Astray

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 // iHeartRadio

Caroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, Producer

Ankita Anand ~ Producer

Gabbie Watts ~ Supervising Producer

Tunewelders 

Jason Shannon ~ Composer 

Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Psychologist

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 // iHeartRadio

Caroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, Producer

Ankita Anand ~ Producer

Gabbie Watts ~ Supervising Producer

Tunewelders 

Jason Shannon ~ Composer 

Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 behavior at Brown University 

Link to First Do No Harm: Foundational Competencies for Working Skillfully with Meditation-Related Challenges.

David Hammerbeck ~ Academic and Author

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 // iHeartRadio

Caroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, Producer

Ankita Anand ~ Producer

Gabbie Watts ~ Supervising Producer

Tunewelders - Sound Production

Jason Shannon ~ Composer 

Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“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, 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 // iHeartRadio

Caroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, Producer

Ankita Anand ~ Producer

Gabbie Watts ~ Supervising Producer

Tunewelders - Sound Production

Jason Shannon ~ Composer 

Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.