YoggNation: The Spirit of Gratitude

What does it take to truly know yourself and lead with heart?

In Part II of this Best of Reels episode from the YoggNation: Spirit of Gratitude Podcast, host Yogesh Patel revisits more powerful guest moments that dive deep into self-awareness, leadership, mental health, and personal growth. This collection features heartfelt insights on identity, parenting, empathy, and emotional resilience, with Yogi adding thoughtful commentary th...

In this special, two-part Best of Reels episode of YoggNation: Spirit of Gratitude, host Yogesh Patel revisits the most powerful moments from past guests, offering new reflections, behind-the-scenes commentary, and a deeper look into the wisdom they shared. 

Through the lens of self-awareness, resilience, and overcoming adversity, this episode captures the raw emotion and inspiration that define the podcast.

From stories of bull...

How adversity and sister Katherine shaped the Wright brothers and the stories we’ve never been told.

USA Today and International Bestselling author Tracey Enerson Wood uncovers the hidden narratives that shaped our world from the overlooked brilliance of Katherine Wright (sister of the Wright Brothers) to the personal battles that fuel great writing.

Host Yogesh Patel explores Tracey’s evolution from cookbook creator to historical fi...

What if the challenges you face as a young adult weren’t setbacks but stepping stones? What if the pressure from social media, your family background, and daily doubts were actually forging your inner spirit instead of breaking it?

In this powerful episode of YoggNation: Spirit of Gratitude, host Yogesh Patel sits down with David Farias, a graduating senior from Nogales High School with Air Force ambitions, to explore the mindset th...

What if your greatest setback was actually your superpower in disguise?

Former CNN, CBS & ABC journalist Seema Mathur joins YoggNation: Spirit of Gratitude to share a deeply personal and transformative journey—one that began in newsrooms and unfolded across operating rooms, war zones, and spiritual awakenings. Host Yogesh Patel guides this raw, unfiltered conversation on the power of gratitude, emotional honesty, and embracing o...

Mateo Askaripour — New York Times bestselling author of Black Buck — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a bold, no-holds-barred conversation about breaking free from society’s boxes, reclaiming your story, and refusing to settle for crumbs when you deserve the full meal.

In this episode, Mateo gets candid about his journey from tech sales to bestselling author, the toxic ways gratitude can be used to silence ambition, and why stepping aw...

Tobin Smith — CEO of Transformity Research and former Fox Business Network "Bulls and Bears" panelist — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a raw, no-fluff conversation about transformation, resilience, and owning your truth.

He breaks down how real success isn’t about chasing validation or fixing yourself — it’s about knowing your wiring, accepting it, and building a life where you thrive.

At the heart of it all is gratitude — n...

What happens when gratitude meets grit — and transforms an entire life?

Roberto Hernandez — high school teacher, father, and Season 17 winner of NBC’s The Biggest Loser — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a powerful conversation on self-awareness, bullying, and reclaiming your inner spirit in an era of distraction and digital pressure. With heartfelt honesty, Roberto shares how his upbringing, faith, and his father’s unwavering values s...

What if the very things that made you feel small as a child became your greatest sources of power?

Jenny Poon — entrepreneur, public speaker, and CEO — joins Spirit of Gratitude to share her transformative journey from shy, bullied child to bold founder and community builder. Born to Vietnamese refugees, Jenny opens up about how her mother’s quiet strength and her immigrant upbringing shaped her inner spirit, ignited her self-awaren...

What if one phone call could change the entire trajectory of a young person’s life?

Oscar Gonzalez — U.S. Army Veteran and National Hotline Director at Boys Town — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a heart-centered conversation on bullying, crisis response, and the transformative power of community. From his military service to leading one of the most trusted youth hotlines in the country, Oscar shares how gratitude, self-awareness, and...

What if the secret to career success wasn’t ambition, but emotional intelligence and gratitude?

Justin Wright — viral influencer, executive coach, and leadership strategist — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a transformative conversation on how self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the practice of gratitude helped him rise above toxic workplaces and build a purpose-driven career.

From mindset shifts to mentorship, Justin shares pr...

What if mastering your money started with mastering your mindset?

Keith Fitz-Gerald — Wall Street strategist, media personality, and high-performance thinker — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a no-holds-barred conversation on financial empowerment, self-awareness, and the surprising role gratitude plays in building real wealth. Known for his bold insights and fearless approach to life, Keith unpacks the emotional side of money and why...

What if your deepest pain became the very foundation of your strength?

Fayruz Benyousef — philanthropist, warrior, and two-time cancer survivor — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a soul-stirring conversation on resilience, faith, and the transformational power of gratitude. From losing her father at a young age to facing Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 16 and later battling breast cancer, Fayruz has turned every trial into a mission of healing, ...

What if your wildest adventures — from law enforcement to Hollywood — still couldn’t compare to the lessons learned in your backyard?

Dave Salem — former police officer, helicopter pilot, and surprise actor in Transformers 4 — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a high-energy, deeply human conversation about bullying, self-awareness, and the unexpected turns that shape our lives.

From a shocking run-in with his childhood bully to the lesso...

What if real strength wasn’t about what you hold in — but what you’re willing to release?

Jeff Fink — leader in The ManKind Project and advocate for authentic masculinity — joins Spirit of Gratitude for a courageous conversation on mental health, vulnerability, and what it truly means to grow as a man. Through the lens of his own journey — including bullying, a powerful weight loss transformation, and emotional healing — Jeff shows ...

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...

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 educ...

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 o...

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-awa...