Cults and the Culting of America

Written by: Daniella Mestyanek Young
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  • Summary

  • Daniella Mestyanek Young is a captivating figure in the study of cults and group psychology. Raised in the notorious Children of God cult, she escaped as a teenager and later joined the U.S. military, where she specialized in studying terrorists and other extreme groups as a military intelligence officer. Daniella holds a master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Harvard Extension School and is the author of "Uncultured," a critically acclaimed memoir. Today, she is a scholar of cults, extreme groups, and toxic leadership, leveraging her unique experiences to illuminate the dynamics of cults and the manipulative tactics of charismatic leaders. Together with fellow cult survivor Scot Loyd, Daniella delves into the intricacies of some of the world's most notorious cults and reveals how these same manipulative techniques are present in various aspects of our society.
    2024
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Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Episode 28 | Online Cult

    Episode 28 | Online Cult
    Feb 18 2025
    In this episode, Scott Loyd and Daniella Mestyneck Young engage in a deep conversation with Taylor Marie, a mental health therapist and cult survivor. Taylor shares her experiences with an online cult, discussing the similarities between online and in-person cults, the recruitment tactics used, and the psychological manipulation involved. The conversation explores the dynamics of charismatic leadership, the exploitation of belonging and purpose, and the red flags that led to Taylor's eventual departure from the cult. The discussion also touches on the importance of healthy leadership and the potential for spiritual practices to exist without devolving into cult-like behavior. In this conversation, Taylor Marie shares her harrowing experience of being involved in a cult-like astrology group, detailing the emotional turmoil and moral conflicts she faced. She discusses the manipulative tactics of the cult leader, the fear of leaving, and the subsequent backlash she received after her departure. The conversation highlights the importance of questioning authority and the role of social media in exposing harmful groups. Taylor's journey of self-discovery and the impact on her family dynamics are also explored, culminating in a powerful narrative of resilience and personal growth. Daniella's Links: You can read all about my story in my book, Uncultured-- buy signed copies here. https://bit.ly/SignedUncultured For more info on me: Patreon: https://bit.ly/YTPLanding Cult book Clubs (Advanced AND Memoirs) Annual Membership: https://bit.ly/YTPLanding Get an autographed copy of my book, Uncultured: https://bit.ly/SignedUncultured Get my book, Uncultured, from Bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/4g1Ufw8 Daniella’s Tiktok: https://bit.ly/3V6GK6k / KnittingCultLady Instagram: https://bit.ly/4ePAOFK / daniellamyoung_ Unamerican video book (on Patreon): https://bit.ly/YTVideoBook Secret Practice video book (on Patreon): https://bit.ly/3ZswGY8 Other Podcasts Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women Takeaways Taylor Marie is a mental health therapist specializing in narcissistic abuse and cult recovery.Online cults operate similarly to in-person cults, with differences mainly in communication.Recruitment often occurs through social media platforms like TikTok, using charisma and confidence.The sense of belonging is a powerful tool used by cults to maintain control over members.Charismatic leaders often exploit followers' desires for purpose and belonging.Red flags include isolation from outside information and constant negative comparisons to others in the field.Healthy leadership promotes free thinking and allows for questioning and disagreement.Cults often take credit for the successes of their members, creating a cycle of dependency.Leaving a cult can feel like a crisis, as one's worldview is challenged and dismantled.It is possible to lead in spiritual practices without coercion or manipulation. The breaking point often comes when personal values clash with group beliefs.Questioning authority can lead to significant personal revelations.Leaving a cult can involve emotional and legal repercussions.Social media can amplify voices and expose harmful practices.The aftermath of leaving a cult can affect family relationships.Cult leaders often manipulate their followers through fear and guilt.It's important to recognize the signs of cult-like behavior in groups.Personal growth often follows the questioning of long-held beliefs.The experience of leaving a cult can be isolating and traumatic.Support from family and friends is crucial during the exit process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cults and Online Communities 01:32 Defining Online Cults 05:11 The Evolution of Relationships in the Digital Age 07:19 Recruitment Tactics in Online Cults 10:18 The Dynamics of Charismatic Leadership 12:21 The Exploitation of Belonging and Purpose 14:24 Red Flags and Realizations 21:55 Healthy Leadership vs. Cult Leadership 28:21 The Crisis of Leaving a Cult 28:46 The Breaking Point: Values and Morals in Conflict 31:24 Questioning Authority: The Cult Leader's Influence 34:04 The Cost of Leaving: Emotional and Legal Retaliation 43:53 Going Viral: The Power of Social Media in Exposing Cults 50:17 The Aftermath: Family Dynamics and Public Scrutiny Produced by Haley Phillips
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    1 hr
  • Episode 27 | Childhood Torture vs Abuse

    Episode 27 | Childhood Torture vs Abuse
    Feb 11 2025

    Content Warning: This episode includes descriptions of the abuse and torture of young children

    In this episode of 'Cults and the Culting of America', hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young engage in a profound discussion with Ali Davis about the complexities of childhood torture, the distinction between abuse and torture, and the societal implications of these issues. They explore personal stories of survival, the role of the judicial system, and the cultural influences that perpetuate cycles of violence. The conversation emphasizes the importance of education, recognition of trauma, and the need for societal change to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.

    Connect with Ali Davis

    Website

    Haley's Fundraiser

    Click Here to donate to Haley's Go Fund me

    Daniella's Links:

    You can read all about my story in my book, Uncultured-- buy signed copies here. https://bit.ly/SignedUncultured For more info on me: Patreon: https://bit.ly/YTPLanding Cult book Clubs (Advanced AND Memoirs) Annual Membership: https://bit.ly/YTPLanding Get an autographed copy of my book, Uncultured: https://bit.ly/SignedUncultured Get my book, Uncultured, from Bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/4g1Ufw8 Daniella’s Tiktok: https://bit.ly/3V6GK6k / KnittingCultLady Instagram: https://bit.ly/4ePAOFK / daniellamyoung_ Unamerican video book (on Patreon): https://bit.ly/YTVideoBook Secret Practice video book (on Patreon): https://bit.ly/3ZswGY8

    Other Podcasts

    Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women

    Takeaways

    • Conspiracies distract from real issues in society.
    • Torture is a calculated act, unlike abuse.
    • Judicial systems often fail to recognize torture.
    • Survivors of childhood torture face unique challenges.
    • Naming trauma helps survivors heal.
    • Generational trauma affects parenting styles.
    • Cultural norms can perpetuate violence against children.
    • Education is crucial in breaking cycles of abuse.
    • Survivors of color face additional barriers.
    • Society must change its view on violence against children.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Conversation and Current Events
    03:19 Understanding Conspiracies and Their Impact
    06:21 Ali's Journey: From Survivor to Advocate
    12:42 Defining Childhood Torture vs. Abuse
    17:43 Personal Stories of Trauma and Healing
    24:53 Steps Toward Healing and Advocacy
    28:03 From Despair to Empowerment
    29:23 Understanding Childhood Trauma
    31:05 The Complexity of Abuse and Torture
    33:59 Cultural Conditioning and Violence
    39:57 The Military and Psychological Impact
    40:55 The Ineffectiveness of Torture
    45:24 The Culture of Violence in America
    48:03 The Intersection of Race and Trauma
    53:11 Breaking Generational Trauma
    56:35 Creating New Paradigms for Parenting

    Produced by Haley Phillips
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    1 hr
  • Episode 26 | Mediation and Marketing

    Episode 26 | Mediation and Marketing
    Feb 4 2025
    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, host Scot Loyd and co-host Daniela Mesteneck Young engage in a deep conversation with Chloe Nwangwu, a brand scientist. They explore the concept of under recognition, the importance of branding in social influence, and the role of conflict mediation in understanding societal dynamics. Chloe shares her journey from conflict resolution to branding, emphasizing the significance of visibility and recognition in creating impactful change. The discussion also touches on the mythical norm, the dangers of echo chambers, and the necessity of diversity in combating misinformation. The episode concludes with insights into Chloe's methodology for building influence and the importance of acknowledging trauma in social movements. Connect with Chloé Nwangwu Website Visibility Clinic Visibility Assessment LinkedIn Daniella's Links: You can read all about my story in my book, Uncultured-- buy signed copies here. https://bit.ly/SignedUncultured For more info on me: Patreon: https://bit.ly/YTPLanding Cult book Clubs (Advanced AND Memoirs) Annual Membership: https://bit.ly/YTPLanding Get an autographed copy of my book, Uncultured: https://bit.ly/SignedUncultured Get my book, Uncultured, from Bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/4g1Ufw8 Daniella’s Tiktok: https://bit.ly/3V6GK6k / KnittingCultLady Instagram: https://bit.ly/4ePAOFK / daniellamyoung_ Unamerican video book (on Patreon): https://bit.ly/YTVideoBook Secret Practice video book (on Patreon): https://bit.ly/3ZswGY8 Other Podcasts Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women Takeaways Chloe Nwangwu is known as the brand scientist.Under recognition is a key issue in social dynamics.Conflict mediation training informs Chloe's work.Brands influence how others perceive and treat individuals.The science of resistance is crucial in today's society.Maintaining social norms is essential for safety.Diversity is vital in preventing echo chambers.Under representation stems from under recognition.Chloe's methodology focuses on visibility engineering.Creative projects can amplify important messages. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cults and Personal Journeys 02:27 Understanding the Role of a Brand Scientist 04:16 Conflict Mediation and Its Evolution 10:30 The Power of Branding in Social Dynamics 12:39 Defining Brands and Their Influence 16:10 Resistance and the Science of Influence 17:57 The Role of Representation in Social Change 20:04 Maintaining Social Norms Amidst Change 23:15 Building a Collective Resistance 28:19 Listening to Marginalized Voices for Change 29:35 The Need for Rest and Healing Among Black Women 30:50 Understanding the Mythical Norm and Its Impact 32:51 Behavior Change and Cult Dynamics 35:08 Adoption Thresholds and Social Proof 37:30 The Dangers of Ideal Client Avatars 38:56 The Role of Diversity in Preventing Echo Chambers 41:32 The Importance of Equity and Inclusion 43:24 Under Recognition vs. Under Representation 45:27 Visibility Engineering: Building Your Ecosystem of Influence 51:59 Creative Expression and Cultural Commentary Produced by Haley Phillips
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    1 hr

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A new perspective

I love the organisational perspective on this topic. It's a framework that helps you better understand the sometimes fine lines between healthy and unhealthy groups.

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