
Upbuilding The Self
Two former monks, a former startup founder/CEO, and a former equity derivatives trader dive into how to be our best selves, free from the ego. Our egos are the identities we create for ourselves and wish the world to validate, but when we are not seen as we want to be, we feel insecure. This podcast lives at the intersection of leadership and spirituality. It will help you understand your ego and shed light on your inner world so that you can act with greater clarity, compassion, and the freedom to be your best self.
Latest episodes

11 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 43min
Learning to Carry Our Shame and What’s At Stake If We Don’t
Rasanath, an advocate for authenticity, dives into the complex emotion of shame and its pervasive influence on our lives. He explains how shame fuels actions and internal struggles, emphasizing the transformative journey from shame to humility. The discussion reveals practical strategies for confronting shame, highlighting its role in personal growth and emotional well-being. Rasanath shares insights from his monastic experience, illustrating the healing power of vulnerability and connection in overcoming shame.

Jul 12, 2024 • 1h 4min
Our Complicated Relationship with Accountability
Do you like being held accountable? Do you like holding others accountable? In this episode, Vipin, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath delve into different aspects of accountability. They explore the often anxiety-inducing way that accountability is viewed, how it can be misapplied, what makes for a more empowering approach, and the need for partnership in the process. This episode will help increase your desire for accountability and counter the strong tendency toward its avoidance.Links Enneagram Certification Program (starts in May) Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October 19th) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Jun 27, 2024 • 38min
Saying the "Right" Thing vs. What We Actually Feel
The discussion dives into the battle between societal expectations and authentic emotional expression. Personal stories reveal the pitfalls of saying the 'right' thing instead of truly connecting. The speakers encourage listeners to explore their feelings and reflect on relationships for deeper honesty. They also examine the contrast between practicality and genuine connections, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence. The theme of true happiness versus fleeting pleasures further enriches the conversation, urging a shift towards meaningful interactions.

May 23, 2024 • 25min
Meditation #1: Guided Meditation To Become Present and Grounded
At Upbuild, meditation is our core practice to help us move away from the ego and toward the self. In this episode, Hari Prasada leads a 20-minute guided meditation to help you become present with your breath and the three centers of intelligence: the head, the heart, and the body.Links Enneagram Certification Program (starts in May) Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October 19th) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

May 23, 2024 • 13min
Meditation #2: Mantra Meditation
At Upbuild, mantra meditation is the centerpiece of our meditation practice. In this episode, Hari Prasada leads a mantra meditation using a very simple and sacred syllable: Ram. This syllable is very absorbing, has a strong resonance in the body, and brings a deep connection to ourselves and to our source. As yogis and sages have been doing for ages, when we ground the mind with a mantra, it's incredible the treasure that can be attained. Links Enneagram Certification Program (starts in May) Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October 19th) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

May 23, 2024 • 1h 1min
Meditation: Transforming The Mind From Worst Enemy To Best Friend
With 50 years and more than 35,000 hours of meditation experience among them, Hari Prasada, Rasanath, and Vipin, dive into the topic of meditation. They discuss the definition of meditation, why it’s so important to control the mind, why it’s becoming more popular these days, and the numerous non-spiritual benefits of meditation, including calmness, focus, clarity, and productivity. They also look at how meditation has been misappropriated and share the deepest purpose of meditation, which explains all of the other health benefits for which people are using.Links Enneagram Certification Program (starts in May) Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October 19th) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

May 9, 2024 • 59min
The Misunderstanding of Love
Most of us think we have a pretty good idea about what love is. After all, we have all been seeking it our entire lives. And yet, the reality is that most of us don’t really understand it at all. Inspired by recent insights from the Upbuild weekly program Remembering Who We Are, Vipin, Rasanath, and Hari Prasada delve into the concept of love as the highest form of motivation. They shed light on why most of us misunderstand love, how we tend to reduce or dismiss love, what we use as our substitutes for real love, and the conditions that need to be present for the experience of real love.Links Enneagram Certification Program (starts in May) Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October 19th) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Apr 18, 2024 • 42min
Contemplating Death To Live a Good Life
Exploring the transformative power of contemplating death can enrich our understanding of life. Conversations delve into how embracing mortality fosters authenticity and a purposeful existence. Near-death experiences provide profound insights, revealing complexities of consciousness. Personal anecdotes encourage reflection on how we prioritize time and meaningful pursuits. Ultimately, the discussion urges listeners to confront discomfort around death to cultivate a more meaningful and authentic life.

Apr 2, 2024 • 38min
Designing Relationships Intentionally
Explore the art of intentional communication and its impact on relationships. The hosts discuss the importance of clarifying needs to build trust and mutual growth. They dive into conscious coaching relationships, emphasizing confidentiality and feedback. Romantic partnerships receive special attention, urging partners to articulate expectations for deeper connections. The conversation also highlights how upbringing influences relationships, advocating for proactive discussions to foster understanding and support. Join them on this enlightening journey!

Mar 19, 2024 • 44min
Pinch Moments: A Tool to Restore Communication (and Relationships!)
Conversations can be triggering. How we deal with those triggers determines everything about how effective and meaningful those conversations (and by extension, our relationships) end up being. In this episode, Michael, Rasanath, and Vipin explore the tool of “Pinch Moments” as a way to be able to recognize, call out, and address conversations that trigger us… without triggering ourselves.Links Enneagram Certification Program (starts in May) Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October 19th) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.