Why universities are failing and what needs to change.In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Pardis Madhavi joins host Justin to expose the crisis in higher education. From the widening gap between academia and the real world to the urgent need for purpose-driven learning, this episode challenges everything we think we know about education.Pardis explains how universities lost touch with both students and employers and what it will take to rebuild trust, relevance, and curiosity in the classroom. If you’ve ever questioned the value of your degree or the purpose of education today, this one’s for you.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro03:20 – The disconnect between education and real-world needs07:15 – How students and employers see education differently12:40 – Why traditional universities are slow to change18:25 – The future of learning: skills, purpose, and adaptability23:50 – The role of curiosity in education and leadership29:15 – Rethinking the classroom for the next generation36:40 – Pardis on what gives her hope about the future of educationQuote from Pardis Madhavi"Real education isn’t about memorizing answers, it’s about learning how to ask better questions and having the courage to keep asking them."Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:Check our Website: https://luminism.foundationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcastPardis’ Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahdavipardis?igsh=bnAwd2lvNGZ0ZG54LinkedIn: Pardis Mahdavi - Speaker, Author, Coach | LinkedInX: https://x.com/pardismahdavi
Most people don't fail because they lack talent—they fail because they're drowning in noise.
In this no-BS conversation, entrepreneur Cody Knoell breaks down the uncomfortable truths about building a life that actually matters. Forget motivation. Forget waiting to "find your passion." This is about discipline, clarity, and the gritty work nobody posts on Instagram.
From starting his first business at 13 to dropping out of college and building real wealth, Cody shares the lessons most people learn too late—or never learn at all. If you're tired of empty advice and ready for a blueprint that works, this episode is for you.
Timestamps
00:00 – Why young people struggle to find success in a world full of noise
03:30 – Discipline vs. passion: what really creates long-term results
06:10 – The power of clarity—knowing your goals before chasing them
09:45 – How social media distorts success and sets false expectations
15:00 – Fitness, focus, and the link between physical and mental strength
18:00 – Building consistency and self-control in the age of dopamine
26:00 – Worst advice Cody ever received—and why dropping out changed his life
34:50 – Lessons from entrepreneurship at 13: learning the money mindset early
38:50 – The single most valuable skill everyone should learn—sales
48:00 – The "Rocky montage" phase—why the grind always comes before success
55:00 – Rethinking college: when it's worth it—and when it's not
01:03:55 – The one piece of advice Cody would give his younger self
Quote from Cody Knoell
"If you give enough time to anything, you're going to get results. Most people just quit before the payoff."
Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:– Website: https://luminism.foundation– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcast– TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinbutcher– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@justinbutcherCody Knoell Social: – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CodyJKnoell– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-knoell/– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codyknoell/
Most people chase success. Barry Garapedian reverse-engineered it.
After 39 years dominating Wall Street, Barry didn't retire to a beach — he committed his life to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. In this raw, no-BS conversation, he reveals the principles that made him a top producer and how young people today can build real wealth, unshakeable self-belief, and a life of purpose.
This isn't your typical business podcast. Barry dismantles common myths about money, exposes why traditional education fails most people, and shares the exact systems he used to build deep client relationships that lasted decades. From the power of handwritten notes to creating "lightning strike" moments, Barry's wisdom cuts through the noise of hustle culture and gets to what actually works.
Key Timestamps
00:00 – Lessons from 39 years on Wall Street
01:30 – Why financial literacy and humility matter
03:40 – Invest in what you know and understand
06:20 – The smartest money moves for people in their 20s
08:50 – Why entrepreneurship beats the corporate path
10:30 – The "I Believe" button — where real confidence comes from
13:30 – Vision boards and the law of attraction in action
15:50 – How Barry became a top Wall Street producer
20:00 – The art of human connection and "third vault" conversations
22:10 – The lost art of handwritten notes and differentiation
26:30 – How to build meaningful relationships in business
32:00 – Repetition, technique, and the power of consistency
34:50 – The importance of healthy struggle and failure
37:40 – Commitment as the foundation of success
39:50 – Rethinking education and the value of real-world learning
41:40 – Books, mentors, and environments that shape success
45:10 – Managing distractions and building discipline
48:10 – Creating "lightning strikes" — moments of impact for others
51:10 – The truth about procrastination and perfectionism
53:30 – Profiles in Success: A strategy for networking and learning
57:00 – How to surround yourself with high performers
59:30 – The difference between making money and creating wealth
01:03:40 – The power of authenticity and hard conversations
01:07:00 – Why trades and service businesses matter
01:10:50 – Family governance and teaching gratitude
01:17:00 – Reverse-engineering success and finding fulfillment
Quote from Barry Garapedian
"Confidence doesn't come from shouting affirmations in the mirror. It comes from having a large pile of evidence that you are who you say you are."
Barry's Socials:
Instagram: @barrygarapedian
YouTube: @BarryGarapedian
X: https://x.com/barrygarapedian
Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Check our Website: https://luminism.foundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcast
In this deeply personal episode, parent coach and teen communication expert Kirsten Cobabe reveals what's really behind the distance between parents and their teens—and how to close it.
Growing up has never been noisier. Between algorithmic feeds, curated identities, and emotional exhaustion, today's teens are navigating territory most parents never imagined. But beneath the mood swings, silence, and defiance lies something simpler: a longing to be truly seen.
Kristen offers a compassionate roadmap for anyone raising, mentoring, or trying to reach the next generation—not through more rules or surveillance, but through radical presence and hard-earned trust.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Why modern parenting feels harder than ever
04:32 – The emotional cost of growing up online
09:50 – How disconnection shows up in teen behavior
14:18 – Creating safety for real conversations
18:44 – The difference between control and connection
24:09 – Why teens rebel—and what they’re actually asking for
31:37 – Parenting from empathy instead of fear
38:42 – Setting healthy boundaries without shame
45:11 – Rebuilding trust when communication breaks down51:54 – How parents can model emotional honesty
59:36 – The myth of the “perfect parent”
1:04:22 – Teaching accountability with compassion
1:09:33 – Helping teens navigate identity and self-worth
1:15:40 – The importance of community and shared values
1:21:00 – Kristine’s final message to parents and mentors
“Teens aren’t looking for perfect parents. They’re looking for real ones—people who can stay when things get hard and listen when it’s uncomfortable.” - Kristen Cobabe
Kirsten's Socials:
Website: https://www.kirstencobabe.com
Instagram: @kirstencobabe
YouTube: @KirstenCobabe
Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Check our Website: https://luminism.foundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcast
Your phone is designed to control you. Modern culture is designed to distract you. And most people are living on autopilot—without ever building a clear vision for their own lives.
Jon Butcher has spent decades helping people break free from these patterns.
In this conversation, we explore what it really takes to reclaim your focus, build authentic relationships, and design a life that's truly yours—not one shaped by algorithms, cultural pressure, or other people's expectations.
Key Timestamps
00:00 – Breaking phone addiction and choosing how to use technology
03:08 – The difference between growth and distraction on your device
06:16 – Short-form content, dopamine, and emotional overload
09:18 – Why modern culture is unhealthy—and how to step outside it
12:00 – Mindfulness, mindlessness, and redefining spirituality
16:31 – From anxiety disorder to creating Lifebook
18:32 – Beliefs, clarity, and the framework for building your life vision
23:10 – AI as a modern mentor: using technology to support growth
27:03 – The future of relationships and dating in the AI era
31:32 – Advice for young men on building love and connection
36:00 – Gender dynamics, history, and the real roots of relationships
40:23 – The importance of history, travel, and gratitude for modern life
42:28 – Happiness vs. money: redefining true abundance
43:29 – Where to learn more about Jon and Missy Butcher
"The key to a great love relationship is becoming a great person to be in a love relationship with." - Jon Butcher
Connect with Jon Butcher & Explore More
Website: https://www.lifebook.com
Instagram: @mylifebook
📘 Read The Power – the manifesto behind Luminism and the Transformation Equation.
Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Check our Website: https://luminism.foundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcast
In this episode, meditation teacher and composer Jason Campbell shares profound insights on breath, presence, and true mastery. With over 100 meditation albums and decades of teaching experience, Jason reframes meditation—not as "mindfulness practice," but as the art of presence, releasing suffering, and transmuting energy into power.
We explore the roots of suffering through resistance and attachment, the Zen philosophy of creating space, and why breath is the foundation of all mastery. Jason also reveals how polarity drives both business models and human struggle, why disease is about coexistence rather than opposition, and the single practice that transforms everything.
Key Timestamps
0:00 – Why meditation matters for entrepreneurs
3:30 – Gut wisdom vs. monkey mind
5:00 – Buddha's definition of enlightenment: removal of suffering
7:00 – Resistance, attachment, judgment – the roots of suffering
10:00 – The Zen riddle of the sword: cutting to create space
12:30 – Before and after enlightenment: chop wood, carry water
14:30 – Impermanence and ownership
16:00 – Consciousness, matter & energy – the Holy Trinity
20:00 – God, polarity, and the danger of extremes
23:00 – Why opposition creates business models (and suffering)
25:00 – Disease, coexistence, and the immune system
29:30 – Breath as the foundation of mastery
34:00 – Good meditation vs. bad meditation: only presence
38:30 – Emotional mastery: anger, joy, and transmutation
42:00 – Vibration, manifestation, and attraction
47:00 – Mastery: the one practice that changes everything
50:00 – Advice Jason would give his younger self
52:00 – Mastery in entrepreneurship: speed vs. perfection
"The point of meditation isn't to work harder at being mindful—it's simply to be present. Presence doesn't happen tomorrow. It only happens now." - Jason Campbell
Jason's Socials:YouTube: @jasoncampbellzenmusicWebsite: https://www.zenwellness.tvFollow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:Check our Website: https://luminism.foundationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcast
From saving lives in the back of an ambulance to building businesses that train the next generation of paramedics, Matt Nealand has lived a life on the edge of urgency and impact. In this episode, he shares what 30 years in EMS taught him about resilience, decision-making under pressure, and why clarity of purpose is the ultimate driver of success.
Key Timestamps
00:00 – Opening: How facing mortality daily shaped Matt's worldview and approach to life
01:37 – Inside EMS reality: The truth about "99% boredom, 1% sheer adrenaline" and what it teaches about preparedness
03:00 – Jack Canfield's E+R=O formula and how paramedics master response control
05:18 – The power of time as a decision-making tool and emotional regulation strategy
06:12 – The pivot point: Why Matt transitioned from direct patient care to entrepreneurship
07:12 – Service ratio mindset: Scaling impact by training paramedics instead of being one
08:47 – Unexpected beginnings: From reindeer hot dogs to passive income streams
11:13 – Visualization mastery: Why your mind is the "greatest 3D printer on the planet"
14:25 – The missing manifestation piece: Why action separates dreamers from achievers
18:14 – Purpose as GPS: How clarity of mission drives everything else
19:47 – Gold medal syndrome: The psychology of why success often feels hollow
22:44 – Employee vs. entrepreneur development: Which path actually grows you faster
23:51 – Iteration over perfection: How persistence beats planning
27:16 – The weight of saving lives: Carrying emotional burdens as a first responder
29:49 – Combat strategies for automatic negative thoughts (ANTs)
31:43 – Gratitude avalanches and using curiosity to transform conflict
Your mind is the greatest 3D printer on the planet—most people just haven't found the on switch." — Matt Nealand
Matt's Socials:
Email: mnealand@emtsacademy.com
Website: EmtsacademyHome – EMTS Academy
LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/matt-nealand-7a08a410Podcast: YoutubeI See Rich People
Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Check our Website: https://luminism.foundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcast
Transform your relationship with yourself and unlock your potential through proven frameworks for building authentic self-worth.
In this transformative episode, entrepreneur and life designer Jon Butcher reveals the foundational principles that shaped his extraordinary journey from struggle to success. Drawing on decades of study with legendary psychologist Nathaniel Branden, Jon breaks down the science of self-esteem and provides actionable strategies for creating lasting confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Key Timestamps00:00 – What self-esteem really is (and Jon’s mentor Nathaniel Branden’s definition)02:00 – Can you have one without the other?02:55 – The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem explained07:00 – Confidence vs. self-esteem: how they work together08:00 – Motivation and the power of purpose10:00 – Where manifestation works — and where it doesn’t15:00 – Why emotions are central to happiness and fulfillment18:00 – Resilience: how life vision becomes your North Star20:00 – Money as a means to an end vs. money as the end itself26:00 – The three books that changed Jon’s life31:00 – Living in the present moment and managing anxiety/depression36:00 – Choosing positivity: “No prolonged negativity”40:00 – Challenges as opportunities: “The obstacle is the way”46:00 – Money, happiness, and the trap of comparison52:00 – How the environment shapes your quality of life56:00 – Three habits for reducing stress and overwhelm57:20 – Advice to Jon’s 20-year-old self💫 Key Insight"Your life is yours. You own this. You are the decision-maker at the center of your own existence — and you have the power to shape it in any way you choose."— Jon ButcherConnect with Jon Butcher & Explore MoreWebsite: https://www.lifebook.comInstagram: @mylifebook📘 Read The Power – the manifesto behind Luminism and the Transformation Equation.Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:Check our Website: https://luminism.foundationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcast
In this transformative episode, world-renowned photographer and educator Sue Bryce opens up about reinvention, identity, and the mindset shifts that shaped her career and life.
From walking away from a successful business to manifesting her dream home, Sue shares raw lessons on clarity, authenticity, and the courage to create.
Key Moments:
00:00 – Why transformation means death of an old identity
02:22 – Leaving a thriving business to follow her soul’s calling
05:16 – Self-actualization and breaking free from stuck identities
10:00 – Sue’s “C’s of Creation”: clarity, certainty, conviction, commitment
14:18 – The power of connecting vision to your heart and purpose
19:56 – Hitting rock bottom and rebuilding with clarity
21:14 – Manifestation: focus and emotion as the foundation
26:55 – Limiting beliefs, resentment, and the stories that keep us stuck
31:21 – Why authenticity is everything in communication and creation
37:58 – The Multiverse Exercise: walking the path of possibility
42:34 – Money as energy: giving direction and purpose to wealth
45:29 – Mastery as the ultimate form of wealth
47:38 – Radical self-responsibility and owning your future
52:07 – Sue’s #1 success habit: focus and emotion
56:22 – Advice she’d give her younger self when she felt stuck
“Clarity is when your vision connects to your heart—because when you know what you want and why you want it, nothing can stop you.”
Sue's Socials
Instagram: @suebrycephotographer
Facebook: Sue Bryce Photographer (public business page with over 330,000
Twitter: Sue Bryce
Website / Blog: suebryce.com
Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Check our Website: https://luminism.foundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcast
We dive deep with Coach JP on the real drivers of obesity, what Europe gets right, the truth about seed oils and food dyes, gym culture myths, science-based lifting (without overthinking), sleep that actually helps, and when medications like Ozempic make sense.
Timestamps
00:00 America’s obesogenic environment: constant ads, convenience culture, and caloric density
02:28 Policy vs. lifestyle: why behavior and daily movement matter more than ingredients
04:33 Seed oils & food dyes: what the evidence actually says (and doesn’t)
08:36 Big rocks: eat a bit less, move a bit more—especially with weights
10:34 “Something beats nothing”: even one 45-min lift/week helps
12:58 Science-based lifting without dogma: effective reps, not hyper-specific gimmicks
16:49 Keep it simple for beginners: stable moves, moderate volume, train hard
19:26 Strength & identity: doing hard things and structuring your day
27:56 Testosterone & supplements: natural “boosters” won’t move the needle
31:31 Sleep that sticks: routine, caffeine cutoffs, and “bed = sleep & sex only”
36:00 GLP-1s (Ozempic): powerful tool—when paired with habits and training
41:08 “Healthy at any size?” Nuance, self-love, and honest risk profiles
45:25 Simple ≠ easy: consistency, mundane reps, and identity-based habits
50:26 Adapt your plan, don’t repeat what failed—process goals over all-or-nothing
55:35 Gold medalist syndrome, purpose, and living in the gain
1:02:08 “Natty or not?” Why transparency on PEDs is a lose-lose online
“It isn’t easy—but it’s simple: eat a little less and move a little more. Lift weights, sleep better, and let the big rocks come first.”
Jack's Socials
Instagram: @jpliftsweight
YouTube: @jpliftsweight
Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Check our Website: https://luminism.foundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcast
Hall of Fame speaker Joel Weldon has delivered over 3,000 events worldwide and coached more than 10,000 speakers. In this episode, he shares why public speaking is so terrifying for most people—and how anyone can transform fear into confidence, impact, and influence.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Why speaking in front of others is one of the world’s greatest fears
02:44 – The Paramedic Metaphor: focusing on service, not self
04:52 – The You Factor: turning personal stories into audience-driven lessons
07:21 – Speaking as a learned skill: why anyone can improve with practice
13:56 – The power of “unless” and Joel’s turning point in sales
17:21 – Domino effect moments: from carpenter to encyclopedia salesman
20:32 – 1,200 rejections and one sale: lessons from early failures
24:30 – Discovering Earl Nightingale’s The Strangest Secret
28:09 – A mindset shift that doubled results in a single afternoon
32:09 – Joel’s friendship with Earl Nightingale and lessons from a legend
37:15 – How Nightingale-Conant shaped the personal development industry
40:28 – Absorbing personal development: dominoes leading to success
42:38 – Life as choice: responsibility, mindset, and controlling the controllables
44:59 – Advice to his younger self: seeing every moment as part of a good plan
46:56 – Joel’s 22 words to become a better speaker
“Speak to your audience about what they need in an organized way they can follow, and get yourself out of the way.” – Joel Weldon.
Joel's Socials:
Instagram: @joelweldonultimatespeaker
Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Check our Website: https://luminism.foundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcast
In this unflinching and soul-stirring episode, Akshay Nanavati—Marine Corps Veteran, polar explorer, and author of Fearvana—takes us deep into the brutal mental and physical landscape of his solo expedition across Antarctica.
From endless days of dragging 400-pound sleds through unforgiving snow, to confronting silence, monotony, and the voice of doubt inside his own mind, Akshay shares what it really means to go to war with yourself—and to win. With profound insight and raw vulnerability, he reveals how suffering can become a gateway to presence, awe, and the rapture of being alive.
Whether you’re facing your own inner battles, searching for resilience in the midst of adversity, or simply curious about the limits of human endurance, this conversation is a powerful reminder that growth lives on the other side of struggle.
Key Timestamps
00:00 – Lessons from Antarctica and the “Paradox of Oneness”
03:34 – The mission: first-ever coast-to-coast ski crossing of Antarctica
04:18 – Going to war with yourself: Marines, dragons, and worthy struggle
08:55 – Survivor’s guilt, PTSD, and reframing trauma as love
11:03 – Identity, biology, and the power of neuroplasticity
13:51 – The paradox of virtue: courage requires fear
14:40 – Why fear propels preparation (and how it led to a Dalai Lama-endorsed book)
16:59 – The mental war of Antarctica: monotony, presence, and “die alive”
23:11 – Mental weapons: gratitude, honoring the dead, and choosing suffering
26:32 – Why suffering is inevitable—and why you must choose it
32:18 – Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s acting in spite of it
35:21 – Fall in love with the pursuit, not just the victory
37:40 – Defining your North Star: tombstone words and philosophy statement
45:59 – Darkness retreats and the courage to face your inner world
48:15 – Belief is built on the battlefield: action first, identity second
52:22 – Self-esteem as evidence, not affirmation
55:28 – Burning 8,000 calories a day: preparing for Antarctica
58:34 – The “second dart” of suffering: why we must not demonize emotions
59:24 – You are not your thoughts—you are the observer
"If every moment we are both dying and being reborn, then I choose to die fully alive." — Akshay Nanavati
🔗 Connect with Akshay Nanavati
Website: fearvana.com
Instagram: @fearvana
Facebook: Fearvana
Twitter/X: @fearvanabook
Book: Fearvana: The Revolutionary Science of How to Turn Fear into Health, Wealth and Happiness
Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Check our Website: https://luminism.foundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcast
Jon Butcher is a visionary entrepreneur, artist, and co-founder of Lifebook. With decades of experience challenging the status quo of how we live, think, and create, Jon has built a life of radical self-determination and conscious design.
In this episode, we dive deep into the AI Revolution — how it compares to the agricultural and industrial revolutions, what it means for human creativity and sovereignty, and why this moment could ignite a new Golden Age. Jon reveals why illumination begins with self-ownership, the dangers of victim mentality, and how AI can either enslave us or become the greatest planning system humanity has ever known.
This is an episode about choice, freedom, and the power to shape your own reality.
Timestamps
00:00 – The Three Great Revolutions: Agriculture, Industry, and now AI
03:26 – What AI can never do (and what only you can decide)
06:57 – The Great Schism: creators vs. consumers
10:18 – AI as a neutral tool and catalyst for a Golden Age
19:06 – The Power of Choice: clarity of vision in the AI era
22:11 – Illumination and the moment of full self-ownership
29:06 – Victimhood as a choice in today’s world
34:27 – The most important decision: outside-in or inside-out living
42:39 – Why the responsibility for your life is sacred
44:06 – Programming AI as your companion toward becoming your best self
47:01 – The inside-out approach as the path to sovereignty and freedom
“The spark of illumination is the moment you realize: My life is supposed to be about whatever the hell I decide it’s about.” - Jon Butcher.
If this conversation with Jon Butcher inspired you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Post it, text it, email it — help us spread the message of illumination and self-sovereignty.
Connect with Jon Butcher & Explore More
Website: https://www.lifebook.comInstagram: @mylifebookRead The Power – the manifesto behind Luminism and the Transformation Equation.Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:Check our Website: https://luminism.foundationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcast
In this episode, 3x Ms. Fitness Olympia and unstoppable force Whitney Jones takes us on a high-energy, no-excuses journey through mindset, self-discipline, visualization, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. Even when life (literally) breaks your bones.
From performing with a torn ACL to competing three days after breaking her leg, Whitney’s story is a masterclass in mental resilience. But this isn’t just about fitness. It’s about how to lead your life like a champion, through every setback, with laughter, strength, and grace.
📌 TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Competing at Olympia with a broken leg and torn ACL
00:45 – What Fitness Olympia is: beyond bodybuilding
01:55 – Visualizing the win after breaking her neck
03:23 – Owning the belief before it happens
05:31 – Visualization & chilling at center stage
09:01 – How she accidentally got into fitness competitions
12:08 – Why perfection is overrated
13:36 – Your worth isn’t tied to placing
19:06 – Discipline vs. deprivation & modeling leadership
22:21 – Leading by example as a single mom
23:45 – Why transparency with your kids matters
27:02 – Self-assessment after every competition
29:20 – Entrepreneurial chaos & focus
30:51 – Scheduling, priorities & H2G2: “Have to / Get to”
33:56 – Life is full of sacrifices: make them wisely
36:35 – Setbacks = Comebacks
41:26 – The lie of victim mentality
45:31 – Expect hard things; plan your comebacks
48:28 – Let them: separating yourself from others’ projections
51:12 – Responsibility is freedom
53:25 – Don’t let negative spirals define you
54:17 – Baby steps: change your environment
55:42 – “What can I do about this?” = freedom
57:41 – Laugh about it now: don’t wait a month
59:07 – Why humor matters: even in a boardroom
01:01:26 – Refusing to grow up is wisdom
01:03:20 – Are you living for you or someone else’s expectations?
"Perfection is highly overrated. What matters is showing up as the best version of yourself — even when it's messy." - Whitney Jones.
🔗 CONNECT WITH WHITNEY JONES
Instagram: @whitneyjones_ifbbpro
Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Check our Website: https://luminism.foundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcast
In this raw, empowering, and soul-stirring episode, Mel June, founder of Live Anyway and creator of the As I Am movement, opens up about reinvention, resilience, and radical self-worth.
From surviving cancer to navigating divorce and identity loss, Mel shares how she rebuilt her life from the inside out—one breath, one decision, one brave moment at a time. With her signature vulnerability and wisdom, she reminds us that healing isn’t about returning to who we were—it’s about becoming who we really are.
Whether you’re rebuilding your life, reconnecting with yourself, or searching for deeper purpose, this conversation is a powerful mirror and a wake-up call to Live Anyway.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – Two directions of consciousness: inward vs. outward
02:10 – Freedom isn’t a place—it’s an inner state
03:52 – Jealousy is a compass: use it, don’t shame it
06:27 – What “Live Anyway” really means—and how it was born
08:55 – Surviving cancer vs. surviving life after cancer
11:42 – Why we avoid asking what we really want
13:23 – Planning her own funeral unlocked true authenticity
15:44 – Ditching perfection: the magic of wearing just one hat
18:44 – Self-romance: healing through jazz, wine, and presence
21:22 – Her power wasn’t in strength—it was in softness and surrender
26:21 – Finding purpose through voice and vulnerability
35:11 – A real lion, rage in the wild, and the breakthrough it sparked
38:49 – The difference between toxic positivity and true mindset work
46:26 – How to alchemize envy, jealousy, and shame into growth
49:51 – Deep rest, depression, and the slow rebuild of self-worth
55:28 – Solitude as a sacred space for self-discovery and wholeness
58:47 – Reinvention framework: breath, movement, vision, alignment
01:05:53 – Her legacy: worthiness, even in your messiest moments
01:08:00 – The quote that changed her life at 10 years old
01:08:35 – Where to find Mel and join the Live Anyway movement
“I wanted to wear just one hat—mine. No matter where I am, you know who I am.” – Mel June.
🔗 Connect with Mel June
Instagram: https://instagram.com/meljunedotcom
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Modern dating is more confusing than ever — ghosting, delusional standards, fear of vulnerability, and unrealistic expectations dominate the landscape. But what if the biggest roadblocks to love are actually within ourselves?
In this heartfelt, enlightening conversation, we’re joined by Marnie Zang, professional matchmaker, psychotherapist, and co-founder of My Mindful Match, to break down the real reasons why people struggle to find and keep love. If you want healthy, grounded, lasting relationships, this is a must-watch.
🕒 Timestamps & Key Moments:
00:00 – Why Men Aren’t Dating Anymore: Trauma, avoidance, and the cost of vulnerability
01:42 – The Role of Time in Healing Trust
03:22 – It’s Not Your Fault, But It’s Your Responsibility
05:15 – Do Dating Apps Destroy Connection?
07:22 – Why Value-Based Dating Is a Game-Changer
09:37 – Delusional Standards & Matchmaking Reality Checks11:11 – Fantasy Thinking: How People Fall for an Illusion
12:51 – Love Addiction, Core Beliefs & Dating Dysfunction
13:56 – CBT: Your Thoughts Create Your Relationship
15:23 – Confirmation Bias & The Problem with Negativity
18:46 – The Values Exercise That Changes Everything
23:09 – Define Your Terms or Argue Forever
29:25 – Boundaries Should Be Silent — Here’s Why
31:18 – Work-life balance vs. work-life harmony
33:14 – How healthy love affects every part of your life
34:47 – Polarized roles in a relationship: help or hurt?
35:51 – Why do so many couples break up over money?
38:47 – View your relationship as a living, breathing entity
40:08 – The Four Horsemen: The most significant predictors of divorce41:27 – Never argue when alcohol is involved
42:04 – Words hurt — and you can’t un-hear them
42:34 – Where to follow Marnie Zang and My Mindful Match
“You always prove yourself right — whether it’s negative or positive.” - Marnie Zang
Connect with Marnie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnie85253 & https://www.instagram.com/my_mindfulmatch
Website: https://mymindfulmatch.com
Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theluministpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluministpodcast
In this transformative episode, visionary entrepreneur and creator of Lifebook, Jon Butcher, shares the core philosophy of Luminism—a powerful framework for designing a life rooted in autonomy, purpose, and actionable values. With radical clarity and lived wisdom, Jon explains how true transformation isn't just change—it's an irreversible shift in who you are and how you live.
Whether you’re stuck in the grind, battling distractions, or searching for deeper meaning, this conversation reveals the Transformation Equation that can help you consciously design the life you truly want.
🎯 Key Takeaways
00:00 – What real transformation is, and why it requires leaving something behind
04:30 – Why humans are the only species capable of envisioning the future
06:46 – The victim & oppressor mindsets we must shed to evolve
07:15 – Vision + Plan x Action = Transformation (explained)
11:00 – How to fuel consistent action with a powerful "why"
17:30 – Your plan must reflect your personality (not someone else’s blueprint)
23:57 – Why habits are sacred: you are what you do daily
31:20 – How capitalism, value creation, and purpose intersect
40:00 – Your one true priority: becoming your highest self
47:03 – Why worry is useless—and how stress shortens your life more than “bad habits”
“You get one vote—and it’s not at the ballot box. Your vote is how you live your life every day.” – Jon Butcher.
If this episode shifted how you think about purpose, planning, or your potential, share it with someone who’s ready to transform their life, from the inside out.
🔗 Connect with Jon Butcher & Explore More
Website: https://www.lifebook.com
Instagram: @mylifebook
📘 Read The Power – the manifesto behind Luminism and the Transformation Equation.
Follow The Luminist Podcast on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Check our Website: https://luminism.foundation
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLuminist
In this revealing, soul-centered conversation, reconstructive surgeon and integrative health expert Dr. Cheri Ong shares how a devastating triathlon crash became the catalyst for a complete life transformation—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
From growing up in Malaysia and questioning generational patterns to breaking her face in a 40 mph wipeout, Dr. Cheri opens up about what it means to take radical ownership of your health, your mindset, and your future. She discusses healing, personal sovereignty, metabolic resilience, and the power of vision-driven living, with vulnerability and wisdom in equal measure.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever hit rock bottom, questioned the path, or wondered: Can I start over?
🎯 Key Takeaways & Timings
00:00 – No one escapes life—on second chances after trauma
01:15 – The triathlon crash that changed Dr. Sheree’s relationship with her body
04:40 – Why surrender and curiosity matter more than proving yourself
07:00 – What recovery really taught her: slow down and listen
09:25 – The truth about food, seed oils, and the crisis in American health
12:36 – Why most diets fail and what real health looks like today
16:50 – Cravings, emotional eating, and how to rewire your desires
20:55 – From processed food to real energy: a metabolic awakening
27:10 – The illusion of quick fixes: why habits beat hacks
30:00 – The role of vision and micro-wins in sustainable change
34:30 – Radical ownership: how to take your power back
40:15 – From Malaysia to America: a life remade through courage
46:00 – “Fear is peeing your pants. Courage is doing it anyway.”
52:00 – How being present transforms discomfort into growth
01:06:00 – Consistency, clarity, and conscious living
01:14:45 – Speak your truth—and let others help you rise
“You can’t get help for a dream you haven’t spoken out loud.” – Dr. Cheri
🔗 Connect with Dr. Cheri Ong
Instagram: @drcheriong
YouTube: @drcheriong
💡 Follow The Luminist Podcast for More Deep Dives & Timeless Wisdom
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In this powerful, unfiltered episode, Iron Chef champion and restaurateur Mark Tarbell reveals how the kitchen saved his life—and why real success starts with service, grit, and relentless self-belief. From washing dishes at 14 to becoming a culinary icon, Mark shares the untold truths about hard work, hospitality, food culture, and the unseen emotional labor behind excellent service.
This conversation is a masterclass in mindset—from building a restaurant empire to navigating personal growth, health, and legacy. If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or unsure of your purpose… this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways
00:00 – Why every young person should do hard manual work
01:22 – How ADHD led Mark to find peace in high-pressure kitchens
06:12 – “Caviar with a side of cheesy puffs”—on building Tarbell’s unique vibe
11:17 – The future of food: from seed oils to sustainable sourcing
13:53 – Behind the scenes of winning Iron Chef America
17:33 – Vision + Plan + Action: how Mark reverse-engineered victory
21:32 – What eating whole foods really does to your brain and energy
32:56 – The #1 trait of people who succeed in food, life, and love
34:56 – “The act of service is the gift” — how giving without expectation changes your life
42:20 – Redefining success: why Mark never felt like he “made it”
46:58 – Why most restaurant owners aren’t actually making money
52:09 – From dishwasher to European-trained chef: how persistence wins
56:54 – Don’t get polite as you get older—just show up
59:20 – Nothing is real. Everything is temporary. So do the thing.
"Fall in love with service. It’s not glamorous, but it’s where all the meaning is." – Mark Tarbell.
If this episode sparked something in you, share it. Whether you're chasing purpose, trying to stay grounded, or navigating your next big leap, Mark's wisdom is a roadmap worth revisiting.
🔗 Connect with Mark Tarbell
Website: tarbells.com
Restaurant: Tarbell’s – Phoenix, AZ
Instagram: @marktarbell
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluministpodcast
In this eye-opening and heartfelt episode, Tiana Zhang, co-founder of My Mindful Match and co-host of the Deconstructing Dating podcast, breaks down the myths of modern dating. She shares how true connection begins with deep self-awareness, realistic expectations, and intentional action—not swiping endlessly or chasing “perfect” partners.
With decades of experience in hospice care and human relationships, Tiana brings unmatched insight into love, loss, growth, and what truly sustains long-term relationships. Whether you're single, dating, or rebuilding your love life, this conversation will shift your perspective and help you attract the partner you deserve by becoming the partner you seek.
🎯 Key Takeaways
00:00 – Why you can only attract people as emotionally healthy as you are
01:16 – Maladaptive dating patterns and how to break them
04:22 – Why successful young men are hiring matchmakers
06:12 – Dating apps: “Amazon for humans” and why they’re failing us
09:03 – Relationships fail when one partner stops growing
11:17 – Vision + Plan + Action… and feedback: the transformation equation
14:31 – “Speak it aloud”—the power of intentionality in finding love
17:35 – When your “deal breakers” are just “preferences” in disguise
20:18 – The evolving landscape of modern women and masculine energy
25:04 – How your relationship impacts every other area of your life
28:38 – Setting goals that actually align with your time and values
32:40 – Why My Mindful Match is disrupting traditional matchmaking
36:07 – Tiana’s most profound insight from 20 years in hospice
39:49 – Verbalizing needs and expectations in a relationship
42:42 – Communication is everything—in business and in love
48:26 – Vision boards are not enough—what are you actually doing?
50:22 – Being “too picky” may be costing you the love of your life
53:13 – Be bold: Rejection doesn’t define you, in dating or business
59:18 – You create your reality. Don’t let false beliefs run your life
01:03:34 – You don’t need to fit in the room—own the room
“You can want a partner all day long—but what are you doing to become one?” - Tiana Zhang
If this episode helped you rethink your approach to love, relationships, or your own growth, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Love starts with truth, intention, and the courage to try again.
🔗 Connect with Tiana Zhang
Website: mymindfulmatch.com
Instagram: @my_mindfulmatch
Podcast: Deconstructing Dating: Debunking the Myths of Courtship
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