We didn’t really need an excuse to bring Mark Ebner back to the podcast, but what the hell, we figured Tom Cruise coming out with another movie was reason enough to call our old pal for his thoughts.
What we didn’t realize is that Ebner was once a close friend to the man film reviewer Luke Y. Thompson called a “Cruise-Whisperer extraordinaire,” writer and director Chris McQuarrie.
Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, which opened this week in theaters, marks the third film in a row in the franchise with McQuarrie directing.
But Ebner knew McQuarrie before that bromance bloomed and he spilled some tea in this episode that you are possibly never going to forget. All we can say is, be prepared for maximum Ebner at his most graphic, and don’t say we didn’t warn you!
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Technology Cocktail
“It’s a dozen years back to 1947. It’s nine years back to Book One. But it’s only twenty-nine years back to 1931 when I first began to work at George Washington University on the subject of the mind and life. (It’s only fair to tell you that I’d already abandoned physical healing as a road in 1871 after a medical career, the only fruit of which now extant is what the medicos call Endocrinology, so that path is a little longer than we’d let on to the public.)” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1959
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson
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“When we go into the idea of supreme beings or gods or big thetans or something like that, well, we’ve just taken the whole curve all the way around and the only thing we’ve got on this planet today is just pure nuttiness on this subject, see, the theory of the Big Thetan, see. Actually, the Big Thetan theory is simply one of the GPMs and it — there’s end words that have to do with gods and things like this, you see. And there’s one of the root words — several of the root words — have to do with worship and so forth and it’s just goofiness, see? There isn’t anybody, any Big Thetan around who’s permeating everything that just because you say, ‘Now, please give me cake and ice cream for my supper tonight,’ is going to suddenly go into a brown study and wonder how to get you cake and ice cream tonight, see. There just is no such being.” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 15, 1964
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“I could write quite a book these days. So many things have been wrapped up. Insanity and its causes and mechanisms for instance. I wish things would groove in more smoothly. Actually I have at least 2 books to write that are front line in importance. The one on insanity and one on studies of revolution. The last would become a text book for the state that would in fact make them bring about a revolution to prevent one! So I have hopes in getting things going smoother. It depends on handling these WHYs and getting back in the Flag – to CLO – to Org pattern that with the FEBC began this boom and will continue it.” — The Commodore, July 15, 1971
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“In the free field, are young auditors being made? The scenario that I can see (and I hope I am very wrong) is people in their 50s, 60s, or 70s training in some Freezone Orgs. I’m worried whether there is going to be a new generation of auditors at all. I’m not personally in the KSW-protector position, frankly, and I have always said that for me some things LRH discovered are just nonsense. But I have also always said that 80 or 85 percent of basic Scientology Technology is pure gold. So it needs to be passed to the next generation. Is there something that can be done in your opinion?”
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2000: David Rice described revenge pickets at his boat, in retaliation for protests at Gold Base last week. “I saw that there was a Sheriff knocking on the hull of my boat. He told me about the revenge ‘picket’ the crime syndicate held at my boat. Seems that a few goons from the Crime Syndicate of Scientology had been out to the marina ‘picketing’ and passing out ‘dead agent’ flyers falsely purported to be about me and my sibling. These goons had trespassed on the docks (against County law) and put their bogus flyers on people’s boats (also against the law). Some of my boat’s neighbors got royally pissed at this behavior and they called the Sheriff, the police, and the Harbor Patrol. The criminals fled less than a minute before the Sheriff, police, and Harbor Patrol showed up. One neighbor said he was going to shove the bastards into the water but was talked out of it by his wife. The people on the dock were told to call on marine VHF Channel 16 immediately if the criminals come back, and they would be arrested for trespassing on County-owned property and for boat vandalism. The Sheriff collected the DA flyers for ‘safe keeping’ and then left.”
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“Scientology is ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ meets ‘Ancient Aliens’.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentencing on Sep 7.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Trial scheduled for August 15.
Civil litigation:
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration. Plaintiffs allowed interlocutory appeal to Eleventh Circuit.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Stay in place at least through sentencing of Masterson on Sep 7.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Next hearing August 1.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Ordered to mediation.
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After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] She used a Scientology rehab for fraud. Then she died. Now she’s wanted for arrest.
[TWO years ago] Valerie Haney’s Supreme Court petition gets a date for discussion, but don’t get your hopes up
[THREE years ago] New Scientology video brings up past lives, the nuttiest and most gruesome part of Hubbardism
[FOUR years ago] Jokes aside, has Scientology ‘Clear’ Joy Villa managed to ‘safepoint’ the White House?
[FIVE years ago] Scientology proves it will try to capitalize on just about any disaster
[SIX years ago] Whale watching update: Your 2017 mid-year guide to who’s keeping Scientology alive
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology caves: Fred Haseney avoids court hearing, will take camera to Big Blue tomorrow
[EIGHT years ago] Nick Lister: Scientology asked me to seduce Mike Rinder’s wife in a spy operation
[NINE years ago] Lawsuit number 17 filed by Las Vegas attorney against Scientology’s rehab network
[TEN years ago] Scientology’s Drug Rehab Fights Class-Action Lawsuit With Move to Federal Court
[ELEVEN years ago] Video from the Memorial of Alexander Jentzsch; Also: Scientology Commenters of the Week
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology’s “Documentary” of Marty Rathbun Revealed!
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,091 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,606 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,156 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,146 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,027 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,331 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,202 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 2,307 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,754 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,096 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,662 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,581 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,748 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,330 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,591 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,627 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,343 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,907 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,222 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,397 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,948 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,079 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,417 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,272 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,391 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,747 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,050 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,156 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,554 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,430 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,013 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,508 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,762 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,871 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on July 15, 2023 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2022 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2022), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
