Podcasts about Scientology

CORRECTION: I say Minnie Driver was married to Tom Cruise and I MEANT TO SAY Mimi Rogers! Sorry to accuse you of scientology Minnie. Putting on our mardi gras masks and edging to the beautiful lighting in this film this week. Delve into the conspiracies at your own discretion. Framed  Movie GameGooning Article in Harper's Magazine by Daniel KolitzYouTube video essay I recommend about Tom Cruise and Scientology by NOT THE GOOD GIRLAbother wonderful YouTube video essay about Eyes Wide Shut  by Broey DeschenelSend us a textSWAMP stuff:TikTok: @theswamppodcastInstagram: @theswamppodBluesky: @theswamppodcast.bsky.socialYouTubeDara's Letterboxd Emily's Letterboxd Our website: https://www.the-swamp-podcast.com/Email: theswamppod@gmail.com

Send us a textA church that prepares for the end of the world tells you everything about its present. We dig into Scientology's underground vaults built by the Church of Spiritual Technology—why they exist, how the etched steel archives are made, and the strange logic behind symbols carved into remote landscapes. The story gets less mystical and more material when you ask a simple question: who gets in, how, and what exactly is being protected?We also open the blinds on Int Base and the Hole, where pressure breeds cruelty and survival games replace ethics. Would Shelly Miscavige have steered the ship differently? Maybe on violence, not on doctrine. Disconnection, high-pressure money tactics, and family splits precede any one leader. And here's the number that matters: by 2005, Scientology held roughly a billion dollars in pre-paid services not delivered. That's a massive liability, which helps explain the pivot to pure donations and trophies with no obligation attached. If every paying member asked for the services they already bought, income could collapse for decades.Expect specifics, not slogans. We talk about where the plates are actually manufactured now, who supplies the titanium capsules, why transcripts of leadership meetings are scrubbed clean of expletives, and how event attendance shrinks while rosters inflate with names from the 1970s. We also speak directly to staff under pressure to join the Sea Org: you can walk away, and there's help when you do.It's not all grim. Our community's “Fake Navy Davy” photo contest uses humor to puncture the aura—placing the doll in capitols, burger joints, and make-believe cells—because laughter is a pressure valve and an invitation to look closer. We close with updates from the Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation, including real rescues and the steady work of helping people rebuild a life.If this episode gave you clarity or courage, share it with a friend, subscribe for more deep dives, and leave a review so others can find it. Your voice helps someone else get free.Support the showBFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS: Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

director and documentarian Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about magical thinking in general and Ron Hubbard's plagiarism of Aleister Crowley in particular.Read Jon's paper, Possible Origins of Dianetics and Scientologyor listen to Jon reading the paper in this videopart onepart twoAnd more on Crowley, ritual magick, and ScientologyJeff Jacobsen's paper, The Hubbard is BareBuy Jon's book hereSpike's note: Yes, Jon is aware that the "funny animal" presence at the protest is (for the most part) people in inflatable costumes and not "Furries". However, "Furries" is easier to say than "Inflatabillies." No Furries were harmed in the making of this video.

Send us a textA religion that etches its scriptures into stainless steel, presses its sermons onto gold records, and seals everything inside titanium capsules buried in mountains sounds like science fiction. We take you there—mapping Scientology's Church of Spiritual Technology vaults from Twin Peaks and Trementina to Petrolia, Creston, and an old California mine—while unpacking the logic, the secrecy, and the human cost behind it all.We start with the industrial reality: how books become laser-etched plates and lectures become gold discs, all climate‑controlled and argon‑sealed to survive an extinction event. Then comes the kicker—every time leadership revises Hubbard's words, the archive must be remade, at huge expense. At Twin Peaks, where much of this work has been done, we talk candidly about clearances, rotating staff to avoid local ties, and why so few insiders even knew these places existed. Shelly Miscavige's long absence threads through the narrative, including documented ties to more than one site.From there, we drive down a dirt road to Trementina, New Mexico, the airstrip and the once‑visible earth symbols meant to guide future finders from the sky. We explore Petrolia's paper trail of addresses and voter registrations, the Lady Washington Mine adapted into a vault, and Creston Ranch, where Hubbard spent his last days in an RV on a property with a perfectly good house. Along the way, we compare myth and mechanics, and share first‑hand moments—like late‑night calls and not‑so‑subtle tailing—that show how far the organization goes to keep questions at bay.If you're curious about Scientology's real footprint, preservation claims, or the truth behind the “apocalypse-proof” archive, this deep dive connects the dots with reporting, records, and lived experience. Listen, share your take, and help others find this show: follow, rate on your podcast app, and leave a quick review telling us which site stunned you most.Support the showBFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS: Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

Interested in Scientology? Ever watch the “Truman Show” movie with Jim Carrey? Check out this long overdue interview with my longtime friend, the charming and resilient Tory “Magoo” Christman. Tory, was in Scientology for thirty years, had reached the uppermost levels of Hubbard's “Bridge to Total Freedom,” specifically OT7 (OT8 is the highest) and was involved with John Travolta directly from the beginning of the Celebrity Centre. Ever since exiting after being manipulated by officials to disrupt the Internet group (at the beginning of the internet), ever since realizing the facts about the group, Tory has been devoting her time and energy to helping people get informed- and assisting people when they want to leave. Tory has helped me with clients and has a very active YouTube channel and still does street outreach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xenu is the anti-moonboy: someone who is deeply dedicated to promoting digital money as something that you use to purchase goods & services, and a black market connoisseur. In this episode, we talk about Bitcoin & tackle the Moreno vs Zcash debate. Time stamps: 00:01:46 - Welcome to Bitcoin Takeover podcast 00:01:52 - Vlad introduces himself and Xenu 00:02:06 - Debating Zcash vs Monero 00:02:44 - Xenu thanks Vlad 00:03:36 - AI and aesthetics discussion 00:03:41 - Vlad sold XMR for ZEC and Zano 00:04:31 - Zano as CryptoNote fork 00:05:18 - Bitcoin as speculative asset 00:06:55 - Satoshi white paper vs Michael Saylor 00:09:24 - Ordinals and blockchain data 00:10:11 - Filters war and Simpsons meme 00:11:36 - Bitcoin Knots vs Samurai Wallet 00:12:18 - Privacy as key to censorship resistance 00:13:01 - Op_Return and Samourai conflicts 00:14:04 - Luke Dash Jr critiques 00:15:50 - Paul Sztorc and drivechains 00:18:03 - Bitcoin Core devs like Ava Chow, Gloria Zhao 00:20:13 - Potential Bitcoin fork 00:21:45 - Government attacks on privacy 00:23:12 - Adam Back's profile 00:24:15 - Lightning Network failures 00:25:53 - Citrea ceremony and L2 scaling 00:26:36 - Mining sustainability concerns 00:28:44 - Bitcoin Strategic Reserve meme 00:30:30 - Gold vs Bitcoin flipping 00:32:00 - Regulations like MiCA in Europe 00:35:37 - Visa network irony for Bitcoin 00:36:59 - Subverted counterculture 00:39:05 - Rise and Rise of Bitcoin doc 00:41:19 - Coinbase and custodians 00:42:31 - Samourai Wallet plea 00:43:10 - Bitcoin cultural issues 00:45:23 - Tornado Cash devs as heroes 00:46:05 - Ethereum as better cypherpunks 00:48:03 - Ethereum underrated 00:49:19 - Privacy laws outdated 00:50:19 - Roman Storm t-shirt in trial 00:53:44 - Zashi wallet and Near integration 00:55:01 - Zcash culture elitism 00:58:05 - Inflation bug concerns 01:00:25 - Zcash as company token 01:02:01 - Dev fund and delivery 01:03:02 - Dandelion++ from Bitcoin 01:04:15 - Bitcoin rejects privacy tech 01:05:02 - Demand Z-to-Z transactions 01:06:55 - Timing analysis attacks 01:08:14 - Zcash avoiding "smoke" 01:09:29 - Academics funding challenges 01:10:31 - Monero devs like Luke Parker 01:12:04 - Zcash tech in Bitcoin/Ethereum 01:14:11 - Stablecoins using ZK proofs 01:15:04 - Monero quality over quantity 01:17:03 - Memecoins as political statement 01:18:51 - Declining Lightning adoption 01:20:24 - Shielded pool growth 01:21:50 - Zcash self-defeating history 01:22:54 - Zcash vs Monero transactions 01:24:06 - NGPT and merchant usage 01:25:02 - Passion for spending Monero 01:26:27 - Free market dynamics 01:27:06 - Zcash pump as bubble sign 02:27:20 - Zcash progress and integrations 02:27:59 - Project persistence 02:28:24 - Zcash traceable statements 02:28:53 - Forking debate 02:29:53 - Blockstream in Monero 02:30:17 - Liquid network ghost town 02:31:03 - Zcash usage comparison 02:31:50 - Zcash explorer check 02:32:30 - Shielded stats 02:34:05 - Shielded pool growth 02:35:39 - 100% shielded demand 02:36:04 - Pirate Chain issues 02:37:04 - Forks treatment: Zcash vs Monero 02:38:52 - Encouraging tech experiments 02:40:06 - Xenu name origin 02:41:47 - Scientology lore 02:42:05 - Community forks response 02:43:16 - Zcash-Monero tensions 02:43:34 - Monerotopia invite decline 02:44:13 - Discouraging forks 02:44:47 - XMR toxicity towards Zano 02:45:30 - Monero stablecoins? 02:46:29 - Chat: X accounts recommendations 02:47:44 - Hit on Joel Valenzuela 02:48:04 - Community toxicity 02:49:24 - Calling out behavior 02:50:00 - Luke Parker quit incident 02:51:02 - Proof of work work 02:53:16 - Nation state attacks 02:54:48 - Dev attitudes 02:55:47 - Broader adversaries 02:56:53 - Privacy incentives 02:57:34 - Personal privacy motivations 02:59:00 - Darknet experiences 03:00:07 - Zashi wallet node connect 03:01:20 - Post-cap mining 03:02:08 - Monero dev count 03:02:43 - Talent replacement 03:03:52 - Multi-coin world 03:04:13 - DAG tech 03:04:20 - Tornado Cash, Samourai 03:04:39 - Wasabi differences 03:06:56 - Closing thoughts 03:07:18 - Dark Market Maximalism 03:08:39 - Xenu's reaction when ZEC flips XMR 03:10:08 - Anti-Moonboy content 03:11:02 - Cheap shots 03:11:56 - Closing remarks 03:12:19 - Rematch idea 03:13:07 - Chat comments 03:14:23 - Zano conference 03:15:00 - Wownero follow 03:15:32 - Feedback request 03:16:06 - Proxy names 03:17:32 - Is Vlad the Peter Schiff of Monero? 03:18:13 - Schiff family 03:19:16 - Final thanks

What do Scientologists believe? Where did their system come from? Is it a religion? How did it get formed?

Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Father Robert Garon joins Terry to discuss his journey as God led him from false religions into the Priesthood Gospel -  Luke 12:35-38 - Jesus said to His disciples: "Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants."

Send us a textWhat does life at Scientology's international headquarters actually look like when the cameras aren't rolling? We open the map to Gold Base—also known as Int Base—and walk through who's there, what they do, and why nearly everything meaningful flows through a single point of approval. From RTC and CMO International to Executive Strata and Golden Era Productions, we explain the org chart you never see in the glossy videos, and how AVC “authorizes, verifies, and corrects” plans that still live or die on David Miscavige's word.Listeners asked what Gold produces now, and the answer reveals a quiet shift: mass manufacturing moved to Los Angeles years ago, separating living quarters from labor hubs near Bridge Publications and Scientology Media Productions. We address the Hole and the trailers that remain, the surrounding demolitions, and why certain executives haven't been publicly seen in years. Population wise, the Base peaked around the mid-1990s and has thinned to a fraction, with some older staff moved off-site. The day-to-day reality? Endless approvals for even small liberties, strict security, and drills for fire, floods, intruders, and “blows.” It's a fortress mindset, built on control and unpredictability.We also tackle the larger question: who sets policy when the founder is gone? Officially, “Hubbard wrote it all.” Practically, contradictions get resolved by canceling non-Hubbard texts and narrowing authority until it sits in one office. We share how paper boards and undated resignations create distance on paper while preserving command in practice. And while PR boasts of worldwide expansion, we hear from on-the-ground sources that some Ideal Orgs can't keep the utilities on. It's a telling gap between message and maintenance.Support the showBFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS: Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

autism, "autism wars," Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK), Scientology, RFK's links to Scientology, Scientology's views on autism, Bernard Rimland, Rimland's links to Scientology, "weaponized autism," Wikileaks, Julian Assange, peak oil, energy politics, the Metaverse, renewable energy, the scramble for resources, the Metaverse as not just a civilization but species killing endeavor, the decline of technology since the 1960, autism's role in computersMusic by: Keith Allen Dennishttps://keithallendennis.bandcamp.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

L. Ron Hubbard is credited with "inventing" this technique but that is in dispute. Regardless, the C.I.A. took what Hubbard did, polished it up and implemented it. Now, it is being used through advertisements, the media and especially social media platforms.  What is the technique? How does one recognize it and most importantly... how not to fall into it's trap!Email us at: downtherh@protonmail.com

Nick Jeffery and John Granger continue their Q&A conversations about Rowling-Galbraith's Hallmarked Man (if you missed the first discussion, click here to catch up). As usual, the pair promised to send links and notes along with their recorded back and forth for anyone wanting to read more about the subjects they discussed. Scroll down for their seven plus one questions and a bevy of bonus material they trust will add to your appreciation of Rowling's Strike 8 artistry and meaning. Cheers!Q1: What is the meaning of or artistry involved with Pat Chauncey's three fish in the Agency's fish tank, ‘Robin,' ‘Cormoran,' and ‘Travolta/Elton'?Mise en Abyme (Wikipedia)In Western art history, mise en abyme (French pronunciation: [miz ɑ̃n‿abim]; also mise en abîme) is the technique of placing a copy of an image within itself, often in a way that suggests an infinitely recurring sequence. In film theory and literary theory, it refers to the story within a story technique.The term is derived from heraldry, and means placed into abyss (exact middle of a shield). It was first appropriated for modern criticism by the French author André Gide. A common sense of the phrase is the visual experience of standing between two mirrors and seeing an infinite reproduction of one's image. Another is the Droste effect, in which a picture appears within itself, in a place where a similar picture would realistically be expected to appearSnargaloff pods (Harry Potter Wiki)“It sprang to life at once; long, prickly, bramble-like vines flew out of the top and whipped through the air... Harry succeeded in trapping a couple of vines and knotting them together; a hole opened in the middle of all the tentacle-like branches... Hermione snatched her arm free, clutching in her fingers a pod... At once, the prickly vines shot back inside and the gnarled stump sat there looking like an innocently dead lump of wood“— The trio dealing with the Snargaluff plant in sixth year Herbology classSnargaluff was a magical plant with the appearance of a gnarled stump, but had dangerous hidden thorn-covered vines that attacked when provoked, and was usually best handled by more than one person.Juliana's Question about the Oranda Goldfish:did anyone else notice - I confess to only noticing this on my second re-read of THM- that Travolta, Pat's third fish, dies?What do we think about this? Could this mean Mr. Ryan F. Murphy dies…? Or could it just be foreshadowing of the fact that him and Robin don't end up together? I think the fish symbolism was quite humorous and delightful paralleling such a deep and intricate plot. Just wanted to know if anyone noticed this tinge of humor towards the end of the book… As for the fish theory, Pat's three fish in the tank: Strike, Robin and the third, she calls, Travolta — ironically, named after a “handsome” man. I'm thinking JKR meant Travolta, the fish to symbolize Murphy…What I was referring to in my original comment: the three fish = the love triangle between Ellacott/Murphy/Strike. I was asking: since Travolta died in Chapter 113, do we think this foreshadows Murphy either dying physically, or just that Robin and Murphy do not end up together?John's ‘Fish and Peas' Response:It's a relief to learn that Travolta's most famous role wasn't a character named Ryan Murphy that everyone in the world except myself knows very well. Thank you for this explanation!There's more to your idea, though, I think, then you have shared. Forgive me if you were already aware of this textual argument that suggests very strongly that these Oranda goldfish have been an important part of Rowling's plan from the series from the start. In brief, it's about the peas.In Part 2, Chapter 3, of ‘Cuckoo's Calling,' Robin and Matt are having their first fight about Strike and the Agency. The chapter ends with an odd note that this disagreement has blemished the Cunliffe couple's engagement.“She waited until he had walked away into the sitting room before turning off the tap. There was, she noticed, a fragment of frozen pea caught in the setting of her engagement ring.” (73)Your theory that the fish bowl is an embedded picture of the state of Robin's feelings for Murphy and Strike, a Mise en abyme of sorts, is given credibility in the eyes of this reader by the appearance of frozen peas as the cure for the dying Cormoran goldfish. It is hard for a Rowling Reader to believe that these two mentions of frozen pea fragments were coincidental or unrelated, which means that (a) Rowling had the office Oranda goldfish scene-within-the-scene in Strike 8 foreshadowed by the Strike 1 tiff, and (b) therefore of real significance.There is another pea bit, of course, in ‘Troubled Blood' at Skegness, a passage that links Robin's heart or essence with peas.Strike was still watching the starlings when Robin set down two polystyrene trays, two small wooden forks and two cans of Coke on the table.“Mushy peas,” said Strike, looking at Robin's tray, where a hefty dollop of what looked like green porridge sat alongside her fish and chips.“Yorkshire caviar,” said Robin, sitting down. “I didn't think you'd want any.”“You were right,” said Strike, picking up a sachet of tomato sauce while watching with something like revulsion as Robin dipped a chip into the green sludge and ate it.“Soft Southerner, you are,” she said, and Strike laughed. (807-808)If you tie this in with the fish symbolism embedded in Rowling's favorite paintings and the meaning of ‘Oranda,' this is quite a bit of depth in that fish bowl -- and in your argument that the death of Travolta signifies Murphy is out of consideration.You're probably to young to remember this but Travolta's most famous role will always be Tony Manero in ‘Saturday Night Fever,' the breakout event of his acting career. Manero longs for a woman way out of his league, attempts to rape her after they win a dance contest, she naturally rejects him, but they wind up as friends.Or in a book so heavy in the cultish beliefs and practices of Freemasonry, especially with respect to policemen that are also “on the square,” maybe the Travolta-Murphy link is just that the actor is, with Tom Cruise, as famous (well...) for his beliefs in Scientology as for his acting ability.So, yes, it's fun, your ‘Peas and Fish' theory, but there's something to it.Check out this note on ‘Peas' in the Strike novels from Renee over at the weblog: https://www.hogwartsprofessor.com/hallmarked-man-placeholder-post-index/comment-page-1/#comment-1699017 The fish symbolism embedded in Rowling's favorite painting: https://hogwartsprofessor.substack.com/p/rowlings-favorite-painting-and-what And the meaning of ‘Oranda:' https://www.hogwartsprofessor.com/rowling-twixter-fish-and-strike-update/Follow-Up by Julianna:I'm not sure what exact chapter this is in, but let's also not forget that on Sark, Strike procures a bag of frozen peas to soothe the spade to his face injury. I also want to add that he has used frozen peas before, to soothe his aching leg too, but I could be wrong about that…I cant remember where I've read that, so it might not be true….Lastly, after reading Renee's comment, I have to say, that now I do believe that the peas might have been an ongoing symbol for Strike (a la…the pea in the engagement ring) and…stay with me here….peas are potentially, what save Cormoran, the goldfish, from dying.“The black fish called Cormoran was again flailing helplessly at the top of the tank. ‘Stupid a*****e, you've done it to your f*cking self'.” And the very last line of the book being: “Then pushed himself into a standing position ear and knee both throbbing. In the absence of anything else he could do to improve his present situation, he set off for the attic to fetch the empty margerine tub…and some peas.” (Chapter 127).My point being: this could be a way of Rowling saying, that Strike saves himself from himself…another psychological undertone in her stories. (Lake reference: Rowling has pulled herself up out of poverty ‘by her own bootstraps' we say.) Thoughts? Thanks for induldging me here, John! I am enjoying this conversation. Apologies for the grammar and potentially confusing train of thoughts.And from Vicky:Loving the theories and symbolism around the peas and fish! Just had a thought too re John quoting the Troubled blood scene. Robin calls mushy peas by a familiar term “Yorkshire caviar”. Caviar is of course fish eggs, and poor Robin, Yorkshire born, spends much of THM agonising over the thought and pressure of freezing her eggs. Giuliana mentioned the frozen peas Strike puts on his swollen face after the spade hit...maybe this is foreshadowing to their intimate and honest dinner conversation later with Robin baring her heart to Strike about her ectopic pregnancy griefQ2: Why didn't the Strike-Ellacott Agency or the Metropolitan Police figure out how the murderer entered the Ramsay Silver vault to kill William Wright the first time they saw the grainy surveillance film of the auction house crate deliveries?Tweet UrlFrom ‘The Locked Room Lecture' (John Dickson Carr) It's silly to be disappointed in a border-line absurd Locked Room Mystery such as Hallmarked Man because improbability is close to a requirement in such stories:“But this point must be made, because a few people who do not like the slightly lurid insist on treating their preferences as rules. They use, as a stamp of condemnation, the word ‘improbable.' And thereby they gull the unwary into their own belief that ‘improbable' simply means ‘bad.'“Now, it seems reasonable to point out that the word improbable is the very last which should ever be used to curse detective fiction in any case. A great part of our liking fofr detective fiction is based on a liking for improbability. When A is murdered, and B and C are under strong suspicion, it is improbably that the innocent-looking D can be guilty. But he is. If G has a perfect alibi, sworn to at every point by every other letter in the alphabet, it is improbable that G can have committed the crime. But he has. When the detective picks up a fleck of coal dust at the seashore, it is improbable that such an insignificant thing can have any importance. But it will. In short, you come to a point where the word improbable grows meaningless as a jeer. There can be no such thing as any probability until the end of the story. And then, if you wish the murder to be fastened on an unlikely person (as some of us old fogies do), you can hardly complain because he acted from motives less likely or necessarily less apparent than those of the person first suspected.“When the cry of ‘This-sort-of-thing-wouldn't-happen!' goes up, when you complain about half-faced fiends and hooded phantoms and blond hypnotic sirens, you are merely saying, ‘I don't like this sort of story.' That's fair enough. If you do not like it, you are howlingly right to say so. But when you twist this matter of taste into a rule for judging the merit or even the probability of the story, you are merely saying, ‘This series of events couldn't happen, because I shouldn't enjoy it if it did.'“What would seem to be the truth of the matter? We might test it out by taking the hermetically sealed chamber as an example, because this situation has been under a hotter fire than any other on the grounds of being unconvincing.“Most people, I am delighted to say, are fond of the locked room. But – here's the damned rub – even its friends are often dubious. I cheerfully admit that I frequently am. So, for the moment, we'll all side together on this score and see what we can discover. Why are we dubious when we hear the explanation of the locked room? Not in the least because we are incredulous, but simply because in some vague way we are disappointed. And from that feeling it is only natural to take an unfair step farther, and call the whole business incredible or impossible or flatly ridiculous.” (reprinted in The Art of the Mystery Story [Howard Haycraft] 273-286)Q3: Hallmarked Man is all about silver and Freemasonry. What is the historical connection between South American silver (‘Argentina' means ‘Land of Silver'), the end of European feudalism, and the secret brotherhood of the Masons?How Silver Flooded the World: And how that Replaced Feudalism and the Church with Capitalism and Nation-States (‘Uncharted Territories,' Tomas Pueyo) In Europe, silver also triggered the discovery of America, a technological explosion, and a runaway chain of events that replaced feudalism with capitalism and nation-states. If you understand this, you'll be able to understand why nation-states are threatened by cryptocurrencies today, and how their inevitable success will weaken nation-states. In this premium article, we're going to explore how Europe starved for silver, and how the reaction to this flooded the world with silver. ,See also Never Bet Against America and Argentina Could be a Superpower, both by Pueyo.‘Conspiracy Theories associated with Freemasonry' (Wikipedia)* That Freemasonry is a Jewish front for world domination or is at least controlled by Jews for this goal. An example of this is the anti-Semitic literary forgery The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Adolf Hitler believed that Freemasonry was a tool of Jewish influence,[12] and outlawed Freemasonry and persecuted Freemasons partially for this reason.[13] The covenant of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas claims that Freemasonry is a “secret society” founded as part of a Zionist plot to control the world.[14] Hilaire Belloc thought Jews had “inaugurated” freemasonry “as a bridge between themselves and their hosts”[15]* That Freemasonry is tied to or behind Communism. The Spanish dictator Francisco Franco had often associated his opposition with both Freemasonry and Communism, and saw the latter as a conspiracy of the former; as he put it, “The whole secret of the campaigns unleashed against Spain can be explained in two words: masonry and communism”.[16] In 1950, Irish Roman Catholic priest Denis Fahey republished a work by George F. Dillon under the title Grand Orient Freemasonry Unmasked as the Secret Power Behind Communism. Modern conspiracy theorists such as Henry Makow have also claimed that Freemasonry intends the triumph of Communism[17]* That Freemasons are behind income taxes in the US. One convicted tax protester has charged that law enforcement officials who surrounded his property in a standoff over his refusal to surrender after his conviction were part of a “Zionist, Illuminati, Free Mason [sic] movement”.[18] The New Hampshire Union Leader also reported that “the Browns believe the IRS and the federal income tax are part of a deliberate plot perpetrated by Freemasons to control the American people and eventually the world”[19]Umberto Eco's The Prague Cemetery, a Freemasonry Novel (Wikipedia)So much for the link between Freemasonry and Baphomet worship!‘The Desacralization of Work' (Roger Sworder, Mining, Metallurgy, and the Meaning of Life)Q4: Ian Griffiths is the Bad Guy of Hallmarked Man. His name has definite Christian overtones (a ‘Griffin,' being half-eagle, half-lion, King of Heaven and Earth, is a symbol of Christ); could it also be another pointer to Rowling's mysterious ‘Back Door Man,' Harry Bingham, author of the Fiona Griffiths series?Troubled Blood: The Acknowledgments (Nick Jeffery, November 2020)In both Silkworm and Career Rowling/Galbraith's military advisors are thanked as SOBE (Sean Harris OBE?) Deeby (Di Brookes?) and the Back Door Man. Professor Granger has identified the Back Door Man as a southern US slang term for a man having an illicit relationship, but beyond this is so far unidentified.Any thoughts on her dedications or acknowledgements? Any new leads for the elusive Back Door Man? Please comment down below.Harry Bingham's website, June 2012“My path into TALKING TO THE DEAD was a curious one. I was approached by a well-known figure who was contemplating working with a ghostwriter on a crime thriller. I hadn't read any crime for a long time, but was intrigued by the project. So I went out and bought about two dozen crime novels, then read them back-to-back over about two weeks.”Could Rowling have hired a (gasp) “ghost writer”? Or was it just “expert editorial assistance” she was looking for, what Bingham offers today?Author's Notes in The Strange Death of Fiona Grifiths (Publication date 29th January 2015, before Career of Evil):“If you want to buy a voice activated bugging device that looks like (and is) an ordinary power socket, it'll set you back about fifty pounds (about eighty bucks).”This is the same surveillance device used in Lethal White, but interestingly is not used in Bingham's book. (Nick Jeffery)Moderators Backchannel List of Correspondences between Cormoran Strike series and Bingham's Fiona Griffiths mystery-thrillers (John Granger):(1) A series that has an overarching mystery about which we get clues in every story, one linked to a secret involving a parent who is well known but whose real life is a mystery even to their families;(2) A series that is preoccupied with psychological issues, especially those of the brilliant woman protagonist who suffers from a mental illness and who is a student of psychology;(3) A series that is absorbed with death and populated by the dead who have not yet passed on and who influence the direction of the investigation more or less covertly (”I think we have just one world, a continuum, one populated by living and dead alike,” 92, This Thing of Darkness), a psychic and spiritual realm book that rarely touches on formal religion (Dead House and Deepest Grave excepted, sort of);(4) A series that, while being a police procedural because the detective is a police officer, is largely about how said sergeant works around, even against the hierarchy of department authority and decision makers, “with police help but largely as an independent agent;”(5) A series that makes glancing references to texts that will jar Rowling Readers: “All shall be well” (284, Love Story with Murders), she drives a high heel into a creepy guy's foot when he comes up to her from behind (75, This Thing of Darkness), Clerkenwell! (103, The Dead House), a cave opening cathedral-like onto a lake, the heroine enters with a mentor, blood spilled at the entrance, and featuring a remarkable escape (chapter 34, The Dead House), etc, especially the Robin-Fiona parallels....(6) A series starring a female protagonist who works brilliantly undercover, whose story is about recovery from a trauma experienced when she was a college student, who struggles mostly with her romantic relationships with men, a struggle that is a combination of her mental health-recovery progress (or lack of same) and her vocation as a detective, who is skilled in the martial art of self-defense, and who is from a world outside London, an ethnicity and home fostering, of all things, a love of sheep;(7) A series with a love of the mythological or at least the non-modern (King Arthur! Anchorites!)Q5: Can you help us out with some UK inside jokes or cultural references of which we colonists can only guess the meaning? Start with Gateshead, Pit Ponies, and Council Flats and Bed-Sits!* Gateshead (Wikipedia)J. B. Priestley, writing of Gateshead in his 1934 travelogue English Journey, said that “no true civilisation could have produced such a town”, adding that it appeared to have been designed “by an enemy of the human race”.* Pit Ponies (Wikipedia)Larger horses, such as varieties of Cleveland Bay, could be used on higher underground roadways, but on many duties small ponies no more than 12 hands (48 inches, 122 cm) high were needed. Shetlands were a breed commonly used because of their small size, but Welsh, Russian, Devonshire (Dartmoor) and Cornish ponies also saw extensive use in England.[2] In the interwar period, ponies were imported into Britain from the Faroe Islands, Iceland and the United States. Geldings and stallions only were used. Donkeys were also used in the late 19th century, and in the United States, large numbers of mules were used.[6] Regardless of breed, typical mining ponies were low set, heavy bodied and heavy limbed with plenty of bone and substance, low-headed and sure-footed. Under the British Coal Mines Act 1911 (1 & 2 Geo. 5. c. 50), ponies had to be four years old and work ready (shod and vet checked) before going underground.[15] They could work until their twenties.At the peak of this practice in 1913, there were 70,000 ponies underground in Britain.In shaft mines, ponies were normally stabled underground[16] and fed on a diet with a high proportion of chopped hay and maize, coming to the surface only during the colliery's annual holiday.* Council Flats (Wikipedia)Q6: What are Rowling Readers to think of Robin's dream in chapter 22 (174 )when she's sleeping next to Murphy but dreaming of being at Ramsay's Silver with Strike and the showroom is filled with “cuddly toys instead of masonic swords and aprons”?* ‘Harry's Dreams:' Steve Vander Ark, Harry Potter LexiconQ7: The first bad news phone call that Robin takes from her mother Linda in Hallmarked Man is about the death of Rowntree. What is the connection between Robin's beloved Chocolate Labrador, Quakers, and Rowling's Golden Thread about ‘What is Real'?‘Troubled Blood: Poisoned Chocolates' (John Granger, 2021)‘Troubled Blood: The Secret of Rowntree' (John Granger, 2021)I explained in ‘Deathly Hallows and Penn's Fruits of Solitude‘ why Penn's quotation is a key to the Hogwarts Saga finale, how, in brief, the “inner light” doctrines of the Quakers and of non-conformist esoteric Christianity in general inform the story of Harry's ultimate victory in Dobby's grave over doubt and his subsequent ‘win' in his battle against death and the Dark Lord. I urge you to read that long post, one of the most important, I think, ever posted at HogwartsProfessor, for an idea of how central to Rowling's Christian faith the tenets of Quakerism really are as well as how this shows itself in Deathly Hallows.What makes the historical chocolate connection with the Quakers, one strongly affirmed in naming the Ellacott dog ‘Rowntree,' that much more interesting then is the easy segue from the “inner light” beliefs of the Christian non-conformists to the effect of chocolate on characters in Rowling and Galbraith novels. The conscience of man per the Quakers are our logos within that is continuous with the Logos fabric of reality, the Word that brings all things into existence and the light that is in every man (cf., the Prologue to St John's Gospel). Our inner peace and fellowship, in this view, depend on our identification with this transpersonal “inner light” rather than our ephemeral ego concerns.What is the sure way to recover from a Dementor attack, in which your worst nightmares are revisited? How does Robin deal with stress and the blues? Eat some chocolate, preferably a huge bar from Honeydukes or a chocolate brownie if you cannot get to Hogsmead.Access, in other words, the Quaker spiritual magic, the “inner light” peace of communion with what is Absolute and transcendent, a psychological effect exteriorized in story form by Rowling as the good feeling we have in eating chocolate. Or in the companionship and unconditional love of a beloved Labrador, preferably a chocolate Lab.Christmas Pig: The Blue Bunny' (John Granger, 2021)“Do you just want to live in nice houses?” asked Blue Bunny. “Or is there another reason you want to get in?”“Yes,” said Jack, before the Christmas Pig could stop him. “Somebody I need's in there. He's called DP and he's my favorite cuddly toy.”For a long moment, Jack and Blue Bunny stared into each other's eyes and then Blue Bunny let out a long sigh of amazement.“You're a boy,” he whispered. “You're real.”“He isn't,” said the panic-stricken Christmas Pig. “He's an action figure called—”“It's all right, Pig,” said Blue Bunny, “I won't tell anybody, I promise. You really came all the way into the Land of the Lost to find your favorite toy?” he asked Jack, who nodded.“Then I'll be your decoy,” said Blue Bunny. “It would be an honor” (169).The Bunny's recognition here of Jack as a messiah, sacrificial love incarnate, having descended into existence as a Thing himself from Up There where he was a source of the love that “alivens” objects, is one of, if not the most moving event in Christmas Pig. Note the words he uses: “You're real.”Rowling has used the word “real” twice before as a marker of reality transcending what we experience in conventional time and space, the sensible world. The first was in what she described as the “key” to the Harry Potter series, “lines I waited seventeen years to write” (Cruz), the end of the Potter-Dumbledore dialogue at King's Cross….In a Troubled Blood passage meant to echo that dialogue, with “head” and “backside” reflecting the characters inverted grasp of “reality,” Robin and Strike talk astrology:“You're being affected!” she said. “Everyone knows their star sign. Don't pretend to be above it.”Strike grinned reluctantly, took a large drag on his cigarette, exhaled, then said, “Sagittarius, Scorpio rising, with the sun in the first house.”“You're –” Robin began to laugh. “Did you just pull that out of your backside, or is it real?”“Of course, it's not f*****g real,” said Strike. “None of it's real, is it?” (Blood 242, highlighting in original).The Bunny's simple declaration, “You're real,” i.e., “from Up There,” the greater reality of the Land of the Living in which Things have their awakening in the love of their owners, clarifies these other usages. Dumbledore shares his wisdom with Harry that the maternal love which saved him, first at Godric's Hollow and then in the Forest, is the metaphysical sub-stance beneath, behind, and within all other reality. Strike gives Robin a dose of his skeptical ignorance and nominalist first principle that nothing is real but surface appearance subject to measurement and physical sensation, mental grasp of all things being consequent to that.Christmas Pig‘s “real” moment acts as a key to these others, one evident in the Bunny's response to the revelation of Jack's greater ontological status. He does a Dobby, offering to die for Jack as Jack has done in his descent into the Land of the Lost for DP, a surrender of self to near certain death in being given to the Loser he considers an “honor.” He acts spontaneously and selflessly as a “decoy,” a saving replacement in other words, for the “living boy” as Dobby did for the “Boy Who Lived.” The pathetic distraction that saved the DP rescue mission in Mislaid despite himself, crying out in desperation for his own existence, has metamorphized consequent to his experience with Broken Angel and in Jack's example, into a heroic decoy that allows Jack and CP to enter the City of the Missed.The Blue Bunny makes out better than the House-elf, too, and this is the key event of the book and the best evidence since the death of Lily Potter, Harry's defeat of Quirrell, and the demise of the Dark Lord that mother's love is Rowling's default symbolism for Christian love in her writing. The Bunny's choice to act as decoy, his decision to die to his ego-self, generates the life saving appearance of maternal love and its equivalent in the transference attachment a child feels for a beloved toy. The Johannine quality of the light that shines down on him from the Finding Hole and his Elijah-esque elevation nails down the Logos­-love correspondence.EC: All through Hallmarked Man Robin is saying to herself, “I think I love Ryan, no, really, I know I love him…,” which of course is Rowling's way of signaling the conflict this character has in her feelings for Strike and for Murphy. What is that about?* See ‘The Hallmarked Man's Mythological Template' for discussion of the Anteros/Eros distinction in the myth of Cupid and Psyche as well as the Strike-Ellacott novels Get full access to Hogwarts Professor at hogwartsprofessor.substack.com/subscribe

Writer and director Laura Chinn (Florida Girls) discusses her memoir Acne, which tackles her racial identity, Scientology, and of course... very oily skin; standup comedian Mohanad Elshieky riffs on embarrassing encounters with TSA and Uber drivers; and multi-instrumentalist Jenny Conlee, of The Decemberists, performs "Hawk" from her solo album Tides: Pieces for Accordion and Piano. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello hear from our listeners about what they obsessed over as teenagers.  

Lawrence Wright is an author, screenwriter, playwright, and a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his 2006 book The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11. Most recently, filmmaker Alex Gibney directed an HBO documentary based on Wright's reporting in Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Unbelief. Much of Wright's work is about how religious belief animates personal action and political conflict. He has documented the Jonestown massacre, explored allegations of Satan worship, profiled brimstone-tinged gospel preachers, and, of course, tracked the histories of al-Qaeda and the Church of Scientology. Regarding the latter, he isn't necessarily sympathetic to the Church's claims, but he understands its appeal. "People don't go into it because it's a cult, they go into it because they're looking for something," says Wright. "It's like going into therapy; people do benefit from it." "But it's one thing to get into it, it's another thing to get out of it." Originally aired April 14, 2015See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textA gleaming studio with a fence that listens. That's the paradox at Gold Base, Scientology's international HQ, where Golden Era Productions presents a pristine creative campus while security systems hum beneath the hedges. We take you through both worlds at once: pausing a polished promo film to identify the faces, jobs, and backstories you weren't told, then riding a drone's-eye map across soundstages, villas, tunnels, and the private grounds built for one man's comfort and control.We start by dissecting the “making movies to help the world” narrative and replace it with working reality. Why did manufacturing vanish while “training films” persisted? What does a lecture mix actually involve—and who decides which words get removed? We show the departments behind the doors and explain why an expensive film lab became obsolete on arrival. Then we move outside: the Cine Castle sitting directly on the perimeter, ladders and gear on hand; birthing blocks sized for a mythical 1,600 staff; the G Units reserved for VIPs; and the lower/middle/upper villas that formed an executive citadel. Building 50 and Bonnie View come into focus: a $40M command wing with a private tunnel under the highway and a lavish compound prepared for a founder who never returned.Security isn't a rumor here; it's infrastructure. We point out the main guard booth, ground mics on the fence, floodlights that turn night into noon, and the drills that lock everyone down. The “intruder” they train for is often a staffer trying to leave. That's why the escape stories matter: the trunk ride from talent parking, the riverbed sprint under night vision, the quick lie at a gate to “cross” the highway. Even the lake and pool have two meanings—resort imagery and ritual humiliation dressed as maritime tradition. By the end, you'll have a mental map of how Crime AdjacentThe never-ending true crime thriller told weekly. This season: The Rest Stop Killer.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showBFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS: Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

autism, vaccines, Health Advanced Research Projects Agency (HARPA), Bernard Rimland, US Navy, the problems with the notion vaccines cause autism, H. Hugh Fudenberg, Bob Wright, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK), RFK's Department of Health and Human Services, mRNA vaccines, the push to eliminate mRNA research, Scientology, RFK's links to Scientology, Scientologists and MAHAMusic by: Keith Allen Dennishttps://keithallendennis.bandcamp.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lionel explores everything from the idea of a cult (including Scientology and the "American Way" of Amway rallies) to the intense "mind control" seen in sports fanatics. The conversation tackles complex relationship dynamics, examining what happens when "love or something else" turns predatory, as seen in caretaker situations and divorce. Plus: A fiery debate over "grandstanding judges" like Judge Judy, the unbelievable defiance of "sovereign citizens" who claim they are only "traveling", and whether customer service is obligated to tell you if you're talking to an AI. Lionel urges listeners to understand persuasion and change the way people think Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom (Evan Ferrante @nottomcruiseofficial) and Busey (Jeff Richards) circle each other and talk about Scientology, Buseyisms, Chinese chicken, and much more! Gary and Tom also sing a song together.Watch full and unedited episodes of The Jeff Richards Show, post interview footage, exclusive live streams with surprise guests, and other bonus content only on Patreon! Patreon.com/thejeffrichardsshow

Send us a textHow we escaped the Sea Org in January 2005 and tried to get a basic life back. What followed was a masterclass in control: family emails crafted under supervision that said “love you” while enforcing disconnection; a senior exec telling us our declares were “on hold” when the paperwork was stamped the day after we fled; and a hostage-style handoff in a bus station lot where our dog and a rented truck full of bankers' boxes were exchanged for signatures and a reaction to our declares.The boxes were the tell. Sixty brand-new bankers' boxes, each itemized down to “Birds Bees cap,” “two Lifesavers,” and “half bottle skin cream.” The inventory—50-plus pages—was designed to shield Scientology from theft claims, but it exposed something deeper: passports and civil documents listed among our possessions, proof they'd been held. When a highway patrolman in Kansas pulled us over at the state line and asked why our “friends” had packed our lives, that same list became our witness. He checked box after box; every entry matched. After three identical retellings and a K-9 almost en route, the sergeant let us go. Either it was the most insane true story he'd heard, or we were the best liars. The paperwork saved us because it revealed the whole system: denial of disconnection, pressure to “route out,” coerced agreements, and total inventory of a private life.We talk about what was missing—wedding video and photos that showed other Sea Org members—and why that matters. We share how starting over looked small and stubborn: a cheap motel bath for a neglected Dalmatian, fixing computers from a kitchen table, walking to a pizza shop, Netflix DVDs, sleep. We cover payoffs, NDAs, and how some people get quiet jobs to keep family contact. We also answer audience questions about base shutdowns, events, and what law enforcement has actually seen.If stories like this help you spot the patterns—disconnection, “routing out,” withheld documents, weaponized logistics—share this episode. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: which detail from the inventory shocked you most?Support the showBFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS: Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

Joy Villa endured trauma as a child and later was thrusts into the Hollywood industry only to endure more darkness. She found her self trapped in the notorious Hollywood Scientology Cult. Her deliverance testimony is powerful! Keep up with Joy Website http://Joyvilla.comhttp://Fromscientologytochrist.comPersonal Training http://Joyvillafitness.comBook https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8LKT2T7?...Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joyvilla?ig...Support this Platform: We Need to Talk Podcast Join this channel to get access to perks:   / @weneed2talktv  GO DEEPER W/ COMMUNITY https://family.godsvoicetoday.comFinancially Support this Podcast:$TheAzonwusPayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...Zelle: fwdprodinc@gmail.com Social media: Wordsbyezekiel Thisisglory Wenned2tlkpodcastListen to all podcast episodes:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TKwMpq...Join Band of Brothers Men's Grouphttps://bandofbrothersintl.org/Book Us for an Event: http://www.wordsbyezekiel.com/bookeze...Merch: Wordsbyezekiel.com/shop Submit Your Story for a chance to feature - Email short video to: TheAzonwus@gmail.com

Nick teams up with pro-wrestling expert Dr. Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro to break down the latest in the squared circle. Despite a wave of injuries to stars like Ospreay, Strickland, and Cole, AEW has been delivering strong shows and top-tier pay-per-views. They also talk about how the women are continuing to dominate WWE, why Netflix ratings are baffling, the surprising TNA invasion of NXT, and what fans can expect at the next AAW show in Berwyn, Illinois. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the charm of Indian Summer and the weekend ahead before diving into the hall of shame that is celebrity side-projects. From Sean Connery's bizarre turn as a skateboarding veterinarian in an animated flop, to John Travolta's Scientology-inspired rock album, to will.i.am's failed attempt at launching his own smartphone, it's a reminder that fame doesn't always equal good ideas. [Ep 391]

Don't drink the Kool-Aid just yet, we've got a new episode for you! This week we are diving into the world of cults. What defines them, how they intersect with the occult, and why high-control groups can be so hard to spot, especially on social media. From mystery cults of the ancient world to modern movements like Scientology, Jonestown, NXIVM, we unpack the psychology, power structures, and tactics that keep people hooked. Strap in as we talk about charismatic leaders, doomsday prophecies, brainwashing myths, and the BITE model. Episode Resources: Let's Talk About Sects Podcast has many discussions around cults and high-control groups! Dr. Alexandra Stein - An authority on cults and totalitarianism, her work is crucial in this field! We really recommend her book “Terror, Love, and Brainwashing: Attachment in Cults and Totalitarian Systems.” “Teaching New Religious Movements” by David Bromley (the chapter on Moral Panics is especially relevant to this episode) Misunderstanding Cults: Searching for Objectivity in a Controversial Field by Benjamin Zablocki and Thomas Robbins: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.3138/9781442677302 Pseudoscience versus Minority Religions; An Evaluation of the Brainwashing Theories of Jean-Marie Abgrall: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4419-9094-5_9 The Cult of ISIS by Florence Gaub: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292675728_The_Cult_of_ISIS Combating the Cult of ISIS: A Social Approach to Countering Violent Extremism by Joel Day and Scott Kleinmann (available on Google) When corrections fail: The persistence of political misperceptions: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2010-08932-007 The Backfire Effect: https://daily.jstor.org/the-backfire-effect/

In this follow-up episode, Mark Headley shares his extraordinary experiences within Scientology and the Sea Organization. He recounts being recruited into the Sea Org, working under extreme conditions in Los Angeles, and eventually being promoted to the international headquarters. Mark reveals the demanding nature of life in the Sea Org, including grueling work schedules and minimal pay. He details his unexpected role as a pre-clear for Tom Cruise and provides an inside look at the complicated, often bizarre practices within Scientology. Additionally, Mark discusses David Miscavige's leadership style, the organization's financial strategies, and the differences in how ex-members view life inside and outside of Scientology. This episode is rich with personal anecdotes and critical insights, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world's most controversial organizations.Menu: 00:00 Introduction and Tom Cruise Anecdote00:33 Joining the Sea Org02:07 Promotion to International Headquarters03:34 Tom Cruise's Scientology Training05:37 Car School and Auditing07:54 Meeting with Marty Rathman09:28 Auditing with Tom Cruise20:56 David Miscavige and the IRS Event29:03 Scientology's Financial Exploitation31:57 A Life of Misery and Overwork32:28 The Decision to Escape33:34 The Harsh Reality of Life Inside36:52 The Violent Doctrine of Scientology39:01 Financial Manipulations and Power45:09 The Cult's Financial Strategies55:14 The Aftermath Foundation's MissionFollow Marc's work and podcast at theaftermathfoundation.org and blownforgood.com and on YouTube @TheAftermathFoundation and @blownforgood.Also check out our past episodes with ex-Scientologists Mike Rinder and Claire Headley and Marc's book, Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Keep it classic and cozy this fall—with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to Quince.com/culty for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.Don't let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code CULTY at MonarchMoney.com in your browser for half off your first year.If you're 21+, head to ViiaHemp.com and use the code CULTY to receive 15% off.Head to Superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. After you sign up, they'll ask how you heard about them—please make sure to mention A Little Bit Culty to support the show. Whether you're chasing deeper sleep, better focus, or just some peace between your streaming marathons—this is how adults get elevated now. If you're 21 or older, now's your chance to float above the stress—because IndaCloud is giving all new customers 25% off their first order plus free shipping. Just use code CULTY or click the link in the show notes to claim your discount. That's IndaCloud.co.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To hear the full episode subscribe HEREThe Black Dahlia murder shocked postwar America and ignited a media frenzy that reduced her to pulp headlines and grotesque speculation. The LAPD's bungled investigation faded into silence, until the incest trial of George Hodel thrust the Dahlia's specter back into the spotlight.In episode 3 of This Body, we trace a line from Elizabeth Short's depersonalized body in Leimert Park through Tamar Hodel's testimony, and into the next generation of Hollywood daughters: Michele and Chynna Phillips, Mackenzie Phillips, and Bijou Phillips.From Chinatown to Lolita, from the Mamas and the Papas to Scientology, this is a story of how Los Angeles devours its daughters, and how some live to tell the tale.

Send us a textEver wonder what it's like when your boss is also your son? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on David Miscavige's complex relationship with his father, Ron Miscavige Sr., revealing the bizarre power dynamics that existed between them at Scientology's International Headquarters.Ron, a talented musician responsible for arranging music for Scientology events and videos, wasn't treated as family but as just another staff member subject to his son's approval and criticism. When Ron struggled to communicate "properly" with David, Shelly Miscavige ordered months of Scientology communication drills to "fix" him – a perfect illustration of how family bonds are subordinated to organizational hierarchy. Even more telling was when Ron faced severe punishment after rapper Doug E. Fresh went off-script during a Scientology event, showing that the Miscavige name offered no protection from David's wrath.We also explore the infamous "Pi-Face" campaign, where staff members were ridiculed and labeled for appearing afraid to speak in meetings – despite David Miscavige's volcanic temper being the very reason for their fear. These firsthand accounts paint a vivid picture of an organization where fear rules and even the most basic human relationships are corrupted by power and control.The episode touches on other revealing aspects of life at "the base," including the strange belief some long-term members hold that L. Ron Hubbard will return as promised, finally allowing them to report David Miscavige's abuses to the founder. These stories provide rare insight into the psychological manipulation that forms the foundation of Scientology's management style under David Miscavige's leadership.Don't forget to send photos of your Fake Navy Davy dolls to enter our giveaway! All proceeds support the Aftermath Foundation, helping those leaving Scientology rebuild their lives.Support the showBFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS: Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

#4 of Series: Something Deeper This Way ComesIn this jam-packed episode, Brandon and Lindsy welcome Dana of Rotting Jewels for a wild ride through some of the darkest corners of cult history, counterculture, and covert influence. From the shadowy origins of the Process Church to links with the Manson family, Sons of Sam, Scientology, and MKUltra, Dana pulls back the curtain on networks most folks don't even know exist. They discuss infiltration into churches, animal rights fronts, and even Hollywood. With mafia connections, occult rituals, psychological warfare, and government psyops all woven in—this one's got everything but the kitchen sink. Good luck sleeping tonight.https://www.youtube.com/@rottingjewels Share our link -->https://join.unrefinedpodcast.comTimestamps:00:09 Cults, psyops, and tangled truths 02:32 How Dana got into studying the Process Church 04:49 Ed Sanders' early work and importance 07:10 Scientology's violent policies and Michael Carr 09:31 Game of the Gods and cult indoctrination 11:03 How secrecy works in ritual networks 13:22 NYPD investigator stories and ritual crimes 15:36 Serial killers, mind control, and network overlap 17:44 John Douglas, behavioral profiling, and coverups 20:04 Snuff films, pornography, and organized crime 22:19 Cult funding, real estate, and government psyops 24:45 Naval intelligence, Scientology, and spook connections 26:58 MKUltra, psychedelics, and John Potash's research 29:14 Dana's personal backlash from Scientology 31:32 Origins and myths of the Process Church 33:33 Legal documents, missionary cover, and Mexico exile 35:51 Transition to the Foundation Faith and prison infiltration 38:00 Satanic Temple and process theology overlap 40:18 Netflix's Sons of Sam and documentary distortion42:43 Franco's The Deuce and sanitized narratives44:58 Evolution of the Process into "faith healing" movements47:18 High-level infiltration and transhumanist goals49:38 Sirhan Sirhan, Blavatsky Foundation, and media cover52:01 Jolly West, MKUltra labs, and blackmail operations54:18 Haight-Ashbury Clinic and human trafficking56:32 Children of God and New York AG's findings58:44 Jonestown, tax exemption, and deprogramming psyops01:00:58 Best Friends Animal Society and Utah compound01:03:15 Temple activity, power usage, and secret research01:05:35 German Shepherd symbolism and Nazi ideology01:07:47 Nazi ideology and Scientology's dark beliefs01:09:59 Mafia connections, drugs, and Manson links01:12:27 Propaganda documentaries and buried clues01:14:49 Berkowitz's silence, longnecks, and prison threats01:17:01 Mafia spiritual figures and recent Berkowitz interview01:19:30 New Netflix documentary and future crime pinning01:20:53 Role of motorcycle gangs in cult operations01:21:52 Why bikers were ideal tools for ritual work01:23:01 Rapid-fire Q&A with Dana01:24:12 Michael Thevis and mafia-porn connections01:26:20 Final thanks and how to follow Dana

This episode is a conversation between a former member of the Sea Organization, an elite group within the Church of Scientology, and a host, Marc Headley. Part 1 of this discussion covers the former member's experiences in Scientology, including his family's involvement, the numerous relocations during his childhood, and working at Scientology's international base. Marc details the manipulation through family ties, the rigorous daily routine, and the psychological control employed by the organization. It also touches on the controversial beliefs and practices within Scientology, such as the infamous story of Lord Zenu. Moreover, the episode hints at a cliffhanger involving a significant encounter with Tom Cruise, promising more detailed revelations in Part 2. Menu: 00:00 Reunion in Vancouver00:09 Diving into the Book00:28 Life in Scientology03:26 The International Base05:31 The Secret Government Facility06:46 Old Man Gilman's Scam07:16 Scientology's Deceptive Purchases07:55 L. Ron Hubbard's Training Films15:05 Mark's Journey into Scientology20:11 Life in Hollywood22:26 Living the Scientology Way22:57 Childhood in Scientology25:28 Working for Scientology as a Child30:17 The Financial Side of Scientology33:14 Space Opera and Scientology Beliefs34:12 Personal Experiences and Reflections40:24 Family and Social Status in Scientology41:43 Teaser for the Next EpisodeFollow Marc's work and podcast at theaftermathfoundation.org and blownforgood.com and on YouTube @TheAftermathFoundation and @blownforgood. Also check out our past episodes with ex-Scientologists Mike Rinder and Claire Headley and Marc's book, Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we react to Scientology and the Aftermath Season 1, Episode 8, which dives into the Church of Scientology's troubling stance on mental health and its aggressive tactics against journalists. We discuss how Scientology views psychiatry as an enemy, the harmful impact this has on members who need real help, and the shocking stories of reporters who were stalked and harassed simply for trying to expose the truth. As we share our insights, we connect these patterns to what we've seen in other high-demand groups—where control, fear, and silencing critics often take priority over helping people.If you've ever wondered why Scientology is so hostile toward psychiatry and the press, this conversation will shed light on both.If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.orgAt Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamyInsta: @growingupinpolygamyNew website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.comTheme Song created by @artcowles Please feel free to reach out to us!growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

Jon was a tad surprised when Steve Moffic shared his interest in a fellow psychiatrist's book about past life therapy. Jon came to believe in reincarnation through Buddhism, so when he joined Scientology, aged 19, he readily accepted the idea. However, after speaking with more than a thousand sometime Scientologists, Jon is highly sceptical, leading to a fascinating conversation with Steve, a former professor of psychiatry.Links:The complete essays of Michel de MontaigneSteve Moffic's articles in Psychiatric TimesJon's new book on Kindle and in Print

Anne worked closely with Werner Erhard and continues to recover from the Landmark Trust experience. We explore some of the many ideas (and words!) that Erhard lifted directly from Scientology, and how these ideas have seeped into corporate and academic culture - to the detriment of society. Overcoming the conditioning from authoritarian groups need not be an arduous process, but it demands a precise approach. Jon shows how to put aside the brainwashing.Links:Anne's book Anne's Instagram Anne's YouTubeSeek SafelyJon's new book is out on Kindle and paperbackChris Shelton's YouTube

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey (***TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ Nathan Apffel and Chris Ayoub are the creators of The Religion Business, a multi-part docuseries exposing the financial practices and lack of accountability in Western religion. Beyond filmmaking, Apffel and Ayoub are building tech-driven solutions to push for transparency, ethical governance, and redirecting resources toward real issues like poverty and homelessness. RELIGION BUSINESS LINKS: The Religion Business Website - https://www.thereligionbusiness.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/nathan_apffel/# IG: https://www.instagram.com/religionbusiness YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkynle-j4cDBB-5_bAp81mQ FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY INSTAGRAM (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/juliandoreypodcast/ INSTAGRAM (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://twitter.com/julianddorey JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 00:00 - Intro 01:13 – Tommy G, Religion Business, Nate's Accident, $1 Trillion Christianity, Daughter's Birth 10:00 – Chris Intro, Christianity, Institutions, Saints Built Orphanages, Can It Stay Pure? 20:43 – Cyclical, Gateway Church, Secular vs Religious Nonprofits, 14 Points, Hells Angels, IRS 30:48 – Scientology, Vatican, Good Intentions to Hell, Tithing, Middle Man, Matthew 25 43:20 – Gift Giving, Transparency, Senator Hatfield, ECFA, Mailers = Money 50:12 – Kenneth Copeland, MLM?, Fear Engine, Mega Pastors Opposite of Jesus 01:01:54 – Blessing?, Mosaic Laws, Leviticus, Black Israelites, Churches as Enterprises 01:10:33 – Clergy Demoralized, Buildings, Parishes, YOU Are the Temple 01:22:20 – Faith in Faith, Mega Pastors, Ignorance, Only 13% Read Bible, Chris Reads as History 01:31:33 – Fooled by Pastors, Self-Focus, Military, Quitting Drinking, Hero Journey = Jesus 01:39:33 – Civilian Life, Missing Danger, Holy Spirit, Everything on the Altar 01:47:01 – Not a Poor Gospel, Parables vs Exceptions, Read Genesis to Revelation 01:51:34 – Socialism, Communism, Republic, Capitalism, Christ's Social Message, Tribe 01:59:47 – Demons, Stardust, S3xual Energy Transfer, Angels, Humility 02:09:01 – Atheist vs Christian, CIA, 14 Points Control, Religion + Politics = Death Rattle 02:19:21 – Christianity & Gov, Moral Authority, Islam vs Christianity, Johnson Amendment 02:25:00 – Johnson Amendment, Netanyahu, Religion + Politics, Abdication, Read Bible 02:35:00 – Paying Congregation?, No Full-Time Pastors, Traditions as Doctrine 02:39:58 – Charlie Kirk Shot, No Hope, Religion Online, Baby Christians, Revival? 02:52:20 – Murder Charlotte, Beast Train, Hate & Homelessness, Tommy G, Copeland Recap 03:05:37 – Copeland $700M, Debate Pastors, Cayman Drops, Religion Business Beginning 03:16:25 – Christ & Truth Arbiter CREDITS: - Host, Editor & Producer: Julian Dorey - COO, Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ - In-Studio Producer: Joey Deef - https://www.instagram.com/joeydeef/ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 340 - Religion Business Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part Two of our conversation with Claire and Marc Headley, we dive into the details of how they finally escaped the Sea Organization and the events that led up to that decision. We will also discuss other topics such as the FBI's investigation into Scientology, why they have spoken out against the church since leaving, and how Scientology responds to critics.Claire and Marc also open up about their ongoing mission to help others break free, including their work with the Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation, which provides resources and support for those leaving Scientology.You will not want to miss this captivating story of escape from a very dangerous organization.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Send us a textThe curtain is pulled back on Scientology's enigmatic leader as Marc and Claire Headley share firsthand accounts of David Miscavige from their combined 30+ years inside the organization's headquarters. Their candid stories reveal a man obsessed with control, prone to humiliating outbursts, and increasingly paranoid about those around him.From bizarre personal encounters (like Miscavige mocking Marc about a Depeche Mode singer's suicide attempt) to shocking revelations about his daily routine, the Headleys paint a vivid picture of what happens when absolute power corrupts absolutely. Miscavige emerges as a micromanager who demands compliance reports for even the smallest tasks—like placing rubber mats under urinals—while simultaneously keeping his inner circle small and suspicious of everyone else.The conversation takes particularly illuminating turns when discussing Miscavige's unusual relationship with Tom Cruise. According to widespread reports, Scientology's leader accompanied Cruise and Katie Holmes on their honeymoon, raising eyebrows about the nature of celebrity treatment within the organization. The Headleys also detail how Miscavige lost $30 million of L. Ron Hubbard's money in bad investments, including fake oil wells and bogus treasure hunting schemes, yet managed to blame others for these financial disasters.Perhaps most disturbing are the accounts of physical and emotional abuse. Claire recounts being forced to drag Miscavige across a room while he held onto her clothing, telling her and other executives they were his "ball and chain." These personal stories provide crucial context for understanding how Scientology operates under his leadership and why former members continue speaking out despite the organization's reputation for aggressive retaliation against critics.Send us your Fake Navy Davey doll photos to enter our monthly contest and help support the Aftermath Foundation's work helping people escape Scientology!Support the showBFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS: Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

Prepare yourself for an EPIC non-Mormon story! This week we are introducing Claire and Marc Headley, who were born into the Church of Scientology and have a remarkable escape story that we are excited to share with you.Both Claire and Marc were members of the Sea Organization within Scientology, where the church's elite-level leaders work and are required to sign a billion-year contract of servitude. During their time there, both worked closely with David Miscavige, the current leader of Scientology, and witnessed his brutality firsthand.In this first part, Claire and Marc discuss the foundations of Scientology, what it was like to be raised in it, and how they came to join the Sea Org. They also share insider information on high-profile members such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta, and even address the mystery of what happened to Shelly Miscavige.Then, join us on Wednesday for part two of this interview, where they share their incredible story of escaping the Sea Org and talk about their work with the Mike Rinder Aftermath Foundation.So strap in and enjoy this stranger-than-fiction story!___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Eric Roux from the United Religions Initiative (URI) about his personal and professional journey in interfaith collaboration and religious freedom advocacy. Roux recounts how his work began by defending his own faith, Scientology, against discrimination in France, but evolved as he recognized the greater power and necessity of working alongside other religious communities to support each other. They discuss the complex landscape of religious freedom in Europe and explore the unique, grassroots structure of URI, which fosters "Cooperation Circles" worldwide to build relationships and tackle local issues—from environmentalism to violence prevention—through collaborative action. Key themes include the effectiveness of diverse communities defending one another, the importance of moving beyond dialogue to tangible cooperation, and the belief that building genuine relationships is the most effective way to create a more peaceful world focused on shared goals and human dignity. Eric Roux has devoted himself to the service of his faith and to the universal cause of freedom of religion for more than three decades. He became a member of the clergy of the Church of Scientology in 1993 and was ordained as a minister of religion shortly thereafter. From the earliest days of his ministry, he demonstrated a strong commitment to both spiritual outreach and humanitarian initiatives. Recognizing that meaningful progress requires cooperation across faith traditions, Eric Roux co-founded the FoRB Roundtable Brussels EU. This innovative platform regularly brings together over one hundred governmental and non-governmental organizations to exchange insights, forge alliances, and develop joint strategies for the protection and promotion of religious rights. Through regular meetings, the Roundtable has become a crucible for collaborative policymaking, leading to tangible improvements in legal safeguards for persecuted minorities. His work has earned him international acclaim as a champion of freedom of religion and belief. In recognition of his skills in consensus-building and his unwavering dedication to human dignity, Eric Roux was recently elected Chair of the Global Council of the United Religions Initiative (URI), the world's largest grassroots network dedicated to interreligious cooperation. As Chair, he now guides URI's strategic vision, supporting a myriad of local multifaith groups and grassroots projects.

You think you know the Son of Sam story—lone gunman, demon dog, case closed. But what if the real story is way more tangled, way more sinister, and still unfolding? In this kickoff to a multi-part series, Brandon and Lindsy crack open Maury Terry's The Ultimate Evil, exploring occult networks, multiple shooters, and a satanic underground that spans the country. From Yonkers to Minot to LA, this episode sets the stage for a wild conspiracy ride. Is Berkowitz just a fall guy? Who were the Carr brothers? And why was the case slammed shut so fast? You're about to find out.https://unrefinedpodcast.comTimestamps: 00:52: Brandon and Lindsy set up the series 01:50: Berkowitz and the demon dog narrative 03:13: Maury Terry and the deeper trail 04:06: Breakdown of the Son of Sam timeline 06:27: The 44 caliber killer gets a name 08:50: The famous Breslin letter 11:06: Berkowitz's arrest and eerie confession 13:26: Eyewitness contradictions and sketch inconsistencies 15:51: Political motives and the Netflix angle 18:11: Enter Maury Terry and his obsession 20:36: Discrepancies in the letters and handwriting 23:01: Untermeyer Park, rituals, and satanic signs 25:16: Political pushback and Terry's credibility 27:43: Process Church teaser and cult networks 30:05: Berkowitz's confession vs. fear and silence 32:23: Military ties and the Carr brothers 34:46: Suspicious deaths of the Carr brothers 37:12: Minot cult ties and law enforcement tensions 39:30: The Process Church's expansion into America 41:59: The theology of the Process Church 44:26: Lawsuits, censorship, and occult influence 46:50: Origins in Scientology and compulsions analysis 49:09: Lindsay on Manson, cult overlaps, and biker connections 53:53: Connections to Scientology and suppressed research 55:47: Cliffhanger and setup for part 2

In this video, we react to Scientology and the Aftermath Season 1 Episode 7, where Leah Remini and Mike Rinder expose the devastating effects of Scientology's disconnection policy and the pressure of training for auditing. We share our perspective on how David Miscavige constantly changes the rules to tighten control, keeping members in a cycle of confusion and dependency.We also dive into the heartbreaking impact of being cut off from family, especially when tragedy strikes, and how those losses are made even more painful by the church's demands for loyalty over love. Drawing from our own experiences in high-demand religious groups, we connect the dots between Scientology and other communities that use similar tactics of control.

Send us a textHello and welcome! This week, Janey is going waayyyyy off topic to talk about something that freaked her out so bad, she felt the need to make a legal disclaimer at the top!  DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. Please check out the sources below for more information. SOURCES: “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief”, directed by Alex Gibney Jenna Miscavige, former Scientologist (on Tiktok)How much Scientology costs, according to members (For Business Insider) "What allegedly happens inside Scientology's notorious 'prison camp' called 'The Hole'” By Jethro Nededog for Business Insider  Headley vs. The Church of Scientology  "Scientology's Vanished Queen” by Ned Zeman for Vanity Fair “Bridge to Total Freedom” chart  “Understanding Scientology” by Margery Wakefield— Chapter 1: From Dianetics to Scientology   and Chapter 5: Dianetics L. Ron Hubbard's Wikipedia  Support the showCheck out our books (and support local bookstores!) on our Bookshop.org affiliate account!Starting your own podcast with your very cool best friend? Try hosting on Buzzsprout (and get a $20 Amazon gift card!)Want more??Visit our website!Join our Patreon!Shop the merch at TeePublic!If you liked these stories, let us know on our various socials!InstagramTiktokGoodreadsAnd email us at sortofthestory@gmail.com

2000's Battlefield Earth, based on a novel by L. Ron Hubbard and starring John Travolta, is one of the most famous bad movies of all time. Rob Huebel (The Dark Web, The Sex Lives of College Girls) joins Paul, Jason, and June to cover all the slo-mo horses, the rumored Scientology connections, Travolta's many accents, the un-sexiness of the characters, all the inconsistencies throughout the movie, and so much more. Plus, we play YOUR Battlefield Earth Razzie nomination pitches. (Ep. #6 Originally Released 03/15/2011) • Go to hdtgm.com for tour dates, merch, FAQs, and more• Have a Last Looks correction or omission? Call 619-PAULASK to leave us a voicemail!• Submit your Last Looks theme song to us here• Join the HDTGM conversation on Discord: discord.gg/hdtgm• Buy merch at howdidthisgetmade.dashery.com/• Order Paul's book about his childhood: Joyful Recollections of Trauma• Shop our new hat collection at podswag.com• Paul's Discord: discord.gg/paulscheer• Paul's YouTube page: youtube.com/paulscheer• Follow Paul on Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/paulscheer• Subscribe to Enter The Dark Web w/ Paul & Rob Huebel: youtube.com/@enterthedarkweb• Listen to Unspooled with Paul & Amy Nicholson: unspooledpodcast.com• Listen to The Deep Dive with June & Jessica St. Clair: thedeepdiveacademy.com/podcast• Instagram: @hdtgm, @paulscheer, & @junediane• Twitter: @hdtgm, @paulscheer, & msjunediane • Jason is not on social media• Episode transcripts available at how-did-this-get-made.simplecast.com/episodesGet access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using the link: siriusxm.com/hdtgm Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textMarc and Claire Headley discuss their upcoming joint podcast interview, their first time sharing their full Scientology experiences together, and answer audience questions about the inner workings of the organization.• Recently recorded a two-part, 12-hour podcast interview covering both Mark and Claire's escapes from Scientology• Latest information on Shelly Miscavige shows she was registered to vote at a remote Church of Spiritual Technology location in Petrolia, California• Office of Special Affairs can track escaping members through airline reservation systems and has intercepted people during escape attempts• Sea Org food was so bad that sneaking out for Jack in the Box at 3am was considered a major treat• Religious Technology Center roles included Inspector General positions for Ethics, Admin, and Tech, which have since been eliminated by David Miscavige• Former members still struggle with habits formed in Scientology, particularly eating quickly and working constantly• No clear succession plan exists for leadership after David Miscavige, likely creating organizational chaos when he dies• Scientology claims to accept members of all religions but gradually prohibits any religious practice outside of ScientologyEmail photos of your Fake Navy Davy doll to claire@blownforgood.com or submit them through blownforgood.com/contact for a chance to win prizes in our monthly photo contest.Support the showBFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS: Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

In this video, we react to Scientology and the Aftermath Episode 6, which dives deep into Golden Era Productions — Scientology's high-budget media hub responsible for creating massive events, flashy productions, and inflated statistics.From staged celebrations to fabricated growth numbers, we break down how the church uses Golden Era to keep members excited, loyal, and financially invested. As former members of high-demand religious groups ourselves, we compare these tactics to what we experienced in our communities and discuss the dangerous power of propaganda when it's used to control people.Join us as we uncover the truth behind Scientology's “Hollywood-style” productions and why so many former members say it's all smoke and mirrors.

Send us a textEver wondered what happens when you compress four decades of work into just 15 years? The math is staggering. At 109 hours per week—a conservative estimate—Sea Org members pack more work hours into their service than most people will complete in their entire careers.The schedule begins at 7:45 AM with a bus ride to the compound, followed by a brief breakfast and mandatory muster where every staff member is accounted for. Then comes production time—making movies, cleaning facilities, manufacturing materials, or whatever your division requires. Lunch lasts a mere 30 minutes (sometimes just 15), including travel time across the 500-acre property. Another muster, more production, dinner, evening work, mandatory study time, and if you're lucky, you might get home by 11 PM to start again tomorrow. The same routine continues seven days a week, with only Sunday morning's "Clean Ship Program" offering a semblance of personal time—though even then, you're cleaning your quarters and doing laundry under supervision.What makes this schedule particularly insidious is how it deliberately fragments relationships. Despite being married for nearly 14 years while in the Sea Org, we estimate we ate meals together perhaps 40 times total. Our schedules were intentionally staggered by an hour, ensuring the organization remained our primary focus rather than our relationship. Many married couples lived like ships passing in the night, sharing living quarters but rarely sharing experiences.The financial reality compounds this control—earning roughly $50 weekly (before taxes), members must purchase their own hygiene supplies, laundry detergent, and even pay for laundry machine quarters. This perfect storm of exhaustion, isolation, and dependency creates an environment where questioning one's commitment becomes nearly impossible.Want to learn more about Scientology's internal operations? We also highlighted a new resource—SCNFiles.com—which now hosts thousands of internal documents, including the complete Office of Special Affairs network orders. These files offer unprecedented insight into how Scientology's intelligence and public relations arm operates.Support the showBFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS: Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

Prince Harry has stretched his U.K. visit into a four-day mini-tour, fueling whispers he’s deliberately stepping on Prince William’s turf. Across the pond, Kansas City Chiefs insiders say Travis Kelce’s fairytale romance with Taylor Swift isn’t winning over every teammate. And in Tinseltown, Ana de Armas is turning heads not for her acting but for her deepening ties to Scientology. Don't forget to vote in today's poll on Twitter at @naughtynicerob or in our Facebook group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Graham joins me on Heretics to expose the fakest people in UK media and politics. From Keir Starmer and Robert Peston to Emily Maitlis, Alastair Campbell, Rory Stewart, James O'Brien and more – Mike pulls no punches on who you can and can't trust in the media. SPONSORS: Go to https://freespoke.com/gold  to search freely. Make your AI video here: https://invideo.io/i/andrewgold  Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code HERETICS at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/HERETICS  Go to https://ground.news/andrew  to access diverse perspectives and uncover the truth. Subscribe through my link to get 40% off unlimited access this month only. Chuck Norris: Avoid these 3 Foods Like The Plague. Watch his method by clicking the link here: https://www.ChuckDefense.com/Heretics  Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at https://mintmobile.com/heretics  Start your MyHeritage journey now with a 14-day free trial using my link: https://bit.ly/AndrewGoldMyHeritage Go to https://TryFum.com/HERETICS  and use code HERETICS to get your free FÜM Topper when you order your Journey Pack today!  Follow Mike Graham: https://x.com/iromg Watch his show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsQFzQKFFyk&list=PLTgNsAaFzbI0UjFYpSFhynq3Nhozc84ZH We get into why politicians are so weird, whether Nigel Farage is real, the madness of flirty Nicola Sturgeon, Scientology, TalkTV vs the mainstream, and even Mike's infamous viral “you can grow concrete” moment. If you're tired of fake narratives and media spin, this is the conversation you need to hear. Join the 30k heretics on my mailing list: https://andrewgoldheretics.com  Check out my new documentary channel: https://youtube.com/@andrewgoldinvestigates  Andrew on X: https://twitter.com/andrewgold_ok   Insta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewgold_ok Heretics YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewgoldheretics Chapters: 0:00 Mike Graham Highlights 1:13 The 1st Fake Person: Keir Starmer 3:13 What's Going On In Keir Starmer's Head? 4:28 Chagos Island Lies 6:13 Politicians Are Really Weird 10:33 Is Nigel Farage Real? 13:13 Farage Pandering to Trans in Prisons 15:13 Should We Have the Death Penalty? 18:13 Scientology, Tom Cruise & John Travolta 21:13 Mainstream vs Talk TV 23:13 The Speaker Taking Free Trips 24:43 Robert Peston 27:13 Flirty Nicola Sturgeon's Weird Regrets 28:43 Alastair Campbell's Bullying 30:43 Rory Stewart - Weird! 34:13 The Worst Journalist Of All Time 36:13 Emily Maitlis 40:13 Fake People In Our Own Alt Media 43:13 Russell Brand's Sudden Evangelical Turn 46:13 Are Andrew & Mike Right-Wing? 48:13 Can You Grow Concrete? Mike's Viral Moment 51:13 Realising How Viral It Had Gone! 54:13 James O'Brien Uses Fake Accounts? 1:02:28 A Heretic Mike Graham Admires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ICE agents just got a lot more powerful. The Supreme Court ruled today that agents can stop and detain anyone they think may be is in the U.S. illegally, according to the LA Times, “based on little more than working at a car wash, speaking Spanish or having brown skin.” We welcome iHeart TV and radio political analyst Gary Dietrich to talk about this and more.Mark has a conversation with Jamie Mustard. He'll talk about growing up in the church of Scientology and what happened when he tried to leave it.The Mark Thompson Show 9/8/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

Send us a textEver wondered how Scientology manages to evade legal consequences for decades of alleged abuses? The answer lies in their sophisticated legal machinery – a system now raising serious ethical questions as former Scientology attorneys ascend to judicial positions.In this eye-opening episode, Marc and Claire Headley (former Sea Org members with 20+ years inside Scientology) analyze the recent appointment of William Hobbs Foreman to California's Supreme Court by Governor Gavin Newsom. This appointment follows a disturbing pattern first established when Mark Marmorro, who represented Scientology against the Headleys in 2009, was appointed to the same court by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2010.Drawing from personal experience and meticulous research, the Headleys present documented evidence of Foreman's involvement in four major Scientology cases, where his legal strategies consistently delayed justice for victims while allowing continued harassment. From forcing religious arbitration to arguing that children's "religious obedience contracts" were binding, these tactics protected Scientology from facing jury trials – which Marc notes they've never won.Most troubling is the revelation that documents from 2021 still link both judges to Scientology cases, raising serious questions about potential conflicts of interest in California's highest court. While judges should ethically recuse themselves from ruling on Scientology matters, their influence extends beyond individual cases to the broader legal environment.This isn't merely an academic discussion – it's a call to action. The Headleys provide practical resources for filing attorney misconduct complaints, submitting judicial grievances, and contacting Governor Newsom directly. They've even compiled bar numbers for key Scientology attorneys to simplify the process.Ready to help bring accountability? Watch now to learn how you can participate in creating meaningful change against one of the most litigious organizations in America.Support the showBFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS: Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

This week on Serialously with Annie Elise, special guest Jenna Miscavige steps into the studio to share her extraordinary and deeply personal story. Born into Scientology and raised in an environment of secrecy, fear, and control, Jenna offers a rare inside look at life within one of the most controversial organizations in the world. As the niece of Scientology's leader, David Miscavige, her perspective is unlike any other, revealing what it was really like growing up in the shadow of power, and what ultimately led her to break free. In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Jenna opens up to Annie about her childhood in the church, the tactics used to maintain loyalty, and the courage it took to reclaim her life. This is an interview you won't want to miss… Jenna's Book: https://amzn.to/4mrNoQa Jenna's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JennaMiscavige  Jenna's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jennamiscavige?_t=ZP-8z4u7zvu2H9&_r=1

It's a week full of replacing eyeballs with teeth, con men “suicides”, and thousands of hotdogs flying through the air. Plus, Jenna Miscavige is officially on TikTok and answering all of our most burning questions about Scientology (like where the HELL is Shelly???). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SPONSORS: Squeeze the most out of your Summer with Liquid I.V. Tear. Pour. Live More. Go to https://LIQUIDIV.com and get 20% off your first order with code YMH at checkout. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/MOM to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MOM. This week, Tom's off filming a movie and Christina P hijacks the show, steering YMH straight into sun with cosmic warlock Duncan Trussell riding shotgun. What begins as a fart soundboard tutorial quickly devolves into a kaleidoscope of brain-melting nonsense: energy sex, threesomes with the sun, cult recruitment red flags, and why George Washington's preserved presidential jizz is secretly powering American democracy.Duncan opens up about his time with boner-shaman Will Blunderfield, explains why Scientology might be cheaper than therapy, and introduces us to Avery Blackwell—the brand new, possibly-nude, definitely-gay CEO of YMH Studios. Meanwhile, Christina wages war on National Pet-Your-Dog Day and investigates whether Sydney Sweeney is a genetically engineered eugenics queen sent to confuse Gen Z. This one has everything: conspiracy theories, cult dynamics, emotional nudity, the downfall of morning television, and a surprising amount of reverence for Daniel Day-Lewis. Come for the mommy energy, stay for the cum-powered U.S. government. Your Mom's House Ep. 822 https://tomsegura.com/tourhttps://christinap.com/https://store.ymhstudios.comhttps://www.reddit.com/r/yourmomshousepodcast Chapters 00:00:00 - Intro 00:04:54 - Opening Clip: Fell From Heaven 00:06:14 - Celebrating Women And Cults 00:17:31 - Scientology 00:27:21 - Morning Talk Shows 00:31:30 - A New CEO Of YMH? 00:43:07 - Clip: Latex Man 00:47:51 - George Washington's Baby Batter 00:52:56 - Palette Cleanser 00:55:22 - Sydney Sweeney 01:03:35 - The Macrons Vs Candace Owens 01:11:44 - Duncan's Final Thoughts 01:13:45 - Closing Song - "Push's Theme" by Eli Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jackie suspects she has been bugged by Scientology after her live show in Clearwater, discusses the real problem with Madi Prewett's husband, and the traumatic experience of visiting a public splash pad on a weekend.Thanks for supporting my sponsors:Magic Spoon: Get $5 off your next order at www.MagicSpoon.com/BITCHBIBLEHome Chef: For a limited time, get 50% off and free shipping on your first box, plus free dessert for life at www.HomeChef.com/BIBLEHers: Get a personalized, affordable plan today at www.forhers.com/BIBLEBetterHelp: Your well-being is worth it. Get 10% off your first month at www.BetterHelp.com/BITCHBIBLEHomes.com: Everything you need to know about buying a home all in one place at www.homes.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.