Books That Changed My Life: Fausto Castellanos & The Power of Giving
Release Date: 03/24/2025
Books That Changed My Life: Jenna Johnson & Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It
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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.
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Books That Changed My Life: Sean Ringgold and The Seasons of Life
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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 of Life by legendary personal development speaker Jim Rohn. Sean opens up about how this timeless classic reshaped his mindset, helped him navigate life’s...
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Books That Changed My Life: Liz Flynt & The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt
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In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Liz Flynt, the formidable Chairwoman of Flynt Management Group, LLC. Overseeing a global workforce of more than 2,500 employees and iconic brands like HUSTLER CASINO®, Larry Flynt’s Lucky Lady Casino, and HUSTLER CLUB®, Liz leads with a blend of tenacity, vision, and compassion. Liz also has a new book out! "HUSTLER 50 Years of Freedom", out now. Liz shares the profound impact that The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt had on her life—shaping not just her approach to leadership, but her understanding of...
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Books That Changed My Life: Mike Drucker & Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
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In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and comedian Mike Drucker—whose eclectic resume includes naming the iconic Zelda character Groose and getting "killed by the Terminator." He's also the author of Good Game, No Rematch, a deeply personal and sharply funny collection that blends video games with life’s hardest lessons. Today, Mike opens up about the book that shifted his perspective in a profound way: Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata. Together, Chris and Mike explore how Murata’s quietly radical novel...
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Books That Changed My Life: Kelsey Grammer & Karen: A Brother Remembers
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In this heartfelt episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with acclaimed actor Kelsey Grammer for an intimate conversation about the book that forever altered his path—Karen: A Brother Remembers. Unlike most guests, the book that changed Kelsey's life is one he wrote himself. Grammer opens up about the profound grief and enduring love behind this deeply personal memoir, which chronicles the life and tragic death of his sister, Karen. Together, Chris and Kelsey explore the cathartic power of storytelling, how writing can help us process trauma, and why sharing our...
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Books That Changed My Life: Oz Rodriguez & Nuestra Parte De Noche by Mariana Enriquez
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In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Emmy Award-winning writer and director Oz Rodriguez—known for his work on Saturday Night Live, hit sketches, and feature films—to discuss the stories that shape us. Oz recently added “author” to his resume with the release of his debut book The Girl and the Robot, and today he’s here to talk about the novel that impacted his life: Nuestra Parte de Noche (Our Share of Night) by Mariana Enriquez. Together, Chris and Oz dive into the dark, haunting beauty of Enriquez’s work, exploring how horror can be a...
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Soundtrack To My Life: Shawn Stockman & Public Enemy
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In this episode of Soundtrack to My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Shawn Stockman—singer, record producer, and beloved member of the legendary R&B group Boyz II Men. A proud Libra with a deep love for comic books (and a special place in his heart for Marvel’s Silver Surfer), Shawn reflects on the album that changed everything for him: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back by Public Enemy. From the politically charged beats to Chuck D’s commanding voice, Shawn breaks down how this groundbreaking record shaped his worldview, his artistry, and his approach to music....
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Soundtrack To My Life: Billy Mann & Purple Rain By Prince & The Revolution
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In this heartfelt episode of Soundtrack To My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with the multi-talented Billy Mann — a singer/songwriter, record producer, creative executive, and entrepreneur — for an intimate conversation about the music that shaped his journey. Billy opens up about the impact of Purple Rain by Prince and the Revolution, an album that became a powerful soundtrack during pivotal moments in his life. As a devoted husband and proud father of four — including two autistic sons — Billy shares how Prince's music gave him the courage to express emotion, embrace...
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Books That Changed My Life: E.A. Hanks & Cloud Atlas By David Mitchell
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In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with journalist and author E.A. Hanks to explore the book that profoundly shaped her worldview: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. Known for her sharp reporting and lyrical writing, Hanks—whose new memoir The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road has just hit shelves—opens up about how Mitchell’s intricate, time-bending novel helped her understand the threads that tie us across generations, identities, and lifetimes. From her years writing for Vanity Fair, The Huffington Post, TIME, and The Guardian, to the deeply...
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Soundtrack To My Life: Tarek Abdelkhalig & Racine Carrée by Stromae
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In this deeply personal episode of "Soundtrack to My Life", host Chris Collins sits down with Tarek Abdelkhalig, a multi-talented musician, writer, director, producer, and actor. Originally from Sudan, Tarek’s journey to the United States through the UN Resettlement Refugee Program has shaped his unique perspective on life. Raised in Minnesota, he navigated the complexities of the American experience through the lens of an immigrant, discovering how music, culture, and identity intersected along the way. Tarek’s soundtrack to his life is none other than "Racine Carrée" by artist Stromae,...
info_outlineIn this deeply moving episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Fausto Castellanos—aka The Hope Dealer—a Clinical Counselor, motivational speaker, and spiritual advisor. Fausto shares his extraordinary journey of overcoming immense personal challenges, from childhood sexual trauma to an eleven-year struggle with heavy drug addiction. Through it all, Fausto found his path to healing not just in his own recovery, but in a powerful shift in perspective that changed his life forever.
The book that served as a catalyst for this transformation is The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All by Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon. Fausto explains how the principles of generosity and selfless giving not only helped him rebuild his own life, but also empowered him to become a beacon of hope for others in need.
In this episode, Chris and Fausto explore the profound impact of giving—how stepping outside of one's own pain and offering compassion and service to others can be a source of healing and personal growth. Fausto delves into the core ideas of the book, reflecting on how the act of giving redefined his relationship with himself, his past, and the world around him.
This powerful conversation is an inspiring reminder of the life-changing potential of generosity, and how even the darkest of times can lead to profound shifts in perspective when we open ourselves to the transformative power of giving.
Tune in to hear Fausto’s story of resilience, redemption, and the lasting impact of a book that taught him the true power of giving.