Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Hollywood and Campaign Finance, Growing Up in Scientology, TV Roundup
Many members of the Church of Scientology join the religion as adults. But what is it like to grow up as a Scientologist? Two young people share their stories with host Madeleine Brand.
By Madeleine Brand • • 50m ListenMany members of the Church of Scientology join the religion as adults. But what is it like to grow up as a Scientologist? Two young people share their stories with host Madeleine Brand. And the experiences of both kids were much different - one had a famous father, the other did not. And in the Church of Scientology, who you are and who you know counts. What's it like to go to a school run by the church? What happens when a kid struggling with mental illness can't get the help she needs to get better? Why did they leave the church and how did the decision to leave affect their family relationships?
Banner Image Credit: Janet Lackey
In this episode
4 storiesWho's Minding the Campaign Finance Store?
The 2016 presidential race is on track to be the most expensive ever at $100 billion. The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a lot of the rules that used to limit how much money political campaigns can raise. But there are still a few left. The only problem is that the Federal Election Commission, is no longer able or willing to enforce them.
Read the story9 minCampaign Finance Changes and Hollywood Power
Since the Supreme Court’s Citizen’s United decision in 2010, money is increasingly coming from individual donors. That means donation bundlers in Hollywood aren’t the big fish that they used to be. Does that mean Hollywood heavyweights are losing power in the political sphere?
Read the story8 minTV Roundup: Pirating the Fight of the Century, 'Game of Thrones'
As you may have heard, there was a boxing match over the weekend. Floyd Mayweather defeated Manny Pacquiao in the so-called Fight of the Century, and more people tuned in than expected. HBO and Showtime had exclusive rights to the match. The cable channels charged customers $100 to watch it.
Read the story9 minGrowing Up Scientology
Going Clear, the recent documentary on Scientology, has brought the church a lot of unwanted attention recently. The film is a highly-critical look at the origins of Scientology and its current practices. It relies on recollections of members who have left the church to talk about what went on behind closed doors.
Read the story23 min
