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Guru: The Dark Side of Enlightenment

Wondery

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.

Available exclusively on Wondery+ or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription.

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Our Editor's Take

What could be more compelling than an enlightenment teacher who might have a sinister side? Guru: The Dark Side of Enlightenment is the story of James Arthur Ray and his twisted self-help empire. On the surface, Ray was a motivational speaker, but in reality, there may have been a lot more going on. The podcast examines the deceptive ways Ray used his talks to gain his followers. It looks at how he cultivated an image, following, and dynasty.

This podcast pulls back the curtain on this fascinating character. Learn about his early life, rise to fame, and the scandal that made his name infamous. Guru is a gripping and informative look at the hype culture surrounding Ray and his followers. But at the heart of it all is the big question: was he trying to better people's lives, or was it all about the money?

Host Matt Stroud unpacks testimonies, eyewitness accounts, and audio from Ray's talks. Through investigative journalism and research, he aims to answer the ultimate question. What was the motivation behind this beloved Guru? Guru is a must-listen for fans of true crime podcasts and motivational speakers. Eye-opening and enlightening, it may leave listeners with more questions than they had.

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