I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Rinder today. Mike was an activist and author who had an unmeasured level of dedication to his cause. In the few interactions I had with him, he was extremely kind and generous with his time.

This week's episode is from when Mike joined me to talk about his memoir A Billion Years. I hope you enjoy it. We'll miss you Mike.

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Original Airdate: October 10, 2022

This week I'm thrilled to welcome Mike Rinder to the podcast. I've been a huge fan and supporter of his work since I first read Lawrence Wright's book Going Clear about the history and abuses of the Church of Scientology. Mike co-hosted the A&E documentary series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. He reunited with Remini for the podcast Scientology: Fair Game.

Mike was kind of enough to take time out of his busy schedule to talk about his new memoir A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology. I can't recommend this book enough. It's one I will definitely revisit over the years.

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• Mike Rinder's Blog
• The Aftermath Foundation ("...help those who want to leave Scientology and the Sea Organization, but lack a system of support they can rely on while getting on their feet in the outside world.")
• IG: @rindermike
• While available you can purchase signed copies of A Billion Years HERE.
  In this episode Mike mentioned these books:
• Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
• Bare-Faced Messiah: The True Story of L. Ron Hubbad by Russell Miller
• Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
• The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout

Episode 294

Guest: Emily Costa

Book: Girl on Girl: Stories

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Today Emily Costa joins us on Salt Lake Dirt. We dive into her collection Girl on Girl: Stories, exploring the intricate dynamics of female relationships and the creative journey that led to this compelling work.

Emily shares the evolution of her writing process, from her early days in an MFA program to the moment of realization that her stories about the multifaceted relationships between girls had coalesced into a thematic collection. We discuss the significance of titles in short stories, the challenges of revising, and the satisfaction of crafting lines that resonate deeply with readers.

In this episode, we also explore the blend of humor and melancholy in Emily's stories, focusing on memorable pieces like "Ethan Marino," which artfully captures the bittersweet emotions surrounding a ten-year high school reunion. Emily opens up about her influences, including her love for horror films and the impact of her father's involvement in low-budget 80s horror movies on her creative outlook.

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• PURCHASE on Asterism
• PURCHASE on Amazon
• EmilyLauraCosta.com
• IG: @cannonxball

Episode 293

Guest: Gabriella Lester

Profession: Magician, Escape Artist, Stunt Performer

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Today I am thrilled to welcome the extraordinary magician and escape artist Gabriella Lester to the show. Join us as we delve into her early beginnings, where a passion for magic ignited at a young age, leading her to an incredible career that defies the conventional path.

Gabriella shares her experiences of growing up in the magic community, finding mentors, and honing her craft with relentless dedication. We explore the unique challenges and joys of performing at prestigious venues like the Magic Castle, and how each audience interaction shapes her performances. Gabriella's natural ability to connect with people shines through as she discusses the psychology behind her art and the empathy required for engaging live shows.

We also discuss Gabriella's upcoming TEDx Talk, where she will share her personal journey and the profound impact of pursuing one's passions. Her story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of living in the moment.

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• GabriellaLester.ca
• IG: @thegabriellalester
• Linktree: @GabriellaLester

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SLD Podcast Info:

• www.saltlakedirt.com
• Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 92.9 FM Los Gatos & 101.9FM Santa Cruz - 6PM - 8PM PST
• Listen on SPOTIFY
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• Instagram: @saltlakedirt
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