What is your interest in this topic?
I have no personal connection to the sannyasins, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, or the events that took place in Oregon. I’ve always been fascinated by charismatic leaders, fringe spiritual movements, utopian communities, true crime, and powerful women. The Rajneeshpuram story hits on all of these topics in spades, which is what drew me into this history.
Unfortunately, no. It was part of my research plan when I got my book deal, but then COVID-19 happened and travel was out of the question. I have been to The Dalles, Madras, the former Hotel Rajneesh in Portland, and have driven around the high desert near where the commune used to be. I still hope to visit some day — especially because many of the original buildings are still there and still being used! I’d love to see them.
Have you been to the site where Rajneeshpuram was?
What is the difference between the podcast and your book?
Most of the podcast was created in 2018-2020, before there was any book. I started from scratch to write Rajneeshpuram: Inside the Cult of Bhagwan and Its Failed American Utopia, in terms of research, outlining, and writing the story itself. Most content in the book wasn’t covered in the podcast, or at least not in as much detail or from the same perspectives. Likewise, even if you’ve read the book you’ll find a lot in the podcast that is new. I think of them as complementary to each other.
Have you written other books / created other podcasts?
Building Utopia is my only podcast, and Rajneeshpuram: Inside the Cult of Bhagwan and Its Failed American Utopia is my only published book. I’m not sure if I’ll ever do others. I’d have to find a topic that grabs me just as much as this one — and that’s a tall order.
What equipment do you use for your podcast?
Electro-Voice RE20 microphone
Audient iD14 USB Audio Interface
Macbook Air
Logic Pro X for music production, recording, and mixing
My closet as the recording booth