This week, it’s answers about critical thinking and recovery from cultic beliefs, Scientology monitoring OT information on the internet, how Tom Cruise manages to stay away from the tough questions and a lot more. Enjoy!

(1) As an ex Sea-Org member and Scientologist, it was hard to ask for any help from therapists when I left as psychiatrists and psychologists were the evil ones. The way they get you to believe that is by digging into mass shootings and saying “Look, he was on Prozac,” which was very true in some cases. Or they say there is no such thing as a chemical imbalance and we take it as fact. Words like dopamine hits or serotonin were always in my mind “psych” terms so completely disregarded as idiotic and made up to sell more drugs. How did you get in the frame of mind to start believing “them” vs LRH?  I think you know where I am going with the whole us vs them.

(2) If you take Scientology doctrine seriously, the monitoring of entheta on the internet and on television seems to present a number of serious “ethical” dilemmas. If you outsource the task to non-Scientologists, you run the risk of  undetected SPs in their ranks sabotaging the job. Alternatively, you are ruining the eternity of non-suppressive, non-Scientologists by exposing them to deadly secrets like Xenu. If you give the job to a fanatic in OSA who has gone up the Bridge, would you not be condemning that person to a life of sickness and unhappiness?  

(3) In re-listening to Tom Cruise’s Medal of Valor acceptance speech, something stuck out to me which I am curious about: “It’s not how to run from an SP, it’s how to confront and shatter suppression. Because they don’t come up to me and do that to my face or anywhere in my vicinity where they feel they can be confronted they just don’t.” So what is the magic technology Tom has that prevents people coming up to him and opposing him?

(4) Are there any criteria that you would use to decide which individuals would and would not appear on your podcast and channel? I’m asking this question because I would like to know your opinion on the boundaries of acceptable dialogue. Any one in the world of cult studies knows the importance of dialogue in getting people to change their mind. Take the example of Daryl Davis, who goes out of his way to befriend and speak to racial extremists (the Ku Klux Klan) and, in so doing, has helped to de-radicalize them, which is one of the best case studies illustrating the benefits of dialogue. Jon Atack also made a noble attempt to converse with Andy Nolch in the hope of helping him open his mind. Are there any individuals who you would never, under any circumstances, invite on to your show or accept their request to appear on your show? For example, what about the cult apologists such as Reza Aslan or the New Religious Movement academics?

Flash answers

(5) Your last clip about a Scientology front group that is a school for kids made me wonder what is the youngest age you could be to start auditing?

(6) Do you know what’s happened to the Fair Game podcast? Last I remember was that they were taking a week off and there’s been nothing since. 

(7) You recently mentioned that Scientologists who own e-meters (except the latest model) must periodically send their e-meters in for recertification. But who actually does the work testing and calibrating the devices? Sea Org members? Or has the church contracted an outside company for this?

This week, it’s answers about E-meters, Hubbard’s actual con with Scientology, some Scientology tech explained and a lot more. Enjoy!

(1) What’s the policy on old E-meters? Are particularly old versions deprecated,  i.e. not recommended for use any longer? Does the church keep track of who owns them and pester the owners about upgrading to the latest version? Do they have serial numbers? Is there any tamper-proofing (on an off chance some wayward SP decided to sabotage Hubbard’s wonderful invention to screw up auditing)? How does the church feel about E-meters falling into the hands of non-Scientologists? Would the church sell one to a non-Scientologist?

(2) At what point, if ever, did Hubbard come to the stunning realization that none of Scientology worked and that it was all a con? Do you think that happened?

(3) In a lecture LRH talked about three scales: the Tone Scale, the Reality Scale and the Effect Scale. I know you’ve covered the Tone Scale, but can you briefly explain the Reality and Effect Scales? Also, LRH said that thetans were essentially a math symbol and that they are below the scales (-0 scales), and that they are “deader than dead”. If a thetan is “me” then how can it be deader than dead and below the scales? Of course, it’s the ravings of a madman, but I would love to hear your thoughts and maybe explanations (if that’s even humanly possible).

(4) You mentioned that people who are on OT levels 7 and 8 spend much of their day auditing. How does that work when Tom Cruise and other Scientology actors are on set? For all his faults, I have always had the idea that Tom Cruise is pretty hard-working . Does he stop production in order to do his OT level work? Or is he given an “out” so that he doesn’t have to work on that stuff while he is on set? Just curious.

This week, it’s answers about Scientology declaring people “suppressive,” why people leave destructive cults, how labels are used in cults and a lot more. Enjoy!

(1) Can you talk about what happens to people who get ceclared SP for reasons that are not related to questioning Scientology doctrine? I’m thinking of all those involved in the “Chase Wave” scandal, who probably thought they were “making it go right” and who are still dedicated believers who then suddenly find themselves effectively excommunicated. Would they just have been removed from Staff or the Sea Org, but still participating as a public Scientologist, or are they booted out completely? I can understand that any organisation needs to hold people accountable for criminal or unacceptable behaviour. But I don’t recall any incidents in other religions where scandals (of terrible things such as abuse) have resulted in the person being denied the ability to participate in their faith, as opposed to just being removed from a leadership position or officially employed by a church. And on a related subject, did you ever meet someone who, after being declared an SP, successfully completed their “A to E” steps and re-joined Scientology? Did you notice a change in their commitment to Scientology and did they stay around for a long time?

(2) As we are all aware, membership in Scientology is falling drastically and is probably at an all-time-low right now. What in your opinion is the number one reason for the dropping numbers? What is the number one cause for people leaving? Is it because eventually people realize they’ve been conned and it doesn’t work? That would be my opinion but I’d like to hear from you.

(3) The Heaven’s Gate cult actually held a series of public meetings where they could be questioned directly. During such a Q&A session, do you think there was anything anyone could have said that would have caused the leaders to question or change their beliefs? How common is it for a cult to open themselves up to such scrutiny? 

(4) A while back an SO member told a friend that he had a “new 2d”. I realized I never liked that term. It lacks any emotional commitment but I guess in the Sea Org that is a good thing as marriages are often temporary and couples often separate for years. Do you think labeling relationships with a number and letter tends to make them less valuable?

(5) Why do some thetans find bodies and some just get stuck to them? Why can’t a thetan become a whale or a raccoon or a plant? What’s the difference between having a human body and having another form of life?

We had some audio issues today as the volume on the livestream was turned way down, so I fixed that and re-uploaded it here. We had some great questions in the Q&A and got to talk about a lot of stuff, Scientology and otherwise. Enjoy!

This week, it’s answers about the so-called PAC Base in Los Angeles, a typical work day in Scientology management, details about my transition out of Scientology and a lot more.

(1) As I was reading the Underground Bunker today, there was a bit about Advanced Orgs and St Hill Orgs. This reminded me of a question that I have had for a long time and never had an answer: Why have these two types of Orgs been housed together (AOSH) internationally, but in separate buildings in the US? I guess since Big Blue, they have been on the same campus, but still separate.

(2) Can you take us through a typical day working in the Continental Liaison Office? What time would you wake up, when would you take your breaks, what time would you go to sleep and what activities would take place during the day?

(3) I know that you never formally practiced Independent Scientology, but was there a short period – of even just a few weeks or days or maybe a few hours – where you still believed in the teachings of Scientology and Hubbard even though you had exited the organization that is the Church of Scientology? And, what was it exactly about your situation that helped you avoid going through the transition phase of independent Scientology that so many other former Scientologists had to go through?

(4) Has any Scientologist ever asked why Hubbard did not apply the incredible potential benefits he promised by practicing Scientology in his own life? Let’s be honest, his life became so completely disastrous by the time he died and I believe every one of his issues were totally solvable according to his writings but he did not use Scientology to save himself.

(5) I understand Scientology has a few publications in print and digital (Freedom, Celebrity magazine) that are loaded with propaganda misinformation and lies. Can you recall any memorable stories of wins/gains or just anything that made you go what the heck that’s not right? Or any that you were just like that’s total and complete bullshit even while in Scientology? 

This week, it’s answers about antisemitism in conspiracy theories, L. Ron Hubbard’s so-called “research,” the nature of belief in Scientology and a lot more. Enjoy!

(1) I was wondering if you could offer your insight as to why antisemitism and conspiracy theories are so interconnected. What did Jewish people ever do to deserve this? Also do you think bringing up and talking about conspiracy theories can perpetuate their spread?

(2) You mentioned in one of the other Q&A shows that LRH had tried out a bunch of wacky ideas that were important in Scientology in the early years, but were jettisoned as they proved unworkable/unpopular… I would love to hear more about rejected Scientology ideas… Could you give some examples? I feel like knowing what was left on the cutting room floor can say a lot about the intentions behind what remains, if you catch my drift.
AND
You said in a recent podcast that as time went by, Hubbard made further discoveries and that made me think did he ever elaborate on how discoveries were made or which I suspect will be your answer he just said it therefore it was. Also you go on to say in 1980, Hubbard announced that all of this was true in this story (from History of Man) no further elaboration or was that it?

(3) Do you think in a few decades that Scientologists will start to question why there hasn’t been any reincarnations even with partial memories that could be proven? Perhaps they could just lie about it and say “oh yeah there were examples but we’re not allowed to share them since their cases are confidential.” I feel like it’s been around long enough that people should be starting to show up. I’m assuming there’s a protocol to answer this when someone asks this question.

(4) It seems clear that people don’t much talk about their subjective experiences in getting auditing. Why is that? It makes the subject such a mystery. Like how come there is not a book that releases data on what goes on in sessions and the grades processes for people in a comprehensible manner to show that its either good or bad in itself? It seems that a lot of critics take the easy way out of criticizing things people have said and done, but like the whole pitch is that the tech is supposed to be workable towards increasing sanity and intelligence and spiritual awareness. And there are plenty of raving Scientologists you see on those testimonial videos. The whole thing is confusing, like if auditing was complete garbage, then why wouldn’t anyone at this stage release data about its awful qualities, as opposed to silence? The lack of data seems to hint that it could be helpful for a lot of people. And why would so many people pay the cost of The Bridge so many times if it was unhelpful and pointless?

This week, it’s answers about Scientology in Germany, what drives people’s decisions and beliefs, was L. Ron Hubbard a racist and a lot more. Enjoy!

(1) I do a bit of work for the public sector here in Germany. Before I am allowed to start the job, in many cases I am asked to sign a paper saying that I “resent the methods and techniques of L. Ron Hubbard and do not use them in my teaching.” It does not use the word “Scientology”. I guess they word it that way to also include all the front groups with different names that endorse Hubbard’s methods. It was actually that document that led me into researching the subject. Since how would I know whether I am using any method similar to what Hubbard used? I did not know what he was about, despite a brief (and weird) encounter with the organization when I was 17. Now I wonder, what is the use of that document? Would a Hubbard follower just lie and sign it anyway, or is there an “ethical” obligation to not criticise Hubbard in any way? I use a similar idea when I meet someone who says they came out of Scientology, I say “Hail Xenu!” to identify myself as a non-Scientologist because I understand that Scientologists are not allowed to mention Xenu. 

(2) Due to the internet and other resources, we are living in a time when it is extremely easy to research the background and criticism of high control groups whether they are cults or multilevel marketing schemes. Nevertheless, they seem to proliferate globally. Why is that?

(3) Scientology is full of Hubbard’s ideas but also his notions and views of what certain people are like infuses his work to create a worldview. The black-and-white stereotypes and caricatures he paints would, I imagine, be potentially damaging to a person’s welfare. Some examples that come to mind are labelling all journalists as “Merchants of Chaos” or stating that all anti-social personality are criminals and anti-Scientologists too. Then he referred to all of humanity as “wogs” or “raw meat” who must be redeemed or conquered as savages by a benign Scientology government. On top of that, we have his thought-stopping statements about homosexuality, medicine, psychiatry and a host of other things. What were some other Scientology perspectives you encountered?

(4) Was L. Ron Hubbard a racist? On its face, Scientology seems like it should be non-racial – after all, thetans don’t have a skin colour. But then I read Tony Ortega’s blog post about how he supported the minority governments in South Africa and Rhodesia in the 50s and 60s, and the highly problematic statements he made about black Africans while in southern Africa. Did Hubbard harbour prejudiced views, or was he simply pandering to the racists for support?

(5) Would it be a good idea to eliminate organized religion, assuming it were possible? I think not, because people need a crutch, but wanted to get your take.

This week, I offer my most in-depth discussion yet of Scientology’s mythology, discuss the bigger issues behind why “stupid people” are hard to talk to (and what this has to do with us) and a lot more. Enjoy!

(1) In one lecture, LRH mentioned thetans, the “obscene dog” and incident 1. What is the obscene dog and how does that lead to incident 1?

(2) There is a growing body of research linking vulnerability to conspiracy theories with cognitive difficulties arising during childhood. To oversimplify, people who can’t think well think poorly. Clearly, we can’t exclude people from the public discourse simply because they are cognitively impaired through no fault of their own. But how does one discuss complicated things with people who think poorly without seeming patronizing? Perhaps there are things we can learn from special education teachers? Any other ideas?

(3) Could you explain what the “Sunshine Rundown” is and what it’s supposed to accomplish? Is it a required or elective part of Scientology’s Bridge to Total Freedom?

(4) When Mike Rinder and Marty Rathbun were still in the church, how did the staff and Sea Org view them? Were they held in high regard and admired somewhat similar to how David Miscavige is viewed? Were they feared somewhat?

This week I went live to answer questions and we had some good ones, plus I got to give a full update on my education and discuss the original research I did on Scientology for my Masters thesis. Enjoy!

This week it’s answers about Black Dianetics, why Scientologists persist in their beliefs beyond all reason, what if Scientology were true and a lot more. Enjoy!

(1) I’ve been listening to more LRH lectures (I find them fascinating, but incoherent). In one he talked about white, black and gray Dianetics. He talked about gray Dianetics and mentioned white but seemed completely averse to talking about “black” Dianetics. What is black Dianetics?

(2) It seems to me that the majority of Scientologist will never ever get to the top of the Bridge. Therefore how do the run-of-the-mill Scientologists ratify the fact that they can never complete the course and will never experience the total freedom as laid out by Hubbard? It’s kind of like playing Monopoly and never passing go and never picking up the $200, so how do dedicated Scientologists find a way to accept this? Isn’t it like studying for years to be a doctor but never becoming one?

(3) If it were somehow shown unequivocally that Scientology was true, would you accept it, or would you basically say that the truth is unacceptable and keep living your life as is?

(4) Is it truly the case that all old Sea Org members are “fitness boarded,” given $500, and thrown out on the street to be homeless, even after giving the “church” half a century of hundred-hour work-weeks? Is there a specific age cutoff? What did you think when you saw old Sea Org members thrown out onto the streets, and did that contribute to you deciding to leave?

(5) What would it take for David Miscavige to lose his mandate to govern? Is it possible for the other board members of the RTC to essentially stage a coup and oust him from power? If David Miscavige was able to manipulate the political structure of Scientology, so that he became COB after the death of LRH, then what is preventing another person form doing so?