Join me and guest co-host Mike Manzi as we welcome journalist and author Tony Ortega to discuss the Church of Scientology, David Miscavige, Tom Cruise, and more!

Listen here. Also available at the CageClub website, or wherever you get podcasts.

#3.18 – This is the Way: The Tao of the Mandalorian – with Mike Manzi – Hard to Believe – A Podcast About Belief

The Mandalorian carries on a Star Wars tradition that dates back to its inception. As creator George Lucas once said of his creation, "I wanted to make it so that young people would begin to ask questions about the mystery." But while the religion of the Jedi is incessantly fleshed out throughout Star Wars, that of the Mandalorians (specifically this Mandalorian) remains ambiguous and shrouded in secrecy. To celebrate the launch of season 3 of The Mandalorian on Disney+, John and resident CageClub Star Wars superfan Mike Manzi discuss some of the religious traditions and ideas that are present in the series, explore what "The Way" actually means (beyond being a cool catchphrase) and ponder whether Din Djarin is actually more terrorist than warrior monk. Follow Mike on Twitter @the_mikestir

1. #3.18 – This is the Way: The Tao of the Mandalorian – with Mike Manzi 01:14:55
2. #3.17 – Gladiator 2: Christ Killer – with Joe Two and Brian Rodriguez 01:04:10
3. #3.16 – Nick Fuentes, Ye, and Gen Z Antisemitism – with Amanda Moore 53:32
4. #3.15 – Dr. Joshua Bowen 01:19:11
5. #3.14 – #FreeCasey – with Jenn Tisdale 01:14:55

Journalist Tony Ortega has been covering Scientology since 1995. He joins us to talk about the past and future of the Church of Scientology and why 2020 may be a pivotal year in determining its fate.

In 2017, Ortega was the first to report that the LAPD was investigating rape allegations against actor and Scientologist Danny Masterson. He also appeared in Alex Gibney’s breakthrough 2015 HBO documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief.

He is the creator of the website The Underground Bunker, where he continues to cover the Church.

Check back tomorrow to listen to my conversation with him here, the CageClub website, or wherever you get podcasts.

Welcome to our blog! We’ll be posting further information about episodes of Hard to Believe here, along with other asides and musings.