Episode 37 | Caring For Relatives When They Didn't Care For You
Cults and the Culting of America
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, host Scot Loyd and guest Jonathan Hirsch delve into the complexities of growing up in a cult-like environment, specifically under the influence of Franklin Jones. They explore the allure of charismatic leaders, the sacrifices made by children in these settings, and the long-term emotional impacts on individuals raised in such communities. Jonathan shares his personal journey, including the challenges of reconciling his upbringing with his current life, and the importance of understanding the experiences of cult kids. The conversation...
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Episode 36 | Yogaville
Cults and the Culting of America
In this episode, Scott and Daniella engage with Brianna, who shares her profound journey through the world of yoga and her experiences at Yogaville, a yoga community that turned out to be more complex than it seemed. Brianna discusses her initial attraction to the community, the positive aspects she encountered, and the darker realities that unfolded over time, including manipulation, abuse, and the psychological toll of being involved in a cult-like environment. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trust, intuition, and the need for open discussions about both the good and bad...
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Episode 35 | AA From an Addiction Specialist
Cults and the Culting of America
In this episode, Scott Loyd and Daniela Mestyanek-Young engage in a deep conversation with Andi Wiseman about the nature of cults, particularly focusing on the military and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). They explore the harmful aspects of 12-step programs, the intersection of addiction and systemic issues, and the importance of listening to survivors. The discussion highlights personal experiences with cult-like behavior in nonprofits and the need for a broader understanding of recovery beyond traditional frameworks. Andi's Links Daniella's Links: You can read all about my story in my book,...
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Episode 34 | Cult of Masculinity
Cults and the Culting of America
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mesteneck Young engage in a profound conversation with Jack about the complexities of masculinity, the cultural constructs surrounding gender identity, and the emotional struggles faced by men in contemporary society. Jack shares his personal journey from a troubled upbringing to his work in men's circles, emphasizing the need for vulnerability, community, and a redefinition of masculinity that moves away from harmful stereotypes. The discussion explores the impact of societal expectations, the illusion of male...
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Episode 33 | Improvement Gurus
Cults and the Culting of America
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, host Scott Loyd and guest Daniela Mestenec Young engage in a deep conversation with Ben John about the self-help industry, misguided mentors, and the red flags associated with cult-like organizations. Ben shares his personal journey of being involved in a self-help group that he later recognized as a cult, discussing the tactics used by leaders to manipulate followers. The conversation explores the importance of discernment in seeking guidance, the emotional costs of leaving such groups, and the need for authenticity in personal growth....
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Episode 32 | Satanic Panic Debunked
Cults and the Culting of America
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scott Loyd and Daniela Mesteneck Young engage in a profound conversation with Lydia Knight, who shares her harrowing experiences growing up in a cult. Lydia discusses the complexities of her upbringing, including themes of racism, the satanic panic, and the psychological impact of fear and control within cult dynamics. The conversation delves into the process of healing and deprogramming, the importance of reconnecting with family, and the empowerment that comes from leadership and coaching. Lydia's journey of transformation serves as...
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Episode 31 | Cult Situation Report
Cults and the Culting of America
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mesteneck Young explore the current political climate in the U.S. and its parallels to cult dynamics. They discuss the rise of cult mentality, the deification of leaders, and the implications of executive power. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, collective action, and the role of art in resisting oppressive governance. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with their communities and resist fear-driven narratives, highlighting the need for resilience and creativity in challenging times....
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Episode 30 | The DSM as a Weapon
Cults and the Culting of America
In this conversation, Daniella and Katie Keech explore the intersections of cult dynamics, mental health, and neurodiversity. They discuss the misdiagnosis of mental health disorders in cult survivors, the authoritarian nature of the DSM, and the importance of self-definition and community support. The conversation delves into the complexities of plurality, trauma, and identity, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of these issues in a world that often seeks to categorize and control individuals. Daniella's Links: You can read all about my story in my book, Uncultured-- buy signed...
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Episode 29 | Asian American Apostate
Cults and the Culting of America
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mesteneck Young engage in a deep conversation with Scott Okamoto, who shares his journey from evangelical Christianity to questioning the very foundations of his beliefs. The discussion touches on themes of identity, race, and the struggles of belonging within high-control groups. They explore the dynamics of critical thinking versus apologetics in Christian education, the impact of the model minority myth, and the role of empathy in Christianity. Scott reflects on his experiences teaching at a Christian...
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Episode 28 | Online Cult
Cults and the Culting of America
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...
info_outlineIn this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, host Scott Loyd and guest Daniela Mestenec Young engage in a deep conversation with Ben John about the self-help industry, misguided mentors, and the red flags associated with cult-like organizations. Ben shares his personal journey of being involved in a self-help group that he later recognized as a cult, discussing the tactics used by leaders to manipulate followers. The conversation explores the importance of discernment in seeking guidance, the emotional costs of leaving such groups, and the need for authenticity in personal growth. Ben emphasizes that true growth comes from within and that individuals should be wary of those who exploit vulnerabilities for profit.
Benjamin’s Links
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/4bwvNC0
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 TikTok
Takeaways
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The self-help industry is largely unregulated and can be predatory.
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Misguided mentors often use manipulation tactics to control their followers.
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Vulnerability can be weaponized by cult leaders to create dependency.
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Leaving a cult can result in significant emotional and relational costs.
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Authenticity in personal growth is crucial; individuals should trust their instincts.
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Red flags include leaders who discourage independent thinking.
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Community and belonging are powerful human desires that cults exploit.
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Self-help should not come at the cost of personal well-being.
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It's important to recognize the difference between ethical and unethical sales tactics.
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Personal transformation can attract predators, so caution is necessary.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
02:27 The Rise of Misguided Mentorship
06:30 The Cult of Self-Help and Masculinity
11:44 Red Flags in Self-Help Groups
17:33 The Illusion of Vulnerability
23:20 Identifying Ethical Mentorship
29:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
30:45 The Charismatic Leader Phenomenon
32:11 The Transformation into Villainy
33:06 Awareness and Advocacy Against Cults
34:22 Navigating the Fine Line of Influence
36:13 Understanding Group Behavior and Manipulation
38:19 Creating Ethical Sales Practices
39:45 The Journey of Deconstruction
42:31 Authenticity in Storytelling
44:33 The High Cost of Leaving Cults
49:49 Advice to My Younger Self
51:16 The Permission to Just Be
Produced by Haley Phillips