In 2022, the “self-help” industry in the U.S. alone raked in more than $13B. (That’s BILLION, with a capital B.) There is no shame in wanting to better oneself – personally, professionally, or both. What is shameful is taking advantage of those people who seek self-improvement. Adherents of such programs often expect (and pay big money) to be challenged physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But self-help gurus operate in a largely unregulated space, and that can – and has – had fatal consequences. The Escape Pod takes an interesting turn this week, as one co-host shares her own experiences with an ungodly guru whose brazen actions pushed his followers much, much too far. 

BE ADVISED: This episode contains mature language and disturbing descriptions of victims in their final moments of a “retreat” gone wrong. 

Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers: 

Topic #1       7:50 Escaping false gurus 

Topic #2     20:21 What makes a guru a guru? 

Topic #3     34:02 Main event at JAR’s October 2009 retreat ends in tragedy 

Topic #4     42:41 July 2009: Woman dies during different JAR retreat 

Topic #5  1:06:08 Red flags to watch for with self-help gurus/programs 

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