Wondery presents GURU: The Dark Side of Enlightenment

Morbid

07/04/20

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When we face challenges in life, we seek answers from people we believe can help us. When tragedy strikes an exclusive retreat with a self-help superstar, many people are left to wonder: how far is too far? James Arthur Ray was an Oprah-endorsed self-help teacher who achieved fame, fortune, and influence. But friends and family members of his followers questioned his unorthodox methods, and tried to stop him. From Wondery, the makers of “Dirty John,” “Dr. Death,” and “The Shrink Next Door,” comes a story about the dark side of enlightenment. Hosted by journalist Matt Stroud. Listen today at wondery.fm/morbid_guru See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Previous Episode

The Life and Mysterious Death of Marsha P. Johnson

June 28, 2020

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43m

Marsha P. Johnson was a pioneer for LGBTQ rights and a notable figure in the infamous Stonewall Uprising of 1969. She championed for transgender youth and gave back to her community throughout her short life. When she was found floating, dead in the Hudson River not long after the 1991 Pride parade. Her cause of death was noted as drowning but questions remain. How did she end up in the Hudson? Was this a tragic accident, a suicide or something more sinister?
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Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)

Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)

Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash Kelley

Listener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra Lally

Listener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025)

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Next Episode

The Hex House Murder

July 5, 2020

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49m

It's a weird, 1920's murder involving magic, hexes and a straight up river witch. On Thanksgiving Eve in 1928, John Blymire had reached the end of his rope. He was down on his luck for the past year and he was convinced someone had hexed him. After multiple visits to witches and healers, he was told his fears were valid and that his neighbor was the one responsible for his bad luck. So he plotted to remove the hex placed on him, and he was willing to do anything to achieve peace.
https://the-line-up.com/hex-hollow-nelson-rehmeyer
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/rehmeyers-hollow
https://www.jsonline.com/videos/archives/2019/10/29/hex-house-creepy-tale-murder-witchcraft-york-county/2494760001/
Thanks to our sponsors!
Embark
This summer, Embark has a limited time offer just for our listeners! Go to Embarkvet.com now and use Promo code MORBID to get $50 off your Dog Breed and Health kit.

Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)

Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)

Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash Kelley

Listener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra Lally

Listener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.