Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast Scientology Gets YouTuber Arrested! (The Real Story)
Jan 6, 2026
Aaron Smith-Levin, a former Scientologist, shares his harrowing journey from church member to activist and YouTuber. He details his dramatic confrontations with the organization that led to his arrest, including a bizarre cornstarch incident. Aaron discusses his motivations for creating the 'Growing Up in Scientology' channel, his experiences with peaceful protests, and the challenges he faced while incarcerated. He also reflects on the impact of online engagement and the controversies surrounding his content, offering a raw look into the world of Scientology.
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Born And Raised In Scientology
- Aaron Smith-Levin grew up in Scientology, worked full-time from age 12 to 26, and left fully by age 34.
- He now runs the Growing Up in Scientology YouTube channel and an SPTV Foundation to help escapees.
Why Scientology Devalues Formal Schooling
- Scientology deprioritizes formal education because it promises past-life knowledge recovery.
- Aaron says the church values literacy only enough to read L. Ron Hubbard's materials.
Secret Cosmology Undermines Trust
- Upper-level Scientology teachings reveal complex cosmology (body thetans, past-life memories) that reframe earlier experiences.
- Aaron describes this as thousands of hours and dollars spent on memories that might not be your own.
