In the 1970s, John Todd exploded onto the evangelical scene with a shocking claim: a secret group of devil-worshiping elites called the Illuminati were planning a violent world takeover, and Christians needed to arm themselves against them to protect their families and way of life. But none of it was true—so why did the idea spread so quickly?

Dive into John Todd’s dark and distorted world with journalist Paul Murphy on Cover Up: The Conspiracy Tapes. Featuring sensational tales of witchcraft and human sacrifice from recorded tape of John Todd’s original testimony, this story unravels the threads of Todd’s deceptions, and traces his legacy as an originator of modern day conspiracy theories.

Available now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: The Conspiracy Tapes right now, completely ad-free.

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Want to get all episodes of Smoke Screen: I Am Rama, ad-free? Subscribe to The Binge - a new podcast channel from Sony Music entertainment.

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Click “try free” at the top of the Smoke Screen: I Am Rama show page on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial or check out The Binge channel page at apple.co/thebinge to browse all the great shows available to binge ad-free. Not on Apple? Visit getthebinge.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts.

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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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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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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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.”

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