How YouTubers covered the downfall of a Scientologist’s skateboard channel | Examining media about cults

How YouTubers covered the downfall of a Scientologist’s skateboard channel | Examining media about cults

Author: Jim McDonald April 30, 2025 Duration: 52:23
The founder of the biggest YouTube skateboarding channel is a Scientologist. Has that fact become public, explaining the channel's drop in popularity over the past few years? Was it the money he spent climbing the rungs of this cult (and not on his skaters and staff)? Or was it just the normal life cycle of a YouTube channel?

Rather than reviewing a documentary, this time we’re examining the handling of this story through several YouTube explainers and exposes. What do these have in common with real docs? Do we get any closer to understanding what happened with Aaron Kyro and Braille Skateboarding?

Videos discussed during this episode:

https://youtu.be/uEk_pc0xVYc?si=hdfiZY6W_hF2aMuE

https://youtu.be/V-GIyKIlL9g?si=7aOy3qXiK4Vzf55h

https://youtu.be/ZF0p1aXqm8M?si=gmCxuRmGNznwSQzW

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Hosted by Mike Farr (@silentmikke) https://www.instagram.com/silentmikke/ and Jim McDonald (@thejimmcd). https://www.instagram.com/thejimmcd/

Produced by Jim McDonald

Production assistance by Sam McDonald and Sebastian Brambila.

Theme by Aaron Moore. Show art by Joseph Manzo (@jmanzo523)


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Ever notice how a movie scene about training or a social media trend about nutrition can feel a bit off, like the reality got lost in translation? That’s the space where 50% Facts lives. Hosted by veteran podcaster and gym owner Jim McDonald, this series digs into the wide gap between how popular culture depicts our well-being and how things actually work. Each episode takes a closer look at the portrayals of health, fitness, mental health, and more in films, TV, and online media, questioning where the truth ends and the distortion begins. Jim brings his perspective from running Third Street Barbell in Sacramento to conversations with a diverse range of guests, from fitness experts and athletes to voices from entertainment. The discussions are grounded, often surprising, and focused on separating Hollywood flair from actionable knowledge. Tune in for a podcast that doesn’t just review media but investigates the stories we’re told about our own bodies and minds, all through Jim’s straightforward and experienced lens.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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