The Vital Veda Podcast: Ayurveda | Vedic Wisdom | Holistic Health & Natural Healing

Sound is the most subtle of the senses. And according to the Vedas, because it is the most subtle, it is also the most powerful. What you speak, how you speak, and what you allow yourself to hear shapes the quality of your mind, your consciousness, and ultimately the person you become. Recorded live during a sound healing evening in London, Dylan Smith explores the Vedic understanding of sound, sp...

Gemstones are not just decorative. In Jyotiṣa (Vedic Astrology), they are used as precise tools to amplify planetary influences and shift the trajectory of karma. In this episode, Dylan Smith sits down with Vedic Gemologist and Jyotiṣī Tiffany April Raines to explore how astrological gemstones actually work, why quality is everything, and the level of responsibility required when using them. Tiffa...

In this eye-opening conversation, Dylan sits with telecommunications engineer Daniel DeBaun to explore how modern electromagnetic fields (EMFs) interact with human biology and what we can do to maintain strong cellular energy in an increasingly wireless world. Our bodies are fundamentally electrical. Every nerve impulse, heartbeat, and cellular signal depends on delicate electrical gradients. Yet...

When an eclipse happens, something shifts. The light changes. The atmosphere feels different. Traditionally, these moments were never treated as ordinary. In this episode, Dylan is joined by Jyotishi and Ayurvedic practitioner Laura Plumb, Vaidya Dr Krishna Raju, Vaidya and medical astrologer Dr Harsha Raju, and mantra teacher Purnesh. Together they explore eclipses through the lenses of Ayurveda,...

In this profound wisdom session, Dylan sits with Dr Krishna Raju to explore how fear consciousness disrupts health , and how prāṇa, pulse awareness, and subtle Ayurvedic sciences restore balance at the deepest level. Rather than approaching disease as something external to fight, this conversation returns to a core Ayurvedic truth: health and illness arise first in consciousness . Through stories,...

Ever been told surgery is your only option for a hernia—and felt deep down there must be another way? In this episode, Dylan sits down with George Hirst, founder of Comfort Truss, who healed his inguinal hernia naturally after being told it was impossible. George shares the physical, emotional, and practical steps that took him from a painful two-golf-ball bulge to living symptom-free—no mesh, no...

From the depths of the cosmic ocean, Dhanvantari arose - radiant and serene, carrying the pot of Amṛta, the nectar of immortality. This is the birth of Ayurveda, the birth of healing itself. In this special Dhanteras episode, Dylan retells the ancient Vedic story of the Samudra Manthana (the Churning of the Ocean of Milk) and reveals how this timeless myth mirrors the process of transformation wit...

Ever wondered what makes a mantra truly powerful? Is it the precision of pronunciation, the ancient lineage it comes from, or the sincerity of the heart behind it? In this episode, Dylan speaks with Purnesh (formerly Swami Purnachaitanya), a teacher and practitioner who has spent over twenty years immersed in the Vedic tradition of mantra. Together they explore what mantra really is - not just wor...

Step into the aromatic world of Indian chai with Mira Manek, author of The Book of Chai and founder of Chai by Mira . In this episode, we trace the surprising history of how tea became India’s most beloved beverage - through colonial trade routes, opium, and clever British marketing. Mira shares chai-making secrets passed down through generations: from the Ayurvedic ritual of boiling milk three ti...

For millennia, honey has been treasured across cultures as a symbol of nourishment and healing, particularly for infants. Yet in 1978, Western medicine abruptly deemed it unsafe for babies under one year old due to concerns about botulism. But was this ban truly justified, or did precaution overshadow ancient wisdom and emerging scientific insights? While infant botulism is an extremely rare condi...

Human adaptation has shaped an extraordinary immune system in your child over millions of years—yet modern interventions often overlook this innate intelligence instead of strengthening it. In this episode, Dylan explores how to nurture your child’s immunity using time-tested Ayurvedic wisdom and holistic parenting approaches that work in harmony with the body’s natural defenses. He also addresses...

“There is no curable disease in the universe which has cannot be effectively cured by śilājatu, [but only] when administered at the appropriate time, in combination with suitable herbs and by adopting the prescribed protocol”. ~ Caraka Samhitā, authoritative classical Ayurveda text I’m Dylan Smith, an Ayurveda practitioner and educator, and in case you have not heard of Shilajit, it is one of Ayur...

The menstrual cycle is more than a physical process—it's a profound opportunity for growth, self-reflection, and harmony.  For this episode we have a twist on our usual podcast format: Dylan is interviewed by guest host Sophia Pace as they explore the profound wisdom and misunderstood beauty of the menstrual cycle. Together, they delve into the rhythms of the menstrual cycle and discuss how a...

In this episode, we delve into the ancient and sacred science of Shilpa Shastra, the Vedic art of sacred architecture and sculpture, with Drdha Vrata Gorrick, a master of this profound tradition. Drdha unravels the deep wisdom behind the intricate design principles that have shaped India’s temples and sacred spaces for millennia, exploring the divine proportions, symmetry, and ornamentation that e...

For this episode I had the honour of interviewing Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a world-renowned spiritual teacher and the founder of one of the largest spiritual organisations in the world today, Art of Living. This interview occurred in person, after the unforgettable Navaratri celebrations at the Art of Living Ashram in Bangalore. This sacred festival drew over 40,000 people together, creating...

Join us in this transformative episode featuring Mario Brainović, CEO of Analemma Water, and a leading water science expert.  Mario shares insights from over 15 years of scientific research, revealing how coherently structured water enhances human biology, boosts energy levels, and improves soil vitality. Learn how coherent water can harmonise brainwaves, support your microbiome, increase plant re...

Curious about how tuning into your child's emotions can transform both their world and yours? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Marion Rose, PhD, a pioneer in Aware Parenting. Discover how this revolutionary approach goes beyond fulfilling basic needs and delves into the emotional depths of children, fostering their healing from stress and trauma. In this episode, Marion reveals th...

In this riveting conversation, we sit down with Raghu Markus to delve into the profound connection between psychedelics and spiritual traditions. Journey with us as Raghu shares his intimate experiences with the famous Indian guru, Neem Karoli Baba (a.k.a. Maharajji) and Ram Dass, exploring how these encounters shaped his understanding of universal love, non-duality, and the integration of psyched...

What if a near-death experience could radically reshape your understanding of life?  In this episode, Dr. Eben Alexander shares the profound insights he gained from his own extraordinary NDE (Near Death Experience), following a week-long coma induced by a rare E. coli bacterial meningoencephalitis. Dr. Alexander takes us on a journey through otherworldly realms, including a light-filled portal and...

Curious about how to maintain your health while exploring the rich cultures of India and Asia? Whether you're worried about catching "Delhi belly" or blending safely with the local customs, this episode is packed with practical advice and Ayurvedic wisdom to ensure a smooth journey.  In this episode, we'll uncover the Ayurvedic principles that support better food combinations a...

Discover how to transform inner turmoil into profound peace, even in the most challenging environments. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Patti Montella, a best-selling author and senior faculty member of the Art of Living, as she shares her extraordinary journey of teaching yoga, meditation, and breathwork to over 10,000 people worldwide.  From Navy SEALs to serious trauma victims, Pa...

Prepare to transform your understanding of foot health and athletic performance. This episode promises to unravel the secrets of minimalist footwear and its profound impact on conditions that plague so many, including bunions and plantar fasciitis. With Steve, a top sprinter with age-defying speed, we explore how maintaining physical function as we age isn't just a dream but an achievable rea...

Journey the mystical realms of Kundalini awakenings with my guest, Kim Nguyen. From full-time corporate architect to being bombarded with radical spiritual energies, at first Kim was overwhelmed with kundalini energies, but now is evolving to work with it. Kim is now touring the world to meet one-on-one with renown artists to rapidly boost their creativity through techniques she is still learning...

Embark on a transformative journey with me, as I recount a decade's worth of profound Ayurvedic wisdom and personal growth, marking Vital Veda's 10-year milestone. Feel the anticipation as I unveil pivotal lessons from my health voyage and the enlightening encounters with my esteemed Ayurvedic mentors, the Raju family of Vaidyas (Ayurvedic Physicians), during their recent trip to Austral...

On this podcast episode I had the pleasure of sitting down with Emmy-nominated documentarist, Michael Collins, to discuss his upcoming film release, ”Intuition” showcasing one set of techniques to unlock the hidden potential within children, by means of a simple yet highly sophisticated practice ( sadhana ). On this episode we delve into the fascinating stories of children who have gone through th...