Sinners and Secrets

Sinners and Secrets

Welcome to Sinners and Secrets, featuring Sins of Scientology. Sinners and Secrets is a true crime podcast that explores the darker corners of society, where power, privilege, and secrecy collide. Hosted by Sandi McKenna and co-host Abraham Aurich, the show blends gripping storytelling with deep research and editorial rigor. Covering everything from cults and conspiracies to infamous criminals and unsolved mysteries, Sinners and Secrets delivers bold, investigative narratives that keep audiences hooked and conversations going long after the episode ends.

Episodes

May 30, 2025 50 mins

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On April 25, 1986, as families in Pripyat slept soundly beneath the shadow of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, no one could imagine that a routine safety test would soon trigger the worst nuclear disaster in human history. What began as an engineering exercise rapidly descended into catastrophe when a perfect storm of design flaws, human error, and bureaucratic arroganc...

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Can the line between influence and control be as thin as a whisper? Join us for a gripping finale as we unravel the chilling narrative of Charles Manson, a man who turned dreams of love and enlightenment into nightmares of chaos. In this episode, we trace the dark path of manipulation and control that Manson expertly navigated, steering his followers into a twisted ideolo...

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Ever wonder what happens when you challenge one of the most secretive organizations in the world? The story of David Mayo is a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and resilience against the Church of Scientology. Once a trusted confidant of L. Ron Hubbard and a leading force in developing advanced auditing techniques, Mayo's journey from the inner sanctum of Scientolog...

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What if the so-called path to spiritual rehabilitation was a labyrinth of control and punishment? Join Sandi McKenna and Abraham Aurich as we expose the hidden world of Scientology's Rehabilitation Project Force (RPF) and challenge the Church's narrative. Hear firsthand from actress Leah Remini and former Sea Org members as they uncover the harsh realities of fo...

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What if the very rehabilitation program you trusted to save your loved one from addiction was built on controversial and unverified methods? This episode pulls back the curtain on Narconon, a drug treatment program with deep ties to Scientology, founded by William "Bill" Benitez after being inspired by L. Ron Hubbard's teachings. We scrutinize the origins a...

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What happens when a family’s deep-rooted faith collides with mental illness? Join us as we uncover the harrowing story of Jeremy Perkins, whose mental health struggles and his family's unwavering belief in Scientology led to a devastating tragedy. This episode takes a critical look at the Perkins family's decision to shun traditional psychiatric treatment in fav...

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August 5, 2024 78 mins

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Lisa McPherson's tragic story is just the beginning. Explore the dark and deep-seated conflict between Scientology and psychiatry, a battle rooted in the very origins of Scientology itself. This episode promises to shed light on the controversial and often shocking tactics employed by the Church of Scientology to undermine psychiatric practices, featuring firsthand i...

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What really happened to Lisa McPherson inside the Fort Harrison Hotel? This episode of Sins of Scientology takes you through the tragic case of Lisa McPherson, a devoted Scientologist whose life came to a shocking end under mysterious and troubling circumstances. We provide a gripping narrative of Lisa's journey, from her vibrant life to her final, harrowing days, wh...

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What happens when medical advice collides with religious belief? This episode of "Sins of Scientology" takes you to November 18, 1995, to unravel the unsettling events surrounding Lisa McPherson's car accident and her ensuing public breakdown. We reconstruct that chaotic day through the eyes of first responders and delve into Lisa's strange behavior, w...

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What happens when a desperate search for salvation leads to a tragic end? Join us as we uncover the chilling and heartbreaking story of Lisa McPherson. This episode sheds light on her life, marked by a turbulent childhood with familial struggles, her brother’s suicide, and her immersion into the world of Scientology. Lisa’s journey from the suburbs of Dallas to the enigma...

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Can a man’s journey from devout Mormonism to the heights of Scientology leadership illuminate the darkest corners of this controversial organization? Join us on "Sins of Scientology" as we unravel the life of Heber Jentzsch, whose transformation from a Salt Lake City native to a Master of Media manipulation within Scientology reveals a story of ambition, adaptat...

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Paulette Cooper's relentless pursuit of the truth cost her dearly, but it also set a high bar for investigative journalism. We uncover the extraordinary lengths to which the Church of Scientology went to silence her, from fabricated bomb threats to smear campaigns and even attempts to frame her for crimes she didn't commit. Cooper's journey from a Holocaust...

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June 5, 2024 27 mins

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What if your peaceful hometown suddenly became the target of a covert invasion? Today, we uncover the shocking story of Clearwater, Florida, in 1975, where the Church of Scientology, led by L. Ron Hubbard, stealthily executed a takeover. We expose the shadowy tactics used to acquire key properties under the guise of the United Churches of Florida and the sinister plots ag...

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May 28, 2024 34 mins

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How did Clearwater, Florida, transform from a serene coastal town into a stronghold for Scientology? Join hosts Sandi McKenna and Abraham Aurich as they pull back the curtain on the covert operations that redefined this sunny paradise in the latest episode of "Sins of Scientology." We expose the shadowy saga of property purchases under false names, the harassmen...

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May 21, 2024 44 mins

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Uncover the hidden truths of David Miscavige's ascent within the Church of Scientology, a tale that takes us from his battles with asthma to commanding an empire of devout followers. The journey begins with a young boy's family seeking healing and leads to his undeniable rise, where strict adherence and a penchant for leadership aboard the Apollo set the stage f...

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May 11, 2024 43 mins

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In this gripping episode of "Unforgettable Conversations, The Sins of Scientology," we delve into the tumultuous life of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology. From his early ambitions as a prolific writer to the controversial creation of Dianetics and Scientology, Hubbard's life was nothing short of dramatic. We explore his multiple marriages, marked ...

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