HomePodcastsLiving with Reality with Dr. Robert Svoboda
Living with Reality with Dr. Robert Svoboda
Be Here Now Network54 EpisodesJul 20, 2026
<p>Dr. Robert Svoboda is the first Westerner ever to graduate from a college of Ayurveda and be licensed to practice Ayurveda in India. During and after his formal Ayurvedic training he was tutored in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Tantra and other forms of classical Indian lore by his mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda. He is the author of over a dozen books and has served as Adjunct Faculty at the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, NM, and at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. You can find out more about his work at <a href="http://www.drsvoboda.com/" target="_blank">www.drsvoboda.com</a> and follow him on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertSvoboda/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/drrobertsvoboda" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drrobertsvoboda/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</p>
Episodes
Ep. 54 – Nāgas & Kundalini: Ancient Serpent WisdomJul 20, 202600:36:14From subterranean spirits to the awakening of Kundalini, Dr. Svoboda explores the hidden currents connecting the worlds of nature, spirit, and consciousness.Join Dr. Svoboda for monthly Q&As and biweekly writing on the Vedic sciences, plus occasional courses not available elsewhere! You can also study with Dr. Svoboda and learn about Ayurveda, Jyotisha, the Devatas, and Spiritual Prac
Ep. 53 – A.I. in the Age of Kali Yuga: A Warning for HumanityJan 29, 202600:32:43Discussing behavioral manipulation and ideological engineering, Dr. Svoboda outlines our human vulnerability to the real dangers of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.).This time on Living with Reality, Dr. Svoboda offers a critical talk on:How A.I. is one large echo chamber, reflecting humanity back at itselfKeeping Kali Yuga in mind as we navigate A.I.Maintaining awareness of all the layers o
Ep. 52 – The Life of a Saint: JnaneshwaraNov 13, 202500:32:52Through a retelling of classical Indian stories, Dr. Robert Svoboda pays homage to the most beloved saint of Maharashtra, Jnaneshwara.This week on Living with Reality, Dr. Svoboda discusses:Jnaneshwara’s detailed commentary on the Bhagavad Gita and awakening KundaliniJnaneshwara’s father: a story of retracted renunciation and becoming a family of outcastsThe devotion of Yogi Changdev to S
Ep. 51 – Rahu WorldJul 17, 202500:33:34Dr. Svoboda explains our tumultuous world through the lens of Rahu, an Indian shadow planet that influences our world. This week on Living with Reality, Dr. Svoboda shares:The confusing, multi-polar, world which we are living inThe current manifestation of Rahu (a shadow planet in Indian Astrology)The myth of The Churning of the Ocean of Milk and Rahu’s cosmic originHow those influenced b
Ep. 50 – Bhuta Agni with Paula CrossfieldJul 11, 202401:00:22Using an Ayurvedic lens, Paula Crossfield and Dr. Svoboda discuss the element of fire and the concept of Bhuta Agni.This episode was originally published on Paula Crossfield’s The Cosmic Business PodcastThis time on Living with Reality, Paula and Robert :How fire is the reason that humans were able to expandThe fascinating hypnotic effect of fireAgni as an element, personality, and b
Ep. 49 – The Chain of Being with Robert ThurmanApr 19, 202401:08:01Robert Thurman joins Dr. Svoboda once again for a vast discussion on his lineage, karma, and the chain of being.Get a free 50-page ebook, Analyzing Karma: Fate or Free Will, by Dr. Svoboda here.In this episode, Dr. Robert Svoboda and Robert Thurman converse about:Robert Thurman’s lineage, upbringing, and young adulthoodRobert’s experience losing his eye and having a spiritual vision
Ep. 48 – Friendships and RunanubandhMar 8, 202400:34:21Focusing on the value of relationships, Robert Svoboda discusses genuine friendship and the concept of Runanubandh.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowThis time on Living with Reality, Dr. Robert Svoboda lectures on:True friendship and a familial connectionThe root of
Ep. 47 – Lessons from Vimalananda with Dr. Fred Smith & Paula CrossfieldJan 8, 202401:22:51Dr. Svoboda is joined by Dr. Fred Smith & Paula Crossfield to share the many cosmic lessons learned from Vimalananda.This time on Living with Reality, Dr. Robert Svoboda , Dr. Fred Smith, and Paula Crossfield discuss:How Dr. Svoboda and Dr. Smith met VimalanandaTransforming what we ingestThe unusual and auspicious things that Vimalananda made happenVimalananda’s capacity to enliven ta
Ep. 46 – Ayurveda and The Microbiome with Dr. Scott BlossomNov 22, 202300:31:59Looking at the Microbiome from the perspective of Ayurveda, Dr. Scott Blossom and Dr. Robert Svoboda discuss a sustainable path to human health.Check out Dr. Svoboda’s course on Ayurveda and the Microbiome! In this course you will receive a comprehensive deep-dive based on proven science and the ancient Indian knowledge of Ayurveda with practical things you can do right awa
Ep. 45 - The Goddess KaliOct 16, 202300:33:13Explaining the Hindu goddess Kali, Dr. Svoboda lectures on disrupting structure in order to see supreme reality.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowThis time on Living with Reality, Dr. Robert Svoboda explains:The 700 verses of Shri Durga SaptashatiA description of Ka
Ep. 44 – Honoring Your Ancestors with Paula CrossfieldSep 27, 202300:48:00With the Ancestor Fortnight on the way, Dr. Robert Svoboda and Paula Crossfield discuss the importance that honoring your ancestors can have for creating harmony in your life.This episode originally aired on The Cosmic Business Podcast with Paula Crossfield, a show for spirit-led entrepreneurs who want to create purposeful and profitable businesses aligned with the planets. Learn more at&
Ep. 43 – Ganesha StorytimeSep 6, 202300:57:34Explaining the origin and evolution of Ganesha, Dr. Robert Svoboda dissects numerous ancient stories about the remover of obstacles.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowThis episodes contains a discussion with Dr. Svoboda on:Maharashtra as the hub of Ganesha worshipGan
Ep. 42 – The Past and Future of Ayurvedic Medicine with Dr. Ramkumar KuttyAug 5, 202300:34:50Dr. Svoboda sits down with Dr. Ramkumar Kutty for an eye-opening conversation about the past and future of Aryuvedic medicine.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this conversation, Dr. Svoboda and Dr. Ramkumar Kutty discuss:The state of Ayurvedic medicine and the p
Ep. 41 – Working with Saturn feat. Paula CrossfieldJun 23, 202300:52:26Dr. Robert Svoboda and Paula Crossfield discuss how we can honor and work with Saturn to lessen its negative effects on our lives.This episode is a re-airing of a discussion on Paula’s Cosmic Business Podcast, click here to subscribe for more content like this: weaveyourbliss.com/podcastIf you would like to study more with Dr. Svoboda check out his available courses on Teachable: ht
Ep. 40 - Prana, Pranayama & HanumanMay 18, 202300:31:39Describing the conjuncture of the material and immaterial, Dr. Robert Svoboda teaches us how to work with Prana through Pranayama and the wisdom of Hanuman.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this episode, Dr. Robert Svoboda enlightens us on:Prana as a bridge betwe
Ep. 39 – Karmic DebtApr 25, 202300:32:56Dr. Svoboda offers an illuminating talk on honoring and working with our Rnanubandhanas, our karmic debts, in this lifetime and others.Discover Dr. Svoboda’s online courses here: drsvoboda.teachable.com/This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this episode, Dr. Robert S
Ep. 38 – Esoteric RamayanaMar 3, 202300:32:41Illuminating the stories of Rama and Sita, Dr. Robert Svoboda offers a thorough explanation of the esoteric Ramayana.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow"That very ego that Kundalini is now trying to transform into pure Shakti that will focus on the soul, is being cor
Ep. 37 – Hanuman Story TimeDec 22, 202201:19:11In this special Hanuman story time, Dr. Svoboda shares illuminating and heart opening stories of the service-oriented Hindu monkey deity, Sri Hanuman-ji.Learn more and sign up for Dr. Svoboda's plethora of online courses at DrSvoboda.com"As is traditional when telling the story of the Ramayana, we specially invite Hanuman to come and sit, because that is the thing that he most likes to do
Ep. 36 – Ways of Knowing ThingsNov 30, 202200:40:11In an educational lecture on possessing knowledge, Dr. Robert Svoboda describes the four pramanas of Ayurveda.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowLearn more and sign up for Dr. Svoboda’s illuminating online courses at DrSvoboda.com“No matter how accurate our perc
Ep. 35 – Daksha's YajnaOct 25, 202200:55:49Dr. Svoboda shares the Hindu mythological story of Daksha's Yajna – the sacrifice of Daksha – involving the leela (play) of Shiva, Sati, & more. "If you're trying too much to be too holy, you're going to get in trouble." – Dr. Robert SvobodaLearn more and sign up for Dr. Svoboda's illuminating online courses at DrSvoboda.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali
Ep. 34 - The Value of IntoxicantsSep 22, 202200:36:06This time on Living with Reality, Dr. Robert Svoboda lectures on the value of intoxicants and the natural urge to seek altered states.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow"If you are trying to simply always feel like you're in a good mood and you're always using some s
Ep. 33 – Ayurveda in Vedic & Classical IndiaAug 29, 202200:33:58Dr. Robert Svoboda gives a historical account of Ayurveda from the Vedic period to Classical India in this episode of Living with Reality.Learn more about how you can support Be Here Now Network podcasts like this through our 6th-Anniversary Fundraiser Drive - win tickets to the Ram Dass Legacy retreat in Maui, shop limited edition BHNNxBrunofsky merch and more: https://beherenownetwork.c
Ep. 32 - Planets, Prana and PurposeAug 1, 202200:55:45Dr. Svoboda and Paula Crossfield discuss finding purpose with the help of planets in the great game of cosmic pinball.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 31 - Habits and RitualsJun 21, 202200:31:20In this episode of Living with Reality, Dr. Robert Svoboda speaks to the importance of being aware of our habits and developing healthy rituals."Take advantage of routines, rituals, and habits. Don't let them take advantage of you" – Dr. Svoboda See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 30 – The Divine Play of KrishnaMay 20, 202200:43:18In this episode of Living with Reality, Dr. Robert Svoboda takes us on a journey through the divine play of Krishna from his birth through adulthood.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow“Everybody, when they are fortunate enough to have some interaction with Krish
Ep. 29 – The Greatness of SaturnMay 9, 202200:34:54Dr. Robert Svoboda unearths the unbridled greatness and potent karmic effect that Lord Shani—the planet Saturn—has on our lives.In this crucial episode, Paula Crossfield introduces a talk from Dr. Robert Svoboda illuminating the greatness of Saturn and outlining the practices and vantages we can take to lessen Lord Shani's negative influence on our lives. For deeper insight into Saturn an
Ep. 28 - Karma and The Bhagavad GitaApr 14, 202200:34:17Dr. Robert Svoboda shares teachings from the Bhagavad Gita that explore the role of karma in our life's path.“We’re creating karmas, and those karmas are creating for us our future, and they are creating for us not only our future in this lifetime, but our future in our next incarnations.” —Dr. Robert SvobodaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at
Ep. 27 – Sight, Fire, & Possession Pt. IIMar 16, 202200:58:07Building from the previous episode, Dr. Svoboda offers insight into the positive, negative, and nuetral forms of possession we experience throughout our daily lives.Introducing the second part of this illuminating discussion on the senses, sight, fire, & possession; host, Paula Crossfield, sets the stage, opening the curtains to reveal Dr. Robert Svoboda mid Dharma talk in the atmosph
Ep. 26 – Sight, Fire & PossessionFeb 22, 202200:53:38Dr. Robert Svoboda takes listeners on a journey through the sense of sight, the Fire Element, and how possession is everywhere.In this episode of Living With Reality, host, Paula Crossfield, presents part one of an illuminating discussion from a Costa Rican Retreat in 2018, in which Dr. Svoboda offers an introduction to the sense of sight, the fire element, and the nuances of po
Ep. 25 – Churning the Ocean of MilkFeb 2, 202200:42:38Dr. Svoboda shares the cosmic and internal lessons to be learned from the layered Indian myth – The Churning of the Ocean of Milk.In this special episode of Living With Reality, Dr. Svoboda—through the blessing of his mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda—invites us into a lively telling of the richly layered Indian myth: The Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Grokking this sweet and usefu
Ep. 24 – Urges and Their SuppressionJan 11, 202200:33:43In this episode of Living with Reality, Dr. Robert Svoboda explores urges, why we shouldn’t suppress them, and the difference between cultural urges and physiological urges.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowGet more wisdom from Dr. Svoboda at drsvoboda.teachabl
Ep. 23 – Analyzing Karma with Dr. Vignesh DevrajNov 13, 202101:29:16Dr. Robert Svoboda shares a conversation with Dr. Vignesh Devraj that centers on analyzing karma, looking at whether karma is knowable, and dealing with karmic patterns and obligations.This podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowThis week’s Living with Reality Podcast fe
Ep. 22 – Advice to Students of AyurvedaOct 22, 202100:35:04.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 21 – Finding Ayurveda with Paula CrossfieldSep 18, 202101:12:55This time on the Living with Reality podcast, Dr. Robert Svoboda speaks with Paula Crossfield about living our dharma, the Eighth House in astrology, and their journey to finding Ayurveda. This conversation on finding Ayurveda, between Dr. Svoboda and his media manager, Paula Crossfield, first appeared on Paula’s podcast, Weave Your Bliss.For more great teachings from Dr. S
Ep. 20 – Dattatreya Story TimeAug 6, 202100:47:40In this Guru Purnima dharma talk, Dr. Robert Svoboda shares stories of Dattatreya exemplifying how everything is the Guru.In this special Hindu holiday Story Time episode of Living With Reality introduced by Paula Crossfield. Dr. Svoboda tells dharma stories of Dattatreya, who was said to be an emanation of the Trinity, and who first developed the spiritual path called Aghora, with Lord S
Ep. 19 – Honoring the GuruJul 15, 202100:35:05On this episode of Living with Reality, Dr. Robert Svoboda celebrates Guru Purnima with a dharma talk about honoring the guru and the connection they provide to the Supreme Reality.Join Dr. Svoboda for a special Guru Purnima edition of Story Time on July 23rd! Register here to reserve your spot for this webinar. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy N
Ep. 18 – Working Through GriefJun 9, 202100:30:23Touching on the wave of collective grief cresting the planet, Dr. Svoboda offers practical Ayurvedic wisdom on working with negative emotions like loss and fear in the body.In this episode of Living With Reality, Paula Crossfield introduces a timely dharma talk from Dr. Robert Svoboda outlining both the collective and personal nuances of working through grief. Shedding light from the Ayur
Ep. 17 – The Three Da’sMay 18, 202100:33:45On this episode of Living with Reality, Dr. Robert Svoboda covers the three Da’s: Dama (self-control), Daya (compassion) and Dāna (generosity). Subscribe to Dr. Svoboda’s Satsanga for access to over 70 hours of online classes and a new live class each monthSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 16 – Navaratri & The GoddessApr 14, 202100:46:19In celebration of Chaitri Navaratri, join Dr. Svoboda in a vibrant trip through India, worshipping the Divine Mother and learning the myths and traditions of Navaratri—festivals honoring the Goddess.In honor of Chaitri Navaratri—nine nights celebrating the Goddess this April 13th - 22nd 2021—Paula Crossfield introduces a dharma talk from Dr. Robert Svoboda highlighting the astrological an
Ep. 15 – Stories of Lord ShivaMar 16, 202101:17:09Celebrating the Hindu holiday, Mahashivratri, Dr. Svoboda shares stories of Lord Shiva, illuminating light’s ability to breakthrough even the darkest times.In celebration of this year’s Mahashivratri, the Hindu holiday celebrating Lord Shiva, Paula Crossfield presents Dr. Svoboda’s wisdom-filled livestream from that morning, sharing stories depicting the auspicious blessings, lessons, and
Ep. 14 – Determining What is RealFeb 17, 202100:31:20This episode of Living with Reality is about determining what is real, as Dr. Robert Svoboda looks at the Indian system of thought as a way to understand truth. Get more wisdom from Dr. Svoboda with his offerings at drsvoboda.teachable.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 13 – The Mouth is the Gateway to Health with Dr. Scott BlossomJan 29, 202100:33:34On this episode of Living with Reality, Dr. Scott Blossom joins Dr. Robert Svoboda for a conversation about Ayurveda and the microbiome, and why the mouth is the gateway to health.Dr. Scott Blossom is a Traditional Chinese Medical practitioner, Shadow Yoga teacher, and Ayurvedic Consultant. He lives in Berkeley, CA, with his wife and their two children. Learn more about him at doctorbloss
Ep. 12 – Rahu and Kalasarpa YogaJan 6, 202100:35:26In this episode of Living with Reality, Dr. Robert Svoboda focuses on Rahu, a shadow planet that causes eclipses, and how we are experiencing Kalasarpa yoga at the beginning of 2021.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 11 – Moving Beyond 2020Dec 18, 202000:32:47This time on Living with Reality, Dr. Robert Svoboda talks about moving beyond 2020 and provides tips and insights into how we can open ourselves to a better reality in 2021.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 10 – OmensNov 25, 202000:31:10Dr. Svoboda & Paula Crossfield Dr. Svoboda & Paula Crossfield illuminate ways that we can interpret omens and open an intuitive communication with nature.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 9 – The Quality of ResilienceOct 28, 202000:36:04In this timely talk, Dr. Robert Svoboda shines a light on the quality of resilience, using the story of Harriet Tubman as an example of a person who is resolute and resilient.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 8 – Following the SignsOct 7, 202000:32:24Dr. Robert Svoboda explores how we can best tune into our intuition in this age of constant confusion and start following the signs that the outside world provides for us.Sign up for Dr. Svoboda’s online course on Ayurveda and the MicrobiomeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 7 – The Four Aims of LifeSep 16, 202000:34:35Dr. Svoboda elucidates the four aims of life, explaining how path, wealth, desire, and freedom from delusion apply to stages of development.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 6 – PossessionAug 26, 202000:33:21Paula Crossfield interviews Dr. Svoboda about possession, personality, channeling deities, worshipping ancestors, and cultivating good habits.Join Dr. Robert Svoboda for two new illuminating online courses. The first course, available now, is about Ganesha, the deity of removing obstacles and grounding. The second course, available this September, is all about our ancestors and how we can
Ep. 5 – Samkhya and the Five ElementsJul 30, 202000:53:44Dr. Robert Svoboda explores Samkhya, which is the underlying philosophy of Ayurveda, and leads a meditation on Prana and the Five Elements.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 4 – Spiritual Practice and Social ActionJul 11, 202000:28:09Dr. Svoboda explores the principles of Sādhanā and how we can balance spiritual practice with social action and our modern lives.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 3 – Ayurveda Right NowJun 19, 202000:32:30How can the principles of Ayurveda bring healing in this time of pandemic and social turmoil?Dr. Robert Svoboda offers a reflection on why we need Ayurveda right now to restore balance to our being and the world we inhabit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ep. 2 – The Grace of the Guru with Krishna DasMay 26, 202000:52:52Krishna Das joins Dr. Robert Svoboda and Paula Crossfield to discuss chanting practice, the Guru's grace, and Hanuman. They share stories about their encounters with Great Beings, most notably Neem Karoli Baba, Vimalananda, and Anandamayi Ma. Weaving through this focused and delightful conversation, Krishna Das and Dr. Svoboda open up about their personal singing practices, their relation
Ep. 1 – Learning to Live With What IsMay 1, 202000:42:00Are you living with reality? Paula Crossfield sits down with Dr. Robert Svoboda to talk about learning to live with reality as it is.In this conversation, Dr. Svoboda speaks about how he came to study at the Ayurvedic College in India, he explores what Ayurveda has to offer the modern world, and looks back on some of the lessons he learned from his mentor, the revered Aghori teacher Swami