I grew up as a Jehovah's witness for the first 23 years of my life. There are SO many similarities and experiences I can relate to with ex-scientologists. People really don't understand the strength and absolute dedication to Truth and Love it takes to break away. Thanks for your channel.
An old Aunt by marriage got into JW, along with her oldest Daughter. When my Uncle died, the church assigned her a new husband, but they never lived together. They also tried to get her to sign over her house to him and the church, but her son who was on the title, said no way. They sound very similar to each religion, JW & Scien...
@@lobitome My mom got invited to goto another Country,hand picked a Big honor yet they were Not paying for this Big Honor,not the cost of flight or hotel,food so who couldn't go on there OWN. To Me it sounded like the Mules I've watched on TV yet at least those ppl got free flights,rooms & food,I just didn't see the payoff of that,ur ppl use there money & maybe a pat on there back. Covid came & she didn't take that trip. I'd luv to hear you Won a trip to ? I'd like to visit until I hear well we picked U but U have to pay for it yeah 👏 👏,WAIT A MIN that's a 💩 💩 deal.... SMH. ✌
Yes I briefly went when I was very young but now I know they are a cult as well. Wow it did take a few years after no involvement to believe they are a cult also
Before he retired, my dad was an auditor with the I.R.S. and working on the audit and case against Scientology being granted "religion" status. Our home was broken into and someone rifled through every drawer and cabinet and any space that might hold paperwork. The only thing stolen in this "burglary" was a cheap transistor radio. The police said this fit the pattern of another recent break-in in our neighborhood. The other break-in was at the home of a co-worker of my father's, who was also working in the audit of Scientology.
Some lady made a comment about how her and her daughter went to some meeting and wanted to leave....after that...she swore she was being followed around. Had no idea these people do that. Id carry a gun to shoot on site!
@@ellebelle4094 A religion determines its own belief system but the law of the land determines its tax status. Anyone can call themselves a religion but not everyone who says they are a religion meets the standards written into law. My dad taught me well on a number of things. Most of all he taught me not to be a dickhead like you.
Back in 2005 I was addicted to drugs and found Narconon in San Francisco. While I was there I noticed things were a bit "off". They called it behavioral rehab. It was really strict. If you did something wrong they made you sit on a bench not talking and no one could talk to you for days. There was a part of it where you sat face to face with someone and repeating the same things over and over and over. If you messed up you had to do it all again and you did that until you didn't have a reaction at all, you sat in a hot tub and then go for a run, get back in the hot tub rinse and repeat. They were having a sauna built as well. I happened to find a pile of books in the classroom I had not noticed before. It was all Scientology. I called my Dad that day and told him it was a cult, it was Scientology based. I was on a flight back to Dallas that next day. I now have 17 years clean but it wasn't because of Narconon. It was because I went to a real rehab with doctors and therapists.
Ditto!!! Congrats on your recovery! I too tried AA, Narcanon etc. I felt as though I was being forced to admit things I am not. Some of us need to do it on our own terms. 20 for me. Much ♥️
When I was a young teenager I got a copy of Dianetics and began reading it. I was always a voracious reader, I still am. My parents supported this and I had access to lots of books that might be considered too old for me or beyond my scope of intellect...they weren't, but I understand now that my education gleaned from my reading was light years ahead of my chronological age. Nothing was off limits or censored. I started talking about the tenets of Scientology and Dianetics to my family. SOMETHING about the way I was relaying the information must have concerned my Dad because he took that book away from me. It was the only book he ever stopped me from reading, before or since. I was angry. He promised to read it himself first and give it back when he finished. When he completed the book, he sat me down and gave me a very long lecture about the dangers he saw in this ideation and urged me to start looking elsewhere for fufillment. What finally got my attention was his belief that IF I followed the rabbit hole into Scientology I would never again be free to read what I wanted, because they'd be in control of what I was permitted to view forever after. That did the trick. I wish I had thanked him more for that while he was alive, but I can say it now. Thanks Daddy.
that first paragraph was unnecessary. it was just an opportunity for you tell everyone how smart you think you are. something that you probably don't let people forget when you can help it.I see these types of people often. Just be humble, no one is questioning your intellect as a child.
Mike Rowe is someone I have really looked up to for many years. He is incorruptible, honest, and he has values I feel made America great. Certain American politicians, special interest groups, and perhaps from some foreign players, America’s values have eroded and turned into something horrible and dangerous. We are witnessing the decline of our country many have warned about for decades. I was not a Scientologist, however, I did attend a couple of courses before some red flags made me run for the hills. After doing some research and learning about the cult, I spoke out against them publicly and I have picketed in front of a few orgs. They found out who I was and one of their lawyers named Kendrick Moxin tried hard, but failed, to get me fired from my career. Moxin made false allegations against me which kicked off an investigation that lasted for months. Back then, suing Scientology was not an option. I was actually followed by a private investigator and surveilled at my home. I was stalked and spied on while I had a meeting with a Scientology critic in a public place. Shame on our government for allowing them the tax exemptions. That’s likely enabled them more than anything else.
I had two friends that got into this B.S. "Religion" back in the mid 70's and were telling me how great it was. So I went to one of their "free" successions. I put free in quotes because as soon as their dog & pony show was over, they told me I owed them for the succession. I looked at the guy and told him that I was told it was free. He told me that if I didn't pay for it they would sue me for the $150 and put a black mark on my credit report. I looked at him and laughed! I just got out of a 4 year hitch in the Army with a couple of them in Vietnam and was not going to be threatened by anyone. I never heard a word from them or any lawyers either. I watch my 2 friends dump thousands of dollars into to this B.S. crap until they grew out of it. We're 70 now and they still won't talk about their experience with this "religion". In my option, it's a total con job looking for weak minded or lost people to brainwash and take their hard earned money. These clowns should be thrown under the jail!
A soldier, ex or currently serving, is the last person who should talk about anyone being weak-minded or any kind of brainwashing like it is a bad thing, that's a case irony so powerful only god itself could have created that. And yes, scientologist "elites" should totally be placed in an unopenable iron cage
@@MuantanamoMobile There isn't a single documented incident of anyone making people stay in scientology. I've seen the documentaries. When push comes to shove it's just some guy sternly suggesting they don't leave. All Churches bigger than one community operate like criminal institutions. The Catholic Church is practically the mafia.
Mike Rowe is nothing short of a hero in my eyes. He may not have run into a burning building to save lives or put his life on the line to help others, but in a society that praises fame, wealth and outrageousness over honesty and ethics, a person who remembers what's truly important and acts accordingly is a king. Mike. If you ever read this. Thank you for being a great human
He was promoting his parents book on Fox while the network lied to the American people for 45. Sorry he fooled you. He's only going to protect his own hind end. Not that you'll believe me, people didn't believe me about Trump, either. Heroes like John Stewart would have actually helped get a bill passed to stop something like scientology. I know because John Stewart helped get healthcare for our vets, by following a bill all the way to the Senate. Mike made an outrage video about scientology, but was perfectly okay with domestic terrorists profiting off of his image while 45 was in office. I find that interesting.
I was born and raised in the Sea Org. The abuse I've seen is inhuman. It really didn't matter if there was a newborn or an 80 year old, complete abuse and neglected. This is a horrific cult. Boy the horror stories I could tell.
If only more would speak out ! Many “stars” had some knowledge of it good or bad! But these “ stars” were treated differently ! Special treatment for them !!
I have a vulnerable relative who,thought Scientology would take care of her in her old age. She agreed to work for them, answering phones, 8 hrs a day often 6 days a week, sometimes 12 hrs a day. So she didn’t have time to work to earn any money. They charged her for every little thing. She lived in a back storage area in a Scientology families home and had to cook for them . They charged her $400/month rent! Which came out of her meager savings. She worked her agreed 3 years, she never “got cleared” of anything in her life (bad memories, experiences ) such nasty film flamers. Disgusting what they did to a vulnerable older lady.
They “cleared” her of her money and that is disgusting!! A bunch of brainwashing con artists who get people under their control and ruin a lot of lives. Whoever in the IRS made the mistake of giving them church status should be ashamed!!
You need to keep telling people this in the various comment sections of all these vids on the internet about them . And tell them what happened to her after she moved on from them and how she struggled or is still struggling .
@@jakefromstatefarm4771 WOW did you miss the point entirely. Let me make it clearer. They didn’t pay this lady for working from them and they took what little savings she had. She paid THEM to live and work for them. In order to go clear they charge you! They milk you for every dime you have. Every level you complete they charge you. All for the church! They have you run up your credit cards. Take out loans. Pay them to belong.
Mike Rowe just rivets me with his genuinely down to earth personality. Scientology has got to be held accountable and its tax status revoked. Such a malicious entity.
Scientology is buying up Clearwater Florida. Their HUGE headquarters near the courthouse has hundreds of cameras .pointed in every direction. They are buying all the vacant stores and whole city blocks are now their buildings. Taxes are no longer getting collected on those properties. If you get stopped at a traffic light, take note if the guys in suits and secret service earpieces checking the cars and car doors of vehicles parked in their parking lots. Unbelievable how paranoid these people are. What are they afraid of?
I think of Mike Rowe as the “modern-day” James Stewart. He IS so relatable! Wonderful that he speaks out against Scientology!! His post is concise and perfectly stated. Thank you Mike! ❤️
I was living in Baltimore back in the early 2000s, and remember first watching Mike while he showed homes for sale on cable on Sundays. I then saw him on Dirty Jobs, and then got to watch him on a panel discussing the importance of, and desperate need for, skilled labor professionals (electrician, plumber, shrimper, etc.). I am a licensed clinical psychologist myself, but was always taught to have great respect for the gifted people who work with their hands and have learned a trade. Mike Rowe has always been a proponent of this, and I believe that is why he is respected deeply. ♥️
He's wrong about so many things that I can't even begin to start. He's a terrific presenter, has the perfect voice, mannerisms, and sounds like such a down to earth guy. That makes him dangerous as he spreads his ridiculous ideas about how employment, work, and economics should be viewed. He has done a terrific job spreading BS to many folks as they get sucked in by his presentation skills. He's a smooth operator spreading some very bad ideas.
My ex husband’s family was into it. My ex tried desperately to get me involved but I knew it was cultish and refused. I had 10 years of on and off hell with him spending $$ behind my back to take their useless courses and putting his interest/obsession with the organization above our relationship. We ended up divorced and on the advice of Scientology he didn’t see his daughter (or support her) for 3 years. He neglected his son from a previous marriage as well. It was a good place for those of unstable and irresponsible character to hang out, I found. He wasn’t stupid but he had a personality disorder that made him vulnerable to this cult plus most of his family was into it as well. The organization is of a criminal nature, as most cults are. Thanks for this interview, hope it helps ppl to stay away from them.
I used to live watching _Dirty Jobs_ , but at the back of my mind during the airing of that show was this nagging doubt, "Is Mike Rowe really that genuine and down to Earth, or when he gets off camera does he start acting like a diva who has to lower himself to that level?" And it's stuff like this that makes me realize, no, this guy is the real deal. Thanks for highlighting his piece!
I've met Mike and was on one of his shows and he really is a very genuine guy. I don't agree with 100% of what he posts, and he would be the first person to say of course that's ok. He does radiate integrity and respect.
Way back in 74 while attending college one of these Scientology goofs tried to recruit me. I was clearly not in the least bit interested. I was hounded, followed, and harassed. Finally I had enough, I cornered the recruiter in a quiet hallway in the school. I told him to quit bothering me and implied that if the unwanted contact was not stopped immediately, I’d break both his legs. I’m a big guy, and was just back from South East Asia and the Vietnam war. I assured him that all I wanted was to be left alone. I never saw him again, was never recontacted.
I think them trying to "recruit" you was the tip off. I've stayed at a religious retreat myself in 1991, and i loved it. However, you had to be referred there by an ordained minister/ rabbi/ leader of some type. You ( the individual) had to be seeking them, not the other way around. The signs to look for are constraints: seclusion, locks on doors, being singled out. We had none of these. No lock on any door. Inside payphone, and you weren't allowed to stay past 90 days. I got my life back together, by communing with other misfits. Men only, with a women's only home across the river. I loved it. Haven't taken a drink since. Remember the signs: if they want to lock you in, it's the wrong place!
They send recruiters to college campuses, just like kkk and white supremacists have been doing for many years. So far, I've not seen any black scientologists. But, Leah did highlight in one of her episodes how scientology started going into black neighborhoods all over the country, infiltrating Muslim gathering places and converting them.
In the early 80’s I was a waitress at an ice cream parlor (and a senior in HS) and one of my patrons found L Ron Hubbard’s book in our store. She was quite upset and warned me away for it so vehemently that I have never forgotten it. I am very thankful to her!! I just hope that whatever her experience it ended ok💕
"Celeb"? He had a TV show that ended 10 years ago.if he came our with this during his time on TV. Then he had "balls".(,whatever that means).stop putting these celebs on pedestals They are the same as anyone else
One of the few so-called celebrities I still admire yes it show ended but he's done a lot of work since then and he has a podcast on Spotify so I guess he's not doing too bad.
When I was 18 I biked to a warehouse to interview for a sales job. They told me how selective they were going to be. I had hardly gotten back home when the phone rang and they said they wanted to hire me. I was going to be selling steaks and seafood door to door. They made us spend time staring into each other’s eyes each morning. I didn’t know for a week this was a Scientology owned business. I freaked and never went back. I’m a doc of psychology now and realize they tapped into self help psychology notions.
Yep, I thought that too while listening to this. Thought Stopping is just part of Self Regulation Therapy, or SRT. All common approaches used by real Doctors with real facts.
Americans who were privileged to watch Mike Rowe's hilarious show fell for his incredible sense of humor amidst the truly,"dirty jobs," he found himself doing. Mike Rowe shared his incredible approach to life through his show. Week after week viewers like myself made sure we took a bathroom break before viewing his show AND Mike never disappointed his faithful viewing audience. I find it refreshing the way he has viewed Scientology and commend his dedication to former employee and friend. Thank you Mike, for using your fame to speak out the truth of Scientology.
Mike Rowe was on Fox, promoting his parents book, while Fox lied for the president to the American people. Y'alls bars are entirely too low, please don't prop up someone that hurts our country by helping fox profit on lies. Mike made it off the backs of working Americans, then never went to the lengths people like John Stewart did to help the country that helped him. Soooo...I don't trust him to do what's right for any of us. Just another self promoting shill the boomers and elderly millennials cling to while he profits off looking like "one of us".
@@freedomishavingachoice3020 😂🤣John Stewart?? Why do you need help? Do it yourself. Did anyone ever tell you that life isn’t fair? If not, I may be the first to let you know. Nothing is promised to you just because you were born, except if you live in the USA and you get Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. No where does it say anyone has to help you reach your goals. Being a Biden supporter and by the tone and content of your comment, I’m not sure you’ll understand.
Scientology threatened individual IRS employees. Their intimidation tactics were so effective that the IRS caved. Imagine how ruthless Scientology ploys must seem when you are the target.
A noisy investigation is what they call it and I mam also freaked the hell out how that happened!!! They bullied the government in plane sight, so what do they do in the dark?
Back in 2007 one of my daughters asked if I could take her for a movie audition. I refused at first because I didn't want my young daughter to be involved in the show biz. She begged me and I accept so she could at least get the experience of a one time audition. To my surprise she was chosen and we were asked to go to a different building that looked like a castle. I had no idea at that time that it was the Scientology building. The entire experience was so eerie, even my daughter felt something was off and she was only 12 yrs. They wanted to take her into a different room and I refused to allow that. I'm glad we both caught on to the brainwashing they wanted to pull with us. They gave us such a hard time by trying to convince us not to leave. It took us at least 30 minutes after I told them straight out that we were not interested for them to let us out. For a couple of years I had the feeling we were being followed. It was so scary. Back then I had no idea what Scientology was. If I would have known, I would have never set foot in that place.
Thanks Mike Rowe for using your influence & common sense to open people's eyes enough that it makes it harder for authorities to ignore the atrocities of this cult. 👍. These people do not even get much at the end of their lives. 😢
my childhood best friend ended up in scientology in clearwater in his late teens. all we knew about scientology was what the TV ads for dianetics said, something about it being the modern science of mental health. who doesn't want to be mentally healthy. to his great credit, he almost instantly figured out that he was a guest of a whacked out cult and escaped soon after
I used to walk by their building everyday to work. There was a large mentally I’ll homeless population bc the state mental Health hospital was very close by. I would see the way they treated these other humans and hear their disgust. It was the opposite of any church I had seen
When I was there on vacation my friend and I would drive by there on the way to Clearwater Beach. The building was as big as a capital building. It just gave you an eerie feeling every time you drove by. Supposedly Tom Cruise lives very close by as well as Kirstie Alley. Also I read too that just before John Travolta's wife passed away she made him promise her that he would leave Scientology.
Dianetics is just healthy living for the first 115 pages... then it goes psychotic like other religions... but no written orders to mass murder everyone like other religions have...
And at some level, this poor lady is still brainwashed. "I kidnapped my kids ..." No, Spanky, you RESCUED your kids, and good for you! That must have taken incredible courage, given all that you had been through. You are amazing!
Scientology tried to fool me when I was younger. It started with a personality test. When they started telling me about aliens and Ron Hubbard was the leader I was gone.
It really makes you consider what kind of a person Travolta really is. Sure he might be a “sweet person” but if he lets a close friend and trusted confidant endure that kind of abuse…then he’s a bad person. Period.
Everyone who undergoes auditing and that is EVERY scientologist, has a file on them containing the auditor's notes on the person they are auditing. The questions that are asked range from the benign to the extremely personal. Travolta's sexual preferences have been questioned for years. It was probably an area which he was probably thoroughly questioned. Since the e meter is considered infallible, Travolta would be fearful of being less than truthful regarding his answers especially if he was assured that his answers would be held in strict confidence. Of course that was a lie and the person being audited didn't realize that the session was being videotaped.
I watched Leah R.’s mini series and was shocked this outfit exists and is sponsored by our government with regards to tax exemption. As for it being a religion, of course IT’S NOT A RELIGION. If there is a group that helps people escape this madness, I’ll be happy to donate.
Hubbard was a science fiction writer. He laughed his ass off all the way to the bank about the "religion" he created. He's still laughing now from beyond the grave. But this a large reason why I find it difficult to take any religion seriously.
**Every time I see your precious daughter come on, my heart skips a beat.. to see her happy and thriving due to her fathers bravery and love.. So proud of you Aaron for giving her that.
Scientology is so absurd...I read Hubbard's book 30 years ago, half way through I realized it wasn't the worst Sci Fi writing I'd ever seen...that nut case was serious, after a good long laugh I tossed the silly thing into a barrell.
Kinda like what might have happened if Manson had started and continued a large powerful cult with connections in high place, and hadn't executed the 1969 events. Only difference is Manson was probably far more sane.
Agreed. He created Scientology for power. What he saw all over society was selfish, lying human beings also seeking power socially. That idea is everywhere. I have no doubt he created Scientology because he was angry at women. He was a genius and an asshole. He did live the truth compared to Christians, but he ended up being a zealot. Basically, Hubbard was mentally ill (like everyone else here). I am absolutely certain he was a psychic medium, but didn’t like the messages from the “body thetans”. He was rejecting the information. If you listen to the band TOOL, the ideas are the same. It’s always about telepathy.
IF YOU FOCUS ON TELEPATHY AND NOT RELIGION, THEN YOU GET IT! Everyone that focuses on the religious / authoritarian aspects of Scientology is missing the overall point of Scientology. This excludes people born into it with strict parents (for a short while). You’re SUPPOSED to reject human authority altogether and figure out the Universe on your own. That’s the core belief of Scientology. People want a sense of belonging, so they allow authority in other people in the church. All churches are stupid. Everyone here is psychic. Either people take shit from others and they allow people to tell them they are inferior socially, or they reject that idea completely. All of the real Scientologists are psychic mediums. Anyone playing head games over power in the church is an asshole. You’re supposed to love other people, not toy with people that haven’t healed and don’t understand. All the people that haven’t healed try to hurt other people. When people love they focus on the spirit and love others. This idea is true for Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and everything else out there. Scientologists aren’t all bad, but the authoritarianism needs to go for good. Scientology is much more realistic than any other religion out there. That is what is cool about it. Scientology is based on psychic mediumship and telepathy. The core belief of Scientology is that disembodied thetans are communicating telepathically with human beings in the mind. All the e-meter, volcano / aliens, and Xenu bullshit is just plain stupid. The rejection of psychiatry is an excellent idea, however. That is self love. No one really needs Scientology. People just need to focus psychic and heal with love from Source. If people don’t focus away from authoritarians and allow people to push them around, they never see themselves as psychic. Read this from Wikipedia.: “Scientology claims not to preach or impose a particular idea of god on Scientologists. According to Scientology promotional materials, followers are expected to discover the truth through their own observations as their awareness advances. Scientology beliefs revolve around the immortal soul, the Thetan. Scientology teaches that the Thetan is the true identity of a person - an intrinsically good, omniscient, non-material core capable of unlimited creativity. Hubbard taught that Thetans brought the material universe into being largely for their own pleasure. The universe has no independent reality but derives its apparent reality from the fact that Thetans agree it exists. Thetans fell from grace when they began to identify with their creation rather than their original state of spiritual purity. Eventually they lost their memory of their true nature, along with the associated spiritual and creative powers. As a result, Thetans came to think of themselves as nothing but embodied beings. In Scientology, the concept of the thetan is similar to the concept of self, or the spirit or soul. A body thetan or a BT is a disincarnate thetan who is "stuck" in, on or near a human body, and all human bodies are said to be infested by these disembodied thetans, or clusters of them.” (Tom Cruise is a well known Scientologist and the executive producer of all of the Mission Impossible movies. I have no doubt he is responsible for this dialog.): ua-cam.com/video/DyxyQ8Zd3qg/v-deo.html Here are additional links about telepathy and psychic mediumship: ua-cam.com/video/F_Jjqmd_qXo/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/T3nwEmyndMQ/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/hHcIOwgOHqk/v-deo.html
My mother was almost recruited in mid 70's at the Clearwater headquarters. I came SOOOOO close to being indoctrinated before the age of 10. That's so scary.
This is absolutely amazing. I had no idea that Mike was so passionately against Scam-antology. Ok. Used to be a passing fan of his show. Now I genuinely admire the man. I literally learned the ins and outs of this cult from watching Tory Magoo here on YT. It was about 17yrs ago. My husbands boss was in the cult and started bringing them into the work space. After being audited. I instantly had a bad feeling and started trying to research them. It wasn't easy so I was so glad to find Tory and a man named Mark Bunker, I believe. But as hard as I tried I couldn't get through to his boss. We lost Markham because of that cults programming. Guess I'm a bit sentimental this month. My bday is the 23rd. And Markham left us three days later a few years ago. Still hurts. I'm still angry. And would do just about anything to help bring down this cult once and for all. Thank you for the good work you do Aaron. You and Mike and everyone else that work with you are heroes.
I had to drive past their “Golden Base” a couple times when we lived in CA. I always prayed I wouldn’t get a flat tire or car trouble while going past!
The stories from people like Spanky and Leah about their babies or infant siblings in Scientology “nurseries” is so disturbing. I don’t care what “religion” you claim to be…CPS should be all over them. The idea of a room full of babies with dirty diapers, eye infections, hungry, and crying for help while being “looked after” by a 12 year old is sickening.
I'd like to see social services come in on that group. You will never ever see this group letting in social services at one of their children nurseries.
They have stopped letting people have kids inside the seaorg specifically to avoid getting in trouble for it… if you get pregnant in the sea org they push you to abort it or you get kicked out of the sea org for it … her story is from before they changed the rules when they had “nurseries”etc
When I was 18, I had received a Scientology book by L Ron Hubbard from a Dr who wanted me to become a Scientologist. I started reading the book and it was questionable because I had read the Bible and some of the things were put in the book, like love one another and so forth which was confusing to me. I asked my dad to read it and of course he did. He told me to give it back to the Dr, and so I did. Then my dad stopped seeing the dr and made my mom and me stop going to him. I was even more confused, but that was the only time I had ever heard and had experience with the cult.
Good thing you handed the book to your dad and he took it seriously and read it and took action for his family! Good for you to follow your instincts and ask questions to your dad too!
Several years ago I was given this book to read by a friend. I was totally unaware that it was a religious book. I handed it back to her and told her I don't read science fiction books.. I was totally unaware she was a Scientologist
Love Mike Rowe! I have been with him since the days of QVC. Then to his shows. Like all! I’m very thankful that people are finally opening their eyes to this religion.
Keep doing what you're doing brother! I've never been a Scientologist, I always thought it was way "out there" since I first learned about the "nuts and bolts" of Scientology and realized it's a money play that INCREDIBLY was given religious status by the IRS!!! I feel terrible for the average good hearted people who are looking to better themselves and help others who are Scientologists. I do think the upper echelon of criminals who take advantage of good people need to be exposed and taken down.
I'm so grateful people are willing to speak up against this dangerous cult. What amazes me is the number of people who didn't even know it existed. How can that be? Keep up this mission.
The more I learn about Scientology it just breaks my heart to hear the stories of the babies and the children I can’t imagine how anyone can allow that treatment with their children I’m so rebellious against evil I could’ve never allowed that with my kids I would’ve figured out a way to get out just like this lady did
Since you have learned about scientology, can you help me understand: why would they jeopardize their young? That is the future of their church. So, one would think the young would be cherished. I know absolutely nothing about the field beyond reading, actors Cruise and Travolta belong.
If Mike is a great man, then he is by default a great American... it goes without saying, greatness is all inclusive. Why should nationality have anything to do with "greatness", or quality of character?!? There have been many great people throughout history, and across the surface of this planet. Borders do not define or qualify the actions or intentions of those who act with justice and good will in their hearts, just as those same arbitrary lines do not disqualify those who seek to make the world a better place, despite being considered "foreign" by the laws of man. Divisions only serve to diminish the bonds that make us human, and minimize the contributions of those such as Mike, who are simply great people, full stop.
All cults prey on human insecurities by offering certainty. Cult leaders are always corrupted by their own power. But there is none more corrupt, or destructive to lives, than the science fiction of Scientology. Thank you, Mike Rowe, for your work.
I wonder how many infants and children have died in Scientology. It sounds like her children most likely wouldn't have survived if she had stayed. I'm sure there are many, many more stories like hers, but they didn't get their children out.
Mike Rowe , Spanky, A.Aron - all true humans, not just from a humanitarian perspective. Walk the walk & talk the talk , & even put themselves on the line . You are all heroes. & to scientology escapees & SPs - survivors !! Thank you for posting, must check out Mike .- bb+B
How is this still considered a religion and "church" leaders not been charged and imprisoned for their crimes with all of the victim testimonies out there?!
because money talks and because scientology has infiltrated various government agencies and authorities (blackmailing the i.r.s., buddy buddy in cahoots with the l.a.p.d.) and so on..... Don't forget our way overboard "religious freedom" amendment........
@@annekerotterdam7499 As a "wayward Catholic" as my late mother used to call me, I can tell you that Catholicism for all its faults is NOT the same. Both mothers and children aren't housed separately in weird compounds and starved to the point of death for starters. Catholics aren't required to monitor each other and report on their fellow church members either. Actual religions raise money to help poor people around the world. I will admit that those people do get a dose of the faith doing the distributing of the aid. If you watch the show that exposes Scientology by the woman from the show King of Queens, you'll find out that they raise money then pretend to use it to help people around the world. That's the least of the bad things that this group does.
ANYTHING that everyone's favorite Uncle says is good enough for me. Dude's an unusual sort of genius in boots, bluejeans and a Cat Diesel hat and packin' a lunch box (2 bologna samidges and a Thermos of black coffee). If he ran for President he'd get plenty of votes from the blue collar sector.
Spanky's story is heartbreaking! 💔 I cannot imagine not being friends with someone simply because we don't believe, vote, think, look, or live the same way. 😥
@@ydonnay3145 - And they are insecure in themselves & their beliefs if they do. Just because someone is different doesn't automatically them them wrong & you right or vice versa. We cannot grow grow without being exposed to new or different ideas, ways of accomplishing things, etc.
I have many friends that are totally antithetical to the way I vote, live, believe etc. But the way things are going they are trying to keep that from happening. Which is a shame. Having friends that believe differently from you, enriches your life.
@@kathenavarro6850 - Yes, it does enrich our lives to have people around us that are different from us. It does take patience, understanding, knowledge, & work to create a relationship with other people, but to me, it keeps us grounded in reality & appreciate the diversity of humanity. We don't have to agree with someone to treat them with the same respect & dignity we want for ourselves. It's depressing to me to see so many people these days not wanting or willing to bridge differences or come to an understanding. The polarization of our country is tearing us apart.
It just boggles the mind that this stuff still exists and that seemingly intelligent people allow themselves and their loved ones to be subjected to such blaten abuse.
Why would that shock you? Fundamentalist Christians control and ruin millions of lives as we speak! Also Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons who steal peoples very lives from them. Typically not as overtly aggressive as Scientology but the end result is very similar psychologically. They ruin people with the god bullshit.
Wow. More people need to speak up on this topic. That location in California is about 45 minutes from me. When I pass there I get a sickening feeling. These people need help
Back in the 80s I worked in central London in several large firms of lawyers mostly in personal injury. In one firm, the lawyer I was working for had several clients who were escapees from Scientology and who were suing Scientology for false imprisonment among other things. For some reason at that time, these people were pursuing things in a civil court. It might have been to get their money back from Scientology. I remember reading with incredulity the sums of money that these people had paid over to Scientology and why. These people were educated people like doctors and lawyers, one I believe might have been some sort of Professor. I could not understand how they could be so duped and brainwashed to get involved with it. I was only young, in my early twenties then, but even I could not understand how intelligent people could fall for this complete crap. I remember reading their statements; how one chap was tied up in a basement somewhere and kept prisoner because he wanted to leave and was not allowed to. Also how if their whole family was involved in scientology, that if they left, their family was not allowed to have anything more to do with them and treat them as if they were dead. It's of course a long time ago now, so I can't still remember all the details. I read a lot of statements and I was totally shocked by what I read at the time.
I know what you mean. I was recruited into the so-called Communication course when I was a college kid in the 1970's. The first thing I noticed was that the scientology staff running the course refused to communicate. They were not allowed to answer questions. All inquiries were referred to an L.Ron Hubbard book which they were eager to sell. The next thing I noticed was the scientology staff were mostly all chain smokers - you could smoke cigarettes indoors in those days and cigarettes were still cheap. Then I noticed that the "comm" course was stupid and unlikely to improve communication skills. When they started pressuring me to pay thousands of dollars for something called auditing they wouldn't answer questions about that either. I never finished the course. I've fallen for some stupid stuff in my life. Fortunately scientology isn't one of them.
Are you talking about the RONCO guy? His name was Ron Popell. L. Ron Hubbard founded Scientology. He died in 1986. The RONCO Ron died last year. "Set it and forget it!"
I love his story about his initial interview for QVC. . I'm not sure if it was paraphrased as a pencil, but they handed him a pencil (could have been some other random desk object) and he yammered on about what it's features were why you needed one, etc, but in the EXACT WAY you would imagine. Having such a firm grasp on the English language like he does, it was pretty great. He and Anthony Bourdine have to be my favorite non-fiction short format writers. Sure wish Anthony was still with us. 😔
I have been absolutely loving all of your content recently. Thanks for all you do to expose Scientology. So glad you got out, and are helping others get out too!
I am a veterinarian and my first job was with a hospital group that used "Sterling Management" techniques. Sterling Management is (was, I don't know if it's still around) an offshoot of the Church of Scientology. They use Scientology concepts (Such as the Tone Scale, Org charts and the Dev-T) to supposedly increase revenue for Vets, Dentists and small, independent medical practices. The practice owner denied that SM had anything to do with Scientology despite using "Psychological Testing" from LRH, Inc. One day we had a group from Sterling headquarters in Clearwater, FL come to visit and they also denied any connection with Scientology. I was, of course, skeptical and so when the subject of Hubbard came up I told them what I knew, that L. Ron Hubbard was a failed science-fiction writer who one day spoke with John W. Campbell (Editor of Astounding Magazine). Campbell supposedly said "Ron, you know the easiest way to make a million dollars, don't you? Start a religion!" Hubbard soon took some vague science-fictiony subjects, mashed them together and published "Dianetics". When I said such disparaging things about Hubbard you could FEEL the hatred these people had developed for me. The practice owner noticed, as well, and very soon he "fired" Sterling Management. These people are insidious on SO many levels.
My brother, a dentist, moved to California. He took over the practice of another dentist that was retiring. He needed to build up the practice and hired a PR firm that was supposed to help him. Unbeknownst to him, at the time, it was a company owned by Scientology (or Scientologists). A few weeks in, when they started telling him what to do to become more successful, he realized what he had gotten himself into, he fired them. Unfortunately, because he had given them all of his bank info (why, I don't know) they cleaned out his account. He lost everything! It took him years to get out of that hole!
Scientology teaches its members to set up businesses that use Scientology techniques. The will always deny the business is a branch of Scientology, but the operate using Scientology techniques.
Wow, great comments! I've heard the story about l Ron Hubbard and Campbell discussing inventing religion... I tend to believe it's true. I'm glad you got away from that group, and by the way, I'm a big animal lover so thanks for what you do!
Operation Clambake from old internet was my original source and rally against Scientology. I was videotaping the joint in NYC when one of the minions asked me if I wanted to know more and I was like “I already know about you.” Then they kept watching
This brings back some strong memories in my case. My older sister was getting sucked in by the scientologists and quickly bought a paperback about them did a quick read. I told my sister point black this group was complete b.s. and don't walk run away. The core beliefs when you dive into it is complete and utter science fiction which was what Ron Hubbard was a science fiction writer. How they got religious status is beyond belief.
My sister, who was 12 years older than me, gave me L. Ron Hubbard’s book when I was ~18. She was all amped up about this Scientology precursor, but I only got through a few chapters, and gave the book back to her. She asked what I thought, and I said “I think you have lost your mind!” She said I was too young to understand, and I told her that “if you buy this sh*t, then you need serious mental help.” Years later, after many episodes of crazy things she committed, my entire family realized I was right!!
They weren't able to get tax exempt since the 60's they were desperately trying and failed until the Clinton's Presidency that's when they finally were able to be recognized as a religion and tax exempt. Talk about corruption the Clinton's Obama's Biden's Nancy Pelosi ect, and of course hollywood elites who don't live like the individuals who are not Tom Cruise ect, rat's
And a “B” science fiction writer at that! And they got the tax-exempt church status, as I understand it, by having a lot of money to pay many lawyers, both in and out of the cult, to spend 25 years fighting the IRS. Apparently, the IRS finally just got worn down by the seemingly unlimited legal resources the cult had, so just gave in. And this was years ago. Imagine the money they have today to pay for all those lawyers!
@@cydkriletich6538 Hi friend with all due respect. They received the tax exempt from the Clinton's Presidency. The Clinton's foundation is one of the biggest scams ive ever found. Unbelievable ! again there attorneys ect, were trying desperately to accomplish getting tax exempt since the 60's an failed time after time regardless of the enormous amounts of money that they were pouring into campaigns an it was 1993 the Clinton's gave it to David miscavage, i did some research and that's how i learned about it is sick twisted evil.
Over the years that I've heard Mike talk about all sorts of things, he's ALWAYS impressed me by his obvious intelligence, knowledge, integrity and general "goodguyness". One of the thoughts that always comes to mind is, "How great it would be if this guy were President!!" That's especially the case during the last three administrations.
Please check out our sponsors to support this channel:
- Atlas VPN: get.atlasvpn.com/AaronSL
- Ridge Wallet: ridge.com/AARON
❤yes
Hello. Where can I find your own experience in Scientology and when you got out?
@@duke417 4 month old account
Iouuuui😊
A grifter going in on another grift it's funny as hell.
So glad people are speaking out against this Cult
Thank you for watching and commenting!
You dishonored your shift key by capitalizing “Cult”
@@technophant
😆
😄
ALL religion is a cult to some degree.
Rowe is one of the few people in the entertainment world who possesses real integrity.
A REAL PATRIOT... What's not to love...
I grew up as a Jehovah's witness for the first 23 years of my life. There are SO many similarities and experiences I can relate to with ex-scientologists. People really don't understand the strength and absolute dedication to Truth and Love it takes to break away. Thanks for your channel.
An old Aunt by marriage got into JW, along with her oldest Daughter. When my Uncle died, the church assigned her a new husband, but they never lived together. They also tried to get her to sign over her house to him and the church, but her son who was on the title, said no way. They sound very similar to each religion, JW & Scien...
Also raised as one, stopped going and never went back!!
That's why I respect Mike Rinder. Rathbun couldn't handle it
@@lobitome My mom got invited to goto another Country,hand picked a Big honor yet they were Not paying for this Big Honor,not the cost of flight or hotel,food so who couldn't go on there OWN.
To Me it sounded like the Mules I've watched on TV yet at least those ppl got free flights,rooms & food,I just didn't see the payoff of that,ur ppl use there money & maybe a pat on there back. Covid came & she didn't take that trip.
I'd luv to hear you Won a trip to ? I'd like to visit until I hear well we picked U but U have to pay for it yeah 👏 👏,WAIT A MIN that's a 💩 💩 deal.... SMH.
✌
Yes I briefly went when I was very young but now I know they are a cult as well. Wow it did take a few years after no involvement to believe they are a cult also
She didn''t kidnap her kids, she rescued them. Good for her and for them.
Before he retired, my dad was an auditor with the I.R.S. and working on the audit and case against Scientology being granted "religion" status. Our home was broken into and someone rifled through every drawer and cabinet and any space that might hold paperwork. The only thing stolen in this "burglary" was a cheap transistor radio. The police said this fit the pattern of another recent break-in in our neighborhood. The other break-in was at the home of a co-worker of my father's, who was also working in the audit of Scientology.
Holy shit!
Some lady made a comment about how her and her daughter went to some meeting and wanted to leave....after that...she swore she was being followed around. Had no idea these people do that. Id carry a gun to shoot on site!
@@ellebelle4094 A religion determines its own belief system but the law of the land determines its tax status. Anyone can call themselves a religion but not everyone who says they are a religion meets the standards written into law. My dad taught me well on a number of things. Most of all he taught me not to be a dickhead like you.
Scary stuff! They should start paying taxes period.
@@ellebelle4094 keep drinking the kool aid. Scientology is no church.
Back in 2005 I was addicted to drugs and found Narconon in San Francisco. While I was there I noticed things were a bit "off". They called it behavioral rehab. It was really strict. If you did something wrong they made you sit on a bench not talking and no one could talk to you for days. There was a part of it where you sat face to face with someone and repeating the same things over and over and over. If you messed up you had to do it all again and you did that until you didn't have a reaction at all, you sat in a hot tub and then go for a run, get back in the hot tub rinse and repeat. They were having a sauna built as well.
I happened to find a pile of books in the classroom I had not noticed before. It was all Scientology. I called my Dad that day and told him it was a cult, it was Scientology based. I was on a flight back to Dallas that next day. I now have 17 years clean but it wasn't because of Narconon. It was because I went to a real rehab with doctors and therapists.
We’re you able to get a refund? Or did you try?
I’m so glad you got the hell out of there! Smart girl;)
Good for you, Tara. Stay clean & all the best for your future.
@@PandoraWake I didn't even try!
Wow. Glad you got out of there and congrats on 17 years clean!
Ditto!!! Congrats on your recovery! I too tried AA, Narcanon etc. I felt as though I was being forced to admit things I am not. Some of us need to do it on our own terms. 20 for me. Much ♥️
When I was a young teenager I got a copy of Dianetics and began reading it. I was always a voracious reader, I still am. My parents supported this and I had access to lots of books that might be considered too old for me or beyond my scope of intellect...they weren't, but I understand now that my education gleaned from my reading was light years ahead of my chronological age. Nothing was off limits or censored.
I started talking about the tenets of Scientology and Dianetics to my family. SOMETHING about the way I was relaying the information must have concerned my Dad because he took that book away from me. It was the only book he ever stopped me from reading, before or since.
I was angry. He promised to read it himself first and give it back when he finished. When he completed the book, he sat me down and gave me a very long lecture about the dangers he saw in this ideation and urged me to start looking elsewhere for fufillment. What finally got my attention was his belief that IF I followed the rabbit hole into Scientology I would never again be free to read what I wanted, because they'd be in control of what I was permitted to view forever after.
That did the trick.
I wish I had thanked him more for that while he was alive, but I can say it now. Thanks Daddy.
thats good lookin out
💚💚💚this
You clearly had a very intelligent father who loved you along with your curiosity & thirst to learn & he didn't want anyone taking that from you.
Great Dad!!❤
that first paragraph was unnecessary. it was just an opportunity for you tell everyone how smart you think you are. something that you probably don't let people forget when you can help it.I see these types of people often. Just be humble, no one is questioning your intellect as a child.
Mike Rowe is someone I have really looked up to for many years. He is incorruptible, honest, and he has values I feel made America great. Certain American politicians, special interest groups, and perhaps from some foreign players, America’s values have eroded and turned into something horrible and dangerous. We are witnessing the decline of our country many have warned about for decades.
I was not a Scientologist, however, I did attend a couple of courses before some red flags made me run for the hills. After doing some research and learning about the cult, I spoke out against them publicly and I have picketed in front of a few orgs. They found out who I was and one of their lawyers named Kendrick Moxin tried hard, but failed, to get me fired from my career. Moxin made false allegations against me which kicked off an investigation that lasted for months. Back then, suing Scientology was not an option.
I was actually followed by a private investigator and surveilled at my home. I was stalked and spied on while I had a meeting with a Scientology critic in a public place.
Shame on our government for allowing them the tax exemptions. That’s likely enabled them more than anything else.
I had two friends that got into this B.S. "Religion" back in the mid 70's and were telling me how great it was. So I went to one of their "free" successions. I put free in quotes because as soon as their dog & pony show was over, they told me I owed them for the succession. I looked at the guy and told him that I was told it was free. He told me that if I didn't pay for it they would sue me for the $150 and put a black mark on my credit report. I looked at him and laughed! I just got out of a 4 year hitch in the Army with a couple of them in Vietnam and was not going to be threatened by anyone. I never heard a word from them or any lawyers either. I watch my 2 friends dump thousands of dollars into to this B.S. crap until they grew out of it. We're 70 now and they still won't talk about their experience with this "religion". In my option, it's a total con job looking for weak minded or lost people to brainwash and take their hard earned money. These clowns should be thrown under the jail!
thank you for your service 💚
A soldier, ex or currently serving, is the last person who should talk about anyone being weak-minded or any kind of brainwashing like it is a bad thing, that's a case irony so powerful only god itself could have created that.
And yes, scientologist "elites" should totally be placed in an unopenable iron cage
Like other religions aren't BS.
@@alphanerd7221 most don't force you to stay or operate like criminal institutions.
@@MuantanamoMobile There isn't a single documented incident of anyone making people stay in scientology. I've seen the documentaries. When push comes to shove it's just some guy sternly suggesting they don't leave.
All Churches bigger than one community operate like criminal institutions. The Catholic Church is practically the mafia.
Mike Rowe is nothing short of a hero in my eyes. He may not have run into a burning building to save lives or put his life on the line to help others, but in a society that praises fame, wealth and outrageousness over honesty and ethics, a person who remembers what's truly important and acts accordingly is a king. Mike. If you ever read this. Thank you for being a great human
Agreed
He was promoting his parents book on Fox while the network lied to the American people for 45.
Sorry he fooled you. He's only going to protect his own hind end. Not that you'll believe me, people didn't believe me about Trump, either.
Heroes like John Stewart would have actually helped get a bill passed to stop something like scientology.
I know because John Stewart helped get healthcare for our vets, by following a bill all the way to the Senate.
Mike made an outrage video about scientology, but was perfectly okay with domestic terrorists profiting off of his image while 45 was in office.
I find that interesting.
I could not agree more.
Coming from a Dog Fart that's high praise
@@sidmac50 Then you have failed Mike Rowe, now, haven't you?
I was born and raised in the Sea Org. The abuse I've seen is inhuman. It really didn't matter if there was a newborn or an 80 year old, complete abuse and neglected. This is a horrific cult. Boy the horror stories I could tell.
Glad you got out. Have you been interviewed or made a your own testimony video? Be great to hear your story and you see you say it.
Go to the police, don’t let the bastards away with it.
@@tjburr1968 Thank-you. I haven't done anything like that, I'm just trying to do the best I can with the upbringing I've had.
@@claremandalas2121 how old were you when got out? You were born into it? Your parents get out too?
I was glad I got out of christianity. Oh the horror.
Thanks Mike, never stop being a regular guy.
Great Patriot!!!
Good for him for using his voice and platform to help end this cult that has damaged and hurt SO many people and families.
If only more would speak out ! Many “stars” had some knowledge of it good or bad! But these “ stars” were treated differently ! Special treatment for them !!
Exactly! Well said.
Let's hope he goes after the cults of christianity, Judaism and Islam next.
I have a vulnerable relative who,thought Scientology would take care of her in her old age. She agreed to work for them, answering phones, 8 hrs a day often 6 days a week, sometimes 12 hrs a day. So she didn’t have time to work to earn any money. They charged her for every little thing. She lived in a back storage area in a Scientology families home and had to cook for them . They charged her $400/month rent! Which came out of her meager savings. She worked her agreed 3 years, she never “got cleared” of anything in her life (bad memories, experiences ) such nasty film flamers. Disgusting what they did to a vulnerable older lady.
They “cleared” her of her money and that is disgusting!! A bunch of brainwashing con artists who get people under their control and ruin a lot of lives. Whoever in the IRS made the mistake of giving them church status should be ashamed!!
You need to keep telling people this in the various comment sections of all these vids on the internet about them .
And tell them what happened to her after she moved on from them and how she struggled or is still struggling .
Not to be that guy but if you think $400 a month for rent is ridiculous then youre tapped
@@jakefromstatefarm4771 WOW did you miss the point entirely. Let me make it clearer. They didn’t pay this lady for working from them and they took what little savings she had. She paid THEM to live and work for them. In order to go clear they charge you! They milk you for every dime you have. Every level you complete they charge you. All for the church! They have you run up your credit cards. Take out loans. Pay them to belong.
@@xxThink_Againxx tldr, don't care
I hope Mike Rowe gets in touch with Leah to become more involved in ending the church of scientologys abuses.
I think if you wanted to get in touch with Leah they would already be in touch. Maybe she will invite him onto her podcast. That would be fun!
Mike has a lot of his own projects going. Anyone who wants to break open Scientology needs to contact Mike, not add it to his plate.
Exactly! I love him!
I love Mike Rowe. He's so awesome how he digs right on any job that is dirty and difficult. He sheds light on the horribleness of certain jobs.
Mike Rowe just rivets me with his genuinely down to earth personality. Scientology has got to be held accountable and its tax status revoked. Such a malicious entity.
True! Preys on the poor!
Like the prosperity gospel Christian churches?
Scientology is buying up Clearwater Florida. Their HUGE headquarters near the courthouse has hundreds of cameras .pointed in every direction. They are buying all the vacant stores and whole city blocks are now their buildings. Taxes are no longer getting collected on those properties. If you get stopped at a traffic light, take note if the guys in suits and secret service earpieces checking the cars and car doors of vehicles parked in their parking lots. Unbelievable how paranoid these people are. What are they afraid of?
@@rosspimental8384 they are pretty much the same--cults, not real, God loving faithful.
All organized religion is a scam the longest running scam and otherwise inteligent people fall for it. I dont get it
I think of Mike Rowe as the “modern-day” James Stewart. He IS so relatable! Wonderful that he speaks out against Scientology!! His post is concise and perfectly stated. Thank you Mike! ❤️
Mike Rowe is the voice for common sense and everything real - love his work so much!!
Totally!
I was living in Baltimore back in the early 2000s, and remember first watching Mike while he showed homes for sale on cable on Sundays. I then saw him on Dirty Jobs, and then got to watch him on a panel discussing the importance of, and desperate need for, skilled labor professionals (electrician, plumber, shrimper, etc.). I am a licensed clinical psychologist myself, but was always taught to have great respect for the gifted people who work with their hands and have learned a trade. Mike Rowe has always been a proponent of this, and I believe that is why he is respected deeply. ♥️
He's wrong about so many things that I can't even begin to start.
He's a terrific presenter, has the perfect voice, mannerisms, and sounds like such a down to earth guy. That makes him dangerous as he spreads his ridiculous ideas about how employment, work, and economics should be viewed. He has done a terrific job spreading BS to many folks as they get sucked in by his presentation skills.
He's a smooth operator spreading some very bad ideas.
@@BrianHoff04 such as what?
@@EmiliaJay Start with his SWEAT Pledge. What a cluster of weird pledges and incorrect ideas.
My ex husband’s family was into it. My ex tried desperately to get me involved but I knew it was cultish and refused. I had 10 years of on and off hell with him spending $$ behind my back to take their useless courses and putting his interest/obsession with the organization above our relationship. We ended up divorced and on the advice of Scientology he didn’t see his daughter (or support her) for 3 years. He neglected his son from a previous marriage as well. It was a good place for those of unstable and irresponsible character to hang out, I found. He wasn’t stupid but he had a personality disorder that made him vulnerable to this cult plus most of his family was into it as well. The organization is of a criminal nature, as most cults are. Thanks for this interview, hope it helps ppl to stay away from them.
@@morrisd2242 Get lost.
I used to live watching _Dirty Jobs_ , but at the back of my mind during the airing of that show was this nagging doubt, "Is Mike Rowe really that genuine and down to Earth, or when he gets off camera does he start acting like a diva who has to lower himself to that level?" And it's stuff like this that makes me realize, no, this guy is the real deal. Thanks for highlighting his piece!
I've met Mike and was on one of his shows and he really is a very genuine guy. I don't agree with 100% of what he posts, and he would be the first person to say of course that's ok. He does radiate integrity and respect.
So all you know of him is dirty jobs and this?
Way back in 74 while attending college one of these Scientology goofs tried to recruit me. I was clearly not in the least bit interested. I was hounded, followed, and harassed. Finally I had enough, I cornered the recruiter in a quiet hallway in the school. I told him to quit bothering me and implied that if the unwanted contact was not stopped immediately, I’d break both his legs. I’m a big guy, and was just back from South East Asia and the Vietnam war. I assured him that all I wanted was to be left alone. I never saw him again, was never recontacted.
Thank you for watching and commenting
Wow. Good for you.
That seemed to get his attention. Good.
I think them trying to "recruit" you was the tip off. I've stayed at a religious retreat myself in 1991, and i loved it. However, you had to be referred there by an ordained minister/ rabbi/ leader of some type. You ( the individual) had to be seeking them, not the other way around. The signs to look for are constraints: seclusion, locks on doors, being singled out. We had none of these. No lock on any door. Inside payphone, and you weren't allowed to stay past 90 days. I got my life back together, by communing with other misfits. Men only, with a women's only home across the river. I loved it. Haven't taken a drink since. Remember the signs: if they want to lock you in, it's the wrong place!
They send recruiters to college campuses, just like kkk and white supremacists have been doing for many years. So far, I've not seen any black scientologists. But, Leah did highlight in one of her episodes how scientology started going into black neighborhoods all over the country, infiltrating Muslim gathering places and converting them.
I have mad respect for Mike Rowe.
❤ Mike Rowe. I loved that show! He showed us common humanity and those kind of people who make the world go round! I’m so glad Spanky got out.
In the early 80’s I was a waitress at an ice cream parlor (and a senior in HS) and one of my patrons found L Ron Hubbard’s book in our store. She was quite upset and warned me away for it so vehemently that I have never forgotten it. I am very thankful to her!! I just hope that whatever her experience it ended ok💕
Another reason to love this guy. His candor is refreshing! Wish more celebs had the balls to follow suit!
"Celeb"? He had a TV show that ended 10 years ago.if he came our with this during his time on TV. Then he had "balls".(,whatever that means).stop putting these celebs on pedestals
They are the same as anyone else
One of the few so-called celebrities I still admire yes it show ended but he's done a lot of work since then and he has a podcast on Spotify so I guess he's not doing too bad.
Celebs are the most cowards and compromised people out there. Not ones to be looked upon
@@Lisboooa celebs like everyone else should be assessed one by one. Are the majority psychopaths? maybe. Mike is a good one.
I knew Rowe hired her, and this is the first time I’ve been able to thank him. Thank you Mike for giving a good person a life outside Scientology.
Spanky's testimony is horrific on every level! It is sick! Thanks Mike and Spanky!
When I was 18 I biked to a warehouse to interview for a sales job. They told me how selective they were going to be. I had hardly gotten back home when the phone rang and they said they wanted to hire me. I was going to be selling steaks and seafood door to door. They made us spend time staring into each other’s eyes each morning. I didn’t know for a week this was a Scientology owned business. I freaked and never went back. I’m a doc of psychology now and realize they tapped into self help psychology notions.
Wow! In which city?
Yep, I thought that too while listening to this. Thought Stopping is just part of Self Regulation Therapy, or SRT. All common approaches used by real Doctors with real facts.
I really respect how Mike Rowe and Spanky Taylor didn't soft soap anything. This cult needs to be taken down. It's sickening.
YES, let's all notify legislatures, representatives, gov tax policy people to REVOKE their tax-exempt status....this will end their cult bigtime.
It sounds kinda like what world economic forum Klaus Schwab wants to do to everyone!
Americans who were privileged to watch Mike Rowe's hilarious show fell for his incredible sense of humor amidst the truly,"dirty jobs," he found himself doing. Mike Rowe shared his incredible approach to life through his show. Week after week viewers like myself made sure we took a bathroom break before viewing his show AND Mike never disappointed his faithful viewing audience. I find it refreshing the way he has viewed Scientology and commend his dedication to former employee and friend. Thank you Mike, for using your fame to speak out the truth of Scientology.
Not to mention, his voice is intoxicating and he is quite easy on the eyes.
@@OldJoeBlows And when he sings, wow!!!!
@@carolemerckel3461 oh wow. I’ll have to look into that. Thanks. 👍
Mike Rowe was on Fox, promoting his parents book, while Fox lied for the president to the American people.
Y'alls bars are entirely too low, please don't prop up someone that hurts our country by helping fox profit on lies.
Mike made it off the backs of working Americans, then never went to the lengths people like John Stewart did to help the country that helped him.
Soooo...I don't trust him to do what's right for any of us.
Just another self promoting shill the boomers and elderly millennials cling to while he profits off looking like "one of us".
@@freedomishavingachoice3020 😂🤣John Stewart?? Why do you need help? Do it yourself. Did anyone ever tell you that life isn’t fair? If not, I may be the first to let you know. Nothing is promised to you just because you were born, except if you live in the USA and you get Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. No where does it say anyone has to help you reach your goals. Being a Biden supporter and by the tone and content of your comment, I’m not sure you’ll understand.
Thank you Aaron and Mike for this content.
Scientology threatened individual IRS employees. Their intimidation tactics were so effective that the IRS caved. Imagine how ruthless Scientology ploys must seem when you are the target.
A noisy investigation is what they call it and I mam also freaked the hell out how that happened!!! They bullied the government in plane sight, so what do they do in the dark?
They are very powerful.
Christian stand outside of abortion clinics and using intimidation tactics on women.
And their numbers are much larger. That's what scares me.
I beat the crap out of several of them in Minneapolis.
@@ellebelle4094 You doubt her claim? So tell us: how's the kool-aide tasting these days Elle? Whopper my ass.
Congratulations Spanky, especially for saving your child. All the best.
I hope and pray your child didn’t suffer any cognitive issues for lack of neonatal and post natal nutrition snd care.
Back in 2007 one of my daughters asked if I could take her for a movie audition. I refused at first because I didn't want my young daughter to be involved in the show biz. She begged me and I accept so she could at least get the experience of a one time audition. To my surprise she was chosen and we were asked to go to a different building that looked like a castle. I had no idea at that time that it was the Scientology building. The entire experience was so eerie, even my daughter felt something was off and she was only 12 yrs. They wanted to take her into a different room and I refused to allow that. I'm glad we both caught on to the brainwashing they wanted to pull with us. They gave us such a hard time by trying to convince us not to leave. It took us at least 30 minutes after I told them straight out that we were not interested for them to let us out. For a couple of years I had the feeling we were being followed. It was so scary. Back then I had no idea what Scientology was. If I would have known, I would have never set foot in that place.
Hello Lorena how are you doing today
Wow..thats quite a story. It def reminds me of the Jehovahs Witnesses when they go out of their way to bring in new young people
Wow thats crazy, but 100% believable
Realize Scientology is vastly less murderous than any other religion..
@@BuzzLOLOL sounds like a brainwashed cultist Scientologist!
Thanks Mike Rowe for using your influence & common sense to open people's eyes enough that it makes it harder for authorities to ignore the atrocities of this cult. 👍. These people do not even get much at the end of their lives. 😢
Yes truth needs to surface. Thats why we do not watch Tom Cruise movies. We will not support Scientology. Period.
Right on, same here 👍👍👍👍
my childhood best friend ended up in scientology in clearwater in his late teens. all we knew about scientology was what the TV ads for dianetics said, something about it being the modern science of mental health. who doesn't want to be mentally healthy. to his great credit, he almost instantly figured out that he was a guest of a whacked out cult and escaped soon after
I used to walk by their building everyday to work. There was a large mentally I’ll homeless population bc the state mental
Health hospital was very close by. I would see the way they treated these other humans and hear their disgust. It was the opposite of any church I had seen
@@tatianagranger2427 So you heard from a bunch of homeless crazy people and that's what you are basing your opinion on. WTF is wrong with you?
When I was there on vacation my friend and I would drive by there on the way to Clearwater Beach. The building was as big as a capital building. It just gave you an eerie feeling every time you drove by. Supposedly Tom Cruise lives very close by as well as Kirstie Alley. Also I read too that just before John Travolta's wife passed away she made him promise her that he would leave Scientology.
thank God there is common sense left in this world.
Dianetics is just healthy living for the first 115 pages... then it goes psychotic like other religions... but no written orders to mass murder everyone like other religions have...
Mike Rowe is one of the best . Love him and his wonderful parents ❤
mike rowe is a national treasure we must protect him at all cost
That voice alone
Deal !! I love his laugh 😃 fills me with warmth 💕
He’s a Baltimorean just like me!
And at some level, this poor lady is still brainwashed. "I kidnapped my kids ..." No, Spanky, you RESCUED your kids, and good for you! That must have taken incredible courage, given all that you had been through. You are amazing!
She is a warrior 🙌✨
l love this man! Mike! Call me❤️
It was a prison, she DID kidnap them. I knew someone who was a Scientologist for 16 years. So hard to escape.
@@plaidpaisley5918 Nonsense! She had every right to rescue her children, and that is precisely what she did. That is NOT kidnapping.
@@karlayork877 she had to use kidnapping tactics to rescue them!
I've always loved Mike Rowe. Dirty Jobs was one of my favorites. I love how he hosted Deadliest Catch.
I have a new level of respect for him
Scientology tried to fool me when I was younger. It started with a personality test. When they started telling me about aliens and Ron Hubbard was the leader I was gone.
Cults are dangerous, hopefully this will help others avoid the same traps and those trapped to escape.
Mike Rowe is honest, and a mental and physical stud. Love him!
It really makes you consider what kind of a person Travolta really is. Sure he might be a “sweet person” but if he lets a close friend and trusted confidant endure that kind of abuse…then he’s a bad person. Period.
Sociopaths and narcissists are so good at deception when they are charming. That's why they're so successful.
bingo.
Straight-up! People around der fuhrer said that ol' Adolf came off as a nice, sweet person in his personal life. It doesn't mean he was a good guy!
Everyone who undergoes auditing and that is EVERY scientologist, has a file on them containing the auditor's notes on the person they are auditing. The questions that are asked range from the benign to the extremely personal. Travolta's sexual preferences have been questioned for years. It was probably an area which he was probably thoroughly questioned. Since the e meter is considered infallible, Travolta would be fearful of being less than truthful regarding his answers especially if he was assured that his answers would be held in strict confidence. Of course that was a lie and the person being audited didn't realize that the session was being videotaped.
Standing Ovation 💗
I watched Leah R.’s mini series and was shocked this outfit exists and is sponsored by our government with regards to tax exemption. As for it being a religion, of course IT’S NOT A RELIGION. If there is a group that helps people escape this madness, I’ll be happy to donate.
I wonder why the show is no longer being filmed? It was very educational and eye opening about cults. Especially Scientology. I hope she’s doing ok.
Hubbard was a science fiction writer. He laughed his ass off all the way to the bank about the "religion" he created. He's still laughing now from beyond the grave. But this a large reason why I find it difficult to take any religion seriously.
Call it what it is, a cult.
And yet, Scientology isn’t nearly as dangerous as the evangelical cult of Trump.
@@byMidnyt if good and evil and Dod and the Devil are true. I imagine he’s not laughing so much. Just a thought.
I am so glad Mike made this statement about this!!!! I love everything about him, his is no bull 💩.
God bless Mike Rowe! So articulate, respectful and intelligent is this man who expresses real REALITY for all to understand. 🙏
**Every time I see your precious daughter come on, my heart skips a beat.. to see her happy and thriving due to her fathers bravery and love.. So proud of you Aaron for giving her that.
Scientology is so absurd...I read Hubbard's book 30 years ago, half way through I realized it wasn't the worst Sci Fi writing I'd ever seen...that nut case was serious, after a good long laugh I tossed the silly thing into a barrell.
Kinda like what might have happened if Manson had started and continued a large powerful cult with connections in high place, and hadn't executed the 1969 events. Only difference is Manson was probably far more sane.
You dodged that bullet! 😊
I still remember the ads for his book I'd see on TV as a kid.
Agreed. He created Scientology for power. What he saw all over society was selfish, lying human beings also seeking power socially. That idea is everywhere. I have no doubt he created Scientology because he was angry at women. He was a genius and an asshole. He did live the truth compared to Christians, but he ended up being a zealot. Basically, Hubbard was mentally ill (like everyone else here). I am absolutely certain he was a psychic medium, but didn’t like the messages from the “body thetans”. He was rejecting the information. If you listen to the band TOOL, the ideas are the same. It’s always about telepathy.
IF YOU FOCUS ON TELEPATHY AND NOT RELIGION, THEN YOU GET IT!
Everyone that focuses on the religious / authoritarian aspects of Scientology is missing the overall point of Scientology. This excludes people born into it with strict parents (for a short while). You’re SUPPOSED to reject human authority altogether and figure out the Universe on your own. That’s the core belief of Scientology. People want a sense of belonging, so they allow authority in other people in the church. All churches are stupid. Everyone here is psychic. Either people take shit from others and they allow people to tell them they are inferior socially, or they reject that idea completely. All of the real Scientologists are psychic mediums. Anyone playing head games over power in the church is an asshole. You’re supposed to love other people, not toy with people that haven’t healed and don’t understand. All the people that haven’t healed try to hurt other people. When people love they focus on the spirit and love others. This idea is true for Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and everything else out there. Scientologists aren’t all bad, but the authoritarianism needs to go for good.
Scientology is much more realistic than any other religion out there. That is what is cool about it. Scientology is based on psychic mediumship and telepathy. The core belief of Scientology is that disembodied thetans are communicating telepathically with human beings in the mind. All the e-meter, volcano / aliens, and Xenu bullshit is just plain stupid. The rejection of psychiatry is an excellent idea, however. That is self love.
No one really needs Scientology. People just need to focus psychic and heal with love from Source. If people don’t focus away from authoritarians and allow people to push them around, they never see themselves as psychic.
Read this from Wikipedia.:
“Scientology claims not to preach or impose a particular idea of god on Scientologists. According to Scientology promotional materials, followers are expected to discover the truth through their own observations as their awareness advances.
Scientology beliefs revolve around the immortal soul, the Thetan. Scientology teaches that the Thetan is the true identity of a person - an intrinsically good, omniscient, non-material core capable of unlimited creativity. Hubbard taught that Thetans brought the material universe into being largely for their own pleasure. The universe has no independent reality but derives its apparent reality from the fact that Thetans agree it exists. Thetans fell from grace when they began to identify with their creation rather than their original state of spiritual purity. Eventually they lost their memory of their true nature, along with the associated spiritual and creative powers. As a result, Thetans came to think of themselves as nothing but embodied beings.
In Scientology, the concept of the thetan is similar to the concept of self, or the spirit or soul. A body thetan or a BT is a disincarnate thetan who is "stuck" in, on or near a human body, and all human bodies are said to be infested by these disembodied thetans, or clusters of them.”
(Tom Cruise is a well known Scientologist and the executive producer of all of the Mission Impossible movies. I have no doubt he is responsible for this dialog.):
ua-cam.com/video/DyxyQ8Zd3qg/v-deo.html
Here are additional links about telepathy and psychic mediumship:
ua-cam.com/video/F_Jjqmd_qXo/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/T3nwEmyndMQ/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/hHcIOwgOHqk/v-deo.html
My mother was almost recruited in mid 70's at the Clearwater headquarters. I came SOOOOO close to being indoctrinated before the age of 10. That's so scary.
Exactly. I love Mike Rowe. I will listen to anything he has to say because he’s intelligent and he keeps it real. ❤
This is absolutely amazing. I had no idea that Mike was so passionately against Scam-antology. Ok. Used to be a passing fan of his show. Now I genuinely admire the man. I literally learned the ins and outs of this cult from watching Tory Magoo here on YT. It was about 17yrs ago. My husbands boss was in the cult and started bringing them into the work space. After being audited. I instantly had a bad feeling and started trying to research them. It wasn't easy so I was so glad to find Tory and a man named Mark Bunker, I believe. But as hard as I tried I couldn't get through to his boss. We lost Markham because of that cults programming. Guess I'm a bit sentimental this month. My bday is the 23rd. And Markham left us three days later a few years ago. Still hurts. I'm still angry. And would do just about anything to help bring down this cult once and for all. Thank you for the good work you do Aaron. You and Mike and everyone else that work with you are heroes.
Mike Rowe is the best. Straight forward, common sense, no bs.
I had to drive past their “Golden Base” a couple times when we lived in CA. I always prayed I wouldn’t get a flat tire or car trouble while going past!
The stories from people like Spanky and Leah about their babies or infant siblings in Scientology “nurseries” is so disturbing. I don’t care what “religion” you claim to be…CPS should be all over them. The idea of a room full of babies with dirty diapers, eye infections, hungry, and crying for help while being “looked after” by a 12 year old is sickening.
I'd like to see social services come in on that group. You will never ever see this group letting in social services at one of their children nurseries.
They have stopped letting people have kids inside the seaorg specifically to avoid getting in trouble for it… if you get pregnant in the sea org they push you to abort it or you get kicked out of the sea org for it … her story is from before they changed the rules when they had “nurseries”etc
@@msuew94 dear mary.....I thought slavery had ended. How do they keep getting away with it.
I feel so sorry for the children in scientology. Child neglect and abuse should never be allowed!!!
Hey, 12 year old brain surgeon...that was in the past memory of a thousand years of existence zenu!
I love Mike Rowe! He really is just a great down to earth guy.
When I was 18, I had received a Scientology book by L Ron Hubbard from a Dr who wanted me to become a Scientologist. I started reading the book and it was questionable because I had read the Bible and some of the things were put in the book, like love one another and so forth which was confusing to me. I asked my dad to read it and of course he did. He told me to give it back to the Dr, and so I did. Then my dad stopped seeing the dr and made my mom and me stop going to him. I was even more confused, but that was the only time I had ever heard and had experience with the cult.
Good thing you handed the book to your dad and he took it seriously and read it and took action for his family! Good for you to follow your instincts and ask questions to your dad too!
Smart Dad!
Several years ago I was given this book to read by a friend. I was totally unaware that it was a religious book. I handed it back to her and told her I don't read science fiction books.. I was totally unaware she was a Scientologist
@@helenes52 actually, L. Ron Hubbard was originally an author of science fiction. Not a far cry to Scientology.
Love Mike Rowe! I have been with him since the days of QVC. Then to his shows. Like all! I’m very thankful that people are finally opening their eyes to this religion.
My respect for Mike Rowe just went through the roof! Thank you for your informative content!
Aaron, YOU are on fire with your videos lately!!! This is awesome. I don’t know how things go viral, but this should!
Thank you!
💯
Ditto to that 100%!! #Aaronsonfire 🔥🙌🏻👏🏻👍🏻
Keep doing what you're doing brother! I've never been a Scientologist, I always thought it was way "out there" since I first learned about the "nuts and bolts" of Scientology and realized it's a money play that INCREDIBLY was given religious status by the IRS!!! I feel terrible for the average good hearted people who are looking to better themselves and help others who are Scientologists. I do think the upper echelon of criminals who take advantage of good people need to be exposed and taken down.
Amen to all of that
Fact is, all religions are evil mental illness...
This is so great AAron!
When I think of Mike Rowe 2 things come to mind common sense and character.
I'm so grateful people are willing to speak up against this dangerous cult. What amazes me is the number of people who didn't even know it existed. How can that be? Keep up this mission.
The media are afraid, even the IRS and law enforcement are AFRAID of a church, it's insanity
The more I learn about Scientology it just breaks my heart to hear the stories of the babies and the children I can’t imagine how anyone can allow that treatment with their children I’m so rebellious against evil I could’ve never allowed that with my kids I would’ve figured out a way to get out just like this lady did
Same reason the country is in this position today. People will never admit they've been fooled so they go full steam.
@@920WASHBURN amen 🙏🏻
They're seperated from their children. They often have to try to find them.
Since you have learned about scientology, can you help me understand: why would they jeopardize their young? That is the future of their church. So, one would think the young would be cherished. I know absolutely nothing about the field beyond reading, actors Cruise and Travolta belong.
They are brainwashed. Cults do this,they target people feeling lost,alone,oppressed then capitalize on that.
What is esp crazy is that until a few years ago there were people who witnessed RLH announcing that it was a moneymaking scheme.
I agree with Mike we should tax all the religions.
Mike Rowe is a great man and a great American. I could listen to him talk for hours on any subject
If Mike is a great man, then he is by default a great American... it goes without saying, greatness is all inclusive. Why should nationality have anything to do with "greatness", or quality of character?!? There have been many great people throughout history, and across the surface of this planet. Borders do not define or qualify the actions or intentions of those who act with justice and good will in their hearts, just as those same arbitrary lines do not disqualify those who seek to make the world a better place, despite being considered "foreign" by the laws of man. Divisions only serve to diminish the bonds that make us human, and minimize the contributions of those such as Mike, who are simply great people, full stop.
All cults prey on human insecurities by offering certainty. Cult leaders are always corrupted by their own power. But there is none more corrupt, or destructive to lives, than the science fiction of Scientology. Thank you, Mike Rowe, for your work.
Hey A Aron this is a very interesting video. Loved it. Wow. They really fit it in a lot of info in such a short period of time. Thanks
I did a deep dive into this about 15 years ago. Those folks are truly nuts!
You needed a deep dive to know this ?
I wonder how many infants and children have died in Scientology. It sounds like her children most likely wouldn't have survived if she had stayed. I'm sure there are many, many more stories like hers, but they didn't get their children out.
Mike is a Gem. Scientology is Evil. More need to speak up
Mike Rowe , Spanky, A.Aron - all true humans, not just from a humanitarian perspective. Walk the walk & talk the talk , & even put themselves on the line . You are all heroes. & to scientology escapees & SPs - survivors !! Thank you for posting, must check out Mike .- bb+B
Just when I think nothing else about Scientology could shock me, here we go again!
THANK YOU MIKE ROWE! THIS SCIENCETOLOGY IS OBNOXIOUS! THANK YOU FOR BRINGING IT TOO LIGHT!💕❤💕❤
How is this still considered a religion and "church" leaders not been charged and imprisoned for their crimes with all of the victim testimonies out there?!
because money talks and because scientology has infiltrated various government agencies and authorities (blackmailing the i.r.s., buddy buddy in cahoots with the l.a.p.d.) and so on..... Don't forget our way overboard "religious freedom" amendment........
same as the catholics
@@annekerotterdam7499 As a "wayward Catholic" as my late mother used to call me, I can tell you that Catholicism for all its faults is NOT the same. Both mothers and children aren't housed separately in weird compounds and starved to the point of death for starters. Catholics aren't required to monitor each other and report on their fellow church members either. Actual religions raise money to help poor people around the world. I will admit that those people do get a dose of the faith doing the distributing of the aid. If you watch the show that exposes Scientology by the woman from the show King of Queens, you'll find out that they raise money then pretend to use it to help people around the world. That's the least of the bad things that this group does.
@@annekerotterdam7499 Wrong in so many ways it's not even funny..... educate yourself on what scientology is and always has been...
@@marywood8794 Catholics raise money from poor people, Italia, South America, to build cathedrals. I know Scientology
ANYTHING that everyone's favorite Uncle says is good enough for me. Dude's an unusual sort of genius in boots, bluejeans and a Cat Diesel hat and packin' a lunch box (2 bologna samidges and a Thermos of black coffee). If he ran for President he'd get plenty of votes from the blue collar sector.
Religious Deprogramming takes years.
Hats off to anyone who manages it.
Mike is a good guy.
Political deprogramming takes years too.
@@ramonalopez7516 ah hahaha
Spanky's story is heartbreaking! 💔 I cannot imagine not being friends with someone simply because we don't believe, vote, think, look, or live the same way. 😥
💯
Many many people exclude themselves from aquintances friends and family based on beilef...many did it and do it.
@@ydonnay3145 - And they are insecure in themselves & their beliefs if they do. Just because someone is different doesn't automatically them them wrong & you right or vice versa. We cannot grow grow without being exposed to new or different ideas, ways of accomplishing things, etc.
I have many friends that are totally antithetical to the way I vote, live, believe etc. But the way things are going they are trying to keep that from happening. Which is a shame. Having friends that believe differently from you, enriches your life.
@@kathenavarro6850 - Yes, it does enrich our lives to have people around us that are different from us. It does take patience, understanding, knowledge, & work to create a relationship with other people, but to me, it keeps us grounded in reality & appreciate the diversity of humanity.
We don't have to agree with someone to treat them with the same respect & dignity we want for ourselves. It's depressing to me to see so many people these days not wanting or willing to bridge differences or come to an understanding. The polarization of our country is tearing us apart.
It just boggles the mind that this stuff still exists and that seemingly intelligent people allow themselves and their loved ones to be subjected to such blaten abuse.
Hi Linda how are you?
Why would that shock you? Fundamentalist Christians control and ruin millions of lives as we speak! Also Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons who steal peoples very lives from them. Typically not as overtly aggressive as Scientology but the end result is very similar psychologically. They ruin people with the god bullshit.
Natural selection
The Church of Scientology is the complete opposite of the Gift of Grace through Christ's sacrifice, a free gift if you choose redemption through Him.
Thankyou for your tenacity in getting out the things happening in the "so called " church of Scientology.
Wow. More people need to speak up on this topic. That location in California is about 45 minutes from me. When I pass there I get a sickening feeling. These people need help
I just love Mike Rowe!
Back in the 80s I worked in central London in several large firms of lawyers mostly in personal injury. In one firm, the lawyer I was working for had several clients who were escapees from Scientology and who were suing Scientology for false imprisonment among other things. For some reason at that time, these people were pursuing things in a civil court. It might have been to get their money back from Scientology. I remember reading with incredulity the sums of money that these people had paid over to Scientology and why. These people were educated people like doctors and lawyers, one I believe might have been some sort of Professor. I could not understand how they could be so duped and brainwashed to get involved with it. I was only young, in my early twenties then, but even I could not understand how intelligent people could fall for this complete crap. I remember reading their statements; how one chap was tied up in a basement somewhere and kept prisoner because he wanted to leave and was not allowed to. Also how if their whole family was involved in scientology, that if they left, their family was not allowed to have anything more to do with them and treat them as if they were dead. It's of course a long time ago now, so I can't still remember all the details. I read a lot of statements and I was totally shocked by what I read at the time.
I know what you mean. I was recruited into the so-called Communication course when I was a college kid in the 1970's. The first thing I noticed was that the scientology staff running the course refused to communicate. They were not allowed to answer questions. All inquiries were referred to an L.Ron Hubbard book which they were eager to sell. The next thing I noticed was the scientology staff were mostly all chain smokers - you could smoke cigarettes indoors in those days and cigarettes were still cheap. Then I noticed that the "comm" course was stupid and unlikely to improve communication skills. When they started pressuring me to pay thousands of dollars for something called auditing they wouldn't answer questions about that either. I never finished the course.
I've fallen for some stupid stuff in my life. Fortunately scientology isn't one of them.
He used to be a TV shopping host. I can’t believe they hired him for that. He made fun of the junk out loud! I love him!
Are you talking about the RONCO guy? His name was Ron Popell. L. Ron Hubbard founded Scientology. He died in 1986. The RONCO Ron died last year.
"Set it and forget it!"
QVC? Aka The Q🤣🤣🤣There a video of him having to sell a cat toy and it is every bit as awesome as you would imagine
I love his story about his initial interview for QVC. . I'm not sure if it was paraphrased as a pencil, but they handed him a pencil (could have been some other random desk object) and he yammered on about what it's features were why you needed one, etc, but in the EXACT WAY you would imagine. Having such a firm grasp on the English language like he does, it was pretty great. He and Anthony Bourdine have to be my favorite non-fiction short format writers. Sure wish Anthony was still with us. 😔
@@whiskeysquiker Agreed☺️
@@hildeschmid8400 no Mike worked at qvc
I have been absolutely loving all of your content recently. Thanks for all you do to expose Scientology. So glad you got out, and are helping others get out too!
Working for free would be the main sign to me that it was time to leave. Especially for a billion years.
I am a veterinarian and my first job was with a hospital group that used "Sterling Management" techniques. Sterling Management is (was, I don't know if it's still around) an offshoot of the Church of Scientology. They use Scientology concepts (Such as the Tone Scale, Org charts and the Dev-T) to supposedly increase revenue for Vets, Dentists and small, independent medical practices. The practice owner denied that SM had anything to do with Scientology despite using "Psychological Testing" from LRH, Inc. One day we had a group from Sterling headquarters in Clearwater, FL come to visit and they also denied any connection with Scientology. I was, of course, skeptical and so when the subject of Hubbard came up I told them what I knew, that L. Ron Hubbard was a failed science-fiction writer who one day spoke with John W. Campbell (Editor of Astounding Magazine). Campbell supposedly said "Ron, you know the easiest way to make a million dollars, don't you? Start a religion!" Hubbard soon took some vague science-fictiony subjects, mashed them together and published "Dianetics". When I said such disparaging things about Hubbard you could FEEL the hatred these people had developed for me. The practice owner noticed, as well, and very soon he "fired" Sterling Management. These people are insidious on SO many levels.
My brother, a dentist, moved to California. He took over the practice of another dentist that was retiring. He needed to build up the practice and hired a PR firm that was supposed to help him. Unbeknownst to him, at the time, it was a company owned by Scientology (or Scientologists). A few weeks in, when they started telling him what to do to become more successful, he realized what he had gotten himself into, he fired them. Unfortunately, because he had given them all of his bank info (why, I don't know) they cleaned out his account. He lost everything! It took him years to get out of that hole!
@@kathenavarro6850 I'm so sorry that happened, Kathe. I hope your brother recouped his loss.
Scientology teaches its members to set up businesses that use Scientology techniques. The will always deny the business is a branch of Scientology, but the operate using Scientology techniques.
Wow, great comments! I've heard the story about l Ron Hubbard and Campbell discussing inventing religion... I tend to believe it's true. I'm glad you got away from that group, and by the way, I'm a big animal lover so thanks for what you do!
Good for you!
She is so sweet. Glad she got out and saved her baby
Thank you for watching and commenting
Excellent podcast, stories and very brave people. Mike Rowe made me laugh for years, and I have an even bigger respect for him now.
Hi Kathy how are you?
Operation Clambake from old internet was my original source and rally against Scientology. I was videotaping the joint in NYC when one of the minions asked me if I wanted to know more and I was like “I already know about you.” Then they kept watching
This brings back some strong memories in my case. My older sister was getting sucked in by the scientologists and quickly bought a paperback about them did a quick read. I told my sister point black this group was complete b.s. and don't walk run away. The core beliefs when you dive into it is complete and utter science fiction which was what Ron Hubbard was a science fiction writer. How they got religious status is beyond belief.
My sister, who was 12 years older than me, gave me L. Ron Hubbard’s book when I was ~18. She was all amped up about this Scientology precursor, but I only got through a few chapters, and gave the book back to her. She asked what I thought, and I said “I think you have lost your mind!” She said I was too young to understand, and I told her that “if you buy this sh*t, then you need serious mental help.” Years later, after many episodes of crazy things she committed, my entire family realized I was right!!
They weren't able to get tax exempt since the 60's they were desperately trying and failed until the Clinton's Presidency that's when they finally were able to be recognized as a religion and tax exempt. Talk about corruption the Clinton's Obama's Biden's Nancy Pelosi ect, and of course hollywood elites who don't live like the individuals who are not Tom Cruise ect, rat's
And a “B” science fiction writer at that! And they got the tax-exempt church status, as I understand it, by having a lot of money to pay many lawyers, both in and out of the cult, to spend 25 years fighting the IRS. Apparently, the IRS finally just got worn down by the seemingly unlimited legal resources the cult had, so just gave in. And this was years ago. Imagine the money they have today to pay for all those lawyers!
@@cydkriletich6538 Hi friend with all due respect. They received the tax exempt from the Clinton's Presidency. The Clinton's foundation is one of the biggest scams ive ever found. Unbelievable ! again there attorneys ect, were trying desperately to accomplish getting tax exempt since the 60's an failed time after time regardless of the enormous amounts of money that they were pouring into campaigns an it was 1993 the Clinton's gave it to David miscavage, i did some research and that's how i learned about it is sick twisted evil.
Probably had dirt on the President at that time. That was one dirty ass President after all.
Over the years that I've heard Mike talk about all sorts of things, he's ALWAYS impressed me by his obvious intelligence, knowledge, integrity and general "goodguyness". One of the thoughts that always comes to mind is, "How great it would be if this guy were President!!" That's especially the case during the last three administrations.
funny, I just made this comment on the previous comment!
I Love Mike Rowe He Tells It Like It Is We Need More People Like Him 👍
The American Taxpayer shouldn't be subsidizing ANY "religion". They should have to pay taxes just like everyone else.