In this episode of The Indie Spiritualist Podcast, Chris has a compelling discussion with Ram Dass. From addiction to finding compassion for Donald Trump, Ram Dass shares his perspective on the spiritual path and using love to overcome our darkest moments.  

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Ep. 36 – Ram Dass

Indie Spiritualist host Chris Grosso is a public speaker, writer, recovering addict, spiritual director, and author. Through commentary, interviews and ragged truth-telling, the Indie Spiritualist podcast offers raw and real experiences and insights from an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, yogis, skateboarders, actors, spiritual teachers and more. A come as you are invitation to spiritual exploration.

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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 skateboardingBrian’s initial exposure to metal musicSkateboarding in the 1980’s and 90’sGrowing up catholic and being disillusioned with religionBrian’s dabbling into meditation and Hatha yogaMusic and movement as a form of meditationMoving away from perfectionismBeing there for each otherAbout 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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Ep. 128 – Punk Rock, Skateboarding, and Meditation with Brian Fair from Shadows Fall

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 recoveryThe ways that everyone can benefit from the 12-steps of recoveryLiving an accountable life filled with integrityKikan’s work making recovery more accessible for allSeeing universal principles within the stepsAdmitting powerlessness and recognizing this as a human experienceReading through Kikan’s interpretation of all of the 12 stepsThe beauty of having a community on a recovery journeyTurning our will over to God and learning to ask for helpHow the ego can get in the wayMaking emotional decisions and why people end up in addictive processesGetting well for ourselves so we can help othersGet 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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Ep. 127 - Symbols, Myths, and Archetypes of Recovery Kikan Massara

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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Ep. 126 – Humor, Religion, and Politics with John Fugelsang

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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Ep. 125 – Pilgrimage & Journey w/ Allyson and Alex Grey

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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Ep. 36 – Ram Dass

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