undue influence

Jon Atack joins me again this week for another in depth discussion about cults, high control groups, and the dangers of undue influence. We begin by discussing the concept of being an “ex-Scientologist” or ex cult member in general. We talk about the stigma that this term carries and why it is unfair to categorize people in this way. Jon talks about the the term ex-Scientologist can become a negative defining characteristic of ones life. Jon also touches on the struggles that people go through after leaving a cult of high control group.

This week I am joined by legendary Scientology critic and writer Jon Atack. We begin our conversation by discussing Jon’s time as a Scientologist from 1974-1983 where he attained OT level 5. Jon discusses his disillusionment with Scientology in the 1980’s and the process by which he left the group. Jon also speaks about the the abuse he faced after leaving and the lengths Scientology went to after he published Let’s Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky.