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

Buzz Ryan, Gargs Allard & India
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Spirituality

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. 2d ago

    Weapons of Mass Deception: Fauci, Congress & the War on Truth | 8th Element Decode #11

    For further information and/or to contact us regarding sponsorship, etc., please email us: contact@8thElementPodcast.com What happens when the people we're told to trust leave us with more questions than answers? In this episode of The 8th Element Decode, Buzz Ryan, Gargs, and India examine Anthony Fauci, the COVID-19 era, congressional scrutiny, institutional trust, media influence, and the deeper consequences of surrendering our discernment to authority. But this conversation goes beyond one man. The deeper question is: How do we recognize truth in an age of fear, groupthink, conflicting narratives, and declining trust? The discussion moves from Fauci's public statements and the private writings attributed to his diary to the response of media organizations, government institutions, medical authorities, and even spiritual communities during the pandemic. The hosts also turn the lens inward. Why do intelligent people follow the crowd? What happens when belonging becomes more important than questioning? Should spiritual leaders speak authoritatively outside their area of expertise? And when leaders get something wrong, what responsibility do they have to acknowledge it? Drawing from Vedic wisdom and the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, the conversation ultimately returns to one principle: truthfulness. The answer isn't simply finding a different authority to blindly follow. It's developing the character, humility, spiritual grounding, and discernment necessary to examine claims for yourself—and remaining willing to change your mind when the evidence demands it. Chapters 2:10 – Weapons of Mass Deception 3:04 – The Fauci Diary & Congressional Questions 5:22 – The Deeper Spiritual Problem Behind Deception 7:10 – India Examines Fauci’s History 11:36 – Public Statements vs. Private Writings 14:03 – The COVID Claims the Hosts Question 18:29 – Power, Celebrity & Institutional Authority 20:12 – When Spiritual Institutions Follow the Narrative 23:32 – How Groupthink Damages Trust 27:16 – Why Belonging Can Override Discernment 29:57 – COVID Changed How People View Authority 32:32 – RFK Jr. Clip & Media Accountability 34:58 – Victor Davis Hanson on Fauci’s Legacy 43:15 – “The Blind Leading the Blind” 44:53 – The Responsibility to Do Your Own Research 46:24 – A Devil’s Advocate Defense of Pleading the Fifth 48:20 – Can the Media Still Be Trusted? 49:22 – The Elephant in the Room: Why? 52:27 – Truth Cannot Stay Hidden Forever 53:58 – Why Truthfulness Matters Spiritually 54:22 – The Mission of The 8th Element Decode Whether you agree or disagree with the conclusions in this episode, we invite you to listen critically, examine the arguments, and join the conversation respectfully. What did the COVID era teach you about trust, authority, and thinking for yourself? Subscribe to The 8th Element for conversations examining modern culture, leadership, truth, spirituality, and current events through the lens of Vedic wisdom.

    Weapons of Mass Deception: Fauci, Congress & the War on Truth | 8th Element Decode #11

  2. Aug 11

    Ram: Ayurveda, Ayahuasca & Seeing Through the COVID Illusion” | Ep.22

    Ram shares what it was like joining the Hare Krishna movement in the 1970s, his personal encounters with Srila Prabhupada, witnessing the movement change after Prabhupada's passing, and why he eventually began searching beyond the institution while holding onto the spiritual truths that first transformed his life. The conversation also ventures into Ram's experiences studying Ayurveda, traveling into the Peruvian Amazon to work with Shipibo shamans, encountering ayahuasca, confronting mortality, observing the mind, and discovering why extraordinary spiritual experiences can point toward truth—but cannot replace the daily work of becoming who we're meant to be. And beneath all of those experiences is one remarkably simple message: Love everybody. Serve everybody. Remember God. The discussion later turns toward institutional trust, COVID-era policies, vaccines, government authority and the responsibility of spiritual leaders to question the institutions they trust. These portions represent the participants' views and personal experiences and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Chapters 00:00 A Shamanic Blessing to Open the Conversation 03:43 Finding God in Everything Around Us 05:26 The Real Test of Your Spiritual Life 07:01 The Greatest Misunderstanding About Identity 09:18 Aging, Death & Making Every Interaction Matter 10:02 Love Everybody. Serve Everybody. Remember God. 11:35 Ram's First Night at a Hare Krishna Temple 13:36 Who Is Richard "Ram" Masla? 14:40 Ayurveda, Panchakarma & Chronic Stress 20:49 From Hare Krishna Devotee to His Own Spiritual Path 22:06 Leaving Home at 17 to Search for Truth 24:35 The Mysterious Bell That Woke Him Every Morning 27:13 How the Moody Blues Sparked a Spiritual Search 30:17 Why Music Can Transform Consciousness 33:46 Inside the Hare Krishna Movement of the 1970s 37:41 When Money Began Changing the Mission 40:13 What Happened After Prabhupada's Death? 41:31 Ram's First Journey to India 44:38 The Question That Changed 27 Years of Devotion 46:19 Building the Ayurvedic Health Retreat 47:18 Almost Giving Up on the Dream 47:58 Why Ram Traveled to the Amazon 50:18 Fear Before His First Ayahuasca Ceremony 54:09 What the Ayahuasca Experience Felt Like 58:40 Confronting Death During a Ceremony 1:01:29 Your Mind May Be Running the Same Thoughts Every Day 1:03:19 People Come Into Our Lives to Be Loved, Not Judged 1:03:47 Meditation & Becoming the Witness of Your Mind 1:09:05 What Psychedelic Experiences Taught Them About the Soul 1:10:24 Can Plant Medicine Lead You Toward God? 1:11:37 Why the Experience Isn't Enough 1:12:55 "Love Is What the Whole Universe Is Made Of" 1:13:12 When Spirituality Loses Its Authenticity 1:14:30 COVID, Health & Institutional Trust 1:29:52 Why Spiritual Leaders Must Question Authority 1:36:00 Can You Trust Leaders Who Won't Admit They Were Wrong? 1:39:42 Power, Politics & the Search for Truth 1:45:39 Fear, Globalism & Political Awakening 1:50:02 Ram's Message After 50 Years of Seeking 1:51:48 "The World Doesn't Need More Buddhists..." 1:52:49 How to Fight Lies Without Becoming Consumed by Anger 1:53:34 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Ram Whether you come from Christianity, Krishna consciousness, another spiritual tradition—or you're simply trying to understand what it means to live authentically—this conversation asks a question worth considering: Are we becoming more loving, truthful and awake—or simply becoming better at looking the part? If this conversation challenges or encourages you, like the episode, subscribe to the 8th Element Podcast, and share it with someone who's searching for something deeper.

    Ram: Ayurveda, Ayahuasca & Seeing Through the COVID Illusion” | Ep.22

  3. Aug 3

    MKULTRA Declassified: The Government’s Secret Mind Control Program | 8th Element Decode #10

    A recent congressional hearing reopened one of the most controversial intelligence programs in American history: MKUltra. In this episode of The 8th Element Decode, we examine the historical program, discuss testimony presented during the hearing, and explore broader questions about psychological influence, propaganda, media, technology, and spiritual discernment. The conversation also examines why independent thinking matters in a world filled with competing narratives and why protecting your mind may be one of the greatest challenges of our time. Whether you agree or disagree with every perspective discussed, this conversation is intended to encourage deeper thinking, thoughtful discussion, and personal responsibility. In this episode: - What MKUltra was designed to accomplish - The recent congressional discussion surrounding the program - Historical allegations and public testimony - Media, algorithms, and psychological influence - Why critical thinking matters - A spiritual perspective on protecting your consciousness Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Why the Recent MKUltra Hearing Matters 04:15 What Was MKUltra? 06:39 What Does "MKUltra" Actually Mean? 07:53 Senate Testimony & Historical Background 09:25 The Goal of Behavioral Programming 11:18 Charles Manson & Historical Allegations 20:34 Hidden Documents & Congressional Investigations 23:15 Did MKUltra Really End? 30:41 Kathy O'Brien's Story 34:24 Modern Human Trafficking & Psychological Control 36:33 Fear, Media & Mass Conditioning 41:36 Independent Thinking vs Manipulation 44:03 Can Spiritual Communities Be Conditioned Too? 47:02 Modern Technology & Mind Influence 48:46 The Ultimate Battle Is Your Own Mind 51:58 Final Thoughts & Protecting Your Consciousness

    MKULTRA Declassified: The Government’s Secret Mind Control Program | 8th Element Decode #10

  4. Jul 27

    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

  5. Jul 20

    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

  6. Jul 13

    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

  7. Jul 2

    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

  8. Jun 24

    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
See All (25)

About

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

Information

You Might Also Like