Podcasts
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.”
