Books That Changed My Life
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Episodes
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with the extraordinary Tembi Locke — actor, author, TV writer and producer, host of the podcast LIFTED, and now, narrator of her brand-new audiobook memoir Someday, Now, available starting today.
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with visionary horror director Mercedes Bryce Morgan, whose latest film Bone Lake hits theaters today. Known for her distinct visual storytelling in films like Fixation and Spoonful of Sugar, Mercedes brings a love of the surreal and unsettling to the screen—but the book that changed her life might surprise you.
Join us as Mercedes shares how Douglas Adams’...
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Grammy-nominated R&B superstar, actor, and president of JBR Creative Group, Eric Benét—a man whose soulful voice is matched only by his deep love for literature. Today, Eric opens up about the sci-fi masterpiece that rocked his world:
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with the wildly talented ND Stevenson—author, illustrator, and creative force behind works like Scarlet Morning, Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and the Oscar-nominated adaptation of Read more
In the last episode, former CIA officer Andrew Bustamante shared two books that changed his life—Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card and Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin. Today, we’re doing something brand new.
In this special episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins welcomes Andrew back—this time alongside his wife and partner, Jihi Bustamante. Like Andrew, Jihi is a veteran of the CIA and co-founder of Every...
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Andrew Bustamante—a former covert CIA officer, Air Force veteran, founder of EverydaySpy, and co-author of Shadow Cell—to talk about the books that shaped his worldview, career, and personal philosophy.
But this...
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with the inspiring Sabrina Soto—interior designer, TV personality, author, and podcast host—to explore how one book shifted her entire perspective on life, trust, and surrender.
The book at the heart of today’s conversation is Outrageous Openness by Tosha Silver, a spiritual guide that encourages readers to let go of control and invite the universe in. For ...
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins welcomes Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine—actor, playwright, documentary filmmaker, photographer, and now, first-time author. You may know Ntare from his powerful roles in acclaimed series like The Chi, The Lincoln Lawyer,
In this heartfelt episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with award-winning country singer and songwriter Jordan Davis—a man whose music has been streamed more than 8.4 billion times, with eight No. 1 hits to his n...
In this inspiring episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with the legendary Melissa Manchester — Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and educator at USC’s Thornton School of Music. Known for her rich career and deep artistic insight, Melissa shares the book that profoundly influenced her creative journey:
In this powerful episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with filmmaker and storyteller David Joseph Craig to discuss the book that profoundly reshaped his understanding of activism, community, and survival: How to Survive a Plague by David France.
David opens up a...
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with filmmaker, father, dog parent, and self-proclaimed "boot guy" Brian Crano.
Known for his film I Don't Understand You, now streaming, Brian shares how Philip Gourevitch’s harrowing account of the Rwandan genocide, We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families, changed the way he sees the world—and his place in it.
From filmmaki...
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with writer and director Nyasha Hatendi, the creative mind behind Sacrilege: Curse of The Mbirwi. Nyasha opens up about the book that fundamentally reshaped his understanding of identity, invisibility, and the complexity of being seen: Read more
In this powerful episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Robert Cain, a man whose life reads like a movie script—full of grit, risk, downfall, and redemption. Once a black market cannabis grower in Illinois and longtime goalie on the ice, Robert’s journey took a dramatic turn when he was sentenced to nearly 12 years in federal pr...
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Michele Wong McSween — 4th generation Chinese American, FIDM graduate, and former Old Navy designer — to talk about the book that deeply shaped her perspective: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan.
Michele shares how Tan’s groundbreaking novel helped her reconnect with her cultural identity and inspired her to create Gordon & Li Li, a bilingual Mandarin-Engli...
In this inspiring episode, host Chris Collins sits down with Tony Weaver Jr. — award-winning author, TED Talk speaker, and founder of Weird Enough Productions — to discuss creativity, capitalism, mental health, and how his middle-grade graphic novel "Weirdo" is disrupting the traditional publishing industry. Tony shares how growing up in Atlanta, Georgia and being the son of hardworking parents shaped his values and storytelling le...
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Josh Hawkins—a husband, father, and entrepreneur who runs his own repair shop.
Josh shares how reading I AM LEADER by Chris Collins transformed the way he leads his business, connects with his family, and defines success.
Discover the powerful lessons that reshaped his life and leadership.
🚨 Reach your full potential with the proven, tested Leadershi...
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, photographer Reto Sterchi joins host Chris Collins to discuss the book that had a profound impact on his creative career: Guy Bourdin: A Message For You.
They dive into how Bourdin’s groundbreaking photography, surreal compositions, and fearless storytelling influenced Reto’s own work and artistic philosophy.
Whether you're a fan of photography, visual art, or powerful books that inspi...
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with professional dancer, choreographer, and two-time Dancing with the Stars champion Jenna Johnson. Jenna opens up about the powerful impact "Loving Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It" by Kamal Ravikant had on her personal journey—both on and off the dance floor.
In this powerful episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with the multitalented Sean Ringgold—best known for his roles in The Family Business, Luke Cage, Uncut Gems, and American Gangster. Before gracing the screen, Sean lived multiple lives: as a bodyguard to A-list celebrities and the New York State Champion in arm wrestling.
But what helped guide him through those dramatic shifts? The book The Seasons...
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