EPISODE #1067 FROM PUNK TO MONK

Richard welcomes Ray Raghunath Cappo, a renowned hardcore punk musician-turned-monk and trailblazer of the straight-edge movement. In the vibrant punk scene of 1980s New York City, Ray, as the singer of Youth of Today, achieved widespread recognition, yet he felt a profound emptiness. Driven by stagnation and a desire for more meaning, he abruptly left the band after his father's death, embarking on a one-way journey to India. Living as a monk in Vrindavan, Ray immersed himself in spiritual culture, encountering extraordinary characters and experiencing moments of divine connection. This radical transformation led him to co-found Shelter upon his return to the US, dedicated to spreading a message of faith, hope, and love. Ray's emotional and spiritual journey from punk to monk is recounted in this memoir with the same warmth, candor, and humor that characterize his unique life story.

GUEST: Ray Cappo founded the hardcore punk band Youth of Today as a teen in the 80s, 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.

WEBSITE/LINKS:

https://www.raghunath.yoga

https://www.instagram.com/raghunathyogi/p/C3Rs0P_ykgA

BOOK:

From Punk to Monk: A Memoir

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