Mike Rinder was raised as a Scientologist from the age of 5 when his parents began attending the Scientology International Center in Australia in the early 1960s. He eventually went on to serve as Scientology’s international spokesperson. Mike was the head of OSA- Scientology's Office of Special Affairs and was a member of the Board of directors of the Church of Scientology International. Since denouncing Scientology, Rinder has become a prominent whistleblower against its abuses. He appeared in the HBO documentary Going Clear and co-hosted all three seasons of Leah Remini's Emmy Award-winning show Scientology and the Aftermath. He and Remini also co-host the podcast Scientology: Fair Game. His excellent new memoir, A BILLION YEARS: My Escape From a Life in the highest Ranks of Scientology is available now.
In this revealing and fascinating conversation, longtime colleagues Rachel and Mike discuss the psychological blocks common to many cult followers as well as the specific mental hurdles former Scientologists have to overcome to regain their personal autonomy. Mike reflects on the process of writing his memoir, describing the catharsis he felt as well as the clarity it provided him as he had to imagine for the first time what his life's story looked like from an outsider's perspective.
Before You Go: Rachel explains the significance of Mike having no pictures of himself or his family from the decades he spent in Scientology, describing the damaging effects high control groups can have on their followers by diminishing familial connection and eliminating the sentimentality of memories shared with loved ones.
You can listen to Mike's podcast with Leah Remini, Scientology: Fair Game here:
https://fairgamepodcast.com/
You can purchase Mike's memoir A Billion Years here:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60209478-a-billion-years
Check out Mike's Blog here:
https://www.mikerindersblog.org/
You can purchase Rachel's webinar series LIVING IN FREEDOM here:
rachelbernsteintherapy.com/webinar.html
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