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

Radhika Das takes a room from silence to euphoria in the space of one song. 

He has done it at the British Museum, filled London's Apollo theatre doing it, led 15,000 voices doing it in New Delhi, and Wembley Stadium is next (that is the plan). He is, in every sense, a Spiritual Rockstar.

What he does is called kirtan, devotional call and response chanting, one of the oldest technologies for shifting consciousness through sound. You do not need to know a word of Sanskrit to feel it. R...

Trauma leaves an imprint, and that imprint passes down the bloodline. In the Vedas, we call it a samskara, an impression etched into us by experience and carried across generations.

Depression, anxiety, chronic pain, phobias, obsessive thoughts — the evidence suggests the root of these may lie in the traumas of our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Recent research affirms that traumatic experience passes to future generations, hidden in everything from gene expression to everyday language.

In this episode, Dylan speaks with Mark Wolynn, leading expert in inherited family trauma and author of the groundbreaking book It Di...

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, speech, hearing, and consciousness. Beginning with the science of vibration and moving into the philosophy of speech, this talk reveals why sound has always...

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.

Tiffany is the co-owner of Astrological Gem International and has spent nearly two decades studying, testing, and tracking the real-world effects of gemstones. Her approach is grounded in precise chart-based prescriptions, high-quality sourc...

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 today we are constantly surrounded by artificial electromagnetic signals from mobile phones, WiFi routers, laptops, Bluetooth devices, and expanding wireless infrastructure.

Drawing on more than 30 years of experience inside the telecommunications industry, Daniel explains what electromagnetic fields actually are, the...

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, Jyotish and mantra śāstra.

They speak about Rahu and Ketu, the difference between solar and lunar eclipses, why digestion and prāṇa are considered more sensitive during these periods, and why eclipses have long been used as power...

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, clinical insights, and lineage-based knowledge, Dr Raju explains how fear weakens prāṇa, how confidence and understanding support healing, and why Ayurveda prioritises early imbalance long before disease manifests.

This e...

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 surgery.

Together they unpack what a hernia really is, why it develops, and the five core factors that often drive it—poor digestion, weak deep-core muscles, pelvic misalignment, emotio...

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 within us all. As light and shadow churn together, both poison and nectar emerge, showing that healing is not about escape, but integration.

A meditative and mythic journey th...

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 words or sounds, but vibrations that carry & enliven consciousness itself. The conversation traces Purnesh’s own journey of initiation and study, the importance of authentic transmission, and how mantras can shape not on...

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 times, to unlocking spice potency with proper preparation (spoiler: whole ginger slices won’t cut it). You’ll learn why different Indian regions brew chai in unique ways, and how spices like c...

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 condition, modern research reveals that most cases stem from environmental spores, not honey consumption. Meanwhile, traditions spanning Egypt, Africa, and Ayurveda have safely incorporated honey into infant care for thousands of years. Ayurvedic texts even describe Swarna...

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 key parental concerns around vaccines, vitamin K injections, and the honey “ban” for infants, offering insights that empower parents to make confident, well-informed decisions. Tune in to discover how to honour your child’s natural resilience w...

“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 Ayurveda’s most revered herbal substances.

This potent, mineral-rich resin sourced from rocky mountains is rapidly gaining popularity in Western supplement markets for its purported energising and rejuvenating effects. In...

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 aligning with these natural processes can foster understanding, empathy, and balance in relationships and communities.

This conversation highlights how men can be integral allies in supporting women through their cycles. Dylan and...

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 elevate both the material and spiritual realms.

Learn how Shilpa Shastra integrates art and spirituality, guiding artists to create forms that not only reflect divine beauty but also awaken higher consciousness. From the precision of temple de...

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 a profound atmosphere of worship, meditation and spiritual harmony.

Join us as we delve into the teachings of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, including the life-changing Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing and meditative technique...

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 resilience against electromagnetic pollution, and so much more.

Explore the remarkable intelligence and memory of water, its connection to our circadian rhythms, and fascinating studies—including one on genetically identical twins—that highlight water's ability to optimise biological functions. Experience the ef...

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 the power of emotional expression—be it crying or laughing—in nurturing a child's well-being and fostering a more compassionate society. We explore how attentive parenting can uncover deep-seated emotions and the vital role of physical closeness and...

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 psychedelics into spiritual practice.

Uncover the powerful stories of Ram Dass’s evolution from psychedelic seeker to spiritual teacher, and the remarkable teachings of Neem Karoli Baba. We’ll discuss the concept of "siddhis," the legacy of thes...

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 encounters with angelic beings. His experience, alongside remarkable NDEs from figures like Anita Morjani, Dr. Mary C. Neal and many others, offers a compelling challenge to conventional materialist views on consciousness.

Transitioning from a successful neurosurgeon t...

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 and highlight common pitfalls to avoid. We'll also discuss the importance of some refined hygiene practices, to keep you healthy on the go. 

We also delve into Ayurvedic remedies tailored for travelers, ensuring you're well-prepared for any he...

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, Patti's practices foster love and resilience, driving profound personal and societal change. Explore how meditation and mindfulness transcend socio-economic and geographical boundaries, fostering compassion, community, and personal growth across diverse communities, from conservative towns in North Carolina to c...

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 reality. Get ready to rethink your daily routines and the very shoes you wear, as we invite you to consider how a barefoot lifestyle might just be the key to a stronger, healthier you.

As...

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 about “what the hell is manifesting through me”.

But before that, it wasn’t easy for Kim.

We dive into the challenges of straddling the spiritual and mundane worlds, as wel...

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 Australia.

This episode is brimming with intimate reflections on my dietary choices and the eye-opening realities of addiction in Australia, all woven into actionable advice that promises to rejuvenate your digestion, boost your vigor, and elevate your...

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 this ‘intuition process', as well as discuss the huge implications and impact this will have on society.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🪽 The Art Of Living Intuition Course
🪽 Michael's Involvement Documenting "The Intuition Process"

When the soulful rhythms of Kirtan music and the rich wisdom of Bhakti Yoga merge, a portal to spiritual ecstasy opens.

For this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with Vijay Krishna from the Kirtaniyas, whose life story is as enchanting as the mantras he chants.

Vijay's journey is a testament to the transformative power of devotional music. His insight into balancing the reverence for tradition with the vibrancy of personal expression invites us all to find our unique spiritual cadence.

Together, we traversed the narrative landscapes from his birth, cradled...

Imagine returning from a serene holiday only to be thrust into a world where your deepest fears and brightest epiphanies collide. 

Embark on a transformative journey with Yoga teacher Marcus Hamill as he shares the unexpected onset of his Kundalini awakening post-vacation. On this episode we explore the delicate dance between terror and bliss, unraveling personal encounters with this mystifying energy that is Kundalini 🐍.

This episode delves into the night when Marcus faced the raw terror and ecstasy of confronting his inner darkness, revealing the resilience of the human spirit. As we emerge into the ligh...

On this episode Nadine Artemis and Dylan Smith, two sun-worshiping natural health practitioners, explore the sun's healing potential, particularly focussing on its influence on our lifestyle, skin vitality, breast health as well as overall health. ☀️💛

Discover the transformative power of natural air, water, and grounding with Earth's energies, unraveling ancient wisdom and modern biohacks, including the wonders of red light therapy. 

This episode is an invitation to harmonise your life with the natural world, a call to bask in the glow of holistic health.

Venturing into the realms of natural sun care and women's...

In this insightful episode, I had a sit down with Vedic astrologer Laura Plumb, delving into the astrological predictions for the year 2024. Laura sheds light on the positions of key planets and how their alignments will influence various aspects of our lives. Exploring the impact on different zodiac signs, the discussion covers topics like health, relationships, and spiritual practices.

This episode offers a holistic approach to navigating the year's celestial patterns, from global challenges to personal narratives shaped by the stars.

Laura provides a detailed overview of the Mercury retrograde periods, and the conversation extends...

This is a dependable and palpable exploration of Kuṇḍalinī and Radical Kundalini Awakenings.

Unearth the captivating mysteries of Kundalini energy, a dormant force nestled at the root of the spinal column with the potential to awaken super-human capabilities and creative intelligence.

Decode the origins of Kuṇḍalinī, it’s symbolic coiled serpent and direct connection to the brain.

Dive into intense, never-before-shared personal experiences, challenges, and rewards of Kundalini awakenings, gaining insights into signs and symptoms.

Differentiate between madness, psychosis and radical spiritual advancement.

Understand the delicate balance required for...

The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it a myriad of delicious treats and tempting delights. In this episode, I delve into some Ayurvedic tips for you to indulge in the festivities while still taking care of your health.

Did you know that over 99% of us are likely to break the rules and indulge during this time?

And guess what?
That's okay!

Join me as I explore ways for you to enjoy the festive season guilt-free, while supporting your digestive system to navigate the culinary delights of this silly season.
<...

Join me in a revealing conversation with Nick Ristevski, the most experienced man in the Australian mattress industry, as we unravel the secrets of the world-wide mattress industry.

Nick shares invaluable insights on materials, certifications, ventilation, children and the impact on overall health, guiding you to make informed choices for a restorative sleep.

Discover the history of latex, the pitfalls in mattress sourcing, and the innovative "latex noodles" pillow that offers customisation and ventilation. 

Nick exposes deceptive industry practices, warns against misleading sales tactics, and emphasises the importance of understanding mattress materials.

What if the secret to fertility lies in the power of the mind and the harmony of the body? Today, we'll delve into the remarkable journey of Jillian Lavender, a meditation teacher who conceived her daughter naturally at the ripe age of 45. 

Jillian takes us through her inspiring transition from the high-stress corporate world to the calm and serene realm of meditation. She bares it all, recounting the struggles of balancing career and family ambitions, and how she found solace and success through meditation and Ayurvedic practices.

Jillian's story is one of faith, resilience, and t...

Are you ready to safeguard your health in the face of a bushfire crisis? 

In this gripping episode Dylan delves into an indispensable personal health protocol amidst the tumultuous occurrences of bushfires and controlled burning. Drawing from his experiences during Australia's devastating bushfires, he shares vital strategies to protect your respiratory health, purify your drinking water, and fortify your mental well-being during wildfire crises.

Dylan sheds light on various Vedic practices that you can implement during times of such crisis to facilitate harmony with the laws of nature & to ensure that you and your loved o...

Ready to revolutionise your relationship with coffee? Our latest podcast episode features Myra Lewin, who shares her insights on how caffeine affects our health from an Ayurvedic perspective. Myra, a renowned Ayurveda and yoga teacher & founder of Hale Pule, offers a comprehensive look into how coffee influences our hormones, digestive system, anxiety levels, and sleep cycles. Listen in as we discuss the benefits, drawbacks, and ways to improve our interactions with this ubiquitous stimulant.

We'll dive deep into the world of coffee, exploring the addictive nature of caffeine. Myra illuminates the uncomfortable nature of withdrawal symptoms, shedding...

Ever wondered how fertility journeys intertwine with the power of trust and surrender? 

On this episode Dylan brings you an enriching conversation with his patient Tam Oblowitz. 
Tam's incredible journey towards fertility is sure to inspire, as she bares her heart out about the emotional rollercoaster she experienced during her long journey towards fertility before finding Ayurveda and how things shifted for her once that happened. Her experiences reveal the importance of shifting one's mindset and taking control of one's health.

Tam's story is a testament to the transformative power of this ancient holistic sc...

In this divinely captivating episode of the Vital Veda Podcast we sat down with Jahnavi Harrison, a rising star in the world of Kirtan & devotional music 🎵 .

Jahnavi, raised in the heart of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) in the UK, shares her special journey going from a small-town Vedic community to worldwide kirtan phenomenon.

Her majestically composed music illuminates & enlivens the Divine within those who listens. 

Join us as Jahnavi discusses her evolution as a Kirtan artist and leader, offering a glimpse into
the fusion of Sanskrit mantras with English lyrics,
...

Step into a realm of transformation and initiation with our latest podcast episode on Rites of Passage (ROPs).

Join Dylan as we navigate the ancient and contemporary perspectives on ROPs, unraveling their enduring relevance.

In this engaging episode, we dive into the core elements of ROPs and their evolution.

Our guest, Arne Rubenstein, CEO of Rite of Passage Institute & Dylan share personal ROP experiences, shedding light on the impact of these rituals. We also explore innovative programs like "Making of Men" and "Mother and Daughter," bridging traditional concepts with modern contexts.

...