Blown for Good: Behind The Iron Curtain of Scientology Podcast By Marc Headley cover art

Blown for Good: Behind The Iron Curtain of Scientology

Blown for Good: Behind The Iron Curtain of Scientology

By: Marc Headley
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Marc Headley worked at Scientology’s secret desert compound, which houses all Scientology management, for 15 years. The 500-acre property is located deep in the California desert. The local townspeople were told lectures and films were made there. But is that all that was happening? It is the location of a multi-million dollar home for L. Ron Hubbard, built two decades after his death. It is the home of Scientology’s current leader, David Miscavige. So what really happens at the Int Base? Are the stories on the internet true? How does Scientology conduct management of its day-to-day operations? Could stories of armed guards, weapons, staff beatings, and razor wire fences be true? If so, how could a facility like this exist in modern-day America? Hundreds of staff tried to escape over the years. Some succeeded but were never seen or heard of again, and most failed. Why were people kept here? What really went on at the headquarters of Scientology? This is the story of what happened behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology.© 2023 Blown for Good: Behind The Iron Curtain of Scientology Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • Working 100+ hours is just another week in the Sea Organization. Scientology Q&A #44
    Jun 24 2025

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    Marc Headley unveils the grueling daily schedule of Scientology's Sea Organization members, from early morning musters to midnight cleaning sessions, and everything in between.

    • Sea Org members work approximately 100-120 hours weekly for about $50 ($45 after taxes)
    • Basic schedule runs from 9am to midnight daily, with additional all-nighters expected at least once weekly
    • Members perform "Chinese School" at musters, reciting Scientology definitions and policies in unison
    • Saturday "renovations" require all members to perform construction, maintenance, or landscaping regardless of their regular position
    • Food budget for Sea Org members is approximately $1 per person per day
    • Sea Org members receive less compensation and time off than prison inmates or factory workers in developing countries
    • Members develop creative strategies to catch sleep, including hiding in auditing rooms where disturbance is prohibited
    • David Miscavige's inspections create "chaos machines" resulting in additional work, reassignments, or punishments

    If you want to learn more about life in Scientology's Sea Organization, check out Marc's book "Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology" available in hardback, Kindle, and Audible.


    Support the show

    BFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/

    Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

    Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/

    PODCAST INFO:
    Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss

    YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS:

    Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Scientology's Alien Beliefs: Xenu, Galactic Federation, & the Secrets of the Sea Org with a Humorous Twist Scientology Q&A #43
    Jun 17 2025

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    This episode originally aired on YouTube on December 15th 2024.

    Ever wondered why Earth might just be the universe's ultimate "prison planet"? Join me and my wife for an entertaining exploration as we unravel the fantastical alien narratives buried within Scientology's secretive doctrines. We tackle everything from the notorious Xenu and his Galactic Federation antics to the quirky rules against "coffee shop auditing." Our lively Q&A session spills the juicy details you've been curious about, all while fielding your burning questions about the religion's alien connections.

    Brace yourself for some eyebrow-raising anecdotes and humorous insights as we dissect Hubbard's sci-fi influence on Scientology. From spaceships resembling DC-10s to the curious concept of "body thetans" supposedly haunting our bodies, we leave no stone unturned. And yes, we even speculate on how Tom Cruise's deep dive into Scientology might have influenced his film career—who knew exorcising space aliens could be part of a leading man's repertoire?

    Finally, we pull back the curtain on the organization's mysterious Sea Org and explore the whimsical lore of the Loyal Officers, all while sharing our own experiences, like that unforgettable trip to a New Mexico vault. Whether it's the eccentricities of Hubbard's final days or the oddities within the church's practices, we deliver a ride through Scientology's hidden secrets that's as enlightening as it is entertaining. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind episode that dares to question the logic behind one of the world's most controversial belief systems!

    Support the show

    BFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/

    Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

    Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/

    PODCAST INFO:
    Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss

    YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS:

    Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Beyond Space Cooties: Tom Cruise's Alien Problem - Scientology Q&A #42
    Jun 10 2025

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    We catch up with our community after a busy summer filled with family adventures, travel, and major progress with the Aftermath Foundation. Our oldest son graduated high school in May, our middle son is now a junior, and our youngest just started middle school – milestones that feel particularly meaningful given our own disrupted educations in Scientology.

    • Sharing photos from our summer travel including Portland, Las Vegas, and Denver
    • Updates on the Aftermath Foundation's approval for a second year in the Combined Federal Campaign
    • Development of a dedicated law enforcement crisis line for potential Scientology victims
    • Claire's upcoming series "Life After Scientology" focusing on recovery resources and experiences
    • Plans for a second series about kids in cults and the lasting impact of childhood indoctrination
    • Discussion about Tom Cruise's involvement with Scientology and its bizarre alien beliefs
    • Insights on Delphi schools as Scientology's educational indoctrination system
    • Information about Serge Obolensky's progress and achievements since leaving Scientology

    The SP Shop still has Davy dolls available while supplies last – all proceeds benefit the Aftermath Foundation. Visit aftermathfoundation.org to sign up for our upcoming newsletter and blownforgood.com to send us your photos of orgs or merchandise.


    Support the show

    BFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/

    Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

    Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/

    PODCAST INFO:
    Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rss

    YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS:

    Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-e...

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 25 mins
All stars
Most relevant  
SP nation member and
Claire bear and the cracker lickers follower
Never in but almost got fooled once

Great information

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Many podcasts explain how groups use similar tactics to recruit and keep members. Where this podcast differs is in the details regarding how the podcastiters experienced everything, backing it up with facts.

The more you know

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Claire and Jackson share their heart while they are Sharing their experiences. Definitely a worthwhile Listen.

Good Stories with truth and Care.

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Amazing. Information people need to know. Our tax dollars are subsidizing this evil cult.

Most excellent!

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