Show notes
In this episode of the Get Obsessed podcast, Anne Gollert Hill continues her extraordinary story of life inside Scientology, sharing what it was like to work within the Sea Org and witness the organization's culture from the inside.
A writer, survivor, and creator of My Scientology Story, Anne offers a rare firsthand perspective on leadership, loyalty, fear, and life at the highest levels of Scientology.
In conversation with Julie Lokun and Mika Altidor, Anne discusses the realities behind Scientology's public image, from the influence of celebrity members and the leadership of David Miscavige to the personal relationships and policies that shaped daily life inside the organization. She also reflects on the emotional challenges of leaving and the lessons she has learned through her ongoing journey toward freedom and healing.
In this episode, we discuss:
01:59 - Why Scientology actively recruits celebrities and Anne's experience interviewing John Travolta
06:11 - Tom Cruise's relationship with David Miscavige and his unique status within Scientology
09:16 - Leah Remini, Mike Rinder, and the importance of exposing Scientology's abuses
11:29 - The absence of love in Scientology, the Bridge to Spiritual Freedom, and the financial cost of advancement
15:41 - The warning signs that led Anne to question Scientology and begin planning her escape
20:30 - How Anne's family's consistent love and support became the key to leaving the Sea Org
28:39 - Why leaving Scientology felt impossible and how Anne rebuilt her life afterward
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Anne Gollert Hill is a Canadian writer, survivor, and creator of the blog My Scientology Story, where she shares her experiences inside Scientology and her journey toward freedom. After joining Scientology in 1988 during a difficult chapter in her life, she became deeply involved in the organization and was eventually recruited into the Sea Org's international communications division, serving at some of Scientology's highest-level facilities, including Gold Base.
After nearly two decades inside the organization, Anne left Scientology on August 3, 2007, walking out of the Flag Land Base in Clearwater, Florida, with only the clothes on her back. Today, she speaks openly about coercive influence, recovery, personal freedom, and the lasting impact of life inside a high-control organization. Through her writing and advocacy, she helps others better understand the realities of indoctrination, escape, and rebuilding life after leaving Scientology.
MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
(Video) Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath (Netflix) - https://www.netflix.com/title/81229101
CONNECT WITH ANNE GOLLERT HILL:
Website: My Scientology Story: http://agollerthill.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annehillwriter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agollerthill
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annegollerthill
ABOUT GET OBSESSED
Website: www.getobsessedpodcast.com
Be a Guest! http://www.getobsessedguest.com
Reach Out To Us! [email protected]
The Get Obsessed podcast is dedicated to exploring the passions, mindsets, and habits that drive high performers. We believe that what you obsess over defines your future.
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LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The views, personal accounts, and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest, Anne Gollert Hill, based on her own lived experiences and recollections. This podcast makes no independent factual claims regarding the Church of Scientology or any of its members, leaders, or affiliated individuals. All statements reflect the guest's personal perspective and memory and should not be construed as established legal fact. The Church of Scientology denies many of the claims made by former members. Neither this podcast, its hosts, its production team, nor its parent company endorses, verifies, or assumes legal responsibility for the guest's account. This episode is produced for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to seek out multiple sources when forming their own conclusions. Nothing in this episode constitutes legal advice. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.