The Light Watkins Show

In this Plot Twist episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins brings listeners the inspiring story of Christine Platt, a writer, speaker, and advocate for minimalism. Christine’s journey, shared through a heartfelt and relatable narrative, explores the defining moments that led her to rediscover her passion for storytelling and become known as “The Afrominimalist.”

The episode begins with Christine’s early experiences—her unexpected choice to attend law school, becoming a single mother, and her determination to succeed as a young Black woman in a world where opportunities felt limited. As she navigates the high demands of her career in law, Christine begins to feel the weight of burnout and a growing lack of fulfillment. But then, after a life-changing divorce, she finds herself at a crossroads: surrounded by material items she doesn’t need, Christine faces the choice to either stay comfortable or completely redefine her path.

When a friend invites her to join a 30-day writing challenge, Christine rediscovers her love for writing, unleashing a spark that sets her on a new course. This experience leads her to publish her first novel and embrace a minimalist lifestyle, which soon evolves into a larger movement around intentional living and her identity as The Afrominimalist.

Light and Christine’s conversation is a powerful reminder of how “plot twists”—even those that seem daunting—can lead us toward a more authentic life. Listeners will walk away with insights on the courage to let go of what doesn’t serve them, the joy of rediscovering long-buried passions, and the beauty of simplifying life to make space for what truly matters. Whether you’re at a career crossroads or looking for ways to simplify, this episode offers inspiration for anyone ready to take a leap into the unknown.

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In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with Mihalis Eleftheriou, the creator of the revolutionary language-learning platform Language Transfer. Mihalis shares his inspiring journey, from growing up in a multicultural neighborhood in East London to creating a powerful method for learning languages that’s changing the way people approach not just language, but communication and connection itself.

When Mihalis first began learning Spanish, he noticed that traditional language programs were missing something fundamental: a real-world understanding of how the mind processes language. In a moment of frustration, he began to experiment with a different approach that focuses on translating thoughts instead of just words, allowing students to truly think in the new language rather than relying on memorization. The result? Language Transfer—a program that offers free courses in Spanish, French, Swahili, Greek, Arabic, and even music theory, all designed to make learning simple, enjoyable, and surprisingly fast.

Throughout the conversation, Mihalis dives into his unusual journey, including his early experiences with activism and the cultural struggles that shaped his desire to create Language Transfer. He also opens up about the personal challenges he faced growing up, and how these inspired his unique perspective on learning, teaching, and living authentically.

Whether you’re interested in language learning, exploring new ways to connect with others, or simply curious about how an idea can become a movement, Mihalis’ story offers inspiration, wisdom, and practical insights into following your unique path. Join Light for this fascinating, eye-opening discussion on how language can be a bridge to a more connected world.

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In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with Tara Stiles, the pioneering founder of Stråla Yoga, to explore how she transformed a simple idea into a global wellness movement. Tara shares her journey from modeling in New York to becoming a yoga icon known for making yoga accessible, relaxed, and truly inclusive. If you've ever thought about starting something new or felt drawn to create a positive impact, Tara’s story is filled with down-to-earth insights and inspiring moments that might be exactly what you need to hear.

Through her innovative approach, Tara made yoga available to people who thought they “weren’t yoga people.” She began by offering free classes in Central Park, which then led to the launch of Stråla Yoga in her apartment—a simple but powerful space where anyone could show up as they were. Light and Tara dive into the ups and downs of her journey, from her humble beginnings to building a studio without the traditional “rules” of yoga. Together, they discuss why charging for classes can actually create a stronger community and how keeping things simple often leads to the most meaningful impact.

Listeners will hear practical lessons on following intuition, making wellness accessible, and building community without needing fancy equipment or big budgets. Tara’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a set path; sometimes, it’s about doing what feels right and watching something beautiful unfold. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or someone just starting out, this episode offers refreshing, real-world advice on how to build something that matters.

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In this enlightening episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins welcomes back Reverend Michael Beckwith, renowned founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center and one of the world’s leading voices in modern spirituality. Reverend Beckwith shares how his understanding of spirituality has evolved over the years, moving from teaching concepts to fully embodying the wisdom he now offers to countless seekers worldwide. He opens up about the powerful shifts that transformed his spiritual practices, showing listeners how his journey continues to unfold in ways that deepen his connection to purpose, joy, and service.

This episode goes beyond Beckwith’s well-known backstory to explore his newest insights on meditation, personal growth, and the art of finding meaning in a complex world. He dives into the nature of suffering, explaining why he believes it’s optional, and offers practical wisdom on approaching life’s challenges with greater awareness. For anyone curious about balancing purpose with financial stability, he breaks down how inner alignment can help cultivate abundance. The conversation also delves into relationships, exploring how our closest connections can become powerful spaces for spiritual growth and self-discovery.

Beckwith shares relatable stories, humor, and deep insights, making this episode a treasure trove of accessible spiritual wisdom. Listeners will come away inspired to embrace their own unique journeys, empowered to shift their mindset around challenges, and equipped with simple yet transformative practices to incorporate into their daily lives. Whether you’re new to spirituality or looking for guidance to deepen your path, this conversation with Reverend Beckwith offers timeless lessons and practical takeaways for living a more fulfilled life.

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In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with Danielle LaPorte, best-selling author and spiritual thought leader, for an inspiring conversation about overcoming challenges, healing, and leading with love. Danielle shares the story of how she was unexpectedly fired from her own company, leaving her with massive debt and no savings. Instead of giving up, she turned this hardship into an opportunity, creating her Fire Starter groups and launching a successful career helping entrepreneurs find their way.

Throughout the episode, Danielle dives into her personal experiences with business failures, book launches, and the pressures of achieving external success. She talks candidly about how these challenges shaped her path, leading her to create bestsellers like The Fire Starter Sessions and The Desire Map. Danielle also reflects on what it means to be spiritually mature, explaining how embracing both the light and shadow sides of ourselves is essential for true healing.

Listeners will learn valuable insights about finding purpose through adversity, thinking with love, and moving from tolerance to reverence in their lives. Danielle offers practical advice on navigating difficult situations, healing emotional wounds, and taking full responsibility for your reality. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or someone looking for deeper self-awareness, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to expand your consciousness and lead a life that aligns with your true self.

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In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with Cesalina Gracie, a member of the legendary Gracie family, best known as the creators of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As the granddaughter of Carlos Gracie Sr., the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Cesalina shares her unique journey of growing up in a family of martial artists and how that shaped her view on self-defense and empowerment.

While she was immersed in Jiu-Jitsu from a young age, it wasn't until Cesalina left Brazil at 17 that she had a life-changing realization: women across the world often feel vulnerable to harassment, and the principles of Jiu-Jitsu could help them protect themselves—not only physically but also verbally. She introduces the concept of "Verbal Jiu-Jitsu," a tool for women to defend themselves through posture, boundaries, and self-assuredness.

Beyond Jiu-Jitsu, Cesalina recounts her unexpected adventure climbing Mount Everest with only six weeks of preparation. She explains how she applied the principles of Jiu-Jitsu to overcome fear and push through extreme physical and mental challenges, showing that these teachings can extend far beyond the mats.

Cesalina now runs the first all-female Jiu-Jitsu center in the world, helping girls and women from all walks of life develop confidence and strength. Her story of resilience, empowerment, and practical tools for self-defense is not only inspiring but also highly practical for anyone looking to build a stronger foundation in life. This episode is packed with lessons that apply to everyday challenges and is a must-listen for anyone seeking personal growth and empowerment.

Tune in to hear Cesalina’s powerful insights and learn how the principles of Jiu-Jitsu can transform your life.

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In this bite-sized episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light shares a powerful "Plot Twist" moment from a past conversation with Manoj Dias, a mindfulness and meditation teacher who experienced a life-changing transformation.

Manoj was on the fast track to success, working in marketing and climbing the corporate ladder. But behind the scenes, he was struggling. The pressures of his career, personal life, and a non-stop lifestyle eventually led to a panic attack that brought his world crashing down. What followed was a challenging journey through depression, addiction, and anxiety, as he desperately tried to hold it all together.

In this episode, Manoj reflects on the moment when everything shifted for him — the plot twist that changed the course of his life. After hitting rock bottom, a chance encounter with a meditation teacher opened the door to healing and self-discovery. Manoj talks openly about his struggles, his search for meaning, and how mindfulness helped him rebuild his life from the inside out.

Listeners will hear how even the toughest moments in life can turn into opportunities for growth and transformation. This episode is a reminder that plot twists aren’t setbacks — they’re often detours that lead us exactly where we need to go.

Tune in for an inspiring and relatable story that shows how mindfulness and meditation can help anyone overcome life's toughest challenges. Whether you’re facing stress, anxiety, or uncertainty, this episode offers valuable insights into finding peace and purpose.

And if you want to hear more about how Manoj navigated his mental struggles, click here.

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In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins sits down with Tom Turcich, a man who achieved an extraordinary feat—walking around the world. Tom's incredible journey began with a dream at the age of 17, and after years of saving and planning, he set off on foot to circumnavigate the globe. His adventure took seven years and covered 28,000 miles across six continents. Along the way, Tom adopted a dog named Savannah, who walked 25,000 miles by his side.

Throughout the episode, Tom shares the ups and downs of his journey, from battling extreme conditions and illness to experiencing the kindness of strangers. He talks about the profound lessons he learned while walking an average of 14 miles a day, pushing a cart filled with his belongings, and facing the unexpected twists and turns that came with living on the road. Tom opens up about the mental and physical challenges of such a demanding journey, as well as the moments of beauty and connection that made it all worthwhile.

Listeners will be inspired by Tom's perseverance, his reflections on overcoming fear, and how following his heart led him to complete this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. If you’re looking for a story about resilience, self-discovery, and pushing the limits of what’s possible, this episode offers a deep dive into what it truly means to chase a dream and turn it into reality.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will encourage you to think about your own journey and the steps you can take to achieve your goals.

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In this bite-sized episode of The Light Watkins Show, renowned mindfulness teacher Sharon Salzberg shares the incredible story of how a college trip to India completely changed her life. Light Watkins takes listeners back to that pivotal moment when Sharon, a young student with a passion for meditation, encountered several twists and turns that ultimately led her to discover her true calling.

During this episode, Sharon recounts her journey, which started with meeting Tibetan Lama Trungpa Rinpoche and receiving life-changing advice. Her path was far from smooth—facing setbacks at meditation classes and attending a disheartening yoga conference. But it was at this low point that Sharon found what she had been searching for: a 10-day meditation course that introduced her to transformative practices like loving-kindness and mindfulness. She also crossed paths with iconic figures like Ram Dass, which shaped her future as one of the world's leading meditation teachers.

Listeners will hear how even the most frustrating detours can be part of a bigger plan, leading you closer to your truest path. Sharon’s story is an inspiring reminder that life's obstacles often redirect us toward the experiences we need most. By the end of the episode, you'll learn about the importance of embracing unexpected changes, trusting the process, and staying open to life’s surprises.

And if you want to hear more about how Sharon’s first 10-day meditation course led to the founding of one of the most renowned meditation centers in the U.S., click here.

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In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light Watkins welcomes back best-selling author Pam Grout for an inspiring conversation about creativity, spirituality, and manifesting miracles. Pam, known for her popular books like E-Squared and Thank and Grow Rich, shares her journey of following her heart and trusting in the power of possibility.

Listeners will learn how Pam's thoughts on manifesting your reality, based on her deep understanding of A Course in Miracles, can inspire them to see life from a fresh perspective. She talks about overcoming self-doubt, finding creative ideas, and how to start a project even when you're feeling unsure. Pam also opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Taz, and how that experience deepened her connection to spirituality, leading her to create the 222 Foundation, which supports creative projects.

Throughout the episode, Pam and Light dive into the idea that miracles can happen every day—if we’re open to seeing them. They explore practical advice for how to shift from focusing on problems to embracing the endless possibilities around us. Whether you're a writer, a creative, or someone looking to add more joy to your life, Pam’s wisdom is bound to resonate deeply.

Tune in to discover how to tap into your inner power, quiet the voice of doubt, and take action on the ideas that light you up inside.

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