This week I am joined by legendary Scientology critic and writer Jon Atack. We begin our conversation by discussing Jon’s time as a Scientologist from 1974-1983 where he attained OT level 5. Jon discusses his disillusionment with Scientology in the 1980’s and the process by which he left the group. Jon also speaks about the the abuse he faced after leaving and the lengths Scientology went to after he published Let’s Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky. We then move onto Jon’s book and focus on the monumental achievement that it represents in terms of laying out the true history of both L Ron Hubbard and Scientology. Jon and I explore who Hubbard truly was. I ask Jon why history has whitewashed much of Hubbard’s legacy in recent years. We discuss what motivated Hubbard to create Dianetics and form Scientology. Jon talks about Hubbard’s massive drug use and the role that played in his life throughout running the cult. Jon also touches on the theory that Hubbard suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy. We also talk about Michael Meisner’s infiltration of the IRS and Hubbard’s role in orchestrating this.
In the second hour Jon and I discuss the role of the Commodores Messengers. We talk about their power with in Scientology, and how they rose to essentially control the entire cult. I ask Jon about Janis Grady’s new book talking about her time as a Commodores Messenger alongside her brother and sister aboard The Apollo. We explore Hubbard’s use of children within the cult and also explore the allegations of child abuse by Hubbard. We finish the conversation by talking about Jon’s current work with the Open Minds Foundation. Jon talks about their mission and the work that they are doing in exposing cults, undue influence, manipulation, and brainwashing. Jon talks about how gangs, terrorists, pedophiles, sex traffickers, and many other nefarious groups all employ theses tactics in order to control those around them. We also talk about how we as individuals are under constant attack from those wishing to exert undue influence and ways to combat it.
Today we are joined once again by Jeffrey Augustine of The Scientology Money Project and Surviving Scientology Radio. Jeffrey and I begin by discussing the actual intake process an individual goes through when first introduced into Scientology. Jeffrey breaks down this process from being approached by a “body-router” on the street, to your first auditing session and beyond. Jeffrey details the way Scientology uses four important and legally binding contracts to ensnare a new recruit. These contracts make it extremely difficult to sue Scientology, and essentially signify you giving up all rights to the cult. Jeffrey also explains the legal complexities of how Scientology operates as a franchised business. We talk about the legal definition of what a Scientologist is, and how the organization is structured, and why this is so important to them.
Later we look at how Scientology is evolving as a cult and the steps it is now taking to ensure its survival. We talk about how Scientology is desperately trying to portray itself as a humanitarian group through the use of various front groups. Jeffrey talk about how the group has begun to cozy up more and more to police departments through the use of their anti-drug groups. We discuss how this is all a cynical PR attempt to make Scientology look like a benevolent group while they continue to employ the destructive teachings of L. Ron Hubbard.
Today my guest is researcher and host of “Surviving Scientology Radio” Jeffrey Augustine. Jeffrey and I have an in-depth conversation on the growing relationship between The Church of Scientology and the Nation of Islam. Jeffrey relates the history of how these two groups came together, and describes the role that Christian minister Alfreddie Johnson has played as a top Scientologist recruiter and spokesman, particularly through his Scientology front group, the World Literacy Crusade. We discuss how Johnson deeply involved Nation of Islam’s Tony Muhammad, who in turn brought Louis Farrakhan into the fold. We explore how the Nation of Islam has essentially been turned into a Scientology franchise, which now requires all high-level members to go “clear.” Jeffrey and I discuss the future of these two cults and how their relationship may evolve over time. Jeffrey closes out the conversation by discussing some of his recent work looking into the financial affairs of Scientology. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, so we plant to have Jeffrey back on the show again soon!
Today we are joined by former second-generation Scientologist Aaron Smith-Levin. Aaron became a member of the Church of Scientology at around the age of 4, after his mother joined up in Philadelphia. Aaron details his life within Scientology, from joining staff at age 12, to signing his billion year Sea Org contract in his 20’s, to eventually leaving the cult along with his wife and children. We discuss what it was like as a child growing up knowing nothing other than Scientology. We discuss how Scientology is often contradictory and at odds with its own belief system, along with the posthumous influence of L Ron Hubbard, regarded by Scientologists as both god and man.
Later Aaron relates the fascinating story of how Patt and Annie Broeker were ousted by David Miscavige in the course of his quest to gain control of the group. We also discuss Scientology’s dangerous and barbaric views about disabled people; Aaron describes the “superman” mentality of Scientologists and how they blame disabled people for their handicaps. Aaron explains that Scientology doesn’t regard them as worthy of help, and explains the Scientological concept of “making the able more able.” We round off the podcast with a discussion of the current state of Scientology — Aaron and I talk about the involvement of Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam with Scientology, and what this means for the future. We briefly consider the rumors of OJ Simpson being a Scientologist, and Aaron notes some other interesting celebrities who dabbled in Scientology.
I had the great pleasure to join John Adams and Chris Kendell again on the Afternoon Commute. This time around we discussed Scientology. We started out by focusing on one of Hubbard’s earliest mentors, rocket scientist and Crowley acolyte Jack Parsons. We discussed Parsons’ relationship with the government and his high-level military clearance while running the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We also discussed Parsons’ and Hubbard’s infamous sex magick rituals that they performed in California. I also talked about Parsons’ girlfriend (possible handler/ intelligence asset) Marjorie Cameron. I discussed Cameron’s rather interesting background as the only woman working for the Joint Chiefs of Staff during WWII, and her fascinating past as a spy. Later we discussed Hubbard more directly. We explored his use of hypnotism and his experimentation on his own family during the early stages of Scientology and his writing of “Dianetics.” I also introduced my own theories about the relationship between Scientology and the CIA. We explored Scientologists (and CIA contractors) Ingo Swann and Harold Puthoff’s work on psychic warfare at the Stanford Research Institute. Later on, Chris and John asked me about the famous 1993 IRS judgement that declared the cult a religion, granting it massive power and influence.
Chris and I then explored the nature of cults on a broad level. We examined the concept of the State as the largest cult around. I also discussed how Scientology has slowly been infiltrating the alternative movement. Through the use of the Citizens’ Commission on Human Rights and their stance on vaccines, the cult has been trying its best to get in bed with the alternative community.
This is another long conversation where we get into a ton of different topics and ideas, so make sure you have your E-Meter handy!
[Note: There is a slight audio problem with my recording which makes it sound as if I have a terrible lisp.]
Porkins Policy Review 