On one of the recent Fair Game Podcast, Chris Shelton recommended Robert Jay Lifton's book Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism . Then Mockingbird posted a comment concerning this and I thought it important to include it as a post, as he summarizes the eight criteria for Thought Reform isolated by the author. I should note, there are many excellent articles at Mockingbird's Nest blog. Here is his comment in full. I have highlighted the 8 criteria. Mike Rinder recently pointed out something that most people miss, even experts. He pointed out that the E meter is used … [Read more...]
Episode 36: Critical Thinker Chris Shelton Part 2
This week's episode is a continuation from last week with Chris Shelton. We take a deep dive into the the "Truth Rundown" and Rehabilitation Project Force, but of course touch upon other things in doing so. If you want to hear more of Chris' insights, you can tune into his Sensibly Speaking Podcast. There is a wealth of material there. The "Truth Rundown" is one of the most remarkable things Hubbard developed. It is the most direct and unvarnished brainwashing technique in scientology. It is intended for use on Sea Org members, though some others have unfortunately been … [Read more...]
Episode 35: Chris Shelton Part 1
This week, Leah and I are joined by our old friend Chris Shelton. He is a very well-informed former scientology executive who has provided some of the most cogent analyses of scientology in his podcasts, appearances and writings. He is studying Psychology of Coercive Mind Control at the University of Salford. This is a fascinating discussion that covers a wide range of topics -- so much so that we recorded a second episode which will be Part 2 next week, taking a deep dive into two topics. A lot of what we talk about today concerns the fake “religious” aspects of … [Read more...]
Episode 22: Geoff Levin Musician, a Founder of Celebrity Centre
Fair Game podcast is back to normal this week after the holiday season schedule, and we welcome Geoff Levin. I will post the link here as soon as its available. Geoff often comments here at the blog, and some of you may know he wrote the theme music we use on the podcast. What you may not know is that he was around for, and played an integral role of the formation of Celebrity Centre. He was a member of the rock band People!. We talk to Geoff about the destruction of his successful band -- scientology "ethics" caused them to throw out the lead singer for … [Read more...]
Our 10th Anniversary
The first blog post on mikerindersblog.org was on 5 November 2009. It's been 10 years but it sure doesn't seem that long! It's been a lot of fun along the way. I have met many wonderful people here (and quite a number subsequently IRL which has been especially gratifying). Hopefully I have opened a window to discovering the truth about scientology for many. This blog would not have been possible without the support of many who have helped. While it is a labor of love (or perhaps passion) it IS labor and first my thanks to the many contributors who have provided content and … [Read more...]