For some reason the links were broken to the Fair Game podcast episodes, so I have reloaded them so all episodes are available here … [Read more...]
Going Clear on Netflix
Going Clear is available on Netflix. If you have not seen this, take the time to watch it. If you haven’t watched it since it first came out a decade or so ago, it’s worth re-watching. This documentary had massive impact on the way the world viewed Scientology. And paved the way for so much that has come since - including The Aftermath (which is available for free on Tubi). The story that is told and how is laid out is brilliant — facts about Hubbard and Scientology and interviews are brought together to paint a devastating picture that is beyond dispute. … [Read more...]
Alex Gibney Urges IRS to Revoke Scientology’s Tax Exempt Status
A recent interview with Alex Gibney in Rolling Stone where he was asked the following question, jogged my memory. I had the pleasure of seeing Going Clear at its Sundance premiere, which was pretty wild. Is Scientology still on your case? And I’ve done a lot of reporting on Scientology as well, so what’s it like to see Tom Cruise still be the king of Hollywood? It seems he hasn’t had to answer a single question about this stuff in the eight years since Going Clear. I agree. And I’m kind of surprised. I think he took a step away, so he’s not the kind of ambassador for Scientology tha … [Read more...]
A Billion Years is a Week Away
Tuesday, 27 September is the big day, and it's only a week away... If you haven't already preordered your hard copy and/or audiobook, you can do so here. On the 22nd, the first small excerpt from the book will be published. The 22nd will also herald the first review by one of the important book industry publications. There won't be any other media until the 27th when the first interview on the book will be coming, and subsequently other media will then follow. I will keep you updated on what shows/publications/podcasts will be covering the book. It's getting … [Read more...]
A Billion Years: My Escape from a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology
I have finally written a book. It was announced in a press release today -- it will be available on 27 September. You can find it at the Simon and Schuster website where there are links to all major retailers to pre-order if you are so inclined. There is also a description of the book and some initial reviews from Leah, Alex Gibney, Lawrence Wright and John Sweeney. It's taken a long time to put together. I hope it doesn't disappoint any of you who have been asking me to write a book. I am about to begin recording the audiobook. The press … [Read more...]
Episode 75: Marc Headley on Scientology and the Internet
We welcome back our old friend Marc Headley to talk about Scientology and the internet, including covering the bonkers domain names scientology has registered, and how they have unsuccessfully attempted to control access to information on the World Wide Web. Marc's wonderful book: Blown For Good The Audiobook version The Scientology Money Project blog article listing many of the scientology owned domains: A YouTube video listing some of the troll domains registered by scientology: The Jokers & Degraders PL/HCOB: … [Read more...]
The Crime of the Century
Alex Gibney has done it again. This is a disturbing, powerful documentary that everyone in the country should watch. It details how the opioid epidemic was manufactured out of the greed of the pharmaceutical industry (all the way down to CVS). It is truly a horrifying expose. But for scientology-watchers there is a special reason for giving this a look. It shows how those with money to burn are able to buy influence over law enforcement and legislators. It is grotesque, and it is exactly what scientology has done to head off investigations in the … [Read more...]
Episode 30: Marc Headley Blown For Good
This week, Leah and I had a wonderful time talking with my old and very dear friend Marc Headley —The BFG — on our Fair Game Podcast. Marc not only has a phenomenal memory, he possesses a great sense of humor. Anyone who has read his book knows both of these things to be true. We covered plenty of ground -- talking about the Int base and David Miscavige, the infamous musical chairs incident depicted in Going Clear and even how the Rinder bobblehead came to be. Throughout I mentioned including links, you will find them below. This is definitely an episode you don't want to mis … [Read more...]
At Least We Know They Are Listening
STAND is obviously paying close attention to the Fair Game podcast, No sooner had the episode where we talked to Alex Gibney aired than they trotted out a new smear on him. From none other than the renowned expert, Will Seabrook. It would be interesting to ask Mr. Seabrook in person whether he has watched Going Clear. I would bet he has not. If, by chance, he has, then I would love to ask him two simple questions: What specific can you cite to classify his film as a "bigoted propaganda video"? Tell me a single fact that is wrong? It's funny, scientology has NEVER refuted the … [Read more...]
Episode 7: Emmy and Oscar Winner Alex Gibney
This week's episode of Fair Game podcast features my old friend Alex Gibney. This is not an episode to miss. Alex is one of the greats in the world of documentary filmmakers. His credits include: The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God (won 3 Emmy’s) Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (Oscar nom in 2005 for Best Doc) Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer Taxi to the Dark Side (winner of the 2007 Oscar for best Documentary) about the war in Ir … [Read more...]