Episode
Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath: The Business of Religion
Overview
Scientologists are constantly pressured to pay money to the Church based on a promise of spiritual salvation. But what happens when parishioners ask for their money back? Ex-Scientologists Leah Remini and Mike Rinder will lead a roundtable discussion, examining the contracts that all Scientologists must follow, and how these contracts lock them into financial burdens that can lead to hardship and ruin. Mike and Leah will be joined by ex-Sea Org Member Matt Pesch, leading Scientology blogger Jeffrey Augustine, along with ex-Scientologist Luis Garcia, and his attorney, Ted Babbitt, who are embroiled in a major lawsuit with the church regarding refunds.
Details
- Series
- Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath
- Season
- Season 2
- Episode
- Episode 9
- Air date
- 2017-10-24
- Runtime
- 47 min
Episode context
The Business of Religion is Episode 9 in Season 2 of Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. It aired on 2017-10-24. The runtime is 47 min.
Previous / Next
Episode 8: The Greatest Good
Leah and Mike sit down with Mimi Faust and Christi Gordon, whose mothers dedicated much of their lives to the Sea Org.; the women share their harrowing stories of neglect and abandonment, having both paid the highest price for the greatest good.
Episode 10: Lifetime of Healing
In this very personal episode, Leah sits down with two of her childhood friends, Chantal Dodson and Sherry Ollins, for an emotional conversation about their shared experiences growing up in Scientology. They look back on how their friendship helped them to survive during their most difficult times and how they’re now trying to heal with each other’s support.
More episodes from this season
Episode 7: The Ranches
Promoted as educational camps for troubled youngsters, former students say the Mace-Kingsley Ranches were labor camps for children; former students describe the hardships they endured, from corporal punishment to challenging living conditions.
Episode 11: Aftermath of the Aftermath
A powerful update on Leah’s childhood friend Chantal Dodson. Leah and Mike sit down with Chantal and her mother, Ramina, who reveals that after 42 years in the Church, she’s made the remarkable decision to leave Scientology. Also, season one contributors are back and share how their lives have been impacted by appearing on the show.
Episode 6: Scientology and Celebrity: The Betrayal of Paul Haggis
Since Scientology’s inception, L. Ron Hubbard had an obsession with getting celebrities into the Church. Leah and Mike sit down with a former Scientology celebrity recruiter to learn about the Church’s efforts to recruit A-listers. Then Leah and Mike travel to NYC to meet with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis, the first celebrity to speak out against Scientology, for a very candid conversation about his own personal journey.
Episode 12: Propaganda Arms
In an effort to foster a positive public image, The Church of Scientology has funded groups whose purpose is to manufacture a positive perception in the public eye. Ex-Scientologists Leah Remini and Mike Rinder will lead a roundtable discussion about the Church’s propaganda arms, analyzing the tactics the groups employ to forward a Scientology agenda. Mike and Leah will be joined by investigative journalist Tony Ortega, and ex-Scientologists Quailynn McDaniel and Fred Oxaal, both with experience working for these Scientology propaganda arms.
Episode 5: The Rise of David Miscavige
Despite accusations of abuse spanning a decade, David Miscavige remains the head of the Church of Scientology and continues to be untouchable; former Miscavige associates share firsthand accounts of how he maneuvered his way into power.
Episode 13: The Life & Lies of L. Ron Hubbard
Leah and Mike lead a round-table discussion about the life of L. Ron Hubbard and the provable lies that he told about his life.
Episode 4: The Bridge to Total Freedom
In Scientology, the goal of every Scientologist is to ascend to the top of the "Bridge to Total Freedom." Ex-Scientologists Leah Remini and Mike Rinder will lead a round table discussion to break down what "The Bridge" is and why Scientologists spend years of their lives and thousands of dollars to reach the coveted top.
Episode 14: Ask Me Anything Season 2
Leah answers viewers' questions about the second season of her show.
Episode 3: The 'Perfect' Scientology Family
Liz Gale, a third generation Scientologist, was raised to believe that Scientology had the equation to create the perfect family. Leah and Mike sit down with her to hear how what was supposed to be “happily ever after” ended in abandonment, death and the demise of what could have been the family that had it all.
Episode 2: The Ultimate Failure of Scientology
Scientology promises relief from all of life’s ills, but those suffering from depression and suicidal ideation often feel they have nowhere to turn. Hearing the tragic stories of Aaron Poulin, a member of the Sea Org who committed suicide at 21, and Tayler Tweed, who died at only 27, only strengthen Leah’s commitment to continue challenging Church practices.