Chris Grosso The Indie Spiritualist

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.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Alan Watts Organization and Be Here Now Network have come together to bring you a new podcast series that dives deep into the Alan Watts Archive’s 100-hour collection of talks. This Monday, June 7th, discover for yourself why Alan Watts has continued to inspire generations of seekers with the Alan Watts Being in the Way podcast. This exciting new series is hosted by Mark Watts, Alan's son and archive curator. Mark and his guests share Alan Watts’ inspirational work that poetically interprets the wisdom teachings of the East for Western audiences. Set a reminder for June 7th and subscribe to the Alan Watts Being in the Way podcast wherever you get podcasts to receive regular wisdom from Alan Watts - brought to you by the Alan Watts Organization and Ram Dass' Be Here Now Network!

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

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 Life of Kids, and was the resident therapist for Family Therapy. Dr. Conte produces daily Emotional Management Minutes for over 300 radio stations, as well as hosting his own weekly show in Pittsburgh. He discussed his prison outreach in the TEDx talk, “Why I Chose to Go to Prison.' His latest book, "Walking Through Anger" is out now. For more info, please visit, Dr.ChristianConte.com

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 and in print. She now leads sold-out retreats and courses, teaching people how to say yes to a bigger life. Learn more about her at lauramckowen.com.

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 has been featured on Gaia TV‘s, “Open Minds.” Combining a disarming sense of humor with radical, cutting-edge metaphysical information and experiential exercises, Gary is well versed and well traveled in the spiritual community. For more info visit www.GaryRenard.com

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 art form. Check out his newest album All My Heroes Are Dead, and for more music, blogs, and offerings, visit his website RAtheRuggedMan.net

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 his performance career with New End Original and Gratitude. He is also the author of the Anti-Matter Anthology, a 1990s post-punk and hardcore reader featuring work that originally ran in Alternative Press, Vibe, and Anti-Matter, his very own seminal fan-zine. Norman is currently working on an expanded second edition of the Anti-Matter Anthology, in addition to a second book that examines the relationship between queer language, ethnicity, and his own personal story. Norman lives in Brooklyn with his partner John and their Dotson.

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 Hop, Francis originally earned worldwide acclaim in the 2000s by winning highly coveted titles in the MC battle circuit. At the advent of file-sharing, Francis' unique brand of music spread like wildfire and he gained a cult following. In 2005 Sage Francis was the first hip-hop artist signed to Epitaph Records and soon became one of the highest selling independent artists of his genre. Sage Francis has returned to releasing music independently and has a podcast in the works. For more info check out StrangeFamousRecords.com

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. He has been featured by Billboard.com and Yoga Journal, shared the stage with Deepak Chopra, and presented at events such as Wanderlust and SXSW. Justin just released his new book, Stay Woke: A Meditation Guide for the Rest of Us, and is committed to using his voice for change. His greatest wish is to empower people from all walks of life to wake up to their life's purpose and accomplish the dreams they once thought were impossible. For more information please visit www.StayWokeGiveBack.com and follow @wejustwill on Twitter and Instagram.

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 Hill, Peter Jackson, and the Hughes Brothers. Michael has also been involved in New York's rock 'n roll scene since the mid 1980s, playing guitar in the post-punk band Black Angus with filmmaker Tom Gilroy. Currently Michael is the guitarist and lead singer for the band, Zopa, and shares a steady stream of meditation tutorials and Dharma on his Instagram.

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 television appearances such as the A-Team, Knightriders, The X-Files, The Devil’s Rejects, and Rob Zombie’s remake of Halloween. Ken has his own horror festival called Foree Festival, and is a well-loved cult-icon and legend within the horror and sci-fi film community.

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 Neurodharma, his courses, and his podcast, Being Well, at rickhanson.net.

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 Eyes, and Weird Science.

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.

Bill Barbot joins Chris to discuss his punk rock beginnings, embracing the mystery, Alan Watts, Buddhism, and finding wisdom in insecurity.

Dan Cortese joins Chris to discuss finding yourself amidst fame, becoming the narrator of your own story, and the innate wisdom programmed into parenthood.

Steve-O joins Chris for a conversation about his journey searching for identity, struggling with addiction, and finding a new life through recovery.Since his national debut on MTV's Jackass as a skateboarder and stuntman, Steve-O has had continued success as a New York Times best-selling author with the release of his memoir, 'Professional Idiot', and has established himself as a force in the world of stand-up comedy. Subscribe to Steve-O's podcast, The Wild Ride, at steveo.com.

If you enjoy The Indie Spiritualist Podcast, we think that you will appreciate this dharma talk from Insight Meditation (Vipassanā) teacher JoAnna Hardy that offers a toolkit for working with our emotions and thoughts.JoAnna Hardy is a guest teacher on the Be Here Now Network Guest Podcast. You can subscribe to the Be Here Now Network Guest Podcast in your podcast player to receive regular dharma talks and guided practices from a collection of today's leading mindfulness and meditation teachers.

The Indie Spiritualist interviews his friend and former band mate, Darrell Tauro, about music, addiction, recovery, sexuality, and getting punk as f##k.

Psychotherapist Linda Graham joins the Indie Spiritualist for a discussion around the importance of strengthening our resilience, and creating new patterns of response to trauma.

Lead singer of the band Dissolve, Paul Thorstenson, visits Chris Grosso on the Indie Spiritualist Podcast for a conversation about his journey as a musician and how music can offer a deeper connection to ourselves.

Podcaster and author Cory Allen joins the Indie Spiritualist to talk about modern mindfulness, dealing with anxiety and depression, and transcendence through music.

Therapist Sarah Buino joins the Indie Spiritualist for a discussion around addiction, speaking your own authentic truth, and working with shame and self-compassion.

Chris Grosso speaks with author Neale Donald Walsch about his new book and how the biggest problem in the world today is the belief that we are separate from everything and everyone.

In this new episode of The Indie Spiritualist Podcast, Colin McEnroe joins Chris Grosso for a conversation about our spiritual health, how we are shaped by faith, and staying connected beyond death.Colin McEnroe hosts the daily WNPR show, The Colin McEnroe Show. He is a weekly columnist and blogger for The Hartford Courant and a contributing editor at Men's Health. He is the author of three books and one play. His work has appeared on the New York Times Op-Ed Page and in Bicycling magazine, Best Life, Cosmopolitan and Forbes FYI. Be sure to subscribe to The Colin McEnroe Show on your favorite podcast player to check out Colin's exploration of Ram Dass' life and legacy with Chris, Sharon Salzberg, and Mirabai Bush on the Jan 9th Episode of The Colin McEnroe Show.

The Indie Spiritualist sits down with musician East Forest to talk about the auspices of working with Ram Dass, and how his album for mushrooms works as a digital shaman.

Author Christina Rasmussen joins the Indie Spiritualist for a conversation about her book on the afterlife and the many people she’s guided on their journeys to reconnect with lost loved ones.

Television star and Life Coach Rosie Mercado joins The Indie Spiritualist for a conversation around self-esteem issues, listening to your body, and living life to your fullest purpose.

Author and journalist Preston Fassel joins Chris Grosso for a conversation around the power of storytelling and how the genre of horror can help us work through the most difficult aspects of the human experience.Preston Fassel is an award-winning writer, journalist, and screenwriter. His work has appeared in FANGORIA, Rue Morgue magazine, Screem magazine, and on Cinedump.com. His first novel, Our Lady of the Inferno, was published to widespread critical acclaim, being named one of the ten best horror books of the year by Bloody Disgusting and winning the 2019 Independent Book Publisher Gold Medal for Horror.

Author Maureen Healy visits The Indie Spiritualist to talk with Chris Grosso about her book, The Emotionally Healthy Child, and how we can help children process emotions in a healthy way.

Author and director Jeff Brown returns to the Indie Spiritualist podcast for a conversation with Chris Grosso about getting grounded in our spiritual practice and avoiding the traps of spiritual bypassing.Jeff Brown is the author of Soulshaping: A Journey of Self-Creation, and Ascending with Both Feet on the Ground. He is also the author of the viral blog Apologies to the Divine Feminine (from a warrior in transition) and the producer and key journeyer in the award-winning spiritual documentary, Karmageddon. Which stars Ram Dass, Seane Corn, David Life, Deva Premal and Miten. You can connect with his work at soulshaping.com and karmageddonthemovie.com.On the west coast? You can join Chris at the SAND (Science and Non-Duality Conference) Oct. 23rd-27th in San Jose, CA. Learn more about this conference that will bring together some of the brightest minds in science, artists and spiritual teachers from various traditions. Learn more about this endeavor to expand and deepen our understanding and experience of our relational nature through the two lenses of science and spirituality: scienceandnonduality.com

Chris speaks with bestselling author Panache Desai about misconceptions of spirituality, breaking out of societal boxes and paradigms, and finding your true authenticity.

Chris speaks with bestselling author Lissa Rankin about her book, The Daily Flame, and the process of connecting to and trusting your Inner Pilot Light.

Author Danielle Dulsky joins Chris for a spirited conversation about her book, The Holy Wild, and what it truly means to practice witchcraft and be a witch.

Chris speaks with author Sarah Anne Shockley about dealing with chronic pain, the importance of recognizing emotional pain, and shifting the cultural paradigm of pain away from fear.

This week on the Indie Spiritualist Podcast, Chris Grosso speaks with guest Belinda Womack about making contact with the angelic realm and the road to recovery that all humans share.

Shamanic healer Sarah Bamford Seidelmann joins Chris Grosso for a conversation about finding the wisdom and healing that are available through spirit animals.

Author and speaker Wayne Liquorman joins the Indie Spiritualist to talk about non-duality and moving beyond the sense of authorship that is often attached to identity.

The Indie Spiritualist gets Spiritual_AF with writer Roxan McDonald as they talk about childhood trauma, getting sober, and getting real with spirituality.

Chris speaks with yoga teacher and author Kari Kwinn about codependency, addiction, and what makes a healthy relationship.

Bestselling author Elena Brower visits the Indie Spiritualist to talk about self-care, mental health, and her new book on separation and divorce.

Kamlesh Patel (Daaji) visits the Indie Spiritualist Podcast to talk about naturally going within and shifting our consciousness with heart-based meditative practice.After graduating with honors in 1980, Kamlesh Patel moved to the US and practiced pharmacy in New York City, while also continuing the Raja Yoga system of Sahaj Marg, with great devotion. Kamlesh continued to follow Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari (Chariji), the second President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, after Babuji’s passing, and has held a number of increasingly responsible roles as well as offering his support to the growth of the Mission worldwide.In October 2011 he was proclaimed as Chariji’s successor, and in August 2012 was appointed Vice-President of SRCM with the full powers of the President, due to Chariji’s failing physical health. Following Chariji’s passing on the 20th of December 2014, he became the Spiritual Guide of the Sahaj Marg System, and the third President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. He is often endearingly referred to as Daaji.

This time on the Indie Spiritualist Podcast, Chris sits down with author and motivational speaker Joshua Coburn. The two share a sincere conversation around getting real with ourselves and taking a gradual path towards reaching our goals.Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/chris-grosso-the-indie-spiritualist-ep-82-joshua-coburnJoshua Coburn is a youth speaker, author, mentor & “Corporate Oddity” who has spent his life & career redefining stereotypes, living his passions, and assisting others to Dream Big, Believe Big, & Succeed Big. Today, Coburn has made it his mission to make kindness a way of life while speaking with students across the nation on the inspirational and emotional rollercoaster ride known as the Manners & Motivation Tour. Learn more about Josh at joshuacoburn.com.

Chris speaks with Marci Zaroff, author and eco-conscious innovator in the fashion and textile industries, about how we can start to easily start to make the decisions that align our actions with more in balance with nature.Find show notes and resources here: ttps://beherenownetwork.com/indie-spiritualist-ep-81-marci-zaroff/Marci Zaroff is an internationally recognized ECOlifestyle visionary, authority, innovator and educator and has been instrumental in driving authenticity, environmental leadership & social justice worldwide for nearly three decades. Learn more at marcizaroff.com

Author, nutritionist and punk rock legend John Joseph shares a conversation with Chris about transforming our lives by changing our mental attitude. Find links and resources from this episode here: https://beherenownetwork.com/the-indie-spiritualist-ep-80-john-joseph/Coming from a hard life on the streets, John Joseph now inspires and empowers others to make positive changes in their lives through his music as frontman of the Cro-Mags and work as a vegan nutritionist. Learn more at purepma.com.

Chris is joined by Jessica Lahey, a teacher, writer and mom, who shares strategies for effective parenting that allows children to learn and grow from failure. Find show notes and resources: https://beherenownetwork.com/indie-spiritualist-ep-79-jessica-lahey/Jessica Lahey writes about education, parenting, and child welfare for The Atlantic, Vermont Public Radio, and the New York Times, and is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed. Learn more at jessicalahey.com.

This time on the Indie Spiritualist Podcast, Chris speaks with Ambika about the transformative power of chant and kirtan.Find show notes and links here: https://beherenownetwork.com/indie-spiritualist-ep-78-ambika/

Author and poet Mark Nepo shares a conversation with Chris about the power of community and taking guidance from our true nature, instead of our fear. Mark Nepo moved and inspired readers and seekers all over the world with his #1 New York Timesbestseller The Book of Awakening. Beloved as a poet, teacher, and storyteller, Mark devotes his writing and teaching to the journey of inner transformation and the life of relationship. Find readings, lectures, and retreats from Mark Nepo at marknepo.com.