Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology | Lex Fridman Podcast #361

As Dave Chapelle says, " I make fun of everyone, white, black, straight, gay, trans, Christian, Jew, Muslin and I will make fun of the Scientologists as soon as I have a better legal defense team."

Lex Friedman is not the first YouTube host to get butt-hurt about Aaron having a sense of humor about Scientology. I think the sense of humor is healthy and has helped Aaron cope well with what was a rough set of experiences in Scientology. He grew up in that system. He spent many many years studying Scientology precepts. Aaron has every right to laugh at what he now sees as the irony and ridiculousness of those precepts. It doesn't mean he doesn't have a thorough understanding of them. Lighten up, Lex. Aaron's experience is his experience. He doesn't have to act like an intellectual snotnose or a hostage victim in order to competently discuss these ideas!

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Green Chef: https://greenchef.com/lex60 and use code lex60 to get 60% off plus free shipping - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off - Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/lex to get 1 month of fish oil 1:21 - Thetans 5:19 - Dianetics 17:22 - God 27:58 - Sea Org 32:08 - Auditing 52:21 - Control 1:02:45 - David Miscavige 1:11:52 - Xenu 1:27:46 - Secrecy 1:33:49 - Mike Rinder 1:40:56 - Separation of families 1:47:51 - Tom Cruise 1:51:43 - Sin 1:56:39 - Corruption

Seems like Aaron deals with his trauma through laughter. He's a good soul!

I love Aaron's channel and I have zero connection with Scientology but I still think shining as much light as possible on this dangerous cult is so important!

Aaron is amazing!! Not only speaking out, but also helping people escape. He doesnt hide, he stands up and is the first to do what he encourages others to do!

Him asking if David miscaviage would sit down for an interview actually made me laugh out loud.

I have so much respect for Aaron, he is literally saving people from a life of horror.. And please give him a break he deals with his pain and trauma through laughter Lex.

“As long as they destroy families that way, that’s a cult” - Aaron Smith-Levin 2023

I hated watching him be in so much pain, but it’s nothing short of inspiring to listen to his story and what he’s overcome.