Episodes

What happens when survival becomes a daily battle — but purpose keeps you alive? Bill Carter — award-winning filmmaker, author, and humanitarian — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a gripping conversation about resilience, war, and the power of storytelling to heal and connect. In the heart of the 1990s Sarajevo siege, Bill risked his life to deliver aid, dodge sniper fire, and document the strength of the human spirit under unthinkable pressure. Through dark humor, raw courage, and unexpected fr...

What if the real power in politics came not from persuasion, but from purpose and self-awareness? Tom Campbell — former five-term U.S. Congressman and current Professor of Law and Economics at Chapman University — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a compelling conversation on public service, self-awareness, and the enduring value of kindness in a divided world. In this episode, Tom reflects on his decades-long career in politics and education, sharing personal stories of integrity under pressure,...

What if mastering your emotions was the real key to mastering your life? Judge Lynn Toler — television icon, author, and voice of emotional clarity — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a deeply insightful conversation on emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the daily discipline of gratitude. With her trademark wit and wisdom, Judge Toler unpacks why so many people struggle with appreciation — often chasing what’s missing instead of honoring what’s already there. Reflecting on lessons from b...

What if breaking the cycle of poverty started with one choice — to believe in yourself? Joe Aguilar — media executive, entrepreneur, and author — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a powerful conversation on resilience, faith, and building community through storytelling. From growing up in poverty in San Antonio to owning two newspapers and a sports talk radio show, Joe’s journey is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and deep self-awareness. In this episode, Joe opens up about overcoming bullyi...

What if the most powerful name you carried was your own character? Matthew Earl Jones — Arizona Film Commissioner and younger brother of cultural icon James Earl Jones — joins Spirit of Gratitude for an intimate conversation on legacy, identity, and the choice to lead with merit over name. As the son of legendary actor Robert Earl Jones, Matthew shares how he forged his own path in the entertainment industry by focusing on self-awareness, grit, and unshakable integrity. In this compelling dia...

What if surviving disaster gave you the blueprint to rebuild not just your life — but your community? Richard Gammage — founder of Team24 and passionate youth mentor — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a powerful conversation rooted in resilience, self-awareness, and the healing power of purpose. From surviving Hurricane Katrina to mentoring underserved youth in Phoenix, Richard shares a journey that’s as harrowing as it is hope-filled. He reflects on the trauma of the storm, the long-term effect...

What if the pain of your past became the power behind your voice? In this special episode of Spirit of Gratitude, host Yogesh Patel sits down with University of Arizona students for a raw, emotional, and eye-opening conversation on bullying, self-awareness, and resilience. These young adults courageously open up about their lived experiences — from religious and financial discrimination to learning disabilities and betrayals by close friends. With remarkable vulnerability and insight, they sh...

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-consc...

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 hi...

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 sel...

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 ...

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...

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 m...

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 a...

​​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 ...

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 be...

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 h...

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 s...

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, emoti...

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 lac...

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...

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 im...

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 ...

What if the next big social platform wasn’t built for clout — but for healing and purpose? Jeff McKinney — founder and CEO of One2Gration — joins Spirit of Gratitude to discuss how technology can be used not to divide, but to unify. His platform is a bold answer to the growing mental health crisis: a space designed to help people reconnect with their purpose, find healing, and grow both personally and professionally. In this conversation, Jeff shares his own battles with workplace bullying an...