Person
Every book Mike Rinder recommended on podcasts
Mike Rinder appeared on The Megyn Kelly Show to discuss his experiences escaping Scientology, highlighting how certain texts illuminated the psychological mechanics of the organization. During the conversation, Mike Rinder recommended The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout, noting that he read the book by the Harvard professor after leaving the church and that it served as a wonderful resource for understanding interpersonal dynamics. Additionally, Mike Rinder discussed Going Clear by Lawrence Wright, quoting its subtitle to illustrate how the institution functions as a mind prison that requires no physical walls or barbed wire to keep people confined. He also examined Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. R. Hubbard, referencing the foundational concepts and regression theories regarding negative emotional reactions, pains, and upsets that Hubbard outlined within the text. Throughout the discussion, Mike Rinder utilized these works to articulate the nature of coercive control, the psychological imprisonment experienced by members, and the broader societal and emotional impact of high-control belief systems.
Books recommended by Mike Rinder
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Going Clear
Going Clear by Lawrence Wright is a meticulously researched investigative book that exposes the inner workings, history, and controversial practices of the Church of Scientology.
Discussed“and you know I think that Lawrence Wright when he titled his book going clear Scientology in the prison of belief was so prescient that the prison is a mind prison and you don't need walls and barbed wire to keep people in a mind prison”
Where to get it
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The Sociopath Next Door
The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout is an eye-opening psychological examination of the hidden individuals among us who lack a conscience and how their behaviors impact the unsuspecting people around them.
Recommended“that's a you know I I promote this book that I read when I left by a professor at Harvard called Martha Stout called the sociopath next door a wonderful book by the way”
Where to get it
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Dianetics, the modern science of mental health
Dianetics, the modern science of mental health by L.
Discussed“because there is a concept that Hubbard had in his fundamental book Dianetics the modern science of mental health that you have these incidents that occur that cause you to have negative emotions reactions pains upsets whatever”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escaping Scientology, Tom Cruise's Impact, and a Prison of Belief, with Mike Rinder | EP. 400 | The Megyn Kelly Show | 2022-09-28 | 4 |


