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Dropping In With Charlie Houpert
The Dark Truth Of Growing Up In Scientology
Jun 16, 2023
01:31:58
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Quick takeaways
- Growing up in Scientology is a unique experience that involves losing almost everything upon leaving the organization.
- The concept of childhood doesn't exist within Scientology, as individuals are expected to fully dedicate themselves to study and training.
- Auditing sessions in Scientology can be disturbing and intense, with the organization using these sessions to gain control over its members.
- Scientology employs coercive tactics to keep its members loyal and accepting of abuse, making it difficult for individuals to escape.
Deep dives
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Growing Up in Scientology
In this podcast episode, Aaron Smith-Leaven discusses his experience of growing up inside Scientology. He shares how his mother's attraction to seeking answers and the concept of self-empowerment drew her to the organization. Aaron explains the appeal of Scientology's belief that you are the answer to everything while highlighting the self-affirming nature of the introductory levels. He also reflects on his transition from a normal childhood to full-time study and training as an auditor within the organization.
The Journey Out of Scientology
The path out of Scientology for Aaron Smith-Leaven began with a series of articles titled 'The Truth Rundown' published in the Tampa Bay Times in 2009. These articles featured interviews with former high-level Scientology executives who exposed the destructive nature of the organization, particularly at the international management level. Another significant event was an email sent by Debbie Cook, a prominent figure within Scientology, criticizing the actions of David Miscavige, which caused a stir within the community. Ultimately, Aaron's journey out of Scientology was a gradual process that involved realizing the contradictions and abuses within the organization.
The Aftermath Foundation's Impact in Helping Scientology Escapees
The Aftermath Foundation, a non-profit organization, has been instrumental in providing support and assistance to individuals who have escaped from Scientology. With the goal of helping those who have left the church reintegrate into society, the foundation has played a significant role in aiding members in need. Its board members are actively involved in the daily operations, ensuring that those seeking help receive the necessary support. The foundation's impact has been noteworthy, as it has successfully assisted individuals in planning their escape from Scientology and provided resources for their transition into a new life.
The Decline of Scientology's Membership
Scientology's membership is rapidly declining, with estimates suggesting that there are less than 25,000 active Scientologists worldwide. Despite claims of having millions of followers, the reality is starkly different. The church has struggled to recruit new members and retain existing ones. High-control practices, abusive treatment, and disconnection policies have caused true believers to leave the church, leading to a decrease in membership. The once prominent presence of Scientology celebrities actively promoting the religion has also declined, with fewer celebrity endorsements and public mentions of Scientology in recent years. As a result, the influence and power of Scientology are diminishing.
The Aftermath of the Danny Masterson Trial
The Danny Masterson trial shed light on Scientology's involvement in protecting its own members. Masterson, known for his roles in shows like 'That '70s Show,' faced charges of drugging and sexually assaulting three women, all of whom were Scientologists. Scientology intervened to keep the victims from reporting these crimes to the authorities. Under the guidance of the church, civil settlement and non-disclosure agreements were reached between Masterson and the victims. These agreements were intended to safeguard Scientology's image and avoid legal scrutiny rather than protect the victims. The trial exposed the church's coercive practices and its desire to shield itself from legal consequences.
On today's episode Charlie from Charisma on Command interviews @GrowingUpInScientology
Aaron Smith-Levin was a Scientology member for 29 years.
We discuss what it was like growing up inside Scientology, how he lost nearly everything when he left, and the psychology behind our deepest beliefs.
Thank you for listening!
Subscribe to Growing Up In Scientology:
https://www.youtube.com/@GrowingUpInScientology
If You’d Like To Help Support The Podcast:
http://www.patreon.com/charismaoncommand
If you enjoy the podcast please SUBSCRIBE and Click the Notification bell :bell:
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:30 What Attracts People to Scientology?
3:31 Dropping Out of School to Work for Scientology
6:40 Childhood Doesn’t Exist in Scientology
13:15 The Disturbing Truth of Auditing Sessions
16:38 What Exactly Is Auditing?
24:03 Aaron’s “Fond” Memories of Scientology
25:22 His Brother’s Rocky Escape From Scientology
28:50 Scientology’s $100k Contracts for Children
31:33 His Brother’s Death Didn’t Shake His Loyalty
35:48 How People Are Coerced Into Accepting Their Abuse
39:12 The Only Way to Escape the “Billion-Year Contract”
40:55 Why Can’t Members Be Pregnant?
42:27 The Articles That Changed Everything: “The Truth Rundown”
47:49 Aaron Was Exposed by His Own…
54:24 What Does It Feel Like to Be Attacked by Scientology?
58:23 You Can’t Even Contact the Dog of a “Suppressive Person”
1:01:50 Why Don’t Celebrities Talk About Scientology Anymore?
1:07:18 Scientology’s Exploitation of the Hyper-Successful
1:13:05 Danny Masterson: Why Is Scientology Involved in R*pe Case?
1:20:27 The “Real Tragedy” of Scientology
1:24:00 Scientology Is Smaller Than It Seems
1:27:59 What’s Aaron Doing Now?
Watch the last episode here:
https://youtu.be/imM_Y97lJW8
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