Mindrolling with Raghu Markus

Be Here Now Network

Escapades in Mind-Expansion and Cultural Misadventures. Mindrolling Podcast is about coming unstuck and the recent history of awoken awareness. It’s about the intersection of culture, consciousness and realization with Raghu Markus.

  1. 12 HR AGO

    Ep. 620 – Psychedelic Teachings: A Mindrolling Anthology w/ Rick Doblin, Dr. Sylvestre Quevedo, Paul Austin, Stephanie Karzon Abrams, and Gül Dölen

    This episode of Mindrolling is a collection of some of the most potent teachings from Raghu’s conversations with experts and researchers in the field of psychedelics. In this Mindrolling Anthology: Clip 1 (Ep. 348) – We begin with a clip from one of Raghu’s conversations with Rick Doblin, who is a leader of the current psychedelic renaissance. They discuss grief, PTSD, and the role of psychedelics in trauma processing.Clip 2 (Ep. 497) – Next up is a snippet from Raghu’s talk with Dr. Sylvestre Quevedo, a psychedelic researcher who has practiced medicine for over 40 years. They explore how ketamine fits into the picture of psychedelics and share stories of their own experiences.Clip 3 (Ep. 505) – We move on to a discussion with Paul Austin, an entrepreneur, author, and coach. He and Raghu talk about how psychedelics can help us remember who we truly are and the potential they hold for healing relationships.Clip 4 (Ep. 563) – Next, we have neuropharmacologist Stephanie Karzon Abrams. She and Raghu discuss bridging the gap between science and spirit, and how psychedelics can help change our perspectives.Clip 5 (Ep. 596) – The final clip is from a conversation between Raghu and neuroscientist Gül Dölen. They talk about how psychedelics induce meta-plasticity and why “critical periods” after psychedelic therapies are similar to the Buddhist concept of beginner’s mind.“But really, what psychedelics are teaching us is the importance of presence, how to listen, how to slow down, right? They’re helping to sort of take us out of this rigamarole, this hamster wheel of existence, and see that another way of being is actually possible. And really, what’s required more than anything is a loving, compassionate presence.” – Paul Austin See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    53 min
  2. 8 NOV

    Ep. 619 – Sanity and Sainthood: Integrating Meditation and Psychotherapy with Tucker Peck, Ph.D.

    Raghu sits down with clinical psychologist and meditation teacher Dr. Tucker Peck to explore the meeting point of dharma and psychotherapy. If you are in the U.S., you can directly purchase a paperback copy of Sanity & Sainthood HERE. Otherwise, head over to Amazon for both paperback and ebook formats.  In this episode of Mindrolling, Raghu and Tucker discuss: Tucker’s first mind-altering meditative experience on the beachIncluding the dharma in psychotherapy and Tucker’s work in meditation as a therapeutic modalityHow Tucker developed a relationship with Sharon Salzberg and learned mindfulness techniques from herThe eccentric story of Grandma Allegra: enlightenment, humor, and being in love with the world The question of psychedelics—are they ‘necessary’ for elevating consciousness?Working with the mind and the difference between content and process The pros and cons of the ego and why we need to first know ourselves before dissolving the selfThe Elephant Path, a nine-step practice for building concentration, insight, and awakened awarenessAbout Tucker Peck, Ph.D.: Dr. Tucker Peck is a meditation teacher, clinical psychologist, and bestselling author of Sanity and Sainthood.  His specialties include working with advanced meditators and using meditation to help those suffering from psychological disorders.  He hosts the podcast Teaching Meditation. Tucker began formal training in meditation in 2005 and has studied with, among other teachers, Sharon Salzberg and Upasaka Culadasa.Tucker received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Brown University, and he received his Masters and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the College of Science at the University of Arizona. Tucker is a published author on the scientific study of meditation, focusing on how meditation affects the brain. He is a former faculty member of both the University of Arizona Department of Psychology and College of Medicine, and he is the founder and former Director of Palo Santo Psychotherapy & Wellness.  He is the founder, treasurer, and past president of the Open Dharma Foundation, which provides scholarships to meditation retreats, and for four years served as the president of the Tucson Community Meditation Center.  Keep up with Tucker and his upcoming retreats HERE. “The trouble is, the ego is trying to protect you from threats and it is very, very unclear on what does and doesn’t constitute a threat. It tends to think any sort of emotion constitutes a threat, any sort of insight into how the mind or perceptual system works is more than you can handle, so what you want is to slowly get to know yourself.” –Tucker Peck, Ph.D. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 5m
  3. 31 OCT

    Ep. 618 – Love at First Sight: A Mindrolling Anthology Featuring Duncan Trussell

    This episode of Mindrolling is a collection of some of the best moments from Raghu’s conversations with his podcast guru, the one and only Duncan Trussell. In this Mindrolling Anthology: Clip 1 (Ep. 4): From the very beginning, it was love at first sight. In their first Mindrolling conversation, Duncan and Raghu talk about how they met.Clip 2 (Ep. 94): Recorded live at the 2014 “Open Your Heart in Paradise” retreat in Maui, Duncan explores his crippling video game addiction, his early connection to Ram Dass, and a beautiful moment he shared with his mother before she passed away.Clip 3 (Ep. 144): From Sartre to Skinner to Gurdjieff, Raghu and Duncan get philosophical about gratitude, ego structures, and premeditated murder. Get your insanity defense ready!Clip 4 (Ep. 297): In this conversation about identity, personality, and motivation, Duncan and Raghu invoke the wisdom of Trungpa Rinpoche and his lack of glue when it came to his Trungpa-ness.Clip 5 (Ep. 385): Everybody watch out, the mischief man is here. Duncan expresses some of his frustrations with the spiritual path, while Raghu talks about how honest intention allows for transformation.Clip 6 (Ep. 518): What is the movie of me? Raghu and Duncan discuss an idea so essential to their ongoing conversation that they wrote a book about it. Just don’t tell Krishna Das!Pick up a copy of There Is No Other, a new book of essential wisdom from Ram Dass & Friends for an age of disconnection: Click To Learn More About Duncan Trussell: Duncan Trussell is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor. His popular podcast, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour, has been downloaded over 25 million times and is known for its blend of humor, fringe ideas, eclectic guests, and great interviews. The DTFH is the foundation for Duncan’s Netflix animated series, The Midnight Gospel, which he co-created with Pendleton Ward in 2020. To learn more about Duncan’s work, visit his website at duncantrussell.com. “When my mom was dying, I said to her, ‘What do you want me to do?’ Something you ask your mom when they’re dying. And she had a spiritual practice, a real spiritual practice; she was very dedicated to it. Every morning, she would wake up and meditate for a long time. And you see, when someone’s dying, holy cow, you see how incredible that practice can be, because the grace with which she left the universe was just stunning. It’s beautiful. I was like, ‘What do you want me to do?’ And she said to me, ‘Expand.’” – Duncan Trussell See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    48 min
  4. 27 OCT

    Ep. 617 – Your Brain On Art with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

    Merging art, science, and spirit, authors and intellectuals Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross illuminate why creativity is essential for humanity. Grab a copy of Susan and Ivy’s Book: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us In this episode of Mindrolling, Raghu, Susan, and Ivy explore: Redefining art as any medium that allows someone to express themselvesLearning to see the world with fresh eyes and creative curiosityThe powerful reflection: has there ever been a time when the arts have personally affected you?Resonance and vibration as the center of the universe Music as a pathway to experience oneness with all thingsThe miracle of neuroplasticity—rewiring the brain and making new pathwaysConfronting ourselves with a new piece of art or doing a new arts practice Play through art: letting go of any preconceived outcome and simply playing with ideas and conceptsWhy change requires time, patience, and habitual practice Remembering that art in ancient cultures was highly valued and integrated into daily lifeThe aesthetic mindset and walking through the world with attention to beauty in every detailListen to Sit Around the Fire, a collaborative musical journey with Jon Hopkins, East Forest, and Ram Dass About Susan Magsamen: Susan Magsamen is the founder and director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she is a faculty member. She is also the co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint. Susan works with both the public and private sectors using arts and culture evidence-based approaches in areas including health, child development, education, workforce innovation, rehabilitation and social equity. “It’s personal; it could be crocheting for her, gardening for somebody else, it could be I’m a collager, we’re all talking about personalized medicine and precision medicine, and the arts are probably the most personalized medicine that there is.” –Susan Magsamen  About Ivy Ross: Ivy Ross is the Vice President of Design for hardware product area at Google, where she leads a team that has won over 225 design awards. She is a National Endowment for Arts grant recipient and was ninth on Fast Company's list of the one hundred Most Creative People in Business in 2019. Ross believes that the intersection of arts and sciences is where the most engaging and creative ideas are found. “I think we’ve been focusing on productivity and efficiency and pushing these arts aside as a ‘nice to have’, not as an imperative to our health and wellness. Through the work on this book with Susan, learning more about the physiology of how we are wired to receive the sensorial nature of life, it’s no wonder when we deprive ourselves of that, why we’re in the state we’re in.” –Ivy Ross See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    58 min
  5. 17 OCT

    Ep. 616 – The Truth of Emptiness with Susan Piver

    Carried by a discourse on The Heart Sutra, teacher and author Susan Piver joins Raghu to explore the truth of emptiness. Grab your copy of Susan’s book: Inexplicable Joy: On the Heart Sutra This week on Mindrolling, Raghu and Susan chat about: Practicing The Heart Sutra with only one syllable: ahhThe truth of emptiness through recitation of non-truths Understanding emptiness as bliss, not as voidnessThe commitment to self interest that many westerners experienceReleasing the ego as the first step towards embracing emptiness Being both empty and luminous at the same timeThinking of emptiness as complete interconnection and fullnessSusan’s psychedelic experience: staying in the present, being in the womb of blissThe six transcendent actions and how they all spring from generosity Check out this free, downloadable translation of The Heart Sutra from Plum Village “You’re empty of separate existence. Your parents, their parents, their parents, if someone ate a different sandwich a thousand years ago, you wouldn’t be here. Emptiness could just as easily be called fullness, completely connected.” –Susan Piver About Susan Piver: Susan Piver has an international reputation as an exceptionally skillful meditation teacher. She teaches workshops and speaks on mindfulness, innovation, communication, relationships, and creativity. Susan has been a student of Buddhism since 1995, graduated from a Buddhist seminary in 2004, and was authorized to teach meditation in 2005. In 2012, she founded The Open Heart Project, the world’s largest online-only meditation center. Susan is also a New York Times bestselling author. Her most recent book, Inexplicable Joy: On the Heart Sutra, is now available. You can keep up with Susan on Instagram or on her website. Join Susan for a 5-day Kripalu meditation retreat this November See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    57 min
  6. 10 OCT

    Ep. 615 – Stoic Empathy with Author Shermin Kruse

    Author and changemaker Shermin Kruse examines the timeless principles of Stoicism and their power to foster mindful, intentional, and empathetic living. Grab a copy of Stoic Empathy HERE to learn more about living a Life of Influence, Self-Leadership, and Integrity This week on Mindrolling, Raghu and Shermin Kruse: Embracing discomfort and challenges as catalysts for personal and spiritual growthShermin’s powerful story of growing up in Iran during the wartime of the 1980s and 90sHow Stoic philosophy transformed Shermin’s approach to work, meditation, therapy, and daily lifeThe profound relationship between Stoicism and empathyShermin’s Stoic inspiration mother, aunt, and cultural rootsUnderstanding the Stoic ideal of the dichotomy of controlShermin’s mystical, otherworldly experience while giving birthPracticing intentional pause and mindful response to life’s stimuliMoving beyond the ego and awakening to loving awarenessAbout Shermin Kruse: Shermin Kruse is an award-winning idea curator, global change-maker, complex-system negotiator, lawyer, speaker, and storyteller. Shermin has nearly two decades of experience working in competitive strategy and game theory applications, corporate and community advocacy, brand protection and augmentation, as well as dispute resolution for individuals, public-company boards of directors, international corporations, and Fortune 500 Companies. Shermin also has a decade of parallel experience producing thought-leadership events, including TEDx conferences and a network of salon series. She teaches Negotiating with Tactical Empathy, Global Transactions, Cross-Border Deals, and Leadership at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Shermin is a mother of four, living in the heart of Chicago. Her personal journey from the war-torn streets of her native Tehran to the elite corporate boardrooms of the world informs her deep commitment to fostering empathy, control, justice, and global understanding. Learn more on Shermin’s website. “It’s a kind of resilience and a kind of Stoicism that is very counter to the image of the statue, stoic, white, male figure that we think about when we imagine Greek Stoicism. The interesting thing about Stoicism is all that it has in common with Buddhism, meditation, dance, passion—all of those things.” –Shermin Kruse See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 1m
  7. 3 OCT

    Ep. 614 – Gurdjieff’s Philosophy of Consciousness with David Silver

    David Silver and Raghu Markus explore the life and teachings of George Gurdjieff, the Russian-born mystic and philosopher of consciousness. This time on Mindrolling, Raghu and David have a discussion about: How a teenage David Silver was first introduced to Gurdjieff’s teachingsGurdjieff’s influence on the 1960s counterculture and the evolution of consciousness movementsThe call to “do only what is new and fresh” and live in search of the miraculousDoing the work literally and figuratively; supporting oneself and moving towards clear mentation Gurdjieff’s view of humans as incomplete sleepwalkers, mechanically reacting to lifeGradual awakening through self-observation, inner struggle, and conscious effort Shedding false pretenses to discover a unified, authentic selfHow Gurdjieff’s philosophy inspired Ram Dass’s spiritual visionThe Seekers of Truth and The Sarmoung Brotherhood The transformative and ongoing practice of self-remembering Pre-order your copy of There Is No Other: The Way to Harmony and Wholeness a profound collection of newly gathered writings from Ram Dass and edited by Parvati Markus. Ram Dass shows us how a house divided against itself—whether that “house” is our individual self or the society in which we live—can come together in wholeness. Learn more: There Is No Other Way Pre-Order About George Ivanovich Gurdjieff Gurdjieff, who was born in the late 1800’s, was a philosopher, mystic, spiritual teacher, composer, and movements teacher. Born in the Russian Empire, he briefly became a citizen of the First Republic of Armenia after its formation in 1918, but fled the impending Red Army invasion of Armenia in 1920, which rendered him stateless. Gurdjieff taught that people are not conscious of themselves and thus live their lives in a state of hypnotic "waking sleep", but that it is possible to awaken to a higher state of consciousness and serve our purpose as human beings. Learn more about Gurdjieff HERE and pick up some of Gurdjieff’s most famous work, Meetings with Remarkable Men. About David Silver: David Silver is the former co-host of the Mindrolling podcast. He is a filmmaker and director, most recently coming out with Brilliant Disguise. Brilliant Disguise tells the unique story of a group of inspired Western spiritual seekers from the 60s, who in meeting the great American teacher, Ram Dass, followed him to India to meet his Guru, Neem Karoli Baba, familiarly known as Maharaj-ji. Two days before he left his body, Maharaj-ji instructed K.C. Tewari to take care of the Westerners, which he did resolutely until the day he died in 1997. Silver’s #1 charting MGM/UA/Warners film, “The Compleat Beatles” is the critically acclaimed biopic movie about history’s most famous band. The term ‘rockumentary’ was first applied to this two-hour movie. Rolling Stone recently described the film as a “masterwork.” Silver’s Warner Brothers’ feature film, “No Nukes” also started the whole trend of music/activism feature documentaries. “His father basically said to him, you must not do anything old, you must always try and do something new and fresh, you must already be honest, you must always support yourself, These were all important in Gurdjieff’s life. You must be in search of the miraculous, because what else is there?” —David Silver See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 3m
  8. 26 SEPT

    Ep. 613 – Finding Unity in Divisive Times: Morals, Media & the Human Condition with Danny Goldberg

    Offering a perspective of hope and unity, Danny Goldberg and Raghu Markus explore morality, polarization, and how negative media drives collective anxiety. Pre-order Danny’s upcoming book, Liberals with Attitude: The Rodney King Beating and the Fight for the Soul of Los Angeles This time on Mindrolling, Raghu and Danny discuss: The uproar surrounding the brutal beating of Rodney King by the L.A. policeSeeing history as the study of change, and looking into how history impacts our lives todayHow the human condition largely remains the same century after centuryThe inner conflict between morals: choosing what is right vs. what feels safeBuilding bridges by connecting over universal human values instead of polarizing politicsHealing our felt sense of separation by remembering that we are all interconnectedThose who feel they are losing power when others make progressThe seduction of negative news media and how it feeds collective anxiety and divisionFinding perspective by remembering that every era faces troubling timesConsidering the Sermon on the Mount as a moral compassLearning to honor fear without being a slave to it Click HERE to pre-order There is No Other by Ram Dass, with contributions from Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, and more.  About Danny Goldberg: Danny Goldberg is an author and music executive who has spent decades in the business. As a manager, Danny’s clients included Bonnie Raitt, Nirvana, The Allman Brothers Band, and Sonic Youth. As a label executive he was President of Atlantic Records, and Chairman of Warner Bros Records and the Mercury Records Group – among others. Danny Goldberg’s previous books include Bloody Crossroads 2020: Art, Entertainment and Resistance to Trump, Serving The Servant: Remembering Kurt Cobain, How The Left Lost Teen Spirit, Bumping Into Geniuses: My Life Inside The Rock and Roll Business and In Search of The Lost Chord: 1967 and the Hippie Idea. Learn more about Danny and his work HERE. Check out the article Culture, Empathy and Resistance by Danny Goldberg and the book NEXUS by Yuval Noah Harari “People always say to me, ‘It’s never been this way’. That’s just absolutely not true. We had slavery in this country. Women couldn't vote until 1920. Homosexuality, you could still go to jail up until the 60s for it. The AIDS epidemic during the Reagan period. Not to mention human history, the Crusades, and the Holocaust. There have been many, many dreadful times.’” – Danny Goldberg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    57 min

About

Escapades in Mind-Expansion and Cultural Misadventures. Mindrolling Podcast is about coming unstuck and the recent history of awoken awareness. It’s about the intersection of culture, consciousness and realization with Raghu Markus.

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