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
  • Episode 25 | Post Traumatic Mistriss Syndrome with Amanda Gross

    Episode 25 | Post Traumatic Mistriss Syndrome with Amanda Gross
    Jan 28 2025
    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniela Mestyanek Young engage in a profound conversation with Amanda Gross about the intersections of race, privilege, and healing. Amanda discusses her book, 'White Women Get Ready,' which explores the concept of Post-Traumatic Mistress Syndrome and the role of white women in anti-racist movements. The conversation delves into personal histories, the current climate of racism, the importance of community, and the challenges of navigating white privilege. They also touch on the impact of cancel culture and the role of arts in fostering healing and understanding. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize the need for self-reflection, accountability, and the interconnectedness of liberation and healing. Amanda's Links: Book: White Women Get Ready Recommended paired reading: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy Intagram: @MistressSyndrome TikTok: @MistressSyndrome Patreon: @MistressSyndromeBook 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 White women have a crucial role in anti-racist work.Healing is essential for transformative change.Understanding personal history is key to addressing privilege.Community connection is vital for healing and support.Cancel culture often replicates state violence and lacks relationality.Perfectionism can be a form of self-hatred and harm to others.The arts can facilitate difficult conversations and healing.Accountability in relationships is necessary for growth.Racism and white supremacy harm everyone, including white people.Liberation is interconnected and requires collective effort. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cults and Anti-Racism 03:26 Understanding Post-Traumatic Mistress Syndrome 06:19 The Importance of Healing in Anti-Racist Work 09:26 Personal Histories and Their Impact on Activism 12:31 The Current Climate of White Supremacy 15:21 Surprising Discoveries in Personal Ancestry 18:27 The Role of Storytelling in Healing 21:22 The Disconnect of Whiteness and Community 24:37 Backlash Against Diversity and Equity Initiatives 30:20 The Power of Perspective: Learning from Black Women 32:17 Community and Spirituality: Resilience Among Black Women 33:14 Navigating Conversations: White Privilege and Listening 34:56 Courage in Relationships: Honesty and Emotional Safety 38:36 Shame and Growth: Deconstructing Cult Mentalities 40:36 Cancel Culture: Trauma, Accountability, and Community 43:19 Performative Regulation: The Dangers of Policing Each Other 45:31 Intent vs. Impact: The Importance of Acknowledgment 47:43 Building Community: The Role of White Women's Affinity Spaces 51:58 Art as a Medium: Conflict, Healing, and Connection Produced by Haley Phillips
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    59 mins
  • Episode 24 | IBLP and "Shiny, Happy People"

    Episode 24 | IBLP and "Shiny, Happy People"
    Jan 21 2025

    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young engage with Tara and Floyd, who share their experiences growing up in the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) and the Advanced Training Institute (ATI). They discuss the complexities of deconstruction from fundamentalist beliefs, the emotional toll of leaving a cult, and the impact on family relationships. The conversation also touches on the importance of emotional awareness in parenting and the healing journey after leaving high-control groups. Tara and Floyd reflect on their participation in the documentary 'Shiny Happy People' and the challenges they faced in sharing their story.

    Tara and Floyd:

    Instagram: @advocateaverage

    tiktok: @advocateaverage

    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

    • Deconstruction is a personal journey that varies for each individual.
    • Cults often use contracts and strict rules to control members' lives.
    • The emotional cost of leaving a cult can be profound, affecting family relationships.
    • Parenting styles can be influenced by past experiences in cults.
    • Finding peace and healing is possible after leaving a high-control group.
    • The process of deconstruction can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.
    • Cults often exploit labor and manipulate finances for their benefit.
    • Sharing one's story can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.
    • The importance of emotional awareness in parenting cannot be overstated.
    • Cults can be seen as criminal enterprises that exploit their members.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Deconstruction
    01:33 Understanding IBLP and ATI
    05:45 The Cult Debate: Is IBLP a Cult?
    12:11 Navigating Different Deconstruction Timelines
    18:27 The Impact of Parenting on Deconstruction
    23:46 Sobriety and the Numbing Process
    28:31 Emotional Suppression in Cults
    31:11 The Birth of a Musical Concept
    32:14 Living with the Pain of Loss
    34:50 Navigating Family Relationships Post-Cult
    37:18 The Complexity of Conditional Love
    40:13 The Struggle of Acceptance and Identity
    43:12 The Irony of Family Dynamics
    46:22 Addiction to Certainty and Superiority
    49:15 Finding Peace in Acceptance
    53:05 The Journey of Healing and Advocacy

    Produced by Haley Phillips
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    58 mins
  • Episode 23 | Tia Levings Author of "A Well Trained Wife"

    Episode 23 | Tia Levings Author of "A Well Trained Wife"
    Jan 14 2025
    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella engage with Tia Levings, a New York Times bestselling author and cult survivor. They discuss Tia's journey of writing her memoir, the impact of Christian patriarchy, and the allure of traditionalism in modern society. Tia shares her insights on the dynamics of complementarianism, the consequences of perfectionism, and the importance of storytelling in healing. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and empowerment among those affected by high-control groups, while also exploring the complexities of societal change and the role of women in shaping the future. Tia's Links https://tialevings.com/ https://tialevings.substack.com/ Instagram @tialevingswriter Threads @tialevingswriter TikTok @tialevingswriter 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 Tia's book started as therapeutic journals recommended by her therapist.The journey to writing a memoir can take years and evolve over time.Christian patriarchy influences many aspects of American culture.The concept of a 'cult without walls' highlights the pervasive nature of these deologies.Traditionalism can appear attractive but often masks deeper issues.Perfectionism is a significant burden for survivors of cults.The most vulnerable individuals often bear the brunt of abuse in high-control groups.Hope and empowerment are crucial in the face of societal chaos.People should always come before ideas in any belief system.Bitterness can serve as a powerful tool for healing and empowerment. Sound Bites "Welcome to 2025: A New Beginning" "It took years to tell my story" "Hope is stubborn and necessary" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of 2025 03:39 The Journey to Writing a Memoir 06:25 The Impact of Christian Patriarchy 09:30 The Connection Between Personal Experience and Cultural Issues 12:25 The Allure of Traditional Gender Roles 15:27 Nostalgia and Misconceptions of the Past 18:15 Facing the Truth of Domestic Discipline 21:30 The Importance of Sharing Stories 24:14 The Dynamics of Complementarianism 27:14 Recognizing Abuse and Empowering Individuals 31:20 Breaking Free from Perfectionism 33:39 Childhood Vulnerability in Cults 35:53 The Future of Cults and Youth Movements 37:18 Chaos and Fundamentalism 38:02 Narcissism and Cult Leadership 39:29 Women’s Empowerment and Resistance 40:27 Surviving Authoritarianism 41:53 The Power of Storytelling 43:16 Bitterness as Empowerment 52:59 People Over Ideas: A Fundamental Principle Produced by Haley Phillips
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    57 mins
  • Episode 22 | Teaching and Public Education

    Episode 22 | Teaching and Public Education
    Jan 7 2025
    In this conversation, Daniella and Jack explore the parallels between cult dynamics and the education system, particularly focusing on how teaching can exhibit cult-like characteristics. They discuss the impact of masculinity, patriarchy, and the control of children within educational settings. The conversation delves into the degradation ceremonies present in both cults and schools, the role of punishment in hierarchical systems, and the importance of unstructured outdoor time for child development. They also address the exploitation of teachers' labor, the purpose of education in society, and the need for resistance against oppressive structures. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of community action and hope for a better future. Jack's Links: Website: https://healthecycle.com/ TikTok: @watchfulcayote Youtube: @WatchfulCayote 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 Teaching can exhibit cult-like characteristics.Masculinity is viewed as a cult in modern society.Patriarchy is a foundational cult system.Degradation ceremonies are common in both cults and schools.Children are difficult to brainwash due to their developmental stage.Self-sacrifice is a significant expectation in teaching.Education often discourages pushing back against authority.The current education system breaks individual identity.Community action is essential for change.Hope for the future is vital in resisting oppressive systems. Sound Bites "Teaching might be a little bit culty." "Masculinity today is a cult." "Hope for the future is essential." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cult Dynamics in Education 02:57 Exploring Masculinity as a Cult 06:01 The Role of Patriarchy in Cult Structures 08:47 Degradation Ceremonies and Control Mechanisms 12:04 The Us vs. Them Mentality in Education 15:08 The Impact of Childhood Environment on Identity 18:01 Authority Figures and Internalized Hierarchies 20:59 The Sacred Assumption of Education 24:09 Democratic Education vs. Traditional Models 27:12 Self-Sacrifice and Labor Exploitation 30:03 The Broader Mechanism of Capitalist Exploitation 32:57 Comparisons to Historical Dictatorships 38:30 The State of Education and Social Services 41:01 The Purpose and History of Education 45:04 The Impact of Education on Identity and Agency 48:52 Challenging the Sacred Assumption of Capitalism 53:31 Resistance and the Role of Education 59:50 Pathways to Change and the Future of Education Produced by Haley Phillips
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Episode 21 | Spiritual Abuse and Single Family Cults

    Episode 21 | Spiritual Abuse and Single Family Cults
    Dec 17 2024
    In this episode, Dr. Jamie Marich discusses her experiences with spiritual abuse and the dynamics of cults, emphasizing the importance of understanding these issues in therapy. She shares her personal journey of growing up in a high-demand religious environment, the impact of family dynamics, and her path to recovery from addiction. The conversation highlights the significance of storytelling and community support in healing, as well as the role of writing as a therapeutic tool. Dr. Marich also addresses the challenges faced by individuals leaving cult-like environments and the need for mental health professionals to recognize and address spiritual abuse. Dr. Marich's Links: Link to spiritual memoir writing course we discussed in the interview, Memoir Writing as Spiritual Practice starting January 14 bit.ly/3zbezeL Link for purchase options on You Lied to Me About God: A Memoir https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760810/you-lied-to-me-about-god-by-jamie-marich-phd/ Websites: www.jamiemarich.com www.redefinetherapy.com www.instituteforcreativemindfulness.com Socials: IG @drjamiem TT @traumatherapistrants 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 Scot's Links Connect with Scot Loyd's social media (TikTok) Other Podcasts Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women Takeaways Spiritual abuse is often overlooked in therapy.Cults use religion as a tool for control.Personal experiences can inform professional practice.Storytelling is a powerful healing tool.Community support is crucial for recovery.Addiction can stem from unprocessed trauma.High-demand religions can create toxic family dynamics.Writing can be a form of spiritual practice.Understanding cult dynamics helps in healing.There is a growing movement against high-demand religions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Insights 06:16 Understanding Cult Dynamics 12:30 The Impact of High-Control Groups 18:19 The Intersection of Religion and Mental Health 24:24 Finding Healing Through Connection 30:26 Concluding Thoughts on Healing and Growth 35:30 Navigating Academia and High Control Environments 44:35 Memoir as a Tool for Healing 53:06 Building Community and Resources for Healing Produced by Haley Phillips
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    1 hr and 1 min