Book Club: Plastic Shaman
About this episode
Annette McGivney discusses her book 'Plastic Shaman' about a deadly self-help retreat led by James Arthur Ray.
During James Arthur Ray’s 2009 Spiritual Warrior retreat in Sedona, the self-proclaimed spiritual teacher exhorted participants to “play full-on” in order to overcome their limiting beliefs and fear of death. After having their heads shaved and enduring a gruelling 36-hour “vision quest,” Ray packed the spiritual warriors into a makeshift “sweat lodge,” where temperatures reached 120 degrees. Three people died. Eighteen were hospitalized. Ray fled the scene, taking cover at a nearby luxury resort to promote his next event. After spending just two years in jail, he went right back to presenting himself as a spiritual guide and transformational seminar leader. Journalist and professor emeritus at Northern Arizona University, Annette McGivney joins Julian to discuss her new book, Plastic Shaman: The True Story of a Deadly Self-Help Retreat and America’s Misguided Quest for Wellness. Show Notes Annette McGivney Bio Plastic Shaman is available September 15th through Torrey House Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Julian Walker
Guest: Annette McGivney
Topics covered
- spirituality
- self-help
- wellness
- death
- retreats
Keywords
- James Arthur Ray
- Annette McGivney
- Plastic Shaman
- self-help retreat
- wellness
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Torrey House Press
Books & works: Plastic Shaman
Places: Sedona
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