Dive into the bizarre true story of L. Ron Hubbard and the rise of Scientology. From pulp fiction writer to founder of one of the most controversial religious movements in history, Hubbard's life blurs the line between myth and reality. In this episode of Real Talk Rewind, we explore his questionable claims, the birth of Dianetics, and the shocking allegations surrounding the Church of Scientology. Discover how one man's storytelling genius created a global empire—and the human cost behind the belief. Perfect for fans of true crime, cult stories, and hidden history.

Episode Title: L. Ron Hubbard and the Strange Rise of Scientology

Episode Description

Welcome to Real Talk Rewind, where we uncover the stories they don't teach in textbooks. In this episode, we're diving deep into one of the most controversial figures of the 20th century: L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology.

What You'll Learn:

The Early Years (1911-1949)

Lafayette Ron Hubbard's unconventional childhood in Nebraska

His career as a pulp fiction writer

Unverified claims of global exploration and mystical experiences

How storytelling shaped his future empire

The Birth of Dianetics (1950)

The revolutionary claims of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health

The concept of "engrams" and "auditing"

Why the medical community rejected it as pseudoscience

How a bestselling book became a movement

From Dianetics to Scientology (1950s)

The evolution from mental health system to spiritual organization

Introduction of "thetans" and extraterrestrial theology

The Xenu story and cosmic mythology

Building a hierarchy of belief and advancement

Controversy and Growth (1960s-1980s)

Legal battles over tax exemption and fraud allegations

Hubbard going into hiding under assumed names

The "Fair Game" policy and harassment of critics

How the church survived mounting scrutiny

The Human Cost

Families torn apart by disconnection policies

Financial exploitation through expensive courses and auditing

Allegations of forced labor in the Sea Organization

Former members speaking out about their experiences

The Psychology of Control

How Hubbard understood human psychology and vulnerability

The role of narrative in creating belief systems

The E-meter and auditing as psychological tools

The sunk cost fallacy and why people stay

Scientology Today

The church's current status and global presence

Celebrity members as public faces

How the internet changed information control

Former members using social media to share experiences

Key Themes Explored:

The power of charismatic leadership

Critical thinking in the face of extraordinary claims

The line between religious freedom and exploitation

How belief systems can control through secrecy

The importance of questioning authority

Related Topics:

Cults and new religious movements

Charismatic leaders throughout history

The psychology of belief

Financial exploitation in organizations

Family disconnection and cult recovery

First Amendment religious protections

Investigative journalism

Resources Mentioned:

Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health (1950)

Church of Scientology history and timeline

Former member testimonials and documentaries

Investigative journalism on Scientology practices

Connect With Us:

Have your own stories or questions about controversial religious movements? Want to suggest a topic for future episodes? Email us at realtalkrewindshow@gmail.com

We read every message and your perspective could be featured in an upcoming episode.

Keywords:

L Ron Hubbard, Scientology history, Dianetics explained, cult stories, religious controversy, true crime podcast, documentary podcast, critical thinking, Church of Scientology allegations, ex-Scientology stories, pulp fiction writer, fair game policy, disconnection policy, Sea Organization, auditing process, E-meter, thetans, Xenu story, charismatic leaders, psychological manipulation, belief systems, hidden history podcast, investigative journalism

If you build it, he will come.
It’s one of the most haunting lines in film history — a whisper that turned a simple baseball story into something timeless. But Field of Dreams isn’t really about baseball. It’s about regret, forgiveness, and the ache of things left unsaid between fathers and sons.

In this episode of Real Talk Rewind, we step into the cornfields of Iowa to uncover what the movie was really saying — about faith, legacy, and the quiet power of belief.

Real talk. Real stories. The ones that never leave you.

Step onto the baseball diamond in an Iowa cornfield where ghosts walk and dreams come alive. In this episode of Real Talk Rewind, we deep-dive into Field of Dreams - the 1989 film that became more than just a baseball movie.

Discover the fascinating journey from W.P. Kinsella's novel "Shoeless Joe" to the silver screen, including why J.D. Salinger had to be replaced, how Kevin Costner fought for the role, and the production disasters that nearly killed the film. Learn about the real Shoeless Joe Jackson and the Black Sox scandal that made his story so tragic.

But more importantly, we explore why this film still resonates 35+ years later - it's not really about baseball at all. It's about regret, reconciliation, and the courage to build something when everyone thinks you're crazy.

Perfect for fans of classic cinema, baseball history, father-son relationships, and anyone who's ever wondered what their own "field of dreams" might be.

Detailed Show Notes

EPISODE TITLE: If You Build It: The True Story and Meaning of Field of Dreams

EPISODE SUMMARY: "If you build it, he will come" - one line that changed cinema forever. Join us as we rewind one of the most beloved films of the 1980s and discover why Field of Dreams is really about second chances, not baseball.

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED:

✅ Field of Dreams behind the scenes ✅ W.P. Kinsella and Shoeless Joe novel ✅ Kevin Costner baseball movies ✅ 1980s classic films ✅ Black Sox scandal history ✅ Father-son relationships in cinema ✅ Iowa baseball field tourist attraction ✅ James Earl Jones memorable performances ✅ Film production disasters ✅ Baseball movie analysis ✅ Second chances and redemption ✅ 1989 movie nostalgia

NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:

"Life doesn't give us magic cornfields, but the movie reminds us of something important: it's never too late to try."

"What if the crazy thing is actually the sanest thing you could do?"

"If you build it — whatever 'it' is for you — the right people will come."

RESOURCES & LINKS:

📍 Visit the Real Field of Dreams: Dyersville, Iowa - Open to visitors year-round

📚 Read the Book: "Shoeless Joe" by W.P. Kinsella (1982)

🎬 Watch the Film: Field of Dreams (1989) - Available on major streaming platforms

🏛️ National Film Registry: Library of Congress preservation (2017)

⚾ Learn More About Shoeless Joe Jackson: Baseball Hall of Fame archives

CONNECT WITH REAL TALK REWIND:

🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen ⭐ Leave us a 5-star rating and review 💬 Share your own "Field of Dreams" story with us on social media 📧 Contact:realtalkrewindshow@gmail.com

CREDITS:

Host, Producer, Writer, Audio Engineer: Chris

Real Talk Rewind is a production of 1218 Studios

Subscribe to Real Talk Rewind for more deep dives into the movies, moments, and stories that shaped our culture.

In 1975, a man vanished into the Arizona night. Five days later, he returned — claiming to have been taken aboard a craft not of this world.
Was it a hoax, hysteria, or the most credible alien abduction ever recorded? In this chilling episode, we rewind the Travis Walton case and examine what really happened in the woods.

Show Notes

Episode 6: The Travis Walton Abduction: The True Story Behind the Alien Encounter

Real Talk Rewind

Release Date: 11/07/2025

What We Cover

The Night of November 5, 1975 — What happened when the logging crew encountered a strange light in the Sitgreaves National Forest

The Investigation — How local law enforcement handled reports of a UFO abduction and why suspicion quickly turned to murder

The Polygraph Tests — Why five of six crew members passed lie detector tests, and what that meant for the case

Travis Returns — What Travis Walton claimed happened during his five missing days

The Fallout — Media frenzy, the National Enquirer, and Hollywood's dramatization in Fire in the Sky (1993)

Real Talk — Why this story still matters, and what it reveals about truth, memory, and belief

Key Figures

Travis Walton — 22-year-old logger who disappeared

Mike Rogers — Crew boss and Travis's brother-in-law

Sheriff Marlin Gilespe -- Led the investigation

Cy Gilson — Polygraph examiner, Arizona Department of Public Safety

Timeline

November 5, 1975 — Travis Walton disappears

November 6-10, 1975 — Massive search operation; crew members take polygraph tests

November 10, 1975 — Travis Walton reappears near Heber, Arizona

1993 — Fire in the Sky releases in theaters

Contact & Community

Have thoughts on this case? Know of other mysterious disappearances we should cover?

📧 Email us: realtalkrewindshow@gmail.com

Credits

Host: Chris

Podcast: Real Talk Rewind

Real Talk Rewind is a history podcast that digs into the stories, mysteries, and moments that shaped us—without the sensationalism, just the facts and the conversation.