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 kink
• The practice of orgasmic meditation
• How vulnerability and truth can lead to more sensation
• Considering what our unconscious desires may be
• Practicing enjoying what is already happening
• Realizing the darkness / pain we may be attracted to subconsciously
• Themes within the myth of Persephone
• The power addictions hold over us and admitting powerlessness
• A guided meditation from Dr. Carolyn
• Living as characters in God’s dream
• Becoming aware of our own wholeness and non-dualism
• Sleep Over Mystery School and the heart of western mysteries

About Dr. Carolyn Lovewell

Dr. 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. Lovewell

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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 politicians
• Keeping the heart calm and open regardless of what is happening around us
• Recognizing everyone as a part of our own selves
• Coexisting with all beings, human and non-human
• Living out our karma and doing the best can to not harm anyone
• Considering feelings about the upcoming election
• How it took returning to the west for Nina to connect to devotional practice
• Finding a way to unlock the love that lives within us
• Connecting to the guru even after they have left the body
• The ways we are born programmed by our culture, parents, etc.
• Chris’ experience with Ketamine therapy for his mental health
• Chanting as self releasing rather than self expressing

About 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.com

About 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 Das

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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 HERE

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, Sean and Chris reflect on:

• Sean’s inaugural experiences with psychedelics
• Accessing altered states of mind
• Integrating psychedelic experiences into daily life
• Chris’s journey with treatment-resistant depression and psychedelic therapy
• Changing the ongoing damage from the war on drugs
• What psychedelics are and what they can do
• Breaking out of our habituated thoughts patterns
• Enduring the challenging parts of a psychedelic journey
• The different types of psychedelics and their pros and cons
• The amazing effect of placebo and having intentions
• Plant medicines versus more western psychedelics

About 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 Lawlor

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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 back
• Building his own business out of his apartment
• Getting below the hood of pain
• How meeting a Sufi healer taught Matt to go into his heart-space
• Walking through the door of the ego and surrendering
• Building a trusting relationship with the divine
• Sufism as a sweet, mystical path rather than a rule-centered religion
• Merging the material world with the spiritual world
• Advice on having a conscious relationship with money
• Matt’s experience with chronic stress, burnout, and auto-immune disease
• Finding financial freedom and learning about passive income
• Allowing ourselves to experience abundance
• Examining what we really want, finding purpose, and taking action

About 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 Winkley

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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 fully
• Death as our secret teacher
• The relief of impermanence versus the oppression of permanence
• Ram Dass’ idea of death being like taking off a tight shoe
• Breaking the walls of our identity and living a life that is more curious
• Frank’s 5 invitations to living well and dying without regret
• Witnessing transition through a different lens
• Perspectives on what happens after we die
• Being with people who are dying and walking side by side
• Working with fear and distinguishing emotion from object
• Setting 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 Ostaseski

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Come hang out with Chris Grosso and Brian Fair from the band Shadows Fall as they chat about life, meditation, and the golden eras of skateboarding and punk rock.

Today’s 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 episode, Chris and Brian dive into: 

• The new wave of skateboarding
• Brian’s initial exposure to metal music
• Skateboarding in the 1980’s and 90’s
• Growing up catholic and being disillusioned with religion
• Brian’s dabbling into meditation and Hatha yoga
• Music and movement as a form of meditation
• Moving away from perfectionism
• Being there for each other

About Brian Fair:

Brian Fair is an American musician from Massachusetts, best known as lead vocalist of the metalcore band Shadows Fall. He is a skateboarder, father, and thrives off yelling at people on stage. Keep up with Brian on Instagram.

“That’s what’s funny about meditation, and a reason why I think people may not realize it’s not just about sitting in silence. It’s about being fully in a moment regardless of what transported you there. It can happen through music, through physical movement, or through silence or stillness.” – Brian Fair

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In an enthralling discussion on the archetypes, myths, and symbols within the 12-step recovery program, Kikan Massara joins Chris Grosso.

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 Kikan dive into: 

• A.A. and Chris’s journey with recovery
• The ways that everyone can benefit from the 12-steps of recovery
• Living an accountable life filled with integrity
• Kikan’s work making recovery more accessible for all
• Seeing universal principles within the steps
• Admitting powerlessness and recognizing this as a human experience
• Reading through Kikan’s interpretation of all of the 12 steps
• The beauty of having a community on a recovery journey
• Turning our will over to God and learning to ask for help
• How the ego can get in the way
• Making emotional decisions and why people end up in addictive processes
• Getting well for ourselves so we can help others

Get your copy of Kikan’s book, The 12 Steps — Symbols, Myths, and Archetypes of Recovery, HERE

About Kikan Massara:

Kikan is a psychotherapist, author, and creative. A passionate researcher of consciousness studies, meditation, and emotional health, she has long used visual arts, symbols, and myths in her practice to facilitate access to the empowering resources of the inner world. Her new book, The 12 Steps — Symbols, Myths and Archetypes of Recovery was published by TASCHEN in November 2023. Learn more about Kikan on her website.

“Admit powerlessness. Who hasn’t felt powerless over something in their lives? Who hasn’t been in despair over something they couldn’t change? Who hasn’t felt like an utter failure when they couldn’t change something by willpower alone? We’re not talking about helplessness here, which is so often learned in childhood, we’re talking about just the limits of being human.” – Kikan Massara

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In a politically charged return to the Indie Spiritualist Podcast, Chris Grosso sits down with John Fugelsang to talk about finding humor as a weapon against the world's chaos.

In this episode, Chris Grosso and John Fugelsang converse about:

- Politics, the state of the world, and Joe Biden’s accomplishments

Spiritual and emotional burnout preventing us from looking at global suffering

- The frightening accuracy of post-apocalyptic movie Leave the World Behind

- Atrocities vs. benevolence committed by Christian people

- The criminalization of abortion compared to what the bible says

- Melding religions and the book The Sermon on the Mount According to Vedanta

- Similarities between Christ consciousness and the Buddha mind

- The upcoming election and America’s rejection of Donald Trump

- Finding joy in difficult times and how humor can be an act of resistance

- Loving our enemies and knowing we are not better than anyone else

- John’s in-progress book called Separation of Church and Hate

About John Fugelsang:

John Fugelsang is a New York-based political commentator, comedian, TV and radio personality, performer, and writer. He was the host of America’s Funniest Home Videos and has appeared frequently on news commentary shows on CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, Fox News, and NPR. Recently, Fugelsang was the host of Current TV’s daily show, Viewpoint, where he analyzed the news and facilitated conversations about current affairs. Currently, he hosts a daily program called “Tell Me Everything” on the new SiriusXM Insight Channel. Keep up with John on Instagram or his website.

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Legendary artists, Allyson and Alex Grey join Chris in conversation around Ram Dass, psychedelics, spirituality, and Entheon—their new visionary art sanctuary & interfaith temple.

Visionary artists, wise psychonauts, and podcasters, Allyson and Alex Grey are co-founders & Ministers of CoSM, the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, a transformational art based non-profit which grew into an interfaith church and thriving artist community. Allyson and Alex are currently in the process of constructing Entheon, a sanctuary for visionary art, and sacred, nondenominational temple and hub for visionary artists and inner-seekers. Allyson and Alex host Sunday Art Church events, fusing creativity and dharma; as well as Full Moon Gatherings, which bring together artists, musicians, wisdom teachers, and free-thinkers to honor our cosmic alignment with nature and the creative forces. For a deep dive into their minds, check out their new podcast, The CoSM Podcast, and for updates on Entheon, CoSM, their art and events, visit their website CoSM.org

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Chris Grosso welcomes director Sebastian Siegel for a conversation about his new movie, Grace and Grit, which is based on the book by philosopher Ken Wilber. 

Sebastian Siegel is a British-American director, producer, screenwriter and author. His modes of storytelling range from filmmaking to contemporary art and psychology. His latest movie, Grace and Grit, is now available to stream on Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play, and more. Learn more about Sebastian and his work at sebastiansiegel.com, and be sure to follow him on Instagram. 

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Hardcore Zen master, Brad Warner, rejoins Chris for a talk on death, discernment, cosmic meaning, Zen Buddhism, and making sure your crazy wisdom isn't too crazy.

Brad Warner is the author of Letters to a Dead Friend About Zen and numerous other titles including Don't Be a Jerk, Hardcore Zen, and Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen's Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye. A Soto Zen teacher, he is a punk bassist, filmmaker, and popular blogger who leads workshops and retreats around the world. In addition to his books, his writing appears in Lion's Roar, Tricycle, Buddhadharma, and Alternative Press. He lives in Los Angeles where he's the founder and lead teacher of the Angel City Zen Center. You can learn more about Brad at HardcoreZen.info

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