Ep 1. Thetans In Young Bodies

Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath season 2 episode 1, titled "Thetans In Young Bodies," explores the experiences of individuals who were born into Scientology families and were raised within the church. The episode begins with Leah speaking to Aaron Smith-Levin, who was born into a Scientology family and raised within the church. Aaron discusses the beliefs and practices of Scientology, including the idea of "thetans," which are essentially spiritual beings that inhabit human bodies.

Aaron also shares his own experiences growing up in Scientology, including his time in the Sea Organization, which is a group within Scientology that is responsible for running the church's operations. He discusses the rigorous demands placed on Sea Org members, including working long hours for little pay and being required to disconnect from family members who are deemed to be "suppressive" to Scientology.

Leah also speaks with Nathan Rich, who was also born into a Scientology family. Nathan describes his childhood within the church as being very restrictive and isolated. He recalls being homeschooled and not having any non-Scientology friends. Nathan eventually left the church in his early twenties and has since become an outspoken critic of Scientology.

Leah and her co-host, Mike Rinder, also speak with a former member of the Sea Organization named Sunny Pereira. Sunny was raised in Scientology and spent many years in the Sea Org before leaving the church. She discusses the physical and emotional abuse that she witnessed and experienced during her time in the church, including being forced to work incredibly long hours and living in substandard conditions.

The episode also features interviews with other former members of Scientology who discuss their experiences growing up in the church. They talk about the pressure they felt to conform to Scientology's strict beliefs and practices and the difficulties they faced in leaving the church.

Throughout the episode, Leah and her co-hosts provide context and insight into Scientology's beliefs and practices, including the concept of "thetans" and the Sea Organization. They also discuss the tactics that Scientology uses to control its members, including forced disconnection from loved ones and confidentiality agreements that prevent members from speaking publicly about their experiences.

Overall, "Thetans In Young Bodies" offers a powerful and emotional look at the experiences of individuals who were raised within Scientology families and experienced the church's strict and sometimes abusive practices firsthand. The episode sheds light on the challenges faced by those who leave Scientology and the strength and courage it takes to speak out against the church.