Blown for Good: Behind The Iron Curtain of Scientology

By: Marc Headley
  • Summary

  • Marc Headley worked at Scientology’s secret desert compound, which houses all Scientology management, for 15 years. The 500-acre property is located deep in the California desert. The local townspeople were told lectures and films were made there. But is that all that was happening? It is the location of a multi-million dollar home for L. Ron Hubbard, built two decades after his death. It is the home of Scientology’s current leader, David Miscavige. So what really happens at the Int Base? Are the stories on the internet true? How does Scientology conduct management of its day-to-day operations? Could stories of armed guards, weapons, staff beatings, and razor wire fences be true? If so, how could a facility like this exist in modern-day America? Hundreds of staff tried to escape over the years. Some succeeded but were never seen or heard of again, and most failed. Why were people kept here? What really went on at the headquarters of Scientology? This is the story of what happened behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology.
    © 2023 Blown for Good: Behind The Iron Curtain of Scientology
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Episodes
  • Escaping Scientology's Emotional Hold: Rachel Bernstein on Breaking Free, Cult Recovery, and Reclaiming Identity - Life After Scientology #7
    Nov 19 2024

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    What if leaving a controlling organization feels like escaping an abusive relationship? This question forms the backbone of our conversation with Rachel Bernstein, a renowned therapist and cult recovery expert. Rachel shares her personal journey, sparked by her sibling's brief involvement in Scientology during their childhood, which led to shifts in family dynamics and piqued her lifelong curiosity. Together, we navigate the deceptive nature of cult front groups and the extreme measures Scientology employs to silence critics, revealing the monumental challenges faced by those supporting cult recovery.

    Stories from individuals who have felt trapped within Scientology bring to light the parallels with abusive relationships, where fear of the outside world is ingrained. Support groups become lifelines, offering solidarity and community to those who have left, helping to reduce feelings of isolation. As we explore the gradual journey of recovery, we underscore the importance of recognizing the world as a welcoming place and embracing the help and support available. This transformative process involves understanding Scientology's control methods and finding empowerment through storytelling and reclaiming personal identity.

    Rachel emphasizes the necessity of reclaiming one's voice and emotional intelligence post-Scientology. She provides insights into practical skills like setting boundaries, engaging in small talk, and learning to navigate mainstream society. Our discussion also highlights the importance of therapists familiarizing themselves with the unique lexicon of those from cult backgrounds, akin to learning a new language, to truly understand and support their recovery. Join us for an insightful episode filled with personal anecdotes and strategies to empower listeners in their own journeys of transformation and healing.

    Support the show

    BFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/

    Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

    Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/

    PODCAST INFO:
    Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160/share
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503

    Spotify: ...

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    59 mins
  • Unveiling Scientology's UK Activism: Apostate Alex on Education Challenges, Sea Org Childhoods, and Legal Struggles - Life After Scientology #6
    Nov 12 2024

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    What if a belief system you thought was just eccentric turned out to be fundamentally abusive? Apostate Alex returns to the podcast to unravel the complex activism efforts against Scientology in the UK, working with Members of Parliament to challenge the organization’s behavior. From halting local Dianetics book sales to advocating for a parliamentary debate, we discuss the crucial shift in public perception needed to understand Scientology as an abusive organization, with a focus on educating law enforcement about the unique challenges faced by Sea Organization members.

    Moving into the realm of education, we share personal stories from Greenfields, a Scientology-affiliated school, where promises of an advanced education meet the harsh reality of financial barriers. With insights into how non-Scientologist students inadvertently encounter Scientology principles, we shine a light on prominent figures like Peter Hodkin and the influence they wield. Ongoing protests and legal challenges are explored, underscoring the broad implications of Scientology’s reach and the efforts to counteract their maneuvers.

    We also confront the harrowing experiences within Scientology’s Cadet Org, where restrictive policies and neglect paint a grim picture of childhood in the Sea Org. From systemic failures in child protection to the emotional toll on those who grew up within the organization, the discussion emphasizes the urgent need for safeguarding measures. Personal stories of isolation, neglect, and the intricate relationships within second-generation Scientology families highlight the moral responsibility to report abuses and ensure accountability. Join us as we raise awareness and provide support for those affected by the Church of Scientology.

    Support the show

    BFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/

    Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

    Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/

    PODCAST INFO:
    Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160/share
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503

    Spotify: ...

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Unveiling Scientology's Underbelly: Bobblehead Fundraisers, Global Decline Insights, and Escaping the Cult's Clutches w/ Claire & Marc Headley Scientology Stories (Live) #49
    Nov 5 2024

    Send us a text

    Can a bobblehead be more than just a collectible? We think so! Join us as we share the journey of how a Scientology hate video inspired a fundraising phenomenon, with the proceeds powering the life-changing work of the Aftermath Foundation. We celebrate the launch of our Leah Remini bobblehead, a project five years in the making and packed with challenges from getting the right likeness to navigating entertainment industry hurdles. Our SP Shop items, including Mike Rinder's bobblehead and SP bracelets, are more than quirky memorabilia—they're tools for supporting those looking to escape the clutches of Scientology.

    Curious about the real state of Scientology's global reach? We introduce The See Org, an online initiative led by passionate super fans determined to shine a light on Scientology's dwindling presence worldwide. Explore our discussions on the most run-down and underutilized orgs, and discover the exciting contest for snapping the quirkiest Scientology locations. With prizes like limited edition Leah Remini bobbleheads at stake, we aim to unravel the myth of Scientology's rapid expansion and encourage more of you to participate in documenting these seldom-seen realities.

    Our community's support is the heartbeat of our mission, and we're excited to bring you updates on volunteer opportunities and fundraising efforts. We discuss innovative ideas like gift cards and tech donations for those transitioning out of Scientology, and share reflections on the importance of humor in handling heavy topics. From the therapeutic value of jokes to the serious impact of sharing personal stories, we embrace our shared commitment to exposing the truths of Scientology while ensuring our work remains accessible and engaging. Don't miss out on supporting our cause through the SP Shop and by staying connected with our content across platforms.

    Support the show

    BFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/

    Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

    Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/

    PODCAST INFO:
    Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160/share
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503

    Spotify: ...

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins

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Comprehensive insights into a dangerous cult

Love the episode format. With so much material to work with, it is broken down into bite-size chunks.
The Headley's are doing important work sharing, educating and saving people from scientology.
So much respect for them and their work.

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