8th Element: Analyzing Current Events & Geopolitics Through The Vedic Wisdom Lens For Truth Seekers

Buzz Ryan, Gargs Allard & India

Most podcasts keep politics and spirituality separate. We don’t. We believe understanding the world requires both, and a willingness to ask deeper questions, practice discernment, and look beyond surface-level narratives to see what’s actually happening beneath the headlines. This is a truth-seeking podcast for conscious thinkers exploring geopolitics and current culture through a spiritual lens rooted in Vedic philosophy. What is the 8th Element? It is Oxygen, the breath of life. We cannot live without it. And for the soul’s nourishment and awakening we need this life giving information based on clear thinking and transcendental knowledge. As a trio of decades long practicing bhakti yogis or Vaisnavas, we unpack hidden truths, challenge power structures, and apply common sense to understand with coherence a rapidly changing world. So come as you are my friend, prabhus from all walks of life, with sincerity and an open heart. We’ll meet you here every week on Thursday night/Friday morning. Follow us on YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Rumble: 8th Element Podcast is: Buzz Ryan, Gargs Allard & India

  1. 57 min. geleden

    EP. 21 | Nobody Escapes This Moment. Here’s How to Prepare for Death | Hospice Chaplain Ganeshyam

    For further information and/or to contact us regarding sponsorship, etc., please email us: contact@8thElementPodcast.com Death is the one experience every human being will face—yet it's the conversation most people avoid. In this profound episode of the 8th Element Podcast, hospice chaplain Ganeshyam Prabhu shares what he has learned after accompanying hundreds of people through the final moments of life. Together, we explore: • What people regret most before they die • Near-death experiences and spiritual encounters • How grief transforms us • Why preparing for death changes the way you live • The Bhagavad-gita's teachings on consciousness and the soul • The surprising peace many people discover in their final moments Rather than focusing on fear, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and practical spiritual insights that can change how you approach every day of your life. Whether you're grieving the loss of someone you love, wrestling with questions about mortality, or simply searching for deeper meaning, this conversation will leave you thinking long after it ends. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Meet Hospice Chaplain Ganeshyam Prabhu 02:20 Why He Dedicated His Life to End-of-Life Care 05:00 The Question That Changed His Life 08:35 The "Little Deaths" We Experience Every Day 14:30 Losing Loved Ones & Finding Meaning 18:00 What Hospice Has Taught Him 20:20 Incredible Stories from the Deathbed 30:30 A Christian Woman's Final Moments 33:15 Helping Families Through Grief 37:10 What People Realize Before They Die 42:35 The Biggest Regrets at the End of Life 47:50 Why Simply Showing Up Matters 53:15 Near-Death Experiences Explained 01:04:30 Karma, Consciousness & Spiritual Consequences 01:16:00 How Seeing Death Changed His Life 01:18:30 The Rise of Euthanasia 01:24:20 What Is Our Duty Before Death? 01:33:10 The Verse Everyone Should Hear 01:35:35 Final Reflections If this conversation impacted you, please subscribe and share it with someone who needs hope today.

    EP. 21 | Nobody Escapes This Moment. Here’s How to Prepare for Death | Hospice Chaplain Ganeshyam
  2. 20 jul

    Decode Communism: Eroding Human & Spiritual Sovereignty | 8th Element Decode

    For further information and/or to contact us regarding sponsorship, etc., please email us: contact@8thElementPodcast.com Is communism making a comeback in America? A growing number of young Americans view communism more favorably than previous generations—but why? In this episode of The Eighth Element Decode, Buzz Ryan, Gargs, and India explore the historical, philosophical, political, and spiritual questions surrounding the rise of communist ideas in modern culture. The conversation goes beyond economics to examine: - Why communism appeals to many young people today - The historical lessons from Mao's China and the Soviet Union - The relationship between faith, freedom, and government - Capitalism's strengths—and its real shortcomings - Why preserving history matters - The role of personal responsibility and spiritual freedom Whether you agree or disagree, this episode is designed to challenge assumptions and encourage thoughtful discussion about one of today's most debated topics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Why More Young Americans Support Communism 03:16 Does Socialism Really Work? 06:13 Lessons from Communist History 10:00 Why Communist Systems Oppose Religion 13:00 Human Nature vs Government Control 18:30 Utopian Ideas vs Reality 20:10 Mao's Cultural Revolution 24:00 Is America Losing Its Identity? 30:27 Spencer Pratt on Why History Matters 36:10 Freedom, Faith & the American Spirit 40:03 Capitalism's Problems vs Communism's Failures 44:00 Victimhood, Envy & Political Culture 49:20 What History Actually Shows 52:00 Srila Prabhupada's Warnings About Communism 57:20 What Is "Spiritual Communism"? 1:01:30 The Ultimate Goal of Human Life 1:06:55 Trump, Freedom & Religious Liberty 1:11:22 Final Thoughts 1:17:14 Subscribe & Closing 👇 We'd love to hear from you. Do you believe younger generations understand the history of communism? Why or why not? If you enjoy conversations that combine faith, philosophy, culture, leadership, and current events, subscribe for more episodes from The Eighth Element Podcast.

    Decode Communism: Eroding Human & Spiritual Sovereignty | 8th Element Decode
  3. 13 jul

    EP. 20 | The Film That Will Inspire Generations: The Story Behind Hare Krishna! | Yadubara Das

    For further information and/or to contact us regarding sponsorship, etc., please email us: contact@8thElementPodcast.com Links: https://harekrishnathefilm.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@harekrishnafilmclassics2137 Some films entertain. Some educate. A rare few completely transform lives. In this powerful episode of The 8th Element Podcast, award-winning filmmaker Yadubara Das (John Griesser) shares the remarkable story behind creating the internationally acclaimed documentary: "Hare Krishna! The Mantra, The Movement and the Swami Who Started It All." Released in 38 countries and winner of Best Feature Documentary at the Illuminate Film Festival, the film has inspired countless people around the world to begin a lifelong spiritual journey. But the real story isn't just about making a movie... It's about purpose. Legacy. Perfection. Faith. And preserving history for generations yet to come. In this conversation you'll discover: How one photography assignment unexpectedly changed his entire life Behind-the-scenes stories from filming one of the most influential spiritual documentaries ever made Why the film took years longer than expected to finish The creative decisions that made the documentary so emotionally powerful The challenge of preserving priceless historical footage for future generations Incredible stories of viewers whose lives completely changed after watching the film Why meaningful work often requires patience, sacrifice, and excellence Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:12 Meet Award-Winning Filmmaker Yadubara Das 08:00 The Film That Left Audiences in Tears 09:20 Berkeley, the 1960s & Searching for Meaning 12:40 The Assignment That Changed Everything 17:00 From Skepticism to Spiritual Awakening 21:00 First Journey to India 31:00 Filming Srila Prabhupada 34:00 Building a Lifetime of Documentary Films 37:00 Inside the Making of Hare Krishna! 42:20 Recreating History on Film 45:00 Hollywood, Film Festivals & Editing Challenges 50:40 Winning Best Documentary 53:30 Lessons Learned After Decades of Service 54:45 Preserving History for Future Generations 01:00:50 George Harrison & Srila Prabhupada 01:03:40 The Documentary That Changed People's Lives 01:08:30 Powerful Audience Reviews 01:12:00 What's Next for Yadubara? 01:14:20 Why This Film Still Matters Today 01:19:20 Final Thoughts Whether you're a filmmaker, creator, entrepreneur, or simply searching for deeper purpose, this conversation is filled with timeless wisdom about creating work that truly matters. If this conversation encouraged you, please Like, Subscribe, and share it with someone who values purpose, faith, and personal growth.

    EP. 20 | The Film That Will Inspire Generations: The Story Behind Hare Krishna! | Yadubara Das
  4. 2 jul

    EP. 19 | Truth Beyond Ideology: Why This Professor Walked Away from Woke Academia | Jonathan Edelman PhD

    LINKS: 1. Scholar Path Consulting: https://www.jedelmann.com/ 2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-edelmann-744110119/ 3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587256345424 4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scholarpathconsult2026/ 5. Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=z8wTDjIAAAAJ&hl=en 6. Academia.edu: https://oxford.academia.edu/JonathanEdelmann 7. Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jonathan-B.-Edelmann/author/B005GVG2UU?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1782656522&sr=8-2&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=995305fc-2153-4414-a1e9-784d174661b7 What happens when a lifelong academic begins questioning the institution he devoted his life to? In this thought-provoking conversation, Oxford-trained scholar Professor Jonathan Edelmann shares his journey through academia—from studying at Oxford to teaching at Mississippi State and the University of Florida—and why he believes modern universities have drifted away from their original purpose. Together, we explore: • The decline of critical thinking in higher education • Why genuine intellectual diversity matters • The difference between disagreement and ideological conformity • Bureaucracy, academic culture, and independent thought • Faith, philosophy, and comparative theology • Why every person should leave behind a written legacy • How Jonathan found freedom by helping others publish meaningful work Chapters 00:00 Introduction 05:03 Meet Professor Jonathan Edelmann 08:20 How Oxford Changed Everything 13:00 Why Oxford's Educational Model Is Different 20:20 From Oxford to Mississippi State 23:00 The Crisis Inside Modern Universities 31:30 What Real Diversity Actually Means 36:30 How Universities Became Bureaucracies 43:00 Jonathan's Personal Experience in Academia 52:00 Why People Are Afraid to Speak Up 1:00:00 The Purpose of a University 1:02:30 "Civility Is a Veneer" 1:09:00 Bureaucracy, Information & Control 1:15:00 Faith, Aquinas & Comparative Theology 1:23:00 Leaving Academia Behind 1:29:00 Helping Authors Finish Their Books 1:34:00 Why AI Isn't Truly Intelligent 1:36:00 Scholar Path Consulting 1:40:00 Restoring the Search for Truth 1:42:30 Final Thoughts Whether you agree or disagree, this episode challenges us to ask an important question: Are we still teaching people how to think—or simply what to think? If you enjoy conversations that explore faith, philosophy, leadership, culture, identity, and the search for truth, subscribe to the 8th Element Podcast for more long-form discussions that go beyond the headlines.

    EP. 19 | Truth Beyond Ideology: Why This Professor Walked Away from Woke Academia | Jonathan Edelman PhD
  5. 24 jun

    EP. 18 | Can Chanting Save the World? The Forgotten Science of Peace & Prosperity | Dhanesvara Goswami

    Is the real cause of society's problems political... economic... or spiritual? In this powerful conversation, Dhanesvara Goswami joins Buzz Ryan and Gargs Allard to explore a radical idea: that many of the crises facing humanity—war, violence, drought, social division, anxiety, and moral confusion—are symptoms of a deeper spiritual imbalance. Drawing from the Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and over five decades of spiritual practice, Dhanesvara Goswami explains karma, universal law, the purpose of sacrifice, and why chanting the holy names of God has been prescribed as the solution for this age. Whether you agree, disagree, or are simply curious, this conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a perspective rarely discussed in modern culture. Topics include: • Karma and collective responsibility • Climate change and spiritual causation • Why people still feel empty despite material success • The power of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra • Ancient wisdom for modern problems • Love, service, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment • How individuals can help create positive change in the world Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Guest Introduction 03:55 What Is A Social Healer? 05:30 There Are No Material Solutions To Spiritual Problems 09:15 How Karma Shapes Society 13:00 Droughts, Nature & Collective Human Behavior 18:35 Climate Change From A Spiritual Perspective 21:40 What Is Sin & Why Does It Matter? 24:00 Bhagavad-gita's Formula For Prosperity 31:00 Why God Wants A Relationship With Us 35:20 Why People Never Feel Truly Fulfilled 40:20 War, Poverty & The Root Cause Of Social Problems 42:40 Why Chanting Is The Recommended Process For This Age 50:40 Stories Of Chanting Changing Communities 01:00:30 Did Hare Krishna Help Transform America? 01:07:45 How To Spread Positive Spiritual Influence 01:11:30 Making Spiritual Change A Personal Mission 01:15:30 The Danger Of Becoming Spiritually Passive 01:21:30 The Solution To Society's Biggest Problems 01:31:20 Final Thoughts & Resources If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who is searching for deeper answers.

    EP. 18 | Can Chanting Save the World? The Forgotten Science of Peace & Prosperity | Dhanesvara Goswami
  6. 15 jun

    Building The Impossible: The Untold Story of Temple of the Vedic Planetarium | Braja Vilas | EP. 17

    TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH Visit: https://www.tovp.org Donate: https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/ Email: tovpinfo@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOVP2022 Telegram: https://t.me/TOVP_GRAM WhatsApp: https://m.tovp.org/whatsappcommunity1 Instagram: https://m.tovp.org/tovpinstagram App: https://m.tovp.org/app News & Texts: https://m.tovp.org/newstexts RSS News Feed: https://tovp.org/rss2/ Store: https://www.tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/ What does it take to dedicate your life to a mission bigger than yourself? In this powerful episode of The 8th Element Podcast, Buzz Ryan and Gargs Allard sit down with His Grace Brajavilas Das, Vice Chairman and Director of Development for the Temple of Vedic Planetarium (TOVP), one of the most ambitious spiritual projects in modern history. From leaving a successful corporate career to helping lead a global movement inspired by Srila Prabhupada's vision, Brajavilas Das shares the challenges, miracles, sacrifices, and unwavering faith behind the construction of what many believe will become one of the most significant spiritual destinations on Earth. Topics include: - The true purpose of the TOVP - Why Srila Prabhupada considered this project so important - The future of Mayapur and the Vedic City vision - The science and spirituality behind the Vedic Planetarium - Leadership, surrender, sacrifice, and service - The role of AI, museums, education, and global outreach - The planned 2027–2028 grand opening Whether you're interested in faith, leadership, personal transformation, history, or spiritual culture, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a vision decades in the making. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Meet Brajavilas Das 03:48 How He Was Chosen to Help Build TOVP 08:30 Leaving Corporate Life for Spiritual Service 12:50 Srila Prabhupada's Original Vision for Mayapur 15:18 The Greatest Challenge: Uniting People Behind One Mission 17:36 The Prophecy Behind the Temple 20:00 Why Prabhupada Wanted This Temple Built 24:00 Why Supporting TOVP Matters 26:10 What Is the Temple of Vedic Planetarium? 30:45 The Three Domes Explained 34:00 Inside the Srila Prabhupada Museum 40:00 AI, Technology & Preserving Prabhupada's Legacy 47:45 The Vision for the Planetarium 54:00 Science, Cosmology & the Fifth Canto 01:03:00 Why Build Another Temple? 01:10:40 Ambarish Prabhu's Sacrifice & Commitment 01:15:00 The Grand Opening Plans Revealed 01:24:00 The Future Vedic City of Mayapur 01:31:00 Accountability, Leadership & Stewardship 01:39:30 Vanashram & Future Development 01:42:00 Preparing Mayapur for Millions of Visitors 01:50:00 The Final Push to Complete the Temple 01:57:00 The Meaning Behind the Prabhupada Ring 01:58:00 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts If this conversation inspired you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who believes in building something that outlives them. #8thElementPodcast #TOVP #Mayapur #TempleOfVedicPlanetarium #TOVP #Mayapur #SrilaPrabhupada #VedicPlanetarium #BrajavilasDas #VedicCosmology #GaudiyaVaishnavism #PrabhupadasVision #TranscendentalUnitedNations

    Building The Impossible: The Untold Story of Temple of the Vedic Planetarium | Braja Vilas | EP. 17
  7. 3 jun

    Ep. 16 | From Hardcore Legend to Bhakti Yogi | Porcell (Shelter, Judge)

    What happens when a hardcore punk musician spends decades searching for truth? In this powerful conversation, John Porcelli (Parmman Das) shares his journey from New York's legendary hardcore scene with Youth of Today and Shelter to becoming a yoga teacher, spiritual practitioner, and student of ancient Vedic wisdom. We explore health, consciousness, healing, freedom, personal responsibility, spiritual awakening, the power of chanting, and what it means to live authentically in a rapidly changing world. Along the way, John shares incredible stories from India, mystical healers, the early hardcore movement, the evolution of yoga culture, and why true transformation begins within. This is more than a conversation about politics, health, or spirituality. It's a conversation about truth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Meet John Porcelli (Parmman Das) 03:15 From Hardcore Punk to Yoga Teacher 06:30 The Mystic Healer Who Cured Jaundice in India 13:55 The Evil Eye & Energy Healing Stories 22:40 Consciousness, Healing & Joe Dispenza 27:30 Punk Rock, Youth of Today & Early Spiritual Influences 33:30 Health, Ayurveda & Natural Living 35:00 COVID, Vaccines & Personal Freedom 46:20 The Psychology of Fear & Control 52:20 Media Narratives, Power & Modern Society 01:04:30 Truth, Discernment & Personal Responsibility 01:10:00 Spiritual Solutions to Modern Problems 01:18:00 Politics, Spirituality & Social Change 01:32:00 Lessons from Touring Japan 01:34:00 "Disengage" — The Most Powerful Form of Activism 01:40:00 First Experiences of Spiritual Ecstasy 01:52:00 The Maha Mantra & What Unites Humanity 01:58:00 Is Humanity Awakening? 02:03:00 Final Reflections & Hope for the Future If you're searching for deeper meaning, stronger conviction, and a higher perspective on modern life, this episode is for you. Subscribe and join the conversation.

    Ep. 16 | From Hardcore Legend to Bhakti Yogi | Porcell (Shelter, Judge)
  8. 26 mei

    EP. 15 | The 12th Disciple of Srila Prabhupada on WWIII, ISKCON & the Future of the Movement | Rupanuga Das

    One of the earliest disciples of Srila Prabhupada joins the 8th Element Podcast for a powerful and deeply controversial conversation about spirituality, society, war, institutional corruption, and the future of Krishna consciousness. Rupanuga Prabhu shares firsthand stories from the early days of the Hare Krishna movement in New York City, his personal experiences with Srila Prabhupada, the Buffalo preaching movement, the rise of spiritual communities in America, and his concerns about modern institutionalism. This episode dives into: • The original mission of Srila Prabhupada • Book editing controversies • Spiritual movements and infiltration • World War predictions and karma • The danger of institutional ego • Why “Perfection at Home” may be the future • The power of chanting and spiritual practice inside the family unit Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Rupanuga Prabhu 03:00 – Meeting Srila Prabhupada in New York City 07:00 – Early Krishna Consciousness in the East Village 10:00 – “You Are Not Your Body” Changed Everything 16:00 – Building the Buffalo Movement 25:00 – The David Susskind Show & Reaching Millions 31:00 – Why He Dedicated His Life to Preaching 34:00 – Prabhupada’s Warnings About World War 44:00 – “The Power Is in the People” 49:00 – Karma, Violence & The State of the World 57:00 – Why Society Is Spiraling Toward Crisis 1:01:00 – The Book Editing Controversy 1:08:00 – Envy, Leadership & Spiritual Institutions 1:13:00 – “Agents of Kali” Inside Spiritual Movements 1:20:00 – Infiltration, Intelligence Agencies & Narrative Control 1:23:00 – The Poisoning Discussion 1:25:00 – Initiation, Gurus & Prabhupada’s Books 1:35:00 – Why Prabhupada Has “No Equal” 1:42:00 – The Vision of “Perfection at Home” 1:49:00 – Spiritual Life Beyond Institutions 1:54:00 – Preparing Consciousness for Death & Crisis Whether you agree or disagree with every perspective shared, this conversation challenges listeners to think deeply about truth, consciousness, leadership, and personal spiritual responsibility. Subscribe to the 8th Element Podcast for more conversations exploring faith, identity, consciousness, culture, and the deeper realities shaping our world.

    EP. 15 | The 12th Disciple of Srila Prabhupada on WWIII, ISKCON & the Future of the Movement | Rupanuga Das

Info

Most podcasts keep politics and spirituality separate. We don’t. We believe understanding the world requires both, and a willingness to ask deeper questions, practice discernment, and look beyond surface-level narratives to see what’s actually happening beneath the headlines. This is a truth-seeking podcast for conscious thinkers exploring geopolitics and current culture through a spiritual lens rooted in Vedic philosophy. What is the 8th Element? It is Oxygen, the breath of life. We cannot live without it. And for the soul’s nourishment and awakening we need this life giving information based on clear thinking and transcendental knowledge. As a trio of decades long practicing bhakti yogis or Vaisnavas, we unpack hidden truths, challenge power structures, and apply common sense to understand with coherence a rapidly changing world. So come as you are my friend, prabhus from all walks of life, with sincerity and an open heart. We’ll meet you here every week on Thursday night/Friday morning. Follow us on YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Rumble: 8th Element Podcast is: Buzz Ryan, Gargs Allard & India

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