The Free Radical Podcast

In this episode of the Free Radical Podcast, Swami Padmanabha warmly welcomes Father Cassian, a Roman Catholic priest and Benedictine monk with a rich interspiritual background. A native of Southern California, Fr. Cassian was originally initiated into the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Vedantic tradition before returning to his Catholic roots and joining the Benedictine order in 2007. Ordained in 2013,...

What happens when a physicist walks away from science to follow the path of devotion? In this episode of the Free Radical Podcast, we meet Śrīla Bhakti Bhavan Vishnu Maharaj—a brilliant mind turned monk whose life journey bridges reason and revelation. From Los Angeles to South India, from laboratories to temples, his story is one of transformation, surrender, and unwavering faith. Watch on YouTub...

In this episode of the Free Radical Podcast, we dive into a rich and thought-provoking conversation with Christian theologian, philosopher, and author Thomas J. Ord. Known for his groundbreaking work in open and relational theology, Ord brings insight into topics such as divine omnipotence, the problem of suffering and evil, and the evolving nature of God. Together, we explore how love, freedom, a...

In this episode of the Free Radical Podcast, Swami Padmanabha welcomes Lila Vrindavan Dasi—a visual artist, teacher, mentor, and yogini—whose life bridges the worlds of art and spirituality. Lila Vrindavan's journey began in Russian classical ballet and later transitioned into the visual arts, culminating in a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University. Her deep engagement with mysticism, yoga, Ayurveda,...

In this episode of the Free Radical Podcast, we sit down with Yogeshwar Das—Vaishnava thinker, educator, and biographer—to explore the rich dialogue between faith and reason, science and spirituality. With a background in Holocaust documentation, war crimes journalism, and spiritual biography, Yogeshwar brings a unique perspective to questions of consciousness, matter, and how we define (and redef...

Krishna Lila’s response to childhood trauma led her to ask life’s biggest questions: Who am I? What am I doing here? What is the purpose? Where is the meaning? In this conversation, Krishna Lila shares her remarkable journey of self-discovery and the pivotal inner shifts that guided her from dissociative survival to embodied spirituality. For years, she felt trapped inside a box, with the instruct...

Join Swami Padmanabha and Venkata Bhatta—assistant dean of religious life and chaplain at Princeton University, author, and co-host of the Namarasa Podcast—for a thought-provoking conversation. Together, they explore the nuance of liminality, where nouns become adjectives, and the in-between spaces of life reveal their depth. As the discussion unfolds, it offers rich insights that inspire an activ...

In this episode of the Free Radical Podcast, we welcome Sukhavaha dasi—author, healer, and radical personalist. Born into a Protestant minister’s family and later initiated by Srila Prabhupada, Sukhavaha has spent decades guiding spiritual seekers through emotional healing and self-discovery. Join Swami Padmanabha and Sukhavaha as they explore themes of radical personalism, identity, navigating cr...

“Independent Thinking” might seem at odds with a tradition centered on surrender—but think again. In this organic and dynamic conversation, Madhavananda Dasa joins Swami Padmanabha to illuminate the multifaceted jewel of Guru Tattva. Together, they explore the evolving roles of both the guru and spiritual institutions, examining how these two forces interact. Taking the pulse of their communities,...

Join Swami Padmanabha in this heartfelt conversation with Manjuali as she shares her deep connection with Srila Prabhupada and Srila Sridhara Maharaja, exploring the transformative role of prayer in navigating life’s challenges and viewing Krishna as an ever-evolving mystery. Drawing from decades of inner work on the path of bhakti, she offers a beautiful and hopeful perspective that inspires youn...

Join Swami Padmanabha for a captivating conversation with Siddhartha Krishna that spans the relationship between Advaita Vedanta and theistic philosophy, the integration of ancient wisdom with contemporary life, and the harmony of secular disciplines with the Vedas. Packed with profound insights and practical wisdom, this conversation offers a rich tapestry of thought for anyone eager to dive deep...

As a 17th-generation descendant of Sri Vallabhacharya, Maitri Goswami has devoted her life to studying the sacred texts of the Pushti Bhakti Marg under the guidance of her father and revered guru. Join Swami and Maitri in an enriching exploration of their shared spiritual heritage, illuminating profound connections between the Gaudiya and Vallabha Sampradayas. Together, they delve into themes such...

Born in Italy, Raddhanti Swami’s early encounters with racial discrimination steered him away from violence and division, nurturing a natural inclination toward spirituality from a young age. Drawn by the beauty and sweetness of bhakti, he found it more compelling than aspects of the Divine such as opulence, power, or control. Join this inspiring journey as we explore the dynamic interplay between...

Witness the interplay between two profound spiritual traditions as Swami Padmanabha and Jeffery Long and explore how Radical Personalism bridges the the expanse normally seen between Advaita Vedanta and Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/cIjjIJMQU10 ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook . ~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INST...

Drop in on this candid moment as Pranada dasi, author of the award-winning Bhakti trilogy and dedicated Vaishnavi, unknowingly joins the Free Radical Podcast and continues to share her deep experiences, insights, struggles and appreciation of the—as she puts it—gorgeous path of bhakti. For more, please visit https://www.pranadacomtois.com/ Watch on YouTube: ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Ref...

Join Swami Padmanabha and Rabbi Nahum Ward-Lev, who embraces the role of a "lead learner" rather than a teacher, in this enriching conversation that unfolds like a spiritual pilgrimage. Travel with these two pilgrim brothers as they weave a tapestry of exploration through topics mutually vital to both. Some of the threads giving texture and depth to this beautiful creation of insights that invite...

In this episode, Swami Padmanabha is joined by Krishna Kshetra Swami, a very appreciated elder, scholar and Gaudiya Vaishnava teacher. Tune in as they explore Dialogical Vaishnavism which emphasizes the importance of genuine engagement in dialogue—not just with other faiths and traditions, but also within our own community and with ourselves. It highlights how the very nature of reality is inheren...

In this episode of the Free Radical Podcast, host Swami Padmanabha sits down with Carmen Acevedo Butcher, an award-winning translator, internationally acclaimed speaker, author, educator, and poet, to explore profound topics like the mystery of God, the concept of the cloud of unknowing, and the ever-evolving nature of reality. Together, they discuss the mysteries that lie beyond human understandi...

Join Swami Padmanabha as he sits down with Ananda-murari das—a close friend, musician, and new father—for a heartwarming and insightful conversation. In this episode, Ananda-murari das opens up about how fatherhood is deepening his understanding of God's love for each of us and shaping his journey in male spirituality. And as a special treat, there's a delightful "cherry on top" at the end of the...

Join Swami Padmanabha and Rabbi Bradley Artson as they engage in a profound dialogue exploring their shared perspectives on God, the world, and the self as parts of an endless process of becoming. This captivating conversation delves into the rich and progressive traditions of Judaism and Gaudiya Vaishnavism, uncovering unique insights and timeless wisdom on the path of devotion. Together, they mi...

With a bit of a twist and a sprinkling of spice, Swami Padmanabha and Mahatma das bring to the table the vital conversation of self-love in bhakti—a conversation not only rarely had but often silently undermined through misconceptions of bhakti and, therefore, everything else that relates to Her—ourself, our practice, and God. Dispel self-sabotaging myths and discover the interpenetrating reality...

Have you ever experienced the synergistic magic when there is a natural meeting of minds? How about hearts? Join Swami Padmanabha and Pastor Scarlet Gorton as their kinship draws them together to explore the gift of unconditional love, how to open ourselves to that love and how to share its message with others. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIpdAXOSqp8 ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATI...

Join Swami Padmanabha and Ujjvala as they delve into the transformative power of sacred disruption. In this episode, they explore how conscious participation in rituals—which can function as a replica of reality—has the potential to reframe our lives, reignite our spiritual journeys, and offer profound emotional experiences. By moving beyond mere intellectual connections, we are able to embrace a...

Be swept away by the flow of intermystical spirituality as Swami Padmanabha and Brother Alberto Varona explore the interweaving of their journeys in mystical traditions. Brother Alberto, a devout member of the Community of Francis and Claire, clinical psychologist, and director of campus ministry at Saint Xavier University, shares his profound journey back to his deepened roots in Christianity aft...

Join Swami Padmanabha and Dina-bandhu as they affectionately share insights during this organic discussion. Dina-bandhu works as an hospital chaplain, offering spiritual support to people of all faiths and backgrounds. He regularly facilitates classes and groups about the teachings, practices of bhakti, approaches to spiritual care, and the intersection of creativity and experiential spirituality....