Astray

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TRUE CRIME

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.

12/05/2021

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 consciousness Alberto Roman ~ Shaman // Contemporary Curandero 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 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

35 min
21/04/2021

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.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

41 min
14/04/2021

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 Conspirituality 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.

29 min
07/04/2021

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 // 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.

36 min
31/03/2021

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 // 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.

42 min
24/03/2021

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 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 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

39 min
17/03/2021

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 // 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.

42 min
10/03/2021

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 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 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

44 min
03/03/2021

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 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 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

34 min
SEASON 1 TRAILER

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.

3 min

TRAILER

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.

S1

•

3 min

Season Two Out Now. Law & Order: Criminal Justice System tells the real stories behind the landmark cases that have shaped how the most dangerous and influential criminals in America are prosecuted. In its second season, the series tackles the threat of terrorism in the United States. From the rise of extremist political groups in the 60s to domestic lone wolves in the modern day, we explore how organizations like the FBI and Joint Terrorism Take Force have evolved to fight back against a multitude of terrorist threats.

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TRUE CRIME
If you eat, sleep, and breathe true crime, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT is serving up your nightly fix. Five nights a week, KT STUDIOS & iHEART RADIO invite listeners to pull up a seat for an unfiltered look at the biggest cases making headlines, celebrity scandals, and the trials everyone is watching. With a mix of expert analysis, hot takes, and listener call-ins, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT goes beyond the headlines to uncover the twists, turns, and unanswered questions that keep us all obsessed—because, at TRUE CRIME TONIGHT, there’s a seat for everyone. Whether breaking down crime scene forensics, scrutinizing serial killers, or debating the most binge-worthy true crime docs, True Crime Tonight is the fresh, fast-paced, and slightly addictive home for true crime lovers.

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TRUE CRIME
This is the true story of Georgia Durante, an All-American beauty, once named “Kodak Girl” as the most photographed model in the world, who moves to New York and becomes a Mob wife and getaway driver for the Gambino crime family. Then, as a means to save her daughter and escape her abusive marriage and criminal ties, she moves to Los Angeles with $7 in her pocket, reinventing herself as Hollywood’s first female stunt driver. It’s a story that’s as wildly entertaining as it is powerful and poignant, addressing contemporary issues through the incredible experiences of a beautiful, smart, tough, dynamic, badass woman.

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DRAMA
From iHeartRadio and TenderfootTV, ‘Monster: DC Sniper’ reinvestigates the beltway sniper attacks. This true crime podcast places the listener in Montgomery County, Maryland on October 2nd, 2002 when an unidentified sniper began randomly killing people going about their daily lives. Host Tony Harris traces what investigators, journalists and the public learned from the first shot until the last and ultimately asks the question: Does the person convicted of these crimes ever deserve a second chance?

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TRUE CRIME
At age 45, Steve Patterson made a shocking online discovery: his own missing person’s page. Desperate to uncover why he had been included on the list, Steve called Todd Matthews, a missing-persons investigator, in search of answers. Together, Todd and Steve discover a sordid family past that includes long-lost relatives, kidnappings, and murders. It turns out that Steve was presumed dead because around the time he was born, his biological mother had married a serial killer who tore their family apart. Along the way, Steve would have to make sense of a personal story with more twists and turns than he’d ever imagined. In this ten-episode narrative series, Todd Matthews, an amateur sleuth from Tennessee, tells the story of a family torn apart by tragedy and his quest to bring them back together. From Revelations Entertainment, First and Last Productions, and Neon Hum Media, "Hello John Doe" is a winding, poignant tale that explores what it means to be lost and found

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TRUE CRIME
The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told S2 is an anthology of the most layered and engrossing true crime stories of female killers, cops, scientists, lawyers, scammers, activists, and more. Hosted by true crime writer, Mary Kay McBrayer, this podcast series tells stories at the intersection of society, justice, and the human psyche, siphoning wisdom and understanding from these truly great stories.

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Caroline Slaughter

Host
Alberto Roman

Guest
Suzy Singh

Guest
Charlie Marinelli

Guest
Scott Carney

Guest

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.

Channel

iHeart True Crime
Creator

iHeartPodcasts
Years Active

2K
Episodes

10
Rating

Clean
Copyright

2025 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
Show Website

Astray
Provider

iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc