Introducing: I Am Rama

Rama was a spiritual teacher in the 80s and 90s who inspired many of his students while leading what many of his detractors would call a cult. He defied the typical vision of a New Age leader, trading in minimalism in favor of 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. But for others, Rama's actions contradicted the version of him that he projected, 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 and impact of Rama, also known as Dr. Frederick Lenz. Search for the Smoke Screen Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, or for the title of this second season "I Am Rama", to listen.