jon atack, family & friends: Recent Episodes
jon atack, family & friends
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jon atack, along with his son sam, present a series of educational podcasts on how to spot, avoid, and overcome unethical manipulation of all kinds - from destructive cults and abusive relationships, to advertising, groupthink, bullying and more. join us in our hope to create a world where people are taught from infancy to stand up for their rights, look deeper into what they're being told, and to question everything!
from time to time we will also be sharing "lighter" fare - podcasts on art, music, and literature, featuring jon's younger son dan on guitar, sam's amazing paper sculpture.
Belief doesn't simply evaporate when we leave a group. Hoyt and Jon talk about their own experiences on the road to claiming authority for their own beliefs. Jon suggests an easy way to kickstart the process. To the outside world, Hoyt seemed to exemplify success - a sports star, Princeton graduate who earned a fortune as the first man ever called a supermodel. In reality, his life was a mess of anxiety keeping to the cult's rules and giving millions to the leader. After years of turmoil, Hoyt has become a successful actor and documentarian.Links:Jon's book, Opening Our MindsThe Big Picture - Rethinking Dyslexia Allegre’s MiserereSecret Lives: L. Ron Hubbardand another documentary on Scientology featuring 1980's Jon:Scientology: Inside the Cult
Chris Kilham talks about a lifetime searching the world for health-giving plants. Not only has he travelled across continents and helped to establish local production, he has also been consulted by many pharmaceutical companies that are finally moving towards the use of tried and tested natural remedies. Chris talks about his own legal cannabis crop, the mind-altering aspects of chocolate, lemon balm as a safe calming agent and his upcoming trip to the Champagne region to see the extraction of medicine from grape seeds.Links:Chris' websitethe Report of the India Hemp Drugs CommissionRoman Vishniac's photography
Steve is a lifelong jazz fan. He even used to write a column under the name Dr Jazz. Jon and Steve both believe in the redeeming qualities of music. Steve expresses his enthusiasm at finding that a current presidential candidate shares his love of jazz. The usual wide-ranging conversation about jazz and music in general peppered with fascinating facts and opinions about such topics as cultural appropriation and the huge contribution of black Americans to the arts.Links:Kamala Harris and her jazz recordsObama's speechwriter and jazzThe GloamingLonesome TouchSon House, Death LetterRalph Von Williams, Lark AscendingDragonfly KirwanBlues from Laurel CanyonShadows and lightDon Juan’s Reckless DaughterSpike Robinson, Cicada
Jeremy gifts us some of his new words that portmanteau concepts. Criticism of Malkin's model of narcissism ('feeling special') and Jeremy's embrace of the doctrine of foregone inconclusions. A delight for the eager mind.Jeremy's Book, Neither Ghost Nor Machine, can be bought here:https://www.amazon.com/Neither-Ghost-nor-Machine-Emergence/dp/0231173334/Notes:From Scouting for Boys, 1908: “The practice is called ‘self-abuse’. And the result of self-abuse is always - mind you, always - that the boy after a time becomes weak and nervous and shy, he gets headaches and probably also palpitations of the heart, and if he still carries it on too far he very often goes out of his mind and becomes an idiot.The use of your parts is not to play with when you are a boy but to enable you to get children when you are grown up and married. But if you misuse them while young you will not be able to use them when you are a man: they will not work then.So for all reasons be on the look out against this temptation, it is easier to stop it at first than when it becomes a habit. The next time you feel the desire coming on don't give way to it; resist it. If you have the chance just wash your parts in cold water and cool them down. Wet dreams come from it especially after eating rich food, or too much meat, or from sleeping with too warm a blanket over your body or in too soft a bed or from sleeping on your back. Therefore avoid all these.Avoid listening to stories or reading or thinking about dirty subjects. You will soon find that the temptation will not worry you so much. Be strong and don't give way to it.”And this, from Scouting For Boys, 1911:In this chapter much has been said of the active measures which a boy should take in order to become strong and well. We should be equally concerned in saving and storing up natural forces we already have. In the body of every boy, who has reached his teens, the Creator of the universe has sown a very important fluid. This fluid is the most wonderful material in all the physical world. Some parts of it find their way into the blood, and through the blood give tone to the muscles, power to the brain, and strength to the nerves. This fluid is the sex fluid. When this fluid appears in a boy's body, it works a wonderful change in him. His chest deepens, his shoulders broaden, his voice changes, his ideals are changed and enlarged. It gives him the capacity for deep feeling, for rich emotion. Pity the boy, therefore, who has wrong ideas of this important function, because they will lower his ideals of life. These organs actually secrete into the blood material that makes a boy manly, strong, and noble. Any habit which a boy has that causes this fluid to be discharged from the body tends to weaken his strength, to make him less able to resist disease, and often unfortunately fastens upon him habits which later in life he {233} cannot break. Even several years before this fluid appears in the body such habits are harmful to a growing boy.To become strong, therefore, one must be pure in thought and clean in habit. This power which I have spoken of must be conserved, because this sex function is so deep and strong that there will come times when temptation to wrong habits will be very powerful. But remember that to yield means to sacrifice strength and power and manliness.For boys who desire to know more of this subject we would suggest a splendid book by Dr. Winfield S. Hall, entitled, "From Youth into Manhood." Every boy in his teens who wants to know the secret of strength, power, and endurance should read this book.And if you want to read the whole thing (it's really fascinating, actually): https://www.gutenberg.org/files/29558/29558-h/29558-h.htm And to learn more about the Portuguese Man O' War:https://animalia.bio/portuguese-man-o-war
how to turn religious ideas into monetary wealth. An age-old story. And Joe's ideas on the eye in the pyramid and other pyramid schemes.
Links:
Joe's websitediscussion on PythagoreansBart Ehrman's YouTube
More about the Ambani wedding in India
Jeremy has been working with neuroscientist Terrence Deacon at Berkley for 30 years. He shares insights about his head on challenges to true believers which contrasts with Jon's more gentle approach to mindchanging.Spike's note: Regarding the Universe-spinning, tutu-wearing rhino, I couldn't resist. I plugged the prompt into Meta's AI, but it would not attach the universe to the rhino's horn. So I dragged it into Photoshop and moved the universe over onto the horn myself. The things I do...Links: Jeremy's book, What's Up with A**holes?Jon's translation of the Tao Te ChingJon's ideas on how to reach out to people who are trapped in authoritarian groups, relationships, and patterns of thought are summed up in these two infographics, which you may download and print out for free. Share and enjoy.What To SayQuestions to Unlock a Captive Mind
Jon is joined by Spike for this discussion about how we can tell if we're truly free from the clutches of our former high-control group - it's far more involved than just leaving; often it takes a concerted effort lasting years to unwind oneself from deep psychological indoctrination and fully heal the damage done.Here's all the links:the crimes of Josef FritzlSteven Hassan's TedX talk "How do you know if you're brainwashed?" Possible Origins for Dianetics and Scientology:the paperThe videos:Part onePart twoMore on SemmelweisThe Report of the India Hemp Drugs CommissionThe episode of Big Question where Jon was on the panel Never Believe a Hypnotistthe paperthe videoAll about the Bear Fedio IndexDownload your own copy of our Human Predator poster
Christian Szurko is a leading expert on extremist authoritarian sects. In almost five decades, he has helped thousands of people to digest and integrate their experience and become thriving survivors. Christian explains his compelling model of the process of cult involvement, which is helpful in undoing exploitative persuasion and understanding the perils of group involvement. This is one of the most important discussions on our channel.Links:Christian's map of internal realityKahn Academy: websiteYouTube You can read the appendix to 1984 FREE hereLearn more about the - BITE modelSinger’s six criteriaLifton’s eight criteriaEx-Scientology kids
Shawn is fascinated that Jon's positive attitude is not based in religious belief. Jon talks about the wide range of influences that have led him to lose any concern for personal immortality.links:Jon's current websiteJon's defunct website with the artJon's writings on the Underground BunkerNever believe a hypnotist -the paperthe videoPossible Origins of Scientology and Dianetics -the paperthe video part onethe video part twoJon's translation of the Tao Te ChingSpike's gospel song for all faiths, "Precious Child":
a discussion about the egotism that makes us prey to cults, maintains our relationship with them, and makes it difficult to accept the ways in which cults modify our beliefs and behaviour. As ever, Hoyt shares his own dreadful experiences and helps to explain how to overcome obstacles to recovery from authoritarian abuse.Ex-Scientology KidsSocrates for Six-Year-Olds
Chris is an expert on a wide range of psychoactive plants including cannabis. He has travelled the world for decades, visiting indigenous people to discover natural medicines, superfoods, and psychoactives. He has revisited these communities and helped to establish trade routes to their and the world's benefit.Chris first visited Brazil in 1997 and would spend 12 years taking westerners to ayahuasca ceremonies in South America. Chris works with Kew Gardens, the UK's primary plant research centre.Spike's notes: Yes, "New Coke" launched in 1985, almost 40 years ago. I feel old now; how about you?You can see the full story of Phineas Gage here.
absurd beliefs can lead to atrocities. Cult specialist Joe Szimhart is an artist whose journey into the world of cults began with his interest in the paintings of Nicholas Roerich who led Agni Yoga. Roerich believed he was the 'king of the world' and cultivated an influential following - including Henry Wallace, FDR's Secretary of State for Agriculture and FDR's wife Eleanor. Mikhail Gorbachev and his wife were also members, as was Putin's former wife. The Russian Orthodox Church has declared both Theosophy and Agni Yoga satanic. Agni Yoga is a major source of New Age material - Joe tells the story of its use as the secret teaching at the heart of the Church Universal and Triumphant. And some discussion of Nazi beliefs, which were also influenced by Theosophy.Spike's note: For those of us who can't just hop on over to Spain (yes I'm jealous), I highly recommend the Prado Museum's interactive website.
Frances spent the first 44 years of her life as a Jehovah's Witness. Since leaving, she has dedicated herself to counselling former members. As Frances says, authoritarian cults give members overwhelming and impossible responsibilities. They can also diminish the real responsibilities we should accept. After leaving a cult, it is important to reassess beliefs and responsibilities.Read Jon's paper, Possible Origins of Dianetics and Scientology, hereor check out the videos:Part onePart twoFor more on Ira Chaleff's work on Intelligent Disobedience and Courageous Followership
a discussion about the recent D-Day and Memorial Day commemorations, the recognition of PTSD and the recent decision of the American Psychiatric Association to create a Caucus on Peace. We talk about the successes and failures of the Truth and Reconciliation process and the need for dialogue in all fraught situations.Spike's note- it seems someone has replicated Leonardo's horse, not just once, but three times; you can read more here.
We are delighted to hear that Scientology critic John Sweeney is standing for the UK parliament in the July 2024 elections. John is famous for his 'exploding tomato' response to the taunts of a Scientology agent while filming for BBC Panorama. He subsequently wrote a book about group and has made criticism of Scientology central to his campaign for election as a Liberal Democrat (a UK centre party).Alex also tells about his communication with former Labour shadow minister Dianne Abbott who is determined to launch a government investigation into Scientology abuses.Jon's paper, "Never believe a hypnotist." Steven Hassan's TEDx Talk: "how to tell if you're brainwashed?"John Sweeney's siteNot sure how to find your government rep to write to them?USUK
Jon talks with L. Ron Hubbard's great-grandson, beat poet and award-winning filmmaker, Jamie DeWolf, about Scientology, extreme evangelical Christianity, life, philosophy, and belief.
Comedy routine by Stewart Lee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvf07P7fhu0&t=6913s
Hoyt and Jon discuss what role a family can have in helping their loved one recover from cult involvement.The book Jon is reading on the American Post Civil-War Reconstruction: David Blight's Race and Reuniona downloadable infographic of Jon's questions to ask a loved one in an authoritarian groupmore on Steven Hassan's Strategic Interactive Approach
Jeremy seeks fundamental explanations for life and motivation. He invents a new word a day to better describe his insights. He calls himself a 'psychoproctologist' because he studies the psychology of a-holes (i.e. humans). Jeremy has a different, fascinating, and entirely non pompous view of the world. He was also the inventor of the Sherman Effect, which is the propensity to name things after ourselves.Links:Jeremy's linktreeaudio sample of Jeremy's bookA choice selection of Jeremy's videos: Overcoming Science's Addiction to Unexplained ExplanationsAlways Feel Like a Winner Using These 6 Tricks! (cultic behavior)Explaining The Trump Brand: The Clothes have no EmperorKing Gama's aria "If you give me your attention" in Gilbert & Sullivan's "Princess Ida
Shawn describes himself as a sociopath. Using the renowned expert Dr Robert Hare's work, we explore the different forms of human predation that are often confused with one another. Shawn talks about a recent experience in Hawaii that has changed his view of the world.Randy Newman's "Guilty" Note from Spike: If you haven't read the 1954 novel "The Bad Seed" by William March (not to be confused with the children's book (!) of the same name), or seen the 1956 movie, also of the same title, consider me grabbing your lapels and shouting: "You NEED to read the book/ see the movie NOW!!!"
Gillie Jenkinson talks about her time in a Bible-based cult, her escape, her doctoral studies, and her book, which is a step-by-step guide to recovery. Gillie has been counselling former members for many years and has a practice in Hope Valley outside Sheffield in England.Gillie's Hope Valley counsellingSpike's note: The British call them "milk teeth," Americans call them "baby teeth," but the correct, dentistry term is "deciduous teeth." You're welcome.
Joe and Jon discuss Annie Dawid's fascinating novel about Jim Jones and the Jonestown massacre. With insights into the Jones cult and its relationship to Father Divine, and other cult-related literature.
Links:
Joe's review of Paradise Undone
Alan Scheflin's Social Influence Model
The real story behind Bird Man of Alcatraz
The Kanugu Cult Massacre (Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God)
The Innocence Project
10cc 2nd sitting for the last supper
SPIKE'S NOTE: YES, I have made Jon aware that Kool-Aid is still available (even in remote, exotic locations like Nottinghamshire) and is as popular as ever; I have a container of their pink lemonade gathering dust in my pantry even as I type this. I spent a reasonable hour or so doing a deep dive into flavored sugar water lore, but I could find absolutely no evidence that Kool-Aid suffered any dip in popularity due to the tragedy in Guyana. That said, if anyone can find any evidence to the contrary, please let me know. The only reason I can think of that Jon and Joe are unaware of this fact is because they live healthy lives unhindered by junk food products, whereas I have never met a Twinkie I didn't love.
Mark Vicente, co-director of What the Bleep Do We Know? talks about his systematic recruitment by NXIVM. a comingling of Scientology and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Mark's testimony helped to convict Keith Raniere. During his membership, Mark was asked to record Raniere and this footage was the basis for the excellent documentary The Vow.
Eminent psychiatrist Steven Moffic discusses the original 'Book One' method of Dianetics with Jon. Hubbard canceled the method in 1951, explaining that it is hypnotic. It was re-introduced in the late '70s and is still used as a recruiting tool. They also discuss music, art, and compassion.links:Moffic’s eclipse pieceSpike's eclipse pieceFreud lectures in Worcester, Mass 1911 Moffic’s piece in Psychiatry Today on VijayVincenzo Di Nicola's writings
Warning: This video discusses domestic violence and severe child abuse, including sexual abuse. Viewer discretion is advised.Dr Bandy Lee is well-known for The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, which she edited. She has taught at Yale Schools of Medicine and Public Health, and Yale Law School, and more recently at both Harvard and Columbia. Bandy talks with Jon about her sister's dreadful experience in the Family Court and about the corruption that has become part of the establishment in the Family Courts. Dr Lee has an impeccable reputation, otherwise it would be impossible to believe the allegations she makes. The situation is nothing short of Kafkaesque. We should all do everything we can to protect children from the network of abuse that includes "reunification camps" and police seizure of children.Links:A short documentary on reunification campsU.S. child murder data in relation to Family Courts are the highest in the worldDr. Lee's own site on family courts:The article Jon mentions, "Beware Family Court Doublethink and Newspeak", MediumMs. Magazine, Catherine Kassenoff Family Court DivorceDr. Lee on the podcast "Confronting the Family Court Crisis"Dr. Lee's testimony to the NY state senate
L. Ron Hubbard's great-grandson explains the development of his remarkable writing and performing talents, from reading a Stephen King novel banned by his Fundamentalist Christian mother in the crawl space to becoming a champion slam poet.Links:"the girl across the hallway" are there vegetarian spiders? Well, not entirely, but the answer is surprising enough to share.Jon's fiction books!Voodoo Child (slight return)Halcyon Daze
Anthony spent his teens in a Traditional Catholic group. He talks with Jon about the dangers of ridicule and how we can best talk with fanatical believers. Jon refers to his own dogmatic belief in The Life of Brian.Links:Anthony's "Dragons of Victory" ChannelAnthony's artistic channelThe Tradrecovery websiteJohn Collins' work on William Branham:Mark Marron's hilarious visit to the Creationist Museum
Shawn McCraney realized that he was a sociopath in 1997 and decided he had to change. He still has to work at it every day, but he provides invaluable insights into the inner workings of a predatory mind. Shawn talks with Jon about the movie Butcher Boy. He identifies closely with the boy who is the villain of the movie. A wide-ranging conversation about art, faith, personality, and change.
Steve Moffic, a retired professor of psychiatry, shares insights into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and questions the use of stellate ganglion block as more than a short-term solution.
"Pretendians" falsely claim to be members of Native American or Canadian First Peoples. Famous examples are folk singer Buffy Sainte Marie and Little Feather - who accepted an Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando. As Joe points out, cult leaders are often Pretendians in the sense that they pretend to be enlightened or part of a spiritual heritage. Jon suggests that cult members become Pretendians by entering the imaginary world of their leaders.Link:The disappointing backstory to the "Crying Indian" advertisement: https://www.newslaundry.com/2017/11/09/crying-indian-iron-eye-cody-keep-america-clean
Mirriam Francis asked Jon to put some questions to Mike Rinder. Here are his responses.Links:ChildUSAThe Australian Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse - Scientology testimonyLisa McPherson's deathMike Rinder's blogThe Aftermath Foundation
documentarian and cult expert Hoyt Richards joins Jon to talk about how to develop healthy skepticism when our natural inclination is to trust. The conversation ranges through groupthink, confirmation or myside bias and our cognitive dissonance when presented with ideas that conflict with our own feelings of knowing.
Jon and Spike discuss the plight of the few thousand people who are living as slaves in Scientology's Sea Organization.Links:The Foster ReportWhen men sold their wives at marketReport Scientology to the IRS, here (US Citizens only)
Upload "The Truth about Scientology" pamphlet (scroll down to bottom)more on Spike's Xenu window - seriously, Spike would love to find it a good home!
Jon met Callan when they were two. Through elementary (primary) school, they were close companions. They have recently reacquainted themselves after two decades. Callan is an Anglican minister and a theologian who has advised archbishops. He talks about his spiritual development in his teens and shares his view of God. Callan and Jon also talk about Taoist and Buddhist beliefs.Willoughby Britton's website
Redeemed predator Shawn McCraney quizzes Jon about life, the universe and everything. A conversation about reason and emotion, and how sociopaths feel. Shawn shares valuable insights that help to identify and understand human predators.
Links:
Study on Red Enhancing Competitive Athletic Performance
The Mendota Study
Jon's Tao
Note from Spike: turtles may not be able to sing, but in researching whether or not they do, I stumbled upon this footage of a baby tortoise living his best life. Enjoy!
Spike has made a career out of helping Jon and other experts educate people about cults, authoritarianism, and mind control. But how did she get into the field? It’s a long and bizarre journey that starts with an over-imaginative child raised without a religion, takes us through a dangerous and destructive “magickal order” operating at a small Ohio university, and leads, through contact with the ex-Scientology community, to becoming Sancho to Jon’s Don Quixote.
Links:
Our "refrigerator poster" of Cialdini's Seven Principles of Persuasion
The Spike Jones channel
Spike's Tarot deck
Spike's Scientology poster, "Enough is Enough"
Tory Christman’s YouTube channel
Spike's "Blink, Think, Choice, Voice" song
Ira Chaleff's site
Alec's Astounding is a brilliant account of the 'golden age' of science-fiction when John Campbell, jnr, brought together the writers who would thrust s-f into the public arena - Heinlein, Asimov, Van Vogt and, of course, Ron Hubbard. There is much to be learned from Hubbard's stint at Astounding. Without Campbell, Dianetics might never have seen the light of day. Find how those around Hubbard lost faith in his ideas. Check out Alec's website here.
Psilocybin, LSD, cannabis and MDMA are among the banned substances that have been shown to have potential benefit in therapy. Eminent psychiatrist Steven Moffic talks with Jon about the potential benefits and dangers of psychotropic drugs. A wide-ranging discussion about changing attitudes towards these substances and the need for caution and robust evidence.
Links:Indian Hemp Drugs Commission ReportSimon Baron-Cohen's empathy quotient testDr. Moffic's latest blog post in Psychiatry Today
documentarian, actor and cult expert Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about ending a toxic relationship, whether with an authoritarian cult or an abusive or unsuitable partner.
Shawn used to be a full-blown human predator. He discusses Jon's model of the predator as it applied to him. This is one of the most important videos on our channel.upload your own copy of the predator poster from here:https://jonatack.co.uk/resources/
veteran cult expert Joe Szimhart suggests that many authoritarian cult leaders may actually suffer from a mental disorder that he has provisionally called 'cult leader syndrome'. Comparing this to imposter syndrome and with references to temporal lobe epilepsy, Joe and Jon discuss the maladies of Ron Hubbard, Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Osho, Rajneesh and various other leaders.
Dr. John Hunter shows how authoritarian cults and large group awareness trainings (LGATs) create and then relieve stress to generate euphoria. John talks about his upcoming book and adds new insight to the processes of recruitment and the fervor induced by cultic involvement.
Links:more on the Bear-Fedio indexMore fascinating material from John Hunter:
John Hunter, PhD's websiteJohn’s doctoratehis journal article on the dopaminergic defense hypothesisA short article on LGATs published by the Psychological Society of South AfricaHis illustrated essay on LGATs and Fight ClubMore on Yuval's work
Shawn is both by nature and nurture a human predator. He lived an utterly selfish life until an epiphany resolved him to learn how to care for others. Shawn changed from a violent, sex-addicted, entitled predator to a considerate and positive human being, but he still wrestles with his temperament every day. One of the most fascinating interviews on this channel!Links: Matt Bywater's interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsNBUbLVmFk the Magnabosco/Dehlin interview integrated with Matt's interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXbppyGBlCY
Shawn is both by nature and nurture a human predator. He lived an utterly selfish life until an epiphany resolved him to learn how to care for others. Shawn changed from a violent, sex-addicted, entitled predator to a considerate and positive human being, but he still wrestles with his temperament every day. One of the most fascinating interviews on this channel!Links: Matt Bywater's interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsNBUbLVmFk the Magnabosco/Dehlin interview integrated with Matt's interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXbppyGBlCY
Janis joined Hubbard's crew at age eleven in 1968. She was a founder of the Commodore's Messenger Organization at age 12 and worked for Hubbard for the next eleven years. Janis has just returned from a group trip to some of the ports Hubbard's navy docked in fifty years ago and reflects on her experiences and the camaraderie she still feels with her comrades. Janis no longer believes in Scientology but expresses no ill will even though her childhood was stolen from her when she joined the 'slave ship'.
Celebrated psychiatrist Professor Steven Moffic gives his concerned and compassionate view of the Gaza conflict. Steve and Jon talk about the use of culture to bring people together and the use of propaganda to tear them apart. We believe it is time to bury the hatchet and to bring the guilty to trial rather than the present assault by Hamas on the Israeli people and the Israeli Defence Force on the Palestinians. With a discussion of racism and apartheid, of prejudice against left-handers and night owls, the "woke" culture and even psychedelics as a possible solution to hatred.Links:Braver Angelsleft-handed US presidents
actor and documentarian Hoyt Richards joins Jon to talk about the need to tell our story so that we can digest our experience and make something useful of it. With a short digression about the meanings of love.
Anthony Spurgin's parents joined a Traditionalist Catholic group when he was 12. At the age of 14, rather than going to high school, Anthony became part of a Traditionalist Catholic home-schooling co-operative. He talks about the traumatic effects of involvement with the group and especially the focus on sex as sinful. This talk shows how important it is to assess groups to see if they are authoritarian. A wide-ranging conversation about Christianity and religion in general.Links:Australian Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse: https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.auThe Vatican's report on clerical sexual abuse of children in Portugal: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-02/portugal-sexual-abuse-minors-report-bishops-conference-commissio.html
A talk that will be very useful for anyone who suffers from bipolar disorder or for friends and family. John describes the symptoms of the different forms of bipolar disorder, and tells us how he manages his own condition. John explodes popular myths about bipolar disorder in a fascinating conversation.
IMPORTANT NOTE:If you are feeling suicidal, help is available! It's no shame to reach out and ask for help when you need it. Here is a list of some of the helplines available. PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP!In the US:1-800-273-8255 orhttps://988lifeline.orgIn the UK:0800 068 41 41. Text 07860 039967. Email pat@papyrus-uk.org. Childline - for children and young people under 19. Call 0800 1111 - the number will not show up on your phone bill. SOS Silence of Suicide - for everyone. Call 0300 1020 505 - 4pm to midnight every day.Email support@sossilenceofsuicide.org
Worldwide:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwideLinks:The Don Rogers letters:https://tonyortega.org/2018/05/08/witness-to-dianetics-for-the-first-time-the-letters-of-key-hubbard-ally-donald-h-rogers/footage of Tolstoy:https://youtu.be/6VGPVfgMex4?si=JLAw9O6Mx-3xvVLO John's analysis of Fight Club and LGATs: https://thefincheranalyst.com/articles/lgats-and-fight-club-dissecting-a-delusion/
Joe Szimhart shares his remarkable knowledge of religious belief and helps Jon to assess the value of 'being here now.' Observations about Scientology, Ron Hubbard's childhood, Jon's brief time in a Zen monastery and Joe's experiences in the Church Universal and Triumphant. With reference to the origins of karma as a teaching, the separate 'bodies' of CUT as compared to Hubbard's 'exteriorization'. How groups induce 'transcendent' states through repetition, fixation and mimicry, fasting and sleep deprivation which actually create different neurological states. A wide-ranging discussion taking in many points about Scientology, its offshoot Eckankar, Paul Brunton, TM, Meher Baba and Uncle Tom Cobley and all.Links:Jon's paper, never believe a hypnotistJoe's video Joe's channel Joe's websiteand check out Jon's spiffy new website!
It can be very hard to take responsibility for your actions if you blame the manipulations of a cult for them. As Hoyt says, it is vital to take responsibility for your own story: it is a lot easier to fool someone than to persuade them they've been fooled. Some people blame themselves entirely for their negative behavior and others shrug it off because of 'mind control'. To recover from a cult experience, we have to weigh up the balance between the manipulation of the cult and our own agency.Links:Alan Scheflin's Social Influence ModelJon's spiffy new siteJon's old site (with all his art and poems and things)
Before creating Scientology, Ron Hubbard performed a ritual to incarnate the Wh*re of Babylon. Is Scientology itself perhaps an elaborate magic ritual? Hubbard also admitted to addiction to barbiturates in a Scientology lecture. At twelve, Janis was one of the original 'Commodore's Messengers' and spent time with Hubbard almost every day for eleven years both on ship and ashore. She talks about he Kali Ritual aboard ship and is confident that Hubbard was not using street drugs.Jon's paper, Possible origins of Dianetics and Scientologythe video, part onepart two
John Hunter PhD continues his fascinating explanation of the processes used in Large Group Awareness Trainings (LGATs). We begin with the ominously named Elaboration Likelihood Model, which explores how likely it is that someone will think before acting. John touches on Daniel Kahneman's System One - quick thinking - and System Two - considered thinking. He talks about the 'philosophically pompous' statements found in LGAT literature and their demand that people put their experience above their reasoning. John is at the leading edge of research into authoritarian cults.John's PhD hereand his ICSA presentationbuy Jon's Tao Te Ching here
A look at group psychosis, mass sociogenic illness, and the folie a plusiers with the eminent social psychiatrist Dr Steven Moffic. How groups can come to share absurd fantasies that can lead to atrocities. Recorded on 9/11 and especially relevant to the events of that day in 2001. Truth and Reconciliation and how music can help to integrate disparate communities.links:The Tulip Craze: A Smithsonian articleand an entertaining video seriesBraver AngelsThe Heroic Imagination project Coltrane ResolutionSpike's Note: I just couldn't bring myself to put in the photo I found of Louis Armstrong advertising the laxative mentioned. If you really want to see it, then search "Louis Armstrong Swiss Kriss Laxative" and you'll find it soon enough. And now your search history has that in it. You're welcome.
Kidnapping, imprisonment, and traumatic rituals have been normalized in the 'brat camps' of the US. Kacey has interviewed survivors of this American equivalent of China's brainwashing program. Including a brief segment of genius and the need to transform our educational system.Links (NOTE: Spike is still sick and her brain isn't working completely up to speed, so if there's a link you think should be here but isn't, please hit us up in the comments and we'll add it).Kacey's site link to BITE Model Mendota Mental Health InstituePeper Harrow documentary:Part onePart twoAftermathNews coverage on Taylor GoodridgeIra Chaleff’s work on Intelligent Disobedience Jon’s Book, Voodoo Child, Slight Returnmore about Basking Sharks!
Over the millennia, many groups have predicted the End Days as an aspect of phobia induction - a way of scaring recruits into following orders by scrambling their critical thinking. The Jehovah's Witnesses have issued a string of failed prophecies (the first for 1914, but also for 1975), Moonie founder Sun Myung Moon, Edgar Cayce and Jerry Falwell were among many who offered 2000 as Earth's last year.Joe and Jon also talk about the many groups that believe they can control the world through their minds - from Scientology to the Law of Attraction. links:Zoepredict studymore on the protests in China
s Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrant join the ranks of infamous child abusers such as the Duggars, the Turpins, and Lori Vallow, Jon and Spike have some news - the Franke/Hildebrant case is part of a much larger pattern, where, as Voltaire did not exactly say, those who believe in absurdities will commit atrocities. Simply put, when the parents espouse extreme beliefs, it is the children who suffer the most.#rubyfranke #8passengers #exmormon Note: due to Spike being bedridden with Covid shortly after the filming of this episode, she was not able to find the specific clips mentioned in this discussion. However, most, if not all, of them, can be found in these videos:Mormon Stories deconstructs the Connexions/ Moms of Truth videosJodi Hildebrant's nibling speaks out other links:News coverage of the storyThe Portugal sex abuse scandalThe story of Lisa McPhersonPeper Harrow documentary:part onepart twoaftermath
Sinners in the hands of an angry godThe change.org petition to stop the Franke family abuseAnd, because we need a bit of something light, Spike's budgies
Film-maker Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about phobia induction in authoritarian cults and in society at large. We're in the midst of a panic about Artificial Intelligence which has become a bogey-man. Some of our fears may prove to be justified, but there is also the sense that we simply don't understand where AI might lead. All strong emotions - fear, anger or joy - deplete our reasoning. How should we approach the over-stimulation that grabs our attention and panics our thinking?
Links: Socrates for Six-Year-Olds (VERY staticky, pixellated version!): https://youtu.be/vyD0l9En6Io?si=UVwnALyJXVR94Joj
rent the Getting Clear conference on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/gettingclear
eminent psychiatrist Steven Moffic has recently published a self-eulogy in Psychiatry Times. He talks with Jon about the benefits of assessing your own life. Both agree that 'enlightenment' may be the wrong goal in life and that our relationships with others are paramount. Dr Moffic mentions recent work on long-term grief and post-traumatic growth. Jon brings up the cultural context of attitudes toward death and the work of the founding psychologist William James with the societies for psychical research and James's vital idea of 'feelings of knowing' that supplant the need for evidence and lead to false 'certainty' which can leave us vulnerable to demagogues who proffer 'certainty' in times of chaos. Dr Moffic - known affectionately as Dr Jazz - also explains his attire for the audience, in response to a question on their last broadcast.Steven's self-eulogyRick Hall Muscle Shoals documentary
Jon and Chris talk about how Manson's 150 hours of Scientology processing might have affected him and his actions - along with what drugs the "family" was taking, Manson's ultra-conservative family of origin, and much more.links: Jon's Manson article on Tony Ortega's Underground BunkerReconnection MagazineIndian Hemp Drugs CommissionJon's paper, Scientology, Religion or Intelligence Agencythe future is orange commercials
in 2003, John Hunter had a manic episode. When he attended a Large Group Awareness Training (LGAT) in 2010, he was surprised to find that the 'transformations' promised from this intense experience lined up with the symptoms of hypomania - the euphoric state that precedes full-blown mania in bipolar disorder. John completed his PhD with a dissertation on the role of dopamine in bipolar disorder/manic depression and the cogent idea that the dopamine system is sometimes hijacked to induce peak experiences. A fascinating new hypothesis that enhances our understanding of the irrational world of cultic involvement.
Links: John’s doctoral dissertation
more on the Bear-Fedio index religious figures and mania
the aberree online
More fascinating material from John Hunter:
his journal article on the dopaminergic defense hypothesis
A short article on LGATs published by the Psychological Society of South Africa
His illustrated essay on LGATs and Fight Club
Note (from Spike): The Temptation of St. Anthony by Hieronymus Bosch is one of my favorite paintings ever and the screencap here just doesn't do it justice. So here's a link to where you can see it in all its bizarre glory
John Andrew Collins grew up in the royal family of the William Branham Message movement. His grandfather was the senior pastor at Branham's Tabernacle. John began to have doubts when he was 37 and started research that has continued for more than a decade. He is a prolific author who has revealed the intimate connection between some Pentecostalists - including Branham - with the Ku Klux Klan from its re-founding in 1915. He found links between Pentecostal Christianity and the Kardashian family; a Branham complex in Chile that smuggled Nazis into Argentina; the connection between Branham and Jim Jones who was responsible for the Jonestown killings; and even a connection to David 'Moses' Berg founder of the despicable child-molesting Children of God. A fascinating tour through one of the most influential groups in today's politicized religious right.
Spike's note: most of the pictures in this video were taken from John Collins' excellent website - it is truly amazing in the depth of information there, so check it out!!!!
Other Links:
Victim of the Flaming Sword serpent seed
chart of lineage Kenya Branham splinter starvation
And a link to a really nifty music video by John Collins - the guy's got some mad talent; check it out!!!
Janis joined Hubbard's ship at age 11. She was the first Commodore's Messenger and spent more than a decade at Hubbard's side. Her books give vital insight into the 'slave ship' and Hubbard's frequently traumatizing behavior. She is eager to have any information about her lifelong friend Andrew Barton, one of many disappeared Scientologists.
links:
Janis' channel with Mark Fisher, "Peeling the Onion"
The search for Andrew Barton
The episode where Janis talks to the disconnected mother
Jon's paper, "Scientology: Religion or Intelligence Agency?"
documentarian and thriving survivor Hoyt Richards joins Jon for a conversation about the positive effects of membership in negative groups and the camaraderie found during wars and catastrophes. Jon starts with Biderman's Chart of Coercion first devised to explain the steps of the Chinese Thought Reform Program and more recently applied to Guantanamo Bay. As ever, many controversial points are discussed!
Links:
Petition to Save the Brazilian Rainforest
Biderman's Chart of Coercion
Chris Shelton's Truth Rundown video
A musical rundown of the Borgia family
Windsor soup
The Robbers Cave Experiment
Chinese Blank Paper Protests
And yes, you can get Jaffa cakes in the US. My [Spike] local store has them in the "international foods" aisle. Failing that, one can always buy them on Amazon.
Jen Senko talks about her fascinating documentary and the book of the same title which gives even more detail of the information war waging in the US. Jen's dad Frank was a thoughtful, considerate man who became a raging fanatic when his information sources were restricted to right-wing media - especially Fox "News" and Rush Limbaugh. Jen found that this plague has touched many families in the US. It seems astonishing that a literate, intelligent man who spoke seven languages could have been pulled into this hateful echo chamber. Jen gives us a remarkable perspective on the machinations of the right and the need for us to check our information.
Links:
Jen's site
watch TBoMD on YouTube (trailer)
Facebook page
The YouTube Channel
Madison Square Garden rally 1939
Velasquez men of pleasure paintings
more on Intelligent Disobedience
Attorney Doug Brooks has created a website to help anyone entangled with a multilevel marketing organization. Doug shares his extensive experience in the field and offers sound practical advice to anyone who has been involved or is considering joining one of these get-rich-quick schemes which, as Doug says, benefit only the top one percent of members, often to the significant detriment of the remaining 99%.
Check out Doug's website
Jon digs deeper into the causes of the Manson Family murders with Kacey, who has also spent time researching Manson. Manson was passionately interested in Scientology while in prison. At least three other Family members were involved in Scientology. Popular works about Manson fail to understand that Scientology is an elaborate system of control techniques rather than simply a set of beliefs or rituals. It is important to factor in Scientology's secret internal documents and the group's repeated attempts to distance Scientology from Manson.
Links:
CrimeconAustralian Royal CommissionPortugal reportSteven Hassan's Psychology Today articlehis blog response to Scientology's intimidation tacticsThe internal Scientology report on Manson
Should we be outraged that Roger Waters has been accused of anti-Semitism for a dramatic piece that shows the downfall of an authoritarian leader? We believe with John Stuart Mill's On Liberty which insists that we should never close our ears to disagreeable ideas and always be open to discussion.
The Roger Waters video Jon mentions
Joe and Jon have both spent their lives delving into belief systems, fascinated by the twists and turns that convince people to behave in benevolent or malevolent ways to those around them. A wide-ranging discussion about human perception of the divine that will doubtless unsettle some of the devout.
Link: https://youtu.be/mdKst8zeh-U
documentarian, actor, and activist Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about Sebastian Junger's Tribe: Homecoming and Belonging and how ways in which authoritarian cults are tribes where recruits mistakenly believe they indeed found their home and feel they belong.
Velasquez – the men of pleasure and the cretins UN figures on modern slavery
Professor emeritus Steven Moffic shares insights from his discipline of social psychiatry in a wide-ranging discussion about the prevalence of sociopathy in our society and the need for highly trained professionals to take a role in helping us to evolve towards better solutions and outgrow warfare. Including ideas about political leaders and the various forms of narcissism and anti-social behavior encouraged in our society.
The whole complicated story of Beethoven's "Eroica" symphony (#3) and its problematic dedication (Spike is happier than she probably should be that she got to use the knowledge left over from her music degree today!)
Chris Shelton explains the model of behavior he is developing to understand cultic involvement. As ever, a lively discussion!
Links:
Hassan's BITE Model
Lifton's Eight Criteria of Thought Reform
Cialdini's 7 Principles of Persuasion
our "human predator" poster, prinatble and shareable
John Oliver on Solitary Confinement
Jane MacGregor's SEAT model the Spiritual Death of Howard Greer Nine Emotional Needs
How to Roll a Rick
Nick Child spent his working life as a family psychiatrist. He has turned his attention to the prevention of parental alienation with the international Two Wishes Foundation. The aim of Two Wishes is to replace the adversarial approach to parental separation and focus on the needs of the children involved. Nick and Jon start by talking about aspects of coercive control as they relate to parental alienation, but, because this is our channel, the conversation cannot stick to one topic, and they move into education, history, AI, and the meaning of life.
Links:
The Alienation Experience Two Wishes Foundation
UN figures on modern slavery Bee elections
Lippman's Socrates for 6-year-olds Kahn Academy
The Brightsky App
Alan Scheflin's Social Influence Model
Anke Richter is one of the few journalists who has seriously researched authoritarian cults. Her own positive experience with a neo-tantra group helped her to understand the devastations caused by three very different cults: Centrepoint and Gloriavale in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Agama Yoga in Thailand. Centrepoint was a free-love cult whose leaders were eventually imprisoned for sexual abuse and child sexual abuse. Gloriavale is a contemporary pseudo-Christian cult with bizarre sexual mores. Agama Yoga has been called the 'rape cult' and belongs to the neo-tantra movement - which promotes the notion of bliss or even enlightenment through sex. Anke gives readings from her well-researched and shocking book. A must-read that will become a classic.
Links:
Anke's site: https://www.ankerichter.net/
the Gloriavale Leaver Support Trust: https://www.gloriavaleleavers.org.nz
If you have experienced sexual abuse and need help:
US UK AUS NZ
If you are feeling suicidal:
US UK AUS NZ
Fight Against Conspiracy Theories https://factaotearoa.nz
Portugal sex abuse findings
Australian Royal Commission
For this part of Mark's story, he and Jon do a deep dive into Scientology's financial systems and the intricate rules of how staff are paid - if and when they are paid at all.
GPT-4 has caused a storm, including a petition signed by Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak for a moratorium on research while we ponder the ethical implications. Chris and Jon react to Jean-Pierre Jeunet's excellent comic take on AGI, Big Bug, and delve into the deeper issues, including Microsoft's admission that GPT-4 'hallucinates'.Links: AlphaGo beats human Fan Hui at Go; Deep Blue beats Garry Kasparov at chess.petition to pause AI experimentsNew Scientist Article on Chat GPTWashington post article on Chat GPT Portugal sex abuse findings Australian Royal Commission
Bad Cadet is an excellent addition to the welter of biographies by former members. Katherine Spallino was born into the Sea Org in Los Angeles and gives a vivid description of her childhood and coming of age. I had intended to skim the book before talking with Katherine, but found the material so compelling that I read from cover to cover. Katherine reads a few passages and tells us about life after Scientology.Links:For more about Katherine's bookKatherine's Twitter: @BadCadetTony Ortega's Underground BunkerEx-Scientology KidsNever Believe a Hypnotist the paperthe videoPossible Origins of Dianetics and Scientology:the paperthe video part onethe video part two
Mark continues the story of his amazing journey, including the shocking contents of the "cadet org / cadet estates org establishment eval", one of the most incriminating of all Scientology issues.This is part two; part one may be found herelinks: Mark's websitecadet org / cadet estates org establishment eval Lisa McPherson storySpike's note:Qual = qualifications, where one has to go if you haven't gotten your "training" right."Word Clearing" is where a Scientologist has to look up the meanings of the words involved in a given document and prove that they understand them. The idea is that the ONLY reason anyone would disagree with an order from Scientology management is that they had a "misunderstood word," that is, they didn't understand a word in the order. In Mark's case, management was essentially telling him that the only reason he didn't want to not spend time with his family was that he had misunderstood some word in one of the relevant Scientology policies, NOT because they were going against their own policies and ignoring the established "family time."
Mike Rinder worked closely with both Ron Hubbard and David Miscavige before escaping Scientology. Mike talks with Jon about Hubbard's strange daily schedule, his self-auditing, his foul temper and his decline after his first heart attack in 1974. Mike and Jon also discuss peak experiences and the part that expectation or placebo plays in them, along with 'reverie' states and the inertia which locks us in even when the 'wins' evaporate.
Mark "Warrior" Plummer has had an amazing life, of which his membership in Scientology is only a small fraction - but a fascinating one!Join us as Jon and Mark talk about Mark’s early days in Scientology, his entrance into the Sea Org, and his eventual exit and first days protesting against Scientology abuses.Links:Mark's websitefor more on Gregg Hagglund, read Tony Ortega's article: Spying, intimidation, and ruin: Two lives caught up in Scientology’s notorious ‘Fair Game’ Confront of Evil Checklistpage onepage twopage three
In this heartwarming chat, Kelvin Pierce tells us about his work helping hundreds of children in the small country of Georgia. Kelvin wrote The Sins of My Father about his own terrible childhood as the son of America's leading neo-Nazi - the author of The Turner Diaries. His childhood left him angry and with no self-esteem. He has come to exemplify the thriving survivor. In 1995, he and his wife adopted two babies from Georgia. Ten years later, Kelvin realized that the children were the greatest gift he'd ever received and wanted to give something back. The couple helped to turn around an orphanage in Georgia. Here Kelvin talks about their increasing commitment to children in Georgia through the Divine Child Foundation - not a religious organization, named with the idea that every child is divine.
Links:Divine Child FoundationThe Mendota Mental Health Institute
Documentarian, actor and former cult member Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about the need to take responsibility for what we did and said when in an authoritarian cult. It is important to understand how we hurt other people and not to excuse our misdeeds and harsh words by saying we were "in a cult". Once we've accepted our imperfect behavior, we can take steps to heal those we hurt and to heal ourselves.
Links:Dr. Steven Hassan talks with HoytAlan Scheflin's Social Influence ModelDr. Steven Hassan interviews Dr. Carl Marci, author of Rewired
Kacey tells us about her Cult Vault project where she chats with survivors and experts about authoritarian cults and coercive control. Kacey also talks about Jon's Opening Our Minds and the pair discuss recent events relating to Harry and Meghan and whether the British Royal Family is a cult.
Links:
Blink, Think, Choice, Voice
Spike's Blink, Think, Choice, Voice song
Institute for propaganda analysis
Alan Scheflin's Social Influence Model
Chris Shelton has a master's degree in the psychology of coercive control. He was born into Scientology and has made a study of its use of mind control techniques. Jon explains his own extensive research into the real foundations of hypnotic susceptibility. Hypnosis is not something done to us but an aspect of our everyday processing of the world. Understanding this makes us much less vulnerable to advertising, spin doctoring, fake news and recruitment into authoritarian groups and relationships.Links:Possible Origins of Dianetics and Scientologythe paperthe videos - part onepart twokalama suttaCaptive MindsShrinking World of L. Ron HubbardJon’s Greta poem
Harry Palmer transformed his Scientology Franchise into Avatar in the 1980s. Despite staff allegations of misconduct, he was able to create a worldwide movement with more members than the International Association of Scientologists. Ariela Sarai graduated from Columbia University in philosophy and religion and then spent six months working with Mother Theresa's outreach program before studying Tibetan Buddhism in the Dalai Lama's community. Returning to the US, she received a Master's in Social Work and was a practicing psychotherapist when therapist friends recruited her into Avatar; she was at the top of the organization by the time she left - after 21 years. Jon discusses the training methods - which borrow extensively from Scientology - the abuse within the group, and her departure and recovery from it. One of the most interesting chats on the channel!Notes from Ariela: -The Avatar courses were held in conference rooms in hotels with 200-4000 people from 50 countries attending. When we didn't have a student, we paid an internship fee of $650 plus hotel and airfare to teach the course. I was in the top inner circle, having daily contact with Harry Palmer's wife Avra Honey-Smith. I ran international teams, helping them recruit students and making sure they all had good results using the tools. I was on a course for 14-17 days per month.-I am now a therapist with a full private practice, and I also work as a leadership coach at a Venture Capital firm. I am dedicated to helping people understand the tactics of manipulation and how to protect themselves and heal from this type of abuse. Although I don't actively seek to get people out of Avatar, I have helped many Avatars who reached out to me and needed help leaving and recovering.-I am writing a memoir with my partner Mark to share our inner journey of this experience. I am also starting a Newsletter here.To sign up please go to www.ArielaSarai.comAdditional Links: Ariela's talk with Chris SheltonRachel Bernstein interviews Ariela’s sonAriela on Rachel Bernstein's podcast: part onepart two Avatar's "forgiveness option"Taylor Swift documentary, Americana Girl
Karen and Jon talk about the humiliation of Scientology staff through sexual control, from the publication of their intimate details to enforced abortion.
Links:Ramana's story in the Daily Mail
Ramana's story in the Village Voice
Links to Scientology deaths:
Fandom Wiki's list
Spike's own list
Why are they dead?
They should not have died
Listverse: Ten Strange deaths connected to Scientology
And the death they were particularly discussing:BBC Documentary about Andrew Tate
Mike Rinder, former head of harassment for Scientology, author of A Billion Years and co-creator of Aftermath shares insights about recovery from Scientology and prompts Jon to talk about how to maintain a relationship with a Scientologist. Also some conversation about the decline of Scientology and its causes - including Rich Behar's Time article and South Park's Come Out of the Closet.
Links:
possible origins of Dianetics and Scientology -
the paper
video part one
video part two
Fair Game episode with Jon
downloadable infographics:
Questions to Unlock a Captive Mind
What to Say When a Loved One is in a Coercive Situation
People Don't Join Cults
Mark Bunker is one of those rare 'never-ins' who stood up to Scientology. He tells the story of his introduction to the subject and how his concerns grew until he moved to Clearwater to work with the Lisa McPherson Trust. In this talk, he shares the work he's done as one of Clearwater's five councilors and David Miscavige's hamfisted attempts to control the city. Mark is an inspiration to us all.
Links:
Mark Bunker's YouTube channel
Scientology's old orientation video
Mark Bunker's video of the Urban Land Institute meeting
Jon's paper, "Scientology: Religion or Intelligence Agency?"
Clearwater Aquarium's website
Documentarian, actor, and interventionist Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about the effects that cult involvement has on those close to a member. This subject is rarely discussed because the emphasis is on the damage done to the member. Hoyt talks about his brother's attempt at an intervention which severed their communication for years. Tips and strategies for helping members and a broad discussion that will be useful to most former members and the families and friends of members.
Jon has been diving deep into the Chinese Thought Reform program, started by Mao and continuing to this day in Xinjiang. Jon explores parallels with the Thought Reform program and Chris's experience of Scientology's mind-bending Truth Rundown. Through "re-education" China and North Korea have created two of the most obedient societies of all time. To what extent does Scientology employ the same approach to clone members into a belief so fervent that even the best evidence will not shake it?
Links:
Chris Shelton's Truth Rundown video
Bruce Hines' Truth Rundown video
Shrinking world of L. Ron Hubbard
Mike Rinder ran Scientology's intelligence agency for years. He worked directly for Ron Hubbard and for David Miscavige. Mike talks about his dedication to Scientology and the complex network of circumstances that made him a true believer willing to harass and try to destroy critics of Scientology. Mike shows how a decent, compassionate, intelligent person can become the tool of an unscrupulous authoritarian cult leader.
to read Jon's paper, never believe a hypnotist
or watch the video
for more about scrofula - Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis
no ants were harmed in the making of this video.
As one of the eight most highly trained Scientologists on the planet, Karen was involved in applying Scientology to Lisa-Marie Presley from the age of eleven. Karen and Jon explain how even highly intelligent and successful people are lured into Scientology through the euphoric experiences it provides.
Links:
Ex-Scientology Kids
Australian Royal Commission
Jon talks with his longtime friend and colleague Steven Hassan, PhD. Steven is famous for his groundbreaking book, Combating Cult Mind Control, and his penetrative analysis, The Cult of Trump. In a wide-ranging discussion, Steven and Jon talk about authoritarianism, QAnon, psy-ops and the war against experts and explain why they both have hope for humanity, as long as we take responsibility and overcome the bully culture that is authoritarianism.
Links:
Steven's website
Steven's YouTube channel
Steven's TEDx "Dismantling QAnon"
Yuval talks with Steven
Possible Origins of Dianetics and Scientology
the paper
the videos:
part one
part two
Bolsinaro supporters attack their congress
Jon reads a keynote paper given to the Europe-wide cult monitoring group FECRIS in Copenhagen. Jon challenges the peculiar IRS decision to allow tax-exempt status to Scientology and explains why this should be reversed.
To see the original paper, complete with footnotes and sources [scroll to page 68]
How Ron Hubbard rebranded childish ideas of magical belief into his 'science of mind'/'religion' Scientology. A deep dive into the relationship between 'intention' in Scientology and the 'will' of the Crowleyite magickal system. With diversions into loaded language and Ron Hubbard's perverted sexual behavior. Is Scientology a "gnostic" faith or simply a system of smoke and mirrors? As Jon says, "Scientology is an idea of giving you magical powers and it should be looked at in the same way that we look at other fairy stories.'
Links:
the Don Rogers Letters
The complete "stop it!" sketch (highly recommended)
The Shrinking World of L. Ron Hubbard
in 1952, Hubbard explained how he was going to construct Scientology. As he said, Scientology is a game, but you may have wondered what the rules of the game are. Here Hubbard explains that he is the "game-maker" and that, at best, we are no more than players (more usually simply pieces). The first of a series of pieces that first appeared in Tony Ortega's Underground Bunker during its first decade.
links:
the original article
possible origins of Dianetics and Scientology:
paper online
video part one
video part two
never believe a hypnotist:
paper online
video
Actor, documentarian, and Princeton graduate Hoyt Richards talks about his recovery from a small, isolated cult group. Hoyt found the aftermath of the cult even more challenging than his 20-year membership. He left the group because he believed he simply wasn't good enough. As with most members of authoritarian groups, he was constantly set up to fail and felt demeaned. Hoyt tells us how important it is to tell the story, even though we'll feel humbled in the telling.
Links:
Intersection
Australian Royal Commission
Armed with fuzzy reindeer antlers, penguin earrings, and a healthy sense of humor, Spike joins Jon to examine the concept of Santa Claus, the way we treat faith in general, and the ubiquitous trope in holiday movies of unquestioning faith "winning out" over worldly skepticism. Grab your eggnog and a slice of mince pie; this is going to be a bumpy sleigh ride.
Links:
List of St. Nick patronage
Mullah Nasrudin's tales on YouTube
Atlantis video
Trekkies
Trekkies II
leading cult specialist Joe Szimhart joins Jon for a discussion about the popular gurus who hold millions in their sway with their simplistic mysticism. Eckhart Tolle, Baba Ram Das, Jach Purcell and other channeling cults including Ramtha are all mentioned. The idea of the 'just world' or karma-vipaka is also discussed.
link to Joe’s channel
Eckhart Tolle part 1
Eckhart Tolle part 2
The Big Questions episode with Jon
Through his YouTube channel Growing Up in Scientology, Aaron Smith-Levin has become one of the best-known critics of the cult. His mother joined when he was four and he left school at 12 to study. He was a Sea Org member for a decade before he withdrew and began to speak out. A fascinating interview. Jon demolishes fundamental Hubbard teachings about the eight dynamics and the ARC triangle.
Aaron's channel
Liability formula – when a Scientologist is in any sort of “ethical” trouble (“crimes” can range from adultery to self-pleasure to getting the “wrong” reading on an e-meter), they have to do the “Liability Formula,” one step of which is to “deliver an effective blow to the enemies of Scientology”, meaning they are encouraged to harass any critics in any way they can, regardless of local laws or simple decency.
Tec/Sec ASHO: Technical Secretary - this is the person in charge of all counseling at the Org.
ASHO, or American Saint Hill Organization, is the "Saint Hill-sized" Org in Los Angeles.
RPF = Rehabilitation Project Force:: Members of the Sea Org, Scientology’s fervent core group, have signed a billion-year loyalty contract, are paid next to nothing, live in crowded berthing, work a six ½ -day week and are fed on a poor diet. How can it be made worse to punish them? By being assigned to the Rehabilitation Project Force, where they are stripped of their rank, forced to sleep in “pigs’ berthing”, assigned to the meanest of manual labor, fed on the table scraps of the “regular” Sea Org, made to wear black, not allowed to speak unless spoken to, and made to run rather than walk everywhere. In addition, they are subjected to hours of auditing to find out the “crimes” that they must have committed to have been such a “degraded being.”
TR8 - Training Routine eight involves understanding how to place "Intention" in any object, or, in the case of the routine, an ashtray. To see Jon, Chris Shelton, Christian Szurko, and Steven Hassan break down these TRs, see here.
Purification Rundown, aka "Purif" - the sauna and megavitamin-ingestion treatment used by Scientologists to "cleanse" themselves of toxins. Based on outdated pseudoscience and not at all healthy.
Scientology's former intelligence chief Mike Rinder gives his views on the deadlocked jury and the upcoming civil trial. Mike - who was part of the team that worked on the exemption - offers his opinion on the IRS's crazy decision to grant tax-exemption to the cult. Mike was part of the team that worked on exemption. Warning: this show contains humor.
Links: Mike Rinder on Court TV (cued up to his appearance)
Notes (by Spike): Celebrity Centre: given the British spelling to make it more "fancy", Scientology's Celebrity Centres service the rich and famous parishioners of the cult, giving them their own dedicated entrances, auditing suites, and courserooms, and assuring that they are a) treated like royalty and b) will never, ever see any of the abuses going on behind the scenes.
Body Thetans: discorporated entities and/or spirits who have attached themselves to humans, often in groups known as "clusters." According to Scientology beliefs, these spirits cause much of our distress and confusion.
Wog: from the racist epithet "golliwog" (sometimes styled "Worthy Oriental Gentleman", in the UK it is a tasteless slur for people of color, on a level with the n-word. In Scientology, it is a nasty term for anyone who is not a Scientologist, meant to convey distaste and scorn for the unenlightened savages we non-believing outsiders are.
Freewinds: Scientology's private cruise ship and the only place the highest OT levels are able to be done. While aboard ship, "public" members are easy prey for "regges" (Scientology salespeople) hard-selling them the next course. Staff - with their passports confiscated and locked up - are able to be kept safely far away from any pesky non-believing relatives or friends who might be looking for them, let alone any court official or police officers looking for evidence and/or a statement.
A review of Ron Hubbard's involvement with ritual magic from the age of 16 and into the Scientology years. Jon spent years unraveling Ron Hubbard's practice of sex magick from his first infatuation with Aleister Crowley's Book of the Law as a teenager to the attempt to incarnate the Whore of Babylon, the destroyer of mankind in 1946 and the incorporation of Crowley's ideas into Scientology. Jon advances the bold but carefully reasoned argument that Scientology is an enormous magical ritual intended to raise Hubbard to godhood.
Links:
Ron Hubbard: Black Magic, Dianetics and the Creation of Scientology
Hubbard and the Occult:
the paper
the video
Possible Origins for Dianetics and Scientology:
the paper
the video
Part one
part two
Jon's books:
Let's Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky
Scientology Cult of Greed
Spike's note: I was in a Crowleyan Ritual Magick order, where I was the group's Tarot geek. That's why I know Tarot.
Author Mark Laxer talks with Jon about the rise of disinformation in our society and some ways to help people - and especially the next generation - spot fake news, propaganda, and sales pitches.
links:
Bellingcat
institute for propaganda analysis
Take Me For a Ride free download
Yuval Laor, PhD, makes the case that Ron Hubbard suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy. Jon and Yuval examine the traits given by Bear and Fedio for TLE and show that Hubbard exhibited all of them. As Yuval says, this allows those harmed by Scientology to feel pity rather than rage for Hubbard.
Links:
the complete 2015 Toronto conference can be rented here
Yuval and Chris' talk about Hubbard's temporal lobe epilepsy
the Aberree online
Gerry Armstrong's website
Nova documentary - cued up to section on TLE
A review of the current court case in Los Angeles Criminal Courts where Danny Masterson is being tried for sexual assault. These are the TOP 5 points covered in this video:
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Three women came forward to report the same incident to the Los Angeles Police Department: actor Danny Masterson had allegedly offered them a drink which made them semi-incapacitated, and then coerced them into physical relations.
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When one of these women reported the incident to a Scientology ethics officer she was told “There is no such thing as r*pe” when you are in an intimate relationship. Another Ethics Officer told one of the women that she needed to supply physical intimacy to Danny on demand in EXCHANGE for living rent-free and having her meals paid for.
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Lisa Marie Presley, who was friendly with one of the women, was asked by Scientology staff to persuade her to NOT go to LAPD to report the assault. Lisa has subsequently apologized to the woman for doing this.
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Scientology (or any other cult) is ALWAYS the 3rd party, ever present in any intimate relationship and in Scn, anything voiced in counselling is carefully kept for blackmail, publication and control in the future.
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Jane Doe 4 was the fourth witness to Masterson’s “signature” of drugging before sexual assault. She had no “fish to fry” – she wants no money from this case, only justice.
Jon and Karen discuss details directly from court records. Journalist Tony Ortega has been faithfully transcribing the daily court prosecution and defense arguments at https://tonyortega.org for those who want to learn more. Note that Danny Masterson was in the Scientology for 40 years - this is an organization that takes “pride” in their HIGH ETHICS and HIGH technology.
Christian Szurko has helped thousands of former members of extremist authoritarian sects in their recovery. He and Jon agree that taking responsibility for the harm you have done is a necessary part of that recovery. This responsibility is balanced against the coercive control the member was subjected to, but this mitigates rather than excuses our harmful actions. Christian and Jon also discuss the polarization of society into warring factions and the need for a more individual approach to belief.
article: 8 steps out of Scientology, by Arnie Lerma http://lermanet.org/cos/8steps.html
Mike Rinder was at the very pinnacle of Scientology management. under both Ron Hubbard and David Miscavige for more than three decades. He reveals the inner, and malevolent, workings of the group during that time. Mike reads from his remarkable new book and shares his insights with Jon about the dreadful conditions at the heart of Scientology.
As a Watch Messenger, Mike was often alone with Ron Hubbard. He went on to work under David Miscavige for two decades as part of the culture of fear and violence generated by him. At the heart of the book is the power of belief and the distortions of reality it can create through fearmongering and hatred. As Voltaire said, "Those who believe absurdities will commit atrocities". There have been many excellent accounts by former members, but this book is at the top of the list.
Links:
A Billion Years Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/Billion-Years-Escape-Highest-Scientology/dp/B0B72F2VV8/
Bear Fedio Inventory (scroll down for charts): https://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.neuropsych.11020039
Mike's interview with Watchman fellowship president James Walker: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2022-11-06T23_00_00-08_00
Investigator Jeffrey Augustine talks through the Director of Special Affairs checklist with Jon. Every Scientology organization has an official who monitors potential public relations catastrophes through infiltration, staff criminality, or legal threats. Jeffrey reads through a copy of the weekly report showing just how paranoid Scientology is.
Links:
Scientology Money Project: https://scientologymoneyproject.com
Scientology ties to org crime: https://scientologymoneyproject.com/2019/11/07/ties-to-russian-organized-crime-alleged-in-blockbuster-new-lawsuit-against-scientologist-owned-gpb-capital/
Reed Slatkin: https://scientologymoneyproject.com/2017/02/13/what-happens-when-scientology-helps-you-reach-your-full-potential/
Danny Masterson trial: https://tonyortega.org/?s=masterson&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&submit=Search
the DSA checklist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/123vqqt4sUeBfVeCLscgpy5NALsL3Zb7n/view?usp=sharing
Scientology domain list: https://scientologymoneyproject.com/2014/12/11/370-scientology-domains/
Jon on the Big Questions:
part 1 : https://youtu.be/6MJP3hWevEE
part 2: https://youtu.be/hwl60WJkOWU
The Chase Wave saga on the Underground Bunker: https://tonyortega.org/?s=chase+wave&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&submit=Search
The Hubbard policy on finance and paying bills (with thanks to Mark Plummer): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LKZJsh8HmDswG8Npej3Dx3EG75hJW4cG/view?usp=sharing
The Apollo sunk by a train: https://scientologymoneyproject.com/2018/09/29/what-a-train-wreck-the-ignominious-fate-of-scientologys-original-flagship-the-apollo/
extra random bonus link to Spike's parakeets: https://youtu.be/79A1sCrTy-M
There is much said about the Scientology Cult and L Ron Hubbard, but condensing it down to basics, it is a church that wants tens of thousands of dollars, even hundreds of thousands of dollars, to train you to use Scientology techniques to expel the attached spirits that are stuck to you or your body. This is their Holy Grail and Secret of Secrets.
~~----------~~
Links:
Vanity Fair - What Katie Does Not Know: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/...
the Secret life of L Ron Hubbard: https://youtu.be/FwX7Fjqt7c4
There is much said about the Scientology Cult and L Ron Hubbard, but condensing it down to basics, it is a church that wants tens of thousands of dollars, even hundreds of thousands of dollars, to train you to use Scientology techniques to expel the attached spirits that are stuck to you or your body. This is their Holy Grail and Secret of Secrets.
------------
Links:
Vanity Fair - What Katie Does Not Know: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2012/10/katie-holmes-divorce-scientology
the Secret life of L Ron Hubbard: https://youtu.be/FwX7Fjqt7c4
Jolyn Armstrong grew up as a Mormon in Utah but never really believed. She became a trauma recovery coach after experiencing trauma and has just published Trauma Recovery: A 90-Day Guidebook to Building a Great Life After Trauma.
links:
Jolyn's book: https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Recovery-90-Day-Guidebook-Building-ebook/dp/B0B9Q46QYC/
Steven Hassan's BITE model: https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/
Why do so many people crave certainty despite evidence that their certainty is emotional rather than rational? What can we learn from this need and how can we come to terms with uncertainty? Celebrated author Mark Laxer speaks with Jon about these weighty questions.
Mark Laxer's books: https://www.ramatraumatrump.com
read about "suspendergate": http://brendanixononamish.blogspot.com/2015/12/suspendergate-amish-rules-on-suspender.html
many former members remain trapped in Ron Hubbard's psychological prison. Karen talks with Jon about escaping the dismal mental slavery of Scientology's implants and the tools that former members have to stop authoritarian groups like Scientology from ruining the future.
full George Bailey clip: https://youtu.be/_2YnX83ghME
An interviewer told Jon that he'd been told repeatedly that he couldn't work as a documentary presenter because he is a white male. This sparked a conversation with Yuval Laor, PhD, about the neo-liberal dogma followed so blindly by all parts of the political spectrum when image overtakes reason.
Jon talks with one of the most successful recovery experts Christian Szurko about his model of involvement with authoritarian groups. Christian refines decades of work with thousands of recovering members to give a clear and exceptionally useful model that will help many to better understand their own and other people's involvement with extremist authoritarian sects.
learn more about the tritone! https://www.fender.com/articles/tech-talk/the-devils-chord-the-eerie-history-of-diabolus-in-musica
Professor Emerita Eileen Barker talks with Jon about her long career as a sociologist studying various religious groups with a special focus on the Unification Church. Jon talks with Professor Barker about coercive control, brainwashing and kidnap deprogramming and her continued study of the Moonie sects.
Craig Malkin of the Harvard Medical School has defined narcissism as 'feeling special.' We question this definition and even the use of the word 'narcissism' to describe people who demand adulation because they don't feel love. A wide-ranging discussion that also questions the use of symptoms to define psychiatric conditions, the authoritarian nature of our society, and the danger of human predators and hatemongers.
Jon Atack coaches the audience on suing Scientology after years and years of experience in handling SCN litigation.
Putin's advisor Alexander Dugin wants to reclaim Russia's empire through conquest. He hates science and technology and longs for the time of Ivan the Terrible. He'd like to stop the machines, destroy the Internet and return the Russians to serfdom. Yet the Russians celebrate and support him. A discussion with Joe Szimhart.
Kelvin Pierce wrote his book, "Sins of My Father" because he heard Donald Trump using the same rhetoric as his neo-Nazi father. Kelvin and Jon talk about the divisions in our society and the divisiveness of our politicians.
links:
debunking the protocols of the elders of Zion: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Protocols-of-the-Elders-of-Zion
lyrics to "you've got to be carefully taught": https://www.britannica.com/topic/Protocols-of-the-Elders-of-Zion
Should former members of authoritarian groups speak out immediately or should they wait until they're beyond the trauma of membership? Jon and director documentarian Hoyt Richards go into the fine print about speaking out.
Hoyt talks with Steven Hassan: https://youtu.be/oTC_9v8gIvU
Modern 'Traditionalism' is based on a shallow study of mysticism interfused with a lust for the End Days. Traditionalism inspired Putin to invade Ukraine and led to Donald Trump's attempt to isolate the US from the world. Many of our leaders listen to Traditionalist gurus who have created a new tribalism through a simplistic view of history. Jon talks with Christian about tradition and the danger of letting someone else do our thinking for us...
The complete list of St. Nick's patronage:
https://www.stnicholascenter.org/who-is-st-nicholas/patron-saint/people
NOTE: Yes, Jon knows that St. Nick's role is to help thieves (and other wrongdoers) repent, NOT to help them 'Nick their stuff,' but he couldn't resist the pun and will most likely get coal in his stocking for his trouble.
Jon's appearance on "A Little Bit Culty" - https://www.alittlebitculty.com/season-3/blog-post-title-one-kldc6-en2f4-3cbje-bc9ak-ebcw6-e8fyn-xbkyn-sswxy
Spike notes that she didn't miss out on Legos, and possesses an embarrassingly large collection dating back to the early 60s.
Voltaire said that people who believe absurdities will commit atrocities. Traditionalism is the simplistic creation of a golden age to support ideas of tribalism and racial purity. It has taken hold of populist movements and generated a new and ill-informed rightist upsurge. In the US, it is represented by Steve Bannon - who put Trump in the White House and was his first Chief of Staff; in Russia, by Alexander Dugin who preaches the re-unification of the Russian empire; and in Brazil by Olavo de Carvalho - Bolsanaro's guru. These pundits follow the teachings of Mussolini's advisor Julius Evola. They claim spiritual insight, but are ignorant of the subtle and complex ideas of true mysticism, instead grabbing beliefs in human decline - the End Days or Kali Yuga - as if they were prophetic truth, rather than bronze age anxieties. Mark and Jon show how traditions are often inventions to create tribalist separation between people. They offer some solutions to move us towards a pro-social, pro-human democracy that is neither left nor right wing.
Cult expert Joe Szimhart discusses attitudes toward death from prehistoric times to present cult recruitment. This fear makes us all vulnerable to cultic lures.
Scientology's most highly trained defector discusses Ron Hubbard's inhumane treatment of his followers - from throwing a pensioner who couldn't swim from four storeys into the sea to ordering a four-year-old to be locked in his ship's chain locker. Karen considers the attributes of a human predator given in Jon's book Opening Our Minds as they apply to Hubbard.
ANALYTICS
EDIT VIDEO
Recovery counselor Frances Peters talks with Jon about the signs that show someone has joined an extreme authoritarian group and how best to help them reconsider their involvement.
For some people, meditation can be devastating. Scientific investigation showed this decades ago, but health systems continue to recommend Mindfulness as a panacea. Joe and Pat were long-term meditators and are steeped in the scientific literature. They describe the puja ceremony in Transcendental Meditation and Jon describes his own experience at age 18 of learning zazen in an accredited Soto Zen monastery. This is also a discussion of the possible benefits of meditation and offers resources for the 40% of people for whom meditation causes difficulties.
Mark Laxer was there from the beginning when Frederick Lenz splintered from the Sri Chinmoy group and created the Rama cult. Mark has written three books and is currently working on a screen play about his experiences. Mark reconnected with a friend from those earlier days and was interested he felt that the experience - although in many ways negative - had been formative. Although Nietzsche's 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger' is usually untrue, those of us who survived membership of authoritarian groups can be tremendously helpful to others.
A deep dive into the reality of 'racial purity, the origins of Aryanism, and the reality of our genetic interconnectedness to all the people of Earth. As Yuval says, there's no such thing as race, but there is such a thing as racism.
Chris joins Jon to answer a question a commenter asked over on Chris' channel - why is auditing bad for you? Their answer delves into history, psychology, and contains many twists, turns and some excellent minutiae of the Scientology world.
WARNING: this video contains descriptions of physical harm to a child.
William Pierce's Turner Diaries inspired the Oklahoma City bombing and is an essential text for neo-Nazis. Kelvin Pierce talks about his father, a professor of physics who became embroiled in the American Nazi Party and created the National Alliance and the Church of Cosmotheism. Kelvin and Jon discuss about the hatred that turned his father into a monster.
Scientology inc's obsession with sex, particularly the sexual activities of its members, comes to a head when it demands every detail in "confessional" interrogations, which public members pay for. The demand for sexual activity secrets is a disturbing preoccupation. All confessions are stored on video and in worksheets, as ammunition for later blackmail as needed. Wholesale coerced abortions are also discussed.
It is vital to form your own identity after leaving an abusive relationship or group. Why 'narcissism' is the wrong word and the importance of growing up. Frances shares her own remarkable story as a born-in member who left at age 44. Frances Peters has successfully counseled many former followers of authoritarian groups.
Spike joins Jon to break down a seminal model of thought control - Robert Jay Lifton's classic "eight deadly sins" - a list of behaviors and tactics used by authoritarian groups and abusive predators to gain control, whether in a spiritual or philosophical group, a multi-level marketing scheme, a dysfunctional family, or an entire nation. First laid out in Robert Jay Lifton's excellent book "Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism", these eight points can be found in some form in most authoritarian groups and abusive relationships of all kinds and sizes.
Psychotherapist Jessica Terwiel talks with Jon about the effect of fear, threat and PTSD on decision-making and prioritizing. Some helpful suggestions for those in stressful situations caused by relationship break-ups and departure from authoritarian cults. ________________ help support our channel! paypal (for one-time donations) : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jonatackandfriends patreon (for a monthly subscription - also for goodies like early access and a monthly Q&A with Jon!): https://www.patreon.com/jonatack follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/atack_jonand Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openmindstoday/ for respectful, insightful, and engaging discussion on coercive control, manipulation, abusive groups and individuals, and more, join our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/803202686721445/ (for faster acceptance to the group, please answer the “prove you’re not a ‘bot” questions)
Everyone's talking about not talking about Bruno, and with all this family dysfunction, there's bound to be something culty going on, right? Spike and Monia take a look at this charming Disney offering and talk about not only Bruno, but also the high expectations of a "perfect" magical family, the unhealthy repression of feelings kept under the surface, and exactly why Abuela Alma is NOT a cult leader. They also discuss some of the theories floating around the internet, and rave about just how wonderful the music and animation is, with a few tangents thrown in for good measure.
there are many forms of authoritarian relationship - from the reverence given to a dictator to submission to an intimate partner. Documentarian and actor Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about the intricacies of these relationships.
Eton College is perhaps the world's most prestigious school. The college's journalism society invited Jon to give a full and frank talk on the perils of investigating scientology, the 16 years of harassment he suffered in consequence, and the immense amount of pre-internet research for Let's Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky, Bare-faced Messiah, and Cult of Greed.
links: the shrinking world of L. Ron Hubbard https://youtu.be/L_w-YWwC1lI
possible origins for Scientology and Dianetics: r
ead the paper https://home.snafu.de/tilman/j/origins6.htmlor
watch the video part one: https://youtu.be/VGQXQaiLa2A
part two: https://youtu.be/0wzlxBiAQtc
Hubbard taught nothing about love or compassion. Just as Mao transformed traditional family loyalty into devotion of the Communist Party, Hubbard demanded loyalty to Scientology and even shattered the natural bond between parents and their children. Conversation about the 'genetic entity' showing how Hubbard actually despised family relationship and showed neither love nor compassion for his own wives and children.
links:
Jon's paper "possible origins of Dianetics and Scientology" : http://home.snafu.de/tilman/j/origins...
or watch the video:
part 1: https://youtu.be/VGQXQaiLa2A
part 2: https://youtu.be/0wzlxBiAQtc
________________
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psychotherapist Jessica Terwiel talks with Jon about Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and her perception from significant clinical experience that the symptoms attributed to CPTSD are not necessarily caused by trauma. This becomes extremely important in cases where therapists have insisted that there must be a trauma, so have at times led clients to generate false memories. This is relevant to the nascent Satanic Panic that is once again taking hold in the West.
help support our channel!
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Despite its many claims, Scientology is the opposite of Buddhism because it encourages selfishness and erodes compassion. Scientology enslaves its followers mentally and physically by selling dreams of liberation. Jeffrey talks with Jon about the 1st dynamic - the urge to survive for yourself - which is at the heart of Hubbard's doctrine. Why are there so many suicides in Scientology and why do so many Scientologists - even high-level Scientologists - die before their time, often from curable diseases?
links: the 1982 Clearwater hearings: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8A8C6C0BFB607D1
Jeff's Scientology Money project: https://scientologymoneyproject.com
Scientology deaths:
https://phoenyxrose.wordpress.com/those-who-died/
https://theyshouldnothavedied.wordpress.com
http://www.xenu-directory.net/mirrors/www.whyaretheydead.net/
final song: "the names on the wall" written & performed by Karin "Spike" Robinson -originally composed for the "Enough is enough" conference, Dublin 2015 - copyright released in the hopes that other, better singers might take the song and sing it to spread the word.
bookmarks:
2:22 what is your “case”?
9:29 Scientology – the “ME” religion
11:21 the Death of a Sea Org member and how the Sea Org is denied their individuality
16:06 living life “free and clear”? Scientology’s true god is money
24:01 What is the suicide rate in Scientology?
27:53 the ephemerality of faith healing and the deaths in Scn from cancer
37:30 Those who have died 49:20 Scientology gives its retired staff NOTHING for a pension!
54:37 how Scn strips its members of compassion for others
1:01:56 Scientology does not allow for individualism 1:08:01 conclusion – there is no real “first dynamic” in Scientology
1:14:26 Scientology as Hubbard’s personal “immortality” project, his way of making himself into a god
This video describes the core doctrine of Scientology which is IMPLANTS. OT 2 to OT 8 is excorcism which is ritual and procedures to get rid of the spirits attached to the body or the host spirit of a body. When a person goes criminal after achieving OT 7 and OT 8 they are labelled "by-passed case" which means they did not REALLY do the procedures and they are ordered to redo everything over again AT THEIR EXPENSE. This is Scientology 101 on IMPLANTS.
links: The meeting at the Crown Hotel: https://youtu.be/tvfioivtY6c (part one only; all the internets points to whoever can find part two)
Never believe a hypnotist:
the video: https://youtu.be/tUMwJgCGBOA
the paper: http://home.snafu.de/tilman/j/hypnosi...
Hubbard describes OTIII: https://youtu.be/FnRY75LThqw
read more here about the death of Lisa McPherson: http://lisamcpherson.org
the list of implant "incidents" : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inciden...)
the ballad of Captain Bill: https://youtu.be/A5qOxlC61Xo
author and cult expert Mark Laxer talks with Jon about cult education. We tend to see our own culture as normal and reject other people's as cultic. Mark talks about his travels to Indonesia and the notion that some people are 'chaots' - and accept chaos - but many are 'certs' - and demand certainty. Mark and Jon talk about the dangers of believing and certainties and the advantages of accepting chaos. Rajneesh, Paul Theroux, the awful film Holy Smoke and the excellent Kumare are all mentioned.
Monia has got Spike watching the "Gilmore Girls," and, boy, is there a lot to rant on about! Even in this delightful, wholesome, witty masterpiece there's a couple of tropes on our "culty" list here, principally the human predator posing as the "bad boy who can be fixed by your love (tm)", but also triangulation, emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and even an authoritarian town selectman who feels it's his duty to legislate the main characters' relationships. Spike and Monia pick it all apart, while having a super-caffeinated good time.
Links:
You can read/download our predator poster here: https://jonatacksopeningourminds.files.wordpress.com/2021/09/predator-poster-a2.jpg?w=1448
(left-click on image and select "save image.")
Harrison Kowiak's death (his mother's account): https://grownandflown.com/hazing-death-mom-tells-story/
Program notes (by Spike): The Hays Code (yes, I misspelled it in the video; I also misspelled "caffeinated" on the title card) was a set of industry guidelines set up by US filmmakers of the mid-20th century to self-censor and keep movies in line with the accepted social mores of the time; the section I'm referring to is the proviso that all "wrongdoers" are seen to be punished adequately by the end of the film.
According to the plot synopses I've found, Michel is married to a man in the revival "Year in the Life" episodes. Also, Sookie was originally supposed to be gay but it was considered too risky at the time, at least for the WB. All the Internets points go to whoever can tell me what Sookie's actual first name is; I've looked and looked and can find it nowhere.
According to the Gilmore Girls Wiki, the actress who plays wJess’ dad’s girlfriend plays Luke's season 6 girlfriend/baby-mama Anna Nardini; Kirk’s girlfriend is played by Rini Bell.
Director and documentarian Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about the growth made possible by traumatic cult experiences and the false friendships found in authoritarian cults.
Membership of an authoritarian group demands a different set of rules to those of the larger society. Members often adopt anti-social behaviors. Psychologist Jessica Terwiel explores this theme with Jon, sharing her considerable experience of authoritarian groups as a clinical and forensic psychologist.
For more on VTaiwan: https://info.vtaiwan.tw
Hubbard's lifelong commitment to Crowleyite Sex Magick led to him proclaiming himself Lucifer the Antichrist in Scientology's most secret teachings. A deep dive into Hubbard self-hypnotic Affirmations and the real purpose of Scientology.
links:
Jack Parsons' writings: https://sacred-texts.com/oto/lib49.htm
Jon's paper on Hubbard and the occult: https://youtu.be/VJbZS9sfRF8
the full list of Hubbard's affirmations: https://gerryarmstrong.ca/the-affirmations-what-was-l-ron-hubbard-thinking/
Hubbard and black magick: https://youtu.be/2ILs6yB-d6A
Jon's "Piece of Blue Sky": https://www.amazon.com/Lets-sell-these-people-Piece/dp/1482023032/
Jon's "Cult of Greed: https://www.amazon.com/Scientology-Cult-Greed-Jon-Atack-ebook/dp/B00QVDPM62/
Jon and Karen talk about how language is used to control thought – particularly in Scientology and especially in its paramilitary branch, the Sea Org. They reminisce about dear friends lost to the web of this controlling group, and their hopes for the future.
links: to a .pdf of the full appendix to Orwell's 1984: https://kickapooclark.weebly.com/uploads/5/0/8/5/5085586/the_principles_of_newspeak_orwell.pdf
the shrinking world of L Ron Hubbard: https://youtu.be/L_w-YWwC1lI
for Hubbard's full letter to the Vets' Administration: https://www.spaink.net/cos/LRH-bio/psychbeg.htm
to read Jon's paper "Scientology: Religion or Intelligence Agency" : http://home.snafu.de/tilman/j/berlin.html?fbclid=IwAR3G8FA_m_jpw1sqwJLRTPtqlT8vTONCYInPmOlZ5yDPQVsNQeY8aNRAMto
to see the excellent work done by the Aftermath Foundation: http://theaftermathfoundation.org
Mike Rinder continues his account of his life in Scientology, focusing this week on the first years ashore in Florida, when Scientology began buying property in Clearwater, posing as the fictious “Southern Land Development Corporation”. In between some fascinating tangents and comparisons to Clearwater’s more current experiences with Scientology, Mike and Jon discuss the organization’s legal battles of that era, particularly with Clearwater mayor Gabe Cazares and other early critics. As always, it’s a wild ride, and an amazing, must-listen conversation.
the Clearwater hearings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8A8C6C0BFB607D1
the Truth Rundown articles: https://www.tampabay.com/special-reports/2019/10/17/scientology-the-truth-rundown/
the Truth Rundown book: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Rundown-violence-intimidation-Scientology-ebook/dp/B013UWYHAI
To learn about the death of Kyle Brnnan: kyle page: http://www.kylebrennan.com
To learn about the death of Lisa McPherson: lisa page: http://lisamcpherson.org
Karen De La Carriere is one of a handful of people who achieved the pinnacle of Scientology training, the Class XII auditor course. In this wide-ranging discussion, she talks about conditions aboard Hubbard’s flagship, about the negligence that led to her son’s death, and her attitude to Scientology now after her forty-year membership.
Links: Karen's channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SurvivingScientology
Jeffrey Augustine's Scientology Money Project: https://scientologymoneyproject.com
L Rundowns: https://www.xenu.net/archive/L-Rundowns/ Aberree: https://www.aberree.com
Shrinking world: https://youtu.be/L_w-YWwC1lI
The memorial Service for Alexander Jentzsch: https://youtu.be/msHDW2g7GM0
concepts of "left" and "right" have become meaningless, thought-stopping labels; Joe Szimhart joins Jon to deconstruct what is really meant by these terms - and how it is much better to cooperate and find common ground than to polarize into separate, ever-battling camps.
Counsellor Richard Turner talks with Jon about how cults take advantage of people who are, like him, on the autistic spectrum. For more on Bhutan's Gross National Happiness: https://www.bhutan.travel/page/gross-national-happiness Richard's Website: www.tothinkagain.co.uk Richard's Linked in profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-j-turner/ Article Richard wrote about cults and autism: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/autism-cults-richard-james-turner/
Mike and Jon explore the striking difference between Hubbard’s public pose as a benefactor and the reality of his rage, illness, sadism and paranoia. links to the Hubbard death announcement event: full event: https://youtu.be/rR6R80W2J8Y Miscavige’s announcement: https://youtu.be/dgDa22Fx_V4
what is the difference between casual and fervent belief? how does the feeling of certainty drive a believer’s sense of reality? Yuval Laor, PhD, joins Jon for a discussion on these and other matters.
An astonishing series of revelations about Scientology's abuse of its members. Mike Rinder describes his arrival on Scientology's flagship the Apollo at the tender age of 18. Sent from Australia for management training, after handing over his passport, he found he'd been traded in a typical case of Scientology's human trafficking. Conditions for the "elite" Sea Org under Hubbard's direct control were deplorable. As Mike says, the former cattle hold which had become the men's dorm was like "the black hole of Calcutta" and the food was "garbage". Mike was tasked with "baby-watching" the first victim of the Introspection Rundown (on which Lisa McPherson later died), which Hubbard claimed would cure insanity. Mike was also the only Scientologist left on the island of Madeira after the notorious "rock festival", where locals hurled bricks and cobblestones at the Apollo, and was lucky to escape with his life. links: ex-Scientology kids: http://exscientologykids.com the Aftermath Foundation: http://theaftermathfoundation.org
often apologies are not really apologies. Psychologist Jessica Terwiel also talks with Jon about the importance of self-esteem and the need for “other-esteem”.
Rio joins Jon to chat about virtuosity, art, ego and talent. As usual, they make a whistle-stop tour of art and music history. See Jon's paintings, poetry, and thoughts on music, art, literature and life at http://jonatack.com
Light-hearted Christmas fun or cold-blooded manipulation? In the age of Big Brother, is it sensible to trick our children into believing they’re constantly under surveillance? Maybe deception really shouldn't be part of the spirit of Christmas.
Jon’s opening talks from the legendary 2015 Getting Clear conference. Jon gives an overview of Hubbard’s own history – including his involvement with ritual Sex Magick – and the creation of Dianetics through the early years of Scientology. Including an interview by Stephen Jones with Hubbard biographer Russell Miller. Jon gives some surprising answers to questions about the founder of Scientology, including how many of the Dianetics and Scientology books did Hubbard actually write? Did Hubbard steal the Dianetic technique from psychiatrists? Why did Hubbard sell the rights to Dianetics to Don Purcell for one dollar? Why did Hubbard register the Church of Scientology secretly, and why did he register the Church of American Science (the “mother church”) and the Church of Spiritual Engineering? Are the Scientology upper levels an aspect of ritual magic?
You can rent the complete set of lectures from this important conference on vimeo, here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/gettingclear
Jon talks with his good friend Chris Shelton about whether our work makes a difference. As ever, we touch on many topics, including recovery from authoritarian groups and relationships, and the need to prepare the next generation so that they will not be so easily exploited by gurus, spin-doctors and other malignant narcissists.
links:
The Randy Newman song that mentions Hitler and Stalin is A Few Words in Defense of Our Country - here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0EAwSpTcM4
Bob Newhart – Stop It!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0lr63y4Mw&t=138s
Empathy Quotient test: https://psychology-tools.com/test/empathy-quotient
Jon’s Never Believe a Hypnotist cites tens of Ron Hubbard’s often conflicting statements about hypnosis. A must-read for anyone who has been involved in Scientology. Read it free, here: http://lermanet.org/exit/parsons.html
Arnie Lerma’s Ten Steps Out of Scientology is here: https://lermanet.org/cos/8steps.html Jon does not entirely agree with it (especially the bit about realizing you are an ‘ex-Nazi’), but it is a model that can be varied according to the experience of the reader. Chris and Jon will talk in more detail about the stages of recovery very soon.
jon is joined by special guest Dr. Michelle Haslam; they discuss her time in the authoritarian group known as "new kadampa tradition", her background in psychology, and how and why people are drawn into destructive groups. links discussed in the video: the research of Miriam Anders on the cultic misuse of Buddhist teachings: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/10/11/622/htm
The Pema Chödrön Foundation: https://pemachodronfoundation.org the findings of the Australian Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse: https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au
Michelle's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDz-Wk0ykecFBgB7Pg31cVQ/videos
and for help getting out of/surviving the NKT and other similar groups, Michelle's website is here: https://newkadampatraditionreport.org
jon's paper, the Total Freedom Trap: https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Fishman/atack-freedom-trap.html
Sir Ken Robinson's work: http://sirkenrobinson.com
What happens when after separating, one parent turns the children against the other? Retired psychiatrist Nick Child talks to Jon about the dire failure of the court system, and how to focus on the needs of the children.
links:
Nick’s blog: https://thealienationexperience.org.uk
Blink, Think, Choice Voice: https://youtu.be/RdKPIK71SP8 (and Spike’s song based on it): https://youtu.be/La2NnQVwJXE
Socrates for six-year-olds (poor quality): https://youtu.be/vyD0l9En6Io
the Brainwashing of my Dad: https://www.thebrainwashingofmydad.com/
Institute for propaganda analysis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_for_Propaganda_Analysis
Mike Rinder joins Jon again to answer some viewer questions and address L. Ron Hubbard's problematic relationship to the truth. They also discuss how the feeling of certainty keeps the members of many destructive authoritarian groups from asking questions, considering that the leader might be wrong, or even leaving the group.
links:
to Jon's paper "the possible origins for Dianetics and Scientology": http://home.snafu.de/tilman/j/origins6.html?fbclid=IwAR3-V34IOIp8GcbWyOk_jdRtuMEV2S4NiA_m-igR0O17DNAvn7A79uK8IdQ#F63
and the accompanying video: https://youtu.be/VGQXQaiLa2A
the second part of Jon's paper about Ron Hubbard's plagiarism. Hubbard was not the 'sole source' of Dianetics and Scientology, nor did all of the 'major' ideas come from him. With a comparison of Tibetan ideas popularized by Alexandra David-Neel in the 1930s to some of the fundamental ideas of Scientology. With many thanks to Mark Owen Plummer, for help in finding the right covers to the correct editions.
This is the second of two parts; here is part one: https://youtu.be/VGQXQaiLa2A
This is the fourth in a series of recordings of Jon's papers on Scientology, all of which are available to read free here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/jon-atack/jons-writings-books-speeches/284316635347772/
To see the previous videos of Jon reading his papers, see our playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOprfY0DnRsb0GBFQzrqmpMmNLRL6vmYi
To see Jon's talk on the history of Hubbard and the origins of Scientology: https://youtu.be/2ILs6yB-d6A
Does Scientology have origins in Sex Magick and Psychoanalysis? Is Ron Hubbard’s claim to have been the only “source” of Dianetics and Scientology true? Jon examines Hubbard’s many borrowings from other authors and shows that Hubbard was aware of many of these sources.
This is the third in a series of recordings of Jon's papers on Scientology, all of which are available to read free here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/jon-atack/jons-writings-books-speeches/284316635347772/
To see the other two recordings of Jon reading his papers, see our playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOprfY0DnRsb0GBFQzrqmpMmNLRL6vmYi
To see Jon's talk on the history of Hubbard and the origins of Scientology: https://youtu.be/2ILs6yB-d6A
Buy your copy of Jon's Tao Te Ching here: https://www.amazon.com/Tao-Te-Ching-Lao-Tzu-ebook/dp/B072JL13DR/
And Let's Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky here: https://www.amazon.com/Lets-sell-these-people-Piece-ebook/dp/B00BF385HG/ (now FREE with Kindle Unlimited!)
For Jeff Jacobsen's work on Hubbard: http://www.xenu.net/archive/lrhbare/ his other writings: http://jeffjacobsen.org/writings.htm and his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/cultxpt please also see
Caroline Letkeman’s excellent work on the origins of Scientology: http://www.carolineletkeman.org/propaganda/papers.html
gaslighting is the “royal road” to exerting control – but can you spot it? Spike joins Jon to talk about gaslighting and the major techniques predators use to confuse and paralyze people into compliance.
links:
the Levenson empathy index: https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/LSRP.php
Australian Royal Commission final report: https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/final-report
Gaslighting:
the play: https://www.amazon.com/Gaslight-Frenchs-Acting-Patrick-Hamilton/dp/0573115796/
rent the 1940 movie: https://www.amazon.com/Gaslight-Anton-Walbrook/dp/B002R1Q1ZS/
or watch free on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYmtzaHwCKo&t=8s
the DVD of the 1944 movie: https://www.amazon.com/Gaslight-Charles-Boyer/dp/B07N4CL3HD/
and take our fun gaslighting quiz here: shorturl.at/glnN2
Jon joins Professor Alexander Dvorkin for the Kazan seminar in Kazan, in the republic of Tatarstan, Russia, speaking remotely to an audience of psychologists and educators about cults and how to deal with them.
links:
How Scientology Harassment works with Mike Rinder: https://youtu.be/M6KxZ6lnvIU
predator list: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJonAtack/posts/1076831346096293
predator video: https://youtu.be/fHgbFLN3Nvs
Ira Chaleff's "Blink, Think, Choice, Voice": https://youtu.be/RdKPIK71SP8 (and Spike's song based on his handbook): https://youtu.be/La2NnQVwJXE
Yuval's presentation on fervor (part one): https://youtu.be/JF7ImlGUgCQ
Joe Kelly spent nine years in Transcendental Meditation and then five more with a rival swami, who convinced his former TM followers to sue for refunds from that group. This led to Joe meeting Margaret Singer, who helped to begin to rethink his involvement. For many years, Joe has worked helping members of authoritarian groups to rethink their involvement.
note: the former Cult Awareness Network was shut down as a result of a Scientology lawsuit, and then sold to that group as part of the resulting settlement. Today those who contact CAN via its website or phone number are connected to a Scientology front group. For more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Cult_Awareness_Network
links: to the documentary ‘Captive Minds’: https://youtu.be/9UEfsSauTf4 the full story of the song ‘Sexy Sadie’: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexy_Sadie
jon and sam talk about the concept of brainwashing, as it is understood - and misunderstood - by academics and governments. they consider the ancient history of the term, and the modern applications being used to deny whole populations their basic human rights worldwide.
jon and sam atack discuss what we mean by the term "human predator", and how to spot and avoid those people who hurt others for their own gain or even amusement. for more information on human predators, including the complete list of traits, check out jon's article here: https://www.openmindsfoundation.org/faces_of_undue_influence/what-is-manipulation/human-predator/
jon and sam atack discuss how people get seduced or recruited into high-control groups or relationships.
jon and sam discuss the types of predatory people, how people become predatory, and what they would like to see done to guard the world from those who manipulate and hurt others for their own gain or amusement.
for more information on human predators, including the complete list of traits, check out jon's article here: https://www.openmindsfoundation.org/faces_of_undue_influence/what-is-manipulation/human-predator/
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