

Guru Viking Podcast
Guru Viking
The Guru Viking Podcast specializes in in-depth interviews with remarkable figures in the world of meditation, spirituality, and self development.
Steve travels internationally teaching somatic practices and meditation, and leads explorations in contemplative, mystic, & relational realms.
Steve travels internationally teaching somatic practices and meditation, and leads explorations in contemplative, mystic, & relational realms.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 54min
Ep327: Neoplatonic Mystic - Dr Francisco José Luis
Dr. Francisco José Luis, a scholar in Indo-Iranian studies and comparative religion, shares insights from his rigorous academic journey that includes training in classical languages like Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit. He reflects on the shift in education, highlighting a rise in ideological indoctrination. Francisco delves into his PhD research on pre-reformist Sikhism, revealing its colonial influences, and discusses the living legacy of Neoplatonism in Islamic thought. With a blend of mysticism and personal experience, he connects Shiʿi practices with Neoplatonic traditions.

10 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 11min
Ep326: Enlightened Politics - Leigh Brasington
Leigh Brasington, a Buddhist meditation teacher and author, delves into the intriguing intersection of Buddhism and politics. He reflects on how his upbringing and meditation practice shape his political views, emphasizing compassion and interconnectedness. Leigh discusses the historical diversity of Buddhist political stances and warns against clinging to fixed beliefs. He shares insights on how spiritual development relates to political engagement, arguing that compassion should guide our political actions while holding views lightly.

Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ep325: My Spiritual Journey - Lopon Yudron Wangmo 3
Lopon Yudron Wangmo, an American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and author, shares her enlightening spiritual journey. She discusses her experiences under various spiritual gurus and reflects on her challenges with ADHD during meditation. Lopon critiques shamatha practice while explaining Dzogchen and its insights. She shares her transformative solo retreat experiences and highlights the risks of psychological regression in three-year retreats. With an emphasis on the value of sincere practice, she encourages listeners to seek reliable teachers.

16 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 2h 13min
Ep324: How To Practice After Awakening - Alex W 2
In this engaging discussion, Alex W, a long-term practitioner of Zen and Pragmatic Dharma, explores how to meditate effectively after awakening. He breaks down the differences between constructive and deconstructive practices and shares insights from his own meditation journey. Alex also discusses the potential societal impacts of spiritual maturity and emphasizes the need for structured approaches to spirituality for younger generations. He delves into the integration of practices like Taoist Inner Alchemy and the significance of personal development in achieving true liberation.

28 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 3h 4min
Ep323: British Occultist - Alan Chapman
Alan Chapman, a British writer and occultist, shares insights from his transformative spiritual journey. He reflects on his challenging childhood in Northern England and first encounters with Aleister Crowley. Alan discusses the complexities of the British class system and its impact on identity. He explores the significance of spiritual transmission and reveals his thoughts on various gurus, including Stephen Batchelor and Adi Da. Additionally, he delves into the role of the Dark Goddess in spiritual awakening, emphasizing the delicate balance of light and dark in personal growth.

16 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 8min
Ep322: Dharma of Dance - Ngakma Yumma Mudra
Ngakma Yumma Mudra, a dancer, producer, model, and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, discusses the transformative power of dance in accessing the blissful nature of the mind. She emphasizes the importance of movement as a practice of mindfulness, connecting it to the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta. The conversation dives into the balance between technique and spontaneity, how to read others through dance, and the challenges of habitual tendencies. She shares insights on infusing artistic technique with goodness, ultimately guiding students in their journey toward authentic expression.

8 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 54min
Ep321: Tibetan Bon - Lama Vajranatha
John Myrdhin Reynolds, also known as Lama Vajranatha, is a renowned scholar and practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism with deep ties to the Bon religion. In this discussion, he explores the distinct teachings of Bon compared to Buddhism, revealing its rich history and practices. John dives into the evolution of Bon traditions and their transmission in the West, addressing misconceptions about their authenticity. He shares insights on the significance of Dzogchen, the resilience of the Bonpo community, and the role of ritual and meditation in attaining spiritual powers.

4 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 3h 31min
Ep320: Divination & Tarot - Dr Ben Joffe
Ben Joffe, an anthropologist and scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, dives into the fascinating world of divination and tarot. He explores the cultural significance of divination and its relationship with intuition and randomness. Joffe shares his personal journey with tarot, offers practical advice for readers, and addresses the ethical complexities surrounding these practices. He reflects on how tarot can empower clients, the dangers of dependency, and the transformative potential of storytelling in both divination and personal growth.

Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep319: Mystery of T Lobsang Rampa - R.B. Russell
Ray Russell, founder of Tartarus Press and author of 'T. Lobsang Rampa And Other Characters of Questionable Faith,' delves into the enigmatic life of T. Lobsang Rampa. Once Cyril Henry Hoskin, Rampa claimed to channel a Tibetan Lama, stirring debates on authenticity and cultural impact. Russell explores the psychological allure of faith and the motivations behind fictional narratives. They discuss Rampa’s legacy in popularizing Tibetan Buddhism and the ongoing fascination with myth and belief, questioning how hoaxes shape our understanding of spirituality.

Aug 1, 2025 • 2h 27min
Ep318: Modern Mindfulness - Victor Shiryaev
Victor Shiryaev, a teacher of Buddhist and modern meditation, shares his fascinating journey from a Soviet childhood to spiritual awakening. He reflects on the influence of New Age concepts and his studies in Advaita Vedanta. Highlighting a meeting with mindfulness teacher Shinzen Young, Victor discusses their contrasting views on the path to awakening. He also critiques the Pragmatic Dharma's mapping of spiritual experiences, emphasizing personal insights and the significance of mindfulness in navigating life's challenges.