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.

What if ancient wisdom held the key to navigating today’s chaos, with grace and purpose?

Pandit Manuj Dutt — Hindu priest, astrologer, and spiritual guide — joins Spirit of Gratitude for Part I of a transformative two-part conversation on Vedic philosophy, Dharma, and the search for inner clarity. In a world overwhelmed by distraction, this dialogue offers a grounding return to timeless truths.

Together with Yogesh, Pandit Dutt unpacks the universal principles of self-awareness, duty, and spiritual alignment, showing how Vedic teachings go beyond religion and offer guidance for anyone seeking a deeper connection to themselves and the cosmos. From understanding the role of priests to exploring our relationship with the universe, this episode invites you to reflect on your path with humility and intention.

✅ You'll learn:

• What Dharma really means — and why it still matters today
• How self-awareness is central to spiritual growth
• Why Vedic wisdom transcends religious boundaries
• The deeper purpose behind rituals and spiritual practice
• How to align your inner spirit with the rhythm of the universe
  
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Dharma is not just duty — it’s the essence of your being.
• True wisdom begins with understanding your thought process.
• The universe is not separate from you — it’s speaking through you.
  
  
  

🎧 Tap play to rediscover who you are — and why you’re here — through the lens of ancient knowledge.

What if raising confident kids started with teaching them how to use their voice — and their heart?

Rennu Dhillon — founder of Genius Kids and a pioneer in early childhood education — joins Spirit of Gratitude to explore how communication, compassion, and self-awareness shape not only great students but empowered human beings.

Born in Kenya and now an educational leader in the San Francisco Bay Area, Rennu shares her journey of building a learning system that emphasizes public speaking, emotional intelligence, and purposeful parenting. Together with Yogesh, she unpacks how technology, discipline, and love can coexist in nurturing resilient children who lead with confidence and empathy.

✅ You'll learn:

• Why public speaking is essential for a child’s development
• How early education sets the tone for lifelong confidence
• The balance between discipline, freedom, and emotional safety
• Why communication is the foundation of effective parenting
• How love and self-awareness foster resilience in kids
  
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Empowered children come from intentional conversations.
• Soft skills are the true superpowers of the next generation.
• Parenting with love and presence builds lasting confidence.
  
  
  

🎧 Tap play for insights that will change how you lead, teach, and parent — from the heart.

What if the key to resilience wasn’t toughness, but vulnerability and self-awareness?

Brian Dawson — technologist, speaker, and advocate for diversity in sports — joins Spirit of Gratitude for an honest, moving conversation about growing up Black in Palo Alto during the early days of the tech revolution. From enduring bullying to navigating questions of racial identity, Brian shares how empathy, self-awareness, and inner strength helped shape his path.

He opens up about founding a diverse lacrosse organization built to foster identity and connection, creating a space where young people can show up fully as themselves. This episode dives into how community, resilience, and the courage to be vulnerable can help anyone turn adversity into purpose.

✅ You'll learn:

• How growing up in Palo Alto shaped Brian’s tech and cultural lens
• The long-term impact of bullying and how to heal from it
• Why self-awareness is essential in navigating identity
• How Brian uses lacrosse to build a more inclusive community
• The role of vulnerability and connection in personal growth
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Empathy is the foundation of true connection.
• Owning your story is the first step toward healing.
• Diversity isn’t just about representation — it’s about spirit.
  
  

🎧 Tap play to hear Brian’s powerful journey and why leading with compassion always wins.

What if your second chance at life became your calling to help others truly live?

Danny Bader — bestselling author and inspirational speaker — joins Spirit of Gratitude to share the extraordinary story of how he survived a tragic electrocution accident that claimed the life of his friend. What followed was a journey not just of survival, but of deep self-awareness, radical resilience, and rediscovering his inner spirit.

In this powerful episode, Danny reflects on the lessons that emerged from his near-death experience — including the healing power of love, the role of community (his “Moai”), and how visualization and intention can shape our path forward. He also opens up about past experiences with bullying and why living truthfully is the ultimate act of gratitude.

✅ You'll learn:

• What Danny’s near-death experience taught him about life, love, and purpose
• How building your “Moai” — a support network — accelerates healing
• The importance of self-awareness in bouncing back from trauma
• How visualization and mindset can transform setbacks into comebacks
• Why vulnerability and truth are central to personal freedom
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Gratitude deepens when you’ve stared down loss and chosen to grow.
• True resilience is born in community, not isolation.
• Living your truth is the foundation for lasting fulfillment.
  
  
  

🎧 Tap play for a soul-stirring journey of recovery, purpose, and living with intention.

What if embracing who you are wasn’t just brave, but life-saving?

Nicole Talbot — singer, actress, and transgender advocate — joins Spirit of Gratitude to share her deeply personal journey of self-discovery, bullying, and the power of living your truth. From finding her voice on stage at age five to navigating the emotional terrain of transitioning, Nicole offers an unflinching look at what it means to choose authenticity over fear.

In this heartfelt conversation, Nicole opens up about the importance of community, the healing force of creativity, and how pursuing her passion gave her the courage to overcome adversity. Her story is a beacon for anyone who’s ever felt different, misunderstood, or unseen.

✅ You'll learn:

• How Nicole found confidence through music and performance
• The emotional realities of transitioning in a world full of judgment
• Why community is essential for healing and growth
• The long-term impact of bullying — and how to rise above it
• How living authentically empowers those around you
  
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Self-expression is a powerful tool for healing.
• Community makes the difference between surviving and thriving.
• Your truth may be the very thing that sets someone else free.
  
  
  

🎧 Tap play to hear Nicole’s inspiring journey — and be reminded of the courage it takes to simply be yourself.

What does gratitude look like when you're sitting front row to history — and holding power to account?

Jonathan Karl — Chief Washington Correspondent for ABC News and author of Front Row at the Trump Show and Betrayal — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a thoughtful conversation on journalism, humility, and the unseen forces that shape our lives and careers.

From briefing rooms to battlegrounds, Jonathan reflects on the power of gratitude, the discipline of self-awareness, and the responsibility that comes with telling stories that often go unheard. He opens up about the presidents he’s covered, the luck that played into his own path, and why saying “thank you” might be the most important thing we do.

This episode is a reminder that even in the most high-pressure environments, it’s the quiet acts of reflection, appreciation, and connection that define our character.

✅ You'll learn:

• The role of gratitude in sustaining long-term success
• How self-awareness shapes leadership and storytelling
• Behind-the-scenes stories from covering multiple U.S. presidents
• What it takes to earn trust in the high-stakes world of journalism
• Why telling overlooked stories matters more than ever
  
  

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Gratitude keeps you grounded in high-pressure environments.
• Self-awareness is essential for integrity and growth.
• The most powerful stories are often the ones that go untold.
  
  

🎧 Tap play for an insider’s look at Washington through the lens of humility, purpose, and perspective.