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Cults and the Culting of America

Cults and the Culting of America

By: Daniella Mestyanek Young
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 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 Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Cults & The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep50 | One Taste Sex Cult

    Cults & The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep50 | One Taste Sex Cult
    Sep 23 2025
    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young (“the Knitting Cult Lady”) interview Ruwan, a former member of OneTaste, a so-called “orgasm cult” centered around female sexuality and human connection. Ruwan recounts his two years in the organization, explaining how he was drawn in by its promises of intimacy and meaning, but soon became entangled in manipulation, labor exploitation, and coercive sales tactics. The discussion highlights parallels between OneTaste and other coercive groups, including the use of sex as recruitment, redefining language to control members’ worldview, punishing dissent, and demanding lifelong commitment. Ruwan also reflects on the psychological toll of leaving, the social shunning he endured, and how indoctrination made it difficult to criticize the leader. The episode closes with reflections on cult dynamics, the dangers of committing one’s life to a group or ideology, and Ruwan’s upcoming memoir that ties his personal journey to OneTaste’s recent criminal convictions. 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: Knitting Cult Lady 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 Scot's Socials TikTok: @thescotloyd Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Key Takeaways Sex as a recruitment tool: OneTaste initially used sexuality to attract members but retained them through promises of connection, meaning, and personal growth. Labor exploitation: Members often worked for extremely low wages (e.g., $2/hour) under the belief that they were serving a higher cause. Manipulation through language: Words like orgasm were redefined to mean progressively broader and more spiritual concepts, fostering a worldview unique to the group. High performer recruitment: Contrary to stereotypes, cults often seek intelligent, articulate, and passionate individuals who can recruit others effectively. Isolation tactics: Practices like banning “collusion” (sharing doubts) kept members from validating each other’s concerns. Dissenters were shunned or vilified. Commitment pressure: Members were pushed to “commit their lives” by giving up finances, autonomy, or public loyalty, often under threat of rejection. Good cop/bad cop dynamics: Leaders or lieutenants alternated between affection and criticism to manipulate compliance. False empowerment: Despite its branding as a female empowerment movement, OneTaste remained patriarchal and exploitative, especially of young women. Leader protection: The founder avoided blame by delegating harsh decisions, maintaining a “halo effect” that made criticism difficult. Leaving costs: Exiting meant social exile, loss of community, and pressure to humiliate oneself in order to be accepted back. Parallels to other systems: Comparisons were drawn to military indoctrination, religious cults, NXIVM, and Scientology, showing shared patterns of control. Human vulnerability: Cults thrive by appealing to universal desires—belonging, meaning, and devotion to a higher purpose—while exploiting them for control. Chapters 00:00 Isolation and Emotional Turmoil in Cults 33:10 The Legal Consequences of Cult Activities 36:09 The Dynamics of Power and Gender in Cults 39:01 Reflections on Cult Experiences and Future Directions Produced By Haley Phillips
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    44 mins
  • Cults & The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep49 | Cycle Breaking

    Cults & The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep49 | Cycle Breaking
    Sep 17 2025
    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Daniella Mestyanek Young and Scot Loyd welcome Sydney, a member of the Cult Book Club, to share her personal story of growing up in the shadow of a multigenerational cult. Sydney recounts her family’s involvement with the commune Christ Circle in the 1970s–80s, her experience being homeschooled in a high-control, secrecy-driven environment, and the lingering effects of trauma passed down through generations. She reflects on estranging from her mother, the challenges of being the “cycle breaker” in her family, and how medical neglect, secrecy, and MAGA ideology compounded dysfunction. Sydney shares her diagnosis with POTS, her healing journey, and how reading Daniella’s book gave her the language to process her past. The conversation highlights themes of secrecy, performance versus authenticity, generational trauma, and the courage it takes to leave and heal. The episode closes with Sydney reading a moving reflection addressed to “cycle breakers,” emphasizing the exhausting but vital work of stopping harmful patterns and choosing a different path for future generations. Sydney's Podcast: Spotify 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: Knitting Cult Lady 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 Scot's Socials TikTok: @thescotloyd Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Key Takeaways Secrecy as a control tactic: Families and cults often weaponize secrecy to hide abuse and dysfunction. Generational trauma: Even those who didn’t grow up directly in the cult carry the impact of their family’s involvement. Cycle breaking: Refusing to pass trauma down to children requires conscious effort, vulnerability, and immense energy. Medical neglect in cults: Distrust of healthcare often leads to undiagnosed or untreated conditions, deepening harm. Authenticity vs. performance: Survivors reclaim agency by refusing to be “shiny showpieces” and instead choosing authentic lives. Empowerment through language: Finding words to describe trauma and control systems is a crucial step in healing. Healing through community: Safe environments, supportive partners, and shared survivor stories provide tools for recovery. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Culting and Personal Stories 01:56 Sydney's Journey: Growing Up in a High Control Environment 04:25 The Impact of Secrecy in Cults 10:21 Family Dynamics and Dysfunction 12:16 Breaking the Cycle of Trauma 18:34 Responsibility of the Cycle Breaker 20:41 Navigating Medical Denials and Personal Growth 23:18 Breaking Free from Toxic Relationships 25:56 The Impact of Cults on Parenting and Family Dynamics 30:13 Authenticity vs. Performance in Cult Environments 33:29 Finding Safety and Healing in New Relationships 35:51 The Journey of a Cycle Breaker Produced by Haley Phillips
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    41 mins
  • Cults and The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Lloyd | Episode 47 | The Cultiness of Nursing

    Cults and The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Lloyd | Episode 47 | The Cultiness of Nursing
    Aug 20 2025
    This episode of Cults and the Culting of America features guest Jess M. (aka White Mess Express), a former nurse, alongside hosts Daniella Mestyanek Young and Scot Loyd. The conversation explores how the U.S. healthcare system—particularly nursing—resembles a cult in its culture, practices, and systemic issues. Jess describes the hierarchical "rite of passage" culture in nursing (e.g., new nurses being called “baby nurses” and forced through hazing-like experiences). They highlight systemic contradictions: nurses are told to always be learning but punished for questioning authority, encouraged to self-sacrifice at the expense of their own health, and held individually responsible for systemic failures. The discussion broadens to the U.S. healthcare system as a whole—its prioritization of profit over care, its inequities toward marginalized groups, and the emotional toll on providers and patients alike. Daniella and Scot connect these patterns to cult dynamics: degradation rituals, infantilization, blind obedience, toxic positivity, and punishment for dissent. Jess shares personal experiences of disillusionment: discovering nursing’s promises of stability and meaning were hollow, dealing with disability from the physical demands of the work, and grieving the loss of identity and purpose after leaving the profession. They emphasize the need for gratitude toward frontline staff, patient self-advocacy, and systemic change. The episode closes with encouragement: while healthcare workers may feel trapped in a “cult of medicine,” deconstructing the experience allows them to reclaim their skills and narratives. Jess also shares where listeners can follow their ongoing work on TikTok and other platforms. Jess's Links: linktree 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: Knitting Cult Lady 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 Scot's Socials TikTok: @thescotloyd Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Key Takeaways Nursing culture as a “cult”: Hierarchical structure with forced rites of passage (“baby nurse” system). Bullying, hazing, and degradation rituals normalize suffering. Emotional suppression is enforced—nurses must “put on a nurse face.” Constant demand for self-sacrifice, often leading to burnout or worse. Systemic contradictions: Nurses are told to always be learning, but punished for questioning authority. Healthcare talks about being “systemic” but punishes individuals for systemic failures. Promises of good pay, benefits, and flexibility often clash with reality (mandatory overtime, long shifts, poor work-life balance). Healthcare as a profit-driven business: U.S. healthcare prioritizes money over patient wellbeing. Marginalized groups bear the brunt—Black and brown people, unhoused individuals, women, the poor. Providers often have no say in pricing or systemic policies. Impact on patients and providers: Patients face bankruptcy, neglect, or dismissal of their concerns. Providers internalize a culture of silence, mistrust, and emotional suppression. Many healthcare workers avoid seeking care themselves due to stigma or normalization of suffering. Breaking out of the “cult”: Leaving healthcare can feel like grief or loss of identity. Gratitude from patients can be more meaningful than institutional rewards (“pizza party” culture). Patients can advocate for themselves by remembering they are the experts on their own bodies. Deconstructing cult-like systems allows survivors to reclaim and repurpose their skills and experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Healthcare System's Cult-like Nature 02:53 The Hierarchical Structure in Nursing 05:43 Systemic Issues in Healthcare 08:35 The Role of Nurses vs. Doctors 11:23 Healthcare as a Business 14:29 The Impact of Privilege on Healthcare Access 17:29 Experiences with Vulnerable Patients 20:20 Expectations vs. Reality in Nursing 23:28 Emotional Toll of Nursing and Military Service 28:08 Navigating Emotions in Healthcare 31:02 The Patient Experience: A Nurse's Perspective 33:45 The Reality of Nursing: Expectations vs. Reality 37:47 The Cult of Healthcare: A Critical Examination 47:34 Self-Advocacy in Healthcare: Empowering Patients 50:33 The Grieving Process of Leaving Healthcare Produced by Haley Phillips
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    58 mins
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