Jon Atack
Former Scientology member turned critic, historian and author who has spent decades studying authoritarian groups and helping former members recover; author of If Scientology Ruled the World.
Best podcasts with Jon Atack
Ranked by the Snipd community
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 1min
If Scientology Ruled the World pt. 1 with Jon Atack
Jon Atack, a former member of Scientology and an expert on authoritarian groups, shares his insights as an author and historian. He explores the psychological dynamics that trap individuals in cults, emphasizing how leaders manipulate doctrines for control. The conversation dives into the origins of various 20th-century cults linked to figures like Madame Blavatsky and discusses the consequences of belief in harmful ideologies, including the Nazi occult. Atack also critiques modern education's failure to teach critical thinking, vital for evaluating authority and preventing harm.
Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Absurdity of Belief with Jon Atack
Jon Atack, a leading expert on authoritarian cult groups and author of "Let's Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky," discusses the psychological intricacies of cults and belief systems. He uncovers the bizarre history of Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard's dangerous ideologies. Jon emphasizes the importance of critical thinking to combat manipulation and explores the ethical dilemmas faced by cult members. Through anecdotes, he reveals the psychological trauma inflicted on followers and the liberating journey of breaking free from such control.
