Episodes

  • Introducing Smoke Screen I Am Rama

    Introducing Smoke Screen I Am Rama
    Jun 15 2022
    Rama was a spiritual teacher in the 80s and 90s who inspired many of his students while helming what many of his detractors would describe as a cult. He defied society’s archetypal vision of a New Age leader, eschewing minimalism for wealth and celebrity. He was also a man ahead of his time, encouraging his students to develop careers in computer science before that was mainstream. For some, following Rama's lead worked out spiritually, and financially too. But for others, Rama's actions contradicted his cool persona; some eventually came forward with accusations of abuse, others vanished, whistleblowers went to the media, and the group began to shrink and splinter. In this 10-part investigative series, Jonathan Hirsch explores the life, death and impact of Rama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    4 mins
  • Golden Light

    Golden Light
    Jun 15 2022
    Rama was a man of many faces: teacher, tech entrepreneur, friend - and to some, a scam artist. This episode introduces Rama, examining the world from which he came, the way he shaped those who entered his orbit for better and for worse, and the mysterious circumstances around his demise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Becoming

    Becoming
    Jun 15 2022
    This episode follows Frederick Lenz III from his early days and education through his introduction to spiritualism with his mentor, Sri Chinmoy, at the dawn of the New Age. Young Freddie becomes “Atmananda,” a recruiter for his mentor, until it becomes time to strike out on his own, as Zen Master Rama. If you want to know more about Rama’s early years, you can read more from the people who we interviewed for this episode. Liz Lewinson’s book is called “American Buddhist Rebel The Story of Rama, Dr. Frederick Lenz.” Mark Laxer's books is called “Take Me For a Ride, Coming of Age in a Destructive Cult.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • California Dreaming

    California Dreaming
    Jun 15 2022
    Rama’s growth as a spiritual teacher in the mid-80s starts in California but takes him and his students all over the country. Rama defines his doctrine, turning his attention to the potential of the computer industry. But for his students, it’s not always easy to keep up with their teacher, or stay in his good graces. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Spiritual Contract

    Spiritual Contract
    Jun 15 2022
    Will Arntz is a man of many talents, from filmmaker to laser physicist. In this episode, Will relives the time he spent studying with Rama and how it changed his life. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Brenda

    Brenda
    Jun 15 2022
    A young woman follows Rama to New York, and mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind many to wonder what happened. In this episode, people who knew and loved Brenda Kerber piece her story back together. If you have any information about the death of Brenda Kerber that wasn’t reflected in this episode, please contact the White Plains Police Department in New York at https://whiteplainspublicsafety.com/submit-a-tip/ or 914-422-6111. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • Deprogramming

    Deprogramming
    Jun 15 2022
    Rama finds himself in the crosshairs of the Cult Awareness Network, a group dedicated to extricating people from what they consider to be cults by “deprogramming” them. But Rama’s students tell a much different story. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Accused

    Accused
    Jun 15 2022
    Multiple women accuse Rama of sexual misconduct and emotional manipulation. Many of Rama’s students defend their teacher. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    29 mins