Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan Leaving the “Truman Show” of Scientology – with Tory Christman
Oct 27, 2025
Tory Christman, a former Scientologist who spent 30 years in the organization, shares her journey from compliance to activism. She reveals how Scientology manipulated her critical thinking and highlights her encounters with celebrity members like John Travolta. Tory discusses the church’s internet tactics and how online resources helped her see the truth. She also emphasizes her commitment to outreach, particularly within Spanish-speaking communities, aiming to warn others about recruitment strategies and offering support for those wanting to leave.
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How A Single Phone Call Changed Her Life
- Tory Christman joined Scientology after reading Dianetics and a single pivotal phone call persuaded her to return to the organization.
- That early moment of lowered critical thinking set the course for decades inside the group.
Intelligence Can Fuel Vulnerability
- High intelligence often makes people more vulnerable to sophisticated cult recruitment because they seek improvement and meaning.
- Tory and Steve stress that curiosity and desire to help others are exploitable strengths, not signs of stupidity.
Epilepsy, Sea Org, And A Mother's Ultimatum
- Tory joined the Sea Org briefly but was routed out due to epilepsy and pressure to stop medication.
- Her mother's intervention and a doctor convinced her to resume treatment and avoid life-threatening seizures.
