Explore every episode of the podcast 8th Element: Analyzing Current Events & Geopolitics Through The Vedic Wisdom Lens For Truth Seekers

What happens when a hardcore punk musician spends decades searching for truth?

In this powerful conversation, John Porcelli (Parmman Das) shares his journey from New York's legendary hardcore scene with Youth of Today and Shelter to becoming a yoga teacher, spiritual practitioner, and student of ancient Vedic wisdom.

We explore health, consciousness, healing, freedom, personal responsibility, spiritual awakening, the power of chanting, and what it means to live authentically in a rapidly changing world. Along the way, John shares incredible stories from India, mystical healers, the early hardcore movement, the evolution of yoga culture, and why true transformation begins within.

This is more than a conversation about politics, health, or spirituality.

It's a conversation about truth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Meet John Porcelli (Parmman Das)

03:15 From Hardcore Punk to Yoga Teacher

06:30 The Mystic Healer Who Cured Jaundice in India

13:55 The Evil Eye & Energy Healing Stories

22:40 Consciousness, Healing & Joe Dispenza

27:30 Punk Rock, Youth of Today & Early Spiritual Influences

33:30 Health, Ayurveda & Natural Living

35:00 COVID, Vaccines & Personal Freedom

46:20 The Psychology of Fear & Control

52:20 Media Narratives, Power & Modern Society

01:04:30 Truth, Discernment & Personal Responsibility

01:10:00 Spiritual Solutions to Modern Problems

01:18:00 Politics, Spirituality & Social Change

01:32:00 Lessons from Touring Japan

01:34:00 "Disengage" — The Most Powerful Form of Activism

01:40:00 First Experiences of Spiritual Ecstasy

01:52:00 The Maha Mantra & What Unites Humanity

01:58:00 Is Humanity Awakening?

02:03:00 Final Reflections & Hope for the Future

If you're searching for deeper meaning, stronger conviction, and a higher perspective on modern life, this episode is for you.

Subscribe and join the conversation.

One of the earliest disciples of Srila Prabhupada joins the 8th Element Podcast for a powerful and deeply controversial conversation about spirituality, society, war, institutional corruption, and the future of Krishna consciousness.

Rupanuga Prabhu shares firsthand stories from the early days of the Hare Krishna movement in New York City, his personal experiences with Srila Prabhupada, the Buffalo preaching movement, the rise of spiritual communities in America, and his concerns about modern institutionalism.

This episode dives into:

• The original mission of Srila Prabhupada

• Book editing controversies

• Spiritual movements and infiltration

• World War predictions and karma

• The danger of institutional ego

• Why “Perfection at Home” may be the future

• The power of chanting and spiritual practice inside the family unit

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Rupanuga Prabhu

03:00 – Meeting Srila Prabhupada in New York City

07:00 – Early Krishna Consciousness in the East Village

10:00 – “You Are Not Your Body” Changed Everything

16:00 – Building the Buffalo Movement

25:00 – The David Susskind Show & Reaching Millions

31:00 – Why He Dedicated His Life to Preaching

34:00 – Prabhupada’s Warnings About World War

44:00 – “The Power Is in the People”

49:00 – Karma, Violence & The State of the World

57:00 – Why Society Is Spiraling Toward Crisis

1:01:00 – The Book Editing Controversy

1:08:00 – Envy, Leadership & Spiritual Institutions

1:13:00 – “Agents of Kali” Inside Spiritual Movements

1:20:00 – Infiltration, Intelligence Agencies & Narrative Control

1:23:00 – The Poisoning Discussion

1:25:00 – Initiation, Gurus & Prabhupada’s Books

1:35:00 – Why Prabhupada Has “No Equal”

1:42:00 – The Vision of “Perfection at Home”

1:49:00 – Spiritual Life Beyond Institutions

1:54:00 – Preparing Consciousness for Death & Crisis

Whether you agree or disagree with every perspective shared, this conversation challenges listeners to think deeply about truth, consciousness, leadership, and personal spiritual responsibility.

Subscribe to the 8th Element Podcast for more conversations exploring faith, identity, consciousness, culture, and the deeper realities shaping our world.

What if the biggest battle in the world right now isn’t political… but spiritual?

In this profound episode of the 8th Element Podcast, Mukunda Das shares a lifetime of wisdom drawn from his experiences as a musician, law enforcement officer, spiritual teacher, and longtime practitioner of bhakti yoga.

The conversation dives deep into:

consciousness and social engineering

media influence and modern culture

hip-hop, spirituality, and manipulation

the difference between ritual and real spiritual realization

the personal nature of God

love as the highest spiritual truth

the dangers of relativism and identity politics

why true awakening threatens systems of control

This isn’t just a conversation about religion. It’s about truth, identity, freedom, love, and what it really means to awaken spiritually in the modern world.

Chapters

00:30 – Introduction to Mukunda Das

02:45 – From Music & Law Enforcement to Spiritual Life

07:20 – Early Krishna Consciousness & Brooklyn Temple Stories

13:30 – Growing Up Around Multiple Religions

16:00 – The Phone Call That Changed Everything

20:00 – Music, Hip-Hop & Spiritual Influence

31:00 – Personal vs. Impersonal Views of God

37:45 – Why Society Rejects the Idea of God

40:00 – Social Engineering & Consciousness Control

42:30 – Hip-Hop, Media & Cultural Manipulation

49:30 – The Double Homicide Story That Changed Everything

54:00 – Why Intelligent People Still Get Manipulated

1:02:00 – What a True Spiritual Teacher Really Is

1:08:00 – Guru, Love & Heart-to-Heart Spirituality

1:13:00 – Divine Love & the Story of the Forest Animals

1:20:00 – The Greatest Awakening Is Spiritual

1:32:00 – Ritual vs Real Spiritual Transformation

1:41:00 – Is There Only One Path to God?

1:47:00 – Globalism, Sovereignty & Spiritual Freedom

1:50:00 – Bob Marley, One Love & Universal Truth

1:52:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing Reflections

If you’ve ever felt like something deeper is happening beneath the surface of culture, politics, media, and society… this episode is for you.

Subscribe to the 8th Element Podcast for more conversations exploring consciousness, faith, identity, culture, and transformation.

This conversation goes deeper than most people are willing to go.

In this episode of the 8th Element Podcast, we sit down with Geraecka Lyonns — founder of Mars Rising — to unpack a journey that spans trauma, underground culture, masculinity, and spiritual transformation.

From her past in the world of dominatrix work to coaching men and now helping mothers raise strong, grounded sons, Geraecka shares a perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

We talk about:

- The hidden struggles men are facing today

- How childhood shapes masculine identity

- The impact of fatherlessness and modern culture

- Why many men feel lost, disconnected, and powerless

- How mothers can unintentionally weaken their sons — and how to fix it

- The role of discipline, responsibility, and purpose in raising strong men

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

02:15 – Jericho’s Mission & Mars Rising

05:00 – Growing Up in Chaos & Survival Mode

08:00 – Life as a Squatter Punk & Finding Purpose

22:00 – Entering the “Underworld” & Early Trauma

35:00 – Inside the Dominatrix World

41:00 – The Psychology of Men & Hidden Desires

52:00 – Healing, Shadow Work & Transformation

1:07:00 – From Dominatrix to Coach (The Turning Point)

1:10:00 – The Crisis Facing Young Men Today

1:13:00 – Is Masculinity Being Attacked?

1:46:00 – Fatherlessness & Cultural Breakdown

1:50:00 – What “Containment” Really Means

1:54:00 – How Mothers Unintentionally Weaken Sons

2:00:00 – Raising Strong Boys in Today’s World

2:14:00 – The Physical Decline of Masculinity (Sperm Count, Health)

2:19:00 – Final Message to Mothers & Men

This episode is raw, unfiltered, and at times controversial — but it’s a conversation that needs to happen.

If you care about the future of men, families, and society… this is one you don’t skip.

What happens when your beliefs are tested… and standing for truth comes with a cost?

In this episode of the Eighth Element Podcast, we sit down with John “Prabhu” Kopel to explore the intersection of faith, personal conviction, and independent thinking in one of the most polarizing times in modern history.

This isn’t just about politics or opinions—this is about identity, courage, and discernment.

We talk about:

- Why blindly following systems can be dangerous

- The role of spirituality in navigating truth

- What it really means to stand firm under pressure

- How conviction can cost you relationships—but build your character

- Why some people choose comfort… and others choose truth

At the core of this conversation is a deeper question: 👉 Are you thinking for yourself… or just repeating what you’ve been told?

If you’re on a journey of growth, faith, leadership, and self-discovery—this episode will challenge you.

🎧 Listen. Reflect. Decide for yourself.

What if the reason so many people feel lost… is because society itself is out of alignment?

In this powerful episode of the 8th Element Podcast, we sit down with Vaninath Vasu Das to unpack a bold idea:

👉 There is a proven system for organizing human life—one that creates harmony, purpose, and spiritual growth.

But we’ve ignored it.

From identity and leadership to purpose and community, this conversation dives deep into:

- Why modern society feels chaotic and unsustainable

- The difference between who you are vs. what you’ve been conditioned to do

- The 4-step framework to rebuild a healthy, aligned society

- Why leadership (not information) is the missing piece

- How YOU can start applying this today—even in the middle of modern life

- This isn’t just philosophy… It’s a challenge to rethink everything you’ve been taught about success, identity, and purpose.

- If you’ve ever felt like something is “off” in the world—this episode will put language to it.

⏱️ Chapters

0:00 – The Vision: A Model Society

1:48 – Meet the Guest & Topic Introduction

5:30 – What Is Varnashrama (Simple Breakdown)

10:30 – The Confusion Around Ancient Teachings

17:00 – Leadership, Society & Spiritual Responsibility

20:40 – Why Modern Society Is Failing

32:00 – The System Explained (Head, Arms, Belly, Legs)

40:00 – Why This Matters RIGHT NOW

47:00 – Is Society Headed for Collapse?

50:30 – The Real Problem: Small Thinking vs Big Vision

57:00 – What the Future of Society Could Look Like

1:06:00 – The 4 Steps to Rebuild Society

1:16:00 – Why Leadership Is the Missing Link

1:24:00 – Training Leaders (The Real Solution)

1:30:00 – Farm Communities vs Modern Cities

1:37:00 – What Happens If Society Breaks Down?

1:40:00 – What YOU Can Do Right Now

1:46:00 – Final Vision: A House for the Whole World

From the streets of New York to the stages of hardcore punk—and a spiritual journey that changed everything—this episode features an unforgettable, raw conversation with John Joseph, frontman of Cro-Mags.

In this powerful episode of the Eighth Element Podcast, John shares a wild, real-life story that sounds like something out of a movie—an intense confrontation in Miami that turns into a full-on street fight.

But beneath the chaos is something deeper: discipline, awareness, and the influence of a spiritual path.

From breaking down the mechanics of a fight—drawing from years of boxing, jiu-jitsu, and street experience—to reflecting on protecting others and standing your ground, this story is as intense as it is revealing.

But that’s just the beginning.

We also dive into John’s incredible life story:

Growing up in violence, foster care, and the streets of New York

Time spent in juvenile detention and facing serious prison time

Finding purpose through spirituality and the teachings of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

His journey with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)

The intersection of hardcore punk, discipline, and devotion

From touring with legendary bands to living as a monk, John’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and raw truth.

This episode is packed with:

Insane real-life fight stories

Street survival mentality vs martial arts discipline

Hardcore punk history and culture

Spiritual awakening and Krishna consciousness

Lessons on strength, purpose, and redemption

Whether you’re into music, martial arts, or spirituality—this conversation hits hard on every level.

🎧 Tap in for one of the most intense and inspiring episodes yet.

What happens when leadership is placed on you… before you feel ready?

In this powerful episode of The Eighth Element Podcast, we sit down with a world-renowned spiritual teacher and scholar to unpack the hidden realities of leadership, faith, and truth in the modern world.

From being unexpectedly thrust into the role of a guru… to navigating institutional pressure, burnout, and responsibility… this conversation reveals what most people never see behind spiritual leadership.

We also dive deep into:

✅ Why modern religion is losing its influence

✅ The danger of “subjective truth” in today’s culture

✅ The difference between faith, knowledge, and realization

✅ Why true leaders must be both spiritual AND intellectually equipped

This isn’t just about religion. It’s about truth, leadership, and the future of society.

If you’ve ever questioned authority, struggled with purpose, or felt unqualified for your calling… this conversation will challenge you.

We’re living in a time where truth feels harder to find than ever.

In this episode of the Eighth Element Podcast, we go deep into one of the most important conversations of our generation: how people are being influenced, manipulated, and emotionally controlled—often without realizing it.

From spiritual principles in Vedic wisdom to modern media narratives, we explore:

- Why truthfulness is disappearing in today’s world

- How emotional manipulation shapes beliefs and reactions

- The psychology behind outrage, division, and “echo chambers”

- Why hatred makes people easier to control

- How to develop real discernment in a world full of noise

This isn’t about politics—it’s about awareness. Because if you can’t recognize illusion in everyday life… you can’t fully grasp truth in your spiritual life either.

The goal isn’t to tell you what to think.

It’s to challenge you to think deeper, question more, and seek truth for yourself.

When spiritual truth meets institutional pressure, what should come first—acceptance or integrity?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Eighth Element Podcast, we sit down with Prahlad Ananda Swami to explore the tension between spiritual conviction and societal influence—especially during times when questioning dominant narratives can come at a cost.

We dive into a controversial and nuanced discussion surrounding the response of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to modern challenges, including pressure from governments, the medical industry, and public perception.

How do spiritual leaders navigate these forces while staying true to their mission?

Referencing the teachings and example of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, we examine what it means to present unadulterated truth—even when it goes against the grain of society.

This episode also expands into deeper organizational insights, including leadership, responsibility, and conflict resolution within a global spiritual movement.

In this episode, we discuss:

The pressure to conform to government and medical narratives

Concerns about alienating communities and losing support

Truth vs acceptance: was integrity compromised?

Prabhupada’s example of fearless spiritual leadership

The importance of clearly defined roles in spiritual organizations

Lessons from the Bhagavad-gita on duty and responsibility

How ISKCON leadership structures evolved over time

Prahlad Ananda Swami shares decades of experience navigating complex institutional challenges, offering rare insight into how spiritual principles are applied in real-world situations.

This is a deep, honest conversation about faith, leadership, and the cost of standing for truth. 🎧 Watch now and join the discussion.

Can spiritual authority be decided by tradition… or by truth?

In this powerful episode of the Eighth Element Podcast, the conversation dives into one of the most controversial debates in modern spirituality: should women be allowed to serve as initiating spiritual teachers?

Drawing from decades of experience, scriptural references, and historical context, the guests explore how institutional decisions can sometimes clash with the deeper philosophical foundations of a spiritual tradition.

This conversation goes beyond gender.

It raises bigger questions:

- What truly qualifies someone to guide others spiritually?

- When institutions protect power instead of truth, what happens to faith?

- Is spirituality about hierarchy… or transformation?

You’ll hear firsthand stories from the early days of the movement, insights into spiritual philosophy, and a bold discussion about ego, humility, leadership, and the responsibility of spiritual communities to remain aligned with truth.

Whether you’re interested in faith, leadership, philosophy, or personal growth, this episode challenges us all to reflect on what authentic spiritual authority really looks like.

Because at the end of the day, the question isn’t about men or women. It’s about who truly lives the truth they teach.

What if your spiritual awakening didn’t happen in a temple… but on a nightclub dance floor?

In this powerful episode of the 8th Element Podcast, Krishna Rose shares her journey from managing rock legends in the 80s and 90s to experiencing a life-altering encounter with the Bhagavad Gita while on LSD in a London club.

From there, everything changed.

In This Episode We explore:

- Her awakening through Krishna consciousness

- The hidden years of Jesus in India

- The case for Mary Magdalene as Jesus’ wife

- The dark side of the music industry

- Spiritual warfare in modern culture

- Why chanting the Holy Name transforms consciousness

- Reincarnation, karma, and liberation

This isn’t surface-level spirituality. It’s a raw conversation about truth, surrender, power, darkness, and divine love.

If you’ve ever felt like success wasn’t enough… If you’ve ever sensed there was more behind the veil… If you’re searching for something deeper than religion… This conversation will challenge you — and maybe change you.

A lot of spiritual people are exhausted by politics—and for good reason. It can turn friends into enemies, wreck families, and pull your heart off the path.

But what if total disengagement comes with a cost?

In this episode of the 8th Element Podcast, Gargs Allard and Buzz Ryan wrestle with one of the hardest questions for people of faith: Should spiritually-minded people pay attention to what’s happening in the world… or is that a distraction?

We explore: - Why “staying out of it” can feel peaceful (and why it can also feel irresponsible) - How to talk about world events without losing your spiritual center - The difference between discernment and obsession - Why civility, boundaries, and humility matter more than being “right” - How faith can become a shelter for people who feel mentally and emotionally ungrounded

This is a conversation about discernment, spiritual responsibility, and staying anchored in God while the noise gets louder.

Note: This episode includes commentary on current events and public health topics. This is discussion—not medical advice.

Do your own research, consult qualified professionals, and keep the conversation respectful.

Subscribe for more conversations on growth, faith, identity, leadership, and living steady in unstable times.

At 16 years old, he was shot during a triple homicide. Two of his friends died.

He shouldn’t have survived. But in the middle of chaos… he started chanting the holy name of God.

In this episode of the 8th Element Podcast, Dava shares the night that changed everything — from selling drugs as a teenager to facing death head-on, forgiving the man who killed his friends, and discovering a faith that could never be shaken again. This conversation goes deeper than survival.

We talk about: - What happens in your mind when you think you’re about to die - Karma, accountability, and personal responsibility - Forgiveness after trauma - Why he doesn’t question whether God exists - Why society desperately needs to make loving God “cool” again.

This isn’t theory. It’s lived experience.

If you’ve ever questioned faith, struggled with bitterness, or wondered whether transformation is really possible — this episode will challenge you.

Press like. Subscribe. Share with someone who needs this.

What happens when an author leaves this world—and other people decide their words need “improving”? In this episode of the 8th Element Podcast, we sit down with Graham Schweig, PhD aka Garuda Das, a direct disciple of His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (professor of religion & philosophy; Harvard-trained scholar and author) to unpack one of the most sensitive integrity questions any spiritual community can face: posthumous editing.

Using a Bob Dylan story as a “crude example” (draft recordings released without consent), we explore why the issue isn’t just grammar—it’s authority, moral rights, transparency, and legacy.

When editors change translations and commentaries after the author is gone, are readers still receiving the original voice… or someone else’s lens?

We get into: - Why “making the author consistent” can erase paradox, texture, and intent - The difference between correcting typos vs changing meaning - Why an annotated edition is a respectful alternative to rewriting - How institutional pressure can create entitlement—and silence debate - The long-term stakes: what future generations inherit as “the real thing”

If you’ve ever wondered how truth gets preserved—or quietly rewritten—this conversation will challenge you. Subscribe for more conversations on growth, faith, leadership, identity, marriage, and self-development.

In a world flooded with headlines, hot takes, and “trust me bro” certainty… how do you tell what’s real?

In this inaugural episode of the Eighth Element Podcast (formerly “Eighth House” — long story, trademark issues 😅), we pull back the curtain on how narratives form, why fear is such a powerful weapon, and what it actually looks like to pursue truth without turning it into tribal identity.

We talk about: - Why motivations matter more than volume - How “conspiracy” can be used as a label to shut down thinking - The psychology of cognitive dissonance (and why facts bounce off people) - A personal moment during COVID that “broke the spell” of fear - Why we’re not here to be “right”… we’re here to get it right.

This show is for people who want discernment, depth, and real conversation — without team jerseys. If you’ve ever felt like something isn’t adding up, you’re not alone. Subscribe, because upcoming episodes will bring guests, receipts, and multiple angles — spiritual, cultural, political, and human.