Episodes
-
Ep384: Edgy Gurus & Rude Dharma - Samuel Bercholz
In this episode I am once again joined by Samuel Bercholz, a senior teacher in the Nyingma and Kagyu lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, founder of Shambala publications, and author of “Rude Awakenings:An Unconventional Guide to the Buddhist Path”. Sam reflects on the controversial behaviour of his…
more -
Ep383: Am I a False Prophet? - Alan Chapman
In this episode I am once again joined by Alan Chapman, British writer, occultist, and spiritual teacher. In episode 370, Alan shared a prophecy and predicted that a major disaster would occur in New York on the 11th of September 2026. No such disaster occurred. In this episode, Alan wrestles…
more -
Ep382: A Life of Magick - Jessica Messenger
In this episode I am joined by Jessica Messenger psychic, occultist and founder of a new occult bookshop, CraftHaus, in the city of Derby, England. Jessica recalls her idyllic childhood in the Midlands of England, her early affinity for the weird and metaphysical, and how a life changing…
more -
Ep381: I Nearly Died - Delson Armstrong
In this episode, filmed in London, England, I am once again joined by Delson Armstrong, spiritual teacher, meditation virtuoso, and author of ”A Mind Without Craving”. Delson recounts his recent close encounter with death in severe floods in Missouri. He recalls fighting for his life as ten feet…
more -
Ep380: Cultivating the Jewel of Mindfulness - Har-Prakash Khalsa
In this episode, filmed in the city of London, I am joined by Har-Prakash Khalsa, artist, meditation teacher, and senior student and archivist of American meditation teacher Shinzen Young. Har-Prakash takes a walk through London drawing on the sights and sounds of the environment to demonstrate...
-
Ep379: Chaos Magick & Astral Travel - Graham Nicholls
In this episode I am joined by Graham Nicholls, a leading teacher and writer of out of body experiences (OBE). Graham recalls his working class upbringing in London, his unusual schooling in a Marxist-Feminist school, and reflects at length about the British class system and its effect on his...
-
Ep378: Entering the Brahma Viharas - Leigh Brasington
In this episode I am once again joined by Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of “Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas”. Leigh discusses his new book “Love, Compassion, Joy, Equanimity: The Brahma Viharas – Suttas, Stories, Practices, Hidden Gems” in which he...
-
Ep377: Gnosis, Initiation, & Esoteric Traditions - Peter Kelly
In this episode I am joined by Peter Kelly, independent spiritual teacher and author of “The Phoenix Birth” and “The Saturated Breath”. Peter recalls his troubled childhood, struggles with crime and addiction, imprisonment, and subsequent spiritual quest. Peter recounts what he describes as a...
-
Ep376: Adi Da’s Zookeeper - Stuart Camps
In this episode I am joined by Stuart Camps, a 30 year devotee of the American spiritual teacher Adi Da, long time curator of Adi Da’s zoo, the “Fear No More Zoo”, and author of “Lightning Thunder Cows”, a memoir of Stuart’s life with his guru. Stuart recalls his upbringing in Papa New Guinea…
more -
Ep375: Meditation Sickness - Dr Ben Joffe
In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe anthropologist and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Dr Joffe shares his recent research and publications on the topic of gegs sel, Tibetan writing about how to remedy the various obstacles and illnesses that can arise during...
-
Ep374: Occult Encounters - Raya Thorne
In this episode I am joined by Raya Thorne, occultist, psychic, and spiritual mentor. Raya recounts her troubled childhood, early ghost encounters, and teenage experiments in the occult and witchcraft. She describes terrifying encounters with summoned entities, details an ongoing working with a...
-
Ep373: Rude Awakenings - Samuel Bercholz
In this episode I am joined by Samuel Bercholz, a senior teacher in the Nyingma and Kagyu lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, founder of Shambala publications, and author of “Rude Awakenings: An Unconventional Guide to the Buddhist Path”. Samuel recalls his childhood as the son of holocaust survivors,...
-
Ep372: Hermitix - James Ellis
In this episode I am joined by James Ellis - independent researcher; writer; host of the Hermitix podcast; and founder of the online magick school, the Hermitage. James traces his spiritual journey including new atheism, explorations in the occult, Gurdjieff work, conversion to and deconversion...
-
Ep371: The Zen Life - Muho
In this episode I am once again joined by Muho, Sōtō Zen teacher, Youtuber, and previous abbot of Antai-Ji monastery in Japan. Muho recalls the early days of his marriage and of his abbotship of Antai-Ji monastery, compares Japanese to Western students, and addresses the shortcomings of Western...
-
Ep370: What is Prophecy? - Alan Chapman
In this episode I am once again joined by Alan Chapman, British writer, occultist, and spiritual teacher. Alan takes a deep dive into his understanding of the phenomenon of prophecy, how it operates, and its surprising purpose. Alan explains the different between prophecy and prediction, the…
more -
Ep369: Esoteric Pharping - Lama Glenn Mullin
During a recent trip to Nepal, I met with Lama Glenn Mullin, spiritual teacher, Tibetologist, and author of over 30 books on Buddhism. Glenn was in Kathmandu to lead a group of pilgrims into tantric retreat and graciously agreed to film with me at various sacred sites before and after their...
-
Ep368: Aristocracy of the Soul - Dr Francisco José Luis
In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Francisco José Luis, scholar of Indo-Iranian Studies and Comparative Religion trained at the Sorbonne, Paris and SOAS, London. Francisco describes the religious and philosophical view of Traditionalism, tracing the ideas of figures such as René Guénon,...
-
Ep367: Life Extension & Inner Alchemy - Martin Faulks
In this interview I am once again joined by Martin Faulks: author, hermeticist, meditation adept, and memory expert. Martin discusses the recent death of his mother, reflects on the profound power of her positive support in his own life successes, and describes the surprising consequence of her...
-
Steve James Interviewed on the Clear Mountain Monastery Podcast
I was recently interviewed by Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho from the Clear Mountain Monastery Project. They asked wonderful questions and we talked a lot about the power of listening. ... Their shownotes: In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Steve James, meditation teacher &...
-
Ep366: Questioning the Buddha - Leigh Brasington
In this episode I am once again joined by Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of “Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas”. This episode begins with a brief comment from Leigh about his appearance in “Ep329: Enlightened Politics” in which he explored the...
-
Ep365 : The Last Interview - Lorin Roche PhD
In this episode I am once again joined by Lorin Roche PhD, meditation teacher and author of “The Radiance Sutras”. I first met Lorin at the Summit at Sea conference in 2015 where we were both teaching. We attended each others’ workshops and immediately hit it off. In those days, we both taught on...
-
Ep364: 9 Stages of Consciousness - Tara Springett
In this episode I am once again joined by Tara Springett, a Buddhist psychotherapist who specialises in treating what she calls “Kundalini Syndrome”. Tara discusses her book "Stairway to Heaven" in which she lays out a 9 stage model of consciousness from innocence to enlightenment. Tara compares...
-
Ep363: Mythic Descent & the Dark Side of Dharma - Duncan Barford
In this episode I am once again joined by Duncan Barford, occult practitioner, counsellor, and author of “Occult Experiments in the Home”. Duncan reflects on his training as a counsellor and the difficulties in sharing his occult interests in that context; his deep appreciation of Freud and Jung;...
-
Ep362: Goddess Encounters - Delson Armstrong
In this episode I am once again joined by Delson Armstrong, spiritual teacher, meditation virtuoso, and author of ‘A Mind Without Craving’. Delson describes his recent initiation into the goddess tradition of Śri Vidya, recounts his subsequent encounters with deities and supernatural beings, and...
-
Ep361: Living Awakeness - Stephen Snyder
In this episode I am once again joined by Stephen Snyder, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of several books including “Living Awakeness: Embodying Your Awakening”. Stephen compares Theravada to Zen in terms of difficulty and depth, explains why 30 minutes of cessation is his minimum to...
-
Ep360: Gurus & Awakenings - Dr Christopher “Hareesh” Wallis
In this episode, I am once again joined by Dr Christopher “Hareesh” Wallis, a Sanskritist and scholar-practitioner of Classical Tantra. Christopher shares how he became a spiritual teacher, explains the dangers of guru idealisation, and considers if he may be misleading his students. Christopher...
-
Ep359: Narasiṃha the Lion Man - Jensen Martin
In this episode, I am once again joined by Jensen Martin, a scholar-practitioner and PhD student at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. Jensen leads a deep dive into Narasiṃha, compares different version of the Narasiṃha myth, and examines contradictions in the tradition.…
more -
Ep358: Casebook of a Spirit Lawyer - Mary Shutan
In this episode I am once again joined by Mary Shutan: author, occultist, and spiritual teacher. Mary opens her casebook as a spirit lawyer, working on behalf of her clients with occult techniques to solve all manner of natural and supernatural problems. Mary recounts stories of jealous wizards,...
-
Ep357: Zen Is Good For Nothing - Muho
In this episode I am joined by Muho, Sōtō Zen teacher, Youtuber, and previous abbot of Antai-Ji monastery in Japan. Muho recalls the death of his mother when he was 6 years old, his childhood behavioural problems and time in boarding school, and initial contact with meditation. Muho shares what…
more -
Ep356: Awakening to Wholeness - Ken Wilber
In this episode I am joined by Ken Wilber, contemporary philosopher, author, and founder of Integral Theory. Ken recounts his biography and intellectual development including prodigious early reading, major spiritual experiences, and his models of spiritual and psychological development. Ken...
-
Ep355: The Accidental Buddhist - Doug Nurnberg
In this episode, filmed in Sarnath, India, I am joined by Doug Nurnberg, a close student of Tarthang Tulku for over 50 years and project manager and board member of the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute (SINI). Doug recalls his childhood in a conservative farming family in Kansas, how an…
more -
Ep354: Islamic Mysticism & Tantric Buddhism - Dr Francisco José Luis
In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Francisco José Luis, scholar of Indo-Iranian Studies and Comparative Religion trained at the Sorbonne, Paris and SOAS, London. Francisco shares his research into the links between Indian and Tibetan tantric practices and the mystical teachings of…
more -
Ep353: Mysticism and Demonology in Orthodox Christianity - Rebekah Sturgill
In this episode I am once again joined by Rebekah Sturgill, mother, school teacher, and convert to Orthodox Christianity. Rebekah discusses the contemplative methods of Orthodox Christianity; shares one of the tradition’s core practices, the Jesus Prayer; and discusses the importance of the...
-
Ep352: Mahāmudrā of Newar Buddhism - Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya
In this interview, filmed at Oxford University, I am once again joined by Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a 35th generation tantric priest in a centuries old Newar Buddhist family lineage and master of the religious dance tradition of Charya Nritya. Prajwal explains the use of mudrā and movement to...
-
Ep351: Psychic Entrepreneur - Alana Fairchild
In this episode I am once again joined by Alana Fairchild, spiritual teacher, psychic, and author of the best-selling Kuan Yin Oracle Deck. Alana recalls her spiritual apprenticeship, initial failed attempts to work as a psychic, and what it takes to make it as a new age entrepreneur. Alana...
-
Ep350: Contemplative History of Modern Russia - Victor Shiryaev 2
In this episode I am once again joined by Victor Shiryaev a teacher of Buddhist and modern meditation and somatic practices. Victor traces a contemplative history of modern Russia from the days of the esotericism and Orientalism of the Russian Empire, through the religious restrictions of the...
-
Ep349: Deep Dive Into Magick - Alex W
In this episode I am once again joined by Alex W, long term practitioner of Zen, Pragmatic Dharma, and Western Occultism. Alex takes a deep dive into the world of magick to compare esoteric systems from around the world including Western Occultism, Tibetan Buddhism, Indian Tantric and Goddess...
-
Ep348: Visions of the Lion-Headed Avatar - Jensen Martin
In this episode, I am joined by Jensen Martin, a scholar-practitioner and PhD student at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. Jensen recalls how his childhood experiences playing the World of Warcraft and reading fantasy books awakened a deep longing for real experiences of...
-
Ep347: Nurturing the Mind - Dr Nida Chenagtsang & Dr Caroline Van Damme
In this episode I host a dialogue between Buddhist teacher and doctor of Tibetan Medicine Dr Nida Chenagtsang and adult psychiatrist and family and systemic psychotherapist Dr Caroline Van Damme. Drs Nida and Caroline reflect on a half decade of collaboration in which they have explored the…
more -
Ep346: Tantric Scholar-Practitioner - Christopher “Hareesh” Wallis
In this episode, I am joined by Dr Christopher “Hareesh” Wallis, a Sanskritist and scholar-practitioner of Classical Tantra. Christopher recounts his unusual upbringing, early meetings with Osho and Muktananda, early shaktipat experiences, and powerful spiritual awakenings. Christopher traces his...
-
Ep345: Against the Stream Magick, Awakening, & Crowley - Alan Chapman & Duncan Barford
In this episode I am joined by British occultists, authors, and creative collaborators Alan Chapman and Duncan Barford. Alan and Duncan reflect on their decades of shared magickal practice and creative collaboration. They recall their first meeting at the secret society the “Illuminates of...
-
Ep344: Nepali Buddhist Nun - Guruma Dhamma Vijaya
In this episode, filmed on location in Kathmandu, Nepal, I am joined by Buddhist nun Guruma Dhamma Vijaya. Guruma recalls her childhood in Kathmandu Valley, the religious life of her Newar Vajrayāna family, and why she turned to Theravāda Buddhism and took ordination as a nun. Guruma recounts her...
-
Ep343: The Mystic Arthur Machen - RB Russell
R.B. Russell, author and founder of Tartarus Press, takes us on a deep dive into the life and works of Welsh author and mystic Arthur Machen. Ray traces the religious life of Machen, his involvement with the occult society the Golden Dawn, and his friendship with famed occultist A.E. Waite. Ray...
-
Ep342: Ānāpānassati - Dhammarato
In this episode, I am once again joined by Dhammarato: a lineage teacher in the Thai Buddhist tradition who is known for his unique, 1-1 teaching conversations conducted with students online. Dhammarato guides us through the Ānāpānassatisutta, a much loved scripture which describes Buddhism’s...
-
Ep341: Guru Viking Poetry Stream [Bonus Episode] - John Brehm and Henry Shukman
In this bonus episode, I share with you a Guru Viking remix video created by Zakery Mizell from the Youtube channel Zakery Mizell. Zakery’s channel focuses on knowledge and beauty and he has made several videos commenting on and even remixing episodes of the Guru Viking podcast. When I came…
more -
Ep340: Poetry and the Sacred Remix [Bonus Episode] - John Brehm and Henry Shukman
In this bonus episode, I share with you a Guru Viking remix video created by Zakery Mizell from the Youtube channel Zakery Mizell. Zakery’s channel focuses on knowledge and beauty and he has made several videos commenting on and even remixing episodes of the Guru Viking podcast. When I came…
more -
Ep339: Christmas & the Winter Solstice - Dr Thomas Clough Daffern
In this interview I am joined by Dr Thomas Clough Daffern, philosopher, educator, peace activist, and peace officer for the Council of British Druid Orders. Dr Daffern explains the meaning of Christmas and the Winter Solstice, reflects on cyclic time and indigenous wisdom, and shares his own…
more -
Ep338: Sacred Sufi Music & the Art of Ecstasy - Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch 2
In this episode, I am once again joined by Gerald Ilyas Klawatsch, Sufi musician, music therapist, and founder of the international musical ensemble Ak Pirim. Ilyas presents the sacred music of Sufism, explains its various instruments and principles, and performs musical pieces live. Ilyas tells...
-
Ep337: Guru Ghostwriting & Tantric Retreat - Dr Ben Joffe
In this interview I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist, occultist, and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Ben reveals the industry convention of guru ghostwriting in which spiritual teachers employ one or a team of writers to produce their dharma books, explains his...
-
Ep336: The Magick of Abramelin - Duncan Barford 3
In this episode I am once again joined by Duncan Barford, occult practitioner, counsellor, and author of “Occult Experiments in the Home”. Duncan begins with an analysis of the 2016 film, “A Dark Song”, which he believes is the most accurate depiction of occult practice in cinema. Duncan details...
About this show
The Guru Viking Podcast specialises in in-depth interviews with remarkable figures in the fields of meditation, spirituality, and religion.
Hosted by
Guru Viking
Categories