The Carlos Whittaker Podcast

It’s two days post-election, and there are LOTS of feelings happening all over the political spectrum. Whether you’re feeling joy or grief over this election’s results, you’re welcome here. I hope you know that this is a safe place, even if we don’t agree on everything. Today I’m just talking through my thoughts, sharing a few opinions, and urging you on to continue the good work we’ve already bee...

Y'all know I LOVE Christmas. And I've finally found someone who loves Christmas just as much as I do. (Maybe even more!) Today, I have the honor of talking with Dallas Jenkins, the creator of The Chosen series, about his upcoming movie The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We talk Christmas, creativity, and convictions. 'Tis the season, people!! ⛄️🎄🎅🏾 See it early on November 2nd and get a sneak pe...

I’m keeping this one short and sweet but AUTHENTIC.  Today I’m screening my documentary for the FIRST TIME in Nashville. And I thought today would be full of excitement, but the truth is that I’m scared. I’m scared of people not liking it.  I’ve never done something like this before. What do you do when you feel the overwhelming stress of fear?  Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited. I LOVE this movie t...

My friend and mental health professional Debra Fileta is on this episode. And she’s here to help you become HAPPY and WHOLE. Don’t we all need that?? Her new book Soul Care gives you tools to nourish your soul, which is exactly what I’ve been preaching with my book Reconnected.  This book couldn’t be a more perfect companion to becoming more human on the other side of screens. . . . . . Buy your c...

When’s the last time you truly trusted your gut? Like REALLY trusted it. All on its own. No googling. No looking up the reviews before you show up to a new restaurant. No 57 open tabs with conflicting information when you already know what decision you want to make. Screens have disconnected us from this ability that I really believe every single human being has.  I’m sharing stats and stories tha...

I just spent the day with children’s gaming specialists at Children’s Hospital Colorado, and I am blown away.  As someone who spent 7 weeks without looking at a screen and has written a BOOK about how beautiful life is on the other side of them, the irony of my speaking at this gaming symposium does not escape me. But today was such a beautiful reminder of why screens themselves are not bad. These...

In this episode we’re talking about savoring.  I’ve been in the midst of book launch MADNESS, but I’m really trying to SAVOR the excitement of my book being out in the world.  It’s not always going to be like this, so I want to savor it. The moment that you’re living right now is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So savor it. This is something we have to continue to practice doing, and I’m going t...

We made a BEST SELLER list!!! YOU DID THIS.  I have been BUSY this past week, traveling all across the country, promoting this book, and I. am. exhausted.  So I figured what a better episode to talk about slowing down than this one? We are living way too fast. How do we fix that? I’ve got some data to share about living at a slower pace and how it can really help you. Godspeed, my friends. God spe...

Coming to you LIVE FROM NEW YORK!! My book Reconnected: How 7 Screen-Free Weeks With Monks And Amish Famers Helped Me Recover The Lost Art Of Being Human released THIS WEEK.  I’m sharing my unfettered thoughts as an author releasing my fifth book. Yes, I’m hopeful and I’m dreaming of a best seller and I get vulnerable about that. But mostly I’m just so excited for this message to get into the hand...

I'm 51. Can someone please send me the over 55 community with the deepest vibes? I'm ready. Today I let you in some thoughts I have on turning 51 and holding joy and grief at the same time. Celebrating my upcoming book while grieving my father's dementia progressing. This was a sort of stream of conciseness episode and hope you enjoy it! Here is the book I recommended! God's Creative Power Will Wo...

Everyone’s favorite podcast guest is back! Heather is here to talk about how she’s stewarding her role as a mom now that our kids are growing up and moving out.  If the question “What do you do?” brings up shame in you—whether you work or stay home—this episode is for you.  Every mom is different, but no mom is “just” a mom. Heather breaks away the qualifier speaks grace over the nuances of mother...

I got an invite that I couldn't turn down... I took a last-minute trip to Chicago this week to attend the DNC, and I walked away with A LOT of feelings. I imagine the RNC felt similar—unifying, discouraging, hopeful, hopeless. What I was mostly reminded of was that our political systems can't save us. They're too unstable. Not to mention the fact that they're guaranteed to change every 4-or-so yea...

I’ve been trying to lean into what’s been happening in society and culture as we unpack our 6 pillars.  This episode is unpacking Pillar 4: We chase civility, not silence. We reject the false choice between conviction and kindness. We can disagree fiercely, but with respect and a commitment to finding common ground. Let me tell you, choosing civility is usually harder and will cost you more than c...

We’re unpacking the six pillars of our motto: Don’t stand on issues, walk with people. This episode focuses on the third pillar: We walk alongside, not ahead or behind. We acknowledge the complexities of human experience. We understand that the path to a better future is paved with diverse perspectives. This is where it gets hard. We can work towards having civil and honoring conversations, but ho...

We’re unpacking the six pillars of our motto: Don’t stand on issues, walk with people. This episode focuses on the second pillar: We hold conviction alongside compassion. The Olympics Opening Ceremony has been a HOT topic, especially among Christians. People were angry, sad, offended, confused—a lot of things. And honestly, I was surprised by the outrage. I’m digging deep and unpacking my thoughts...

We’re unpacking the six pillars of our motto: Don’t stand on issues, walk with people. This episode focuses on the first pillar: We seek understanding not victory.  We prioritize listening and learning over winning arguments. We believe both are possible. We hold our beliefs fiercely, but we hold them with open hands, not clenched fists. In the age of TikTok, X, and a 24-hour news cycle, it’s easy...

We’re diving into the madness. The madness that America is living in (yes, we’re talking about Trump). The madness that is social media. And the rage that’s seemingly all around us right now. We’re talking about hard things with the hopes of pointing us toward some semblance of a plan and some pillars.  We’re digging in deep to what it really means to not stand on issues but walk with people and t...

THE ONE, THE ONLY Annie F. Downs is on the podcast this episode!!  This is historical, people. Somehow, in all our years of friendship, Annie hasn’t been on my podcast before!  Grab a pen and paper because you’re not going to want to miss what Annie has to say about leadership, humility, dreaming, leaving, and when to stick around a little longer.  This conversation is for anyone who is a leader i...

We’re having breakfast in the middle of nowhere. In the SERENGETI. With one of my new favorite people. If you’ve ever been on the fence about going on a safari experience, Hassan will convince you. Hassan shares with us about his life, what it takes to become a safari guide, and how he deals with difficult tourists. LOL. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to face a hippo and live to tell the t...

My friend Jordan Montgomery is joining us to teach us about the art and science of ENCOURAGEMENT.  Encouragement is a universal language that the whole world will understand in your personal life or your professional life.  Jordan gives us great examples on how to encourage others including  Putting others first Taking responsibility outside of your lane Noticing others AND letting them know they...

It’s almost Father’s Day, so who better to have on my show than MY OWN DAD, Dr. Fermin Whittaker?! Many of you have been on the journey with me as I walk with my parents through my dad’s dementia. And they currently live across the street from me!!  You’ve fallen in love with the sweet, sweet old man he’s become. And you’ve fallen in love with my mom, who is his caretaker and is LITERALLY living o...

This book means a lot to me. I put my life on hold for it. I put a lot into it. I didn’t look at a screen for 7 weeks. I lived with monks at a monastery. And I lived with an Amish family on their farm. And then I lived with my family at home. I didn’t disconnect. I reconnected.  I’m not unpacking everything in the book today. But I am answering some of your questions!  . . . . . Find Micah Kandros...

Join me, Heather, Seanna, and Sohaila (and our friend Jacinda!) as we work through some BIG feelings about the wedding in 4 days. What’s it like to be the father of the bride, the mother of the bride, the sister of the bride, and the bride herself? Listen and find out. This is raw and authentic. With lots of tears. And there are nuggets that come out of this that I think are applicable to every se...

Wow! Talk about wedding brain… At the time of recording this, we’re about to head to Jackson, WY for my first-born daughter’s WEDDING. I feel different about my daughter getting married HOURLY, so I’m talking through that with you. I’ve been putting together a video for her that has just been reminding me of how far we've come and what an honor it has been to raise her.  And there’s a little updat...

Welcome to the first FATHER OF THE BRIDE episode! We are less than 20 DAYS away from marrying off my FIRST-BORN daughter. Y’all… We talk about our feelings as the day approaches, the father-daughter dance, the ceremony, the details, and MORE. If you have young daughters, I hope this gives you a helpful perspective as they grow up.  Plus, I give you a few tips on how to build a close relationship w...