The weekly show where I answer viewer questions left in the comment sections of my Q&A videos or sent to me by email at [email protected]. This week, the questions I answer are:

(1) Could you please talk a little bit about the hypocrisy of Scientology and their take on human rights, especially in light of the Kashoggi murder? A recent conversation with my Scientologist relative made it clear to me that there was no care whether Kashoggi, a journalist for the Washington Post, was slain and dismembered after walking into the Saudi consulate in Turkey a few weeks ago. The basic nonchalant reaction to my bringing up the topic seemed to be that it was basically Kashoggi’s own fault for having put himself in that situation, both from having been an outspoken critic of his government and having been naïve enough to walk in to the consulate in the first place. This seems like a slippery slope to me in light of the current administration’s hostility towards the press. I realize Scientologists don’t hold journalists in high esteem and think news is “entheta” to be avoided. Is this not hypocrisy when they in the same breath claim to hold human rights near and dear to their hearts with Scientology front groups like the Citizen’s Commission for Human Rights and their Youth for Human Rights initiative at the United Nations? How do Scientologists even sleep at night? Where do they get their news if they don’t value journalists’ lives? Do they just chalk it up to “gotta clear the planet of insanity, that’s the one way forward”? Is there no outrage?

(2) As you know the course room supervisor is called “sup” which is a really silly name. It sounds like soup! Anyways, I remember how this individual seemed cold, unemotional and unloving, almost like a soulless robot. I asked myself, am I going to become that? If getting trained morphs me into a soulless ice cold person, I don’t want to pursue this path. How’s been your experience?

(3) In last week’s Critical Q&A, you made a reference about the older RPFers being more prone to spending their money on cigarettes, and then a statement that made me think less physical exertion was expected of them because they were older. Did I hear that right? Being in my mid 60s, the thought of running everywhere, let alone up 7 flights of steps, makes me hurt. The idea of losing some weight is appealing but I would probably die if I were put on the RPF and expected to keep up with the 20-30 year old crowd. Is some deference given to those less physically able?

(4) I was just wondering if you ever find yourself using Scientology”reasoning” (or whatever you want to call it) inadvertently in everyday life, and then catch yourself? I’ve been out of the cult for decades and I just caught myself thinking that “my havingness must be low” when I spent a bunch of money I shouldn’t have spent. Such BS! Strange, right? What about you?

(5) You’ve talked about when you were in the RPF and trying to balance your meager income ($11 per week) in order to supplement your diet against the provided meals. How is the food prepared in the Sea Org? There’s obviously a difference between food prepared at the Celebrity Centre, Flag and Big Blue, for instance. Who decides budgets and menus and who actually prepares the food (Scientologists or contractors)? Is food also made available in Orgs?

(6) In college I ended my test anxiety using aroma, associative symbolic redefinition, and vivid mental imagery. That was 2005 and it remains gone.

(7) A few weeks back, you mentioned getting married in Las Vegas while in the Sea Org. And I’ve seen other ex-SO mention taking trips or doing fun things. But they all talk about 112-hour weeks, pretty much never getting the promised days off, working on Christmas, and so on. How do they take these trips and where do they get the money?

(8) Do you find yourself using Scientology words by mistake in regular conversations and then have to explain what just happened? (It’s called making a MESTake. See what I did there?)

The weekly show where I answer viewer questions left for me in the comment sections of my Q&A videos or sent to me by email at [email protected]. This week, the questions I answer are:

(1) What is the training that Scientologists take in order to be able to watch content like yours and not be swayed while investigating the ‘SP’ content?

(2) I got out before Debbie Cook’s e-mail and court testimony and did not see what its effect was like in the Scientology community. How big of an impact did she make? I have talked to a few Scientologists who act like she was just some nut job SP who just “somehow” rose to be the Commanding Officer of the world’s largest service org and the Mecca of Technical Perfection for decades. I never cease to be amazed by the ability Scientologists have to say someone is the most elite and ethical OT in the galaxy one day, then turn around the moment that person is declared and say they were always a down stat SP and everyone knew that.

(3) Chris, once the auditor removes body thetans to rid you of entheta / give you super powers, what is to stop other thetans from entering your mind? Or is that the point? (“Hey, you are now clear. To stay clear, you must spend $1,000 a month on additional auditing”).

(4) Can the almighty dollar overturn any of the rules of Scientology? I ask because it certainly seems like it can. I’ve heard all sorts of stories where (under David Miscavige at least) the church seems to outright ignore its own policy because it will financially benefit. Once they apparently let a guy into the Sea Org despite knowing he’d used considerable amounts of LSD in his youth because he was well monied. Tory Christman tells a story about her ex-husband winning $50,000 in a Scientology arbitration against his employer. As if by magic the next day when they tried to claim the money the arbitration policy had been canceled from on high overnight. His employer just happened to be a major donor at Flag. Then there’s the Reed Slatkin ponzi scam where he duped people out of hundreds of millions of dollars combined. He gave millions to Scientology and after the whole scheme fell apart the church was called upon to return at least part of the stolen money he’d given them into a victims fund as an act of goodwill. To my knowledge they’ve never contributed even a single dollar to the victims. Is any money off limits to the church?

(5) On one of James Randi’s presentations I viewed on YouTube, he made mention that the Boy Scouts of America had presented L. Ron Hubbard with a lifetime achievement award, he being an Eagle Scout. I looked it up and found it was posthumously presented in the late 1990’s. Even the Scientology website listed it, but did not give the exact date. With all the scandals and abuse that had already come out by this time, I find it amazing that the BSA could have considered him one of their praiseworthy Eagles. Any thoughts on this?

(6) Chris, thank you for your channel and blog. Although I enjoy all of your videos, that series with Sunny Perreira on Scientology, mental health and the Introspection Rundown may be the best work you’ve done yet. The hair stood up on the back of my neck when Sunny read Hubbard’s definition of “psychosis” and the two of you described what happens on the Introspection Rundown – surely this is thought reform at its most dangerous.

My question is this: Given Hubbard’s definition of a psychotic/insane individual as a person who is screwing up at work, chronically ill, demanding a transfer, or wanting out, how often are Scientology staff or Sea Org members who are disaffected, exhausted, sick or just want to leave subjected to the mental and physical torture of the Introspection Rundown as opposed to being put on the RPF? At what point is a Sea Org member branded as “insane” versus just “bad”? Chuck Beatty’s story in the comments made me wonder if this is a common occurrence for Sea Org members who reach a breaking point and want out. Would a lovely person like Kay Rowe be branded as “insane” for the crime of having chronic untreated health problems?

The weekly show where I answer viewer questions left for me in the comments sections of my Q&A videos or sent to me by email at [email protected]. This week, the questions I answer are:

(1) Did L. Ron Hubbard actually give lectures in front of a live audience? Did he ever give the same lecture twice or was everything taped? When you listen to him you get the feeling that he comes up with the things on the go. No way he could remember what exactly he was rambling about. In real life, if you give a lecture you have do it again and again yourself and you have to know your stuff. You can not just send a tape for the next audience to listen to. But of course, Hubbard was too busy and important since he was already moved on after each lecture, doing new research. Thoughts?

(2) I heard a former Scientologist say once that when they were being reg’d and had hit their credit card limit that the Registrar would take their credit cards and go make phone calls for a few minutes. More often than not they’d come back having negotiated higher credit limits. One day this person (knowing that in their financial situation most banks wouldn’t even consider giving them more credit) asked the Reg how they managed it and were told that some Scientologists working in banks would often extend a limit if they knew it was paying for Scientology services. In spite of this being extremely poor conduct and something they’d quickly be fired over if they were ever found out, I can imagine how easily the complicit bank employee would justify it to themselves by thinking the card holder would become more able the pay back the debt by doing Scientology. Is this sort of thing widespread in Scientology or a case of that particular Reg having good contacts? Did you ever observe this activity where people who clearly shouldn’t be given credit were? Also isn’t it funny that Scientology, since you know it’s so amazing and all, doesn’t just allow members to put the services on a sort of tab and let them pay it back when they gain all the benefits their supposed to get? But nope they always just seem to want the money up front.

(3) I was watching one of your older Q&A videos (#15, I think it was), and noticed that when I watched a more recent one, your presentation had improved noticeably. Your cadence carried a more natural, relaxed tone to it while still retaining the informative answers, and phrases like “thank you for the good question” were more common. It’s more as if you were talking to an acquaintance as opposed to just someone asking something. In a word: happier! I wanted to ask, if you’ve noticed this yourself, if you think this is a result of one or two things. Would you say it has more to do with just becoming more comfortable with creating video content as a whole, and getting into an established pattern where you can grow and thrive? Or, would you say it has to do with your distancing from Scientology and not having to focus on being “uptone” or what have you, essentially being able to break away from being a prim and proper Sea Org member as more distance is put between you and it?

(4) Was “obnosis” put into play to convince one that he or she didn’t know what was real?

(5) Was curious, how marriages are handled in Scientology. Do they just see a Justice of the Peace and get married, or is there a formal wedding process/procedure laid out in Scientology’s rules and regulations? And, if it is done at the Church, who does it? Is there a designated person or branch that does weddings?

(6) When having doubts about the gibberish, how did you rationalize it? Was that an instant reflex or did you have to think about it for a while?

(7) How is his Holy Lordship Seven dealing with the move? Does your new apartment have his royal ascent yet?

(8) Did you receive a Clear bracelet from the Church of Scientology when you achieved the state of Clear? If so, then do you still have your Clear bracelet and how much would you sell it for?

The weekly show where I answer viewer questions left for me in the comment sections of my Q&A videos or sent to me by email at [email protected]. This week, the questions I answered are:

(1) Do you have any idea who the people in David Miscavige’s entourage are? What are their job titles?

(2) As you already know I am a child of the Deep South. I see all the time and all around me, friends of mine who possess this fervent faith in a God of all types. They are good people (far be it from me to dissuade anyone who believes in a God, especially if they believe that it does improve their life.) However, I just don’t have and now that I look back on my life, never had a belief that strong. Where do you think that comes from? I wonder because these people seem so spiritually fulfilled and hopeful.

(3) What is atonement and a liability formula? Could you please go into detail about these topics? If you could remember or create good examples of the situations when these would be used.

(4) I just want to confess something. Seems like most of these videos have people who joined the Sea Org to help other people or mankind in general, yourself included. In spite of how wonderful this sounds it never motivated me at all. When I joined the SO it was entirely for selfish reasons. I believed I would get the whole bridge for free. And I stayed away from all SO recruiters until Gold recruiters came to town. I really wanted to learn and use state of the art sound recording technology because I am an audiophile, and I had heard of Clearsound. I saw Gold as the perfect solution to all things: get the tech under my belt and get the Bridge for free. I had no thoughts for the people of the planet. When I failed my sec checks I got during the EPF and was rejected for Gold, the main reason I stayed was because I had burned my bridges behind me having sold my car and spent my little remaining cash. I had no confidence I could just leave, find a job and a place to live. I was stuck, so I stayed. During the ordinary trials of sea org life I never heard people talking about fulfilling their purpose of helping people, these were just things that got mentioned at events etc. So I don’t know just how self sacrificing the average SO member really strives to be for the public. I don’t know, maybe I’m just selfish. What say you?

(5) Chris, Do you have to start over in each of your new lives? If so, why would members spend so much time and money for such a limited use of the powers/insights that one supposedly gains?

(6) Enterprise or Voyager?

(7) We all know that OSA monitors all the supporter groups, all the blogs, books, articles. etc. I was wondering if you know if any of these “agents” have had a needle prick put into their bubble after reading all the stories? Sort of like what you did when you started checking out the internet? Do you know if any of these people have had seconds thoughts about their beliefs and maybe left the Sea Org and eventually the church?

(8) Do you know of any upcoming movies of either Paulette Cooper, or or any other events, ie Blown for Good. Seems like there would be a lot of good material for a good movie.

This week, my wife Melissa and I did a livestream Q&A session from our new studio space, which is still in the midst of being set up. I answered a record number of questions for a livestream due to Melissa’s help. Thanks to everyone who participated. The questions were read out live as we were going through them.

(1) How did Scientologists react to the obvious and serious anti-Scientology, unethical behavior that David Miscavige’s sister was involved in via drugs/alcohol when it was reported on back in 2013? I’d imagine it made the local paper due to the connection to the elephant in the area. I’d suppose UTRs, regular public and maybe some brave personnel circulated it via social media and the like and the stories on The Bunker. Not to mention it sounds like a full out PR/flap in the eyes of DM. I wonder if/how he explained this to his whales/celebrity followers considering how close to the center his sister was or is? Thank you and keep up the amazing information. What you are doing is important.

(2) I wanted to know if you’re watching the Kavanaugh hearings. I feel this calls for real critical thinking, and wonder if you’re going to discuss this. It’s just that I hear this accused judge filibustering, deflecting, character assassinating anyone questioning his innocence, etc and then I hear the media commentators saying they hear him sounding forthcoming and sincere and feel like we’re watching different proceedings. I did find the doctor credible and not at all controversial. Would you weigh in on this and can you or anyone cut through the smoke. I think I’m seeing “bad acting” and “lying”.

(3) Did Scientology have the regular, over-the-top events in such large venues before Miscavige took control?

(4) Why does the Church of Scientology not move into the political sphere?. Mitt Romney, who is open about being a Mormon, almost became the President of the United States and was governor before that. A celebrity like Arnold Schwarzenegger became Governor of California. So why would Scientology not get one of their members to run for governor or senator? They have the money to fund a campaign and celebrities to endorse their candidate. It could maybe give them more respectability in the outside world and an internal PR boost.

(5) The legendary jazz musician, Chick Corea has been a long-time Scientologist. Since he tours all over the world, how does he avoid hearing criticism of the church’s abuses and Hubbard’s fake biography? Does he have handlers like other celebs? He is a perfect example of very intelligent, genius type people who remain loyal to the church. I wonder why has stayed in so long.

(6) Actually, does it happen that cult members learn “their ropes” in one cult, and then decide to leave to develop their own cult with themselves as the guru?

(7) Who leaked that video of Tom Cruise — the famous one in the black turtleneck?

(8) Did you ever fall asleep while listening to Hubbard? If yes, when?

The weekly show where I answer viewer questions left for me in the comments section of my Q&A videos or sent to me by email at [email protected]. This week, the questions I answer are:

(1) I was reading Mike Rinder’s blog this morning & at the end of it he asks, “Don’t these people EVER get sick of the demands for money? Don’t these people ever wonder what happens to all the money they DO give?” That is my question. From what I’ve seen online, it seems like many of the public DO get sick of it and try to fly “under the radar” by not attending events, giving as little as possible, etc. They either still believe in the tech or are trying not to be disconnected, but are there really people who do not know something is wrong, based on the excessive regging? Or are only mildly annoyed but think it’s okay and are still happy to pay for eternity?

(2) How do you start to introduce critical thinking and the dangers of destructive cults (not just Scientology) to kids without scaring or boring them, and how to do you make it seem interesting or attractive? My daughters are 8 and 9 so hopefully I have a while before needing to worry about a cult sucking them in. I want to make them aware & begin to introduce the concept of charlatans & con artists. As you point out, this exists in much more than religion: politics, movies, TV, internet, commercials, etc.

(3) What’s the story behind the official L. Ron Hubbard Biographer? As a kid I was told he was not a Scientologist, as if to say he’s impartial and had no reason to say anything untrue. Who is he if not a Scientologist, or was I misinformed? Is he just not in the Sea Org?

(4) Do you find yourself hypersensitive to environments, words spoken, etc. that remind you of moments of susceptibility? I ask from selfishness; I am and hope I am not alone in looking for an exit when I perceive an environment being manipulated.

(5) Can you explain a little about what happens when someone who has been a Clear is deemed no longer Clear? What reasons are given, who decides, do they take your certificate and Clear bracelet?

(6) Is wifi provided at the complex for its staff and public?

(7) As for the various homes for LRH maintained by Scientology in case LRH decides to return, how is he expected to return? Do Scientologists believe he will materialize in bodily form one day to take up residence, or that he will select a body to be born in and someday show up at a base or an org saying he is LRH?

(8) Chris, what are your favorite podcasts to listen to? Sensibly Speaking and Critical Q&A don’t count.

The weekly show where I answer viewer questions based on what has been left for me in the comment sections of my Q&A videos or sent to me by email at [email protected]. This week, I did a live stream show from Las Vegas with my wife, so we both answered questions from live viewers. We read the questions out loud while doing the live stream.

The weekly show where I answer viewer questions left for me in the comment sections of my Q&A videos or sent by email at [email protected]. This week, the questions I answer are:

(1) I was finally able to watch that announcement David Miscavige made to Scientologists in 1986 (I believe that was the correct year). While he announced the passing of L. Ron Hubbard, I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through David Miscavige’s head as he was making that speech. Do you think he was already planning to take over Scientology at that early stage? Also, is it indicative of all destructive cults to NOT have a succession plan in place once the guru dies or drops his or her body to move onto new and uncharted levels of enlightenment?

(2) I’ve noticed that more questions you get on these Q & As are less Scientology related and more politics, etc related questions. I’m not opposed to discussing or hearing about topics other than Scientology, but do you feel there has been any concerted effort to ask you questions unrelated to Scientology for obvious reasons? I remember a video Tory Magoo posted where she said that was a tactic used by OSA back in the day.

(3) I was wondering about the role of shame. Apart from fear of disconnecting with your friends and family, I think that shame plays a vital role, while it’s getting also difficult to leave the cult. You have told them in auditing all your (embarrassing) secrets and while on the ride, you probably have done all kind of things you are not proud of, especially looking back. When you are still a vulnerable and traumatized person I think the shame is over-proportionally represented and that could also be a reason not to leave. Fear of thinking not being able to own it when outside… What do you think?

(4) You said the earlier courses in Scientology “helped” you. What do you mean exactly by that? How did it help you? I remember you said it gave you a little more confidence to talk to girls etc when you were a teen but that is surely not enough motivation to join the Sea Org. So what big thing or big benefit did you get from Scientology in the first place that made you think, yeah this works, I’m going to devote EVERYTHING to it. Quite literally your entire life in fact. Something prior to you making a decision like that must have happened to convince you the nonsense actually worked or had some merit.

(5) You and others have gotten the word out about the abuses of cults and specifically Scientology – that means to the main stream media also, not just YouTube watchers. So why isn’t Tom Cruise ever questioned by the “the media” about his participation in Scientology-related abuses that he engages in for his own benefit and by exploiting less powerful, more committed Scientology members? You talk, Leah Remini talks, the writers of Going Clear all talk about his exploitations so why hasn’t anyone walked up to him and asked him how he justifies his actions – – TMZ style? Would like to see his abuse stopped for the sake of those affected. Maybe he could be shamed into stopping.

(6) Will you be coming to the U.K at some point to talk more about Scientology?

(7) Is you cat named Seven because it’s a Cylon? A blond Cylon.

(8) Chris, a good number of people who get into Scientology were raised in mainstream churches. My question is do you know what the % is if any that go back to the religion they were raised in?

This week I was in New York on a special trip and so did a live stream broadcast for my weekly Q&A episode. The questions we took up are read out during out the episode.