Light Watkins is an expert meditation and spiritual teacher who gave up all his earthly possessions five years ago (save what he could fit into a small backpack) and proceeded to travel the world giving talks on happiness, mindfulness, inspiration, and meditation.
Today he shares lessons learned from this experience, imparting wisdom that is equal parts profound and hyper-practical on how to prioritize and cultivate inner happiness, the importance of presence, following your curiosity, the joy of giving what you want to receive, and something he calls the “freedom of choicelessness” that declutters your life decisions.
I love Light. He is a wise and gifted teacher. My sense is that this conversation will leave you with more than a few life-altering profundities to ponder and practice.

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Peace + Plants,
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Spiritual Minimalism, Purpose, & Living A More Fulfilling Life With Light Watkins

A master-class in personal and professional development, ultra-athlete, wellness evangelist and bestselling author Rich Roll delves deep with the world's brightest and most thought provoking thought leaders to educate, inspire and empower you to unleash your best, most authentic self. More at: https://richroll.com

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This week, I’m joined by Matthew Hussey, the celebrated relationship expert and bestselling author, to discuss the intricacies of modern dating and to raise standards for authentic connections. With honest truths, he addresses embracing self-worth, setting boundaries, and cultivating a mindset that attracts an equal partnership based on decency, kindness, and respect. Exploring internal fears, anxieties, and the allure of chaotic relationship dynamics, Matthew discusses unreliable instincts and recognizing red, amber, and green lights. He provides a practical roadmap for breaking destructive cycles, navigating vulnerabilities, and nurturing healthy interdependence. Additionally, we examine gender differences in dating insecurities and societal pressures. Matthew emphasizes the importance of open communication, productive arguments, and empowering your partner’s growth. Please enjoy!


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Navigate Modern Dating & Create A Healthy Love Life: Relationship Coach Matthew Hussey on Breaking Destructive Cycles, Attracting Authentic Connections & More

This week, I’m joined by Johann Hari, New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and speaker, to explore his journey into the world of the new weight loss drug phenomenon: Ozempic. Johann shares his surprising firsthand experience injecting himself weekly with the drug for over a year, leading to dramatic weight loss but also complex side effects. We discuss the staggering potential of these “magic pills” to curb the global obesity epidemic, but also the alarming risks like thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, and muscle wasting. Johann provides a nuanced look at the bigger picture—examining the role of pharmaceutical profit, societal pressures around body image, and whether medicalizing thinness addresses root causes. His investigation stretches from the science labs of Iceland to the food culture of Japan. This discussion ultimately confronts sobering philosophical questions about the ethics of pharmaceutical shortcuts versus growth through struggle. Please enjoy!

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Ozempic: Weight Loss Miracle Drug or Something Darker? Johann Hari on The Benefits & Risks

This week, I’m joined by Dan Churchill, a performance chef redefining what it means to thrive in the culinary world. With a Master’s in Exercise Science, Dan is fueling plates and human performance. As executive chef of Osprey in Brooklyn’s 1 Hotel, a former restaurant owner, coach on Chris Hemsworth’s Centr app, and cookbook author—Dan is at the intersection of cuisine, fitness, and content creation. We talk about his unique background growing up in Sydney, how a passion for food connected his family, and his journey from appearing on MasterChef Australia to self-publishing cookbooks that launched his career in New York City. Dan shares insights from building respected brands like Charley Street, the harsh realities of the restaurant world, the importance of authentic relationships over transactional partnerships, and finding balance as an entrepreneur, athlete, and chef. We discuss his latest projects, eating with intention, properly fueling training, recovery, digestion, and more. We explore performance nutrition facts and myths, managing energy levels, and working with elite athletes like Chris Hemsworth and Lindsey Vonn. Please enjoy!

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Eat Like A Legend: Chef Dan Churchill On Fueling Your Body For Peak Performance

This week, I am joined by Orlando Bloom, renowned actor and spiritual seeker, to discuss the intersection of extreme sports, personal growth, and the art of balance. Orlando shares his profound experiences with wingsuiting, free diving, and rock climbing, revealing the delicate tension between discipline and surrender. He offers candid insights into his upbringing, his mother’s influence, Buddhism’s transformative power, and navigating the complexities of fame. The conversation explores the nuances of preparation, trust, and letting go, drawing parallels between these high-stakes pursuits and life’s journey. Orlando’s vulnerability shines through as he discusses the evolution of his relationship dynamics and his commitment to making a positive impact through his work with UNICEF. Please enjoy!

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Orlando Bloom on The Spirituality of Extremes: Chasing Fear, Embracing Risk & Navigating Fame

This week, I am joined by microbiologist Dr. Sarkis Mazmanian, the Luis B. and Nelly Soux Professor at Caltech, to discuss the microbiome's connection to human health—especially the gut-brain axis. Dr. Mazmanian discusses his research evolution from infectious diseases to the microbiome’s role in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration, as well as how gut microbes influence neurological health, behavior, and conditions like Parkinson's, autism, and depression. He highlights the human gut microbe symbiosis, early-life microbial exposure's influence, and the adult microbiome's malleability. We explore microbiome-based therapeutics' potential, challenges in translating animal models to humans, personalized medicine's future, the microbiome's impact on drug efficacy, gut bacteria's influence on behaviors and cravings, and the importance of a healthy gut diet. Please enjoy!

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Spiritual Minimalism, Purpose, & Living A More Fulfilling Life With Light Watkins

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