Ron Hubbard

Andrew Barton

Janis joined Hubbard's ship at age 11. She was the first Commodore's Messenger and spent more than a decade at Hubbard's side. Her books give vital insight into the 'slave ship' and Hubbard's frequently traumatizing behavior. She is eager to have any information about her lifelong friend Andrew Barton, one of many disappeared Scientologists.links:Janis' channel with Mark Fisher, "Peeling the Onion"The search for Andrew BartonThe episode where Janis talks to the disconnected motherJon's paper, "Scientology: Religion or Intelligence Agency?"

Janis joined Hubbard's ship at age 11. She was the first Commodore's Messenger and spent more than a decade at Hubbard's side. Her books give vital insight into the 'slave ship' and Hubbard's frequently traumatizing behavior. She is eager to have any information about her lifelong friend Andrew Barton, one of many disappeared Scientologists. links: Janis' <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MarkFisherandJanisGillhamGrady " rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">channel</a> with Mark Fisher, "Peeling the Onion" The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y5KMBQaGRU&amp;t=2659s" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">search for Andrew Barton</a> The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/Fye6RzHJ3Lc?feature=share&amp;t=2829" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">episode</a> where Janis talks to the disconnected mother Jon's <a href="http://home.snafu.de/tilman/j/berlin.html" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">paper</a>, "Scientology: Religion or Intelligence Agency?"

Janis Gillham-Grady on her years with Ron Hubbard and the search for Andrew Barton

Hoyt Richards

documentarian and thriving survivor Hoyt Richards joins Jon for a conversation about the positive effects of membership in negative groups and the camaraderie found during wars and catastrophes. Jon starts with Biderman's Chart of Coercion first devised to explain the steps of the Chinese Thought Reform Program and more recently applied to Guantanamo Bay. As ever, many controversial points are discussed!  Links:  Petition to Save the Brazilian Rainforest   Biderman's Chart of Coercion  Chris Shelton's Truth Rundown video  A musical rundown of the Borgia family  Windsor soup  The Robbers Cave Experiment  Chinese Blank Paper Protests  And yes, you can get Jaffa cakes in the US. My [Spike] local store has them in the "international foods" aisle. Failing that, one can always buy them on Amazon.

documentarian and thriving survivor Hoyt Richards joins Jon for a conversation about the positive effects of membership in negative groups and the camaraderie found during wars and catastrophes. Jon starts with Biderman's Chart of Coercion first devised to explain the steps of the Chinese Thought Reform Program and more recently applied to Guantanamo Bay. As ever, many controversial points are discussed! Links: <a href="https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-burning-of-the-amazon-rainforest-2?source_location=search " rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Petition</a> to Save the Brazilian Rainforest Biderman's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biderman's_Chart_of_Coercion" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Chart of Coercion</a> Chris Shelton's <a href="https://youtu.be/x9fJkVJD0yQ " rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Truth Rundown video</a> A <a href="https://youtu.be/s1ADwv2A1wg " rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">musical rundown</a> of the Borgia family <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_soup" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Windsor soup</a> The Robbers Cave <a href="https://www.simplypsychology.org/robbers-cave.html " rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Experiment</a> Chinese <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-silent-protests-180981262/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Blank Paper Protests</a> And yes, you can get Jaffa cakes in the US. My [Spike] local store has them in the "international foods" aisle. Failing that, one can always buy them on Amazon.

camaraderie in cults with Hoyt Richards

Jen Senko

Jen Senko talks about her fascinating documentary and the book of the same title which gives even more detail of the information war waging in the US. Jen's dad Frank was a thoughtful, considerate man who became a raging fanatic when his information sources were restricted to right-wing media - especially Fox "News" and Rush Limbaugh. Jen found that this plague has touched many families in the US. It seems astonishing that a literate, intelligent man who spoke seven languages could have been pulled into this hateful echo chamber. Jen gives us a remarkable perspective on the machinations of the right and the need for us to check our information.Links: Jen's site watch TBoMD on YouTube (trailer) Facebook page The YouTube Channel ------ Madison Square Garden rally 1939 Velasquez men of pleasure paintings more on Intelligent Disobedience

Jen Senko talks about her fascinating documentary and the book of the same title which gives even more detail of the information war waging in the US. Jen's dad Frank was a thoughtful, considerate man who became a raging fanatic when his information sources were restricted to right-wing media - especially Fox "News" and Rush Limbaugh. Jen found that this plague has touched many families in the US. It seems astonishing that a literate, intelligent man who spoke seven languages could have been pulled into this hateful echo chamber. Jen gives us a remarkable perspective on the machinations of the right and the need for us to check our information. Links: Jen's <a href="http://www.thebrainwashingofmydad.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">site</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SQLYAyLRDc&amp;t=2s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">watch TBoMD on YouTube</a> (trailer) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thebrainwashingofmydadmovie?ref=hl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq2PQ5pM-6oYAdAGSsreB4Q" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a> ------ <a href="https://youtu.be/uftTLH6NRks" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Madison Square Garden rally 1939</a> Velasquez men of pleasure <a href="https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-buffoon-calabacillas/f5b4b198-ea59-480e-b30b-8e599cda31db" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">paintings</a> more on <a href="http://intelligentdisobedience.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Intelligent Disobedience</a>

The Brainwashing of My Dad - with Jen Senko

Doug Brooks

Attorney Doug Brooks has created a website to help anyone entangled with a multilevel marketing organization. Doug shares his extensive experience in the field and offers sound practical advice to anyone who has been involved or is considering joining one of these get-rich-quick schemes which, as Doug says, benefit only the top one percent of members, often to the significant detriment of the remaining 99%.Check out Doug's website

Attorney Doug Brooks has created a website to help anyone entangled with a multilevel marketing organization. Doug shares his extensive experience in the field and offers sound practical advice to anyone who has been involved or is considering joining one of these get-rich-quick schemes which, as Doug says, benefit only the top one percent of members, often to the significant detriment of the remaining 99%. Check out <a href="https://www.pyramidscheme.law/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Doug's website</a>

multi-level-marketing and pyramid schemes - with Doug Brooks

Jon digs deeper into the causes of the Manson Family murders with Kacey, who has also spent time researching Manson. Manson was passionately interested in Scientology while in prison. At least three other Family members were involved in Scientology. Popular works about Manson fail to understand that Scientology is an elaborate system of control techniques rather than simply a set of beliefs or rituals. It is important to factor in Scientology's secret internal documents and the group's repeated attempts to distance Scientology from Manson.   Links:  CrimeconAustralian Royal CommissionPortugal reportSteven Hassan's Psychology Today articlehis blog response to Scientology's intimidation tacticsThe internal Scientology report on Manson

Jon digs deeper into the causes of the Manson Family murders with Kacey, who has also spent time researching Manson. Manson was passionately interested in Scientology while in prison. At least three other Family members were involved in Scientology. Popular works about Manson fail to understand that Scientology is an elaborate system of control techniques rather than simply a set of beliefs or rituals. It is important to factor in Scientology's secret internal documents and the group's repeated attempts to distance Scientology from Manson. Links: <a href="https://www.crimecon.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Crimecon</a><a href="https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Australian Royal Commission</a><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/13/europe/portugal-catholic-church-abuse-intl/index.html" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Portugal report</a><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-of-mind/202306/manson-cult-member-leslie-van-houten-deserves-to-be-free" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Steven Hassan's Psychology Today article</a><a href="https://freedomofmind.com/steven-reacts-to-scientologys-recent-intimidation-tactics/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">his blog response to Scientology's intimidation tactics</a><a href="https://freedomofmind.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/re-manson-bruce-davis-to-msh-1of4-scaled.jpg" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">The internal Scientology report on Manson</a>

More on Manson with Kacey at the Cult Vault

Chris Shelton

Should we be outraged that Roger Waters has been accused of anti-Semitism for a dramatic piece that shows the downfall of an authoritarian leader? We believe with John Stuart Mill's On Liberty which insists that we should never close our ears to disagreeable ideas and always be open to discussion.   The Roger Waters video Jon mentions

Should we be outraged that Roger Waters has been accused of anti-Semitism for a dramatic piece that shows the downfall of an authoritarian leader? We believe with John Stuart Mill's On Liberty which insists that we should never close our ears to disagreeable ideas and always be open to discussion. The <a href="https://youtu.be/AwIZoJSrIJU " rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Roger Waters video</a> Jon mentions

Let's cancel "cancel culture" - with Chris Shelton

Joe Szimhart

Joe and Jon have both spent their lives delving into belief systems, fascinated by the twists and turns that convince people to behave in benevolent or malevolent ways to those around them. A wide-ranging discussion about human perception of the divine that will doubtless unsettle some of the devout.Link: https://youtu.be/mdKst8zeh-U

Joe and Jon have both spent their lives delving into belief systems, fascinated by the twists and turns that convince people to behave in benevolent or malevolent ways to those around them. A wide-ranging discussion about human perception of the divine that will doubtless unsettle some of the devout. Link: <a href="https://youtu.be/mdKst8zeh-U" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/mdKst8zeh-U</a>

what do we mean when we say God? with Joe Szimhart

documentarian, actor, and activist Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about Sebastian Junger's Tribe: Homecoming and Belonging and how ways in which authoritarian cults are tribes where recruits mistakenly believe they indeed found their home and feel they belong. Velasquez – the men of pleasure and the cretins UN figures on modern slavery

documentarian, actor, and activist Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about Sebastian Junger's Tribe: Homecoming and Belonging and how ways in which authoritarian cults are tribes where recruits mistakenly believe they indeed found their home and feel they belong. <a href="https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-buffoon-calabacillas/f5b4b198-ea59-480e-b30b-8e599cda31db" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Velasquez – the men of pleasure and the cretins</a> <a href="https://www.un.org/en/delegate/50-million-people-modern-slavery-un-report" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">UN figures on modern slavery</a>

tribe or cult? with Hoyt Richards

Professor emeritus Steven Moffic shares insights from his discipline of social psychiatry in a wide-ranging discussion about the prevalence of sociopathy in our society and the need for highly trained professionals to take a role in helping us to evolve towards better solutions and outgrow warfare. Including ideas about political leaders and the various forms of narcissism and anti-social behavior encouraged in our society.The whole complicated story of Beethoven's "Eroica" symphony (#3) and its problematic dedication(Spike is happier than she probably should be that she got to use the knowledge left over from her music degree today!)

Professor emeritus Steven Moffic shares insights from his discipline of social psychiatry in a wide-ranging discussion about the prevalence of sociopathy in our society and the need for highly trained professionals to take a role in helping us to evolve towards better solutions and outgrow warfare. Including ideas about political leaders and the various forms of narcissism and anti-social behavior encouraged in our society. The whole <a href="https://www.napoleon-series.org/ins/scholarship98/c_eroica.html#1" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">complicated story</a> of Beethoven's "Eroica" symphony (#3) and its problematic dedication (Spike is happier than she probably should be that she got to use the knowledge left over from her music degree today!)

narcissism, authoritarian cults and social psychiatry with Professor Steven Moffic, MD

Chris Shelton explains the model of behavior he is developing to understand cultic involvement. As ever, a lively discussion!Links:Hassan's BITE ModelLifton's Eight Criteria of Thought ReformCialdini's 7 Principles of Persuasionour "human predator" poster, prinatble and shareableJohn Oliver on Solitary ConfinementJane MacGregor's SEAT model the Spiritual Death of Howard Greer Nine Emotional Needs How to Roll a Rick

Chris Shelton explains the model of behavior he is developing to understand cultic involvement. As ever, a lively discussion! Links: Hassan's <a href="https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">BITE Model</a> Lifton's <a href="https://freedomofmind.com/robert-jay-liftons-eight-criteria-of-thought-reform-brainwashing-mind-control/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Eight Criteria of Thought Reform</a> Cialdini's 7 <a href="https://www.influenceatwork.com/7-principles-of-persuasion/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Principles of Persuasion</a> our "human predator" <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Xlw2b5YJqq1j766GhFGLhTyUn_z46CG/view?usp=share_link" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">poster</a>, prinatble and shareable John Oliver on <a href="https://youtu.be/_uSZwErdH3I" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Solitary Confinement</a> Jane MacGregor's <a href="https://psychopathsinlife.com/the-sociopath-empath-apath-triad-explained/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">SEAT model</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/DtUgAC2jq3c" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">the Spiritual Death of Howard Greer</a> <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/9-emotional-needs-according-to-maslow-s-hierarchy?fbclid=IwAR0ZSq6zVf_YNTzFSWmkt6498I_oTDz3zqqjlK3Anfcbi_PtGqOfQYxcYB4" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Nine Emotional Needs</a> How to <a href="https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Roll a Rick</a>

reason, emotion and morality with Chris Shelton, MSc

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/jon-atack-family--friends/subscribejon atack, along with his son sam, present a series of educational podcasts on how to spot, avoid, and overcome unethical manipulation of all kinds - from destructive cults and abusive relationships, to advertising, groupthink, bullying and more. join us in our hope to create a world where people are taught from infancy to stand up for their rights, look deeper into what they're being told, and to question everything!from time to time we will also be sharing "lighter" fare - podcasts on art, music, and literature, featuring jon's younger son dan on guitar, sam's amazing paper sculpture.

Nick Child spent his working life as a family psychiatrist. He has turned his attention to the prevention of parental alienation with the international Two Wishes Foundation. The aim of Two Wishes is to replace the adversarial approach to parental separation and focus on the needs of the children involved. Nick and Jon start by talking about aspects of coercive control as they relate to parental alienation, but, because this is our channel, the conversation cannot stick to one topic, and they move into education, history, AI, and the meaning of life.  Links:  The Alienation Experience Two Wishes Foundation   UN figures on modern slavery Bee elections  Lippman's Socrates for 6-year-olds Kahn Academy   The Brightsky App   Alan Scheflin's Social Influence Model

Nick Child spent his working life as a family psychiatrist. He has turned his attention to the prevention of parental alienation with the international Two Wishes Foundation. The aim of Two Wishes is to replace the adversarial approach to parental separation and focus on the needs of the children involved. Nick and Jon start by talking about aspects of coercive control as they relate to parental alienation, but, because this is our channel, the conversation cannot stick to one topic, and they move into education, history, AI, and the meaning of life. Links: The <a href="https://thealienationexperience.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Alienation Experience</a> <a href="https://www.twowishes.org/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Two Wishes Foundation</a> UN <a href="https://www.un.org/en/delegate/50-million-people-modern-slavery-un-report" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">figures on modern slavery</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/krulwich/2011/05/24/136391522/natures-secret-why-honey-bees-are-better-politicians-than-humans" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Bee elections</a> Lippman's <a href="https://youtu.be/vyD0l9En6Io" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Socrates for 6-year-olds</a> <a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Kahn Academy</a> The <a href="https://www.hestia.org/brightsky" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Brightsky App</a> Alan Scheflin's <a href="https://freedomofmind.com/blog-professor-alan-scheflins-social-influence-model-sim/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Social Influence Model</a>

two wishes - parental alienation (and more) with Dr Nick Child

Anke Richter is one of the few journalists who has seriously researched authoritarian cults. Her own positive experience with a neo-tantra group helped her to understand the devastations caused by three very different cults: Centrepoint and Gloriavale in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Agama Yoga in Thailand. Centrepoint was a free-love cult whose leaders were eventually imprisoned for sexual abuse and child sexual abuse. Gloriavale is a contemporary pseudo-Christian cult with bizarre sexual mores. Agama Yoga has been called the 'rape cult' and belongs to the neo-tantra movement - which promotes the notion of bliss or even enlightenment through sex. Anke gives readings from her well-researched and shocking book. A must-read that will become a classic.  Links:  Anke's site: https://www.ankerichter.net/  the Gloriavale Leaver Support Trust: https://www.gloriavaleleavers.org.nz  If you have experienced sexual abuse and need help: US UK AUS NZ  If you are feeling suicidal: US UK AUS NZ  Fight Against Conspiracy Theories https://factaotearoa.nz  Portugal sex abuse findings Australian Royal Commission

Anke Richter is one of the few journalists who has seriously researched authoritarian cults. Her own positive experience with a neo-tantra group helped her to understand the devastations caused by three very different cults: Centrepoint and Gloriavale in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Agama Yoga in Thailand. Centrepoint was a free-love cult whose leaders were eventually imprisoned for sexual abuse and child sexual abuse. Gloriavale is a contemporary pseudo-Christian cult with bizarre sexual mores. Agama Yoga has been called the 'rape cult' and belongs to the neo-tantra movement - which promotes the notion of bliss or even enlightenment through sex. Anke gives readings from her well-researched and shocking book. A must-read that will become a classic. Links: Anke's site: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3NtcGRfOVRiN0xKWU9kWHB0dFBadncxeHp4UXxBQ3Jtc0ttU0lCTGlGSS1VY3JkbGlfUUFuMWcwcjdRMlNadlRpUFRqMnQweHU5bjJiWXlwYjk1RjRubW93OWVvQ2NvU0xIRC15Qk1OVGlfRUQ0Y2FISWRxOVhacEYwUVg0UDBXUzNBQ1M0aWlrdS1ZS01haGU3bw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ankerichter.net%2F&amp;v=Z43m3LDwm-M" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ankerichter.net/</a> the Gloriavale Leaver Support Trust: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJRZ0Jsc3BVeVpaSi1udmNVTVBjRDM5R3hKd3xBQ3Jtc0tueWR1WDR6V1hFSE9keFhZNTZrdnlLaWpGQzhzWDFKNFBtb1hTVnhTM3lMZVRKQmlBb19nM29Ua3AzQ1BGeG10Yk5fWkRzcG5aZWtOWEtVaXIwcmw5cHpVa3RzZ2Y2VnlfaXhySHF4OGZjbThiUkxmbw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gloriavaleleavers.org.nz%2F&amp;v=Z43m3LDwm-M" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.gloriavaleleavers.org.nz</a> If you have experienced sexual abuse and need help: <a href="https://www.rainn.org/resources" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">US</a> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-victims-of-sexual-violence-and-abuse" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">UK</a> <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sexual-assault-and-rape" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">AUS</a> <a href="https://www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/advice-victims/victims-rape-or-sexual-assault" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">NZ</a> If you are feeling suicidal: <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">US</a> <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/useful-contacts/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">UK</a> <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">AUS</a> <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.nz/services/suicide-crisis-helpline/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">NZ</a> Fight Against Conspiracy Theories <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGtGQTh6QmZHLTZtTGhMM0o3X1IzMmlYcjJmd3xBQ3Jtc0ttVVJPa3NCWjR5OFhzU280ME80dG93VkNsRHpnU1VPMG16eGZ1VEYzWjM0SXVVdTc4d3NlczVuSmdjVjRLUnRjcHFGeDE2ZUNpWGxCUGVHYm5meFZWcEltaVExb3hNY1FvejFrRE9abkV3SzNRT0hlSQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Ffactaotearoa.nz%2F&amp;v=Z43m3LDwm-M" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://factaotearoa.nz</a> <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/13/europe/portugal-catholic-church-abuse-intl/index.html" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Portugal sex abuse findings</a> <a href="⁠https://www.royalcommission.gov.au/child-abuse⁠" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Australian Royal Commission</a>

Sexually predatory groups: Cult Trip with Anke Richter

Mark Plummer

For this part of Mark's story, he and Jon do a deep dive into Scientology's financial systems and the intricate rules of how staff are paid - if and when they are paid at all.

For this part of Mark's story, he and Jon do a deep dive into Scientology's financial systems and the intricate rules of how staff are paid - if and when they are paid at all.

a warrior's journey in and out of Scientology, part three - with Mark Plummer

GPT-4 has caused a storm, including a petition signed by Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak for a moratorium on research while we ponder the ethical implications. Chris and Jon react to Jean-Pierre Jeunet's excellent comic take on AGI, Big Bug, and delve into the deeper issues, including Microsoft's admission that GPT-4 'hallucinates'.Links: AlphaGo beats human Fan Hui at Go; Deep Blue beats Garry Kasparov at chess. petition to pause AI experiments New Scientist Article on Chat GPT Washington post article on Chat GPT Portugal sex abuse findings  Australian Royal Commission

GPT-4 has caused a storm, including a petition signed by Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak for a moratorium on research while we ponder the ethical implications. Chris and Jon react to Jean-Pierre Jeunet's excellent comic take on AGI, Big Bug, and delve into the deeper issues, including Microsoft's admission that GPT-4 'hallucinates'. Links: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Blue_versus_Garry_Kasparov" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">AlphaGo beats human Fan Hui at Go; Deep Blue beats Garry Kasparov at chess.</a> <a href="https://futureoflife.org/open-letter/pause-giant-ai-experiments/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">petition to pause AI experiments</a> <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2370923-chemists-are-teaching-gpt-4-to-do-chemistry-and-control-lab-robots/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">New Scientist Article on Chat GPT</a> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/04/05/chatgpt-lies" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Washington post article on Chat GPT</a> <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/13/europe/portugal-catholic-church-abuse-intl/index.html" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Portugal sex abuse findings </a> <a href="https://www.royalcommission.gov.au/child-abuse" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Australian Royal Commission</a>

the cult of the Singularity & the future of Artificial General Intelligence with Chris Shelton, MSc

Bad Cadet is an excellent addition to the welter of biographies by former members. Katherine Spallino was born into the Sea Org in Los Angeles and gives a vivid description of her childhood and coming of age. I had intended to skim the book before talking with Katherine, but found the material so compelling that I read from cover to cover. Katherine reads a few passages and tells us about life after Scientology.Links:For more about Katherine's bookKatherine's Twitter: @BadCadetTony Ortega's Underground Bunker Ex-Scientology KidsNever Believe a Hypnotist the paper the videoPossible Origins of Dianetics and Scientology:the paperthe video part onethe video part two

Bad Cadet is an excellent addition to the welter of biographies by former members. Katherine Spallino was born into the Sea Org in Los Angeles and gives a vivid description of her childhood and coming of age. I had intended to skim the book before talking with Katherine, but found the material so compelling that I read from cover to cover. Katherine reads a few passages and tells us about life after Scientology. Links: For more about <a href="https://a.co/d/8kxYgZm" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Katherine's book</a> Katherine's Twitter: <a href="@BadCadet" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">@BadCadet</a> Tony Ortega's <a href="https://tonyortega.org/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Underground Bunker</a> <a href="https://exscientologykids.com/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Ex-Scientology Kids</a> Never Believe a Hypnotist <a href="http://home.snafu.de/tilman/j/hypnosis.html" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">the paper</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/tUMwJgCGBOA" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">the video</a> Possible Origins of Dianetics and Scientology: <a href="http://home.snafu.de/tilman/j/origins6.html?" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">the paper</a> the video <a href="https://youtu.be/VGQXQaiLa2A" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">part one</a> the video <a href="https://youtu.be/0wzlxBiAQtc" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">part two</a>

Bad Cadet - a childhood in Scientology's Sea Organization with Katherine Spallino

Mark continues the story of his amazing journey, including the shocking contents of the "cadet org / cadet estates org establishment eval", one of the most incriminating of all Scientology issues.This is part two; part one may be found herelinks: Mark's website cadet org / cadet estates org establishment eval  Lisa McPherson storySpike's note:Qual = qualifications, where one has to go if you haven't gotten your "training" right."Word Clearing" is where a Scientologist has to look up the meanings of the words involved in a given document and prove that they understand them. The idea is that the ONLY reason anyone would disagree with an order from Scientology management is that they had a "misunderstood word," that is, they didn't understand a word in the order. In Mark's case, management was essentially telling him that the only reason he didn't want to not spend time with his family was that he had misunderstood some word in one of the relevant Scientology policies, NOT because they were going against their own policies and ignoring the established "family time."

Mark continues the story of his amazing journey, including the shocking contents of the "cadet org / cadet estates org establishment eval", one of the most incriminating of all Scientology issues. This is part two; part one may be found <a href="https://youtu.be/3j8erslBiDI" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> links: Mark's <a href="https://warrior.xenu.ca/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">website</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SPsrUS/permalink/1061674563900907" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">cadet org / cadet estates org establishment eval </a> <a href="http://lisamcpherson.org/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Lisa McPherson story</a> Spike's note: Qual = qualifications, where one has to go if you haven't gotten your "training" right. "Word Clearing" is where a Scientologist has to look up the meanings of the words involved in a given document and prove that they understand them. The idea is that the ONLY reason anyone would disagree with an order from Scientology management is that they had a "misunderstood word," that is, they didn't understand a word in the order. In Mark's case, management was essentially telling him that the only reason he didn't want to not spend time with his family was that he had misunderstood some word in one of the relevant Scientology policies, NOT because they were going against their own policies and ignoring the established "family time."

a warrior's journey in and out of Scientology - with Mark Plummer, part two

Mike Rinder

Mike Rinder worked closely with both Ron Hubbard and David Miscavige before escaping Scientology. Mike talks with Jon about Hubbard's strange daily schedule, his self-auditing, his foul temper and his decline after his first heart attack in 1974. Mike and Jon also discuss peak experiences and the part that expectation or placebo plays in them, along with 'reverie' states and the inertia which locks us in even when the 'wins' evaporate.

Mike Rinder worked closely with both Ron Hubbard and David Miscavige before escaping Scientology. Mike talks with Jon about Hubbard's strange daily schedule, his self-auditing, his foul temper and his decline after his first heart attack in 1974. Mike and Jon also discuss peak experiences and the part that expectation or placebo plays in them, along with 'reverie' states and the inertia which locks us in even when the 'wins' evaporate.

peak experiences, placebo, and the sunk cost fallacy - with Mike Rinder

Mark "Warrior" Plummer has had an amazing life, of which his membership in Scientology is only a small fraction - but a fascinating one!Join us as Jon and Mark talk about Mark’s early days in Scientology, his entrance into the Sea Org, and his eventual exit and first days protesting against Scientology abuses.Links:Mark's websitefor more on Gregg Hagglund, read Tony Ortega's article: Spying, intimidation, and ruin: Two lives caught up in Scientology’s notorious ‘Fair Game’ Confront of Evil Checklistpage one page two page three

Mark "Warrior" Plummer has had an amazing life, of which his membership in Scientology is only a small fraction - but a fascinating one! Join us as Jon and Mark talk about Mark’s early days in Scientology, his entrance into the Sea Org, and his eventual exit and first days protesting against Scientology abuses. Links: Mark's <a href="https://warrior.xenu.ca/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">website</a> for more on Gregg Hagglund, read Tony Ortega's article: <a href="https://tonyortega.org/2016/04/11/spying-intimidation-and-ruin-two-lives-caught-up-in-scientologys-notorious-fair-game/?fbclid=IwAR1F_QVb2qFbXYupAZEF-c5czrGJ9iqld35pp0HJezlC2uBr6C8gi8LmTug" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Spying, intimidation, and ruin: Two lives caught up in Scientology’s notorious ‘Fair Game’</a> Confront of Evil Checklist <a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb9539d21-f3d5-464e-af94-0f21162da136_837x1373.jpeg?" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">page one</a> <a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3bde7e8e-1389-47f5-9f10-85ad5bc03368_831x1383.jpeg?" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">page two</a> <a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58cecd57-6bf8-4250-92ab-908a5c4d9865_838x1450.jpeg?" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">page three</a>

a warrior’s journey in and out of Scientology - part one - with Mark Plummer

In this heartwarming chat, Kelvin Pierce tells us about his work helping hundreds of children in the small country of Georgia. Kelvin wrote The Sins of My Father about his own terrible childhood as the son of America's leading neo-Nazi - the author of The Turner Diaries. His childhood left him angry and with no self-esteem. He has come to exemplify the thriving survivor. In 1995, he and his wife adopted two babies from Georgia. Ten years later, Kelvin realized that the children were the greatest gift he'd ever received and wanted to give something back. The couple helped to turn around an orphanage in Georgia. Here Kelvin talks about their increasing commitment to children in Georgia through the Divine Child Foundation - not a religious organization, named with the idea that every child is divine.  Links: Divine Child Foundation The Mendota Mental Health Institute

In this heartwarming chat, Kelvin Pierce tells us about his work helping hundreds of children in the small country of Georgia. Kelvin wrote The Sins of My Father about his own terrible childhood as the son of America's leading neo-Nazi - the author of The Turner Diaries. His childhood left him angry and with no self-esteem. He has come to exemplify the thriving survivor. In 1995, he and his wife adopted two babies from Georgia. Ten years later, Kelvin realized that the children were the greatest gift he'd ever received and wanted to give something back. The couple helped to turn around an orphanage in Georgia. Here Kelvin talks about their increasing commitment to children in Georgia through the Divine Child Foundation - not a religious organization, named with the idea that every child is divine. Links: <a href="https://divinechildfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Divine Child Foundation</a> <a href="https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mendota/index.htm" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">The Mendota Mental Health Institute</a>

hope for kids in Georgia with Kelvin Pierce

Documentarian, actor and former cult member Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about the need to take responsibility for what we did and said when in an authoritarian cult. It is important to understand how we hurt other people and not to excuse our misdeeds and harsh words by saying we were "in a cult". Once we've accepted our imperfect behavior, we can take steps to heal those we hurt and to heal ourselves.  Links:  Dr. Steven Hassan talks with Hoyt Alan Scheflin's Social Influence Model Dr. Steven Hassan interviews Dr. Carl Marci, author of Rewired

Documentarian, actor and former cult member Hoyt Richards talks with Jon about the need to take responsibility for what we did and said when in an authoritarian cult. It is important to understand how we hurt other people and not to excuse our misdeeds and harsh words by saying we were "in a cult". Once we've accepted our imperfect behavior, we can take steps to heal those we hurt and to heal ourselves. Links: <a href="https://youtu.be/oTC_9v8gIvU" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Steven Hassan talks with Hoyt</a> <a href="https://freedomofmind.com/professor-alan-scheflins-social-influence-model-sim/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Alan Scheflin's Social Influence Model</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/xAqCH1ce9WA" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Steven Hassan interviews Dr. Carl Marci, author of Rewired</a>

overcoming the shame of cult membership - with Hoyt Richards

Become a Paid Subscriber: <a href="https://anchor.fm/jon-atack-family--friends/subscribe" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://anchor.fm/jon-atack-family--friends/subscribe</a> jon atack, along with his son sam, present a series of educational podcasts on how to spot, avoid, and overcome unethical manipulation of all kinds - from destructive cults and abusive relationships, to advertising, groupthink, bullying and more. join us in our hope to create a world where people are taught from infancy to stand up for their rights, look deeper into what they're being told, and to question everything! from time to time we will also be sharing "lighter" fare - podcasts on art, music, and literature, featuring jon's younger son dan on guitar, sam's amazing paper sculpture.

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