It’s finally the last week of October and to cap off the Cult month, we get an exclusive interview with a former member of Scientology who is related to Ron Hubbard, the CREATOR of Scientology.

Today, on Almost Adulting, for security and personal reasons, we are keeping the guest’s identity anonymous. The guest talks about how she grew up in the church and lived her childhood in a compound that housed church members, the day to day experiences, and what it was truly like to be part of the group. The discussion continued on with explaining how the ranking system required members to ‘donate’ more to have access to high profile members, co-Scientologists use networking to elevate their position in society, and the scheme to ostracize members considered underperformers because they fail to help the church grow by recruiting more people. The shadiness behind the glamorous front just keeps getting uglier so tune in to watch Part 1 of this 2-part interview.     

THIS WEEK’S PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Gladskin: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first order. Visit Gladskin.com/ADULTING

Athletic Greens: Athletic Greens is giving a free 1-year supply of immune supporting vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase. Just visit AthleticGreens.com/VIOLETBENSON

Ask Iliza Anything: Let Iliza give you the advice your friends won't. Listen to Ask Iliza everywhere you can get your podcast.

Advertise with Almost Adulting at Gumball.fm 

What to Listen For:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:49 Why did you decide to share your story today?
• 02:02 What is Scientology?
• 03:25 Common misconceptions about Scientology
• 05:21 The compound
• 06:46 Why was the cult created?
• 08:05 Humans are not meant to be worshiped
• 13:52 First job within the cult at the age of 6
• 17:33 Day to day in the compound
• 23:51 The emotional struggle when you leave
• 27:11 Can anyone join Scientology?
• 31:24 If you’re not contributing to it, you’re against it
• 36:56 Have you met Tom Cruise?
• 38:33 Why do you need more money?
• 40:38 What about reincarnation?
• 42:31 Levels, rankings, donations 
• 48:41 Leaving the church
• 57:36 What are your current views on religion?

Get more content on:

• @almostadulting on Instagram
• @violetbenson on Instagram
• @daddyissues_ on Instagram
• YouTube

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.