Ethics Before Ecstasy: The Role of Spiritual Integrity | The Free Radical Podcast #53—Rick Archer , Sept 3, 2025

In this episode of the Free Radical Podcast, Swami Padmanabha sits down with Rick Archer, creator of Buddha at the Gas Pump and co-founder of the Association for Spiritual Integrity. A lifelong meditator with over 55 years of daily practice, Rick has interviewed more than 725 people on their journeys of awakening. Their conversation dives into spiritual integrity, the difference between holiness and wholeness, the role of feedback and accountability for teachers, and what students should look for in a guide—all woven together with Rick’s own life story as a practitioner and teacher. https://youtu.be/ZY4Ja6-KXTw?si=gJwlCE-jDxz5haKO ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

In this insightful and heartful episode, Swami Padmanabha welcomes Sri Radha Govinda Devi—Vaishnavi teacher, astrologer, author, and president of the Goa Academy. With experience spanning continents and disciplines, she brings a multidimensional approach to spiritual growth, guiding others through Vedic astrology, Anartha Nivritti, personality analysis, and bhakti-based relationship work. The conversation centers on the Enneagram as a tool for self-awareness within the path of Bhakti. Together, they explore how understanding our personality types can deepen compassion, enhance spiritual practice, and foster authentic connection with both ourselves and the Divine. Themes like spiritual bypassing, belonging vs. fitting in, and how ancient texts like the Mahabharata offer insights into human psychology are woven throughout. This episode is a dynamic exploration of identity, diversity, and the sacred work of showing up fully human on the path of devotion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q_lEXxTkp4 ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

In this rich interfaith episode, Swami Padmanabha sits down with Swami Medhananda, monk of the Ramakrishna Order and philosopher of religion, to explore whether the Absolute must be either personal or impersonal—or whether it can lovingly hold both. They trace Sri Ramakrishna’s Vijñāna Vedanta, Vivekananda’s pluralism, and the nuanced view of bhakti traditions like Gaudiya Vaishnavism. How do we honor diverse spiritual experiences without falling into hierarchy—or relativism? Can rasa and Brahman co-exist? What is lost when we flatten God into one single face? This is a deep dive into paradox, nonduality, devotional epistemology, and the mystical meeting point of impersonal reality and personal intimacy. Join us for a philosophical and devotional exchange that may soften your certainties and expand your faith. https://youtu.be/LRpmMT4dSeA ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

In this intimate new episode of the Free Radical Podcast, host Swami Padmanabha sits down for a second recorded conversation with renowned Franciscan teacher and author, Father Richard Rohr, at his hermitage in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Filmed in the relaxed setting of Richard’s home—with his dog Opie by his side—this unique encounter flows through a series of symbolic gifts Swami brought, sparking rich reflections on:The eternal becoming of love, God, soul, and matterInsights from Richard’s book, "The Tears of Things", including the need for collective grief and training prophetsHis men’s rites of passage programSacred critique within tradition, and confronting systemic evil The episode also touches on the mystical dance of divine reality, Richard’s generous endorsement of Swami’s book Evolution in Divine Love, and the beauty of aging into authenticity—even in bathrobes. Watch Richard and Swami on their first podcast: "Bhakti Meets with Christianity"https://www.youtube.com/live/H0hzieM4... https://youtu.be/2lwR8f3XjP8?si=K4DvhiXT6IJTGsct ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

In this special episode of The Free Radical Podcast, Swami Padmanabha is joined by theologian, teacher, and writer Robert Nicastro, whose work explores the intersection of religion, science, and artificial intelligence. As Executive Director of the Center for Christogenesis, Robert builds on the vision of Teilhard de Chardin, advancing an integrated understanding of spirituality and science for a planet in transformation. The episode coincides with the upcoming launch of Swami Padmanabha’s third book, "Evolution in Divine Love: The Eternal Becoming of God, Soul, and Matter." Together, they explore the book’s central themes—love as an evolving force, a divine being in dynamic expansion, and the implications of this vision for soul and matter. They discuss how both human identity and material reality are part of an unfolding process, where changelessness and change coexist in divine love’s ever-deepening expression. Swami and Robert reflect on the potential of this evolutionary vision to reshape our understanding of God, consciousness, and the future of religious thought, inviting listeners into a conversation that is both intellectually bold and spiritually nourishing. https://youtu.be/kzjiQHGMcg4 ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

In this episode of the Free Radical Podcast, Swami Padmanabha welcomes Vaishnava scholar and Hindu chaplain Adi Purusha, whose academic background includes a PhD from the University of Cambridge and a focus on theodicy, Vedanta, and ethics. The conversation explores the problem of evil—how suffering can coexist with an all-loving, all-powerful, and all-knowing God—through the lens of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Topics include karma, the purpose of suffering, and how to approach these ideas without minimizing or justifying suffering. This episode complements a previous discussion with Christian theologian Thomas Jay Oord, showcasing diverse spiritual responses to divine justice and human pain. The podcast seeks dialogue, not doctrinal agreement, aiming to foster deeper understanding and love across differences. https://youtu.be/XBodQVjsiC8 ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

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, he holds a Doctorate in Theology from the John Paul II Institute in Rome. A lifelong student of world religions, Fr. Cassian is deeply committed to cross-traditional dialogue and friendship. In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation—recorded in person at Ananda Ashram in North Carolina—the two explore the nuances of spiritual direction, covering themes such as confession, celibacy, and the interplay of inner and outer authority. Listeners are invited to join the table for this enriching exchange—and are encouraged to support the podcast by subscribing, sharing, and commenting to keep the dialogue alive. https://youtu.be/HP1Nq9YNGZY ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

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 YouTube: https://youtu.be/KIJk8_wEzVM ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

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, and uncertainty shape our understanding of the divine—not from a place of cynicism, but from a deep loyalty to truth. If you're drawn to big questions about God, reality, and how theology can inform daily life, this episode offers a space for sincere exploration and dialogue. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ujwH6Pztcc ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

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, and bhakti has informed both her creative and spiritual practices. Lila Vrindavan is the founder of Luminous Arts, a sanctuary where artistic expression and sacred exploration come together through community and education. She leads global artist pilgrimages and facilitates an online Creative Liberation Residency to help artists deepen their practice and manifest their visions. The conversation explores rich themes like the role of play and improvisation in life, the essence of wonder, and the idea of seeing both life and spirituality as artistic projects. Listeners are invited to a heartfelt, nourishing dialogue that celebrates creativity as a sacred path. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XAgCymLkQo4?si=bH0bLRqwgIdE9Vuf ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE