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
In 1979, the world watched as NASA’s 77-ton space station made its fiery plunge back to Earth. When Skylab broke apart over a sleepy Australian town, the falling debris set off a global media frenzy. This is the story of the night the sky actually fell — and the teenager who became an improbable hero.
Hi, Astray listeners! Check out this story from the Very Special Episodes podcast. You can listen to new episodes o...
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.
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...
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 Conspirituality
Astray Production Team:
School of Humans // iHeartRadio
Caroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, Producer
Ankita Anand ~ Producer
Gabbie Watts ~ Supervising Producer
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 // iHeartRadio
Caroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, Producer
Ankita Anand ~ Producer
Gabbie Watts ~ Supervising Producer
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 li...
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.
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 Alexande...
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 risk
Ryan Chambers Show Notes:
Dr. Harshit Salian ~ Psychiatrist in New Delhi, India
Dr. Willoughby Britton ~ Assistant professor of psychiatry and human behavi...
“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 Anthropologist
Jessica Ravitz ~ Freelance journalist and former senior writer for CNN Digital.
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.
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