Karen Schless Pressley – Media
Television, Video, Radio and Print Interviews
2017
Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath – Season 2, Episode 6 – Scientology and Celebrity: The Betrayal of Paul Haggis (9/19/17) includes contributor Karen Pressley. http://www.aetv.com/shows/leah-remini-scientology-and-the-aftermath/season-2
Something Can Be Done about it by Mike Rinder(9/20/17) Scientology’s Response to Aftermath Episode 6. http://www.mikerindersblog.org/scientologys-response-to-episode-6/
Mangotology by Steven Mango (10/2/17) Scientology Celebrity Centre Executive Speaks Out – Karen Pressley. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WJaq3498Ag
The Underground Bunker by Tony Ortega (9/28/17) “Aftermath’ fan gets into party at Scientology ‘Int Base,’ brings Karen Pressley’s book along. https://tonyortega.org/2017/09/28/aftermath-fan-gets-into-party-at-scientologys-int-base-brings-karen-pressleys-book-along/
Surviving Scientology Radio by Jeffrey Augustine (9/22/17) Episode 52 with Karen Schless Pressley. http://www.survivingscientologyradio.com/podcast/surviving-scientology-episode-52-with-karen-schless-pressley/
Sensibly Speaking Podcast by Chris Shelton #108 (9/16/17) Escaping Scientology ft. Karen Pressley. http://sensiblyspeaking.com/2017/09/16/sensibly-speaking-podcast-108-escaping-scientology-ft-karen-pressley/
Reaching for the Tipping Point, Forum 9/17/2017 – Karen Pressley’s New Book. http://forum.reachingforthetippingpoint.net/index.php?topic=13025.0
Cult News 101 Library 9/15/17) Karen Schless Pressley’s Escaping Scientology: An Insider’s True Story. http://www.cultnews101.com/2017/09/karen-schless-pressleys-escaping.html
“In downtown Clearwater, Scientology’s bid for an expanded role is a matter of scripture” 3/31/17 – by Tracey McManus. http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/in-downtown-clearwater-scientologys-bid-for-an-expanded-role-is-a-matter/2318663
PressReader USA/In Touch Magazine. Tom’s Auditions for a new wife. June 9, 2017. https://www.pressreader.com/usa/in-touch-usa/20170609/282084866761034
PressReader USA/In Touch Magazine. Tom Cruise Actress tells: “I auditioned to be Tom’s wife!” https://www.pressreader.com/australia/womans-day-australia/20170605/283545155659725
2014
Freedom of Mind, Steven Hassan. Ex-Scientologist Karen Pressley, Attorney Paul Grosswald and Steve Hassan talk. Dec. 2014. http://old.freedomofmind.com/Media/video.php?id=29
2013
Issues Etc. Actress Leah Remini Leaves Scientology. Karen Pressley, July 19, 2013. http://issuesetc.org/2013/07/19/3-actress-leah-remini-leaves-scientology-karen-pressley-719
2012
CBS Morning Rebecca Jarvis and Anthony Mason (7/7/2012) Speaking with Karen Pressley about Katie Holmes separating from Scientology. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egD000ST8j8
CNN, Kareen Wynter. “Ex-Scientologist: There was no bigger recruit than Tom Cruise.” July 11, 2012. http://www.latimes.com/news/la-fi-scientology18dec18-story.html
CBS News. Should Katie Holmes fear split from Scientology: July 7, 2012. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/should-katie-holmes-fear-split-from-scientology/
Steven Hassan, Freedom of Mind. Pressley-Hassan discuss Scientology, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes divorce, and much more. July 2012. https://vimeo.com/45603447
Mark Bunker’s Xenu TV. Steve Hassan and Karen Pressley on Cruise-Holmes Divorce. July 11, 2012. http://www.xenutv.com/blog/2012/07/11/steve-hassan-and-karen-pressley-on-cruise-holmes-divorce/comment-page-1/
Hollywood Life, Bonnie Fuller. The Creepy Ways Tom Cruise Controlled Katie Holmes. July 11, 2012 http://hollywoodlife.com/2012/07/11/tom-cruise-katie-holmes-watched-control-scientology-divorce/
News.com, Australia. Church of Scientology silent in TomKat split. July 11, 2012. http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/scientology-silent-in-tomkat-split/news-story/894ae48520972f459c5a786d7fac4075
Issues, Etc. Producer Jeff Schwartz interviews Karen about statements made by former Church of Scientology executive Debbie Cook about alleged physical abuse within the Church of Scientology headquarters. KFUO Radio, St. Louis, MO.
2011
Interviewed by Mark Bunker for forthcoming documentary, “Knowledge Reports”; Xenu TV: San Diego, CA.
2010
Mefferd, Janet. The Janet Mefferd Show. Radio broadcast. Feb. 26. Dallas, TX.
Schwarz, Jeff. Issues, Etc. Radio broadcast. KFUO Radio. St. Louis, MO. (Also Feb. 10, 2008).
2009
“Life Application: Out of Scientology.” Teaching Experience for Pre-Teens, Spring CD recording. Nashville, TN: LifeWay Christian Resources.
CBS Inside Edition. Karen Pressley comments on the death of Jett Travolta and Scientology’s views on medicine and medical treatment. Television broadcast, CBS Network. Jan. 7.
Produced by Paul DeGeneve. “Tom Cruise and Scientology” documentary. France 2 National Network. Interviewed Nov. 14, 2008, aired Feb. 2009.
2008
Allen, Lorri and Larry Estepa. Mornings with Lorri and Larry. Television broadcast, FamilyNet Television, and Sirius Radio Channel 161. Atlanta, GA. June 26.
Ryan, Marcus and Lisa. Every Day with Marcus and Lisa. Television broadcast. March 7. FamilyNet Television, Atlanta, GA.
2006
CNN’s Paula Zahn Now. Brooke Anderson, narrator. “Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes prepare to tie the knot.” broadcast, Cable News Network. Nov. 17. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0611/17/pzn.01.html
Dateline NBC. Hoda Kotb, interviewer. “Cruise control: Going deep inside the tightly controlled world of the superstar.” Television broadcast. NBC Network. May 7. http://www.nbcnews.com/id/12679180/ns/dateline_nbc/t/cruise-control/#.WZdPA4qQzfA
Tampa Bay Times. Farley, Rob. SP Profiles: Karen Pressley. June 25, 2006 http://www.sptimes.com/2006/06/25/Tampabay/SP_profiles.shtml
Farley, Rob. “Scientology nearly ready to unveil SuperPower.” St. Petersburg Times. May 6.
“Escape from Scientology.” On Course magazine. November 6.
Produced by Frederic Martin. Secrets d’Actualite special segment on Tom Cruise and Scientology. M6 Television Network. Paris, France. Interviewed Oct. 15, 2005; aired Jan. 2006.
2005
Christiansen, Kim and Claire Hoffman. Los Angeles Times. Tom Cruise and Scientology. At inland base, Scientologists trained top gun.” Dec. 18. http://www.latimes.com/news/la-fi-scientology18dec18-story.html
Westbury, Joe. “War of the Worlds: Marietta woman leaves Scientology, finds new faith.” The Christian Index. Aug. 4, pp. 1-3.
Bagwell, Ken. Heads Up America. Radio broadcast. November. 1350 AM Supertalk Radio, Asheville, NC.
Publications – Books
2017
Escaping Scientology: An Insider’s True Story – My journey with the cult of celebrity spirituality, greed and power. Bayshore Publications.
2012
Coming to Terms with Your Story: Writing to Heal. Workbook to accompany workshop. Released July 2012 by KAP Communications; under revision for 2017 publication.
Book Interviews Quoting Karen Pressley
2011
Interviewed by Janet Reitman, Inside Scientology. Houghton-Mifflin Publishers, New York.
2008
Interviewed by Andrew Morton. An Unauthorized Biography of Tom Cruise. St. Martin’s Press, New York. Review by Slate: The Condensed Tom Cruise http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/juicy_bits/2008/01/the_condensed_tom_cruise.html https://www.today.com/popculture/exclusive-tom-cruise-unauthorized-biography-wbna22613285
2004
Interviewed by Ann Platz. Reclaiming Your Dreams: Awaken Hope and Realize Your Destiny. Harrison House Publishers, Tulsa, OK.
Publications – Articles
2011
Pressley, Karen. Michael Langone, Ed. “From the Fire to a Blessing Field: Transitioning from an Unhealthy Relationship to a Life of Creativity.” ICSA Today.
2010
Boeri, Miriam W. and Karen Pressley. Dana Wehle, Libbe Madsen, Ed. “Creativity and Cults from Sociological and Communication Perspectives: The Processes Involved in the Birth of a Secret Creative Self.” Cultic Studies Review special edition, Cults and Creativity. Vol. 9, (1), pp. 173-213, December 2010. International Cultic Studies Association.
2008
Pressley, Karen. Craig Branch, Ed. “Out of Scientology”s Labyrinth.” Areopagus. Apologetics Resource Center, Birmingham, AL.
2005
“Tom Cruise and Scientology’s War of the Worlds.” North American Mission Board, www.4Truth.Net.
2002
“Wandering in the Wilderness.” On Mission magazine. May-June, p. 38.
“Wandering in the Wilderness.“ GO! magazine. July-August, p. 27.
Presentations, Lectures, and Conference Speaking
2012
Leader of Writing Workshop, “Coming to Terms with Your Story” for ex-members of high-demand groups and trauma victims. International Cultic Studies Association Annual Conference. Montreal, Canada, July 2012.
2010
Co-presented with Dr. Miriam Boeri. “Hegemonic Communication Model: The Power Dynamics in the Emergence of a Secret Creative Self.“ Panelist with panel moderator Dana Wehle, L.C.S.W. “The Impact of Cults on Creativity: Psychological, Sociological Aesthetic/Philosophical Views.” International Cultic Studies Association annual conference, Psychological Manipulation, Cultic Groups, and Harm. New York, NY. July 3.
Presenter. “Not in My Backyard: Cults, Communities, Concerns.” Panel discussion member: “Rehabilitation or Religious Re-education? The Intersections of Therapeutic Communities, Synanon and Narconon.” Georgia Sociological Association annual conference, Healthy, Just, and Sustainable Communities. Decatur, GA. Oct. 29.
Presenter. “Scientology Today: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly“ for two-day Interfaith workshop for Dr. Tal Davis, Interfaith Manager, North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, GA. September 17-18.
2009
Guest speaker. “Memoir and Ethics,” PRWR 6000 Issues & Research class.Dr. Anne Richards, Associate Professor, Master of Arts in Professional Writing program, KSU.
2007
Plenary speaker. “Scientology: A View from the Inside.” The Church as a Change Agent in Culture Conference. Evangelical Ministries to New Religions, Birmingham, AL.
Guest speaker, “Understanding Scientology.” World Religions and Cults Conference, produced by Watchman Fellowship, Clearwater, FL.
Keynote speaker, “What is Scientology?” Live cable broadcast interview by Dr. Jerry Johnston. Overland Park, KS.
Guest speaker. Session One: “What is Scientology?” Session Two: “Working with Scientology in the Community.” 57th Annual Shiloh Baptist Association Conference. Plant City, FL.
Breakout session speaker. “Your Life Portfolio: Investing in Yourself.” Shaping a Legacy of Leadership: Investing in Yourself for Ultimate Results Phenomenal Women’s Conference. Siegel Institute for Leadership, Ethics and Character, KSU.
Guest lecturer, “Deviant Religions: Deviance from What?” Instructor Robyn Bartlett, Sociology 2201 class, April 11. KSU.
Guest speaker. “Your Life Portfolio: Shaping a Legacy.” Lunch Encounter Women’s Conference. Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA.
2006
Keynote speaker. “Walking Upright in an Upside Down World.” Fall Women’s Conference (two days). Pearl, MS.
Guest lecturer, “Deviance and New Religious Movements: A Look at Quakers, Krishna Consciousness, Wicca, Scientology, and Counter-Cult Apologetics.” Sociology 2201 class, Instructor Robyn Bartlett, KSU. (Nov.)
Guest lecturer. “What People Believe: Understanding Scientology.” presentation. Student Search for Truth Conference. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta, GA.
Guest lecturer. “Scientology and a Christian Response.” Modern Cults and World Religions class. Guest of Dr. Phil Roberts, President, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
Breakout session leader. “Scientology Celebrities: War of the Worlds or Peaceful Revolution?” A Clash of Cultures: The Marketplace of Religions EMNR annual conference. Southeastern Bible College, Birmingham, AL.
2005
Guest speaker and breakout session leader. “What is Scientology?” Collegiate Week Conference. North American Mission Board, Glorietta, NM.
Guest speaker and breakout session leader. “Secrets of Scientology Revealed.” What People Believe Student Conference. Ridgecrest Conference Center, Ridgecrest, NC.
Keynote speaker. ‘Living Like There’s No Tomorrow.” Women’s Fall Conference. Jackson, MS.
Keynote speaker. “So You Want to Be a Writer?” World of Writers Event. Atlanta Community Ministries, Atlanta, GA.
2004
Guest speaker. “Finding Your Voice.” World of Writers Event. Atlanta Community Ministries, Atlanta, GA.
Guest speaker. “Finding Courage to Start Over.” The Christian Women’s Network Conference. Sheraton Hotel, Atlanta, GA.
Guest lecturer. “Scientology and the Christian Response” presentation. World Religions Series. First Baptist Church of Atlanta, GA.
Guest speaker and breakout session leader. “Celebrity Spirituality.” Perilous Times Conference. Kansas/Nebraska Baptist State Convention, Kansas City, KS.
Breakout session leader. “Five Smooth Stones: Finding Your Courage.” Three Sisters Women’s Conference. Northwest Baptist Association, Redmond, OR.
2003
Guest speaker. “Secrets of Scientology Revealed,” Christianity in a World of New Religions Conference. EMNR annual conference, Biola University, Los Angeles, CA.
Breakout session leader. “Secrets of Scientology Revealed.” Counterfeits and Countercultures. North American Mission Board Interfaith Conference. Tempe Mission Palms, Tempe, AZ.
Guest lecturer. “Comparison of Scientology and Christianity.” World Religions graduate class. Southeastern Seminary Satellite Center, Woodstock, GA. Dr. Tal Davis, Adjunct Professor.
Workshop co-leader with Stacy Buchanan. “Fulfilling the Divine Design of Your Life.” Heart of Atlanta Lunch Workshops. Network. Atlanta, GA.
2002
Guest lecturer. “Narconon Drug Rehabilitation” presentation. Carrollton Association of Pastors Conference. Carrollton, GA.
Breakout session leader. “Finding Your Courage.” Nevada State Annual Women’s Conference, Hendersonville, NV.
Guest speaker with Dr. Tal Davis. “Chasing After the Wind.” Refining Responses to New and World Religions in the 21st Century. EMNR annual conference. Southern Seminary, Louisville, KY.