Chris Grosso The Indie Spiritualist

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Chris Grosso The Indie Spiritualist

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.

  1. DEC 3

    Ep. 134 - Unraveling Inner Landscapes with Tori Olds

    Psychologist Tori Olds helps listeners unravel inner landscapes by examining emotions, identity, and the patterns in our lives. Today’s podcast 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 Tori explore:Tori’s early interest in emotions and psychologyInterfacing with our emotional reactionsHow experiences shape identityIrrational and self-defeating behaviorsHow what we learn as a child influences how we protect ourselves as an adultEmotional knowing versus logical knowingImplicit memory and fear conditioningHow witnessing new evidence can help us unlearn negative patternsMindfulness for regulation of the nervous systemThe importance of working with a trained professionalThe potential within psychedelic-assisted therapyIf you are unable to work with a therapist but feel therapy may be helpful, check out this book recommendation from Tori: Self Therapy About Tori Olds: Tori Olds, PhD is a psychologist and a mother, but there is much more to her identity. Songwriting, meditation, and teaching are also important aspects of her life. She helped start Deep Eddy Psychotherapy alongside her sister Charlotte, her husband Glenn, and both her parents, which has provided her with numerous opportunities to train and supervise aspiring therapists. Ten years ago, she began leading a 6-month training group called “Minding the Heart,” offering a deep dive into experiential methods of therapy. She is drawn to these approaches because she believes the most profound transformation occurs when we connect with the deepest parts of ourselves—those that can only be reached through direct, experiential contact. Keep up with Tori on her website. “Making a prediction and seeing that what is happening is not what we predicted makes the memory labile…it’s in a state where it can change. If we introduce new knowing in two seconds the whole neural network can be rearranged or dissolved.” – Tori Olds See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 15m

  2. NOV 14

    Ep. 133 – Unlocking Unconscious Desires with Carolyn Lovewell

    Diving into the meaning of existential kink, Dr. Carolyn Lovewell joins Chris Grosso to discuss unlocking our unconscious desires. Today’s podcast 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 Dr. Lovewell discuss:The meaning of existential kinkThe practice of orgasmic meditationHow vulnerability and truth can lead to more sensationConsidering what our unconscious desires may bePracticing enjoying what is already happeningRealizing the darkness / pain we may be attracted to subconsciouslyThemes within the myth of PersephoneThe power addictions hold over us and admitting powerlessnessA guided meditation from Dr. CarolynLiving as characters in God’s dreamBecoming aware of our own wholeness and non-dualismSleep Over Mystery School and the heart of western mysteriesAbout Dr. Carolyn Lovewell Dr. Carolyn Lovewell (formarlly Elliott) is an American scholar, author, and occultist. She is the author of the book Existential Kink which focuses on shadow integration as a means for creating positive change in the self. She obtained a doctorate in Critical and Cultural Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Check out Dr. Lovewell’s podcast, Sleep Over and learn more on her website. If you are interested in integrating the opposites in the psyche, join the 9 month program with Dr. Lovewell at the Sleep Over Mystery School “Existential kink is the idea that pretty much all of us human beings have an unconscious attraction to painful things. We’re all kinky, we’re all in a sadomasochistic relationship with the universe. The universe, God, whatever we want to call it is a dom that has no safe words. It just keeps coming, all the time. We can learn to make those unconscious attractions to painful or negative patterns conscious. When we do that, we liberate all sorts of energy that had been unconsciously stuck. Existential Kink is a deep tool for change.” – Dr. Lovewell See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 12m

  3. OCT 2

    Ep. 132 – Peaceful Coexistence with Krishna Das and Nina Rao

    Reflecting on our ability to peacefully coexist, Nina Rao and Krishna Das join Chris Grosso to talk politics, practice, and more. This week, Chris, Krishna Das, and Nina all converge upon:Maharaj-ji’s response to being visited by politiciansKeeping the heart calm and open regardless of what is happening around usRecognizing everyone as a part of our own selvesCoexisting with all beings, human and non-humanLiving out our karma and doing the best can to not harm anyoneConsidering feelings about the upcoming electionHow it took returning to the west for Nina to connect to devotional practiceFinding a way to unlock the love that lives within usConnecting to the guru even after they have left the bodyThe ways we are born programmed by our culture, parents, etc.Chris’ experience with Ketamine therapy for his mental healthChanting as self releasing rather than self expressingAbout Krishna Das: Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee, Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category. Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops. To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017. For more on Krishna Das events, music, and other offerings visit: KrishnaDas.com About Nina Rao: Nina Rao is a devotional singer. She tours with Krishna Das, playing cymbals, singing, and acting as his business manager. Nina has two of her own albums, “Antarayaami – Knower of All Hearts” and “Anubhav”. Nina regularly leads kirtan, workshops, and retreats in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York and beyond. Together with Chandra and Genevieve Walker, Nina operates the 21 Taras Collective. You can keep up with Nina on her website or find her on Instagram @nina_rao and on Facebook @NinaRaoChant. “If people’s hearts are open and calm and connected to other people, the chances of doing things that are destructive is much less. You have to try to get to the deepest place inside and then who could you hurt because everybody is part of your own self.” – Krishna Das See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 5m

  4. AUG 15

    Ep. 131 - A New Paradigm of Healing with Sean P. Lawlor

    Calling attention to the healing properties of psychedelics, author and therapist Sean Lawlor talks with Chris about his new book, Psychedelic Revival. Grab your copy of Psychedelic Revival: Toward a New Paradigm of Healing HERE Today’s podcast 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, Sean and Chris reflect on:Sean’s inaugural experiences with psychedelicsAccessing altered states of mindIntegrating psychedelic experiences into daily lifeChris’s journey with treatment-resistant depression and psychedelic therapyChanging the ongoing damage from the war on drugsWhat psychedelics are and what they can doBreaking out of our habituated thoughts patternsEnduring the challenging parts of a psychedelic journeyThe different types of psychedelics and their pros and consThe amazing effect of placebo and having intentionsPlant medicines versus more western psychedelicsAbout Sean Lawlor: Sean is an author, therapist, and developer of online course content. He received his Masters of Fine Arts from Chatham University and completed a 3-year Master’s program in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling at Naropa University. Sean’s new book, Psychedelic Revival: Toward a New Paradigm of Healing, is currently available in print and digital formats. Learn more about Sean on his website. “A theory that I do believe in is that everything that comes up in the (psychedelic) experience can be helpful for one’s own healing journey, even if it is really challenging and dark.” – Sean Lawlor See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 14m

  5. JUL 10

    Ep. 130 - Merging the Material and Spiritual with Matt Winkley

    Through the inspiration of Sufism, Matt Winkley describes how he merged the business world with spirituality to form heart-centered companies and find financial freedom. This time on The Indie Spiritualist, Matt and Chris chat about:Matt’s youth and leaving for California with only the shirt on his backBuilding his own business out of his apartmentGetting below the hood of painHow meeting a Sufi healer taught Matt to go into his heart-spaceWalking through the door of the ego and surrenderingBuilding a trusting relationship with the divineSufism as a sweet, mystical path rather than a rule-centered religionMerging the material world with the spiritual worldAdvice on having a conscious relationship with moneyMatt’s experience with chronic stress, burnout, and auto-immune diseaseFinding financial freedom and learning about passive incomeAllowing ourselves to experience abundanceExamining what we really want, finding purpose, and taking actionAbout Matt Winkley: Matt Winkley is a businessman and mystic who doesn’t see a difference between the spiritual world and the external world, finding meaning in both. He built companies with integrity and has a passion for bringing spiritual principles into the workplace. Matt studied intensely under the tutelage of the great spiritual Sufi master Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal. During these years of study Matt transformed himself from the inside out. Taking these teachings into the area of business, Matt seamlessly integrated both worlds, creating unique leadership styles and heart centered business practices. As a savvy investor Matt was able to create financial freedom in his 30’s and now uses his time to give back. He mentors young conscious entrepreneurs, teaches meditation classes and supports charitable causes. Keep up with Matt on his Instagram. “I think you can be a cautious, spiritual, heart-centered person and have abundance. I don’t believe money changes you, I think it amplifies you. I think if you’re a kind, generous, heart-driven person, you’ll be able to do more of that with resources.” – Matt Winkley See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 15m

  6. JUN 6

    Ep. 129 - Meeting the End with Frank Ostaseski

    Encouraging listeners to examine their relationships with death and endings, Frank Ostaseski and Chris Grosso talk about living fully. 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. In this deep conversation, Chris and Frank Ostaseski go over:Death, dying, and what we can learn about living fullyDeath as our secret teacherThe relief of impermanence versus the oppression of permanenceRam Dass’ idea of death being like taking off a tight shoeBreaking the walls of our identity and living a life that is more curiousFrank’s 5 invitations to living well and dying without regretWitnessing transition through a different lensPerspectives on what happens after we dieBeing with people who are dying and walking side by sideWorking with fear and distinguishing emotion from objectSetting aside our judgments and welcoming experiences“To imagine that at the time of our dying, we’re going to have the mental stability, the emotional strength, the mental clarity to do the work of a lifetime, is a ridiculous gamble. The time for the conversation is now.” – Frank Ostaseski See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 8m

  7. MAY 9

    Ep. 128 – Punk Rock, Skateboarding, and Meditation with Brian Fair from Shadows Fall

    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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 6m

  8. APR 12

    Ep. 127 - Symbols, Myths, and Archetypes of Recovery Kikan Massara

    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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 12m
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4.8
out of 5
49 Ratings

About

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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