I Am Rama
I Am Rama is an investigative documentary podcast that examines the life and untimely death of the spiritual leader Rama, a captivating and controversial figure from the 1980s known for his designer clothes, rock band, and modern message. Host Jonathan Hirsch explores how Rama was viewed as an enlightened master by some and a dangerous cult leader by others. The show is part of the Smoke Screen series, which investigates complex characters on the fringes of society, including con artists, cult leaders, and corrupt politicians. It is offered through The Binge, a true crime podcast network.
Episodes
Out Now: Crime Scene Weekly — Unforgettable True Crime Stories
From The Binge, Crime Scene plunges you into stories you can’t stop thinking about—revisiting cases that deserve a second look.
Join Jonathan Hirsch (My Fugitive Dad, Dear Franklin Jones) and investigative reporter Cooper Moll as they crack open overlooked details, challenge the official narrative, and uncover what others missed. Each episode delivers the depth of a true crime mini-series in
Legacy
In this episode, we explore all that Rama left behind: students, a charitable foundation, music, books, and a complicated legacy.
A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production
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Conscience Bay
Power trips to paradise and never-before shared knowledge -- were these golden times, or Rama’s way of saying goodbye? This episode explores the final years leading of Rama's life.
A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production.
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Public Opinion
As Rama’s image took a hit in the public sphere, his students circled the wagons around their teacher. In something of a last ditch effort to win over the media, Rama accepts an invitation to appear on Dateline.
A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production.
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Accused
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.
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Deprogramming
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.
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Brenda
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.
Spiritual Contract
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.
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California Dreaming
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.
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Becoming
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 in
Golden Light
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.
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Introducing Smoke Screen I Am Rama
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, foll
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