What Lights Us Up

Hi! I’m Christina, host of What Lights Us Up—a podcast celebrating passionate artists, food lovers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers living with intention through creativity, courage, and conscious living. Through soulful conversations on culture, food, and purpose, we explore how following your passion isn’t just possible—it’s essential. Whether you're seeking a new path or simply craving more joy and fulfillment, this podcast will uplift, inspire, and gently guide you toward what truly lights you up.

New episodes published monthly.

Solo episodes going deeper into personal stories of travel, food, and life are available exclusively on Apple Podcasts and Substack for paid subscribers.

★★★★★ 5.0 Stars on Apple Podcasts

Streamed in 24 countries globally

"This is a beautifully produced podcast. Well spoken, great topics, fluid, I'm really impressed. I loved the episode with Julie. I feel uplifted after listening."

★★★★★
"A clearly presented, passionate podcast! All positive vibes from Christina who makes you want to jump into a project of your own."

★★★★★
“Excellent podcast and conversation between Christina and Julie Hartigan! I have followed Julie on FB and Insta for awhile now but learned a lot from today’s podcast. It’s exciting to think you can give yourself “permission” to reinvent yourself at any age. Christina asked all the right questions inquiring just how CAN this be done. I was really inspired by both women’s excitement over combining food and travel! Maybe it’s time to get out my passport and my apron.”

★★★★★
“This podcast is so inspirational. We all have passions and dreams but most of us get in our own way when trying to follow through. This podcast is that extra push and motivation you need to just start! I can’t wait to come back and hear more inspiring stories.”

★★★★★

LATEST EPISODE

Find Your Cultural Oasis: Vincent Fauceglia on Building Italian American Community and Connection

EPISODE 41 | VINCENT FAUCEGLIA

“You can do something if you set your mind to it. If there’s a passion in your life that you want to pursue and you have the means in which to do it. Do it.”

Start Listening

More Top Episodes

KATIE PARLA

Katie Parla on her passion for Italian food culture

JULIE HARTIGAN

How to Find Your Passion to Reinvent Yourself at Any Age

MICHELE DI PIETRO

Find Your Recipe for Joy: Michele Di Pietro on Building a Brand by Cooking from the Heart

MARIANNA GATTO

Discover Your Italian American Roots: Marianna Gatto on History, Heritage & the Power of Purpose

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Be My Next Guest

Have a story about a passion project that changed your life? We’d love to hear it. If you're interested in being featured on the What Lights Us Up podcast, please fill out the form or send an email to whatlightsusuppodcast@gmail.com.

Let’s spark some inspiration—together.

What Lights Us Up

"This is a beautifully produced podcast. Well spoken, great topics, fluid, I'm really impressed. I loved the episode with Julie. I feel uplifted after listening."

"A clearly presented, passionate podcast! All positive vibes from Christina who makes you want to jump into a project of your own."

“This podcast is so inspirational. We all have passions and dreams but most of us get in our own way when trying to follow through. This podcast is that extra push and motivation you need to just start! I can’t wait to come back and hear more inspiring stories.”