Episode
#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
2:17:54
Published: Sat Feb 25 2023
Description
Aaron Smith-Levin is a former Scientologist, Vice President of the Aftermath Foundation, and host of the Growing Up In Scientology YouTube channel. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Green Chef: https://greenchef.com/lex60 and use code lex60 to get 60% off plus free shipping - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off - Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/lex to get 1 month of fish oil EPISODE LINKS: Aaron's YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GrowingUpInScientology Aaron's Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrowingupinSCN The Aftermath Foundation: https://theaftermathfoundation.org SP Shop: https://thespshop.com Books mentioned: 1. A Billion Years: https://amzn.to/3EpLiMM 2. Blown for Good: https://amzn.to/3IqaZxN PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (06:00) - Thetans (09:59) - Dianetics (22:02) - God (32:38) - Sea Org (36:48) - Auditing (57:01) - Control (1:07:25) - David Miscavige (1:16:32) - Xenu (1:32:26) - Secrecy (1:38:29) - Mike Rinder (1:45:36) - Separation of families (1:52:30) - Tom Cruise (1:56:23) - Sin (2:01:19) - Corruption
Chapters
The speaker ads for GreenChef and InsideTracker, providing the audience with discount codes for each product.
00:00 - 06:09 (06:09)
Summary
The speaker ads for GreenChef and InsideTracker, providing the audience with discount codes for each product. The speech also briefly mentions the beautiful mystery of the biology of the human body.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Joe Rogan and his guest discuss the belief system and teachings of Scientology, including the concept of thetans and the idea of being attached to sick or unconscious thetans that cause problems.
06:09 - 15:12 (09:03)
Summary
Joe Rogan and his guest discuss the belief system and teachings of Scientology, including the concept of thetans and the idea of being attached to sick or unconscious thetans that cause problems.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Church of Scientology's representatives can't be transparent and authentic during interviews covering some prohibited topics like Leah Remini, Lisa McPherson or Zinu, which is a challenge for interviewers looking to have serious conversations that still man their case but better.
15:12 - 20:49 (05:36)
Summary
The Church of Scientology's representatives can't be transparent and authentic during interviews covering some prohibited topics like Leah Remini, Lisa McPherson or Zinu, which is a challenge for interviewers looking to have serious conversations that still man their case but better.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The eighth dynamic in Scientology refers to the concept of a supreme being or infinity, and the religion doesn't deal with it directly but promotes understanding and realization of it through its teachings.
20:49 - 26:11 (05:21)
Summary
The eighth dynamic in Scientology refers to the concept of a supreme being or infinity, and the religion doesn't deal with it directly but promotes understanding and realization of it through its teachings.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the power of the ideas behind Scientology and how they believe the application of Scientology is the key to saving every spiritual being in existence.
26:11 - 32:43 (06:31)
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the power of the ideas behind Scientology and how they believe the application of Scientology is the key to saving every spiritual being in existence. He also mentions that life is trying to survive and Scientology can help in achieving that.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Learn about life as a member of Scientology's elite group, the C Org, and the strict rules that govern their personal and professional lives including a ban on having children.
32:43 - 36:01 (03:18)
Summary
Learn about life as a member of Scientology's elite group, the C Org, and the strict rules that govern their personal and professional lives including a ban on having children.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
E-meters are devices used by Scientologists which measure resistance to electrical flow and are believed to determine the progress of an auditing session.
36:01 - 41:17 (05:15)
Summary
E-meters are devices used by Scientologists which measure resistance to electrical flow and are believed to determine the progress of an auditing session. The sensitivity of the device is calibrated at the beginning of a session through a can squeeze.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the auditing process in Scientology, which involves continuing to search for earlier similar experiences until the person achieves a floating needle, and then having a third party verify it.
41:17 - 45:49 (04:31)
Summary
This podcast discusses the auditing process in Scientology, which involves continuing to search for earlier similar experiences until the person achieves a floating needle, and then having a third party verify it.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the concept of past life therapy for people with trauma and the potential dangers of Scientology's auditing practices.
45:49 - 49:34 (03:45)
Summary
The podcast discusses the concept of past life therapy for people with trauma and the potential dangers of Scientology's auditing practices.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The auditing process implemented by Scientology is believed to work 100% of the time when done correctly without providing auditors with crises of faith as most individuals improve through the process.
49:34 - 56:25 (06:51)
Summary
The auditing process implemented by Scientology is believed to work 100% of the time when done correctly without providing auditors with crises of faith as most individuals improve through the process.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses information control and access to negative information in Scientology, highlighting the challenges faced by non-members and former members in obtaining accurate information.
56:25 - 1:00:57 (04:31)
Summary
This podcast discusses information control and access to negative information in Scientology, highlighting the challenges faced by non-members and former members in obtaining accurate information.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The hosts discuss selling Mike Rinder bobbleheads on spshop.com to support the Aftermath Foundation, which aids those who have been affected by Scientology.
1:00:57 - 1:05:46 (04:49)
Summary
The hosts discuss selling Mike Rinder bobbleheads on spshop.com to support the Aftermath Foundation, which aids those who have been affected by Scientology.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The process of gaining power in a cult involves getting certain people on your side, controlling information, and outlasting the founder.
1:05:46 - 1:13:28 (07:42)
Summary
The process of gaining power in a cult involves getting certain people on your side, controlling information, and outlasting the founder. This was exemplified in the case of Scientology's David Miscavige and his predecessor's wife Annie.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The upper levels of Scientology's bridge, known as OT levels, are confidential and supposed to help individuals achieve a godlike state.
1:13:28 - 1:18:29 (05:00)
Summary
The upper levels of Scientology's bridge, known as OT levels, are confidential and supposed to help individuals achieve a godlike state. However, some former members claim that the levels are nonsensical and contradict the lower levels.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The practice of auditing in Scientology involves confessing past and present life wrongdoings, which is believed to help individuals achieve higher levels of spiritual awareness and freedom, but can also involve scrutiny of criminal behavior.
1:18:29 - 1:24:54 (06:25)
Summary
The practice of auditing in Scientology involves confessing past and present life wrongdoings, which is believed to help individuals achieve higher levels of spiritual awareness and freedom, but can also involve scrutiny of criminal behavior.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea that Shelley Miscavige's family members are talking to the press has created a false impression, and the rumors surrounding Scientology may not be entirely true.
1:24:54 - 1:33:30 (08:35)
Summary
The idea that Shelley Miscavige's family members are talking to the press has created a false impression, and the rumors surrounding Scientology may not be entirely true. The concept of BTs (Body Thetans) has resulted in some strange stories, such as David Miscavige having a copper rod built into the ground to ground BTs.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The war between Scientology and big pharma and big psych that's trying to enslave everyone on the planet as characterized by L. Ron Hubbard.
1:33:30 - 1:38:28 (04:57)
Summary
The war between Scientology and big pharma and big psych that's trying to enslave everyone on the planet as characterized by L. Ron Hubbard.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A former Scientologist recounts his journey through the church's highest ranks, including being forced to lie for both L. Ron Hubbard and David Miscavige.
1:38:28 - 1:42:47 (04:19)
Summary
A former Scientologist recounts his journey through the church's highest ranks, including being forced to lie for both L. Ron Hubbard and David Miscavige.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses their personal experiences of attributing all positive characteristics to Scientology and how it can be perceived as a path to personal growth, despite its controversy.
1:42:49 - 1:45:58 (03:09)
Summary
The speaker discusses their personal experiences of attributing all positive characteristics to Scientology and how it can be perceived as a path to personal growth, despite its controversy.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the power of the ideology of Scientology and the concept of "us against the world" in relationships and friendships.
1:46:00 - 1:54:59 (08:59)
Summary
The speaker discusses the power of the ideology of Scientology and the concept of "us against the world" in relationships and friendships.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast episode, the potential for cult-like behaviors in organizations, including Jiu-Jitsu, is discussed with an emphasis on the need for such groups to prioritize the well-being of their members above all else.
1:54:59 - 2:02:05 (07:05)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the potential for cult-like behaviors in organizations, including Jiu-Jitsu, is discussed with an emphasis on the need for such groups to prioritize the well-being of their members above all else.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode touches on the idea that being brave in the face of fear can make you less scared, and also discusses how Scientology is faring in the age of the internet.
2:02:05 - 2:08:53 (06:48)
Summary
This podcast episode touches on the idea that being brave in the face of fear can make you less scared, and also discusses how Scientology is faring in the age of the internet.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The act of watching TV can assist people in coping with grief by helping them to distract from the pain and allowing for an outside space to focus on.
2:08:53 - 2:13:59 (05:05)
Summary
The act of watching TV can assist people in coping with grief by helping them to distract from the pain and allowing for an outside space to focus on.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking help for recovery, while acknowledging that therapy may not always be the best solution for everyone.
2:13:58 - 2:17:12 (03:13)
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking help for recovery, while acknowledging that therapy may not always be the best solution for everyone. They share their own experience and offer advice for those struggling with recovery.
Episode#361 – Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Aaron Smith Levin shares his experience growing up in Scientology and how leaving the religion helped him live a more authentic life.
2:17:12 - 2:18:07 (00:55)
Summary
Aaron Smith Levin shares his experience growing up in Scientology and how leaving the religion helped him live a more authentic life.