Enter Wild With Carlos Whittaker

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

Insta Familia!!! I am SO excited to wrap up the Parenting Series with my friend, Paula Faris. Paula Founded CARRY Media which exists to celebrate, champion and advocates for working moms by passing them the mic. We talk all about the tension of being a working mom, how raising a family is SO different in this country than others and the far too common MOM GUILT.  We get into how someone BEGINS to have these conversations and the necessary reminders for ALL moms like your kids being your priority but NOT your identity and so many more.  Get Paula's newest book, You Don't Have to Carry it All, HERE: https://www.amazon.com/You-Dont-Have-Carry-All/dp/B0B8L24ZMY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17UQ97A93AVSB&keywords=you+don%27t+have+to+carry+it+all+paula+faris&qid=1694035993&sprefix=you+don%27t+have+to+carry+%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1 Be sure to sign up for Paula’s newsletter HERE: https://carrymedia.com/  Follow Paula on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/  Follow CARRY Media on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

This is quite possibly the MOST REQUESTED topic y'all ask me to talk about when it comes to parenting. That's right... we're talking about PHONES. This conversation will look different for every family and every kid, but it is INEVITABLE that every kid will have access to phones and screens. So how do we help them? What worked 10 years ago, may not work today. Heck, what works now will probably change in 6 months. Technology evolves FAST. If it feels like you can't keep up, I have some ideas. When is the right time to give your kid a phone? Setting age-appropriate boundaries Knowing your kids phone better than they do How much screen time is too much? Teaching kids about respect and privacy Modeling how to positively use technology Using parental controls I believe that you can't rewind childhood, but you can fast-forward it-- and phones tend to be really good at fast-forwarding our kids. Listen up if you want to hear some tips on how to help your child live in real-time with (or wi

This week, we have two of our very best friends, Blake and Allie. We raised our kids together. At least 50% of the things we tried with our kids, we got from Blake and Allie. WHEN I TELL YOU they have raised 4 of the greatest women on Earth! It’s been a joy to watch them grow. In 2011, when I ruined my life and my family’s lives, they were the ones that said to me “you can live with us.” (If you don’t know this story, you can read about it in my book Kill the Spider). I don’t know that my healing could have happened without this family. Now you know the guts of the relationship…  Today we talk about the importance of COMMUNITY when parenting… How to create a safe space for our kids to not be okay…  The importance of not SHELTERING our kids from real life, but SHEPHERDING them to show the fruits of the Spirit through it all… _______ Purchase my book Kill the Spider HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Kill-Spider-audiobook/dp/B075X1RCJM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=kill+the+spider+carlos+whittaker+book&qid=1692808769&sp

My kids' therapists are here!! I am SO grateful for David Thomas and Sissy Goff. They are the hosts of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast and are SO wise. They are also both Executive Directors of Daystar Counseling Ministries here in Nashville, TN. With a combined 50+ years of experience, they KNOW what they are talking about!!! I’ve had each of them on separate episodes but never together. YOU AIN’T READY FOR THIS! You are going to need to grab a journal and a pen because some of what they share will literally change your life. We lean into boys, we lean into girls, we lean into socialized behavior, we lean into medicated behavior, we lean into girls anxiety and perfectionism and how we tend to ask boys about what they do or think RATHER than how they feel. This episode is PACKED. I cannot tell you enough about how this episode will impact you!! ____ Learn more about Daystar HERE: https://www.daystarcounseling.com/  Listen to Raising Boys and Girls HERE: https://pod.link/1366344369  Pre-Order Sissy’s

Your Favorite, Heather Whittaker is HERE to begin the series on Parenting! If you have ANY kids in your life, this series is for YOU! Even if you don’t have any kids in your life, this series can still help you! We touch on fostering relationships with your kids, how to navigate drama and emotions in the tween years, some family rules and guidelines, what happens when you start parenting their kids when they’re over 18, and SO MUCH MORE. _____ 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://bit.ly/MasFamiliaNotes Interested in advertising with us? Reach out here. _____ Thank you to our sponsors! SIMPLE MODERN: Go to www.simplemodern.com/humanhope and by sharing your email you’ll get a unique discount code just for you or bundle and save for back to school. ATHLETIC GREENS

I am FINALLY home from Rwanda and in Nashville for a minute before going out on TOUR!!! Last week’s episode with Emmanuel really laid the groundwork for this episode, so if you haven’t listened to that one yet, go back and listen to it first!  This week, we are going to go deeper into the story and into the beauty of what the human spirit can accomplish… This week’s episode is very specific on FORGIVENESS and RECONCILIATION. Mathias and Steven were the worst of enemies. Mathias actually murdered Steven’s entire family in the Rwandan Genocide.  You get to hear their story of forgiveness and reconciliation from THEM! Not only do you hear about the forgiveness between these two people who are now as close as brothers, you get to hear about how Mathais forgave himself, which is something we could ALL use a little bit of. Just a warning, this is a heavy episode, and there are talks of violence, so this may not be the episode for our younger Instafamilia. _____ Listen to the first Rwandan episo

INSTAFAMILIA! WE DID IT! You helped us raise money for a church building, Hope Center, AND a school in Rwanda!!!!! I've been sharing with you all about my time in Rwanda on Instagram but wanted YOU to hear from the people I have spent the week with. This is episode one of two from Rwanda and this one will help lay the groundwork for the next episode about supernatural forgiveness that maybe we have never been able to find before… Mathias murdered Stephen’s family in the Rwandan genocide and NOW they are closer than brothers… HOW?! This episode, will help us understand what led to the genocide from someone who LIVED it all, including bullet holes to prove it, my new friend, Pastor Emmanuel.... _____ Learn more about ICM here: https://www.icm.org/ 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 upda