Watch episodes & bonus content ad-free on https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/ What if the roots of modern cults, extremist politics, and even today’s “wellness” movements trace back to Nazi occultism, hypnotic manipulation, and one of the most controversial religions in the world? In this explosive episode of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, Jon Atack — the world’s leading expert on authoritarian cults and a former Scientologist who has spent over 40 years investigating its origins — reveals the shocking connections no one talks about. Drawing from his groundbreaking book If Scientology Ruled the World: Nazi Occultists, Sex Magick, Space Aliens, and the Second Coming, Jon uncovers how occult beliefs influenced the Nazi Party… and how those same ideas shaped Scientology. Jon Atack breaks down: - How L. Ron Hubbard repackaged occult practices (including hypnotic techniques, repetition, fixation, and mimicry) and sold them as revolutionary “science” - Outlandish promises that hooked followers: supernatural powers, immunity to illness, genius-level IQ, emotional mastery - How Hubbard’s early interest in psychology morphed into the darker techniques behind Dianetics - Hidden factors in Hubbard’s personal life (addiction, PTSD, and legal trouble for practicing medicine without a license) that shaped what Scientology would become - Allegations of how followers were treated, including psychological and physical abuse - Frightening recourse Jon himself faced for speaking out Jon also shares his deeply personal story of joining, and ultimately escaping, Scientology. He reveals the major red flags he ignored at first… and the first warning sign you should always look for before joining any movement or ideology. But this conversation goes far beyond Scientology. We also cover: - What actually defines a cult or authoritarian group - How recruitment tactics are now supercharged by the internet and social media - Where dangerous occult practices are still hiding in plain sight - Surprising benefits and dangers of hypnotherapy - How to distinguish modern spirituality from manipulative occult systems - Why today’s political climate often mirrors cult dynamics - Why healthy skepticism might be the most important survival skill of the digital age This isn’t about throwing away all ideology or spirituality. It’s about learning how to extract the good without falling for manipulation. If you care about psychology, cults, spirituality, politics, authoritarian movements, mind control, or the hidden forces shaping modern society…this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss. --- 00:00 - Intro 05:14 - Dianetics Origins Exposed 11:27 - Freud Trance Techniques 22:24 - Scientology Goals & Ties to Alistair Crowley 25:13 - Atack Joins Scientology 29:35 - Miscavige Violence & Exit 34:39 - Costs of Being a Scientologist 38:26 - Euphoria & Hypnosis 54:47 - Occult Beliefs in Nazism 01:00:27 - How Absurd Beliefs Kill 01:03:12 - Dark Side of Mindfulness 01:06:15 - Agency Over Gurus 01:11:58 - Awe as Manipulation 01:12:58 - Scientology Retaliation Tactics 01:22:53 - Internet Disinformation Pipeline 01:29:05 - Occult vs Psi Claims 01:37:45 - Beliefs, Politics, & Hate --- Head to https://impact.ourritual.com/c/4792730/2005678/24744 , take a quick quiz, and use code BREAKER20 for 20% off your first month. Stick with your wellness goals with Ka'chava and visit https://kachava.com and use the code BREAKDOWN for 15% off of your first order. Get 20% off all IQ Bar products - plus free shipping by texting BREAKDOWN to 64000. --- Listen on our website: https://www.bialikbreakdown.com​​ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TgOe2poCdpZtQwKetQmU1 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayim-bialiks-breakdown/id1546456269 Check out our Merch: https://shop.bialikbreakdown.com/ Sign up for our Newsletter: https://www.bialikbreakdown.com​​ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bialikbreakdown/ Find Mayim Bialik: https://mayimbialik.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MissMayim/​​​ https://www.twitter.com/MissMayim/​​​ https://www.instagram.com/MissMayim/​​​ https://www.tiktok.com/@mayimbialik Find Jon Atack: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/atack_jon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jon_atack Jon Atack’s latest book, If Scientology Ruled the World: Nazi Occultists, Sex Magick, Space Aliens, and the Second Coming: https://jonatack.co.uk/if-scientology-ruled-the-world/ If Scientology Ruled the World - Chapter 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E4rI-5z_0s Jon Atack’s Art: https://jonatack.com/ Jon Atack’s book, Voodoo Child: A Jimi Hendrix Novel: https://a.co/d/0axlU7yA If interested in partnerships please contact mbb.sponsor@impacttheory.com Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong. #MayimBialik​​​ #BialikBreakdown #Scientology #Cults #brainwash #Mindcontrol #politics #Hypnotism #History #Dianetics #trauma #religioustrauma #authoritarianism