This week Leah and I speak with my wife, Christie.
I will add the link as soon as it is live.
While there is always a lot of interest in me, Christie has her own story. She is much more than simply my other half. Her entire immediate family, just like mine, disconnected from her when she began to question things and tried to communicate this to them. When our son, Jack, was 6 months old we visited LA and tried to see Christie’s parents to introduce them to their grandson. Her mother was sent away to the Freewinds. Her father, who I have never met, is a former pro-linebacker in the NFL. He hid inside his house and refused to come to the door. Such is the grip of fear scientology holds over people… This is a similar story to when I went to visit my mother in Australia when she was in a nursing home and I knew it would be my last chance to see her. Scientology sent her away when they found out I had driven to Melbourne.
Christie (along with her ex-husband, Chris) was featured on the front page of the Sunday New York Times in a story about her disconnection. For those of you who may take the time to read this or watch the subsequent interview, please remember this was early on in the process of escaping the brainwashing of scientology, and her views about scientology are very different today, though the disconnection has not changed.
Following that story, she was interviewed by Matt Lauer on the Today Show:
and then Anderson Cooper for AC 360 Part 4 of his History of Violence series (which also featured my ex-wife). Christie’s segment begins at about 6:35.
After this is when the real Fair Game began. Christie and I together were seen as a major threat to Miscavige, and the harassment was non-stop.
Christie talks about Jim Lynch, the washed-up reporter hired by “Freedom” magazine to harass targets of scientology’s Fair Game campaigns. Lynch was a constant presence in our world for a couple of years (he subsequently died).
This is Jim Lynch in action with Marty Rathbun and me in Los Angeles:
And in Tarpon Springs, FL:
You will note, he always had a “bruiser” or two with him along with one or two cameramen. The intent was intimidation. The woman he is trying to harass in the second video was Robert Almblad’s partner — we had been eating lunch in a restaurant and walked out to find Lynch and Co. waiting in the parking lot for an “ambush” interview. This was his favored method. Follow you and jump in when you were walking out – as Christie described it.
Just as he appeared inside the Enterprise car rental location in Los Angeles. This same manager who threw him and his gang out was there when I returned the car we had rented after it had been rear-ended by scientology PI Dave Lubow who was following Marty Rathbun and I (too closely).
No surprise, when we stopped after the incident and waited for the police to arrive, just down the road was Jim Lynch…
This is the story of scientology spy Heather McAdoo Christie talks about. She lived in a house across the street rented by the same PI (Dwayne Powell) who was arrested for stalking Ron Miscavige Snr. This is the same house Cierra Westerman had lived in — we interviewed her on The Aftermath. She, along with Heather was one of Dwayne’s stable of girlfriends.
Christie also mentioned scientology videographer Bert Leahy comes forward to spill the beans about what was really going on in Texas when he was hired to help spy on and harass Marty and Monique Rathbun by scientology PI Dave Lubow.
We talk about the open letter to my family
And my daughter and ex-wife who are being used by scientology in their smear campaign against me with their “Justice 4 Mom” website:
For good measure, a link to a website that regularly debunks everything on “Justice4Mom” with actual facts.
And finally, the brighter side of things. Christie has built a successful Doula Agency from nothing. Their website Buddha Belly Doulas and on Instagram.
And because I realized when I was listening to this episode again how much we talked about our boys, here is a family photo from a few years ago. They are both considerable taller, but this shot captures their personalities well:
I have been looking into Scientology and what it does for a while. But form everything i have learned is that there are so many abuses. I’ve listened to every episode of the podcast but this one sticks out to me. I’m not sure why. Listening to Christie’s story was interesting she seems like such a wonderful person. You two seem like a perfect match. I’ve seen the live streams that you did together and I have read your book and seen the pictures of you two on Instagram. It truly is such a nice thing to see and hear that you have eachother. You both have gone through so much separately and together. I don’t know many couples or just in general people who can go through what either of you to did and have gone through. I think it’s very important to have someone. It’s clear that you have found that someone who stands by you so encouraging and support you. Af6er reading the updated version of your book. I am so happy that you have Christie. Not only do you have a family together but you have a actual relationship/ marriage that is full with actual true and unconditional love and not Scientologys conditioned love. It brings me such joy knowing that you have eachother. You truly have met the one for you. It’s clear to see that. From jot only this episode or the livestreams. The joy that emulated from you both when you talk to or about eachother is extremely beautiful.
This has to be my favorite episode of the podcast tou have done! Christie seems like such a wonderful person. Her story is very interesting. I listed to the live streams that she did with you and with Amy Scobee. She also just seems to be a very caring person. It’s heartbreaking that her family turned on her for Scientology. It’s horrible that it happens to anyone in the first place but she has proven herself to be a person who values family over everything. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been and how hard it still may be.
On a more positive note. You have eachother. You seem like the perfect match. It shows in every video that you have done together and even just pictures of you both that you are truly happy and in love. Honestly after reading your book I think your ex wife divorcing you may have been one of the best things to have happened to you right behind leaving Scientology. But I don’t think leaving Scientology is the best thing you did i think it is the second best. I think the best thing is you finding Christie and being with her and making a family and actually knowing seeing and feeling true love. I think that relationships like you and Christie’s are incredibly valuable. Seeing how happy you are together and how you both absolutely adore eachother without a doubt. I think anyone can see is very obvious that you are both in love with eachother.You seem to have met your match. I think you know that.
Completely forgot to add that Christie is absolutely gorgeous 😍 Im sure you know that. You two are such a great couple.
I finished listening to the fair game podcast today. All the episodes where incredible but I had to go back and listen to Christie’s. I found her story incredibly fascinating. I listened to the interviews she did with Amy Scobee too. She is a brilliant story teller. Christie seems like such a kind hearted woman from what I have seen if her on the podcast and YouTube videos. Her story shows her strength and love. I am sure you know and see that every day. It is truly inspiring what she has done since leaving that hellish cult. Building a successful business from scratch it takes alot of drive and determination. Even more so in her field of work being a doula. As well as building a family after losing her parents ,siblings, and friends.
Christie is an absolute warrior to say the least. After listening to the podcast and youtube videos it is clear that she loves and care for you very much. I think it’s even more clear to see how much you love her. I mean I can’t see how people wouldn’t like Christie. She seems like such a sweet soul who holds the ones she loves closest to her. She is also absolutely stunning. Anyone can see that.
I’m sure you know you are very lucky to have her. I am so that happy that you have her and your children
I am sure you are aware of how incredible she is?
What an interesting life Christie has had. From what I’ve seen and heard from the podcast and live streams when you have mentioned her or she was in. And even you writing about her in your book. She seems like a wonderful woman. It shows that she has alot of love for the people who she holds close. Listening to this podcast and the live streams it’s nice to know that you have her and that she has you. You two seem like the perfect match because of how well you get along as it shows in this podcast and live streams. You both seem to have alot in common with what you experienced in Scientology wich i think makes your relationship stronger. So happy that you found the love of your life. Also I find it incredibly inspiring that she built a successful business after leaving Scientology. You must be so proud of her with all that she has done.
I’m new to listening to your podcast and reading your blog. I watched the Aftermath a few weeks ago and found it interesting and heaer breaking. I am happy I found the podcast. This honestly was probably one of the most heart touching episodes that I have listened to in any podcast.Ithink it’s mainly because even though we cant see you we but we can hear how much you both love eachother. Christie seems like such a light not only for you and your children but your friends. Christie also seems to ahve a good since of humor. Which adds to the humor that you and Leah have.And hearing about how she started a business is truly inspiring she has to have a lot af determination to do that after the difficult life she had in COS. I am so happy that you found your better half. You are the perfect match.
I was going through the Fair Game podcast and listened to this episode with Christie for the first time. I was shocked that I passed over it so many times. I am happy I listened to it now Christie sees like such a beautiful soul inside and out. I never wouldnhave guessed that she was born in Scientology. Her story is interesting and also sad that her family hasn’t communicated to her after the disconnection. I also watched some of the livestrwams that you did together and it is clear to see that you both love eachother unconditionally . Which is nice to see after knowing that there is no unconditional love in Scientology. I am happy for you both. You deserve eachother ofter all of the stuff you have gone through. You truly seemed to have met your match Mike.
More than my match!!!
I have been listening to the fairgame podcast recently. I think this one was my favorite so far. Christie just seems like such a bright light.And is absolutely beautiful. Her story is interesting as well and she explained things very clearly. So nice to hear her story. Also you can definitely tell that you both love eachother dearly through parts of this episode. You both are fortunate that you have eachother and your family.
Very nice article about Leah Remini and why she hired a doula by Christie Collbran
https://buddhabellybirth.com/single-post/2016/11/01/leah-remini-doula
She knows about visibility & SEO besides offering a good service
I started listening to your podcast. And Christie’s story is in probably the most interesting i didn’t know much of her story before this. She is such a strong and inspiring woman. You both are very lucky to have eachother.
Mike and Leah- My mom told me about aftermath a while ago but I had not watched it until I saw it was on Hulu at beginning of Pandemic. (LEah, my mom loves you and has for long time, loved your reality show about her family, she is a NYC girl but Queens). I have really been enjoying your podcast as well, a “deeper dive” of this terrible cult.
Having never written review or made comment before, I felt moved to by the language Leah used today in this episode. I am a mental health counselor and have worked for many years with children and families, often who have been abused. When Leah reminded Christie that Scientology grooms their “consumers” to accept and also abuse, I was thought, “YES. Finally, that is discussed. That is exactly what they are doing. It is what I have to explain to many people over the years on how and why they ended up being sexually abused. Their abusers are never strangers but people that build trust, lie, manipulate, and say anything to justify getting what they want. The more and more I hear about DM behavior and thinking, he is something I wish forensic psychologists and MDs could study as it would be so profoundly interesting at the level of his sociopathology. Everytime I hear his voice in later production videos on the aftermath (he sounds like he is trying to be the moviefone guy with that voice and very different that earlier videos) I cringe (LRH’s voice makes me cringe too). I think you all should explore much more in depth the grooming tactics so people can recognize the red flags, the way I teach that in therapy, to help kids and adults to protect themselves from abuse in future. Maybe have one of those lovely PhD cult experts on to discuss it. I love that lady that was both on A&Es “Cults and Extremism” show and the “Seduced” documentary.
I wonder if you guys can share more details about what “work” Children (and Adults) are doing all day from 8am-12am? something are mentioned, but it seems impossible to fathom what “work” is being done. It is like the kids at the “Ranch” who had to build their own cabin? what are they doing all day?? I know some are doing auditing, but what else?
Leah- once you mentioned that the Mental Health community should be upset about them saying hey are providing care but not having training. YES. it is terrible that because someone slighted the non-scientific nonsense of a narcissistic science fiction writer, that said starting a religion is how to make money, and now All scientologists believe medical and psychology practices are evil and just trying to make money. I guess they don’t realize that mental health is one of the lowest priorities in US and has almost ZERO preventative practices in place, only fix later, therapy once issues arise. MEdications are scientifically proven to help if some of the severest and most devastating mental illnesses are treated medically ahead of time, reducing the severity in later adulthood. Even non scientologists have negative views of therapy and meds due to years of belief it was a character disorder, but now that we know it is the brain and illness, when patients with severe anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc, it can be so helpful. I have seen children of all ages and adults too TORTURED by irrational thoughts from anxiety or attempting suicide because of depression that with therapy and medication, are living full happy lives. It is horrible that they are allowed to do this when they are not helping anyone and actually abusing them and causing stress in return. I was horrified by the stories told on your shows, such as the poor woman who died at the Flag after her psychotic break in the street. I could go on and on about all the wonderful things you are saying and doing and how wonderful it is to know you are helping so many by revealing and uncovering these atrocities but i will hold back. I DO appreciate when you all share stories of your own therapy and eye opening experiences that will hopefully help reduce stigma not just for people coming out of scientology but in general.
Anyway, I digress. Thank you for your show. I find your shows very powerful and it makes me want to go back to school and get a PhD in cults and help.
Great picture of you and Christie and the boys, Mike.
OMGosh: Possibly O/T, but that picture of Christie is so cute. I hope you know what a lucky guy you are, Mike. Give her an extra squeeze any chance you get. She deserves spoiling beyond belief, as do all women.😀
I think she did a great interview. I’m a bit jaded and find many Sci
podcasts a bit lukewarm. I was really impressed by Christie’s stories
and delivery. Really enjoyed it. I admire her much. I can’t say enough.
10/10 . . . Perfect!
Fantastic episode (podcast). Great exchange, too, here in this blog entry.
Christie, You are so appreciated. You have many fans and admirers, including in your present profession, the moms, babies, and families you help.
You entire story, fascinating, every detail. Mike, great job you and Leah tapping Christie to bring her experiences to life. Also, points to you, Mike for yielding to these two powerful smart ladies in this podcast. #UnselfishListener
The summary at the end about all that you and Leah are doing, and others, is simply in the name of bringing an end to the abuses, the practice of disconnection, the fair gaming — brought tears to my eyes.
Peridot said: Christie, You are so appreciated. You have many fans and admirers, including in your present profession, the moms, babies, and families you help.
That is for certain, Christie. I’m guessing many people here would like to hear more from you on the issues in this blog. I would especially like to hear how your Doula agency is going from time to time – providing you would be willing to post about that.
Goodness me, Scientology is toxic?
Yes, Christie did an excellent job of explaining the mindset before, during and after leaving scientology.
Plus, she’s been through just about everything horrible the church can throw at one – onerous “interrogations,” a plethora of fair gaming tactics, threat of disconnection, disconnection. Geez. And she explains it all with such grace.
Hello DOJ, want to know what being staff or ex staff of this church is like? Listen to this podcast and then get off your butts and DO YOUR JOB. There’s been enough info in these podcast to alarm the dead.
Christie did an excellent job of explaining how the evil dwarf insulates himself from being charged for any crimes associated with disconnection.
But no matter how one looks at it, it seems to me there is an overwhelming amount of evidence that what he has done absolutely constitutes the crime of extortion. I read a definition of extortion and as I recall, it is a felony with prison terms on the order of 5 years. It is extortion to cause someone to do something that you have no right to cause them to do or to prevent them from doing something that you have no right to prevent them from doing. It is almost exactly the same as blackmail and people who commit extortion rightly deserve to spend 5 years in prison.
Where you BEEN, Yawn, if you’re just getting that Scientology is toxic, at best, and I-don’t-know-what at worst. (My brain freezes at thinking of something worse than how toxic scientology is.)
Steve and Chris Collbran. Aiways liked them. Glad to hear they stuck with their son!
I am very glad that Mr.Rinder has been given a second chance at happiness with his wife and young children.However,it saddens me greatly that his former wife and now adult children refuse to have any contact with him.As a person who lost both parents when I was young,Mr.Rinder’s grown children are going to regret the day they refused to see him any longer when he left Scientology.And they are also missing out on developing a relationship with their younger half siblings.I have no brothers or sisters.They will be sorry but by then it will probably be too late.What a pathetic waste in the name of “religion”.
His children might have gotten older, but it seems they have not grown up or matured, as they have plenty of reasons to examine their circumstances and come to their senses.
Nancy, I fully agree. I lost both parents at a young age also. Mike’s grown children will one day deeply regret cutting their father out of their lives as they have and missing out on developing relationships with their half-siblings. They have no idea of what they are creating by turning their backs on him; no idea of the frantic regret, grief and loss they will experience one day because of this.
I only have one comment about the podcast at this time. During this podcast, the phrase, “Church of Scientology”, was repeated many, many times. This bothered me because every time one of you said that, it seemed to lend some legitimacy to this creepy criminal org. I would suggest there are alternative names that could be used instead that would be more accurate and would keep the listeners’ minds focused on the correct notion of just what this org really is. It is not a church. It is not a charitable org. It does not deserve tax exempt status. It is a cult. It engages in the most reprehensible activities that are often illegal such as beatings and working children for 16 hours per day and allowing all kinds of physical and sexual abuse to be committed to both adults as well as children. There are also many well known crimes such as false imprisonment, unlawful confinement, assault and battery, practicing medicine without a license, etc. I would refer to it as “the cult” instead of any name that denotes some kind of legitimacy.
P.S. Some people may have noticed that I am using a slightly different name than “Skyler” lately. This is because I am having trouble getting my posts to be published in this thread. Sometimes when I click on the button “Post Comment”, it seems to accept my post but then there is no further record of it. Sometimes it shows the post as being “Your comment is awaiting moderation”. But then it disappears. Yesterday, it actually accepted one large post and it seemed to be approved and published. But then a few hours later, it had disappeared. I’d be interested to know if anyone else is having these kinds of problems.
In any case, I have discussed this problem privately with Mike and I’m certain the reason has nothing to do with Mike. My posts seem to last somewhat longer when I use a name like “Skylar” or “Skyler1” or “Skylar2”. I hope I will be able to figure out this problem soon and stop having to resort to using these kinds of different names.
Maybe you need to let the Edit feature time out before leaving the blog or starting another reply. Just a guess.
Thanks Richard. That sounds like good guess to me. I’ll let you know if it works.
Agreement, Skylar1. Wasn’t a church, isn’t, can never be a church according to the most basic “teachings” of Hubbard. I’m favoring “The scientology organization as a drop-in substitute.
Hey Jere. That sounds like a real good substitute.
I agree Sky???? I hate hearing it called the Church of Scientology. At the same time, I understand that it is important to keep identifying the entity you are talking about for those that might tune in late.
I don’t believe the cult can object to anyone calling it the Cult of Scientology. “Cult” is a subjective word rather than a statement of fact. Whether it is a cult can’t be proven true or false, therefore the word cannot be used to support a defamation claim.
Susan, “Cult” has some bad connotations these days.
Even if there weren’t, it wouldn’t stop the organization’s professional attack-beasts from finding SOMEthing to denounce the poster as a religious bigot and probable terrorist.
Well Skyler………..
In the old movie “Miracle on 34th Street”….letters to Santa Claus are sent through the Post Office…….where…in the MOVIE the JUDGE declared “if the Post Office accepts postal mail for Santa Claus thereby recognizes Santa Claus, then he does exist”
Children believe in the Easter Bunny & the Tooth Fairy too……but do they really exist as stated or believed in?
Many of these cult like religions or super strict religions have followers who put their heart & soul & belief into a religious system they fully believe in…..personal choice if one CHOOSES to live by those guidelines of behavior & adherence to the tenets of that religion.
Soooo…..the IRS “recognizes COS as a Church”….thereby according to the IRS they ARE a church……….
So much for that……
Gosh, that “inch-wives” fiasco on CNN was so cringe-inducing. Miscavige really thought he was teeing up a win with that embarrassing display.
Glad to see you found a happy life on the other side Mike! I sure wish your daughter would wake up one day so you can be reunited. There’s always hope.
McSavage, continually surrounded by cowed sycophants, can never get accurate feedback on his performances. He’s ALWAYS FANTASTIC, spot-on, completely Tone 40, and any accolades they can dredge up. No one DARE give him a truthful report.
I have no connection to Scientology. I just watched all 3 seasons of Aftermath on Netflix. I’m thankful for the valuable education. I love people who have Godzilla sized balls that you and Leah obviously are endowed with. Thank you for taking up this fight when you could have gone off quietly. I pray for your reconnection with your children and family. I will continue to recommend your show to my friends and family. This is a story that needs to be heard until the abuse done by this organization is stopped. I have so much respect for you, Leah and everyone that has come forward.
I have never, thankfully, been a part of this cult. From watching The Aftermath, and reading and listening to all the testimonies it is baffling that the law or IRS has not stepped in yet. I think it is going to take someone to blow and go directly to the Feds, with evidence, to present the abuses. Unfortunately it appears it takes time to de-program or to be brave enough to give up family and friends who are still in before they speak out in which law enforcement then says too much time has passed, or not enough evidence in real time to do anything. I follow this blog and podcast with hopes of one day seeing this cult taken down.
The reason law enforcement can’t step in is because the organization has more money to hire better lawyers than the government can. The “religion angle” is a STRONG defence in the US particularly
Great to have met you, celebrity Christie, at Mark Bunker’s party in Clearwater a few years ago. I did not know your story about Scientology. You have a great deal of confidence in your interviews and that certainly adds to your credibility. Mike is doing a great service keeping the blog running. Best of luck. I left almost thirty five years ago and Scientology did not pursue me. In my last interview after OT VIII at the Sandcastle, I threw the cans to the floor, punched the walls, screamed at the staff members, overturned a desk and sprinted to the receptionist. They let me leave in peace and never contacted me again.
George – I like to say I “blew” scn since it sounds more dramatic than just saying I left or I split. I blew because of the price increases around 1980 which I thought were unreasonable but I didn’t make a fuss. Your blow was much more dramatic than mine. I’m envious.
from the glossary at http://www.xenu-directory.net
blow
1. To leave suddenly. Also, the person who does this. “Sam Blew off post today; he’s our third Blow this week!”
In my opinion, all of the efforts to tear down Mike and Leah has one purpose: to stem the tide of members leaving the cult.
None of the countless ways they’ve tried to discredit The Aftermath and all who appeared on the show are going to recruit new members. It could do the opposite for anyone on the fence about joining because it confirms Fair Game.
Sadly, using Mike’s daughter to push mores lies is further abuse of the young woman and heartbreaking.
Isn’t it interesting that although they strictly forbid all their members from ever looking at the Internet, they take actions like you have stated that are designed to stem the tide of members who do read the Internet and then leave the cult.
IMO, it is an admission of their stark failure to control their members with orders and commands. They really aren’t very bright. Are they?
Mary,
Dave gave up actively trying to recruit new followers years ago. Aftermath just clinches the deal against current “squirrels” who return to the recruitment efforts that worked to a certain point.
Mary, the efforts to destroy Mike & Leah are simply that: an attempt to utterly destroy them. In other words, pure spite, which was part of Tubby’s stock-in-trade.
Why does the Clampire enforce ‘disconnection’? Because exs and SPs are much more powerful than the wit of Lron. And because too many who have escaped know too much about the crimes of the Clampire. And there are many crimes. I do hope all the escapees get to testify in court someday.
Stay strong and keep safe and carry on.
Zee, Davey-Boy enforces disconnection as a CONTROL mechanism. The worse things get the fewer he has to order about, the tighter he must hold onto those who remain.
Mike,
A riveting saga showing yet again the web of evil that is Co$.
I encourage readers to “tour” the website for Christie’s amazing Doula services-it’s an educational journey that taught me many things I’d never considered in a woman’s journey of motherhood, as well as presenting such an impressive roster of skilled, experienced, and credentialed caregivers. It offers the support so vitally needed by new and growing families in this challenging time, and I hope Christie’s inspired model of helping mothers and their families can be propagated throughout our country.
from http://www.dictionary.com
doula
[ doo-luh ]
noun
1. a woman who assists women during labor and after childbirth.
2. a professional who provides support and assistance to individuals or families, especially during a medical or emotional crisis (used in combination):
death doulas who offer comfort and companionship to dying patients.
ORIGIN OF DOULA
First recorded in 1975–80; from Modern Greek: literally, “female servant”
What with COVID-19, Christie’s phone must be ringing off the hook.
Congrats Christie. I am so happy for you.
Now we will have to see what kind of idiotic response the evil dwarf will make to cast all kinds of nasty filth on Christie’s business. Be prepared for all the most horrific charges. I expect they will offer “proof” that babies are being stolen and engaged in sex trafficking rings. When it comes to evil, their minds knows no bounds.
Well, for a while, doulas were not allowed in hospitals to attend births and still there are plenty of people who do not want to expose themselves or their children to any outsiders. SO, it’s not all been a nbed of roses for the last 6 months….
I am so sorry to hear that Mike. They are missing out on such a wonderful service. Christie has everything it takes to be a wonderful Doula. I wish I could have had such a soft, kind and compassionate and yet strong and confident.. person as Christie is back in my young days. She is doing a great service and I hope that turns around for her soon. People need this service more now than ever during this COVID Pandmeic, yet their fear of the virus keeps them from getting the help from her. They are missing out on so much by not making use of her amazing gift and talent she has to offer through her service. I hope things start to get better for her. I love your adorable family. You are so lucky to have one another.
In humor, I would like to say that I wish there was some type of a geriatric D.oula. Lol!
But in seriousness, you haveva wonderful family and I sure wish you were close by because I would love to have those two boys as bonus grandsons. They deserve to have a loving Grandma in their life. I know what it was like to grow up without grandparents being a part of my life, so I see the role as a devoted grandma as a very important opportunity. My maternal grandma disowned us because of her polygamist beliefs and wanted nothing to do with us because my parents left that belief. So I have just a small taste of what you and Christie feel when you wanted them to know their grandchildren. I am now reaping the love of great grandchildren as well. It breaks my heart everytime I think of the disconnection that you have to live with and also on top of that always have false public accusations of you being such a horrible abuser by your own daughter.
I hope your boys know how very lucky they are to have you and Christie as parents who loved them enough to go through all so much to give them the best life without abuse and brainwashing. They are receiving what every child deserves, two parents giving them unconditional, love in a home where they can feel safe and secure.
I’m an auntie, not a mom, but I LOVE her blog!
Doulas rock. And her positive and Down to Earth realness about mommy-hood is wonderful.
I really loved LOVED hearing about Mike and Christie and Chris’ blended family. Blended families based in real love are the best. 💕
I can’t imagine being part of ANY religion or group that would turn against one another in such a horrific way. To even think that people who were once you THOUGHT your close friends, trusted allies, “besties” could so easily turn on you with such hate is incomprehensible.
Because someone choses to leave a religion or group, to have to deal with the fall out of being ridiculed, baited, tailed, verbally assaulted…..& then disconnected from those loved on the inside….never to see or speak with them again & that seems to be “legally ok” I can’t imagine any of any of that.
To have to continually look over one’s shoulder while out & about, or open your shade, blinds, curtains & peer out of what should be the safety of your own home, to wonder if you’re being spied on & followed once you leave your home & shut the front door. To fear driving somewhere & then in the rearview mirror see others basically tail gating, to be followed & harass verbally or with signage & photographed to me is harassment.
This is not to me what a religion should be about. I’ve known many people who have left one religion or church because of differences, or to NOT attend church any longer at all. Yes, there ARE other religions that “shun” or distance themselves from former friends. I lost a friend who dumped several friends because this person thought “we weren’t religious enough”…..Wow….talk about judgment.
For Mike especially….he’s found his way & so has Christie….they’ve begun a journey together with her son Jack & their own son & made a beautiful life for themselves. Will everything be OK….no, not likely as there will always be the fall out from their previous life of being involved in COS.
Ties that bind…you can cut those ties but invisible cords still remain…those are the ties of HATE….an all consuming HATE for having deserted, abandoned, having had the GALL to LEAVE. You took with you your money….your knowledge of what goes on “behind closed doors”…..that is a huge threat. You KNOW TOO MUCH, enough to sink a battleship & “they can’t have that”.
HATE is powerful…it consumes itself & anything in it’s way…eventually it will eat itself up & then slowly nearly disappear & shrink itself in to an abyss of darkness.
LOVE grows & expands & is all encompassing….that’s what every FORMER member has found on the outside of the bubble. Love, comfort, kindness, compassion, caring, support……LOVE CONQUERS EVIL. One day those on the inside just may see the light………
To borrow a phase…BETTER TO LIGHT A CANDLE THEN CURSE THE DARKNESS…..Keep lighting those candles Mike & Leah…& the rest of you…keep speaking out.
Happy & Blessed Holidays to all.
Another inspirational post from you Balletlady. Your posts here have a way of recharging my batteries. I’m guessing that I’m not the only one who feels that way. Happy Holidays to you as well.
Thank you friend, such a nice compliment! So many like yourself make outstanding thought provoking comments. As a “never in”, when we read the details of those who were once in & what they’ve had to deal with & still ARE dealing with….it’s so heartbreakingly sad.
THANK GOODNESS for Mike & Tony’s blog where people can bare their souls & deepest inner most thoughts. Sometimes it’s difficult or embarrassing to “go to a Dr & open up your heart”….so much easier to unload where you feel NO Judgment & no one is going to try to “diagnose you”. Other than, “Hey, if you want to know why I disagree with you look here”….& information is then provided.
Yes, there have been many who just LOVE to stir the pot….mostly those who are still in & trying to cause trouble, but after a while we get to KNOW WHO THEY ARE & ignore them.
Good people are here who truly care for each other’s feelings…..Nothing makes me happier then to see MIKE RINDER & his Chris & those gorgeous boys who appear to be such a delightful blend of family. Nice to SEE both Mike & Chris smiling & happy, knowing they can & their sons can, live the life they choose to live!
So many here who were and are still deeply wounded by their former existence, now find comfort & compassion…..& understanding!
Stay well, stay happy, & keep smiling (it makes people wonder what you’ve been up to)..!!!!..
Balletlady,
Beautiful, compassionate, loving words! Echoing Skylar’s appreciation of you and your posts.
Thank you Mark & Skyler……your words are very much appreciated! No one knows the pain a person carries with them throughout life due to past hurts they endured.
At least here, many understand, they’ve walked the walk & talked the talk….UNTIL the rose colored glasses came off & the Kool Aid then tossed aside like yesterday’s trash.
For so many you’ve managed to carry on with a brand new life & existence, finding happiness & joy & you’ve LEARNED that encircling with your OWN demons held at bay….that you WILL be here for each other! No one understands like someone ELSE who’s endure the same trauma!
Happy & Bright….despite the pandemic STILL here for each other sharing stories….pain….hurt…& finding time to share the SMILES with new adventures since leaving COS.
The BEST “get even plan” is for COS to SEE, HEAR, READ, REVIEW ALL THE JOYS IN YOUR LIFE……maybe those same things will one day impact Taryn & Benjamin, Sammy, & others to WAKE UP & LEAVE.
I can only imagine what David M goes to bed thinking every night, his heart filled with hate for those who’ve left/escaped/blown…how it must drive him right up a wall & keep him up at night drowning in his OWN MISERY to see Mike Rinder, Leah, Mary Kahn, Skyler, Mark, Aqua…….SO HAPPY. To know that he’s “locked Shelly away”…..his OWN wife….never to be seen again, hidden away….he has NO ONE he can trust around him. He must look over his shoulder awaiting his eventual arrest, or possibly “someone to do him bodily harm, & surely he MUST have a food taster to make sure no one is out to “get him”…with “doctored food”.
Some may think he lives a life of luxury & comfort…but seriously…what comfort IS there if you cannot trust anyone, be loved by anyone, or feel ANY JOY in your life. He reaps what he sows, KARMA is a bitch.
Taryn, Benjamin, Sammy….CALL YOUR PARENTS, YOUR MOM YOUR DAD……they LOVE YOU…..they’re waiting with Joy in their hearts for you to return to their loving arms.
It is very sad that Christie’s grandparents are so mentally trapped that they deny themselves a relationship with their grandchildren. After all, they are on the Bridge to Total Freedom. The type of freedom which is more important than people. They are going to regret it, because these special times don’t come back.
Hubbard wrote an HCOB saying that a Scientologist is not a victim. This is yet another opposite fact to convince people that he couldn’t be victimizing them.
It is a long road to fully extricating oneself from Scientology. Amazing that while the cult is losing members right and left and not gaining any new members they find the energy to continue to attack you and Christie. Corrupt corporations take a long time to dissolve. Your continued exposure of cherch lies and crimes will ultimately bring down Miscavige and his psychotic organization. Mike, I appreciate all you are doing.
I really look forward to this interview. Christie was one of those that got out right before or at the onset of the mass exodus going on when I left. These interviews (Lauer and Cooper) really helped me at a time when I felt so alone and put words to what I was unable to articulate for myself at the time. We do all evolve from scientology in our own and different ways. Christie has evolved so beautifully.
Mike and Christie, live long and prosper!
Captain McSavage, may you meet your Super Max destiny in 2021.
Bubba has already made your orange dress and matching slippers …
I agree. I had a home health worker come to help me with showering after a hospital stay. This cute little young Fillipino woman was very nice. She asked about my kids. I decided to tell her the truth. I told her of C of S and Disconnection. She excitedly said she had been watching the Netflix show by Mike and Leah about C of S, DM, and Disconnection and Private Eyes and harrassment. She was quite a fan of the show and Mike and Leah. She is even listening to Leah’s book on book on tape. She quoted me so many things, it was obvious she paid attention. So please do mention Disconnection wherever you can as that gets the word out.
Christie’s father sounds like quite a man … ok, not really …