"Spirit of Gratitude" Podcast hosted by YoggNation

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 entertainme...

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’...

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 learnin...

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 - “...

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 an...

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...

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...

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...

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 ho...

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 Entrepren...

​​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 moto...

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, beaut...

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 clari...

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. To...

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 Ar...

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, s...

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 rediscov...

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 mea...

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,...

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...

What does it take to stand alone, with everything on the line — and still lead with heart? Nick Lowery — former Kansas City Chiefs kicker and all-time leading scorer, Dartmouth graduate, and Hall of Fame philanthropist — joins Spirit of Gratitude for an unforgettable conversation on courage, self-awareness , and the relentless pursuit of purpose. As the all-time leading scorer for the Chiefs and a...

What if your biggest challenge became your greatest strength? Amy Truesdale — Paralympic gold medalist and trailblazer in Para taekwondo — joins Spirit of Gratitude to share her powerful journey from childhood adversity to standing atop the podium at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Born without a left forearm, Amy began taekwondo at age seven for self-defense. Over the years, she transformed pers...

What if your greatest struggle was also the key to unlocking empathy, leadership, and resilience? Amanda Talty — President & CEO of the Tourette Association of America — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a powerful and eye-opening conversation on Tourette Syndrome, self-advocacy, and embracing what makes you different. In this episode, Amanda breaks down the myths and misconceptions around Tourett...

What does it take to lead a team flying 18 inches apart at 700 mph — and still stay grounded? “Boss” Gil Rud — former Flight Leader of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels — joins Spirit of Gratitude to share his incredible journey from a one-room schoolhouse in North Dakota to piloting the lead jet in one of the most elite aerobatic teams in the world. In this gripping conversation, Gil opens up about growi...

What if getting lost was the only way to truly find yourself? Luke Russert — acclaimed journalist and New York Times bestselling author of Look for Me There — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a deeply reflective conversation on self-awareness, grief, and the spiritual clarity that can only come from stepping into the unknown. After leaving a high-profile career at NBC News, Luke embarked on a three-y...