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 spirituality Living on the fringes of society How the hands of God can touch anybody, even in the ...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 138
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 revolutionary Transcending violence and harm and the yearning for all to be free Holding brokenheartedness with a lot of care and viewing it as a teaching Continued practice even as an awakened being Returning...
May 08, 2025•57 min•Ep. 137
Paul Levy, a pioneer in spiritual emergence, chats with Chris Grosso about the concept of Wetiko and healing our collective malady. 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 Paul explore: The diagnosis of our collective malady and defining Wetiko Waking up through the darkness Life as a collective dream we are all manifesting The mind virus we are all suffering fro...
Apr 08, 2025•56 min•Ep. 136
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 system How Kelvin became inspired to change his life and get sober for himself and his daughter Becoming anch...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 135
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 psychology Interfacing with our emotional reactions How experiences shape identity Irrational and self-defeating behaviors How what we learn as a...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 134
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 unconsci...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 133
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 ab...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 132
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...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 131
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 surrenderin...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 130
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’ id...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 129
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 disillus...
May 09, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 128
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 ...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 127
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 commit...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 126
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...
Nov 05, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 125
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 sebastiansi...
Jul 29, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 124
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 ...
May 03, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 123
Dr. Christian Conte joins Chris to share life lessons on knowing yourself, stepping towards conflict, facing wounds, emptying your cup, understanding, and walking through anger with non-attachment. Dr. Christian Conte is one of the country’s most accomplished mental health specialists in the field of anger and emotional management. A familiar figure on TV and radio, he is also a prolific writer, powerful communicator, and sought-after media expert. He was co-host of Coaching Bad and The Secret L...
Apr 09, 2021•59 min•Ep. 122
Author Laura McKowen talks with Chris Grosso about the process of addiction and recovery, her resistance to defining herself as an alcoholic, and working with guilt and shame. Laura McKowen is the author of We Are The Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life . She had a successful career in public relations and the Mad Men –esque drinking culture of advertising. After getting sober, Laura became recognized as a fresh voice in recovery, beloved for her soulful and irreverent writing online ...
Mar 04, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 121
Bestselling author, Gary Renard, joins Chris to discuss training the mind, Jesus’ and Buddha’s lifetimes together, and how to communicate with the Holy Spirit. Gary R. Renard is the best-selling author of The Disappearance of the Universe , Your Immortal Reality , Love Has Forgotten No One , and the newly released The Lifetimes When Jesus and Buddha Knew Each Other . Gary is a winner of the Infinity Foundation Spirit Award, among the likes of Ram Dass, Byron Katie, and Neale Donald Walsch; and h...
Feb 11, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 120
Legendary hip-hop artist, R.A. The Rugged Man joins Chris to talk about writing albums, emotions and mental health, how storytelling can heal traumas, and how to stay true to yourself. R.A. The Rugged Man is one of the most fascinating figures in hip-hop history. His career spans decades, and defies simple narratives. The Rugged Man has been an up-and-coming star, an industry outcast banished and forgotten, an underground cult hero, an independent success story, and an influential master of the ...
Jan 20, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 119
Musician and writer, Norman Brannon joins Chris to discuss his Hare Krishna punk music past, & share how we can find skeptical euphoria by moving beyond our stories. Over the last 25 years, Norman Brannon has worked as a musician, critic, author, DJ, university lecturer, television host, documentary filmmaker, marketing creative, and record label manager. Although best known for cofounding Texas is The Reason , he first made his mark in hardcore punk bands like Shelter and 108 , and capped h...
Dec 31, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 118
Inspirational underground hip-hop artist, Sage Francis, joins Chris to discuss music as a teacher, the resonance of truth, cultural shifts, and the magic of writing. Sage Francis is CEO of Strange Famous Records, and half of the Epic Beard Men. He is widely considered one of our generation's greatest lyricists. His gifted wordplay creates vivid narratives to instigate as well as inspire, often deriving from an accumulation of public disdain and personal turmoil. Dubbed the forefather of Indie Ho...
Dec 11, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 117
Author, musician, and transformational speaker, Justin Michael Williams joins Chris to discuss using meditation and mindfulness techniques to help discover your passion and fulfill your life's purpose. Justin Michael Williams is an author, speaker, and top-twenty recording artist who is using music and meditation to wake up the world. By working at the intersection of music, mindfulness, and social justice, Justin has become a pioneering millennial voice for diversity, inclusion, and wellness. H...
Nov 18, 2020•51 min•Ep. 116
Actor and musician, Michael Imperioli, joins Chris to discuss finding Tibetan Buddhism, sharing meditation with others and acting his final scenes for The Sopranos. Michael Imperioli is best known for his Emmy Award winning acting performance as Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos , as well as writing five episodes of the show. Co-screenwriter for the Spike Lee film, Summer of Sam, Michael has appeared in six of Lee's films, and has also acted in films by Martin Scorsese, Abel Ferrera, Walter...
Oct 29, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 115
Horror icon Ken Foree joins Chris to discuss his legendary acting career, African Americans in cinema, helping his mom heal with yoga, and his experiences facing discrimination. Ken Foree is an incredibly versatile American actor widely known for his role as Peter Washington in George Romero’s 1978 genre-defining classic horror film, Dawn of the Dead , as well as his role of Roger Rockmore on Nickelodeon’s television comedy series, Keenan and Kel, amongst many other well known movie and televisi...
Oct 07, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 114
Dr. Rick Hanson joins Chris to share practices and discuss the neuroscience behind cultivating traits of inner resilience and mindfulness. Rick Hanson, Ph.D., is a psychologist, senior fellow of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times best-selling author. Founder of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom , he’s lectured at NASA, Google, Oxford, and Harvard, and taught in meditation centers worldwide. Learn more about Dr. Rick Hanson, his new book...
Sep 17, 2020•51 min•Ep. 113
Actor Michael Berryman joins Chris Grosso for a conversation around the gift of light, the masks we all wear, and how the horror genre connects to social consciousness. Veteran actor and horror/sci-fi genre icon Michael Berryman is a native of Los Angeles, California. He was born prematurely with Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia, a rare condition leaving him with no sweat glands, hair, fingernails, or teeth. Michael has appeared in films such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest , The Hills Have ...
Aug 27, 2020•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 112
Spring Washam joins Chris Gross for a conversation about working with the fertile grounds of suffering, cultivating the fierce heart, and how plant-based medicine can help with trauma. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Aug 05, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 111
Bill Barbot joins Chris to discuss his punk rock beginnings, embracing the mystery, Alan Watts, Buddhism, and finding wisdom in insecurity. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Jul 14, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 110
Dan Cortese joins Chris to discuss finding yourself amidst fame, becoming the narrator of your own story, and the innate wisdom programmed into parenthood. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Jun 23, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 109
