Enter Wild With Carlos Whittaker

I’ve talked about a lot of controversial things on Instagram, but I don’t know if I have EVER gotten the kind of reaction that I got from my Taylor Swift reel this week.  When I tell you that comment section is a dumpster fire, I mean it! So I wanted to dig a little deeper into why this feels like such a big deal.  This episode is part commentary, part introspection, and part warning of the underlying toxicity of this controversy. . . . . . NOTES CANDLES: Get 15% off and free shipping on a custom starter kit at notescandle.com/Carlos with code CARLOS . . . . . Purchase your copy of my new book, How to Human, HERE: https://bit.ly/HowtoHumanNotes Let’s keep in touch! Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to hear ALL my updates. https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1987227/1965424/ Interested in advertising with us? Reach out here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are courageously joined by Katy Dieckhaus, who lost her daughter Evelyn in the Covenant School Shooting in Nashville in 2023, and Annette Lake, who lost both her father Kenny and son Terrance to suicide by firearm less than a year apart in the early 2000s. They’re sharing their stories with you. We are also joined by Erin Rogus, who is walking with people like Katy and Annette to fight for change. Erin is the policy director for Voices For A Safer Tennessee, which is a nonprofit, nonpartisan statewide coalition dedicated to prioritizing firearm safety and advocating for common sense gun laws to make communities across Tennessee safer for all of us. Listening to stories like Katy's and Annette's is how we practice walking with people and not standing on issues. These women’s stories will change you— maybe not your opinion, and that’s okay— but they will change your heart if you let them.  Submit your questions for next week's episode on Spotify, in my question box on Instagram, or email them to whitne

Get ready! We’re talking about how to navigate political conversations while PRESERVING relationships.  Sounds kind of impossible, right? I promise it’s not.  Did you know that there is actual psychology behind polarization? That’s right. And did you know that your conversations don't have to be polarizing? Right again. Join me in this episode as I break down some of the ways psychology plays a part in political polarization, common pitfalls to avoid, and some practices we can all implement to help us have BETTER conversations and relationships. Let's make 2024 the year that we look for shared values and common ground. . . . . . Purchase your copy of my new book, How to Human, HERE: https://bit.ly/HowtoHumanNotes Let's keep in touch! Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to hear ALL my updates: https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1987227/1965424/ Interested in advertising with us? Reach out here. . . . . . BETTERHELP: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhel

Today we remember Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—we remember his dream, the progress for Civil Rights that he helped make possible, and we remember the tension he held between hope and reality. You may know him best for his “I have a dream” speech, but did you know he also said, “The dream had turned somewhat into a nightmare.”? My friend Latasha Morrison, bridge-builder and racial reconciler, is joining us to talk about how far we’ve come and how far we have yet to go— the hope and the nightmare we still see today.  I believe this conversation is more important now that it was in 2020. Latasha helps us pull back the curtain on race in America over the last four years.  You ready to jump in? We’ve got work to do. . . . . . Find Latasha here: https://latashamorrison.com/ Learn more about Be the Bridge here: https://bethebridge.com/podcast/ Buy Latasha’s book Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation here: https://amzn.to/3NXzBli  . . . . . Purchase your copy of my new book, How to Human, H

I’m so glad you’re here. Today we say goodbye to Human Hope, and I’m a little emotional about the change, if I’m being honest. But I’m so excited for what’s to come!  Don’t get me wrong, hope is still here and it’s never going away! But I want this podcast to be a place where we hold space for when hope is hard. It's going to be a place where we go beyond the soundbite culture of social media, and we dig in deep. We're going to talk about life as it comes, and how it affects me, my family, our community, and our world. This podcast is for you— whether you're long-time Instafamilia or you're just joining our community. You belong here. Come and be apart of it. All you have to do is listen. . . . . . Find me on Instagram HERE: instagram.com/loswhit Purchase your copy of my new book, How to Human, HERE: https://bit.ly/HowtoHumanNotes Let’s keep in touch! Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to hear ALL my updates. https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1987227/1965424/ Interested in advertising with us

It's the week between Christmas and New Years, and a lot of people are reflecting on the year that's gone by or thinking about the year that's coming up. A lot of people are also setting goals... Listen, I’m not a goal-setter. I didn’t set a goal until I turned 50. FIFTY. And that’s only because my management team made me! But now that I've set a goal, they aren't so bad. I even feel like I'm kind of good at it now... If you're like me and goals just aren't your thing, this episode is for you! Or maybe you love goals, but you're getting a little weary, this episode is for you too. We're going to learn how to navigate the New Year without feeling restricted by resolutions and have FUN in 2024! We're making some changes around here in the New Year, and you're not going to want to miss it, so stay tuned!! See you next year! _____ Find All It Takes Is A Goal by Jon Acuff here: https://amzn.to/3GTr12Y  Purchase your copy of my new book, How to Human, HERE: https://bit.ly/HowtoHumanNotes Let's keep in touch! Sign u

Let me ask you a question: How are you feeling this holiday season? A) I’m feeling the Christmas magic! Grateful!  B) I’m sad or lonely or really stressed… If you answered yes, you’re in good company. Maybe you’re having the best Christmas season you’ve had in a long time! Or maybe you’re coping with grief, illness, financial insecurity, or something else. There’s a good chance you’re dealing with some mix of all of the above, and that’s okay.  The holidays can be complicated, and every Christmas song tries to tell you to “be of good cheer.” I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to. And you’re not alone. So how do you cope when the holidays are hard? Take a listen, and I’ll share some ways I’m shedding expectations this year. (And I sing a little too…)  Prayer: God, we acknowledge who You are, and we are grateful. We praise You for who You are, and we thank You for what You’ve done. We know You’ve done so much for us this year, but we also want to come to You and say there’s many of us that are struggling

This week is a special treat! My beautiful wife Heather and beautiful daughter Sohaila are joining me!!!! We are currently in TOKYO!! I maaaaaybe sprung this on them a little last minute and we were all maaaaybe a little jet-lagged… but I love any time they will join me on the podcast!!  When each of my kids turned 16, Heather and I decided instead of buying our kids cars, we offered to take them ANYWHERE in the WORLD. Sohaila decided on Tokyo and a few years later, we are finally doing it (also so I can hit diamond on Delta)!!! On today’s episode we jump into all of Sohaila’s feelings about getting married soon and all that’s been going into planning! We check in with Heather and hear about why she isn’t on Instagram anymore since everyone is missing her!! And we all share what is SURPRISING us about Tokyo along with our favorite moments so far!  —-- Purchase your copy of my new book, How to Human, HERE: https://bit.ly/HowtoHumanNotes Let’s keep in touch! Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to h

Today joining me is my friend Russell Moore. He is RUNNING Christianity Today. I have followed him and what I love about Russell is that he was able to find a lane that a lot of Conservative Christians in America needed him to find.  He speaks to the problems of Christian Nationalism, calls things out when they are not Christ-like and isn’t afraid to speak the truth.  He has a podcast called the Russell Moore show and recently launched a new book, Losing My Religion.  I think this conversation will help ALL of us, especially launching into the difficult conversations that are coming in 2024. —-- Listen to Russell’s podcast HERE: https://pod.link/1074011166  Purchase his brand new book, Losing My Religion, HERE: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/709965/losing-our-religion-by-russell-moore/  Follow Russell on Twitter HERE: https://twitter.com/drmoore  Purchase your copy of my new book, How to Human, HERE: https://bit.ly/HowtoHumanNotes Let’s keep in touch! Sign up for my newsletter to be the fir

I CANT EVEN WITH THIS EPISODE!!! There are so many jaw dropping moments! My Tia Nancy and my Papa came to Nashville for Thanksgiving. My Papa has always been a man of few words, spoke Spanish (which I forgot by the time I was in second grade), and lived far from me, so we didn’t have many of your typical grandparent/grandchild moments together. But. While he was here, I really thought to myself how important it is to me that I get to know him. So, I decided to pull out the microphone and start asking him questions. We talk about his FASCINATING life story. The cultural differences. What it was like in the 40s to COURT my grandmother. What it was like while SHE was making more money than HIM.  We get into the problems in our culture TODAY.  Out of this conversation I hope you realize that it doesn’t matter what the perspective is that you come from, THIS conversation will blow. Your. mind. AND may shift some things inside of you like it did me.  _____ Purchase your copy of my new book, How to Human, HERE:

I FINALLY FINISHED MY MANUSCRIPT!!!! This book I turned in has taken it OUT of me but it is off to the editor and I feel breath in my lungs again! Today, speaking of books, we have Edwin Raymond, author of An Inconvenient Cop: My Fight to Change Policing in America. Since 2020, I have had a lot of people asking me to put a black police officer on the show. I wanted someone that was well versed, not emotive but also understands that there IS work to be done, and I found that in my new friend Edwin.  He served in the NYPD for over 15 years and was born and raised in East Brooklyn. He gives a very important perspective on policing in America. He shares why he became a police officer, why he stepped away and what he thinks can help the system.  I am SO grateful for this conversation with Edwin Raymond and think you will be too! _____ Purchase Edwin’s book HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Inconvenient-Cop-Change-Policing-America/dp/0593653165  Follow Edwin on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/e.raymond_

This week is part two of our mini series, Hope for the Innocent. We have my new friend Wayne Burgess on and he helps to give us a look at what the back half of a wrongful conviction looks like. Last week, we talked with Artis who is STILL in prison and this week, Wayne is going to tell us what it has been like since he has been FREED from a wrongful conviction. Wayne shares with us where he got his HOPE from, and we get to hear a unique point of view from someone who has been released.  I appreciate so much how you all shared last week’s episode and would love for you to share this week’s episode too! These stories are far too common and need to be heard. *This week we get into a little more details about the case that involved a wrongful death, so trigger warning if you think it could be too much for you or if you have littles around! _____ Help Wayne Burgess after his exoneration HERE: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-wayne-burgess-after-his-exoneration Learn more about the Tennessee Innocence Project

We are taking the next two weeks about something that goes unnoticed in our society. There are THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of people incarcerated today for crimes they did not commit! This is why it is SO important to look at it. The criminal justice system is imperfect and doesn’t always get it right.  This is where organizations like the Tennessee Innocence Project come in. They are dedicated to exonerating the innocent in Tennessee.  We are gifted with two separate conversations with two friends. Today’s conversation is with Artis Whitehead. Artis is in prison as we speak but he is almost out! He was accused of robbing a B.B. King’s restaurant in Memphis in 2002 and he. Is. innocent.   In this conversation, Artis gives hope that is palpable and he is a true BLESSING. I am so thankful to know Artis and to introduce him to you!  _____ More on Artis’ story HERE: https://www.tninnocence.org/artis-whitehead  Learn more about the Tennessee Innocence Project HERE: https://www.tninnocence.org/  Purchase your co

This episode is such a GIFT. We are being joined by two dear friends to me. I know we wrapped up the It’s Never Too Late Series last week but after doing this interview, I really think that this episode will INSPIRE you to go on a new adventure or a new journey and IT IS NOT TOO LATE! Chris and Sara are full time digital nomads - they work FULL TIME on the road. Chris has designed so much of what you see - some my book covers, my website, and he has been a huge part of my life and my team.  What I love about this conversation is we talk so much about RISK and STORY TELLING.  What I think you will really connect with is that we lean into the idea of “is there ever a perfect time to go and DO?” I am so excited for you to be blessed by this conversation with two friends I am so happy for you to meet!  _____ Follow along with Chris and Sara HERE: https://www.chrisandsara.com/links Listen to my episode on their podcast HERE: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chris-and-sara/episodes/24--Striking-a-Bala

It’s the last episode of the It’s Never Too Late series and I have loved hearing about the ways this series has impacted you!! This week I am on my own talking through the idea of how and why people dread turning 50 (I feel like more people listen to my now than even when I was 49, HA!). Y’all, my life is FULL and yours can be too!  Stepping into my 50s I am caring for my kids AND my parents. AND I am taking care of my professional life in a way I didn’t in my 20s. 30s or even 40s.  I’m here this week to remind you it is never too late to craft the life you want. This episode is for anyone at any age to be reminded it is NOT TOO LATE. I’ll give you five ways and things to do that will help you create the life you want RIGHT. NOW.  _____ You can find me on Instagram (@loswhit) here: https://bit.ly/CarlosIGNotes Purchase your copy of my new book, How to Human, HERE: https://bit.ly/HowtoHumanNotes Let’s keep in touch! Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to hear ALL my updates. https://

We are on week TWO of the It’s Never Too Late Series and I am so excited for you to hear this one. Phil Rasmussen is an executive pastor at my church here in Nashville and one of my favorite people to spend time with.  In his late 50’s, Phil completely changed careers. In the same week that he felt all of his doors were closed, he got a call that completely changed the trajectory of his life.  This episode is FULL of truth bombs, left and right. We talk about how your most effective decades are your SIXTIES THROUGH EIGHTIES!!!  And what if the conversation is really not just “it’s never too late” but also “this road is not the end”?  He reminds us that in order to hear God, we must slow down.  If you are feeling like it may be “too late” for you in some area of your life, this episode is for YOU!  _____ You can find me on Instagram (@loswhit) here: https://bit.ly/CarlosIGNotes Purchase your copy of my new book, How to Human, HERE: https://bit.ly/HowtoHumanNotes Let’s keep in touch! Sign up for my new

What is up, Human Hope Familia?! I’ll tell you what’s up— my age. That’s right. You know I turned 50 last month, and even just 2 months ago that would have really stressed me out. But today? Not at all. I even got an AARP application in the mail, and I didn’t break a sweat.  And you know who helped me feel confident in my middle-age? Today’s guest: Mimi Ison.  Mimi LITERALLY changed my life and my viewpoint on aging. If I’m not getting old, I’m dead. Aging is a GIFT, people!  Mimi is a pro-age movement motivator. She’s a blogger and anti-ageism advocate. She’s crushing stereotypes all over the internet @heymiddleage.  This series is for those of you who think “it’s too late.” NO. IT’S. NOT.  ____ You can find Mimi on Instagram at instagram.com/heymiddleage  You can find Mimi online at heymiddleage.com  Check out pro-aging greeting cards here agefriendlyvibes.com  You can find me on Instagram (@loswhit) here: ⁠https://bit.ly/CarlosIGNotes⁠ Purchase your copy of my new book, How to Human, HERE: ⁠https://bit.ly/

I LOVE BEES!! And today we are talking ALL about bees!  When I learned about bees and how they operate, I was BLOWN away and immediately addicted to learning all about bees.  My friend Danica introduced me to Jay Williams and his bee school and can I just say, Jay and his bee school changed. The trajectory. Of my life.  Me, the guy who used to be terrified of bees, ordered 20,000 bees (Yes all those zeroes are supposed to be there!). I drove with all 20,000 bees IN MY TRUCK. When I tell you I would have wrecked my truck if one of them LANDED ON ME!! (You can watch the full story on my Instagram under my bee highlight). This episode is about way more than just some technical bee talk. Jay is one fascinating human being. He comes from working in Hollywood as a cameraman, his sister is Kim Paisley Williams from Father of the Bride, he ends up being a firefighter, and BEES ended up being the thing that really saved his life. I went out to Southall Farms where Jay is the Pollination Program Manager (and in charge

Human Hope familia, let me introduce you to my new friend and this show’s VERY FIRST novelist: Johanna Rojas Vann!!!  When I tell you this woman is a BRILLIANT storyteller, I’m not lying.  I don’t think I’ve ever identified with a guest as much as I do with Johanna… and she writes about our shared experience as the children of Latino immigrants so thoughtfully.  Listen when I tell you that Johanna’s novel so BEAUTIFULLY portrays the intricacies and importance of what it means to be, have, and love immigrants in this country.  And remember, whether you’re a child of an immigrant or not, your family has stories. Maybe you’ll write a book about them, maybe you won’t. But take the time to listen, and you just might be surprised by what you learn.  ____ Buy Johanna’s brand new novel HERE: An American Immigrant Follow Johanna on Instagram! Find Johanna online HERE You can find me on Instagram (@loswhit) here: https://bit.ly/CarlosIGNotes Purchase your copy of my new book, How to Human, HERE: https://bit.ly/HowtoHum

We just wrapped up our parenting series last week and this week, while we’re not talking about parenting, I AM talking to one of my favorite friends that is a parent, Wade Joye! Wade and I go way back to when I was a worship leader with him at Elevation. He has been a great friend over the years and I am so happy for you, my Instafamilia, to meet him!  Wade JUST released an incredible book, This Dream Is Not for You: Learn to Live by Letting Go, and MAN is it something that I think ALL of us can really learn from.  Today we get into his story and dreams he has had to let go of along the way. And what to do if the way to your dream is not to HOLD ON but to LET GO? _____ Buy Wade’s brand new book, This Dream Is Not for You: Learn to Live by Letting Go, HERE: https://www.amazon.com/This-Dream-Not-You-Letting/dp/1546004793  Follow Wade on Instagram, HERE: https://www.instagram.com/wadejoye/  You can find me on Instagram (@loswhit) here: https://bit.ly/CarlosIGNotes Purchase your copy of my new book, How to