In 1978, Soviet geologists flying over Siberia spotted something impossible: a family living in total isolation, untouched for decades by the modern world. But when outsiders finally reached their remote cabin, the family’s hidden world began to change forever. Special thanks to Rebecca E. Marshall for letting us share clips from her documentary, The Forest in Me . We also want to shout out the film's composer, Xylouris White . You can stream The Forest in Me right now on MUBI . Listen to Very S...
May 06, 2026•51 min
This week's installment of Very Special Episodes is a tour of New York’s secret history with a very special guest! Greg Young of the beloved Bowery Boys podcast joins Dana Schwartz to prove the world is a very interesting place, if you just know where to look. There's hidden history in subway grates, SoHo stores, Central Park statues, and Hamilton lyrics. * Listen to Very Special Episodes wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 23, 2026•49 min
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_li...
May 12, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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 ‘...
Apr 21, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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 Lear...
Apr 14, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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 m...
Apr 07, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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 he...
Mar 31, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 P...
Mar 24, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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: Advent...
Mar 17, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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...
Mar 10, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 2
“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 informati...
Mar 03, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 1
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.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 03, 2021•3 min
