Episodes

  • Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady & Dr. Scot Loyd | 57 | Born and Razed

    Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady & Dr. Scot Loyd | 57 | Born and Razed
    Nov 11 2025
    Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of religious and institutional abuse, child abuse, disordered eating, family estrangement, mental illness, trauma recovery, and medication withdrawal. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Dr. Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young speak with Beth Granger, author of Born and RAZED: Surviving the Cult Was Only Half the Battle. Beth shares her experience growing up at Grenville Christian College, a Canadian boarding school later revealed to be a religious cult connected to the Community of Jesus. She describes the systematic control, emotional and physical abuse, and the long process of recovery and rediscovery that followed her escape. The conversation dives into the complexities of grief, family estrangement, and the enduring impact of coercive religious systems. Beth also discusses her role as a representative plaintiff in a landmark class-action lawsuit against the institution, and how advocacy, writing, and community have shaped her healing. The episode ends with a reflective discussion about deconstruction, the search for meaning after leaving high-control groups, and what it means to "live with it" as an adult survivor. Disclaimer: This conversation is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-6264 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (US) National Eating Disorders Association Helpline: 1-800-931-2237 Beth's Book: Amazon Daniella's Links: Preorder for Culting of America: The Culting of America PRE-SALE (SHIPS BY JANUARY 20, 2026) – Knitting Cult Lady Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autographed: Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok Patreon Instagram Youtube Other Podcasts Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women Scot's Socials TikTok: @thescotloyd Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Religious abuse can hide in plain sight: Grenville Christian College operated for decades as a "prestigious" Anglican school while functioning as a coercive cult. Systemic control dismantled family bonds: Children were separated from parents, spied upon, and punished under the guise of spiritual discipline. Recovery is lifelong: Leaving a cult is only the beginning—true healing often unfolds over decades. Grief is complex for survivors: Survivors grieve not only their past but also the version of themselves and families they never got to fully have. Weaponized religion causes lasting harm: Faith can be used as a tool of control, and rebuilding a healthy spiritual or secular identity takes time. Community resilience matters: The class-action lawsuit gave survivors both validation and voice, setting legal precedent in Canada. Art and storytelling as healing: Beth's memoir and Daniella's creative work illustrate how expression can help survivors reclaim their narratives. Ambiguity is part of recovery: Many survivors find peace not in certainty, but in learning to live with doubt. Intergenerational healing is possible: Rebuilding family connection and emotional fluency can break the cycle of silence. Living with it: Healing doesn't erase trauma—it integrates it into a fuller, more authentic life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cult Experiences 01:39 Beth Granger's Journey as a Cult Survivor 03:02 Life Inside the Cult: A Personal Account 05:16 Surviving and Recovering from Cult Life 10:17 The Importance of Recovery Narratives 11:27 The Breaking Point: Realizations and Escape 18:44 Grief and Loss After Leaving the Cult 24:43 Navigating Faith and Doubt Post-Cult 26:37 Navigating Personal Beliefs and Cult Influence 31:30 The Role of Music in Healing and Identity 37:36 Grief and Family Dynamics Post-Cult 40:59 Community Resilience Against Coercive Organizations 47:54 The Impact of Trauma and the Journey to Healing Produced by Haley Phillips, Meghan Picmann, and Lizy Freudmann
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    52 mins
  • Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 56 | Brazilian Dictatorship and Resilience

    Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 56 | Brazilian Dictatorship and Resilience
    Nov 4 2025
    In this special episode, Daniella Mestyanek Young ("Knitting Cult Lady") speaks with Dr. Bryan Pitts, Assistant Director of UCLA's Latin American Institute, about the Brazilian military dictatorship (1964–1985) and how studying Brazil's political history can help Americans understand current threats to democracy. They compare U.S. and Brazilian political systems, the cultural myths that obscure inequality (the "American Dream" vs. Brazil's "racial democracy"), and the interplay between religion, class, and authoritarianism. The discussion explores how political elites, class structures, and the military shaped Brazil's dictatorship and its fall, how the U.S. normalizes corruption through legality, and why Americans struggle to recognize creeping authoritarianism. The episode ends with reflections on community resilience, the dangers of individualism, and lessons from Brazil on defending democracy. Dr. Pitts' Book: Amazon Daniella's Links: Preorder for Culting of America: The Culting of America PRE-SALE (SHIPS BY JANUARY 20, 2026) – Knitting Cult Lady Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autographed: Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok Patreon Instagram Youtube 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 U.S. comparisons to Nazi Germany miss nuances—Latin American dictatorships, especially Brazil's, offer more relevant parallels. Brazil's 1964 coup was not purely CIA-driven but enabled by U.S. encouragement and anti-communist ideology. The Brazilian dictatorship's fall was driven by local politicians regaining influence and citizens mobilizing for democracy. Brazil's political class and military were both hereditary systems that reinforced inequality and control. Corruption in Brazil was often criminalized campaign funding—whereas in the U.S., "legal corruption" (e.g., Citizens United) plays a similar role. National myths—America's "classless society" and Brazil's "racial democracy"—mask systemic inequality and prevent honest reckoning. Daniella and Bryan compare cult structures to political systems: authoritarian control thrives on isolation, hierarchy, and sacred assumptions. Bureaucracy and decentralization (local politics, paperwork, institutional rules) often protect democracy better than charismatic leadership. The Brazilian opposition's shift from abstract "save democracy" rhetoric to focusing on people's material needs (poverty, inequality) was pivotal to defeating authoritarianism. Americans may not recognize creeping dictatorship because they lack collective memory of one; Brazil's experience offers a warning and a roadmap. The U.S. military's apolitical stance may protect against coups but limits civic intervention when democracy erodes. Building community and mutual aid networks is crucial as a counter to isolation and authoritarian individualism. Both guests reflect on how growing up in cults or authoritarian systems gave them insight into manipulation, obedience, and ideological rigidity. Authoritarianism can appear on the left or right; unquestioning certainty is itself cult-like. Brazilians unified quickly to defend democracy after Bolsonaro's attempted coup—contrasting sharply with U.S. responses after January 6th. Americans over-trust institutions and underestimate the need for civic defense of democracy. Brazil's "relative democracy" under dictatorship reveals how regimes justify authoritarian control in the name of "protection." Structural inequality, not individual failure, drives poverty—an insight both guests developed from missionary childhoods. Both guests emphasize that understanding other nations' histories is vital to preventing tyranny at home.
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 55 | The Power of Story Telling

    Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 55 | The Power of Story Telling
    Oct 28 2025

    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, Daniella Mestyanek Young (aka Knitting Cult Lady) speaks with Chicago educator and social work student Jamal Bruce about his experiences teaching, navigating race and identity, and how her memoir Uncultured influenced his career pivot from education to social work. Their conversation explores how America's educational and social systems function as cult-like institutions that condition compliance, suppress individuality, and reflect deeper cultural hierarchies. Together, they draw parallels between trauma survival, masking behaviors, racial inequity, and the ways storytelling can challenge systemic norms. They also discuss how white privilege manifests in subtle daily ways, the importance of listening across difference, and the transformative power of reading beyond one's own identity.

    Daniella's Links:

    Preorder for Culting of America: The Culting of America PRE-SALE (SHIPS BY JANUARY 20, 2026) – Knitting Cult Lady

    Daniella Mestyanek Young's book:

    • From Bookshop.org

    • Uncultured Autograph:

    Connect with Daniella on social media

    • TikTok, Patreon, Instagram
    • Youtube

    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:

    • Jamal Bruce, a Black high school teacher in Chicago, found Uncultured profoundly validating and inspiring, prompting his shift toward social work.

    • Daniella and Jamal discuss how schools often mirror cult-like systems that demand conformity and suppress individuality.

    • Both highlight how trauma survivors often overachieve as a coping mechanism—seeking safety in perfection and compliance.

    • Educators of color are more likely to "see" marginalized students and advocate for them because of shared systemic experiences.

    • The U.S. educational model has roots in Puritan indoctrination and continues to prioritize obedience over humanity.

    • White privilege shows up in small, everyday ways—like who gets questioned, believed, or celebrated for multilingualism.

    • The conversation emphasizes the need to believe marginalized voices rather than debate their experiences.

    • Daniella reflects on how publishing, like education, gatekeeps whose stories are told and deemed "marketable."

    • Both guests stress reading broadly and engaging with diverse perspectives as a way to dismantle bias and foster empathy.

    • Uncultured demonstrates how personal trauma can illuminate collective social conditioning, inviting broader discussions of power, race, and belonging.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Uncultured Perspectives
    02:41 The Role of Educators in Social Change
    05:26 Personal Stories of Advocacy and Support
    08:19 The Cult-like Nature of Education
    11:20 Navigating Identity and Trauma in Education
    14:10 The Intersection of Race and Education
    16:44 The Impact of Trauma on Academic Performance
    19:35 The Complexity of Privilege and Identity
    22:33 The Need for Authenticity in Education
    25:27 Conclusion: Shared Experiences and Collective Growth
    29:03 Finding Your Audience in Storytelling
    30:25 Relating Through Shared Emotions
    32:33 Understanding Different Perspectives
    34:53 The Importance of Believing Experiences
    37:32 Recognizing Privilege in Society
    40:32 Bilingualism and Perceptions of Intelligence
    44:06 Challenging Gender and Racial Stereotypes
    48:18 The Journey of Deconstructing Worldviews
    51:06 The Power of Diverse Narratives

    Produced by Haley Phillips, Lizy Freudmann, and Meghan Picmann
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    57 mins
  • Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady & Scot Loyd | 54 | Join A Club, Not A Cult

    Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady & Scot Loyd | 54 | Join A Club, Not A Cult
    Oct 21 2025

    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, Daniella and Scot talk with brother-sister filmmakers Rebecca and Pete Davis, co-directors of the documentary Join or Die. The film explores the steep decline in civic engagement across America and how rebuilding community is the antidote to the loneliness, polarization, and manipulation that make people vulnerable to cults.

    Together, they discuss the connection between isolation and extremism, how everyday community life has eroded over decades, and why showing up for local action is both a civic duty and a personal safeguard against coercive control. From Bowling Alone to the "cult of media," this conversation challenges listeners to ask one question:
    What am I doing alone that I could be doing together?

    Pete and Rebecca's Links:

    Website

    Movie

    Daniella's Links:

    Preorder for Culting of America: The Culting of America PRE-SALE (SHIPS BY JANUARY 20, 2026) – Knitting Cult Lady

    Go Fund Me for Culting of America: https://tr.ee/fldwYRFTJI

    Daniella Mestyanek Young's book:

    • From Bookshop.org

    • Uncultured Autograph:

    Connect with Daniella on social media

    • TikTok, Patreon, Instagram
    • Youtube

    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

    • The ultimate inoculation against bad community is good community.

    • 43% of Americans report belonging to zero community groups — a sign of deep civic decline.

    • Cults exploit the human need for belonging that isolation leaves unmet.

    • Healthy communities build "social capital" — the foundation of both democracy and resilience.

    • Television, air conditioning, and social media each contributed to the privatization of daily life.

    • Online groups offer connection but lack the embodied care of local, face-to-face relationships.

    • "Civic reforestation" starts small — hosting a club, joining a group, showing up in person.

    • Conflict isn't bad; learning to have it well is a democratic skill.

    • Attention is power — Americans spend about 10 hours a day consuming media instead of creating community.

    • Every movement in history began with about 1% of people showing up.

    • Cult-proof your life by diversifying your relationships and commitments.

    • Start where you are: know your neighbors, host a screening, join something local.

    Chapters

    00:00 – Welcome & Introductions

    02:00 – Why We Need Good Communities

    04:00 – Isolation as a Weapon

    05:30 – A 75-Year Decline in Connection

    09:00 – Democracy and Social Fabric

    12:00 – Air Conditioning, Modernity, and Lost Stoops

    14:00 – What Are You Doing Alone That You Could Be Doing Together?

    17:00 – From Online to Embodied Community

    19:00 – The Cult of Media & Attention Theft

    22:00 – Mono-Focus and Cult Vulnerability

    26:00 – Why We Have Fewer Friends Now

    30:00 – Learning the Lost Art of Organizing

    33:00 – Lessons from History

    36:00 – Conflict Is Good in a Democracy

    40:00 – How to Watch or Host "Join or Die"

    42:00 – Showing Up: The Real Inoculation

    45:00 – Closing Reflections

    Produced by Haley Phillips, Meghan Picmann, and Lizy Freudmann
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    48 mins
  • Cults & the Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep53 | The God Scot Was Given

    Cults & the Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep53 | The God Scot Was Given
    Oct 15 2025
    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young unpack Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's recent dystopian-sounding address to military leadership, examining it through the lens of cult psychology, gendered standards, and authoritarian control. Daniella dissects how "standards" and "professionalism" in the military are tools to maintain patriarchal and racial hierarchies, using examples like grooming policies and "gender-neutral" male standards. She argues that rhetoric like Hegseth's is part of a broader movement toward Christian nationalism and toxic militarized masculinity, dubbing it the "Mojo Dojo Casa Military." Together, they explore whether the U.S. military could ever be used against American citizens, why cult-like obedience structures are dangerous, and how individual ethics, diversity, and generational change make full-scale authoritarian control unlikely. The conversation then shifts toward Scot's new book, The God That I Was Given: Looking for Faith After Losing My Religion. Daniella and Scot discuss faith deconstruction, privilege, and how to hold space for both pride in one's past and critical honesty about harm. They reflect on storytelling, accountability, and how both military and religious institutions reward conformity and punish introspection. 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 "Standards" are culturally constructed — often used to uphold existing power structures under the guise of objectivity. "Gender neutral" usually means "male" — erasing femininity and reinforcing patriarchal norms. Hegseth's rhetoric reflects toxic masculinity, racial dog whistles, and authoritarian nostalgia for a "Department of War." Military culture mirrors cult structures, but its guiding "cult" is loyalty to the Constitution — not to any single leader. Younger service members (Millennials & Gen Z) are reshaping the culture toward diversity, empathy, and critical thinking. Brainwashing tactics from abusive systems and cults were deliberately baked into modern military training. Deconstruction is not destruction — you can be proud of aspects of your experience while acknowledging systemic harm. Both hosts connect cult dynamics across institutions — religion, the military, and politics all rely on controlling narratives. Writing memoirs like Uncultured and The God That I Was Given provides a model for honest reflection that includes both pride and pain. Truth-telling invites criticism, but it's vital for cultural healing and understanding. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 00:53 Military Standards and Gender Equality 03:43 Rhetoric and Leadership in the Military 06:29 Concerns Over Military Use Against Citizens 09:21 Basic Training and Military Culture 12:08 The Role of Experience in Military Leadership 14:54 Political Rhetoric and Military Professionalism 17:51 Diversity in the Military and Its Implications 20:39 Public Perception and Military Loyalty 23:23 Historical Context of Military Orders 26:09 Conclusion and Future Implications 28:18 Generational Perspectives in the Military 32:50 The Culting of America: A Deeper Dive 37:16 Navigating Privilege and Perspective 41:48 The Complexity of Faith and Deconstruction 47:06 The Power of Storytelling and Truth 54:22 Closing Thoughts on Diversity and Listening Produced by Haley Phillips, Meghan Picmann, and Lizy Freudmann
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    57 mins
  • Cults & the Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep52 | Veterinary Medicine

    Cults & the Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep52 | Veterinary Medicine
    Oct 7 2025
    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Daniella Mestyanek Young and Scot Loyd welcome Dr. Jo, a veterinarian from New Orleans, to explore the surprising overlaps between veterinary medicine and cultic dynamics. The conversation highlights how overwork, guilt, and moral injury can act as control mechanisms in "helping professions" like veterinary care—mirroring high-demand group tactics. Dr. Jo discusses the emotional toll of her work, including the constant oscillation between joy (new puppies) and grief (euthanasia), the high suicide rate among veterinarians, and the systemic lack of self-care built into the profession. Daniella connects these patterns to her broader analysis of institutional cultures that exploit compassion, while Scot reflects on similar burnout dynamics from his time as a pastor. The trio also dives into capitalism's role in normalizing self-sacrifice, the ethics of euthanasia, empathy toward animals and humans, and the need for structural—not just individual—change to protect caregivers from exploitation. The episode ends with a reminder: veterinarians are humans too, carrying invisible emotional burdens. 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 Veterinary medicine shares cult-like traits such as overwork as virtue, guilt-based control, and moral self-sacrifice. Emotional compartmentalization is required—vets may euthanize a long-time patient then pivot to a joyful new-pet visit minutes later. The suicide rate among veterinarians is alarmingly high, often tied to compassion fatigue and systemic overextension. Capitalism reinforces burnout, framing constant labor and self-denial as moral goodness. Many vets struggle to find balance between client care and self-care, often skipping breaks or feeling guilty for resting. COVID-19 worsened burnout by increasing pet ownership while reducing staff capacity. Financial misconceptions persist: veterinary procedures are costly but still drastically cheaper than equivalent human care. Euthanasia ethics are complex—vets must navigate between mercy, owner intent, and lack of viable alternatives. Empathy erosion in cults and capitalism parallels how systems dehumanize caregivers and animals alike. Real solutions require institutional change, not just resilience training for individuals. Simple kindness from clients can profoundly impact veterinary workers' wellbeing. Professional roles and uniforms can dehumanize caregivers—remembering their humanity matters. Helping professions often attract perfectionists and empaths, making them more vulnerable to exploitation. Both hosts link these patterns to broader social "meta-cults"—capitalism, productivity culture, and religious ideology. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Rapture Day 01:09 Meet the Veterinarian: Jo's Journey 03:09 Cults and Veterinary Medicine: Unlikely Parallels 05:21 Expectations vs. Reality in Veterinary Medicine 08:34 The Emotional Toll of Veterinary Practice 11:13 Navigating Client Relationships and Misinformation 15:14 Cults and Empathy: A Unique Perspective 18:41 The Ethics of Pet Ownership and Care 21:10 Coping Mechanisms in Veterinary Medicine 25:00 Community Support and the Burden of Service 28:09 The Burnout Epidemic in Veterinary Medicine 30:18 Understanding the Costs of Veterinary Care 35:28 Quality of Life Conversations with Pet Owners 43:28 Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout in Veterinary Practice 49:08 The Human Side of Veterinary Medicine Produced by Haley Phillips
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    55 mins
  • Cults & The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep51 | Candi Carpenter

    Cults & The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep51 | Candi Carpenter
    Sep 30 2025
    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Daniela Mestyanek Young and Scot Loyd welcome musician and activist Candi Carpenter. The conversation dives into parallels between growing up in evangelical Christianity and high-control cult environments, with both Daniela and Candi sharing deeply personal stories. Candi discusses their upbringing as a pastor's kid in a gospel family band, the ways purity culture and religious control shaped their identity, and their long deconstruction journey. They reflect on how music, satire, and community have helped them reclaim their voice and selfhood after years of suppression. The discussion touches on the loneliness of cult childhoods, the psychological effects of being taught constant fear of sin and hell, and how neurodivergence (autism, OCD) made them especially vulnerable to indoctrination. Humor and satire emerge as powerful tools of resistance—whether in music videos mocking political figures or in Daniela's plans for a "cult baby musical." The episode closes with reflections on healing, therapy, medication, and the importance of building authentic community beyond transactional, conversion-driven relationships. Candi's Links: Spotify Apple Music Youtube Tiktok Instagram 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 Parallel Journeys: Both Daniela and Candi grew up under strict religious control, with performance and purity culture shaping much of their childhood. Music as Survival: Candi uses songwriting to process trauma, reclaim identity, and connect with others who share similar experiences. Deconstruction & Identity: Their exit from evangelicalism was gradual, involving moments of perspective shift (like viewing church rituals through outsiders' eyes) and self-discovery (embracing their non-binary identity). Neurodivergence & Cults: Autism and OCD traits made Candi especially susceptible to religious rules, scrupulosity, and fear-based control. Purity Culture & Harm: Conversations highlighted how purity teachings overlap with exploitation, creating damaging relationships with sex, self, and others. Satire as Activism: Through bold political satire (like their "American God" video), Candi critiques extremism and authoritarianism with humor. Community After Cults: Online spaces like Candi's Discord "Candyland" provide connection and solidarity for those who once felt isolated. Healing Tools: Therapy, finding the right medication, and embracing joy (from late-night milkshakes to creative play) are key in recovery. Unmasking & Authenticity: A central theme is moving from masking and people-pleasing (ingrained by cult culture) toward living authentically without fear of rejection. Shared Mission: Both Daniela and Candi see their art—books, music, satire, musicals—as ways to expose control systems, build resilience, and help others heal. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Candi Carpenter and Cult Themes 02:51 Exploring the Impact of Cults on Identity 05:31 Deconstructing Religious Upbringing and Its Effects 08:38 The Role of Music in Healing and Community 11:19 Navigating Personal Trauma and Artistic Expression 14:07 The Intersection of Humor and Activism 17:23 Political Satire and the Role of Artists 20:03 Embracing Individuality and Non-Binary Identity 22:54 The Future of Music and Activism 25:44 Conclusion and Reflections on Fear and Anger 30:42 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery 34:23 Navigating Relationships Beyond Cults 37:16 The Struggle with People-Pleasing 40:21 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Acceptance 44:45 The Role of Therapy and Medication in Healing 49:37 Creating Art as a Means of Expression Produced by Haley Phillips
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    56 mins
  • 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