Meet Shaka Smith | Actor, Host, & Fitness Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaka Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaka, how do you think about risk?
I view risk as an essential component of growth, both personally and professionally. In my career, taking risks has often meant stepping out of my comfort zone to pursue opportunities that align with my values and ambitions, even when the outcome was uncertain.

My decision to transition from a traditional career in law to a multifaceted role in the entertainment industry as an actor, host, and fitness expert was a significant risk. This shift was driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to impact people in more diverse and dynamic ways than my legal career could offer. This move has not only broadened my professional landscape but also deepened my personal satisfaction and fulfillment.

Similarly, starting at an early age, competing in swimming, water polo and later bodybuilding while managing severe Hemophilia were risks I embraced to pursue my passions, despite potential health concerns. Trying new methodologies, recovery techniques and pushing the boundaries of what my body can achieve, parallels how I approach my career—testing limits and embracing the unknown. These risks have profoundly shaped my life and career, fostering growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of my capabilities.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a content creator deeply embedded in the wellness and philanthropic spaces, my mission is to leverage media to promote health, well-being, and social good. What sets my work apart is the integration of my personal journey into a broader narrative that emphasizes resilience and empowerment through fitness and healthy living. This is embodied particularly through my podcast, “Wander Well,” where I explore various aspects of wellness and philanthropy, sharing guest’s stories and insights that inspire and educate.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. At the end of the day, it came down to a steadfast commitment to my goals. The path involved continuous learning and adapting—whether that meant refining my content to better engage audiences or partnering with organizations that align with my values.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of storytelling. Effective storytelling can transform personal insights and experiences into universal messages that resonate deeply with others. Another lesson is the importance of aligning one’s work with one’s values. This congruence has been crucial not only for personal fulfillment but also for making a meaningful impact.

I want the world to know that my brand and story are about more than fitness and health. They’re about using one’s platform to advocate, educate, and inspire. Through my work, I aim to show that it’s possible to overcome personal challenges and use one’s experiences as a force for good in the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got a real taste of everything that makes this area amazing. We’d kick off with a vegan breakfast at Stuff I Eat in Inglewood, known for its soulful, plant-based dishes. Then, we’d spend some time at Santa Monica Beach, soaking up the California sun.

We’d definitely have to check out The Grove for some shopping and catching a movie. For dinners, places like Nomoo for some innovative vegan American cuisine and Gracias Madre in West Hollywood for gourmet vegan Mexican would be on the list.

I’d also take them to some of my favorite spots like Ubuntu LA for great vegan African cuisine and and Donna Jean for plant-based comfort food. We’d squeeze in a hike to the Wisdom Tree for breathtaking views and an evening at Griffith Observatory to gaze at the stars.

Art and culture would be on the agenda with a visit to MASH Gallery to check out contemporary art, and we’d definitely drop by Soho House West Hollywood to relax and enjoy the incredible views.

If it’s happening, the Vegan Street Fair would be a fun afternoon to try all sorts of vegan treats. We’d wrap up the evenings with workouts at Equinox Gym to keep the energy up.

It’s going to be a week packed with good food, great views, and the best company—exactly how I love showing off what this place has to offer!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A big part of my success has been my commitment to service. The sense of purpose and focus it has cultivated has been an unbelievable foundation from which every successful endeavor I’ve undertaken has been built. My mom really instilled this in me at a young age, from assisting with food banks, hurricane relief, church charity efforts, and truly embracing any opportunity to do something positive in the community. This was solidified in college embodied in my alma mater’s motto. “Princeton in the nation’s service and in the service of all nations” Recently becoming the President of my local alumni chapter made me reflect on those years where this became engrained. As a result, it has steered me towards involvement with impactful organizations such as Comfort Zone Camp, Project Save Our Surf, Project Pop Drop, Habitat for Humanity LA, and The Harvest Academy. So, all of the above – it’s been a group effort.

Website: www.wanderwellliving.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shakastrong

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shakastrong1

Youtube: www.youtube.com/shakastrong

Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/6cKAyinu0qkApjghXGgsfO https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wander-well/id1211468695

Image Credits
Olivia Wong Andrew Cunningham Dave Starbuck Rodin Eckenroth JC Olivera