Friday, December 11, 2009

My Interviews Regarding James Ray

I've been getting enough requests for links for my television appearances this week pertaining to James Ray and the death of Colleen Conaway that I've decided to post them instead of responding to each individual.

Tuesday December 8th, CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 did a segment on James Ray and spoke to Colleen's family and to me. You can watch the piece here:
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/12/09/video-deadly-cover-up/
CNN's Gary Tuchman was such a class act. The interview was December 7th and he called twice before the piece aired on the 8th to run it by me and make sure I was comfortable with what he said. He also called after it aired and again the next day to check a new fact.

ABC's Nightline spoke to me back on November 10, but they didn't air the segment until December 8th as well.
http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=9286875
This article has more details than the video version:
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Nightline/james-ray-employee-paramedics-mistook-sweat-lodge-mass/story?id=9283937&page=3

I was hesitant to do either interview at all, but I'm glad I went through with them. I felt a tremendous release doing it, I didn't even care if it aired. I've spoken with Colleen's sister Lynn a few times and she called me yesterday to thank me for doing the interviews. Doing anything to make her family feel the slightest relief made it all worth doing. Since the airings I've received so much support. It's really taken me by surprise. Even my favorite bloggers who were once accusing me of murder have changed their tune (but I still won't be talking to you).

Nightline did a full show on James and had a surprise - former employee Melinda Martin, whom I remembered from Creating Absolute Wealth in San Diego. Melinda had some new information that hit me hard.

Through both interviews I maintained that James hadn't known that the suicide I witnessed was of a seminar participant. But now I know he did. Now I know he lied right to my face and instructed his staff to lie to anyone who asked about Colleen. Last night the news broke that James' right hand man, Greg Hartle, witnessed Colleen's death too.

Until I saw the Nightline segment I expected to attend future James Ray events, in fact I'm all paid up for three more events. I can't imagine they'll ever happen. If they do, I can't imagine having the trust or respect in James needed to attend them.

But I must say, I did find plenty of value in the work I did do with James. There are many things I've done in the past year that wouldn't have happened without my attending his seminars. I learned a lot from him and continue to do so. My willingness to go on TV was due in a large part to his teaching's about pushing through fear. So I am indeed grateful for attending everything I did.

The growth continues. Especially for him. Hopefully this is the end of the story until Arizona authorities announce what charges they'll be filing.

6 comments:

Eight Women Dream said...

I saw him speak once and he just never did anything for me - didn't seem as sincere as Jack Canfield. There was just something about him that seemed off so I was not surprised by what happened.

However, you may give JAR credit for what you have accomplished, but I beg to differ as you still had to make yourself overcome your own fears - no one did that for you.

It makes me think of the Tin-man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz - each thinking they were lacking something when it was in them the entire time. The each used their preserved weaknesses to survive and prevail.

The only thing the Wizard did was wave around some toys to make them believe in themselves - come to think of it JAR reminds me of another character in the Wizard of Oz . . .

Good for you for speaking out and giving some loving kindness to those families.

AF Grant said...

Good point 8 Women. I didn't intend to give JAR credit for what I've accomplished, but rather for helping me realize I could.

To think I just could have watched The Wizard of Oz instead...

Cassandra Yorgey said...

The families of the deathlodge victims are thankful to you as well. Eight Women Dream makes such a great point. I don't think JR gave anyone anything they didn't already have.

Salty Droid said...

Andy :: you should just call me up man.

Morelli's??? Really? Let's chat about that. Do you know who their up-line is? And Holosync? The whole course? Just let me make you my arguments about NOT paying for it.

Paying for it taints the journey :: and the truth.

Did the "Angie Gaines" comment on your now famous post come from a proxy server?

AF Grant said...

The only thing tainting my journey is you, my salty friend.

Salty Droid said...

Ha! :)

You are wrong :: but touche anyway.