A Lighthouse in the Dark

Fish

A Lighthouse in the Dark is a heartfelt podcast about resilience, healing, grief, mental wellness, purpose, and human connection. Hosted by Michael Fishman, each episode shares honest conversations and personal reflections to help listeners feel seen, supported, and reminded that even in life’s darkest moments, light can still be found. 

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    James Pickens Jr.: A Cowboy’s Heart, an Actor’s Soul, A Doctor's Mind & an Advocate for Life

    In this captivating episode of A Lighthouse in the Dark, Michael Fishman sits down with his longtime friend and mentor James Pickens Jr. for a powerful conversation about craft, courage, legacy, friendship, and what it means to keep showing up with heart. From his early days in theater, commercials, and small roles including Chuck on Roseanne, to becoming beloved around the world as Dr. Richard Webber on Grey’s Anatomy, James reflects on an extraordinary acting career built through patience, preparation, humility, and deep respect for the work. Pickens shares the lessons that shaped him, the advice he gives to young actors, and the grounded wisdom that has helped him sustain a career across decades in an ever-changing industry. But this conversation goes far beyond Hollywood. James opens up about his life as a cowboy, the discipline and freedom he finds outside the spotlight, his focus on faith, his dedication to family and his public battle with prostate cancer — including the importance of early detection, listening to your body, and using your platform to help others take their health seriously. His advocacy is especially meaningful given his family history and his own experience catching the disease through consistent screening. Warm, honest, inspiring, and deeply human, this episode is about mentorship, resilience, legacy, health, and the quiet strength of a man who has spent a lifetime doing the work — on stage, on screen, in the saddle, and in life. Because sometimes the people who help us heal are not only the doctors we watch on television, but the truth-tellers willing to share their own story. Jim Pickens Jr. Links: Socials — @therealjamespickens IMDB — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0681782/ Full episodes can be watched as well on YouTube @alighthouseinthedark channel. For more connection and exclusive content please subscribe to the official @alighgthouseinthedark Substack. Additional content is available across social media @alighthouseinthedark

  2. Jul 9

    Melissa Romano: Calm Is Overrated. Reclaiming Safety, Healing the Body & the S.A.F.E. Path to Healing

    In this deeply healing episode of A Lighthouse in the Dark, Michael Fishman sits down with Melissa Romano of @reclaimingmelissa — author, speaker, content creator, therapist, somatic practitioner, and creator of the S.A.F.E. Method — for a grounded, honest, and empowering conversation about trauma, the body, and the long road back to yourself. Melissa shares her powerful journey of overcoming debilitating back injuries and autoimmune disease, and how those experiences shaped her work helping others understand how trauma can live in the body. Together, Michael and Melissa explore somatic healing, self-empowerment practices, nervous system awareness, and the difference between trying to “stay calm” and learning how to become truly regulated. This conversation goes beyond surface-level healing. Melissa opens up about grounding, flow versus fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, the gifts and limitations of traditional therapy, facing the darkest thoughts, navigating divorce, and finding a path toward healing that honors the whole person — body, mind, heart, and spirit. Practical, compassionate, and profoundly human, this episode is for anyone who has felt disconnected from their body, overwhelmed by survival patterns, or unsure where to begin again. Because healing is not about becoming who you were before the pain. Sometimes, it is about reclaiming safety, rebuilding trust within yourself, and discovering that your body can become a place of wisdom, strength, and home. Melissa Romano Links: Website — https://www.reclaiminghealthy.com/ Socials — @reclaimingmelissa Melissa's Books — https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0D8HK1H9M Author Page — https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2363741/melissa-romano-lgsw/ Full episodes can be watched as well on YouTube @alighthouseinthedark channel. For more connection and exclusive content please subscribe to the official @alighgthouseinthedark Substack. Additional content is available across social media @alighthouseinthedark

  3. Jul 2

    CC Rice: The Voice That Brings You Back to Yourself

    In this powerful episode of A Lighthouse in the Dark, Michael Fishman sits down with CC Rice — actor, author, content creator, dialect director, and voice teacher — for a deeply practical and soul-centered conversation about voice, presence, communication, healing, and coming back to yourself after rock bottom. CC shares the wisdom behind her book, The Root of Awareness: Tools to Ground and Grow Vocal and Physical Communication, and opens the door to a new way of understanding the voice. More than just sound, but as a bridge between body, mind, spirit, truth, of human connection. Blending practical science with spiritual insight, CC teaches how grounding, breath, awareness, movement, and resonance can help us speak with more power, confidence, clarity, and authenticity. Together, Michael and CC explore what it means to find your voice after life has shaken you, how the body holds our stories, and why communication begins long before the first word is ever said. This conversation is for artists, speakers, teachers, leaders, healers, parents, performers, and anyone who has ever felt silenced, disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure how to express what is living inside them. Honest, illuminating, and deeply useful, this episode reminds us that our voice is more than a tool. It is a homecoming. Because sometimes the way forward begins by grounding your body, opening your heart, and letting your true voice rise. Links for CC Rice: Socials — @GuidedInspiration Personal website — https://www.ccrice.co/ Guided Inspiration Website — https://www.guidedinspo.com/ Book — https://www.amazon.com/Root-Awareness-Ground-Physical-Communication/dp/1967424756 Full episodes can be watched as well on YouTube @alighthouseinthedark channel. For more connection and exclusive content please subscribe to the official @alighgthouseinthedark Substack. Additional content is available across social media @alighthouseinthedark

  4. Jun 25

    Blake Kasemeier: Fatherhood in an Age of Everything

    In this heartfelt and timely episode of A Lighthouse in the Dark, Michael Fishman sits down with writer, content creator, brand storyteller, father, and deeply thoughtful voice Blake Kasemeier, whose series This Week in Fatherhood has resonated with parents navigating the beauty, pressure, humor, and uncertainty of raising a family in the modern world. They explore brands, AI, social judgments, the power of a good "em dash" and impact meaningful relationships have on our lives. Blake opens up about the transitions that have shaped him — becoming a father, his mother's cancer battle, facing her loss, and sudden unemployment — navigating finding his footing in family life, building a creative career, and learning how to stay grounded while living in a world shaped by technology, public visibility, social media, and constant change. Together, Michael and Blake explore the real work of fatherhood: showing up when you are still healing, leading with love while learning as you go, protecting your family without losing yourself, and trying to build something meaningful in business and life while remaining present at home. Their conversation also dives into the discipline and humility of Jiu Jitsu, the emotional weight men often carry quietly, and the importance of creating honest spaces where dads can talk about grief, growth, identity, responsibility, and love. Funny, wise, vulnerable, and deeply relatable, this episode invites fathers — and everyone who loves them — into a conversation about what it means to keep becoming while building a family, a future, and a life of purpose. Because fatherhood is not about having all the answers. It is about showing up with heart, humility, and the courage to keep learning. Full episodes can be watched as well on YouTube @alighthouseinthedark channel. For more connection and exclusive content please subscribe to the official @alighgthouseinthedark Substack. Additional content is available across social media @alighthouseinthedark

  5. Jun 19

    Kristina Bant: Healing Through Heart, Nonverbal Communication, & Listening to Your Body

    In this deeply grounding episode of A Lighthouse in the Dark, Michael Fishman sits down with Kristina Bant: wellness and longevity activist, autism spokesperson, yogi, international yoga ambassador, reiki practitioner, photographer, writer, and mother for a powerful conversation about resilience, healing, love, family, communication, and learning to live from the heart. Kristina shares her journey of moving from a world shaped by science, logic, and structure into a deeper relationship with energy, intuition, compassion, and embodied healing. With profound honesty, Bant opens up about recovering from back surgery, rebuilding trust in her body, and discovering new layers of strength through stillness, presence, and self-understanding. Together, Michael and Kristina explore how healing is not always linear, how communication can become a bridge back to love, and how family, motherhood, wellness, and spiritual practice can shape a more intentional life. This is a conversation about listening closely to the body, to the heart, to the people we love, and to the quiet wisdom that often arrives when we finally slow down enough to hear it. Tender, wise, honest, and restorative, this episode offers a reminder that resilience is not just about pushing through pain. Sometimes, it is about softening, opening, receiving, and allowing the heart to lead us home. Because healing often begins when we stop fighting ourselves and start listening with love. Learn more about Kristina: Website - https://kristinabantyoga.com/ Photography - https://lifethroughtheotherlens.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KristinaBantYoga Socials - @kristinabantyoga Full episodes can be watched as well on YouTube @alighthouseinthedark channel. For more connection and exclusive content please subscribe to the official @alighgthouseinthedark Substack. Additional content is available across social media @alighthouseinthedark

  6. Jun 11

    Kalpana Pot: Science, Stardust & the Courage to Dream Differently

    In this expansive episode of A Lighthouse in the Dark, Michael Fishman sits down with Kalpana Pot, actor, author, science influencer, and astronomy expert. What unfolds is a fascinating conversation about curiosity, creativity, space, truth, and the courage to follow a path others may not understand. Kalpana opens up about growing up in an academic family, feeling like the “black sheep” for choosing creativity, and learning to honor both sides of herself: the scientist who wants evidence and the artist who dares to dream. Together, Michael and Kalpana explore what it means to challenge expectations, pursue acting, write books, teach science, and build a life that refuses to fit neatly into one box. Their conversation moves from the deeply personal to the cosmic, while touching on astronomy, conspiracy theories, aliens, climate change, the dangers facing our planet, and the importance of scientific literacy in a world filled with misinformation. Insightful, funny, thoughtful, and full of wonder, this episode is a reminder that curiosity can be an act of courage, imagination can be a form of intelligence, and sometimes the people who think differently are the ones who help us see the universe more clearly. Because following your light may lead you all the way to the stars. Kalpana Pots Links: https://www.instagram.com/kalpanapot/?hl=en https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5305151/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalpana-pot-1700b3271 https://www.tiktok.com/@toknerdytome https://podcasts.apple.com/ga/podcast/128-kalpana-pot-actor-writer-host-and-space-communicator/id1517307796?i=1000661782112 https://stan.store/KalpanaP Full episodes can be watched as well on YouTube @alighthouseinthedark channel. For more connection and exclusive content please subscribe to the official @alighgthouseinthedark Substack. Additional content is available across social media @alighthouseinthedark

  7. Jun 4

    Arlan Hamilton: Building Wealth, Freedom & Opportunity from the Ground Up

    In this inspiring episode of A Lighthouse in the Dark, Michael Fishman sits down with entrepreneur, author, investor, and trailblazer Arlan Hamilton for a powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, business, family, and building a life of purpose after hardship. Michael and Arlan open up about their shared experiences being unhoused, the lessons learned during seasons of uncertainty, and the strength it takes to keep believing in yourself when the world has not yet caught up to your vision. Together, they explore entrepreneurship as more than business. It can be a path toward freedom, dignity, ownership, and opportunity. Arlan shares wisdom from her journey helping others build businesses, create wealth, and move toward financial independence, especially people who have been underestimated, overlooked, or left out of traditional systems. This conversation is about what happens when good people are given access, encouragement, tools, and belief. Honest, hopeful, and deeply motivating, this episode is a reminder that where you start does not have to decide where you finish. Because sometimes the darkest chapters become the foundation for building a brighter future. Full episodes can be watched as well on YouTube @alighthouseinthedark channel. For more connection and exclusive content please subscribe to the official @alighgthouseinthedark Substack. Additional content is available across social media @alighthouseinthedark

  8. May 28

    Dr. Todd Frisch: Why the Face Reveals What the Body Knows

    In this powerful episode of A Lighthouse in the Dark, Michael Fishman sits down with Dr. Todd Frisch, author of WTF: Why the Face, for a fascinating conversation about facial analysis, whole-body health, medical advocacy, and learning to listen to the signals our bodies are already giving us. Dr. Todd shares how the face can offer meaningful clues about what may be happening beneath the surface, helping people become more informed and empowered in their personal health journeys. Together, Michael and Dr. Todd explore the connection between observation, diagnosis, intuition, advocacy, and the importance of asking better questions when something does not feel right. This conversation goes beyond medicine. It is about awareness. It is about empowerment. It is about refusing to be dismissed, learning to notice what your body may be communicating, and becoming a more active participant in your own care. Insightful, practical, and deeply engaging, this episode invites listeners to rethink the way they see themselves, their health, and the faces of those around them. Because sometimes the path to healing begins by noticing what has been right in front of us all along. Full episodes can be watched as well on YouTube @alighthouseinthedark channel. For more connection and exclusive content please subscribe to the official @alighgthouseinthedark Substack. Additional content is available across social media @alighthouseinthedark

  9. May 21

    Yvette Nicole Brown: Love, Loss, Truth & the Light that Remains

    In the premiere episode of A Lighthouse in the Dark, Michael Fishman sits down with the extraordinary Yvette Nicole Brown for a deeply human conversation about love, loss, caregiving, truth, and the courage it takes to keep choosing light. Known for her warmth, wit, integrity, and unforgettable work on screen, Yvette opens up about the real-life experiences that have shaped her heart: caring for her beloved father, navigating grief after profound loss, finding love, stepping into marriage, and living as a relentless truth teller in a world that often rewards silence. This episode is a conversation about what it means to show up fully. For family, for love, for yourself, and for what is right. Together, Michael and Yvette explore the beauty and weight of a life lived in public. They dive into caregiving, the sacred lessons found in grief, and the healing power of honesty.  It is an exploration of how love can remain a guiding force even in life’s darkest seasons. Tender, funny, wise, and deeply inspiring, this first episode sets the tone for A Lighthouse in the Dark: real conversations with remarkable people about finding hope, healing, resilience, purpose, and humanity when life gets hard. Because even in the dark, there is always a light worth moving toward. Full episodes can be watched as well on YouTube @alighthouseinthedark channel. For more connection and exclusive content please subscribe to the official @alighgthouseinthedark Substack. Additional content is available across social media @alighthouseinthedark

  10. May 21

    A Lighthouse in the Dark Introduction - Michael Fishman

    Welcome to A Lighthouse in the Dark In this introduction episode Michael Fishman is interviewed by his business partner Michael Johnson to introduce the heart behind the podcast. This is a space for honest conversations about resilience, healing, grief, mental wellness, knowledge, purpose, perspective, and the light we find through human connection. This episode explores why the show was created, what it means to feel lost in dark seasons, some of the experiences that shaped Michael, and how stories, compassion, connection, and community remind us we are not alone. Part reflection, part invitation, this sets the foundation for a podcast built on hope, emotional honesty, and the belief that even in Life's hardest moments, light can still be found. In  this episode: Why A Lighthouse in the Dark was createdThe origin and principles behind the showA glimpse into the host and his heartHow grief, resilience, love, and purpose shape our livesWhy healing begins with connection and happens in communityThe invitation to become light for one anotherWelcome Light Keepers Full episodes can be watched as well on YouTube @alighthouseinthedark channel. For more connection and exclusive content please subscribe to the official @alighgthouseinthedark Substack. Additional content is available across social media @alighthouseinthedark

  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

A Lighthouse in the Dark is a heartfelt podcast about resilience, healing, grief, mental wellness, purpose, and human connection. Hosted by Michael Fishman, each episode shares honest conversations and personal reflections to help listeners feel seen, supported, and reminded that even in life’s darkest moments, light can still be found. 

Information

  • Creator
    Fish
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 A Lighthouse in the Dark
  • Show Website
    A Lighthouse in the Dark

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