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Cults and the Culting of America

Daniella Claire Mestyanek Young and Scot Loyd
Cults and the Culting of America
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  • Episode 42 | "Not My Church": Plausible Deniability in High-Control Systems
    In this revealing and emotionally rich episode of Cults and the Culting of America, Cynthia Williams joins hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young to unpack her journey through—and out of—the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI). Cynthia shares how, like many others, she once believed that her local church was different. The rules were strict, yes, but they felt spiritually justified—until the cracks began to show. As Cynthia puts it, the realization came slowly: “I think it's probably just in the last two years… that I finally was like, wait a minute, I think I was in a cult.” That moment of clarity is a turning point in the episode, as the conversation explores how UPCI and similar groups protect themselves through plausible deniability. “Not my church,” people say—oblivious or unwilling to confront the broader systemic harm. Cynthia describes how Bible college exposed her to both a deeper version of indoctrination and—paradoxically—the seeds of her exit. Through theology classes and critical thinking challenges, she began questioning the very doctrines that once gave her purpose. The episode also dives into her experience witnessing the tragic death of a teenage girl at Bible school—a loss that the church quickly co-opted into a martyrdom narrative, silencing Cynthia’s voice and rewriting the truth. Alongside moments of grief and spiritual disillusionment, the hosts discuss cult tactics like toxic positivity, spiritual bypassing, gendered control, and the recurring pattern of falling into other high-control environments even after leaving religion. From the military to corporate America, Cynthia’s story traces how these systems echo one another—and how healing requires naming those echoes for what they are. With warmth, honesty, and shared survivor wisdom, this episode is a candid look at what it means to say, “Maybe it was my church after all.” 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 TikTok @thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Key Take-Aways 🚩 On Cult Dynamics in UPCI: Rules varied by pastor but enforced absolute obedience, reinforcing the illusion of autonomy while maintaining tight control. Women were subjected to extreme modesty standards, with the specifics often shifting—creating confusion and deep internalization of shame and obedience. Plausible deniability ("not my church") was used to disguise systemic problems across UPCI. 👩‍🦰 On Gender & Power: Women in UPCI were expected to be either angelic “saints” or demonized “Jezebels”—no in-between. Women showing independence or intellect were often ostracized or tightly policed. Cynthia’s racial identity and outsider status gave her marginal freedom to step outside strict gender molds—but also made her invisible in some ways. 🧠 On Deconstruction & Identity: Bible school inadvertently helped Cynthia develop critical thinking, ultimately aiding her exit. Leaving the group meant not just losing community, but also certainty, purpose, and a framework for meaning. Like many ex-cult members, Cynthia found herself repeatedly drawn to similarly high-control environments even after leaving UPCI. 💥 On Trauma & Abuse: The murder of a student Cynthia mentored was mishandled by the church, which spun the event into a martyrdom narrative—silencing Cynthia and distorting the truth. This cover-up became a breaking point, highlighting the institution’s willingness to exploit tragedy for control and propaganda. Cynthia shares how old coping strategies like breaking into church songs still emerge under stress—signs of deep conditioning and dissociation. 🧵 On Community & Healing: A strong, emotionally safe partnership is key in Cynthia’s healing journey. Daniella highlights the concept of being an “invisible immigrant”—growing up in an insular religious world without cultural references or grounding in the outside world. They celebrate the comfort and solidarity found in the “ex-cult sisterhood”—a chosen family of people who get it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cult Experiences 03:10 Personal Journeys in the United Pentecostal Church 06:01 Expectations and Restrictions for Women 08:46 Identifying Cult-like Behaviors 11:54 The Role of Education in Cult Awareness 15:05 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Cults 17:45 The Impact of Nostalgia and Shared Experiences 20:59 Emotional Healing and Reflection 23:57 Coping with Life After Leaving a Cult 30:20 Revisiting Trauma and Dissociation 31:55 Toxic Positivity in High-Control Groups 34:14 Tragedy and Manipulation: The Church's Narrative 39:40 The Impact of Violence on Faith Communities 43:23 Identity Crisis After Leaving the Cult 50:07 Life After the Cult: Finding New Paths Produced by Haley Phillips
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  • Episode 41 | Decolonizing Yourself with Hilary Giovale
    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, host Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek-Young (KnittingCultLady) sit down with Hilary Giovale—a ninth-generation settler living among Indigenous communities in Northern Arizona. Hilary opens up about her journey from segregation to engaging deeply with Native communities, emphasizing how re-education and personal healing can unravel the lasting wounds of colonialism. Hilary discusses the trauma inflicted by Indigenous boarding schools and the persistent impact of white supremacy on both marginalized communities and white culture. By practicing ancestral reverence and focusing on actionable reparations—like supporting sacred landscape protection and Indigenous-led initiatives—Hilary and her guests illustrate the transformative power of honest dialogue and community-based healing. For more on Hilary’s work, listeners are encouraged to visit her website, GoodRelative.com. Hilary's Links:  Her Book: Becoming a Good Relative  Guide to Making a Personal Reparations Plan An Indigenous Peoples History of the United States, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies, by Resmaa Menakem Reclaiming Our Indigenous European Roots, by Lyla June Johnston Listeners can donate to the Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition to support the continued research and documentation 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 @thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Takeaways Transformative Re-education: Hilary shares her journey from a segregated existence to building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities. Boarding School Trauma: The discussion highlights the deep and enduring pain caused by Indigenous boarding schools and their impact on cultural identity. Confronting White Supremacy: The conversation emphasizes the need to recognize and dismantle the harmful legacy of white supremacy, both for marginalized people and within white culture itself. Humility and Listening: Hilary stresses the importance of approaching new communities with genuine curiosity, humility, and a readiness to learn rather than impose. Ancestral Healing Practices: The practice of ancestral reverence—such as maintaining an ancestor altar—is offered as a powerful tool for personal and collective healing. Community-Based Action: The episode underlines the significance of supporting sacred landscape protection, Indigenous-led initiatives, and creating personal reparations plans as crucial steps toward healing. Produced by Haley Phillips
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  • Episode 40 | Scot wrote a book!
    This week on Cults and the Culting of America, we’re turning the mic toward someone you all know well—our beloved cohost, Scot Loyd. With no guest this episode, Daniella takes the opportunity to spotlight Scot’s powerful personal journey and upcoming book, The God That I Was Given. In an open and layered conversation, Scot reflects on his years inside the United Pentecostal Church, his rise to leadership, and what it meant to deconstruct the faith and ideologies that shaped him. He and Daniella discuss the gendered nature of cult experiences, the silence often expected of men, and how writing becomes both a weapon and a lifeline for survivors. They also dig deep into the racist roots of Pentecostalism, the enduring myth of white Christian victimhood, and how cult dynamics echo through American politics today. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or are just tuning in, this intimate episode offers a closer look at Scot’s story and the broader systems of power so many of us are still trying to untangle. 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 @thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Takeways Even Survivors Can Be Complicit Scot reflects on how he not only endured harm within the United Pentecostal Church but also perpetuated it as a preacher and leader. His journey involves confronting both victimhood and complicity—a nuanced look at accountability in high-control systems. Patriarchy Shields Men from Cult Harm—and From Speaking Out The conversation explores why fewer men write cult survivor memoirs: patriarchal systems often cushion men from the worst abuses and discourage emotional vulnerability, leaving their stories underrepresented. Faith Deconstruction Is Not Bitterness—It’s Clarity Scot addresses the accusation that leaving high-control religion makes you “bitter.” Drawing on biblical stories (like Naomi in Ruth), he reframes bitterness as a justified and even holy reaction to harm—and a fuel for transformation. Cults Mirror American Systems of Power The episode draws strong parallels between cult dynamics and systemic issues in the U.S., including white supremacy, evangelical nationalism, and the cult of personality around political figures like Donald Trump. Telling the Truth Is a Radical Act Both hosts emphasize the importance of sharing honest, unvarnished stories to give future generations language and context for their own experiences—and to challenge whitewashed versions of history. The Tools Used to Indoctrinate Can Be Used to Liberate Scot talks about reclaiming the skills he developed in church—preaching, writing, public speaking—to critique the very systems that shaped him. Daniella echoes this with her own story, highlighting the healing power of storytelling. Cult Experiences Are Strikingly Universal While each cult has its own doctrine or dogma, the episode highlights the common traits—performance culture, black-and-white thinking, suppression of autonomy—that unite cult survivors across backgrounds. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Book Projects 03:26 Exploring Gender Perspectives in Cult Experiences 06:37 The Unraveling of Beliefs and Personal Reflection 09:27 The Role of Education in Leaving Cults 12:20 Writing as a Tool for Healing and Reflection 15:36 Navigating the Complexity of Cult Narratives 18:24 Confronting the Charge of Bitterness 21:17 The Power of Personal Stories in Cult Recovery 24:25 The Importance of Documenting Experiences for Future Generations 31:56 The Burden of Representation in Cults 35:18 Historical Narratives and Cultural Spin 39:56 The Roots of Pentecostalism and Racism 44:39 The Legacy of Racism in American Christianity 49:40 Cult of Personality vs. Cult of Ideas 56:11 The Current Political Climate and Its Cult-like Dynamics Produced by Haley Phillips
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  • Episode 39 | "Satanic Panic" Facts and Fiction
    Summary In this episode, the hosts delve into the complex world of cults, focusing on the Satanic Panic and the influence of charismatic leaders like Franklin Jones. They explore the historical context of cults, the role of fear and control, and the lasting impact of cult experiences on individuals. Through personal stories and reflections, the conversation highlights the intricate dynamics of cults and their cultural significance. In this conversation, the participants explore the complexities of growing up in cult-like environments, the challenges of healing from trauma, and the nuances of personal identity shaped by these experiences. They discuss the importance of critical reflection on spiritual beliefs, the impact of family dynamics, and the struggle against misinformation and polarization in society. The dialogue emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion in navigating these difficult topics, while also recognizing the value of storytelling and fiction in processing and sharing their journeys. Scott’s (guest) Links:  Website 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 @thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Takeaways Cults often use fear as a tool for control. The Satanic Panic was a significant cultural phenomenon. Franklin Jones exemplified the charismatic cult leader. Historical parallels exist between past witch hunts and modern cults. Charisma plays a crucial role in attracting followers. Fear of the unknown drives many cult narratives. Cults can distort personal identities and experiences. The impact of cult upbringing can last a lifetime. Cultural context shapes the perception of cults. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Guests 03:16 Understanding the Satanic Panic 10:08 Cultural Reflections and Modern Parallels 12:55 The Role of Fear in Religious Contexts 17:26 The Impact of Fiction on Beliefs 23:01 Historical Context of Satanic Panic 30:02 Education, Critical Thinking, and the Binary Mindset 33:37 Escaping the World: A Discussion on Beliefs 34:06 The Illusion of Quick Fixes: Mastery Takes Time 36:15 The Heartbreak of Misguided Spiritual Practices 39:12 The Daily Struggle: Healing from Trauma 40:26 Faith vs. Fear: Understanding Belief Systems 41:22 The Power of Fiction: Engaging with Difficult Truths 43:57 Exploring Family Legacies: The Weight of Expectations 48:57 Navigating Polarization: Engaging with Contradictory Beliefs 50:51 Challenging Misinformation: The Role of Insiders 54:07 The Complexity of Good and Evil: A Nuanced Perspective 58:04 Cult Dynamics: The Influence of Upbringing on Beliefs 01:03:48 Caring for Aging Parents and Reflecting on the Past Produced by Haley Phillips
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  • Episode 38 | Starbucks and Corporate Cults
    In this conversation, Daniella and Kasi explore the cult-like aspects of Starbucks, discussing Kasi's personal journey from barista to store manager and the emotional and psychological dynamics at play within the corporate structure. They delve into themes of recruitment, vulnerability, the illusion of family, leadership programs, and the impact of corporate culture on mental health. The discussion highlights the emotional manipulation and control exerted by organizations, drawing parallels to cult behavior and the sacrifices individuals make for their jobs. 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 @thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Takeaways Starbucks had a significant impact on Kasi's formative years. Young adults are particularly vulnerable to corporate recruitment tactics. The fun environment at Starbucks was a major draw for Kasi. The concept of 'family' in corporations can be misleading. Leadership programs often serve the organization's needs more than the individual's. Emotional manipulation is prevalent in corporate events and culture. Mental health struggles can arise from high-demand work environments. Self-sabotage can occur when trying to maintain a positive image in a toxic environment. The deification of leaders can create a cult-like atmosphere in companies. Mourning the loss of belief in a caring organization is a common experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Starbucks Cultiness 02:31 Kasi's Journey with Starbucks 05:41 Recruitment and Vulnerability in Young Adults 10:56 The Illusion of Family and Loyalty 13:59 Leadership Programs and Organizational Control 19:46 The Echo Chamber of Corporate Culture 25:37 Influence of Recommended Reading and Ideology 27:54 The Cult of Education and Gratitude 29:46 Emotional Manipulation in High-Demand Organizations 32:20 Trauma and Recovery in Cult-like Environments 36:27 The Illusion of Trust and Loyalty 41:36 The Role of Emotional Evocation in Corporate Culture 45:26 The Cost of Self-Sacrifice in the Workplace 50:05 The Breaking Point: Mental Health and Organizational Pressure 55:35 Mourning the Loss of Belief in Organizations Produced by Haley Phillips
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About Cults and the Culting of America

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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