Justin Michael Williams, 32, is an author, transformational speaker, and top-20 recording artist who has become a pioneering voice for diversity and inclusion in wellness. From growing up with gunshot holes outside of his bedroom window to sharing the stage with Marianne Williamson and Deepak Chopra, Justin knows well the pain of adversity and the power of healing to overcome. With his groundbreaking book “Stay Woke,” and over a decade of teaching experience, Justin’s message of hope and empowerment has spread to more than 40 countries around the globe. Justin is dedicated to using his voice to serve; to being a beacon of hope for those who are lost, and to make sure all people, of all backgrounds, have access to the information they need to change their lives.

Justin joins me today to teach us how to begin making "real-ass" transformation. He talks about his Baca (or grandma), and the one question she asked him that completely changed his life. He talks about the power of meditation and why it only works when it is integrated with action. He explains why we need to shift our mindsets from fighting against racism to moving towards ending racism. He also provides resources to help learn and contribute to ending racism. This is a life-changing conversation, my friends. Justin is part practical preacher, part powerful preacher. You need to know him.

“We can't just be looking at what we're fighting against. We have to also have our eye on what we're moving toward.”– Justin Michael Williams

This week on Rebel Souls:

Rebelling FOR the real deal transformation Accepting that you cannot change anything externally until you change internally Why being a chronic overachiever made Justin feel miserable despite all his success The impact Justin’s Baca had on his life How to recognize and deal with self-sabotage, i.e., how we poison ourselves with toxic habits, people, thoughts, and beliefs Why you should ask if a habit is serving your vision or distracting from it Why meditation is useless if you don’t have a way to integrate it into action How meditation and worry are flip sides of the same coin, i.e., if you can worry, you can meditate Justin’s Manifesto on how we can end racism in this generation The difference between fighting against and moving toward something Ways you can contribute to helping end racism

Materials Mentioned:

Modern Elder Academy Book: Inward, by Yung Pueblo Book: A new Earth, by Eckhart Tolle The Dream Bigger Foundation Song: The Turning (Feat. Brothers Koren) Take the Pledge to End Racism Heartwood Guitar Instruction Fender Play

Connect with Justin:

Website Book: Stay Woke, by Justin Michael Williams Listen to Justin’s Music Connect with Justin on Instagram

Liberate Your Soul & Join the Rebelution

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Rebel Souls with your host, Shelley Paxton, the podcast dedicated to helping leaders reject the status quo, liberate their soul, and become a lifelong rebel. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave a review. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram and share your favorite episodes across social media. And for more great content and information, visit our website and grab your copy of Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel’s Guide to Finding Your Best Life.