Chris Grosso The Indie Spiritualist

Blending together hardcore punk and spirituality, Ray Cappo inspires listeners to deflate the ego and serve something bigger than themselves. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This time on The Indie Spiritualist, Chris and Ray delve into:The powerful intersection between hardcore punk and spiritualityLiving on the fringes of societyHow the hands of God can touch anybody, even in the most unexpected placesThe beginning of Ray’s spiritual path and being inspired by Harley Flanagan of hardcore punk pioneers Cro-MagsShifting inward: moving beyond the senses and the mind into subtle awarenessFrom chaos to calm: being in Samadhi rather than emotional turmoilKirtan and serving something bigger than ourselves instead of being the center of attentionThe presence of ego even in yogic and spiritual communities Finding oneness and connection with all beings, beyond outer labelsLetting go of idolizing people or things and reserving reverence for the divineConsidering how being in the spotlight can inflate the ego if one does not offer praise back to God and surrenderRecognizing rock bottom as a spiritual turning point and a hidden blessing"Nothing else will fit in that God shaped hole. If you make your spouse your God, or your dog your God, your house your God, that God is always going to let you down." –Ray CappoAbout Ray Cappo:As a teen in the 80s, Ray Cappo founded the hardcore punk band Youth of Today, which championed the principles of clean living, vegetarianism, and self-control. After experiencing a spiritual awakening in India, he formed a new band, Shelter, devoted to spreading a message of hope through spiritual connection. Ray currently leads yoga retreats, trainings, and kirtans at his Supersoul Farm retreat center in Upstate New York, as well as annual pilgrimages to India. He is the co-founder and co-host of Wisdom of the Sages, a daily yoga podcast that has been ranked #1 on Apple for podcasts about spirituality. Check out Ray’s recently released memoir, From Punk to Monk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teaching us to relax back into being held by spaciousness, Lama Rod Owens discusses the forces that help us remember real love, awakened freedom, and who we truly are. In this episode of the Indie Spiritualist Podcast, Chris and Lama Rod explore:The practice and embodiment of real love as revolutionaryTranscending violence and harm and the yearning for all to be freeHolding brokenheartedness with a lot of care and viewing it as a teaching Continued practice even as an awakened being Returning to a space of fluidity and opennessRiding the middle line between form and emptiness Cultivating a stronger relationship with Earth, even in an urban environment Mystical breakthroughs and navigating mental health through the lens of spirituality Getting distracted by euphoria / believing we are hyper-special instead of taking spiritual experiences as an opportunity to connect more deeply with humanity Meditative experiences that can be found in daily life and in our pre-existing hobbiesAllowing space for Western medicine when it is needed Untangling the notion that we have to like something or someone in order to love Returning agency back to community and the enduring spiritual traditions that will aid in our survival  This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp & Dharma Seed:Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.Join Krishna Das, the most well-known voice of Bhakti chanting (Kirtan) in the West, and David Nichtern - a senior Buddhist teacher, founder of Dharma Moon, guitarist in Krishna Das’ band, and producer of several of his albums - for a warm and engaging conversation about these two paths, their shared roots, and how they intersect in contemporary spiritual practice. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - THE HEART & MIND OF PRACTICE: BUDDHISM & BHAKTIAbout Lama Rod Owens:Lama Rod Owens is a Black Buddhist Southern Queen. An international influencer with a Master of Divinity degree in Buddhist Studies from Harvard Divinity School with a focus on the intersection of social change, identity, and spiritual practice. Author of Love and Rage: The Path of Liberation through Anger and co-author of Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love and Liberation, his teachings center on freedom, self-expression, and radical self-care. Highly sought after for talks, retreats, and workshops, his mission is to show you how to heal and free yourself. A leading voice in a new generation of Buddhist teachers with over 11 years of experience, Lama Rod is highly respected among his peers and the communities that he serves. From these intersections, he creates a platform that’s very natural, engaging, and inclusive. Check out Lama Rod’s most recent publication, The New Saints, and his podcast on the Be Here Now Network, The Spirit Underground.For current offerings and programs, click here.“Is it taking you out of this moment, out of relationship with others around you? Are you having thoughts of being special and extraordinary? Is it helping you to be more human, or is it leading you towards this idealized state that seems to take you out of the messiness of humanity? I think that the real spiritual breakthrough brings us deeper into the experience of being human, of empathy." – Lama Rod OwensSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Levy, a wounded healer and spiritual teacher, dives deep into the concept of Wetiko, a collective mind virus affecting humanity. He discusses how acknowledging this dark aspect can lead to personal and societal healing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of confronting our inner shadows and recognizing our true essence. Levy connects insights from quantum physics and Carl Jung, advocating for compassion as a remedy for overcoming our collective challenges. He passionately explores the potential for individual transformation to spark a global awakening.

Certified sound healer Kelvin Young joins Chris Grosso to discuss how to find freedom within institutions and systems.Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This time on The Indie Spiritualist, Chris and Kelvin explore:Kelvin’s first encounter with holistic healing in the prison systemHow Kelvin became inspired to change his life and get sober for himself and his daughterBecoming anchored through sound healingHow we at the subatomic level, we are vibration and soundHaving spiritual experiences at concerts regardless of genreIntegrating holistic practice into hospitals and other facilitiesMoving from hypervigilance to relaxation through sound healingMeeting people where they are at on their healing journeyThe science of sound and rituals around the world that utilize soundThe power of humming and using our own voice as a toolThe gong as an instrument of interconnection12-step healing as integral piece for many people in recoveryAbout Kelvin Young:Kelvin Young is a Certified Sound Healer and Owner of Kelvin Young, LLC. He is also a person in sustained recovery which means Kelvin hasn’t used alcohol or any other drug to cope with his mental and emotional distress since March, 6th 2009. Kelvin received his recovery coaching training at CT Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) and Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) certification at Recovery University. Kelvin has presented around the country in diverse settings, including CCAR Multiple Pathways to Recovery Conference, Alternatives Conference, Yoga Reaches Out, Newtown Yoga Festival, The Shift Network, Indie Yoga in San Francisco, CA, Alex Grey’s Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, Copper Beech Institute, CT Women’s Consortium, yoga studios, retreat centers, conferences, high schools, colleges, prisons, addiction treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals and mental health agencies. Today, he publicly speaks on addiction recovery to people from all walks of life. Kelvin also facilitates private and group sound healing sessions at different locations throughout the United States. Keep up with Kelvin HERE.“Sound has been that foundation for me to explore and understand that sound itself is life itself. It humbles me to be in awe of what all of sound is, the vibrations. Down to the subatomic level, we are vibration, we are sound, we are energy, we are frequency.” – Kelvin YoungSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Psychologist Tori Olds helps listeners unravel inner landscapes by examining emotions, identity, and the patterns in our lives.Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.In this episode, Chris and Tori explore:Tori’s early interest in emotions and psychologyInterfacing with our emotional reactionsHow experiences shape identityIrrational and self-defeating behaviorsHow what we learn as a child influences how we protect ourselves as an adultEmotional knowing versus logical knowingImplicit memory and fear conditioningHow witnessing new evidence can help us unlearn negative patternsMindfulness for regulation of the nervous systemThe importance of working with a trained professionalThe potential within psychedelic-assisted therapyIf you are unable to work with a therapist but feel therapy may be helpful, check out this book recommendation from Tori: Self TherapyAbout Tori Olds:Tori Olds, PhD is a psychologist and a mother, but there is much more to her identity. Songwriting, meditation, and teaching are also important aspects of her life. She helped start Deep Eddy Psychotherapy alongside her sister Charlotte, her husband Glenn, and both her parents, which has provided her with numerous opportunities to train and supervise aspiring therapists. Ten years ago, she began leading a 6-month training group called “Minding the Heart,” offering a deep dive into experiential methods of therapy. She is drawn to these approaches because she believes the most profound transformation occurs when we connect with the deepest parts of ourselves—those that can only be reached through direct, experiential contact. Keep up with Tori on her website.“Making a prediction and seeing that what is happening is not what we predicted makes the memory labile…it’s in a state where it can change. If we introduce new knowing in two seconds the whole neural network can be rearranged or dissolved.” – Tori OldsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Diving into the meaning of existential kink, Dr. Carolyn Lovewell joins Chris Grosso to discuss unlocking our unconscious desires.Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This time on The Indie Spiritualist, Chris and Dr. Lovewell discuss:The meaning of existential kinkThe practice of orgasmic meditationHow vulnerability and truth can lead to more sensationConsidering what our unconscious desires may bePracticing enjoying what is already happeningRealizing the darkness / pain we may be attracted to subconsciouslyThemes within the myth of PersephoneThe power addictions hold over us and admitting powerlessnessA guided meditation from Dr. CarolynLiving as characters in God’s dreamBecoming aware of our own wholeness and non-dualismSleep Over Mystery School and the heart of western mysteriesAbout Dr. Carolyn LovewellDr. Carolyn Lovewell (formarlly Elliott) is an American scholar, author, and occultist. She is the author of the book Existential Kink which focuses on shadow integration as a means for creating positive change in the self. She obtained a doctorate in Critical and Cultural Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Check out Dr. Lovewell’s podcast, Sleep Over and learn more on her website.If you are interested in integrating the opposites in the psyche, join the 9 month program with Dr. Lovewell at the Sleep Over Mystery School“Existential kink is the idea that pretty much all of us human beings have an unconscious attraction to painful things. We’re all kinky, we’re all in a sadomasochistic relationship with the universe. The universe, God, whatever we want to call it is a dom that has no safe words. It just keeps coming, all the time. We can learn to make those unconscious attractions to painful or negative patterns conscious. When we do that, we liberate all sorts of energy that had been unconsciously stuck. Existential Kink is a deep tool for change.” – Dr. LovewellSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reflecting on our ability to peacefully coexist, Nina Rao and Krishna Das join Chris Grosso to talk politics, practice, and more.This week, Chris, Krishna Das, and Nina all converge upon:Maharaj-ji’s response to being visited by politiciansKeeping the heart calm and open regardless of what is happening around usRecognizing everyone as a part of our own selvesCoexisting with all beings, human and non-humanLiving out our karma and doing the best can to not harm anyoneConsidering feelings about the upcoming electionHow it took returning to the west for Nina to connect to devotional practiceFinding a way to unlock the love that lives within usConnecting to the guru even after they have left the bodyThe ways we are born programmed by our culture, parents, etc.Chris’ experience with Ketamine therapy for his mental healthChanting as self releasing rather than self expressingAbout Krishna Das:Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee, Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops. To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017. For more on Krishna Das events, music, and other offerings visit: KrishnaDas.comAbout Nina Rao:Nina Rao is a devotional singer. She tours with Krishna Das, playing cymbals, singing, and acting as his business manager. Nina has two of her own albums, “Antarayaami – Knower of All Hearts” and “Anubhav”. Nina regularly leads kirtan, workshops, and retreats in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York and beyond. Together with Chandra and Genevieve Walker, Nina operates the 21 Taras Collective. You can keep up with Nina on her website or find her on Instagram @nina_rao and on Facebook @NinaRaoChant.“If people’s hearts are open and calm and connected to other people, the chances of doing things that are destructive is much less. You have to try to get to the deepest place inside and then who could you hurt because everybody is part of your own self.” – Krishna DasSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Calling attention to the healing properties of psychedelics, author and therapist Sean Lawlor talks with Chris about his new book, Psychedelic Revival.Grab your copy of Psychedelic Revival: Toward a New Paradigm of Healing HEREToday’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.In this episode, Sean and Chris reflect on:Sean’s inaugural experiences with psychedelicsAccessing altered states of mindIntegrating psychedelic experiences into daily lifeChris’s journey with treatment-resistant depression and psychedelic therapyChanging the ongoing damage from the war on drugsWhat psychedelics are and what they can doBreaking out of our habituated thoughts patternsEnduring the challenging parts of a psychedelic journeyThe different types of psychedelics and their pros and consThe amazing effect of placebo and having intentionsPlant medicines versus more western psychedelicsAbout Sean Lawlor:Sean is an author, therapist, and developer of online course content. He received his Masters of Fine Arts from Chatham University and completed a 3-year Master’s program in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling at Naropa University. Sean’s new book, Psychedelic Revival: Toward a New Paradigm of Healing, is currently available in print and digital formats. Learn more about Sean on his website.“A theory that I do believe in is that everything that comes up in the (psychedelic) experience can be helpful for one’s own healing journey, even if it is really challenging and dark.” – Sean LawlorSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Through the inspiration of Sufism, Matt Winkley describes how he merged the business world with spirituality to form heart-centered companies and find financial freedom.This time on The Indie Spiritualist, Matt and Chris chat about:Matt’s youth and leaving for California with only the shirt on his backBuilding his own business out of his apartmentGetting below the hood of painHow meeting a Sufi healer taught Matt to go into his heart-spaceWalking through the door of the ego and surrenderingBuilding a trusting relationship with the divineSufism as a sweet, mystical path rather than a rule-centered religionMerging the material world with the spiritual worldAdvice on having a conscious relationship with moneyMatt’s experience with chronic stress, burnout, and auto-immune diseaseFinding financial freedom and learning about passive incomeAllowing ourselves to experience abundanceExamining what we really want, finding purpose, and taking actionAbout Matt Winkley:Matt Winkley is a businessman and mystic who doesn’t see a difference between the spiritual world and the external world, finding meaning in both. He built companies with integrity and has a passion for bringing spiritual principles into the workplace. Matt studied intensely under the tutelage of the great spiritual Sufi master Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal. During these years of study Matt transformed himself from the inside out. Taking these teachings into the area of business, Matt seamlessly integrated both worlds, creating unique leadership styles and heart centered business practices. As a savvy investor Matt was able to create financial freedom in his 30’s and now uses his time to give back. He mentors young conscious entrepreneurs, teaches meditation classes and supports charitable causes. Keep up with Matt on his Instagram.“I think you can be a cautious, spiritual, heart-centered person and have abundance. I don’t believe money changes you, I think it amplifies you. I think if you’re a kind, generous, heart-driven person, you’ll be able to do more of that with resources.” – Matt WinkleySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Encouraging listeners to examine their relationships with death and endings, Frank Ostaseski and Chris Grosso talk about living fully.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.In this deep conversation, Chris and Frank Ostaseski go over:Death, dying, and what we can learn about living fullyDeath as our secret teacherThe relief of impermanence versus the oppression of permanenceRam Dass’ idea of death being like taking off a tight shoeBreaking the walls of our identity and living a life that is more curiousFrank’s 5 invitations to living well and dying without regretWitnessing transition through a different lensPerspectives on what happens after we dieBeing with people who are dying and walking side by sideWorking with fear and distinguishing emotion from objectSetting aside our judgments and welcoming experiences“To imagine that at the time of our dying, we’re going to have the mental stability, the emotional strength, the mental clarity to do the work of a lifetime, is a ridiculous gamble. The time for the conversation is now.” – Frank OstaseskiSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.