#908 - Leah Remini

At a Glance

• Leah Remini on the Reality of Scientology - “Scientologists are good people. They really are. They really, as I did, believed that we were doing amazing things for the world, so they go into it thinking, I’m helping myself and I’m helping others”. This reveals Remini’s perspective on the genuine intentions of Scientologists, despite the organization’s controversial practices. ‍
• Growing Up in Scientology - “I went from, like, don’t talk until you’re spoken to, to, hey, we see you as spiritual beings, we want you to talk to us, we want you to communicate, like, you’re just, you’re not children, you’re, you know, spirits in a little body”. Remini describes the shift in her upbringing after joining Scientology, highlighting the early indoctrination and the emphasis on viewing children as spiritual beings rather than just kids. ‍
• Daily Life and Rigorous Commitment - “I’d go do King of Queens. And then after rehearsal, I’d have to drive to Hollywood and put in my two and a half hours a day. Two and a half hours every day? Minimum, Joe”. Remini shares the demanding routine required by Scientology, including daily sessions and intense study, even while managing a full-time career. ‍
• Isolation from Non-Scientologists - “When you’re a non-Scientologist, correct. Like, everything that I did and they do is for the purpose of setting a good example, being a good person, being a good friend, so to get you in. To indoctrinate people”. This point explains how Scientologists are trained to present a perfect image to outsiders to attract them to the church, while hiding their real problems and struggles. ‍
• Control and Surveillance - “You have to fly out there. I’m in a room with cameras with my person who is armed with information unbeknownst to me of a stack of reports that were written on me by everybody who worked for Tom”. Remini recounts her experience of being interrogated by the Church of Scientology, highlighting the extent of control, surveillance, and internal reporting that members are subjected to.

What to Do

• Intellectually Communicating with Children - Leah reflects on her childhood experiences in Scientology, emphasizing the importance of viewing and treating children as capable and important beings rather than dismissing their thoughts or expressions. This reflects her advice on how to engage with children more respectfully and meaningfully. ‍
• Handling Personal Beliefs and Practices - Leah discusses how she navigated her personal beliefs within the structure of Scientology. She advises on the importance of staying true to oneself, even when embedded in a controlling environment, suggesting that internal consistency and personal integrity are crucial. ‍
• Writing Reports - In the context of Scientology’s practice of writing reports on others’ behavior, Leah shares her practice of being thorough and honest in reporting, which she found to be a way to maintain order and accountability within the group. This can be seen as advice on the importance of transparency and responsibility in communal or organizational settings. ‍
• On Following Instructions - Leah mentions that she is a “by-the-book person” and likes to follow instructions exactly as given, whether in recipes or organizational policies. This reflects her advice on the value of precision and adherence to established guidelines to achieve intended outcomes.

What to Get

• Dictionary - Leah mentions using a dictionary as part of her educational process within Scientology, emphasizing how it made her feel like she was truly learning and accomplishing something. https://amzn.to/4ektOBQ

Summary

In this riveting podcast episode, Joe Rogan and Leah Remini dive into Leah’s dramatic experiences with the Church of Scientology and her eventual departure. Get ready for an intimate and eye-opening look at her life within this controversial organization and the personal consequences of leaving it behind. ‍ The conversation begins with casual greetings and some reminiscing, but quickly shifts to the serious topic of Scientology, which dominates the dialogue. Leah shares how she was introduced to Scientology at a young age after her mother remarried. She explains how the church’s teachings initially appealed to her, making her feel empowered in a way she hadn’t before. Leah describes how Scientology made her believe she was part of a superior group doing important work for the world. However, she later realized the church’s manipulative and controlling nature, especially when she couldn’t question or criticize its practices without facing severe consequences. ‍ As the conversation deepens, Leah details the intense daily commitments required by the church, the financial costs, and the social dynamics that enforced conformity and discouraged dissent. She shares personal stories of indoctrination from childhood to adulthood, the psychological tactics used to control members, and the cognitive dissonance she felt, which led to her disillusionment. A significant part of the discussion focuses on her observations of how celebrities were treated within Scientology, noting the differences in how public figures were handled compared to regular members. ‍ Leah also touches on several controversial topics, like the secretive nature of the church, how it handled personal and sensitive information, and the shunning of members who left or criticized the church. She recounts attending high-profile Scientology events, like Tom Cruise’s wedding, and the surreal experiences tied to those events, painting a vivid picture of the church’s inner workings and its influence on members. Throughout the conversation, there are moments of humor, disbelief, and emotional reflections on how Scientology affected her family life and personal identity. ‍ This episode offers a comprehensive insight into Leah Remini’s journey through and beyond Scientology. It’s framed by her personal struggles, the broader implications of the church’s practices on individuals and families, and societal perceptions of controversial organizations. After reading this summary, you’ll be ready to engage thoughtfully on the topic of Leah Remini’s public break from Scientology and its cultural impact.