Podcasts
We welcome our old friend Tony Ortega back to talk about the current state of scientology, their ongoing financial crimes and the devastation COVID 19 has wrought on their information control.
There are a series of these posts at Tony Ortega’s blog
Season 3 Episode 5 Ideal Orgs
Season 3 Episode 6 The Collection Agency
Roberta Blevins is a former member of a Multi-Level-Marketing (MLM) scam known as LuLaRue. The similarities between MLM’s and cults are legion. Peer pressure. Information control. Even Fair Game tactics. Roberta discusses her experiences and her work today as a whistleblower against what she calls “Commercial Cults.” Roberta was featured in the Amazon Prime doc LuLaRich.
We talk to Dylan Gill, former executive of Church of Spiritual Technology (CST) about the organization established to preserve Hubbard’s words in the event of a nuclear holocaust for all future civilizations, what the symbols etched into the ground mean, the various homes built for Hubbard after his death that are maintained to this day, and much more.
The Wiki entry describing CST
A scientology promotional video describing their over-the-top activities to preserve the “technology” of L. Ron Hubbard
Drone footage of the CST headquarters at Twin Peaks in San Bernardino County CA
Drone footage of Hubbard’s last home, near Creston CA
Drone footage of the vault in central California
Drone footage of the CST vault and Hubbard mansion near Tremontina NM
The CST vault and property near Petrolia N California
The $10 million mansion built for Hubbard at the Gold Base, Gilman Hot Springs CA
We are joined by Jeff Hawkins, an extremely talented, thoughtful and articulate former Sea Org member, to recount his experiences with David Miscavige, his role in making Dianetics a bestseller again the 80’s and his journey into and out of scientology. He is the author of 3 books on the subject.
Jeff’s wonderful book on his life and leaving scientology
Incredible book by Harvard Professor Martha Stout
Jeff created these ads and the campaign that launched Dianetics back onto the bestseller lists after more than 30 years
Jeff was featured in the week long series by Anderson Cooper
This is a great blog filled with excellent content
Former scientologist Aharon Friedman is a professor of Physics and Electrical Engineering and serves on the Board of the Israeli Center for Cults’ Victims. Unlike L. Ron Hubbard, he really IS a nuclear physicist. We talk about his experiences in scientology, what drove him to escape and his work helping victims of cults today.
Viktor Frankl’s brilliant book about his time in Nazi concentration camps and what he learned from his experiences
Marriage Hats by Mary Sue Hubbard
Written by a “Nuclear Physicist” (L. Ron Hubbard).
We welcome back our old friend Marc Headley to talk about Scientology and the internet, including covering the bonkers domain names scientology has registered, and how they have unsuccessfully attempted to control access to information on the World Wide Web.
Blog post from The Scientology Money Project
The South Park episode “What Scientologists Actually Believe”
A recent blog post about scientology has using Click Farms in Tanzania to generate traffic to their site, but even then they still rank lower than MikeRinders blog and Tony Ortega’s
The recent Fair Game Podcast episode featuring Andreas
Leah and Mike with their old friend and Leah family member Julian Wain discuss his experiences with WISE (World Institute of Scientology Enterprises) companies and how they implement high pressure sales techniques into dental and chiropractic offices, and act as recruitment agencies for scientology.
An earlier blog post about WISE
The official scientology dictionary definition — the sanitized version. In scientology fundraising circles it means “do whatever necessary to get the money”:
Excellent Tampa Bay Times piece about scientology Hard Sell techniques, featuring former Flag reg Hy Levy
Founder of Sterling, he went on to become WDC WISE and then was in The Hole and now out of the Sea Org
The organizational structure of scientology — taken from the official scientology “Command Channels Booklet”:
The various “sectors” overseen by the Watchdog Committee (WDC) in CMO International, which includes WISE:
Leah and Mike talk with the creator of Operation Clambake, and one of the earliest non-scientologists to go head-to-head with scientology in the fledgling days of the internet. We cover how he got involved and why and some of the key things that have happened along the way.
We bring back one of our favorites this week, the wonderful Stefani Hutchison. Stefani was never a scientologist, but has taken up the cudgel of exposing the lies of scientology on her excellent blog: Confront and Shatter. In this episode, we cover some of the sleuth work Stefani has done, investigating the claims made by scientology and their front groups. Links to her pieces are below.
We start 2022 with one of our favorites — more Listener Questions. We cover a wide scope of topics, from Fair Game campaign tactics to preserving Hubbard’s “legacy” on stainless steel plates in titanium capsules in nuclear-bomb-proof vaults and the embarrassing “We Stand Tall” song video…
Scientology is so proud of the activities of Church of Spiritual Technology (CST) to preserve the tech they have a fully dedicated video on ScientologyTV expounding on the brilliance of their program.
Some less hypey information about CST
The infamous scientology “music video” featuring David Miscavige
The brilliant SNL parody of We Stand Tall
Leah and Mike continue their discussion from last week about Committees of Evidence with Claire Headley, now covering the snitch culture of scientology and the subject of Knowledge Reports. It is one of the most important control mechanisms within the scientology world.
This is the standard organizing board for all scientology organizations
This is the detailed organizing board for Division 1 The Hubbard Communications Office where the Ethics Officer is found
We talk to our old friend and Aftermath OG Claire Headley again this week, this time to discuss Committees of Evidence. What are they exactly, our personal experiences convening, participating and being victims of them, and how they differ from arbitration.
Season 1 episode 5
The language from the scientology service Enrollment Agreement that requires “religious arbitration” in the event of a dispute
Concerning Scientology “Religious Arbitration”
Scientology “Religious Arbitration” — Giving Kangaroo Courts a Bad Name
More on Scientology “Religious Arbitration”
Shameful Scientology “Religious Arbitration” Destroying Justice
A Scientology Committee of Evidence is NOT Arbitration
Example of a Bill of Particulars for a Committee of Evicdence
We talk to our old friend Chris Shelton about cult apologists who make a career (often lucrative) out of offering expert academic opinions in support of “New Religious Movements” — which is what they call cults. It’s a racket that scientology has used to gain credibility. We cover a lot of ground here. Chris has recently published a series of articles on this topic on Tony Ortega’s blog — they are well-worth reading.
Chris’ excellent YouTube podcast channel
Stefani Hutchinson’s excellent blog that regularly dismantles the hypocrisy of the STAND League.
Chris’s recent articles on Tony Ortega’s blog about cult apologist academics
See also the articles on Tony Ortega’s site
featuring cult apologists Gordon Melton and Donald Westbrook responding to the HBO documentary about Remnant Fellowship The Way Down
Another of our favorite Listener Questions episodes… We have a lot of great questions, including what the organization does with all the money it makes? Are the PI’s scientologists? What would happen if we tried to rejoin scientology? What is the most bizarre Hubbard policy? What’s the story with Mimi Rogers? Does David Miscavige tune in? And a lot more.
The steps that a person declared Suppressive must do in order to get back into good standing with scientology?
My earlier blog post about scientology PI’s and which ones are scientologist
One of the unindicted co-conspirators from Guardian’s Office prosecution (along with L. Ron Hubbard), in house lawyer for scientology, OT VIII and father of Stacy Moxon who committed suicide at the Int Base (it was covered up as an accident).
Unfortunately the only way I have found to see Monique with her impressive display of muffins is to watch Part 1 and allow this video to then go to Part 2. At 00:30 Monique shows up with the muffins baked with love by the slave sat Gold.
Monique Yingling and Tommy Davis on AC 360 lying about disconnection
One of two of the most bonkers Hubbard policies (in my view)
The second choice of bonkers Hubbard writings
Hubbard on odors and perfume — another of his completely bonkers writings (Note, his ramblings seemed to become even more unhinged towards the end of his life — though it is hard to top History of Man) ….
Maureen Orth’s excellent VF article about Tom Cruise that details what happened to then-scientologist Nazanin Boniadi who had been selected and groomed as Cruise’s new mate.
Leah and Mike welcome Dr. Willy Rice, Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater to the podcast. Willy has been one of the few community leaders who has taken a strong, public stance against the abuses of scientology. We talk about the influence of scientology in the community and the lie that you can a Christian and a scientologist.
[T]he historic Jesus was not nearly the sainted figure has been made out to be. In addition to being a lover of young boys and men, he was given to uncontrollable bursts of temper and hatred…
One of the briefings prepared by Willy for his congregation and other Christian Leaders
Another briefing
Lawrence Wright’s brilliant book
Scientology Ray Cassano speaking publicly as a member of the Clearwater Downtown Development Board
Leah and Mike talk to filmmaker Aaron Kaufman. Known for producing Robert Rodriguez films, more recently he directed Crusaders, a documentary on Jehovah’s Witnesses for Vice TV. Aaron was raised a JW. His doc focuses on the data base of sex abusers amassed by the organization which they have refused to make public. Plenty of scientology parallels in this discussion.
Aaron is a producer in Hollywood who did the well-known Robert Rodriguez movies
Vice Versa series on Vice TV
JW’s practice similar to scientology disconnection
One of the best summaries from Dr. Janja Lalich
Official government inquiry in Australia into JW’s sex abuse of children
One of the first people to sue and win a jury award against the JW’s for sex abuse as a child
These are books Leah recommends, you can find the full list on my blog
Leah and Mike talk to a long term scientology whistleblower, Tory “Magoo” Christman. Her story covers the gamut — OSA dirty tricks, disconnection, the Lisa McPherson Trust, being Fair Gamed and a whole lot more. It is an episode that seemed too short with such a bright, smart and kind person.
Narconon has falsely claimed an absurd success rate
The episodes on Clearwater covering Gabe Cazares and Bob Minton
Andras Heldal-Lund’s website Operation Clambake
The video taken by Mark Bunker
Tory featured in the scientology “encyclopedia” What Is Scientology?
Tory featured in another scientology publication
The Fair Game program put together by OSA pursuant to Hubbrd policy. Tory’s responses and notes are in red script
One of 2 key references used to compile the Tory Christman Program
The other key reference
See my blog for more docs
Leah and Mike welcome Nora Ames, former SO member and outspoken whistleblower concerning the hypocrisy of scientology’s rampant homophobia. She has one of the most incredible and harrowing escape from the Sea Org stories as well as what she did to get her mother out of scientology. Both her father and mother were scientology Guardian Office workers.
Nora’s powerful video from 2016
When you Google Guardian’s Office this is what you get from Wikipedia
Excerpts from the DOJ Sentencing Memorandum in the criminal case against Mary Sue Hubbard and other leaders of the Guardian’s Office
The term as defined by L. Ron Hubbard in the official scientology dictionary
My earlier blog post on the subject
Leah and Mike welcome their dear friend Amy Scobee. Amy was in charge of scientology Celebrity Centres for many years and had a lot of personal experience with scientology’s biggest celebrities. She was also the catalyst for The Aftermath when she reached out with the story of her mother, Bonnie. They were featured in the first episode.
Amy was the Watchdog Committee member responsible for Celebrity Centres
L to R; Isaac Hayes, Amy, Dave Pettit’s ex-wife, Dave Pettit CO CC Int, Billy Sheehan, Karen Hollander President CC Int
The early direction to “hunt” celebrities and get them into scientology
Hubbard defines celebrities in scientology
This is where Hubbard describes doing TR’s – note especially TR0 and TRo bullbait
Hubbard’s “solution” to drugs
Niacin is prescribed in massive doses on the Purif
Leah and Mike welcome back Julian Wain, who appeared with his wife Katherine in Episode 49. This time they discuss the Delphian schools — Julian both attended and taught there. These, like other “Applied Scholastics” schools use HUbbard “technology” to indoctrinate kids and act as recruitment pools for the Sea Org, despite the public claims they make.
Katherine and Julian discuss their personal journeys out of scientology and the horrors of disconnection
Applied Scholastics, the mother organization over Delphi schools is on the front page of the scientology website
How scientology describes Applied Scholastics: “fully independent nondenominational organization”
They describe L. Ron Hubbard as everything BUT the founder of scientology.
Scientology is listed LAST…
The yearbook is dedicated to L. Ron Hubbard
One of the four points is “Ethics”
The reference mentioned from Dianetics The Modern Science of Mental Health concerning a 7 year old girl not reacting to a passionate kiss from a grown man
The lower ethics conditions that are integral to scientology “ethics tech”
Leah and Mike talk to their old friend Aaron Smith-Levin about a wide variety of topics, including the status of Goliath the SP dog, but focus on his announcement that he is running to be elected to the Clearwater City Council and the activities of the Aftermath Foundation.
Aaron’s story from The Aftermath
My recent blog post about Aaron running for Clearwater City Council
Buying a Town Part 1 & 2 aired in the 3rd season, episodes 8&9
Aaron’s YouTube channel
The foundation website
My recent blog post about scientology’s religious status
A special edition of Listener Questions. Leah and Mike recorded this together in LA. As usual, they cover a lot of ground from why any OT would wear glasses and a question about Tom Cruise’s bravery to High Crimes and the traits of an SP. Mike even has an answer that shocked Leah about something Hubbard claimed about himself.
Clips from this episode are at mikerindersblog.org
This is the list of scientology “High Crimes” (or Suppressive Acts) contained in the Introduction to Scientology Ethics book.
The Anti-Social Personality traits chapter from Introduction to Scientology Ethics:
Hubbard asserted he was not “from this planet”
Hubbard’s view on how useless education outside scientology is.
Nicole Norton and Becky Lovell are whistleblowers, exposing the abuses of the RA MA Institute for Applied Yogic Science and Technology and its leader Guru Jagat (Katie Griggs). The stories of abuse, money motivation and a culture of worship of the guru are reminiscent of scientology and so many other high control organizations.
A much more in-depth look at RA MA and Guru Jagat
This week we have the great pleasure of speaking with Gary “Jackson” Morehead, the former head of security at the confidential scientology headquarters near Hemet in Riverside County California. We cover the efforts taken to prevent Sea Org members from leaving, both physical and mental, what the “Blow Drill” consists of, what a “Life History” is and plenty more.
One of the most gut-wrenching episodes of The Aftermath featured Gary.
Video of RCSO outside Golden Era
British filmmaker Louis Theroux met by Cathy Fraser outside Gold Base
A video featuring the Gold Security Guards and the charming Cathy Fraser.
This recent post from mikerindersblog.org breaks it down and explains how this is done.
While scientology claims there is no such thing as the “Blow Drill,” their expert on all things (at least for the past few years), Marty Rathbun, filed a declaration covering the blow drill in the Headley case in July 2010
Tony Ortega’s recent article giving details about the files scientology maintains
The infamous Gold Security Guard
Mat appeared on the Aftermath
Mat was the Dissemination Secretary, over the 2nd (of 7) divisions of a scientology organization responsible for marketing, booksales and fundraising.
Mat was also the Treasury Secretary — head of the 3rd Division of a scientology organization. This Division invoices all income, banks it, keeps track of the bank accounts, does the purchasing and pays the bills of the organization:
Hubbard pushed Big League Sales as “standard tech” in scientology. Les Dane was even coopted to do personal training in scientology organizations.
People hand over tens and even hundreds of millions…
They’ve collected more for this building they don’t need than it could possibly cost.
Leah and Mike talk with Ian Rafalko and Dylan Follo. Ian became an internet sensation when he posted a TikTok video about his father, scientologist chiropractor Eric Berg. Both were recently staff in scientology “ideal” orgs — their experiences are pretty shocking. Ian’s family has been torn apart and his wife chose scientology over him.
A TikTok about his father and the destruction scientology brought to his life began the story
Millions have viewed Ian’s original video and others he has done since
Ian’s father who has 5 million followers on YouTube and is a kool-aid drinking scientologist
Ian worked at Atlanta “ideal” org. The place is empty.
Dylan was called before a Committee of Evidence (Kangaroo Court) for being “unproductive” though there was nobody in the “Ideal Org” in NY for him to audit.
Hubbard’s crazy ideas about “responsibility”
Leah and Mike do a deep dive into the Sea Organization with Hana Whitfield, one of the first Sea Org members. Hana joined L. Ron Hubbard in Las Palmas in 1967, and went on to Captain various Sea Org ships and bases. We cover the early years of the formation of the SO, her recollections of Hubbard, his “Mission Into Time” and much more.
The formation of the Sea Org
The first ship of the Sea Project, later renamed Athena.
Hubbard’s failed effort to locate buried treasure he “recalled” from past lives…
One of the crazier Hubbard lectures where he announces OT III and the formation of the Sea Org.
All Sea Org members commit themselves to serving for a billion years
Sea Org members pride themselves on being “tough.”
There is no concern over physical violence among SO members in the course of doing their jobs:
You’re expected to do any job in the SO, trained or not:
More on what is expected of a Sea Org member
Leah and Mike take on more listener questions: Who does the Fair Gaming? What is CCHR? How scientology views the disabled? What PTSness is. Who was the Duke of Chug? Scientology’s sense of humor… and much more. Leah and Mike even act out what happens in an auditing session.
The scientology mantra on why they do not spend time on the disabled
The definition in the official scientology dictionary. These are Hubbard’s words they were willing to have published. In common usage in scientology, the term is far more derogatory.
Hubbard’s thoughts on the subject of humor about scientology
This week we are joined by Leah’s mother, Vicki, to discuss the OT levels. Vicki achieved the very pinnacle of scientology auditing, doing OT VIII on the scientology cruise ship Freewinds. We talk about the earlier OT levels and our experiences on them and then Vicki’s recollections of OT VIII. Suffice to say, it was underwhelming.
The highest levels of scientology’s “Bridge to Total Freedom”
Scientology’s “cruise ship” where OT VIII is delivered exclusively
Most of the early OT levels are in Hubbard’s distinctive handwriting. There can be no mistaking the authenticity of these materials when they are in his own hand…
There are literally hundreds of pages of “dichotomies” like the example pages here. You read through these and note the reactions of the E-Meter:
Now we get to the great “breakthrough” Hubbard called the “Wall of Fire.”
He announced it to the world in “Ron’s Journal 67”
If you have seen Going Clear or watched the South Park episode “Trapped in the Closet” you will recognize this material.
The first page gives the big picture of the story and identifies Xenu:
Hubbard’s breakdown of “Incident II” in 10 steps — this is the incident that occurred 75 million years ago described above
Hubbard’s list of volcanoes where the thetans were blown up with hydrogen bombs. Many of these did not exist 75 million years ago. Lots of spelling errors and inconsistencies — it’s like the list consists of ones he could remember (Mt. Ranier etc) and then huge generalities (Andes, Himalayas) and then “Tangier” and “Canada”…
Before Incident 2 (75 million years ago) there is Incident 1 — 4 quadrillion years ago.
This is the first issue which describes what NOT’s does for you — makes you “CAUSE OVER LIFE.”
The procedure for handling Body Thetans (BT’s) on NOTs is MUCH simpler than on OT III. Same BT’s, but now instead of Incident 2 you just ask them “What are you?” and then “Who are you?”
Even with this “new tech” they still get people to pay for the “old tech” and do OT III…
This is how NOTs supposedly solves the problem of cancer and other physical problems. It’s caused by BT’s…
We continue breaking down the Bridge to total Freedom towards the level of Clear with Bruce Hines. It’s the stairway to heaven with turnstiles at every step.
It’s half-way up the Bridge
This is the latest model — a basic version costs $5,000
The auditor has the meter, the person paying holds the cans
Leah’s therapist provided her with this write up
The former scientologist who was the technical guru on the E-Meter design and production weighs in
Jeffrey Augustine’s 10 part series on the history of the E-Meter
Based on Hubbard “non-religious” moral code
The now infamous appearance of these 4 women on AC 360
Part of the team of scientists researching dark matter….
Leah and Mike’s old friend Bruce Hines joins them for Part 1 breaking down the scientology “Bridge to Total Freedom.” They delve into scientology testing, Introductory Services and how scientology hooks new customers (“raw meat”).
L. Ron Hubbard’s pathway to “spiritual freedom” one must follow (and pay for)
These are the “routes” that lead you onto “the Bridge”
The non-scientific “personality test” used to hook people. It’s a means of getting someone sitting in front of them so they can be sold scientology as the solution to the supposed problems the “test” reveals
The scientology term for new customers.
The senior principle in scientology sales. You must be able to “control” people and that does not mean “pleasant control.”
A blog post about the danger of niacin
Another blog post — Purification Rundown Debunked
The influence of peer pressure
A sample price list from Flag — the “international spiritual headquarters” of scientology in Clearwater FL
This week we talk to two members of Leah’s family who disconnected after she left scientology and have now reconnected. It’s an up close and personal look at scientology disconnection and “ethics.”
A description of the “Greatest Good for the Greatest Number of Dynamics” which defines what is good for scientology as being ethical.
A blog post describing scientology ethics
More on what “Ethics” is in scientology
The real facts and writings of Hubbard on the practice of disconnection that destroys families
Leah and Mike answer more listener questions. In this episode they cover how many scientologists are left, why scientology is so “white,” should scientology celebrities be boycotted, the front groups of scientology, Applied Scholastics schools, Degraded Beings, Dilettantes and more.
Graphic by Jeff Hawkins from 2018. Things have shrunk since then…
My blog post with the documents from Hubbard
Chris Owen’s brilliant history of CCHR
My earlier blog post on the subject
A collection of Hubbard’s racist statements
Definitions from the official scientology dictionaries.
These are what they were willing to have published. In common usage in scientology, the term is far more derogatory. A direct translation might be “bum” but even that is less derogatory than the significance attached to the term “DB” in scientology.
Leah and Mike continue the deep dive into the life and lies of Hubbard with Jon Atack, covering a whole new range of topics. Also a special tribute to Ron Miscavige.
Jon Atacks article
Hubbard claims to have tested Dianetics on 270 clears
The daughter Hubbard disowned
Let’s check the religion angle as it couldn’t bring us worse PR or less customers
Leon Festiger’s celebrated study of Cognitive Dissonance
From `1968 edition of Scientology 0-8 book
We begin a new series of episodes taking a detailed look at specific areas of scientology. We begin with L. Ron Hubbard. This first parts focuses on his life and claims up to Dianetics. We are very fortunate to welcome Jon Atack back to help us navigate the maze of lies, half-truths and exaggerations that characterize the man’s life.
After he claimed to have cured himself he wrote to the VA about his physical and mental problems
Hubbard’s claims of cures in Dianetics
Hubbard’s infamous presentation of a Clear in front of an audience at the Shrine Auditorium
Hubbard falsely claiming he was crippled and blinded in WW II
Brian is an old time scientologist who ended his involvement and went on earn a PhD. He never spoke about the abuses he witnessed because his former wife and daughter were still involved. The story of how he came to be declared SP and his daughter’s disconnection is typically tragic but especially insane. His heroic fight to get her back continues to this day.
A wealth of information about his story and efforts to recover his daughter are on this website
Brian’s book about scientology
Hubbard’s “solution” for the “low toned” in society “…dispose of them quietly and without sorrow…”
Brian’s complaint to the FCHR was rejected as being “outside the scope” of their mandate
Brian has done a number of innovative “White Board” descriptions of scientology
What an enormous pleasure to speak to Sheriff Nick Hanna. His incredible story of discovering, investigating and prosecuting the abuses in a Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints compound on a ranch near the small town of Eldorado Texas makes for compelling listening.
The site of the FLDS compound
Some background on the leader of the cult
Scientology and the FLDS teach that law enforcement are the forces of evil
Cults teach their followers that lying for the good of the cult is the right thing to do
Scientology’s infamous spy who went to the FBI and the resulting raid and prosecution have many parallels to the FLDS raid and prosecution
We speak with our old friend, brilliant investigator and chronicler of scientology, especially focused on financial wrongdoing. He has an excellent blog and podcast on the subject. We take a tour of the people who are being prosecuted for their activities, despite the fact that scientology claims they are the most ethical group on earth.
Jeffrey’s excellent blog — a repository of hug amounts of invaluable information about scientology
Jeffrey’s podcast
The granddaddy of scientologist Ponzi-schemers
The guy who presented David Miscavige with a medal is being prosecuted for crimes
Capt Palka of the Hollywood PD and his close relationship with scientology
The improper scientology kiosk that somehow showed up in the hallway of the LAPD Hollywood Division
Prosecuted for fraud
These two chiropractors also prosecuted for Medicare fraud
Part of the lies scientology told the IRS in order to gain tax exempt status.
Another scammer caught
More insurance scams
The poster child for Super Power, forced to pay the IRS millions in back taxes
They claim they have NO employees, only volunteers to avoid paying tax, but then take money to pay “staff”
Massive scientology contributors fined $10 million by FTC…
We take more questions from listeners, covering a wide variety of topics from silent birth and what happens when a scientologist dies, to the decision of the US Supreme Court concerning scientology donations and Hubbard’s succession plan.
The end of Hubbard’s life described by Steve Pfauth
The only written document concerning Hubbard’s succession. It was recalled and destroyed by David Miscavige
The US Supreme Court ruling that says payments to scientology for services are not deductible as they are quid pro quo payments
Others attempted to claim deductions for Jewish school, they were denied on the basis of the Hernandez decision while scientology no longer follows this.
Where the lie was told to scientologists that Hubbard had “causatively departed his body” because it was a hindrance to “further OT research.”
This is the one at Gold. To see the others, visit mikerindersblog.org
These documents relinquish virtually all rights
A man in tool used to suck in new people
Leah and I had the great pleasure of speaking to Taylor Holley, a law student at Texas Tech University who published a legal analysis of scientology’s tax exempt status in the Law Review. Her paper is a wonderful summation and careful analysis of the law and makes a compelling argument that the IRS should revisit the exempt status of scientology.
The full text of Taylor’s analysis
A blog entry to assist anyone who wants to write to Congress
Leah and Mike welcome Dr. Hassan this week for a wide-ranging discussion about scientology and other cults, undue influence, hypnotism and methods of control. Steve is a former Moonie, who is now internationally recognized expert in the field of cults.
Steve’s seminal book
Steve’s most recent book
Steve interviews Larry Brennan and Nancy Many
Mike and Leah talk to the network guardian angel who oversaw The Aftermath show, Devon Graham Hammonds. They cover how the show came to be, a lot of behind-the-scenes glimpses into production, the Fair Gaming of those who worked on the show and why it ended — not because scientology “got it canceled.”
Scientology falsely takes credit for me “being fired” and the Aftermath “being cancelled” – neither of which happened
All episodes of The Aftermath are now available on Netflix
Some have never seen an actual price list from scientology, the business masquerading as a religion.
Leah and Mike take questions from listeners covering scientology tax exemption, the Sea Org and staff contracts, who is guarding Shelly Miscavige, what listeners can do and a whole lot more insight into the world of scientology.
See Season 3 Episode 5 of The Aftermath
Hubbard’s Flag Order “The Winning Attitude” describing how Sea Org members are expected to perform any duty whether trained for it or not.
Another Hubbard Flag Order on the same subject
What is a Freeloader — the definition from the official scientology dictionary
These are Sea Org members who patrol all Sea Org bases
Sea Org members commite themselves to a BILLION years in service of scientology
Sciento9logy staff members sign contracts to “volunteer” that waive all rights to recourse
The article we talk about
Leah and Mike venture into the world of Mormonism with Dr. John Dehlin to learn about problems in the Mormon world, the many similarities with scientology, and some important differences which have tended to make the Mormons more successful, and certainly a lot more powerful and wealthy, than scientology.
The abbreviated story of Joseph Smith’s creation of the Latter Day Saints
The Mormon investment arm that manages in excess of $100 billion
The leading lawfirm in the Mormon world
Excommunicated for his efforts to end inappropriate sexual interaction within the church
John’s wife also provides counseling
A podcast of free coaching for Mormons in faith crisis
Leah and Mike dive deep into some of the most abusive practices of scientology: the so-called Rehabilitation Project Force, the Thought Reform Program for Sea Org members, and the Truth Rundown “security checking” designed to convince a person that anything bad they observed about scientology is untrue, ending with a written apology for ever having such a thought.
Marty Rathbun describes the Truth Rundown procedure
This is the “Flag Order” establishing the RPF
The Hubbard policy creating the “snitch culture” in scientology requiring all scientologists to write reports on others
The interrogation designed to be used on children as young as 6
This week, Leah and Mike are joined by their old friend Chris Shelton — a well-informed former scientology executive who has provided some of the most cogent analyses of scientology in his podcasts, appearances and writings. A lot of what is covered in this week’s episode concerns the fake “religious” aspects of scientology.
Chris Shelton’s YouTube channel
Chris’ excellent book
The book describing scientology “Sunday Services” and the “sermons”
This is the PR description of the “Sunday Service” taken from the scientology website
The only “prayer” in scientology — carefully worded so as not to offend scientologists
A blog posting about the lies scientology tells in an effort to appear “normal”
Our friend — and scientology nemesis — journalist, author and podcaster John Sweeney talks about making his BBC programs on scientology and compares his experiences to his reporting in N. Korea, Russia, Serbia and other places. He is an entertaining and well-informed observer of scientology.
John Sweeney’s 2007 Panorama expose on scientology
John’s follow up 2010 Panorama program that told the behind the scenes story of the 2007 episode
John’s excellent book on scientology
John’s podcast on Ghislaine Maxwell
The Sheriff report concluding “incidental contact” as Mike was trying to leave their assault
The Endless Lies of Scientology Operatives Taryn Teutsch & Cathy Bernardini
Mike’s ex-=wife responds to his attempt to reach out to her after he escaped
One of numerous videos with the shifting stories of damage — this one a message of love for Valentine’s Day…
Look for the statements from 1984 by Judge Latey in the UK and Judge Breckenridge in Los Angeles
The smear website created and run by OSA
Leah and Mike are joined by media and political reporter Yashar Ali. Yashar has covered scientology for years. He was recently named one of Time’s 25 most influential people on the internet. The topics range from celebrities in scientology, to media and elected officials responsibility dealing with cults to the Fair Game campaign against him.
A compendium of the writings of Hubbard about destroying anyone who dares criticize scientology
Hubbard’s infamous passage from Dianetics that a 7 year old girl should not react to a passionate kiss from a man
Reporting a scientologist to the authorities is considered a “High Crime” in scientology
A blog post about not reporting sexual assaults on children
Hubbard’s views on the judicial system, law enforcement summarized in the final chapter of his book “Introduction to Scientology Ethics.” The full text of the chapter is at my blog
Hubbard proposes deleting certain people from society — including homosexuals and “other sexual perverts” — see the full quote at my blog
This blog post details Hubbard’s views, and thus the policy of scientology
See description at my blog and links to scientology price lists
Just one of many smear sites scientology pays for with tax exempt funds
We talk to Aaron Saidman, co-founder of production company (IPC) that was brave enough to bring The Aftermath to air. Tune in for some behind-the-scenes insight into the making of the program, how it came about, the impact it had and how the people involved dealt with scientology and their Fair Game tactics.
Aaron Saidma (far right) and his producing partner and co-founder of IPC, Eli Holzman (far left). The tall man in the middle is Matthew Belloni, then Editor of the Hollywood Reporter
Leah and Mike talk with Sarah Edmondson, featured in The Vow, author of Scarred and host (with her husband Anthony “Nippy” Ames) of a new podcast, A Little Bit Culty. We cover the similarities between Nxivm and scientology — the systems of control and even the language are remarkably similar — so much so that there is little doubt in my mind that Keith Raniere studied Hubbard. We talk about The Vow and what recovering from a cult experience is like and the impact of Scientology and The Aftermath had on her.
A wonderful read containing details and insights not found in TV docs on the subject
Listen to their new podcast. Leah and Mike will be in upcoming episodes…
Marc is the author of a wonderful book, Blown For Good, a whistleblower and an activist. He has a phenomenal memory and a great sense of humor. We cover a lot of ground with him from the Int Base and David Miscavige to the Aftermath Foundation and the Rinder bobblehead.
Marc Headley’s brilliant book about his life and escape from the international headquarters of scientology.
We traveled to Denver to talk to the Headleys and had a run in with some PI’s
The Headleys helped us understand the international base of scientology
Home page of the Aftermath Foundation which helps people who want to or have left scientology
The Rinder bobblehead raises funds for the Aftermath Foundation
The SP bracelet — available for Special People — also raises money for the Aftermath Foundation
Alex Gibney’s Emmy-winning HBO documentary
Leah and Mike talk with Tony, who over his decades of reporting on scientology has become the most expert reporter in the world on the subject. He has a daily blog about scientology, wrote an excellent book about Paulette Cooper, the poster child for scientology Fair Game. Tony and his family have been subjected to Fair Game campaigns by scientology since the 90’s.
If you have not yet read this book, do so. It is the remarkable account of the most outrageous Fair Game campaign against a Holocaust survivor and journalist.
Tony’s story breaking the news of Leah leaving scientology
Tony published a chapter that did not appear in Leah’s book about Tom Cruise
The latest in a series of articles about scientology “religious arbitration” — it contains links to the earlier articles.
The writing by Hubbard that describes framing enemies to cost them their jobs…
Leah and Mike talk to Ford, the former Moonie who became a lawyer to fight cults. He has participated in some of the most important anti-cult litigation. The discussion covers the Fair Game assaults he has endured, the army of high-priced lawyers he fought and how best to deal with scientology in the legal arena.
“The state clearly has a compelling interest in preventing its citizens from being deceived into submitting unknowingly to such a potentially dangerous process.”
“…should any church seek to resurrect the inquisition in this country under a claim of free religious expression, can anyone doubt the constitutional authority of an American government to halt the torture and executions? And can anyone seriously question the right of the victims of our hypothetical modern day inquisition to sue their tormentors for any injuries—physical or psychological—they sustained?”
“When one party to a lawsuit continuously and unsuccessfully uses the litigation process to bludgeon the opponent into submission, those actions must be closely scrutinized for constitutional implications.”
“Real control is exercised less formally, but more tangibly, through an unincorporated association, the Sea Organization, more commonly referred to as the Sea Org.”
Leah and Mike talk all things scientology and Fair Game with one of the most well-informed former scientologist whistleblowers. Jon has spent decades studying and exposing scientology brainwashing and abuse and has fascinating insights on so much.
Contains many interviews Jon has done, including 3 fairly recent ones with Mike
Joon’s seminal work on scientology.
Jon’s introductory book for those unfamiliar with scientology
Jon’s newest book, available later this month
Russell Miller’s superb unauthorized biography of L. Ron Hubbard
Jon recommends this book by Ira Chaleff
Recommended by Jon
Further recommended reading
Phil Jones (and his charming wife Willie) created the “Call Me” billboards after trying to reach their disconnected children, Mike and Emily. We cover a lot of ground — what happened that caused them to leave scientology, their efforts to reach their children, the LAPD, scientology’s Fair Game intimidation tactics, how scientology made them an offer that couldn’t refuse — but they did, and the realities of family life in scientology.
Son Mike, Willie, Phil and daughter Emily in happier times
We talk to long term whistleblower Valeska Guider Paris about being raised in scientology, the abuses she suffered as a child in the Sea Org, being held prisoner on the scientology ship Freewinds, the RPF and much more
The Sea Org property where Valeska lived as a child
Some of the “High Crimes” of scientology covering reporting to the police
The final chapter of Hubbard’s “Intro to Scientology Ethics” book laying out his views of police, FBI, Courts and justice in society
A book recommended by Leah
One of Miscavige’s henchwomen sent after ex-Sea Org members, seen here in a smear video targeting Ron Miscavige
Leah and Mike talk with author, actor, activist and icon Kate Bornstein about homophobia and transphobia in scientology, how she lost her family to disconnection, Fair Game and how scientology seeks to “pray the gay away.”
They are all available at her website
In the 1970’s in the Sea Organization of scientology
An earlier article on Mike Rinder’s blog with all the details on Hubbard and scientology beliefs and practices
Hubbard’s statement in Dianetics the Modern Science of Mental Health
Hubbard about disposing of people quietly and without sorrow
Hubbard lauding a Venezuelan dictator for “collecting and destroying all the beggars…”
Hubbard’s Tone Scale — 1.1 is the smiling man with the knife behind his back
The famous episode revealing scientology’s true beliefs
Leah and Mike talk to Stefani — never a scientologist — about her effective advocacy against scientology abuses and her example of what anyone can do to take an active role in ending the pain and suffering that scientology causes so many.
Stefani’s website exposing the lies of scientology.
Geoff’s band had a hit record before scientology disconnection policy destroyed it
Geoff was an integral part of the formation of Celebrity Centre
People! were a big “get” for scientology
This includes a link to an interview with Chris Shelton
Geoff is making a movie about his life
Geoff’s music on YouTube
Leah and Mike answer a wide variety of questions from listeners.
Scientology leader offers his views on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic
An earlier blog post concerning scientology beliefs about illness and disease
Another blog post about scientology beliefs on healing
Lynne Patton, who worked in the White House, claimed Donald Trump was going to rescind scientology’s tax exempt status
Leader of the People’s Temple
Congressman Ryan traveled to Guyana to investigate Jonestown and was murdered by members of the People’s Temple
Leah and Mike talk to Mike’s wife, Christie, about being raised in scientology, disconnection, Fair Game and what life is like today.
Christie was featured on the front page of the Sunday New York Times in a story about her disconnection.
AC 360 Part 4 of his History of Violence series. Christie’s segment begins at about 6:35
Lynch in action at LAX — go to my blog mikerindersblog.org for an understanding of the 3 videos about Lynch
Lynch ambush outside restaurant in Tarpon Springs — go to my blog mikerindersblog.org for an understanding of the 3 videos about Lynch
Lynch following us in Los Angeles — go to my blog mikerindersblog.org for an understanding of the 3 videos about Lynch
Christie’s account of the PI sent to infiltrate our lives
Hire videographer Bert Leahy comes clean about scientology’s Fair Game practices
This on the homepage at mikerindersblog.org
The scientology smear website
Countering Justice4Mom with facts and the truth
Christie’s Doula business she built from nothing
We talk about Shane and Jack quite a bit. This shot is a few years old, but it captures their personalities well. They’re a lot bigger now.
Leah and Mike welcome Mary Kahn to talk about her experience reaching the top of the scientology “Bridge to Total Freedom,” disconnection, scientology’s view of psychiatry and much more.
Former fundraiser Hy Levy spills the beans on what life as a full time SO “registrar” is like
Hubbard’s bizarre statement in Dianetics that a 7 year old should not find anything wrong with a passionate kiss from a man
Former senior scientology executive describes the penultimate level on the scientology Bridge
The Hubbard “technology” of how your memories of previous lifetimes are erased
A blog post quoting from some of Hubbard’s most outrageous statements claiming psychiatry is the root of all evil on earth.
The Ex-RTC executive talks about life at scientology’s international headquarters and working with David Miscavige, why scientologists lie, Fair Game and much, much more.
The almost all female, all white, hand-selected representatives of David Miscavige
Scientology no longer publishes these SP declare orders, they are now kept hidden from view.
President RTC, Warren McShane, makes damaging admissions to RCSO while trying to get them to pursue a blown SO member
Marty Rathbun’s post about Warren McShane the professional liar
The report following the attempt to hunt down Marc Headley after his escape from Gold.
Posting from mikerindersblog.org
Posting from mikerindersblog.org
Excerpts from the 2009 FBI Investigation summary
Excerpt from the DOJ Sentencing Memorandum in US v. Mary Sue Hubbard et al
Anderson Cooper’s series of shows about violence in scientology
Leah and Mike talk to Lloyd about the similarities between scientology and the JW’s and how the JW’s have grown more scientology-like in their Fair Game-style attacks on those who expose their abuses.
The video Lloyd refers to of the child who died due to his parents refusal to allow a blood transfusion
Lloyd’s first book
Lloyd’s second book
Leah and Mike cover a wide range of topics related to Narconon: including scientology’s involvement, the effectiveness of the program and the Fair Gaming Luke has been subjected to.
Hubbard telling scientology to infiltrate groups in society to create “goodwill”
Luke’s first book
Luke’s second book
Wikipedia entry, though it omits Freedom Ethics Watch, STAND, Freedom Magazine, Youth for Human Rights and Drug Free Marshalls.
Article from Mikerindersblog.org concerning the Purification program and use of large doses of niacin
David Miscavige’s diagram showing the relationship between a local scientology org and Narconon
Luke with David Miscavige at Narconon Arrowhead. Also in the picture between him and Miscavige are Rena Weinberg (former President of ABLE Int), Laurie Zurn (former head of ABLE Int) as well as Gary Smith, head of Narconon Arrowhead.
The publication that caused so many to begin questioning scientology and its Fair Game — still available on their website.
The questions this week include: Why is scientology popular with dentists? What happened to Pat and Annie Broeker? And much more.
David Miscavige and Pat Broeker brief the scientology world on the shore story they concocted about the death of L. Ron Hubbard.
The list of recommended reading from Leah to help heal yourself after being in a cult.
Leah and Mike answer questions from listeners: from scientology beliefs to the 411 on Leah’s nails, we cover a lot of ground.
How scientology handles those who claim they had scientology auditing in past lives.
The steps dictated by Hubbard to return to “good standing” after you have been declared a Suppressive Person
Mark Bunker has been a lightning rod for scientology Fair Game for more than 20 years. Now he is elected to the City Council of scientology’s spiritual headquarters.
Tampa Bay Times reporting on scientology buying up property in Clearwater
Tracey McManus updates her earlier story about the scientology properties remaining empty
I analyze the propaganda put out by scientology about their economic and political clout in Clearwater
Mark Bunker beats scientology stalking horse in the City Council election
Scientology continues to harass Bunker with relentless and ridiculous demands
Leah and Mike talk to Mark Vicente about the HBO documentary series, The Vow, the similarities with Scientology and common themes of high control groups.
Steve Cannane joins Leah and Mike to talk about his book, Fair Game and his experiences reporting on scientology and tracing the history of scientology’s most notorious policies.
Steve Cannane on Australian national TV show Lateline reporting on the abuses of Scarlett Hanna, daughter of Australian scientology president Vicki Hanna
Steve exposes child sexual abuse
Steve Cannane reports on Valeska Paris imprisonment on the Freewinds
The Quinten McDermott scientology expose
The first book by Janis Gillham/Grady
The second book detailing the history of the Sea Org
“People attack scientology: I never forget it, always even the score.” L. Ron Hubbard
Hubbard describes finding “buttons” and what people are seeking to protect and using that for restraint.
Hubbard describes costing “enemies” their jobs.
Scientology smear sites on Karen de la Carriere — financed by tax exempt money
The book Alex Gibney’s HBO documentary was based on.
Scientology placed an ad decrying the documentary before they had even seen it.
This is a small selection of the smears on Alex Gibney by scientology
Leader of Scientology’s father, Ron Miscavige, talks to Leah and Mike about how he has been Fair Gamed. Nobody is immune from Hubbard’s tactics and policies.
A detailed explanation of the PI evidence that was “vanished”
Leah and Mike discuss the origins of Fair Game and what prompted L. Ron Hubbard to seek to “utterly destroy” those he named as enemies. They cover what they have experienced and continue to experience, despite Scientology claiming Fair Game has been canceled.
The L. Ron Hubbard documents that detail Fair Game
Hubbard’s views on psychiatry and why they became his “enemy”
Hubbard’s plan which ultimately resulted in the conviction of 11 senior scientologists for espionage against the US Govt
Excerpts from the legal filing in the criminal prosecution case
Excerpts from the legal filing in the criminal prosecution case
My blog posting concerning the “Doctor Parking Lot Incident”
A second posting concerning the “Doctor Parking Lot Incident” and subsequent lies about the “assault”
Jeffrey Augustine’s blog post dissecting the lies in scientology’s claims about the “assault” on Mike Rinder’s ex-wife
THese PI’s were paid in excess of $10 million over a decade to conduct covert surveilance
The groundbreaking series by St Pete Times reporters Joe Childs and Tom Tobin
Leah and Mike talk with Paulette Cooper, a journalist who became the object of the single largest Fair Game campaign in history. She was framed, sued, smeared, spied on and harassed. And ultimately vindicated when the FBI raided scientology and uncovered their secret operations.
The blog post that goes with this podcast contains numerous links to articles that expand upon the discussion with Paulette
Hubbard’s directive to use R2-45 (shooting someone in the head with a .45 pistol)
A full description of R2-45
The Hubbard bulletin concerning joking in scientology
One of the scientology “operations” that was carried out against Paulette Cooper with the objective of getting her incarcerated in a mental institution.
One of the forged bomb threats scientology created to get Paulette indicted.
The writings of Hubbard that explain why scientologists lie
The Wikipedia entry on Snow White — the plan to infiltrate enemies of scientology
Award-winning investigative journalist Richard Behar — author of Time magazine’s shocking cover story, “The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power,” which ignited scientology’s 10 year Fair Game assault on him — talks about Fair Game and the recent controversy over VP hopeful Karen Bass’ statements about scientology.
The May 6, 1991 Time cover story by Rich Behar
Behar’s 1986 Forbes article
Behar’s 2020 Forbes article
Rich Behar interviewed on CNN when Going Clear premiered on HBO
The first article from the scientology conspiracy theory booklet
When a family member who was never a scientologist attempted to conduct a welfare check on her uncle, the former scientology President, Heber Jentzsch —
who reports say is sick, being tortured and has not been seen in public for over 10 years — she immediately became the target of Fair Game. She tells the story to Leah and Mike.
What does scientology teach about illness, disease, depression and death. No surprise, it’s unconventional.
See this blog post for an analysis and more detail about scientology beliefs and practices
Hubbard’s claims for curing disease and preventing colds in Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.
L. Ron Hubbard claim in his book A History of Man.
Hubbard claims “at least 8 cases” had been treated with Dianetics after medicine “gave up.”
Hubbard equates “medicos” with monkeys who “monkey around” and make things worse.
Leah and Mike describe Fair Game, update on things that have happened since the end of the Aftermath Series and what will be covered in future episodes.
Hubbard’s policy dictating how scientologists are to treat those declared “SP”.
The “cancellation” is the use of the term because it causes “bad public relations” but NO CHANGE in how enemies are to be treated.
Hubbard directing the use of process R2-45 (shooting in the head with a .45 caliber revolver) on Suppressive Persons (SP’s). These people are “enemies of mankind, the planet and all life.”
Hubbard decrees anyone who criticizes scientology has crimes — “Embezzled funds, moral lapses, a thirst for young boys — sordid stuff.”
Hubbard says: “Act completely confident that those crimes exist. Because they do.”
