In 1983, a cherubic, homely doll triggered something close to national hysteria. Parents fought in store aisles. Shelves were stripped bare. Even the New York mafia found itself selling children’s toys.

Cabbage Patch Kids went from handmade curiosities to the most coveted object in America — igniting riots, corporate battles, and a moral panic that stretched from suburban malls to federal courtrooms. All in a single Christmas season.

And the frenzy didn’t end when the Kids disappeared from shelves. In an unexpected twist decades later, these dolls would get more care and attention than they ever had before.

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Very special thanks to all our guests! You can hear more of Larry Mazza’s story in his book The Life, available on Amazon.

Today's episode is a production of iHeartPodcasts and School of Humans.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dangers of Datura revealed, and a different perspective on what it means to seek… and the cost for those of us who do.

Support India during the pandemic by donating to the organizations listed below that were suggested by Astray producer, Ankita Anand.

• https://fundraisers.giveindia.org/projects/wastepickers-of-pune-call-for-support-in-the-devastating-times-of-covid19
• https://www.gofundme.com/f/covid-aid-for-ranchi-india?member=10472615&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer
• https://www.donatekart.com/Hemkunt-Foundation/Give-Oxygen-Cylinders/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvr6EBhDOARIsAPpqUPHbqctClydjRkIjvTnCA8ms7DZvq2OSxSDLBgq2VBFCLJcnxq0A9J8aAli1EALw_wcB
• https://www.khalsaaid.org/donate

Guest Experts:

Suzy Singh ~ Therapist, author and international speaker on karma and consciousness

Alberto Roman ~ Shaman // Contemporary Curandero

Astray Production Team:

School of Humans // iHeartRadio

Caroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, Producer

Ankita Anand ~ Producer

Gabbie Watts ~ Supervising Producer

Tunewelders - Sound Production

Jason Shannon ~ Composer

Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlie Marinelli’s story is not surrounded by theories. In a first hand interview, he provides answers about hitting a spiritual edge in India — a journey he barely survived.

Charlie Marinelli: Found Show Notes:

Charlie Marinelli ~ Contact Charlie at charliemarinelli@gmail.com.

Suzy Singh ~ Therapist, author and international speaker on karma and consciousness speaks about Black Magic.

Referenced Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). A New York Times article about the ‘Psychedelic Revolution’ hitting psychiatry.

Astray Production Team:

School of Humans // iHeartRadio

Caroline Slaughter ~ Host, Writer, Producer

Ankita Anand ~ Producer

Gabbie Watts ~ Supervising Producer

Tunewelders

Jason Shannon ~ Composer

Harper Harris ~ Sound Design, Audio Mixer

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.