Cults and the Culting of America

Daniella Claire Mestyanek Young
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Cults and the Culting of America Podcast

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.

Episodes

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Episode 8: Cult Speak and Clichés; Unpacking the Language of Control

    Summary In this conversation, Daniella and Scot discuss the use of specialized language or vernacular in cults and high control groups. They explore how cults develop their own language to create a sense of belonging and isolation from the outside world. They also discuss the impact of language on communication and the difficulty of finding community after leaving a cult. The conversation highlights the manipulation of language by cult leaders to disguise abuse and control. They emphasize the importance of critically evaluating loaded language and cliches to uncover their true meaning. In this conversation, Daniella Mestyanek Young and Scot Loyd discuss the use of cliches and loaded language in cults and other contexts. They explore how cliches are used to shut down critical thinking and manipulate individuals. They also discuss the conflation of ideas and the use of binary thinking to control and dismiss dissenting voices. The conversation touches on the concept of conspirituality and the influence of language in advertising and politics. They provide guidance on becoming more aware of manipulative language and the importance of exposing oneself to diverse viewpoints. Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: ·       From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autograph:  Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok, Patreon, Instagram  Youtube Connect with Scot Loyd's social media  (TikTok) Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women Takeaways Cults develop their own language to create a sense of belonging and isolation from the outside world. Language is used by cult leaders to manipulate and control their followers. Leaving a cult can result in a loss of community due to the specialized language and shared experiences. It is important to critically evaluate loaded language and cliches to uncover their true meaning. Language can be a powerful tool for communication and understanding, but it can also be used to deceive and manipulate. Cliches are used in cults and other contexts to shut down critical thinking and manipulate individuals. Binary thinking and the conflation of ideas are used to control and dismiss dissenting voices. Conspirituality refers to the use of language in health, wellness, and spirituality communities to manipulate and control individuals. It is important to be critical of the language and messages directed towards us, including in advertising and politics. Exposing oneself to diverse viewpoints and avoiding isolation can help guard against manipulation. Watch out for dehumanizing language and us versus them mentality, as these are tactics used by cults to create a sense of superiority and wage wars.

    1h 2m

  2. 13 AUG

    Episode 6: Take One for the Team (Self-Sacrifice of Members

    In this episode of *Cults and the Culting of America*, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young delve into the complex dynamics of self-sacrifice within cults and high-control groups. Drawing from their personal experiences and extensive research, they explore how cults exploit their members’ labor under the guise of a transcendent mission, enforce conformity through appearance and attitude control, and manipulate emotions to maintain control. The conversation also touches on the parallels between cult behavior and practices in organizations like the military and corporate America, offering insights into the pervasive influence of cult-like tactics in various aspects of society.   The episode explores key themes such as cults, high-control groups, and the concept of self-sacrifice, delving into how these groups exploit their members' labor under the guise of a transcendent mission. The discussion also touches on the idea of total institutions, where conformity is enforced through appearance and attitude control, and emotional manipulation is used to maintain control over members. By examining parallels between cult behavior and practices in organizations like the military and corporate culture, the hosts highlight the pervasive influence of these tactics in suppressing individual identity and enforcing group dynamics. Topics like cognitive dissonance, patriotism, social control, and the manipulation tactics used by cults are also discussed, providing a comprehensive understanding of the psychological and social mechanisms at play within these environments. Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: ·       From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autograph:  Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok, Patreon, Instagram  Youtube Connect with Scot Loyd's social media  (TikTok) Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women **Scot Loyd:** Welcome to the *Cults and the Culting of America* podcast. I'm Scott Loyd along with my friend Daniella Mestyanek Young, and she's written a book called *Uncultured,* which you should pick up. Both of us are cult survivors, and we're working through a list of characteristics that Daniella developed to help all of you, along with us, process and understand our cult experiences, as well as identify cults and high-control groups. So with that introduction, Daniella, which characteristic are we talking about today? **Daniella Mestyanek Young:** Thanks so much for the introduction, Scott. Today, we are going to be talking about self-sacrifice. Specifically, in cults, there's the constant and continual self-sacrifice of the members. If you're just joining us, episode one has the whole list of my 10 characteristics that make up a cult, and we're going through each of those in detail. Self-sacrifice is number four on the list, but it connects very directly to number eight on the list, which is exploitation of labor. **Scot Loyd:** And you've mentioned before that this is ultimately what cults are all about—free labor, right? **Daniella Mestyanek Young:** Exactly. When I heard cult scholar Dr. Janja Lalich say, "Cults are about labor," it broke my brain and gave me a whole different understanding of what I had experienced and why we were doing the things we did. Labor is your one inexhaustible resource. The cult leader is out for power, but the cult itself is about getting your labor. They tell you it’s in pursuit of a transcendent mission, which we covered in episode three. In the Children of God cult, our mission was saving the world for Jesus before the end times. In the US Army, it was protecting American interests overseas. These missions are so grand and unquestionably good that they allow the cult and its leaders to constantly pull sacrifice from their members. **Scot Loyd:** You sent me something to read today, and you mentioned a term—quoting Irving Goffman—called a "total institution." I think when we're talking about cults, they certainly qualify as tot

    1h 9m

  3. 6 AUG

    Episode 5: The Transcendent Mission

    ### Summary of Cults and the Culting of America Podcast - Episode on Transcendent Mission In this episode of "Cults and the Culting of America," hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young delve into the concept of the transcendent mission within cults and high-control groups. They discuss how cult leaders use vague, life-and-death missions to manipulate and retain followers. These missions often promise fulfillment in an unprovable future, making followers feel unique and superior, thus willing to self-sacrifice and endure hardships. Daniella differentiates the transcendent mission from the sacred assumption, explaining that while the sacred assumption is an unspoken belief (e.g., the leader being the smartest or chosen one), the mission is what recruits and keeps people dedicated. The mission is rarely practical and constantly evolving, ensuring followers never feel they've fully achieved it. The hosts also touch on the importance of recognizing the signs of manipulative missions, such as their vagueness, constant change, and exclusivity. Daniella advises that it’s okay for individuals to focus on their own well-being and happiness instead of falling prey to manipulative missions.   Daniella Mestyanek Young's book:  ·       From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autograph:  Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok, Patreon, Instagram  Youtube Connect with Scot Loyd's social media  (TikTok) Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women     **Hosts:** Daniella Mestyanek Young and Scot Loyd **Topic:** The Transcendent Mission in Cults and High-Control Groups **Overview:** In this episode, Daniella and Scot discuss the concept of the "transcendent mission" and how it is used by cult leaders and high-control groups to manipulate and control their followers. They delve into the differences between the transcendent mission and the sacred assumption, the tactics used to recruit and retain followers, and the personal experiences of both hosts in various high-control environments. **Key Points:** 1. **Introduction to the Transcendent Mission:**    - Cult leaders create a transcendent mission to recruit and retain followers by promising a higher purpose or goal that often cannot be proven or achieved in this lifetime.    - The mission is usually vague, large-scale, and tied to life and death, making it compelling and difficult to question. 2. **Difference Between Transcendent Mission and Sacred Assumption:**    - The sacred assumption is an underlying, often unspoken belief that followers must accept to remain in good standing.    - The transcendent mission is the outward goal or purpose that the group is supposedly working towards, often used as a recruitment tool. 3. **Manipulation Tactics:**    - Cult leaders use the transcendent mission to justify extreme actions and sacrifices from their followers.    - Examples include religious cults promising salvation or enlightenment, and organizations like the military or corporations using missions to motivate self-sacrifice and loyalty. 4. **Personal Experiences:**    - Daniella shares her experiences in the Children of God cult and the US Army, highlighting the similarities in how both groups used a transcendent mission to control members.    - Scot discusses his upbringing in the United Pentecostal Church and how the promise of witnessing the return of Jesus was used to motivate followers. 5. **Challenges of Deconstruction:**    - Leaving a high-control group often involves losing a sense of mission and purpose, which can be terrifying and disorienting.    - Both hosts emphasize the importance of finding a new, personal mission that prioritizes individual well-being and happiness. 6. **Misconceptions About Good and Bad Cults:**    - Daniella argues that there is no such thing as a "good cult" because the core mechanism of coercive control and self-sacrifice is inherently harmful.    - They discuss

    1h 2m

  4. 30 JUL

    Episode 4: The Sacred Assumption

    In this episode of the Cults and the Culting of America podcast, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young dive into the concept of the "sacred assumption," a core belief that underpins a cult's worldview. Daniella explains how cult leaders create and manipulate these worldviews to control their followers, emphasizing that these assumptions don't have to be religious but can revolve around power, status, or other ideals. The discussion touches on the similarities and differences between cults and religions, the manipulation tactics used by cult leaders, and the challenges of deconstructing these beliefs after leaving a cult. Daniella also shares personal anecdotes about her experiences with the Children of God cult and the US Army, highlighting the parallels between different high-control groups. Scot and Daniella discuss the ongoing process of deconstruction, the importance of questioning sacred assumptions, and the impact of privilege and societal constructs on our beliefs. They emphasize the need for skepticism and self-defined values, contrasting this with the often rigid and manipulative frameworks of cults. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with Daniella's work, including her book Uncultured and her Patreon project UnAmerican.   Daniella Mestyanek Young's book:  ·       From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autograph:  Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok, Patreon, Instagram  Youtube Connect with Scot Loyd's social media  (TikTok) Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women   **Cults and the Culting of America Podcast** Welcome to the Cults and the Culting of America podcast with scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership, Daniella Mestyanek Young. I'm your host, Scot Loyd. Welcome to another episode of Cults and the Culting of America. I'm Scot Loyd, along with my friend Daniella Mestyanek Young. Not only is she my friend, but she is a scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership. Daniella, how are you doing today?   **Daniella Mestyanek Young:**  I am doing great. I am excited for us to talk about the worldview shift into the transcendent mission and the most common question anyone gets asked about cults, which is: what is the difference between a cult and a religion?   **Scot Loyd:**  Very nicely said. I'm looking forward to this episode. And you're wearing an interesting shirt today. Tell us about that shirt, and if folks want to buy one for themselves or their friends and family, how can they do that?   **Daniella Mestyanek Young:**  Yes, you can find any of the shirts you see me wearing through the links below. I sell them through my social media channels. This shirt says, "The first rule of cults is you're never in a cult," which is the epigraph of my book, *Uncultured*. It's about growing up in the Children of God and joining the US Army. It's also a play on *Fight Club*, which a lot of people don't realize is kind of the cult movie. It really gets to the idea that nobody thinks they're in a cult. Cults are manipulative cons that target people, lie, deflect, and pull you into their worldview. As soon as you realize you're in a cult, you're on your way out. But many people think cults are extreme and rare, when in fact, they're incredibly common. A lot of my life's work is pointing out these parallels and helping people understand the groups and systems we're in.   **Scot Loyd:**  And we're going down the list of characteristics of a cult that you have identified and authored. Today we arrive at the idea of worldview, or as you call it, the sacred assumption. What do you mean by sacred assumption, and why is it a leading characteristic of a cult?   **Daniella Mestyanek Young:**  Oh my gosh, this one is so dramatic. I mean, literally, I was in bed and I sat up and just yelled out, "Hold nothing sacred." It was the answer to the question I'd been asked for 15

    59 min

  5. 23 JUL

    Episode Three: The Skinny White Woman

    Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: ·       From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autograph:  Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok, Patreon, Instagram  Youtube Connect with Scot Loyd's social media  (TikTok) Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women    Episode Summary: Cults and the Culting of America - Episode on The Skinny White Woman in Cults **Episode Title:** The Skinny White Woman in Cults **Hosts:** - **Daniella Mestyanek Young** (Group Behavior Gal) - Scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership. - **Scot Loyd** - Co-host and commentator. **Introduction:** In this episode, Daniella and Scot dive into the concept of the "skinny white woman" in cults and high-control groups, exploring her role in supporting and legitimizing cult leaders and their coercive control tactics. **Key Topics:** 1. **The Skinny White Woman in Cults:**    - Daniella introduces the concept, highlighting examples like Allison Mack in NXIVM and Ghislaine Maxwell with Jeffrey Epstein.    - The pattern of skinny white women supporting cult leaders and their role in upholding white supremacy. 2. **Historical and Cultural Context:**    - The history of white supremacy and its influence on the perception of purity and ideal womanhood in America.    - The policing of women's bodies, especially through clothing, makeup, and hairstyles, within cults and broader society. 3. **Daniella’s Personal Experience:**    - Daniella shares her observations from the Children of God cult and the US Army, noting the emphasis on appearance and control.    - Her realization of the role she played in upholding certain standards and her decision to rebel against these norms. 4. **The Role of Charismatic Authority:**    - Discussion on how cult leaders often place skinny white women, military officers, or celebrities around them to gain legitimacy and distract from their actions.    - The enforcement of patriarchal norms by these figures within the group. 5. **Scot’s Perspective from the United Pentecostal Church:**    - Scot reflects on his experiences with the church's emphasis on the ideal woman and the spiritual power attributed to women who fit this mold.    - The impact of purity culture on both men and women in religious settings. 6. **Control and Manipulation Tactics:**    - How cults use control of appearance and emotional manipulation to maintain power over members.    - The concept of emotional evocation and its role in cult dynamics. 7. **Breaking Free from Cult Influences:**    - Strategies for deconstructing cult programming, such as rejecting purity standards and embracing individuality.    - Daniella’s journey of using her platform to educate and advocate against these harmful norms. **Conclusion:** The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to educate themselves, support anti-racist and feminist causes, and use their voices to challenge oppressive systems. **Call to Action:** - Follow Daniella on social media and support her on Patreon for exclusive content. - Purchase Daniella’s book "Uncultured" to learn more about her experiences and insights into cults and high-control groups. - Like, subscribe, and share the podcast to help spread awareness and gain a broader audience. **Closing Remarks:** Scot thanks Daniella for her insights and contributions to the discussion, encouraging listeners to continue questioning and deconstructing harmful societal norms. --- ### Cleaned-Up Transcript **Daniella (Group Behavior Gal) (00:02.754):**   This is the Cults and the Culting of America podcast with scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership, Daniella Mestyanek Young. I'm your host, Scot. **Daniella (Group Behavior Gal) (00:26.062):**   And the Culting of America podcast. My name is Scot Loyd along with my friend, Daniella Mestyanek Young. Daniella, how are you today? **Scot Loyd:**   I'm doing

    59 min

  6. 16 JUL

    Episode Two: From Charisma to Control: Understanding Cult Leaders

    In this episode of "Cults and the Culting of America," hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young delve into the concept of charismatic leadership within cults. They begin by discussing how the idea of a charismatic leader is often associated with cults, highlighting that many of these leaders are typically perceived as white males. Daniella explains that while cults have been largely defined by white western academics, the underlying structure of patriarchy predates even white supremacy and capitalism, making it a fundamental aspect of coercive control in cults. The conversation touches on notable examples of charismatic leaders, including Keith Raniere, David Berg, and Jim Jones, as well as Elizabeth Holmes and Adam Neumann. Daniella emphasizes that charismatic authority is not just about charm but involves qualities that make people grant these leaders extraordinary influence. She discusses how these leaders often transition from being charismatic figures to being deified by their followers, creating a system where their personal mythology becomes integral to the group's identity. Scot and Daniella explore the psychological and social mechanisms that make individuals susceptible to charismatic leaders. They discuss the concept of "front-of-the-room advantage," where the mere act of being in a position of authority can make a person seem more credible and likable. They also highlight the role of rhetoric and persuasive communication in enhancing a leader's influence, noting how leaders use techniques like "trance talk" to captivate and manipulate their audience. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of critical thinking and diverse social connections in protecting oneself from falling prey to cult-like influence. Daniella shares her "guru gotcha" checklist, a tool she developed to help identify potential red flags in leaders and groups. Both hosts stress the need for self-awareness and skepticism, encouraging listeners to examine the charismatic leaders in their lives critically. They also preview upcoming episodes, including an exploration of the role of the "skinny white woman" in cult dynamics and the broader impact of group psychology on individual behavior. Links:  Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: From Bookshop.org A Signed Copy of Uncultured:  The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Disagree About Religion and Politics by Jonathan Haidt Influence: The Power of Persuasion by Dr. Robert Cialdini Scarred by Sarah Edmondson Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari Dr. Janja Lalich's work and resources on cults and coercive control Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok, Patreon, Instagram  Youtube Connect with Scot Loyd's social media  (TikTok) Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women **Keywords**: cult, cult leader, people, charismatic leader, leader, purity, call, Daniella, woman, rhetoric, groups, skinny, idea, charisma, religion, white, followers, book, white male, life Transcript: **Speaker 1**: This is Cults and the Culting of America, a podcast with scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership, Daniella Mestyanek Young.   **Scot Loyd**: Welcome to Cults and the Culting of America podcast. I'm Scot Loyd, along with my friend Daniella Mestyanek Young. Daniella, how are you today?   **Daniella**: Doing good! I'm excited to talk about charismatic leadership because everybody gets confused by this one.   **Scot**: Did I get "Mestyanek" right this time?   **Daniella**: Yes, you did. Very good.   **Scot**: You were telling me during your time in the army that there were some gentlemen who were actually afraid to mispronounce it.   **Daniella**: Yeah, I always joke that people thought I was so scary because, in the army, that's how you have to present yourself if you're a woman. People were so scared of me that everyone just learned how to pronounce Mestyanek. It wasn't until my very last unit that people started calling me Captain M, which would be more n

    1h 2m

  7. 9 JUL

    Patriot Pains: I Joined the Army, and All I Got Was This Lousy Trauma

    Summary:  In this inaugural episode of "Cults and the Culting of America," hosts Daniella Mestyanek Young and Scott Loyd introduce the podcast, discussing their experiences with high-control groups and how these experiences shape their understanding of cult-like behaviors in various organizations. Daniella, a scholar of cults and author of the memoir "Uncultured," shares her journey from growing up in the notorious Children of God cult to serving in the U.S. Army. Scott, who grew up in a small Pentecostal cult, provides insights into his own deconstruction journey. The hosts dive into the definition of a cult, emphasizing the importance of a spectrum of severity rather than a binary "cult or not" perspective. Daniella presents her ten characteristics of cults, developed from her background in organizational psychology. These include having a charismatic leader, a distinctive worldview, a transcendent mission, continuous self-sacrifice, isolation, a unique vernacular, us-versus-them mentality, exploitation of labor, entrance and exit costs, and an ends-justify-the-means approach.  Throughout the episode, Daniella and Scott discuss how these characteristics manifest not only in traditional cults but also in other high-control environments like the military. They explore the commonalities between cult indoctrination and military training, highlighting how tactics of coercive control can be found across different settings. Daniella also shares her perspective on the problematic nature of labeling groups as cults and the importance of recognizing patterns of coercive control to better understand and navigate these environments. The episode sets the stage for future discussions, promising to unpack each of the ten characteristics in greater detail and bring in guests to share their experiences with various high-control groups. Listeners are encouraged to read Daniella’s book "Uncultured" and follow her on social media for more insights into cult dynamics and recovery. Links:  Connect with Daniella Mestyanek Young on Social Media Patreon - Group Behavior Gal TikTok - Group Behavior Gal Instagram - Group Behavior Gal YouTube - Knitting Cult Lady Connect with Scot Loyd's Social Media and Blog ·       TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thescotloyd ·       ·  Blog - ScottLoyd.blog ·       ·  Twitter - ScottLoyd1T1L ·       ·  Instagram - ScottLoyd1T1L Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: From Bookshop.org A Signed Copy of Uncultured:  Combatting Cult Mind Control, by Dr. Steven Hassan Bounded Choice  by Dr. Janja Lalich Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari Dr. Janja Lalich's work and resources on cults and coercive control Shownotes:  Welcome to "Cults and the Culting of America" podcast. I'm Scot Loyd, and I'm thrilled to be here with Daniella Mestyanek Young. Daniella is a scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership, as she likes to say. She's also the author of "Uncultured." Daniella, how are you today? Daniella: I'm doing great, Scot. How about you? Scot: Fantastic. I'm good, thank you. I'm thrilled to get started with this podcast. Just as a way of introduction, your book "Uncultured" was a phenomenal help to me. I grew up in a small Pentecostal cult known as the United Pentecostal Church, and throughout our podcast, I'll be sharing some of my experiences. But your experiences in the Children of God, a child sex cult, and then in the United States Army, that is an amazing story that you detail for everyone in "Uncultured." Kudos on your work there. I encourage everyone right now, if you haven't read "Uncultured," go get the book. It is a phenomenal read, and it's also on audio for those who prefer listening. And that's the one that got on the New York Times list, right? Daniella: Absolutely, the audio version. I did it myself. Scot: Fantastic. For those who might not know your story, could you share a little about your experi

    1h 6m
  8. Who We Are, and Why We Talk About Cults So Much

    4 JUL

    Who We Are, and Why We Talk About Cults So Much

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Cults and the Culting of America" podcast! Join hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young as they dive into the fascinating world of cults, extreme groups, and toxic leadership. In this episode, Daniella shares her journey from growing up in the notorious Children of God cult to joining the U.S. Army and becoming a scholar of cult dynamics. Discover the psychological tactics used by cults to control and manipulate followers, and learn how these methods appear in everyday groups and systems. Scot and Daniella discuss why cults are a hot topic today and explore the societal changes making people more vulnerable to cultic influences. Tune in for an insightful discussion on recognizing and understanding the toxic elements in groups and the importance of individual awareness. Don't miss this engaging introduction to a series that will unpack the complexities of cult behavior and its impact on society. Be sure to like, rate, and share this episode to help spread the word. Follow Daniella on social media and check out her books "Uncultured" and "UnAmerican" for more in-depth insights. Join us on this journey to uncover the truth about cults and their pervasive influence. Connect with Scot at: https://www.tiktok.com/@thescotloyd   Connect with Daniella at: My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GroupBehaviorGal TikTok: @daniellamestyanekyoung Instagram: @_daniellamyoung https://www.uncultureyourself.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuFRBZ2w3QsYs7Km69keHsg UnAMERICAN Videobook   Get the book: UNCULTURED: A Memoir     "A propulsive memoir delivered in the honest tones of a woman who didn't always think she'd live to tell her story." --NYT     See a Sample Chapter in Rolling Stone Magazine  See a Sample Chapter in The Sydney Herald   Words in: Newsweek & Narratively   Get a copy of UNCULTURED: Digital, Audio, or Hardcopy or preorder the paperback as a holiday gift for a friend. Get an Autographed copy here: https://uncultureyourself.com/pages/uncultured-autographed   Transcript Scot: Welcome to the "Cults and the Culting of America" podcast! I'm your host, Scott Lloyd, and I'm here with Daniella Mestyanek Young, a scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership. Daniella, how are you today? Daniella: I'm doing great, Scott! How about you? Scot: I'm good, thanks! I see you’ve been super busy lately. Every time I open Instagram or TikTok, you’re going live. How do you manage to talk so much from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.? Daniella: (Laughs) It's funny you mention that. When recording the audiobook for "Uncultured," I discovered I have no trouble talking for seven to nine hours a day. While others worry about losing their voice, that wasn’t the hard part for me. Right now, I’m talking to a lot of people about cults, which are a hot topic these days. Historically, cults thrive during times of societal change because people crave clarity and leadership. Scot: That makes sense, given everything going on. Your book, "Uncultured," is fantastic and really sheds light on your experiences growing up in the Children of God cult and later joining the Army. I recently moved to Springfield, Illinois, and saw your book featured as a must-read at Barnes & Noble. Congrats on all the success! Daniella: Thank you so much! I love seeing those photos of "Uncultured" in the wild. I appreciate the introduction. As you mentioned, I grew up in the Children of God cult, which is one of the worst you’ll hear about on this podcast. I later joined the U.S. Army and earned a master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Harvard Extension School. Now, I’m a scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership. I compare what I do to an intelligence officer's work, helping people understand group behavior and recognize cult tactics in everyday life. Scot: Absolutely. Your book has been a great resource in un

    23 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

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.

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