Ex-Scientologist reveals the TRUTH about scientology & Tom Cruise | OTE Podcast

[@AndrewGold1]

Looking forward to this one? Joining me at 9pm UK time | 4pm ET | 1pm PT?

[@helene8331]

I love Doug ! I’m in Australia so I can’t watch the live but look forward to watching later

[@AndrewGold1]

@@helene8331 Oh great! Ah I wish time zones weren't a thing, so you could come! But hope you enjoy, glad you're a fan of Doug - I am too now, and am going on his show.

[@helene8331]

@@AndrewGold1 oh yay. I’ll definitely watch you on his show as well 🙌🏼💗

[@NicolaMaxwell]

9pm in Scotland 🤗 look forward to this!😊

[@AndrewGold1]

@@NicolaMaxwell Yes!!!

[@mreppen1]

I was in Scientology for 28 years, and worked in the clergy (called the Sea Organization) for 25 years. I started at age 10 and left at 38. He is correct.

[@AndrewGold1]

wow fascinating thank you for commenting

[@mreppen1]

@@AndrewGold1 thanks. Joined the Sea Org in LA 1973. Got started in Toronto in 1970 from my mom. Went to the L Ron Hubbard Ship in 1975, where yes he was there.

[@merricat3025]

Glad you are out

[@Ania-cd2sh]

@@mreppen1 you should also tell your story! The more out there the better. Glad you’re out and hope you are doing well now.

[@mreppen1]

@@Ania-cd2sh thanks but no thanks. I have a professional career where I cannot have my Scientology past mentioned. Maybe I write a book under a fake name but nobody buys books now.

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

My daughter at 14 went to a scientology meeting with a friend. She came back furious, because they kept them in a room and lectured for four hours. my daughter was not allowed to use the restroom to eat or even have water. I forbid her to return, telling her they were using brainwashing techniques. She agreed.

[@theresahickson8326]

Omg..thats horrible

[@indigobunting2431]

Same here. I was able to slip off to the bathroom anyway, absolutely furious. It took me a year to get my boss out of this Scientology/Landmark group. (Later, he killed himself. They preyed on him for money.

[@justinedse8435]

Sounds like kidnapping charges to me.

[@alau4739]

Yeap they told me the same, I told the girl, watch me go to the bathroom and then out the door, and you should stay clear away from me, I do not like you, or this hideous cult.

[@lucindasloane5667]

😢 that's awful....

[@disqusmacabre6246]

When I was 12, I had a friend whose parents were getting indoctrinated into scientology. My friend hated it and could not accept it. He did what he could but like me, he was 12. His options were extremely limited. His 'conversion' continued. When he was 13, his parents withdrew him from public school saying they could provide better for him at home. But what they actually did was cut him off from everything that wasn't scientology. They moved him to a basement room. They installed locks on the door so that couldn't leave when they had to be away. For a few months I was able to speak to him through a small vent while his parents were gone. My friend was terribly depressed and getting worse. Then I got caught speaking to him. His parents spoke to mine, who made it clear I was no longer allowedvto communicate with my friend. I protested but it didn't help anything. My friend and I were born during the same month. About 3-4 months after we both turned 14, I came home from school one day and spotted several police cars around my friend's house. After his parents had left that day, he had broken out of his room. He then broke into the place where his fathervkept his firearms, loaded a 12 ga. shotgun and blew his head off. I was so angry that this had been allowed to happened. It was entirely forseeable and entirely preventable. That was a little over 50 years ago and it was lesson I have never forgotten. Yes, I blame scientology as well as his parents. Screw the 'church'. To this day I have zero sympathy for the 'church' itself or the thousands duped by it. Neither the 'church' nor my friend's parents were held responsible for my friend's murder. And yes, after 50 years, I still consider it a murder. It will take a power far higher than my own to hold these people accountable for their crimes, but until that day comes I will not speak to anyone involved with the abomination they called a 'church'. It is not a church in any real sense of the word. But I will say that there are many many, many people in this abomination who deserve to be in prison for the remainder of their natural lives. I do not hold the capacity to see that justice is done for my friend. He did not deserve what they did to him. If the 'church' had even an ounce of integrity, they would have apologized, admitted their role, and sought forgiveness 50 years ago. But they are corrupt. Corrupt then and corrupt today. Screw the lot of them.

[@RaccoonNation]

Omg I am so very sorry for the loss of your innocent childhood friend. I hope you know that you were an incredible light in their life during a dark time. Even though your friend didn’t make it, you were a good friend to someone during their life❤

[@MegaSmitty51]

Con artists care nothing for the consequences to their victims. They are psychopathic in that way. We have a textbook case trying to get re-elected to our presidency. VOTE BLUE

[@johnsmith6217]

Dang

[@lizzy9]

Your story breaks my heart for you and your dear friend.

[@devong7124]

Scientology has nothing to do with God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. They aren't Christians and don't know how they can call their meeting place a CHURCH. JESUS associated with the Rich and Poor. He associated with Sinners .Scientology goes against God and his Word. To many negative from that CULT, VERY DANGEROUS! I BELIEVE they were involved in Lisa Marked Death, and the missing 10milliom $$ that misteriously appeared back into the account right after her DEATH.THEN her her Member Mother Sues immediately in shock she wasn't left in charge of anything after skimming millions.

[@maureenbanks3702]

I ran away to Hollywood when I was 16 and 1 day homeless and hungry I saw a really pretty rich-looking church building I thought and wondered if I could go in and ask them for help. I went in and listen to the beginning of their spiel. When it got to the part where I had to say I'm sorry I don't have any money not even a dollar in fact I was going to ask you for help... They quickly showed me the door and I mean quickly. They didn't even care to be phony or nice. It was like what you don't have any money get the hell out of here! Looks like I dodged a bullet because that building was the main headquarters of the Church of Scientology.

[@midgebowers2]

Wow that really spells out how much of a ‘religion for tax purposes only’ it is

[@ISa-jy8ol]

LR Hubbard’s son openly discussed this. It’s intentional.

[@marysalisbury9270]

I miss him. RIIP.😢

[@dabneyoffermein595]

why did they care about you having money? Was it just a certain sect you ran into that had differing beliefs about money, I would think money would be the furthest from their minds because if you watch the 1966 interview of LRH , he disassociates himself from money.

[@filmhausvideophotography7636]

Lucky for you you were broke....

[@ryanjofre]

This guy was seriously abused. Lifelong love & respect for Scientology victims.

[@superdave1921]

It amazes me that the US Government allows this cult to not only exist, but to exist tax exempt!

[@AndrewGold1]

haha it's insane isn't it dave! thanks for commenting

[@superm70]

Don't worry it happens here in South Africa too here it's corrupt politicians 😉

[@Exoticgirl1]

In my opinion, that's the same for all religions! It's all brainwashing and mind control. Just because the main "religions" are old doesn't mean it's not a cult.

[@AndrewGold1]

@@Exoticgirl1 true!

[@bessiestrain9385]

That’s because they are members

[@Kirkwoodclay]

To all of those that were in Scientology. I’m so thankful that you are out, you are amazing to get through something so life consuming that so many aren’t able to escape. Stay strong. Love to you.

[@AndrewGold1]

Thank you so much!! I hope so too.

[@CourageGraceandKickintheAss]

I second that! Bravo to your strength, finding the truth within yourself!

[@AndrewGold1]

@@CourageGraceandKickintheAss Thanks!

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

@@AndrewGold1 22:09 Would you mind explaining what Doug is talking about here? I am curious what this cult author was encouraging during the “pandemic?” And what kinda books has he put out since that Doug doesn’t like?

[@Kirkwoodclay]

@@AndrewGold1 ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheProject-fw3qc]

Back in the late seventies my mom worked with a lady that got into it, she woke up one day and decided she really needed to get as far away from possible as she could.. they stopped her, slashed her car tires repeatedly, cut her brake lines and harassed her openly. What a loving organization.

[@DanielThompsom]

It’s a lot of ball shit! ‘L Rob Hubbard’ said he went to vitnam and this all came to him. He never even went to Vietnam so anyone that believes in this SHIT is fucked in the head ! I get worried about them reading these messages. They follow people. I went to the head quarters up the road befit and tried to ask questions. A past cia agent they use for security a lot from the US jumped out the bush randomly. The place is so guarded

[@DanielThompsom]

I live 5 mins away, they chant half and can hear from half a mile away. A farmer I know, his field backs onto the head quarters and the same time every day there was a man with a spiked horn like object aggressive chanting too and wacking the hell out of a tree, what a fucked up crazy cunt

[@DanielThompsom]

They use previous cia agents

[@DanielThompsom]

Devil worshipers

[@dianeremilton5823]

Back in 1974 my husband and I spent a week in Los Angeles before moving to Australia. His sister was very excited about Scientology and wanted to take us to some introductory classes while we were there. So we went. I remember how uncomfortable I felt because of their controlling efforts exhibited over us. To this day I am grateful we were leaving the country and couldn't continue on. It was such a relief.

[@margaretschaffner9133]

I listened to a tape of R. Rob Hubbord or whatever his name was in the late 80's early 90's when there were casette tapes. I truly found it annoying and his voice ... It did nothing for me. I say the same for "A Course in Miracles" and "The Secret" and all of these people out there. $$$$$$

[@gaiaiulia]

We went in to their place in London and couldn't get out of the place fast enough. They really tried to keep us talking but like you, we were going home to Dublin the next day so we left. Thank God we did!

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

Boy, you were lucky you moved. Hope your sister didn't get sucked into that den of evil.

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

L. Ron Hubbard use to beat his wife and told her if she ever left him, he would kill her. His son said he only started a religion because it was big money and no taxes. that is the only reason, it had nothing to do with God.

[@michael-4k4000]

My old friend who's name was Thomas Cruise Mapother had just began to get into Scientology. I told Thomas at the time to stay away from the church, but my good friend Thomas was adamant!

[@rosetesta7193]

Doug Scott Kramer I am so happy you made it out. You are so kind and so sincere. Thank you for sharing your story. You are a Warrior!!

[@kathyk479]

I hope they are leaving you alone!

[@ptsd3243]

Why is it sad? You live, you die. Life goes on. Pretty neat and indeed beautiful. Life never ends, it just takes new forms. Our human form is temporary. After that, it's atoms, gas, molecules, whatever. You become a flower, a tree, a bug eats you, that's it. Nothing can bet that. After life illusionary existence is just a way to assuage people's fears.

[@notforu1737]

@@ptsd3243 the fuck are you even talking to?

[@Peggymamma55]

My sister found Scientology in the early 80’s. She used the line that it was going to change humanity, and I said if it’s so important for humanity, why does it cost so much for the classes? It took about 5-6 years before she figured out it was all bogus. They contacted her and threatened her, everywhere she ever lived until she died in 2011, she lived in fear of them.

[@maryradloff5792]

So sad she died in fear. Impossible to refer to it as a "religion."

[@bethelshiloh]

My sister was in it too. I’ve never been able to have a relationship with her.

[@barneyronnie]

​@@bethelshiloh Their goal is to 'clear' you; sadly, they have a channel on DirecTV. 😮

[@barbarasturtevant8327]

Oh my goodness!!😢 I'm so sorry she was living her life in fear. I've research Scientology some, & what I understood is it was all about $$, Control, Psychological manipulation , Fear ! A said Religious Bondage. No Freedom of choice or any other type of freedom. It's awful 😢😢😢

[@jimj2683]

@@maryradloff5792 lol. Islam and Christianity are just as bad. Religion is for the dumb masses.

[@maureenruiz5354]

33 years ago I was giving one of those “ tests”. I was a teenager. They told me I was wanting to un alive myself . I couldn’t believe it. I just laughed and skipped away. Thank goodness 🙏🏻❤️

[@nataliapozzi9305]

Same thing happened to me .... Thought they were Crazy .... But saw lot of people fall for it

[@dianaaguilera6030]

😂skipped away!!good job!

[@heidicobb536]

Andrew, just discovered your channel. What I love about this, is you don't interrupt while your guests tell a story. You listen and give us, the listeners the opportunity to hear everything without hundreds of comments and in interruptions. Thank you for this brilliant channel.

[@AndrewGold1]

Welcome aboard Heidi, and thanks so much for the kind words. You know what it is - I love my job so much, precisely because I get to sit and listen to these people. And I want you to get to listen to them too. I'm so glad you're enjoying it, and hope you continue to do so - speak soon :)

[@joandavis6593]

@@AndrewGold1 and

[@joandavis6593]

I'm proud of him for telling his story.

[@montbrooke]

You hit the nail on the head! It’s that Andrew let him speak, without interrupting. I love Louis T but he’s bad at interrupting his subject. To me, this guy has come out, but the effects and indoctrination of Scientology is still very much there - how he continues to repeat your name “Andrew”, a Scientology tactic I believe, but he’s so open and willing to evolve. It’s really raw and authentic and innocent, like a rebirth. I really enjoyed it. I would say though Andrew, that maybe you are a little more skewed to agnosticism than being a full atheist. I went from being raised as a catholic with a Jewish wing to my family, then going full atheist, back to something a little more agnostic because I do, like you believe that there should be a scientific base to everything I believe. But when you get into quantum physics then there is room for a little bit of romance and imagination, so I settled on being agnostic and it’s a nice place to be. ❤

[@AndrewGold1]

@@montbrooke haha I'll allow that bit of romance then. Thank you for your kind words!

[@adechalus]

I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and it’s exactly the same. Waking up to reality was traumatic for me , the power behind the mind control and conditioning of these cults is scary.

[@AndrewGold1]

Amazing how similar these cult experiences are. Thanks April!

[@AndrewGold1]

@baby blue wow, bonkers

[@adechalus]

@baby blue hello well that’s new, I’ve never heard any teaching of anyone going to heaven and meeting God and coming back. Maybe there was a little confusion in understanding their doctrine. Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t believe in souls or that we have spirits. They believe we are just this body. Once we die we only exist in Gods memory and by our good works, He will resurrect those to a paradise earth. This will happen after Armageddon which is Jehovah’s wrath against all the wicked people on earth. Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t believe anyone will go to heaven but believe when you die you don’t know anything, you’re gone. The only exception is the 144,000 anointed ones that Jehovah specifically chose (we don’t know how, it’s never discussed) that will go to heaven and rule on the 12 thrones “alongside” Jesus. Jesus is a created angel, Jehovahs first creation which is why he’s called God’s Son. Jesus paid the ransom for what Adam did so that we can live forever on paradise earth after we’re resurrected. They don’t believe that Jesus atoned for our sins. As they don’t believe we’re sinners but that we sin because we’re imperfect and Jesus was perfect. So JWs believe we pay for our own sins when we die because they have a twisted understanding of Romans 6:23 as they do with entire Bible. They’re not Christian but claim to be, just like Mormons. They’re pseudo Christian beliefs is a mockery of true Christianity.

[@marciacole6810]

I was a witness years ago. I’m so glad I left. But when I left I felt very guilty. I know what your talking about. I have a friend who got me involved, she is still involved.

[@AndrewGold1]

@@marciacole6810 ah I am glad you are out Marcia

[@linzgudmunsen4949]

For all of you who got away from a cult. Congratulations! You summoned your strength and did it. You deserve to hear you did the right thing. You are a survivor.

[@AndrewGold1]

too right! thanks Linz

[@deeesoirscegardner]

Thanks liz from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@jimj2683]

I would say about 90% of the world is still in some cult. Either religion or some political ideology.

[@jennyselvas1100]

Listening to this man speak about his parents breaks my heart. He has done the work within himself to realize and not point fingers at them who were also brainwashed by this cult. I pray one day he can reunite with his family and make sense of all that has happened to them through the years.

[@BassAce47]

As a non Scientologist, I have learned more relevant information about the cult from Doug Kramer than all the others put together. He speaks eloquently about his experience and his warnings about the destructive nature of cults should not be ignored.

[@kellyperry559]

The series Leah Remini did was great. She really exposed it ALL.

[@jeannie6446]

Crazy cult

[@river6448]

When I was a child I overheard My mum telling a story of a friend of hers son got sucked into a cult. He couldn't get to his son to rescue him. He never saw him again. I am relieved that I learnt young about cults and avoided cults.

[@AndrewGold1]

Ah that is so sad. Thanks for commenting Roslyn

[@claudiastokes6485]

My dear sister-in-law got sucked in by a cult named The Way. She came from a broken home and she craved structure and guidance. They got these young people jobs and took half their money. I went to one of the homes of the upper echelon couples. It turned out, this couple was stealing the mone. But, before this was discovered, they convinced my sister-in-law that she didn't need treatment for her leukemia. She had a very curable type, but died at 27 because of this cult. These fake religions are no joke.

[@aprilrush9308]

The way he really take the subject down to the bones and delivers the story is phenomenal! What a great person .

[@kirstieadams]

❤

[@Angela-cc1hd]

Great person? No a disturbed person l would say!

[@cupidok2768]

Their ruin found? What that mean?

[@adolfhitlerowicztrocki495]

No wonder, he's a trained scientologist.

[@commycasty]

I'm surprised he didn't talk about his time trapped inside that painting in ghost busters 2.

[@trinity9312]

THANKS DOUG !!!! I'm not brave enough to talk out, but I understand exactly what you are talking about. Cheers you, you are helping people heal themselves.

[@NikChillin]

When I was 18, I was enticed into a test with Scientology, (I was over an hour early in London for an interview so I thought it was a cheap cup of tea if nothing else). After the test, they interviewed me and told me I had personality issues and would benefit from their courses. They then put me in a group to do the staring thing, so weird so I promptly walked out. Seems like a lucky escape 😬

[@wendyhannan2454]

Smart move, glad you walked away, thinking what the hell !! Crazy cult, brain washing people, breaking up families.

[@trainingvam7529]

🎉 well done... My best friend in high school bought Dianetics book was hounded for a year to join and this was in South Africa! It shows amazing presence of mind and spirit to not be hoodwinked and walk out

[@Zainygreenstone]

Similar to me

[@GreensnGuitars]

What i dont get is how you even got that far.. stupid ppl naive and not raised to be smart self thinkers. Rediculous

[@bwj4893]

@@trainingvam7529 Someone gave me the book when I was a freshman in college over 50 years ago. I read a few chapters and concluded it was a crock of excrement. Turns out my assessment was correct. I can't believe how many otherwise very intelligent people can believe this crap. In my humble opinion, it's the same as all religions--just more violent and controlling than most others.

[@voices_vary]

As an experiment, I went to a Scientology recruiting event and I got pretty far. I had to be very aware of myself. The interviewers would dig into my thoughts and become more and more (it seemed like) angry as I would clip their techniques when they thought they would get me. I ended up on the top floor talking with very serious people dressed in uniforms who were definitely not kidding around. They kept insisting that I must have a very hurtful thought inside, but I never bit the bait. I kept saying we all have hurtful memories. I told them it was time for me to leave. I left, but it was a really peculiar place and experience, especially those serious, uniformed people. (I made a plan with a friend to come to rescue me if I wasn't out by a certain time).

[@AndrewGold1]

Wow !!

[@voices_vary]

They have a machine.

[@billallen4793]

That person would have never found you...from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 🤠

[@shukeelc5177]

Lucky escape

[@TheRisky9]

Props to you. I'm not that self aware.

[@SonnyAli1973]

I like this young man because he's insightful, well-spoken, careful with his words, open to sharing his experiences, and quite well balanced for what he went through for 11 years. I'm assuming there's some PTSD, but I feel he will eventually heal from the hypnosis he endured for over a decade.

[@AndrewGold1]

Thanks for watching and commenting Sonny!

[@JoanneJardine]

Agreed...he is intense but he is honest, so beautiful

[@nothingworksworks3511]

As social animals, we all thrive on collective momentum. Must feel lonely to extricate from a cult? Seems the real difficulty starts at the "end".

[@AndrewGold1]

@@nothingworksworks3511 absolutely! thanks for commenting

[@charissakington606]

He did say he suffered from PTSD for a decade after getting out.

[@acarter405]

Same thing happened to me in 2004. I took a personality test but it didn't imply Scientology until it was time to get the results. Long story short, I went to the Church of Scientology center in Memphis and was told that basically I did a terrible job on the test. And they made me buy a copy of Dietetics. They dog hound me and were crazy nice. Kept calling me and trying to invite me to personal events. Then there were the courses that she kept pushing. She said we have many free courses until you get the money to pay for the more beneficial ones. I hurried up and cut ties!!!

[@thenaturalmidsouth9536]

I know exactly where that ex-scientology house is, on Central Avenue....

[@walkertongdee]

I went to two different cult meetings to check them out because family members joined, glad I was able to talk them out. Cults attack the weak, the needy.

[@cindymckay6211]

Some people are strong in spiritual aspects and they are looking for others who can help explain why they have these feelings. It’s not necessarily about weakness or neediness.

[@Lisa-ft3ij]

Listening to this it makes me wonder if the media is being a political tool to weak minds in this same way.

[@laneneal3510]

They’re looking for an easy way to enlightenment. They think Scientology is it. And they’ll be with people of like mindedness. Belonging

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

well, that's judgmental. Read about brainwashing, it has nothing to do with being weak or needy. Brainwashing is common in this country. Look at all the millions getting a vaccine that wasn't tested and is now leaving people with serious disabilities. We're all brainwashed.

[@Danielle-nz9tn]

Curious which ones? Was Landmark Education one of them?

[@tinman1955]

I took the scientology communication course in the 1970s. I still remember how ironic it seemed that the staff people supervising the so-called Communication course we're not allowed to answer questions about it....they were forbidden to communicate. I thought scientology was nonsense and walked away.

[@AndrewGold1]

ah man, good thing you did! Thanks Tin Man

[@katrinat.3032]

I got a free copy of Dianetics from the TV, when I was 12. I tried to read it, and it was so stupid I stopped about 1/3 through

[@fairyprincess911]

😹😹😹😊

[@fairyprincess911]

@@katrinat.3032 I couldn’t get past the stupidity, either. Brave soul to read any of it🙌🏽

[@vitorfernandes651]

You still went there lol so you’re not as smart as you think.

[@Happinosis]

I absolutely love this interview. I’m a hypnotherapist and I absolutely know that with the “right” techniques anyone can be suggestible to do anything. The difference between people like coercively controlling people and me is ethics. I’ve been in a coercively controlled marriage and I only ever want to help people, not for people to feel as bad as I did. Thank you for this, so much.

[@cgee6867]

I disagree with you. I don't think everyone can get hooked into this cult or one like it. I think those who get hooked up are very unstable people who are looking for something . I know I would never get involved with this kind of nonsense and I can stand up to people if I need to. The needy people get hooked into these cults.

[@Angela-cc1hd]

​@@cgee6867 You are absolutely correct that is exactly what happens, they pick on people who are somewhat lost and needy?

[@marcwilliams9824]

I disagree. Can YOU hypnotise someone that doesn't want to be hypnotised?

[@luciasaunders9736]

​@c gee : I also agree with you. There're people who are highly suggestable and some people are not at all. Usually, high suggestability is less likely in people with high IQ and very high EQ/ ... and psychopaths. Psychopathy main feature is manipulations, so to hypnotise somebody who is highly manipulative is difficult.

[@aquilinaciamacco2410]

Very well articulated. Let the "evil" in this world be exposed!!!! Katie Holmes is (allegedly) a practicing Catholic. What does this tell us about her DIVORCING "whacko"?

[@Gforu81]

This guy is great! Too bad they took his channel down. Not surprised they did though he is spouting truth bombs and that is simply not allowed during these dark days.

[@cynthiamontgomery327]

In 1975 I went to Scientology because a fella told me how much he was helped by it. First class was okay. I agreed to come the next night. And on the third day I changed my mind and decided it was taking away too much time away from my baby. Being honorable I called to inform them I wouldn’t be returning. I was told that I had 20 minutes to appear in the classroom or 3 men would come to my house and get me! I was really sorry I had honestly filled out their paperwork knowing that they had my address. I used the technique of acting Bat Shit crazy 😜, told the guy on the phone I welcomed guys coming to my house and the shotgun was loaded, all they needed to do was take one step onto the property ! Luckily I was nobody to them and never heard from them again. However I was very aware had I not been a no nothing waitress with nothing, they would have come after me. I thank God I snapped really soon! The upper echelon saluted L. Ron Hubbards picture every night. That was what tipped me off to the “HERO WORSHIP “

[@AndrewGold1]

Wow that’s fascinating and scary! Thanks so much for sharing Cynthia

[@CKArts6]

Cynthia- I commented above that I had a weird, creepy encounter in the mid-70s and their “enthusiasm” for a particular way of seeing the world seemed eerily hard or rigid- I did TM instead! (transcendental meditation)😊

[@mikecushing7276]

Great post brilliant move congratulations

[@lotus1695]

Shocking!! Glad you got out!!

[@bbelindamorris6384]

Excellent!

[@snoozyq9576]

So much respect for anyone who has had to come back from a cult. Even getting swept away in one briefly as an adult was very impactful and traumatic

[@FortBaker2011]

Wholeheartedly agree that we should tell the kids! Tell them about personality disorders, the dark triad, trauma based mind control, and that we can all fall prey to this.

[@AndrewGold1]

Absolutely, thanks for commenting!

[@Seenasyouasked]

The Combatting Cult Mind Control book is the one that saved me as well. I’ve never heard anyone else refer to it or mention it before. It saved my life.

[@elinorshirvanian9546]

Doug is such a genuine guy and a great communicator, this conversation was very interesting

[@AndrewGold1]

he is, and he'll be back on soon!

[@rebeccaswift7588]

My Aunt and Uncle were in scientology when I was a kid..my mom and Uncle were siblings and they argued frequently about my Uncle being involved in scientology..thankfully my Aunt and Uncle left that church after about 2 yrs..it was scary hearing what they shared with us about what goes on in that cult..And it IS a cult!..

[@ysabelduran1247]

Can you please give me some idea about what happens in the Sciemtolgy cult. BTW thanks for your share

[@pfoetel]

Kudos for this interview, Andrew, and a very huge kudos for Doug opening up his entire life here on the Internet. Makes you see what's going on the Scientology inside and to look at people like Tom Cruise with a different perspective.

[@AndrewGold1]

Thanks !! Yeh it’s crazy what happens in there !

[@claudiastokes6485]

Tom Cruise may love Scientology, but he loves money more, because the studios had him tone it down.

[@heytherenow]

Scientology did fair game on my family after they killed my sister, Shelley Jane Adams Dec 4, 1978 Miami Fl. My parents sent me out it the country quietly to protect me.

[@stevensonjc21]

Five minutes in an truthfully this is the best explanation of how someone can get sucked into a cult. The beginning makes a ton of sense and actually helps - the odd stuff comes much later on and if you’re in a vulnerable point in your life and already have taken to the beginning parts that made sense then you don’t question the further things that may seem outlandish because the beginning helped and seemed to make sense. Totally understandable. No different than a relationship where the partner becomes abusive and the other stays for a prolonged period of time. Clearly it didn’t begin with one beating the other, it progressed slowly where you didn’t quite realize it and by the time you did you were too far gone

[@alexadellastella5247]

I was born in a covert narcissistic family system and even though it is different from what is explained here, there are so many similarities and I still suffer from CPTSD and physical ailments since I woke up and cut contact back in 2015.... It takes a lot of time to heal from abuse and manipulation especially when you are sensitive and were born into it. It almost killed me too and I almost found myself financially broke too cos of my mental and physical health... these manipulative people and their manipulated followers are just SO damaging. And funny thing, most psychiatrists do not even recognise this type of trauma but label you with a personnality disorder yourself without anamysing the contexte where you come from so you feel horrible and bad and broken instead of realising you were a victim of something bad. so basically you truly are alone in your shit, I'm thankful to the internet and my mind and strong will which made me come out of this nightmare

[@emperorsnewclothes8800]

I was making the exact same connections between cult/ MK Ultra mind control and my experience as a scapegoat within a covert narcissistic family.Then I read your post! I too have finally gone no contact and have many emotional scars and CPTSD. I can relate with your post entirely. Even though it's painful at times at least I'm being authentic and am gaining strength in recognising when the old programming tapes are playing. I am an INFJ and a walking paradox. I spend most of my time alone as most people don't get me, but occasionally I make a deep connection in which I feel understood and validated.💕

[@zah936]

I am happy for you

[@emmajane646]

I am the scapegoat of my family too. I take them on head first though now because I became a Christian. Narcissists are very dangerous and I believe they are under demonic influence but they are deceived too through trauma (though they are responsible for the evil they do under influence). My mum is still trapped inside so that is why I still am around my family. Even with a lot of self awareness and faith, being around Narcs is a dangerous business. The only explanation for their advanced intelligence on how to manipulate and brainwash is fallen angel influence. Angels are so much more intelligent than we are.

[@melt2947]

Yes, I also relate. Unfortunately, not many psychs know much about Narcissistic family abuse systems. Watching Professor Sam Vaknin on you tube helped a lot. He actually coined the term “narcissistic abuse” in the 80’s. I hope this helps

[@frankG335]

Spot ON.

[@happinesscoding]

I am very happy I came across this beautiful conversation of two genuine, open and curious people. It's rare these days to witness a conversation without one person trying to push their stuff onto the other, just very respectful behavior towards each other, listening and conversing. Thank you both for this. Highly appreciated.

[@lizrivers4422]

It's sad you feel that way about people communicating. The best thing is to listen carefully to someone and not be ready to jump in with your response. We are all responsible. It's not "they" - It's us.

[@NiksadaGaming]

My mother almost tried to get us involved in that because she saw Tom Cruise as being a member of it and she thought they could help me with my autism and I told her we are absolutely not getting involved with a cult.

[@danielpaschjr3547]

I have Asperger's Syndrome and a strong social phobia. I don't think a cult would be very good help for these things and I'm glad my mom doesn't let herself get influenced by celebrities and their bizarre, often destructive ideas. After all, John Travolta had a son named Jett (evidently named after a character in one of Hubbard's novel) who was autistic and most likely epileptic. He died while on vacation because they didn't believe in taking psychotropic medication, most likely a benzodiazapene or barbiturate. It could've been gabapentin too, which is another psychotropic/psychiatric medication. That is incredibly dangerous and it should be stopped.

[@DebbieZoppina]

Doug, I think after everything you’ve been through, you are doing fantastic!! You are spot on about these programs that make psychopaths. You are going to be just fine. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@AndrewGold1]

You’re so right Debbie

[@mmmfun77]

I never forgot the day I went into the Scientology building in Los Angeles with a friend of mine and her Mom. My friends mom was a Scientologist . Being a kid I walked around exploring . The expression on those Scientologists shocked me. No one was smiling . All of them literally looked hypnotized. Somehow she eventually got out. Since mind control was talked about know this. Silicon Valley engineers, programmers, etc have publicly boasted that they have successfully hijacked the Human brain through technology. Social Dilemma on Netflix is an eye opener. I’ve actually educated myself on the MKUltra/ mind control topic. Roseanne Barr and a former CIA agent used to travel publicly talking about MKUltra had the harm it has caused. EVIL! Why can’t Humanity get past the Control/ Be Controlled theme? Great interview

[@jfer5622]

Yes!! I agree with you on the expressionless look if these people! I had to take my son to the Kaiser on Sunset and for many years, yielded the right of way to these pale colored, lifeless people, wearing pale grayish blue "uniform" crossing the street between the 2 buildings!! Aweful, I would tell my mom something did not feel right, their energy was lost!! For 10 plus years I saw these people never realizing it was Scientology members....🤯

[@flowerjpotter1629]

@@jfer5622 Gosh.

[@InnaVitamina777]

I LOVE Rosanne but I wouldn't count her as a credible source..especially when it comes to conspiracies. She's a great comedian,though. I can only imagine how odd it was for you to go in there...Are people only allowed when accompanied by a member ? Like for recruitment etc. ?

[@captainbarbosa6567]

Most of the the Kardashians have an empty robotic look and talk... Could be just all the botox thou.

[@pageribe2399]

Human nature

[@lisadee1623]

You’re doing important work Andrew, much respect.

[@karinkrog369]

Totally agree !!!!!

[@bradgordon8835]

My first exposure to Scientology was in the early seventies, and a friend had lost a much loved brother to the cult. Shortly after hearing of this, I was in College in Toronto and I came across the Scientology "so called church ". Luckily walked on by and find it bizarre that folks can still be reeled into the cult. Sad that there are still many people in our lives who are parasitic. Take care and keep your eyes open!

[@MayThereBeWorldPeace]

I like that the guest says how many think one can never be convinced/manipulated to break their own moral lines but yes, they can. It's so true.💔

[@rangozilla6274]

Doug’s insight is brilliant. Really appreciate how articulate his analysis is. This was a great interview, thanks.

[@aquilinaciamacco2410]

May the Universe bless this man for his COURAGE to "expose" the (shrinking) EVIL that has infiltrated this modern world.

[@marieanderson6266]

Absolutely fantastic interview and a brilliant speaker. This guy is so easy to relate to and just simply a very likeable person.

[@cm9859]

What an amazing and honest and direct person you are. Blessings to you. Thank you for speaking out.

[@christinacarr8971]

As an ex JW this really resonated with me. The parallels are staggering and frankly scary. On the bright side at least he still has his family, many others in both religions don't. I enjoyed your interview style, your candor, and your guest. Just subscribed.

[@AndrewGold1]

ah thank you christina, i look forward to chatting more! got one coming out about dating psychology, it's a premiere so come chat if you're free :)

[@deathlarsen7502]

Cults all use the same principals

[@justme8837]

I work with a woman who was raised as a JW and when she left it she was shunned and had no relationship with her parents and her siblings who remained. You can see the pain this has caused her and it is so sad.

[@christinacarr8971]

@@justme8837 when I left I was shunned as well. It was indescribably painful. I was 27, divorced because my husband came out (no, I do not hate him and we are still friends) and had 2 daughters, aged 2 and 7 months. I was so lost and completely terrified of a world that I did not understand. I believed that God was going to kill me but I felt that death would be better than spending eternity under a cruel and unloving God. I was crazy lonely and extremely depressed. Despite zero hope for my future I persevered for my girls. I was extremely lucky because my family eventually followed me 1 by 1 until they all left. The scars remain. The social disfunction has improved but continues to plague me. I was utterly unprepared for a life outside the cult bubble and I trusted individuals that I shouldn't have. Bad things happened. Those things still haunt my nightmares (even after therapy). Want to know the kicker in all of this? While those flashbacks are upsetting nothing throws me into a full blown anxiety attack faster than a dream that I'm back in as a JW. My husband has to calm me down and remind me that I'm out and I'm ok. The dreams feel so real. While bad things happened once I left many more bad things happened while I was in. Things that should not happen to anyone and there was no one that I could tell for fear of being blamed and punished. At least when bad things happened after I left I could tell someone and get help and protection. As a JW I would have been blamed and likely publicly reproved or disfellowshipped for "putting myself in a bad position" or not believed whatsoever since they require 2 witnesses to establish guilt in the absence of a confession. I'll bear the emotional scars for life and I'm one of the lucky few who now have my family. The suicide rate amongst ex JWs is astronomical.

[@davisholman8149]

I am an Ex Mormon. It has the same ‘cult’ behavior. I have apologized to my kids for raising them in it - but they said they don’t blame me for it - I was raised in it myself. What is makes it even harder, is there are some good things about it also. Because my parents were so messed up - the Church was a stable influence on me. I am a grand parent now & looking back, I see so many ways is that it ruined my life - I would be in a completely different place had I not been indoctrinated like I was. I turned done so many opportunities that would have been great for me because of that cult. Painful.😵‍💫

[@Peedarb]

I was about 38 years old when I realized my church was a cult, I was raised by the Utah LDS Church "Mormon church" and I was absolutely 100% under a very seditious form of mind control, what's worse is I realized that the leaders of this church were doing these things on purpose and somehow learn these mind control tactics possibly from the government or elsewhere. And I feel the same way about my dad who was brought into the cult at about 20 something years old. By the end of his life there wasn't much left of his own unique personality.

[@dorkwrangler4437]

How do you figure? I know a lot of Mormons and don't see any signs that the church is a cult. What is your criteria?

[@Peedarb]

@@dorkwrangler4437 You're asking the members of a cult if they're in a cult? That won't work they'll always say "no", doesn't matter what the cult is.

[@perezpepito104]

How is all religion not cults?

[@warriorofwisdom1399]

@@perezpepito104 because anyone can leave any religion anytime at any day. Cults won’t let you leave. They even go to the extent of blackmailing you and threatening you and your family. It’s a control thing. Normal religions will be sad to see you go but know that it’s NOT their place to make you stay if you don’t want to. A lot like how Jesus was. You see, a lot of people have this misconception about Christianity. There are 2 reasons why. 1) In the past, evil cults hid behind the name of the Christian & Catholic churches when they were indeed Satanists. 2) Christianity has been twisted into something it’s not with rituals and fancy clothes (in some churches). When in reality, Jesus was born in a manger: not in a castle. If people didn’t follow him, he went on. Even when he was being crucified, he said, “forgive them, for they not know what they do.” Christianity isn’t supposed to even be a religion; it’s supposed to be a relationship. Rituals, seeking money, and interrogating people to become a part of your church are the opposite of what Jesus believed, and the opposite of how He lived his life. You see, cults are a Satanic way of portraying what we call religion. They’re the opposite of what you should do and what Jesus did. Now, I am Christian, but I’m not forcing you to believe anything, for it’s NOT my right! No one should EVER force their own opinions or religion upon ANYONE. I live my life like how Jesus did; not the religious Satanic church that it’s become (in some cases. Not literally but in ways like not including new visitors who don’t look rich or but-kiss the front row seaters; Excluding those from your inner circle who don’t/can’t pay enough; Looking to a man/priest/pastor/leader who can save you and will forgive you sins (only God/Jesus/Yehwah can do that) in other words, worshiping a man and not God (meaning that man is above God and God is inferior); Seeking followers to gain money, fame, and/or power; Being so ritualistic that it’s sophisticating and defeats the sole purpose of commuting together. If you google cult signs & characteristics, you’ll see just how prisioning it is. I’ll put some down below for you😊 The leader is the ultimate authority. The group suppresses skepticism. The group delegitimizes former members. The group is paranoid about the outside world. The group relies on shame cycles. The leader is above the law. The group uses “thought reform” methods (brainwashing). The group is elitist. If your group is the solution for all the world’s problems, you’re probably in a cult. Cults see themselves as the enlightened, chosen, and elect organization tasked with radically transforming individual lives and the entire world. This elitism creates a greater sense of group unity and responsibility centered on a united purpose. However, this sense of responsibility is often manipulated by cult leaders who coerce members into risky financial behavior, sexual favors, free manual labor, or heightened recruitment efforts in order to “further the cause.” (This is copied and pasted. Not my words, but good!) There is no financial transparency (you don’t know where your donation money goes). The group performs secret rites. (If you want to know an actual cult, look into masonry. They have lodges in every town/city in the world, and it’s not rainbows and sunshine like how they pretend that it is).

[@journeywithtanya1260]

I was born into the Jehovahs witness religion,.... cult and it took me till my mid 20s to leave and I lost all my family because of it. I'm in my 40s and I'm happy I left, but it affected my life greatly. And I'm happy my kids are free to make their own choices. But they are the same with regularly brain washing, and allowing parents abuse their kids. Actually pushing parents to abuse their kids and saying it's in the name of God. Shame on these people and all must face their own karma and consequences in the future.

[@babymauimama]

Andrew - your explanation and discussion about being an atheist is brilliant. I grew up Mormon, left that group/cult and upon that pendulum we swing on, I often found myself in debate about what an atheist is. I found Christopher Hitchens helped me define and fight some things, his anger and passion mirrored how I felt inside. However, eventually, I wasn’t as angry… and I always stuggle to find a way to put how I think into words. Thank you for this. All around.

[@jigsy3906]

I went into a scientology church once , just out of curiosity . They gave me a personality test then they sat me in front of a screen and I watched like 30 mins of some random human encounters , which made sense so I thought well that must be the warmup so I waited to see how long will it take for them to ask me for money . Then a woman came up to me and invited me into what looked like a library started talking about how test results came and I have some worrying personality issues. I decided to play along , after another 30 mins of me listening to her talk she pulled up a bunch of books and told me I needed to read them I said ok thanks and started taking the books and she was like ohh but its 50 $ each and I replied I must look like a fish , then she kicked me out politely :D

[@5pointview717]

We like curious people in Islam. Do visit a mosque (masjid) and observe us, plus all the books etc are free.

[@rsg12348]

@@5pointview717 .

[@Baba_Wawa]

I’m so pleased to see two creators I love work together, especially when it’s providing a much needed public service of sharing truth! If you’re not subbed to Doug too you don’t know what you’re missing. His channel, Dazed But Not Confused is full of great content! His interviews with HG Tutor are particularly fascinating!

[@AndrewGold1]

Thanks! And I'm going on his channel soon!

[@R-A-Allan]

I am so proud of him for getting out of scientology. It can't be easy to do. But more than anything, I am amazed that he is as ok as he is. I am amazed he isn't more traumatised from his experience. He may be, and if he is psychologically traumatised, he is doing a good job at not showing it. But man, I'm proud of him.

[@johncooper3636]

one of the best interviews on life in Scientology. frighteningly revealing. well done, ol' bean!

[@judysoltow4474]

This is a great video/interview. The way that this is told is so impactful. The man being interviewed explains things really well and with passion. Thank you.

[@melissamatthews711]

I was on the fence until my aunt was miraculously healed at her daughters small country church over 40 years ago. It’s an amazing story and as a young women it sent me on a search. My cousin gave me a simple directive…if you seek Him you will find Him. I won’t go into all the details but I came to a point of faith and stepped into a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not a religion but a relationship with the Creator. I am a retired science teacher. By the way the war between good and evil is real…

[@AndrewGold1]

Thanks Melissa

[@melissamatthews711]

You have to understand that faith in anything but myself was really not an option back then. But when my jaundice terminally ill aunt was miraculously healed, that was baffling. Her husband had died unexpectedly and all my aunt wanted to do was to die. Her daughter, my cousin, was a bit of a nemesis to me. This cousin had drastically changed from a self centered wealthy female to this loving concerned human I did not recognize. When these things happen to people you have known all your life, it is confounding. My journey was one to understand what on earth had created this transformation. I just couldn’t accept that someone crucified on a Roman execution stake over 2000 years ago could be the answer. But I was eventually proven wrong. My journey has not been an easy one but more than I could have imagined back then. I wish you well on yours.

[@heatherhall8706]

Amen the Lord is the way🙏💕 Prayer is so important having that connection with our creator.

[@danishmodern55]

@@melissamatthews711 actually the body is a self healing mechanism - it's science, look it up.

[@Rossiegirl]

@Danish D'Abreau to an extent, it just depends.

[@Lesfaundez]

I like how he says Atheist believe in science and that science doesn’t know everything. Love it.

[@mariannaloots5092]

I'm a Christian and I believe in God . Satan is in this world working hard to get as many souls possible. I loved listening to Doug and what he came out of. Thank you for your great channel Andrew. I just subscribed 😇

[@AndrewGold1]

Thanks Marianna!!

[@Woodtyper]

Christian here too. I have a high school friend who has been in the Sea Org in a high position since 1986. I wonder if it's still possible for a person in their 70s, after 37 years, to get away and come back to reality. Thoughts anyone? Thx.

[@domhuckle]

​@@Woodtyper back to reality... Christianity?

[@Will-xf3qe]

The things you're expected to believe in Christianity are equally as crazy as in scientology

[@mindsigh4]

if u read any book, it's how you interpret, interpretation, i notice that people who have trouble with "the bible'' (which language, which translation, interpretation, when, which writings were edited or left out, or modified by which "authority", for what agenda, etc.) are, in my reckoning, not looking at it from a mythological perspective, it can be read as an evolution of several mythologies, Genesis, for example, to me parallels some stories in Hinduism.... anyways, just becuz people have been supposedly warring over various"religions" for centuries doesn't mean that people without religion extol the virtues of peace, truth & reasonableness, it's the dark reservoir (Eckhart Tolle calls it the Pain-Body) in the individual & collective human consciousness/unconsciousness that seeks out a target(s) to fight with &/or project their fears onto, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot & Fiddle Castro weren't shy of killing done in the name of no lord in the 20th century, u know, our age of science & reason....

[@binniparis8024]

What an intelligent, articulate man. I wish you the very best for the future. Thankyou both - great discussion. Xx

[@annabellejanssen249]

Thank you so much Doug for your so meaningful and deep explanations and warnings at the same time. Thank you Andrew for interviewing Doug and giving us the opportunity to learn more about Sientology!!

[@AndrewGold1]

ah thank you so much annabelle, hope you keep enjoying the show. We have another video on this channel we did after that one, and we are planning a new one soon.

[@MHarenArt]

Andrew, you are one of the best interviewers I know. Not only do you ask great questions, but you LET YOUR GUESTS TALK. When I'm listening to interviews, even with guests I really like, if the interviewer is constantly interrupting and instead of asking questions spends too much time pontificating or talking about themselves, I'll just shut it down. The main reason for an interview - in my opinion - is to learn about the guest and what the guest has to say. The interviewer, while it's also his job to keep things moving and on point, is a vehicle to facilitate that.

[@AndrewGold1]

Thank you Maggie !!

[@ablue7335]

Just subscribed to your channel Doug, thank you Andrew for this interview. Ex-Jehovah’s Witness here, and I completely sympathize with your brainwashing experience Doug, I personally continually suffer the effects of my childhood indoctrination and wounded by the experience. It is extremely hard to live in this reality that I am left in without it. But completely sure I can’t be in it. It changed my life forever and continues to affect it very detrimentally(family still in), always feeling like an outsider no matter where I go. Anyway just thanks for talking about this💓

[@AndrewGold1]

Thank you A Blue great to have you aboard !! I’m so sorry to hear about your experience. And hope you find family outside of your family.. if that makes sense

[@lorriesardinia5302]

Ditto! I just subscribed too.

[@AndrewGold1]

@@lorriesardinia5302 Yusssss

[@sjm1408]

Great to see you out and great to have you telling your horrors to all of us. Stay Strong mate.

[@belkispadilla7224]

This guy is beyond articulated. He dives into the experience using the exact words, taking you into the journey and getting under your skin.

[@newtexan1]

He’s nuts.

[@donnabaardsen5372]

​@@newtexan1 Oh my, you're a Scientologist. Glad your cult is being exposed.

[@AChippendale]

Andrew, this was my favorite scientology interview to date. I was rivited sir. Fascinated by the mind control connections.... All of a sudden, so much makes sense.

[@EvaMoritz]

Long time ago, on one winter afternoon, we were bored with my best mate and really cold so we decided to go to all the weird churches we could find in central London. One of them was Scientology and we decided to take the test. Aaaaaaaaannnnnd? Nothing. I think they saw straight away that we were nearly broke 😂

[@AndrewGold1]

Haha thank you Eva !

[@mathewhenderson7019]

"Fair Game" is a term often used by predators when pursuing a potential victim, or group of victims. I was a victim Advocate for several years and in my experience and research, this phrase still gives me the heebie-geebies.

[@scooterallen1834]

This was a really cool listen. My opinion: nothing good comes from promoting secrecy within a religion. Especially having to give financially at the same time. Period

[@theopinionisthighqualityopinio]

I was in an away from home rehab in Italy for three years. I had no desire or intention to quit heroin at the time, but had to go there in order to get my children back, who'd been kidnapped by their father, also a drug user. So many of the techniques being described in this video were used on me and on everyone in the rehab. I've been diagnosed with PTSD by the Italian government and receive part of my disability benefits because of what I went through in that place. As I said, I knew that I was being brainwashed and didn't fall for any of it, but it gave me PTSD because of the fact that I knew what was happening, but had to submit if I was going to get my children back. Listening to this isn't "triggering" me, but I sure as hell recognize SO MUCH of the program. Hearing this has actually made me feel better because it's validated my own experience. It just so happens that my uncle and his wife were HUGE Scientologists when I was little and growing up. The entire rest of my family was mortified by the whole thing. Anyway, thanks so much for doing this interview. I really enjoyed listening and appreciate it!!

[@MrVandresan]

I have some questions, if you dont mind responding. I'm wondering if it is at all similar to what I experienced

[@theopinionisthighqualityopinio]

@@MrVandresan Hi! No, I don't mind answering any questions at all. Please feel free to ask me what you'd like to and I'll try my best to answer. I need to tell you just one thing though. I live in Italy and normally stay up all night long, but I have a toothache that's absolutely killing me, so I'm going to sleep now. If I can, that is! Haha! Anyway, if you write me I won't be able to answer you until tomorrow (Sunday). I'll check to see if you've written as soon as I wake up & get my brain to start working. It would be really interesting to me, but horrible at the same time, to know that other people have gone through this kind of experience, so I really do hope you decide to write me!! Bye for now!!

[@flowerjpotter1629]

The Opinionist I think I have some understanding of what you went through because I could sense something similar happening to me in the name of health care. I was able to make it stop because I could see the idea was to deconstruct, then rebuild all without my consent. It has been a very damaging thing to contend with. Wishing you well.

[@barneyronnie]

Clean?

[@fionakirkwood5975]

I love the honesty of this man. Fair play to him

[@ruthmaund4634]

I really miss Doug. This is a wonderful interview

[@vj381]

I respect this mans honesty and the information he is giving us.

[@AndrewGold1]

Glad you enjoyed, hope you stick with the channel :)

[@kateg7298]

Scott is such a straight shooter. I can see where Scientology in a way, removes the filters that hinder honest communication. But the price is so much more than anyone should ever have to bear. Watching honest talk between two insightful people like this is so out of the usual platitudes and avoiding hurting feelings. That said, I can see by Scott's demeanor that he's been subjected to all sorts of psychological abuse. He's made a remarkable recovery and is walking his own path. I really wish him well and thank him for the dialogue here. P.S. I'm Christian and I like that he aspires to find more meaning in our shared existences.

[@jpblauvelt]

I was invited to attend a seminar in 1985 given by the organization PSI; Personal Success Institute. A friend of my wife had already paid for several of these and gave them away. I was one of the chosen. Soon as I heard the exercises you mentioned in the Scientology communications course, face-to-face staring, giving and getting insults, you can’t react, age regression techniques, not Alice in Wonderland in my case but taking one back to his or her childhood while meditating, and like exercises. I got chills up my spine. Thankfully I didn’t go beyond that initial seminar. Not because I thought they were a cult, but because I’m a nihilist and therefore, don’t buy into that crap. I stayed past one session so as not to appear ungrateful. Are they a cult? I’ve read a lot of stories that cause me to believe so. But yeah. Cults are no joke.

[@narishaloflin9314]

I love Doug's energy--his humility, generosity, humor, open mindedness, & heart. I just discovered here in June of 2024 that Doug has died. I am devastated! I know this sounds silly since I just learned of him via this interview, but he seemed so full of the life he worked so hard to bring himself back to after being f--ed over by his parents & scientology. RIP, Scott ❤

[@irenahabe2855]

How did Dough die? Was he vaxed?

[@stephnewman1357]

My mum nearly joined Scientology in the 80’s so glad we talked her out of it! They’ve damaged so many people.

[@AndrewGold1]

ah im so glad too! great escape!

[@LizJones0]

Amazing! I love your warm, quirky and non-judgemental style of interviewing Andrew. It makes for real and raw interviews which are so refreshing to watch. So glad you broke away from the restraints of the stuffy and heavily censored mainstream media. And I love Doug's style of expressing the experience of Scientology. It really cuts to the heart of how diabolical these cults are and how much they brainwash and destroy people's core self. I have only admiration for Doug to not only go through all that but to then leave Scientology and do everything possible to de-programme from it. Even if people manage to get out of a cult, they often hold onto a part of that ideology, because to remove oneself completely is so traumatic. Loss of sense of self, loss of community, realisation of the hugest of betrayals (that everything you believed for so long was fiction and fabricated by some psychopathic individual for their own sick and twisted game of control). How does one reconcile that without going through a breakdown of some kind? That's why so many either return to the cult or find other cult-type groups to join, to avoid that total breakdown of self. People in abusive relationships often experience a similar sort of brainwashing and obliteration of self which, from the outside looking in, is not well understood. Doug is a very courageous man, not only for getting out of Scientology but for being so honest about the huge impact this has had on him and not being ashamed to talk openly about it. Huge respect to Doug - and also to you Andrew for producing such refreshingly honest content that opens our minds and promotes understanding and acceptance rather than judgement and divisiveness 💛. Keep up the great work!

[@AndrewGold1]

Thank you Liz!! Really appreciate the kind words, and look forward to continuing seeing you here! :)

[@LizJones0]

@@AndrewGold1 Thanks for taking the time to reply! I've been a regular watcher for a long time, I don't comment much but always watch you on KZbin! 👍

[@AndrewGold1]

That's so nice to know. When people don't comment, I imagine that the numbers and stats are fake bots or something. It's hard to imagine in my mind's eye real people sitting there enjoying content I produced. So, I'm happy, in your case, to be able to put a name to the stat!

[@LizJones0]

No definitely not Andrew, lots of us sitting here enjoying your interviews! I'm old-school so only really started watching KZbin regularly when I got Long-Covid. Not really used to commenting online, it's all quite new to me. I love your channel because there's no BS. It's real people talking about real subjects and you are a kind and genuine person. It must be hard to strike the balance between keeping journalistic integrity and getting your content out there and noticed but I think integrity always wins 🏆... and you are doing a great job. Will continue to watch and lurk and maybe comment once in a while 👍😄

[@AndrewGold1]

@@LizJones0 ohh thank you liz! and you're right, i do often think 'if i had a purely anti-woke... or purely anti-cults.. channel, it might get subs quicker...and if i were more divisive and opinionated. But i hope you're right, and i can just choose subjects that fascinate me, and not always know how i feel. im lucky to have subscribers like you!

[@victoriac7007]

Doug, you are an amazing guy. Intelligent, humble, and honest. Thank you both.

[@AndrewGold1]

You're welcome!

[@univerz1175]

In 1976 l was 16, and l remember sitting in the city square and someone approached me to see if l was interested in doing one of these personality tests. Well l went to their building and the interview/test was so invasive and almost confronting. I thought about how nervous they made me feel. I gave a fake address and fake number. Couldn’t wait to get out of that building. They made an appointment for me to come back. I Walked out the door and thought phew dodged a bullet there, “good riddance to bad rubbish”.

[@SalunyaKayell]

I absolutely love Doug. I've been subscribed to his channel for a while now and he is so open, honest, humble, knowledgeable, and has a zest for further knowledge and information. So happy you got him on here. 🧡

[@AndrewGold1]

Ah me too he is great. I’m on his channel soon ! Thanks for watching and commenting Sal :)

[@SalunyaKayell]

@@AndrewGold1 Thank you for the reply and I will have to keep an eye out. 🧡

[@avi3062]

Great interview. Was very impressed with the guest. He had an incredible sense of self awareness

[@AngelinaSerbskaja]

I wanted to see what it was all about so popped in there! And walked out during the first (and last) audit! The supervisor guy looked at me with an unrivetting stare full of hatred,resentment, and literal, scathing, unrelenting GALL that said: "HOW DARE YOU!!!?" BEST MOVE I MADE! I sensed HOW FREAKY THAT WAS! It's ABSOLUTE FULL, TOTAL UNADULTERATED MIND CONTROL - SHRUGGED IT OFF PRONTO & SCRAMMWD - THANK GOD!! +Q-S/

[@thevegandragon4676]

How very sad that these parents would sacrifice their children's mental health and well being to this truly evil cult which effectively destroys them for life.

[@kimberlygabaldon3260]

Another great interview with Doug! The conversation between the two of you just flows, and it was so informative. It was very enjoyable to listen to. I hope that you will do it again.

[@Williamb612]

Tom rose out of obscurity in about 3 weeks of getting to NY when he was 18…landed Risky Business at 19, and the rest is history. There is something really strange about this man…he says Psychiatry and psychology, is pseudo science and that he knows all about it, however the only thing he knows about it is what Elron said about it…”pseudo science” was Elron’s coined term. Elron made shit up in order to lock people into his cult… Cruise is an incredible movie maker (actor sometimes) but off the set there is something extremely dark about this guy

[@AndrewGold1]

Absolutely

[@annhood3]

& I believe Mimi Rogers introduced him to it when he was 24. ugh

[@soniagordon2799]

True. Why is he unable to have a happy marraige with 4! Wifes? His kids wont talk to their mother Nicole. Katie did the right thing escaping ASAP. He is not all there.

[@AndrewGold1]

@@soniagordon2799 it's mad isn't it! thanks for commenting sonia!

[@Williamb612]

@@soniagordon2799 I thinks he literally signed a billion year contract with the devil Thomas will have to pay back the piper sometime…it is how it works…this is why he is always running, trying to outrun the devil

[@Burzurk1987]

I’m an ex Scientologist as well. Spent about 10 years trying to go up the Bridge. I didn’t make it very far. I made it to ARC Straightwire in the auditing side. I was a Method 1 Auditor. I realized eventually that it wasn’t for me. I went through the SCN Marriage Counseling which is so hard. I lost my wife who I loved very much. I’m glad I got out and didn’t make it very far. I still probably spent about $10k or a little more. In all fairness, the “drills” that are being described here are called TRs. There is a specific purpose for them. If they do brain wash a person, I don’t think it’s intentional on the part of SCN. The TRs are to prepare an auditor to audit a pre Clear and handle an auditing session. And the TR where you “stare” at each other isn’t so hard that you can’t blink. I always understood the purpose of the TRs as related to being an Auditor. Many people don’t. I read about XENU and BTs many years ago when I was at the bottom of the bridge. I thought it was total bullshit. It took me a few years after the Xenu story before I finally got the hell out.

[@AndrewGold1]

Fascinating, thank you!

[@WiseAngelUK]

Scientology use staring unblinking at each other as a mind control ? Going into a world of one's own is my retreat back from what's going on around me. Although , staring like this can also be the precursor to a petit mal seizure.

[@Burzurk1987]

@@WiseAngelUK well, it’s not really staring at each other. It’s just a basic yet important drill so that the student auditor can do his or her job confronting and auditing a pre clear.

[@mayrachavez9839]

What is this scientology about? I saw one scientology church the other day and wonder

[@chapstickdramma8640]

I understand how being in a cult affects you long term. I was born and raised in married off in the FLDS cult. I escaped in my late 20s. Had to leave my kids behind because how completely blind to the real world. Anyways I now am in my 50s and still up to 6 months ago had nightmares or panic attacks. So just because you leave. It's a lifelong scar. So I get it. I no longer have. The nightmares or panic attacks because the man I was told to marry passed away. I was told to marry a man that was 53 with 2 wives his age. It was a complete nightmare.

[@abscondis]

I took that personality test as a teen way back in the seventies. The questions were loaded, the type that tap into peoples hopes and fears which are more or less universal. I did not fall for it. I passed the test with flying colours and was shown the door.

[@barneyronnie]

You're Mentat material! Perhaps that is your destiny.

[@hensonlaura]

That's hilarious ☺️

[@zinka777]

I love listening to Doug Kramer. I've been following his channel for a while, he has had some amazing guests, and is very intelligent, articulated and seems a very kind person.

[@indigobunting2431]

The Unibomber was subjected to drugs and brainwashed as a young college volunteer. I think it ruined him.

[@marthanewsome6375]

I had the personality test and lied but wasn't found out and managed to sneak out with my friend way back in the late 1980's in Sydney. We originally went in for a laugh, but it did indeed get a bit scary and weird. We ran and they chased us through Sydney. Luckily we went in under fake names and fake ID's, easier to do those back then. But we finally shook them off our tails after hours of trying to find big crowds and blending in as much as we could. But before we did that, we laughed and thought they were just a hilarious joke. Afterwards, we considered them a danger to society and people everywhere. They are not a religion they are a true cult. So are the Jehova Witnesses and Hill Song Church. I grew up with Catholic parents, but I am now a Deist and believe that everyone should have the right to their own personal faith, but when it's a faith that has been pushed into you, that is just wrong. BTW my parents became Catholic in their early 20's.

[@feanorian21maglor38]

My experience doing their personality test was less scary, but similar. I am an atheist, brought up Catholic, and have a close Jehovah Witness friend and other than she does get preachy sometimes (as do several born-again Christian friends) I do not find that she is in any way different to anyone else, nor does she, or the several other Witnesses I've known, seem damaged by their particular cult. Perhaps their cult is a 'gentler one', I don't know, but you don't hear the same horror stories. As people, I've found them all super nice, though I find their beliefs very weird. I don't know any scientologists- but listening to the speaker on this vlog I'm realising most of them are probably good people.

[@melt2947]

They actually chased you? That is so crazy

[@Theo_Alexakis]

Wow,being chased is crazy,I would have ran into the nearest police station or church, just to see what they would do!😂

[@pamelaconley9744]

When I left the Mormon Church, I was terrified to speak about anything that happened in the Temple because the ceremony in the Temple states if anyone speaks about what happens there would be killed. It took at least 10 years before I didn't become paranoid speaking out about it. It totally had me in its control!

[@williammellenthine6434]

Um thats not true at all , way to lie and be a deceiver of men , theres nothing in the temple ceremony that says that , shame on you .

[@harryparsons2750]

So what happens there?

[@belindascott2747]

​@williammellenthine6434 Shame on you for defending a BS cult!! Go f yourself!!

[@williammellenthine6434]

@@harryparsons2750 we Participate in baptisms as well as being worthy enough to receive our endowments and receive other ordnances from God .. but nothing like the previous comments mentions , her statements are completely false.

[@stockinettestitch]

@@williammellenthine6434No, you are wrong. When I was 15 St Paul First Ward went to the dedication of the Chicago temple. There we did baptisms for the dead. We took an oath to not tell what went on or have our throats slit ear to ear.

[@missamanda2703]

Good job on coming forward. I am so glad you escaped. One way to tell the truth and not be liable before anything that hasn't yet been said in print or news is that any media is do not sate anything as a fact. Especially since you have been you for a while, things might have changed. In my opinion, are the best 3 words ever to protect yourself

[@amyshew1151]

Ah- it always puts a smile on my face when I get notified you have new content Doug . I never tire listening to you even if I’ve heard you tell the story . I get the idea after years of being told not to question others authority , your natural curiosity and intelligence are exploding with all the questions you didn’t get to even consider for such a long time . Every day I ask myself how I lived so many years and just learned - well I learned there are 2 kinds of maraschino cherries . Fancy, small dark red and not very sweet ones and the bright red inexpensive / common ones . Who knew ? I must confess I like the common ones better . Looking forward to seeing where you turn up next .

[@AndrewGold1]

Doug is great !! Thanks for watching my channel Amy :)

[@mehburnard6735]

I’ve half arse listened to Scientology stuff before but this was very interesting and kept me listening. Thank you for sharing this!

[@WhosaidIrene]

Mad respect to Doug Scott Kramer. Can I just say that I absolutely love the way he handled/ described his criticism for Dr. Hassan. He stated his criticism while continuing to praise Hassan’s research and book. I appreciate that. It was very thoughtful and poignant-jmo

[@voertsek8404]

Great interview guys …… I’ve always maintained…. Never pass negative comments unless you have walked in another man’s shoes . Kudos for finding the strength to tell us your story . 🤛

[@AndrewGold1]

Thanks!!

[@soso-es5wn]

I love the way he thinks, how he has so many different thoughts at the same time and be able to communicate them in such a clear picture 👌🏻 I loved the part about atheism and Spirituality and your thoughts about that! Would love to see more of these conversations!

[@flowerjpotter1629]

Thanks for such a revealing interview Andrew. Have learned so much from your guest. His description of the sessions was something I haven't heard about in so much detail before. And the idea given to people in the cult that this life isn't so important has to make members more easy to control if they don't value their life.

[@AndrewGold1]

aw thank you!

[@graceyoung3771]

My chiropractor sneakily introduced me to Scientology. I didn't have a babysitter on such a late notice and brought my 2 children ages 6 & 11 in 99. They didn't like it when I told them I needed to think about it. Even my children felt the creepiness. Spirit told me their tools were a man made tool to judge truth and it was wrong/bad. They phone and mail stalked me like crazy for 2 years straight.

[@share2succeed157]

Thank God you got away.

[@mia_f]

Sorry to hear about it. I’m a chiropractor and that’s highly unprofessional

[@thesoundlikechameleons2082]

get them arrested