Mindrolling with Raghu Markus

Ep. 641 – Bhumi Devi: Honoring the Sacred Mother with Nina Rao

Discussing the inspiration behind her upcoming album, Bhumi Devi, Nina Rao and Raghu Markus explore preserving the planet and devotion to the sacred mother. Support the pre-sale of Bhumi Devi with exclusive reward levels on Kickstarter until June 2. Click here [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ninarao/nina-rao-offers-presale-of-her-new-album-bhumi-devi] for more information. This week on Mindrolling, Raghu and Nina chat about:  * Moderating our consumption and doing our best to heal the earth * Nina’s work in preserving wilderness areas * Wisely receiving gifts from Mother Earth while preserving uncorrupted lands * The unconditional love and presence that resonates through Maharaj-ji * The reciprocal relationship we have with the divine * When Nina met Siddhi Ma, and seeing her as merged with Maharaj-ji * The first time Nina chanted for Siddhi Ma * Satsang: connecting with Maharaj-ji through community * Prayers to the Goddess in Nina’s new album, Bhumi Devi  Connect with Nina Rao this Summer at the Ram Dass Legacy Summer Mountain Retreat! Learn more HERE [https://www.ramdass.org/event/ram-dass-legacy-2026-summer-mountain-retreat-with-krishna-das-friends/]. 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” [http://www.ninaraochant.com/music] and “Anubhav” [https://www.ninaraochant.com/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 [https://www.21tarascollective.org/]. You can keep up with Nina on her website [http://www.ninaraochant.com/about-nina] or find her on Instagram @nina_rao and on Facebook @NinaRaoChant. “Even if we’ve never met Maharaj-ji, we understand presence, we understand sacred divine presence that holds love, peace, equanimity, understanding, a place where you feel free on some level. That happened to me as a child, chanting to my grandpa, living close to the earth, engaging in ritual, and creating a space where we can offer gratitude.” –Nina Rao See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Ep. 640 – The Man Who Saves the World? With Patrick McCollum & Gabe Polsky

Interfaith peace counselor Patrick McCollum and documentary filmmaker Gabe Polsky share the powerful prophecy that united the Amazon and led to making their film, The Man Who Saves the World? Click here [https://themanwhosavestheworld.com] to find screenings of The Man Who Saves the World? near you. This week on Mindrolling, Raghu speaks with his guests, Gabe and Patrick, about:  * The origin story behind The Man Who Saves the World? and the real-life journey that inspired the film * How diverse Amazonian tribes are connected through shared spiritual practices and plant communication * The meaning of the Roxa Prophecy and why the Amazon is considered the “heart of the world” * Efforts to unite the Amazonian tribes to save the rainforest and its inhabitants  * Our universal journey to understand reality and our purpose in life * How psychedelics, indigenous wisdom, and other spiritual pursuits open doors to new perspectives * Bursting the bubble of our constructed reality  * Patrick’s work as a bridge between “the people of the concrete” (modern society) and the indigenous  About Patrick McCollum: Patrick McCollum is an interfaith chaplain, spiritual mentor, and peace counselor. Patrick was inspired by the Great Mother to promote a sacred universal vision that respects religious and cultural diversity and advances pluralism. As a dedicated peacemaker, Patrick brings forth a well-timed meta-narrative of universal magnitude that is alerting the world of the sacredness of all beings. Patrick is the founder and president of The McCollum Foundation for Peace, which aims to discover and implement positive, workable, and sustainable strategies that create local and global change and peace in all areas of life. “Their ancient story said that one day, thousands of years later, the Amazon would be in trouble. It would be burning, the water would be poisoned, and the indigenous people and their wisdom would be wiped out. When that happened, the creator would send the spirit of Roxa into a man or woman, and that person would unite all of the indigenous people of the Amazon and help them create a strategy to save the heart of the world.” –Patrick McCollum About Gabe Polsky: Gabe Polsky is a filmmaker, director, producer, and writer best known for the documentaries Red Army (2014) and In Search of Greatness (2018). Known for pushing the boundaries of documentary filmmaking, Gabe Polsky has built a reputation for uncovering stories that challenge perception, provoke thought, and entertain. His work has premiered at major international festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, the Telluride Film Festival, and the New York Film Festival.  “After eight years of pursuit from these tribes, he agreed to try and unfold this prophecy. I learned about this, and I got caught up in this story as well, following Patrick down to the Amazon to try and fulfill this prophecy. It’s this wild spiritual adventure, very funny, very strange, it’s a film that has a lot of deep meaning.” –Gabe Polsky See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Ep. 639 – Psychedelics for Personal Development with Dr. Phil Wolfson & Gagan Levy

Dr. Phil Wolfson offers his seasoned perspective on psychedelics, ketamine assisted therapy, and more in this expansive talk with Raghu Markus and Gagan Levy. Check out these FREE personal & clinical guidelines for use from the Ketamine Research Foundation [https://ketamineresearchfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ketamine-Guidelines-2nd-Edition-1.pdf] This week on Mindrolling, Raghu, Phil, and Gagan discuss: * How psychedelics shaped Phil’s worldview in the 1960s and inspired his commitment to social justice * Using psychedelics as tools for personal growth, healing, and transformation * The importance of set and setting when taking psychedelics recreationally, therapeutically, or ceremoniously  * Going beyond the ups and downs of psychedelics and finding steady peace through practice * The persistent anti-depressant effects of Ketamine and its therapeutic promise * Phil’s ongoing studies with the Ketamine Research Foundation for phantom limb pain, end-of-life care, and menstrual cycle disorders * Mind Manifesting: What exactly happens to the brain on psychedelics? * Phil’s ‘bottom line’: positive intentions and practical guidelines for Ketamine use About Dr. Phil Wolfson: Phil Wolfson MD was Principal Investigator for the MAPS sponsored Phase 2, FDA approved 18-person study of MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy for individuals with significant anxiety due to life threatening illnesses. His clinical practice with ketamine has informed his leadership role in the development of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. Phil’s book, The Ketamine Papers [https://www.amazon.com/Ketamine-Papers-Edited-Phil-Wolfson/dp/0998276502], has been published by MAPS and is the seminal work in the burgeoning ketamine arena.  Phil is a sixties activist, psychiatrist/psychotherapist, writer, practicing Buddhist and psychonaut who has lived in the Bay Area for 38 years. He is the author of Noe: A Father/Son Song of Love, Life, Illness and Death [https://www.amazon.com/Noe-Father-Son-Song-Illness-Death/dp/1556439717](2011, North Atlantic Books). He has been awarded five patents for unique herbal medicines. He is a journalist and author of numerous articles on politics, transformation, psychedelics, consciousness and spirit, and was a founding member of the Heffter Research Institute. Phil has taught in the graduate psychology programs at JFK University, CIIS and the UCSF School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry. Phil is the founder and CEO of the Ketamine Research Foundation [https://ketamineresearchfoundation.org] and is committed to making the organization a vibrant contributor to the betterment of human beings through psychedelic psychotherapy. "The work needs to be thought of not as a single episode, but as a therapy. Psychedelic psychotherapy is much quicker than conventional psychotherapy for many reasons, but it needs to have a follow-up, continuation, integration, and work with someone to be effective. That's not to say ketamine on its own doesn't have value, it does." – Dr. Phil Wolfson About Gagan Levy: Gagan Levy is the Founder/CEO of Guru [https://www.weareguru.com], an award-winning creative agency dedicated to serving purpose-driven movements, brands, and organizations. They work with impactful brands like Patagonia, Traditional Medicinals, Nalgene, Non-GMO, The Organic Alliance, Bring Change to Mind and many natural products brands, including EO / Everyone Products, OM Mushroom Superfoods, and REBBL. Gagan also serves as Chief Evangelist at MAHA Global, a platform focused on helping businesses adapt to stakeholder needs using data-driven reputation intelligence. As former Co-chair of Social Venture Circle, one of the country’s most prestigious impact investor and social business communities, Gagan leads the way to a next economy that is regenerative, just, and prosperous for all. Gagan Levy is also a current board member to his prolific teacher Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation, he has been instrumental in strategizing how to connect the greatest wisdom keepers of our time to a new generation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Ep. 638 – Zen Mind Jewish Mind with Rabbi Rami Shapiro

In this rich conversation bridging Zen and Jewish mysticism, Rabbi Rami Shapiro and Raghu Markus navigate nonduality, the shadow, and the living experience of the divine. Grab a copy of Rabbi Rami’s newest book, Zen Mind Jewish Mind, HERE  [https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Mind-Jewish-Midrash-Living/dp/1958972657] This time on Mindrolling, Raghu and Rabbi Rami discuss: * Veering off from traditional Judaism and into Jewish mysticism  * Nondual awareness as the realm of divine consciousness * Going beyond the dead word and into the living word * Inspiration from Shunryu Suzuki Roshi’s classic Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind [https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Mind-Beginners-Informal-Meditation/dp/1590308492] and Thich Nhat Hanh’s series on How to Live [https://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Boxed-Mindfulness-Essentials/dp/194152947X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=N7VB96QSOQCB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Lao6c2XYkNt8cK1OIiz6pHGcUr4HMZmhH10O0oawX2QJ63qmxS7IinRMmZMLZW1IEx5GjrZnxFyv8B2Jbx9ZWhrCfbFzLoSW_4N23MzMHzXiNu65pd8KxWboQooHYurPsabwiT0g_1yZgQEzVtMFgYv9VeaxKf_3HQmkNlVH6QeVVgtJukUn8IRrmYs7XUqHpz6sTHJn7OBA0mfN5XGEGWcR4z5n2QiP6b-VaZ5PRLM.x-cpBrg6rCXEg9vW9zSLgrxD0S3YvZcSqcj0H8yyRxs&dib_tag=se&keywords=thich+nhat+hanh+how+to+series&qid=1773926178&s=books&sprefix=thich+nhat+hanh+how+to+serie%2Cstripbooks%2C110&sr=1-1] * Koan: the Zen practice of exhausting the logical mind to provoke direct, intuitive insight into reality and one's own nature * Recognizing our own shadow rather than pretending it does not exist  * Holding multiple truths at once: there is no other, we are all part of a whole, and we do have differences * How the Kabbalah expresses the name of God in an embodied way * Seeing the divine in all humans and everything in front of us * Special moments with Ram Dass, accepting silence and accepting the moment for what it is About Rabbi Rami Shapiro: Rabbi Rami Shapiro is an award-winning author of over two dozen books on religion and spirituality. He received rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College: Jewish Institute of Religion, and holds a PH.D. from Union Graduate School. A congregational rabbi for 20 years, Rabbi Rami currently co–directs One River Wisdom Schoo [https://new.oneriverfoundation.org/]l, blogs at r writes the foundation’s newsletter, Ask Rabbi Rami, and hosts the foundation’s podcast, Explore Spirituality with Rabbi Rami. Rami is also a contributing editor for Spirituality+Health magazine www.spiritualityhealth.com [http://www.spiritualityhealth.com/] where he writes the advice column Roadside Assistance for the Spiritual Traveler. Rami can be reached at https://www.threads.net/@rabbirami [https://www.threads.net/@rabbirami] "The Jewish meditation practices, the spirituality within Judaism, never or at least rarely gets beyond or slips into the nondual to the extent that you drop the labels, that you drop the tribal. You get Saint Paul saying there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, in Christ. To me, that's Christ consciousness, that's Buddha mind. When you reach that level of consciousness, all the labels fall away, your sense of separate self is gone.” –Rabbi Rami Shapiro See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Ep. 637 – Beyond the Veil of Normal Perception with Documentary Filmmaker Dakota Wint

Dakota Wint meets Raghu beyond the veil of normal perception to explore mysticism, altered states, and the fringe of spirituality. Subscribe to Dakota’s new series, The Flower Heads Show, on your favorite podcast app. This time on Mindrolling, Raghu and Dakota explore: * The Aghori people of India and the side of Hinduism a lot of people don't know about * Dr. Robert Svoboda’s trilogy on the Aghori people: At the Left Hand of God [https://www.amazon.com/Aghora-At-Left-Hand-God/dp/8171673422/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0] * Differentiating real prayer from performative rituals * Faith and seeing beyond the veil of our normal perception  * Considering the limits of spirituality and how it is expressed across cultures * Dissolving polarities and seeing the universality of all beings * Taking wisdom from Ram Dass through his posthumous book, There is No Other [https://shop.ramdass.org/products/there-is-no-other] * Realizing that wisdom and spirituality does not require travel or psychedelics * Dakota’s experience with plant medicine in the Amazonian jungle * Faith and remembering the mystery in day-to-day life * The eternal light of the Sadhu and reaching enlightened states without substances You can find Dakota’s documentary, Aghori: Holy Men Of The Dead, free on YouTube: Click Here To Watch [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDyNvfBQ4Cs&list=PLQxHaGVLAzc45wODdC0jxue56o3U93kPI&index=4] About Dakota Wint: Dakota Wint is a documentary filmmaker, vlogger, podcast host, and spiritual teacher from Detroit, Michigan. His films and podcasts revolve around current events, strange spirituality, and taboo traditions. You can subscribe to his podcast, A Place for Humans, HERE [https://aplaceforhumans.podbean.com/]. Dakota grew to fame as an internet personality via his popular YouTube channel, Dakota of Earth [https://www.youtube.com/dakotawint]. Dakota hosts retreats around the world and runs a non-profit focused on cultural and language preservation. Learn more about current happenings on his website [https://www.dakotawint.com/] “I am just trying to figure out what spirituality is, what the limits of it are, how it expresses itself, are we all talking about the same thing, what can you show me? I go to these places that have these big practices. What do you have to offer? Especially in India, where all these gurus make these big claims, what can you show me? That's what I've been asking myself and anyone I meet.” –Dakota Wint See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].