Astray
How far would you go for enlightenment? Westerners have long been drawn to the spiritual mystique of India. While many find what they’re looking for and return home, some vanish without a trace or even end up dead. Astray investigates those who pay the ultimate cost in search of spiritual awakening.
Episodes
Seeker Syndrome
The dangers of Datura revealed, and a different perspective on what it means to seek… and the cost for those of us who do.Support India during the pandemic by donating to the organizations listed below that were suggested by Astray producer, Ankita Anand. https://fundraisers.giveindia.org/projects/wastepickers-of-pune-call-for-support-in-the-devastating-times-of-covid19 https://www.gofundme.com/f/covid-aid-for-ranchi-india?member=10472615&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer https://www.donatekart.com/Hemkunt-Foundation/Give-Oxygen-Cylinders/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvr6EBhDOARIsAPpqUPHbqctClydjRkIjvTnCA8ms7DZvq2OSxSDLBgq2VBFCLJcnxq0A9J8aAli1EALw_wcB https://www.khalsaaid.org/donate Guest Experts:Suzy Singh ~ Therapist, author and international speaker on karma and consciousnessAlberto Roman ~ Shaman // Contemporary Curandero Astray Production Team:School of Humans // iHeartRadioCaroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, ProducerAnkita Anand ~ ProducerGabbie Watts ~ Supervising ProducerTunewelders - Sound ProductionJason Shannon ~ Composer Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/05/21•34m 31s
Charlie Marinelli: Found
Charlie Marinelli’s story is not surrounded by theories. In a first hand interview, he provides answers about hitting a spiritual edge in India — a journey he barely survived. Charlie Marinelli: Found Show Notes: Charlie Marinelli ~ Contact Charlie at charliemarinelli@gmail.com. Suzy Singh ~ Therapist, author and international speaker on karma and consciousness speaks about Black Magic. Referenced Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). A New York Times article about the ‘Psychedelic Revolution’ hitting psychiatry. Astray Production Team: School of Humans // iHeartRadio Caroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, Producer Ankita Anand ~ Producer Gabbie Watts ~ Supervising Producer Tunewelders Jason Shannon ~ Composer Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/04/21•40m 30s
Charlie Marinelli
The spiritual edge Charlie Marinelli chased in India the summer of 2019 forced his parents on a desperate race against the clock to try to rescue him.Charlie Marinelli Show Notes:Matthew Remski ~ Author, Journalist and Host of the podcast ConspiritualityAstray Production Team:School of Humans // iHeartRadioCaroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, ProducerAnkita Anand ~ ProducerGabbie Watts ~ Supervising ProducerTunewelders Jason Shannon ~ Composer Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/04/21•29m 24s
Russell in Rishikesh
In November 2018, Russell flew to Rishikesh seeking the “next level of spirituality,” but it’s a quest he would never return from.Russell in Rishikesh Show Notes:Unidentified Dead Bodies in India Database ~ The database where Russell’s body was found.Astray Production Team:School of Humans // iHeartRadioCaroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, ProducerAnkita Anand ~ ProducerGabbie Watts ~ Supervising ProducerTunewelders Jason Shannon ~ Composer Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/04/21•36m 18s
Spiritual Bermuda Triangle
The Beatles saw the holy city of Rishikesh as a fast track to spiritual awakening, guided by the renowned guru, Maharishi. We’ll experience their trip first hand through the stories of someone who was there…But, we’ll also explore other ways gurus use their influence, and it’s not always for good. Spiritual Bermuda Triangle Show Notes:Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati (Sadhviji) ~ Renowned spiritual leader and motivational speaker. She lives at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, India. Check out her Ted Talk, ‘From Hollywood to Holy Woods.’Michael Yon ~ Combat correspondent Richard A. Cooke (aka: Bungalow Bill) ~ Professional photographer and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi devotee, along with the Beatles.Priyanka Dubey who reported on the predatory allegations against Asaram Bapu in this article for Caravan.Astray Production Team:School of Humans // iHeartRadioCaroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, ProducerAnkita Anand ~ ProducerGabbie Watts ~ Supervising ProducerTunewelders Jason Shannon ~ Composer Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31/03/21•41m 57s
Jonathan Spollen
Journalist Jonathan Spollen disappeared in Rishikesh, India in 2012, and though there’s still no evidence of his death, what was found where he went missing has raised many questions and keeps this cold case shrouded in mystery.Jonathan Spollen Show Notes:Jessica Ravitz ~ Freelance journalist and former senior writer for CNN Digital. Here is her CNN article that features Jonathan Spollen. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati (Sadhviji) ~ Renowned spiritual leader and motivational speaker. She lives at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, India. BBC article and video featuring police investigator, Kundan Negi. The article is titled, ‘I believe Jonathan is still alive.’Amanda Vicary ~ True Crime expert and PsychologistAstray Production Team:School of Humans // iHeartRadioCaroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, ProducerAnkita Anand ~ ProducerGabbie Watts ~ Supervising ProducerTunewelders Jason Shannon ~ Composer Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/03/21•38m 33s
Justin Alexander Shetler
Did Justin Alexander Shetler - nomad, ninja and epic adventurer - meet his match in India when he disappeared in 2016? Or is a cryptic message in one of his last instagram posts proof that he doesn’t want to be found?Michael Yon, a former green beret and combat correspondent, who assisted in the investigation to find Justin, offers insight while sharing his own favorite pastime in India: Cannibal Hunting.Justin Shetler Alexander Show Notes:Justin Alexander Shetler’s Instagram and Blog: Adventures of Justin Harley Rustad’s article in ‘Outside Magazine.’ Rustad’s article was hugely helpful in writing this episode. He has a book about Justin Shetler Alexander coming out soon. Michael Yon ~ Combat correspondent whose hobby is Aghori “cannibal” hunting.Yon’s Vice article about Gary Stevenson.Astray Production Team:School of Humans // iHeartRadioCaroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, ProducerAnkita Anand ~ ProducerGabbie Watts ~ Supervising ProducerTunewelders Jason Shannon ~ Composer Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/03/21•41m 30s
Ryan Chambers
Did Ryan Chambers vanish in India in 2005 due to the influence of the mysterious phenomena, India Syndrome? Or were other forces at play... India Syndrome is examined by a psychiatric expert in New Delhi, India who assesses whether the cryptic phenomena is a myth or legitimate riskRyan Chambers Show Notes:Dr. Harshit Salian ~ Psychiatrist in New Delhi, IndiaDr. Willoughby Britton ~ Assistant professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University Link to First Do No Harm: Foundational Competencies for Working Skillfully with Meditation-Related Challenges.David Hammerbeck ~ Academic and AuthorRyan Chambers, Missing in India Facebook Page ~ Access to Jock Chambers information is listed here. Please contact him with any information you might have on Ryan’s disappearance. Astray Production Team:School of Humans // iHeartRadioCaroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, ProducerAnkita Anand ~ ProducerGabbie Watts ~ Supervising ProducerTunewelders - Sound ProductionJason Shannon ~ Composer Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/03/21•43m 32s
India Syndrome
“India Syndrome,” a psychosis said to effect Westerners seeking spiritual enlightenment in India, is identified as the cause behind a suicide and a disappearance of two Westerners drawn to India, and led astray there.India Syndrome Show Notes:Scott Carney ~ Investigative Journalist, New York Times Bestselling Author and AnthropologistJessica Ravitz ~ Freelance journalist and former senior writer for CNN Digital. Ryan Chambers, Missing in India Facebook Page ~ Access to Jock Chambers information is listed here. Please contact him with any information you might have on Ryan’s disappearance. Astray Production Team:School of Humans // iHeartRadioCaroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, ProducerAnkita Anand ~ ProducerGabbie Watts ~ Supervising ProducerTunewelders - Sound ProductionJason Shannon ~ Composer Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/03/21•33m 35s
Astray Trailer
How far would you go for enlightenment? Westerners have long been drawn to the spiritual mystique of India. While many find what they’re looking for and return home, some vanish without a trace or even end up dead. Astray investigates those who pay the ultimate cost in search of spiritual awakening. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/02/21•3m 1s