Astray

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

May 12, 2021 34 mins

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.

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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...

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April 14, 2021 29 mins

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

Tunewelders 

Jason Shan...

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April 7, 2021 36 mins

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

Tunewelders 

Jason Shannon...

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March 31, 2021 41 mins

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...

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March 24, 2021 38 mins

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) ~ Ren...

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March 17, 2021 41 mins

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...

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March 10, 2021 43 mins

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...

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March 3, 2021 33 mins

“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. 

Ryan Chambers, Miss...

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February 3, 2021 3 mins

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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