness, personal transformation, and a career fighting for more than just wins.

Now a coach and mentor, Cliff shares how he helps others tap into their inner spirit, push past comfort zones, and uncover their true potential. With humility and heart, he reminds us that while battles happen in the ring, the real fight is within. And yes — we end on a lighter note, asking Cliff: What 3 things were you grateful for this past weekend?

✅ You'll learn:

• How bullying shaped Cliff’s journey from insecurity to the MMA Hall of Fame
• What fuels a fighter’s mindset, in and out of the cage
• How self-awareness unlocks lasting confidence and resilience
• The role of gratitude in personal coaching and mental strength
• Why connecting with your inner spirit is key to real growth
  
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Strength is forged through adversity and anchored in gratitude.
• Knowing your worth is the first victory.
• Your inner spirit is more powerful than any opponent.
  
  
  

🎧 Tap play to hear how Cliff turned pain into power — and how you can too.

What if you could build your life the way you build a video game avatar — with grit, wisdom, and kindness?

Tyler Coperhaver — serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and co-host of the Bully This podcast — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a raw and inspiring conversation about rising from poverty, facing adversity head-on, and creating a life rooted in purpose and power.

Known as “The Underdog Entrepreneur,” Tyler shares his philosophy of building your own avatar in real life, where every challenge adds to your skillset, and every act of kindness increases your strength. From social anxiety to street smarts, from hardship to hustle, he’s on a mission to build “kind-hearted badasses” who can transform the world, one action at a time.

✅ You'll learn:

• Why hardship is one of life’s greatest teachers
• How Tyler turned childhood struggle into entrepreneurial fuel
• The real-world benefits of Tyler’s “avatar philosophy”
• Why kindness and confidence are not opposites
• How the Bully: This podcast is changing the narrative on bullying
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Your struggles can become your superpowers.
• Charisma is built through connection, not ego.
• A kind heart and a strong spine make the ultimate combo.
  
  
  

🎧 Tap play to hear how Tyler’s journey proves you can come from nothing — and still build everything that matters.

​​What if the key to winning wasn’t luck, but learning how to adapt when life knocks you down?

Gene Podsiadlo — former Wall Street executive at Warburg Pincus and current venture capitalist — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a gripping and insightful conversation on resilience, reinvention, and the lessons that only life-threatening experiences can teach.

Having survived both a plane crash and a motorcycle accident, Gene reflects on how risk—in business and in life—demands not just courage, but strategy. He shares his philosophy of success, the value of self-awareness, and why adaptability is the most underappreciated skill in both boardrooms and backroads. With reflections on modern challenges, the pursuit of meaning, and the importance of bringing ideas to life, this episode is a masterclass in owning your path, no matter how unpredictable.

✅ You'll learn:

• How surviving life-altering events reshaped Gene’s perspective
• The parallels between risk in finance and everyday life
• Why adaptability is the ultimate asset in uncertain times
• What “winning” in business really means beyond the headlines
• How the next generation can prioritize self-investment over appearances
  
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Resilience is built through risk, not comfort.
• The best ROI comes from investing in yourself.
• Success isn’t about status — it’s about bringing ideas to life.
  
  
  

🎧 Tap play to hear how a venture capitalist redefined success — and how you can too.

What if the stories we hide are the very ones that set us free?

Denene Millner — six-time New York Times bestselling author and literary force — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a soulful, deeply honest conversation on self-awareness, identity, and the power of storytelling to heal, connect, and transform.

With vulnerability and wisdom, Denene reflects on her journey through self-consciousness, beauty standards, and the secrets that shaped her sense of self. She and Yogesh explore how writing became a tool for liberation, not just for her, but for the many readers and families her words have touched. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the power of truth, the weight of silence, and the quiet heroes in our lives who shape who we become.

✅ You'll learn:

• How storytelling can be a path to self-awareness and healing
• The impact of internalized beauty standards on identity
• Why secrets can both protect and imprison us
• How diversity in literature reflects — and redefines — culture
• Why family legacies are a source of both strength and reckoning
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Your truth is your superpower, not your shame.
• Representation isn’t just important — it’s revolutionary.
• Healing often starts by telling the stories we were once afraid to share.
  
  
  

🎧 Tap play to hear Denene’s inspiring journey — and discover the freedom that comes with embracing your full, unfiltered self.

In Part II of this powerful conversation, Yogesh Patel sits down with Pandit Manuj Dutt, a practicing Hindu priest, to explore the timeless relevance of Hinduism and Vedic philosophy in today's complex world. Together, they unpack how the ancient teachings of the Vedas, centered on Dharma (righteous living), Artha (financial prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation), can offer clarity amidst modern chaos.

From navigating identity struggles to redefining success, this episode reveals how Vedic wisdom can help individuals lead lives that are spiritually grounded, morally aligned, and emotionally fulfilling. Whether you're curious about the deeper meanings behind Hindu traditions or seeking a more intentional path forward, this episode is a must-listen.

✅ What you’ll learn:

• The essence of Vedic philosophy and how it applies today
• What Dharma really means in everyday life
• How to balance wealth, desire, and purpose without losing yourself
• The four goals of life according to Hindu teachings
• Why ancient knowledge still holds the key to modern fulfillment
  
  

💡 Key Takeaways:

• True success blends spiritual clarity with material wisdom
• Vedic teachings are universal tools for inner and outer alignment
• Identity, faith, and prosperity don’t have to be in conflict—they can be in harmony
  
  
  

🎧 Tap in now to explore a deeper way of living.