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

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 highlights the need for open discussions about the past and the recognition of the profound effects of parental choices on children.

Jonathan's Links:

Podcast: Dear Franklin Jones

Author Page

Audiobook: The Mind is Burning

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

• Growing up in a cult can shape one's identity.
• Charismatic leaders often create a sense of belonging.
• Children in cults face unique challenges and expectations.
• The evolution of a cult leader's ideology can be manipulative.
• Personal experiences in cults can lead to lifelong impacts.
• Understanding the past is crucial for healing.
• The importance of open dialogue about cult experiences.
• Parental choices in cults can lead to emotional sacrifices.
• Cult kids often inherit their parents' spiritual pursuits.
• There is a need for recognition and support for cult survivors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cults and Personal Stories
06:33 The Influence of Franklin Jones
12:33 The Evolution of a Cult Leader
18:20 Childhood in a Cult
24:22 The Impact of Cult Life on Identity
31:01 The Cult Baby Experience
33:53 Understanding Parental Sacrifice in Cults
40:00 The Impact of Spiritual Pursuits on Family Dynamics
49:58 Navigating Relationships with Cult Parents
52:54 Caring for Aging Parents and Reflecting on the Past

Produced by Haley Phillips

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 experiences within such organizations.

Briana's Podcast

Surviving Satchidananda

Haley's Tiktok

@nuancedmasculinities

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

Takeaways

• Brianna's journey began with a search for community and healing through yoga.
• Yogaville initially provided a sense of belonging and support for Brianna.
• Cults often exploit individuals during vulnerable times in their lives.
• Positive experiences in cults can make it difficult to recognize abuse.
• Secrecy and misinformation are common tactics used by cults to maintain control.
• Brianna experienced both joy and trauma during her time at Yogaville.
• Trusting one's intuition is crucial when something feels off.
• Cults can provide a sense of purpose but often at a significant cost.
• The psychological impact of cult involvement can be profound and long-lasting.
• Advocacy and sharing stories are essential for healing and awareness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
02:02 Brianna's Journey into Yoga and Yogaville
06:04 The Allure of Community and Spirituality
10:01 Unraveling the Dark Side of Yogaville
14:07 Experiences of Abuse and Control
20:02 The Struggle to Leave and Labor Exploitation
24:35 Control and Autonomy in Cults
28:44 Unraveling the Truth: Personal Experiences
32:44 The Role of Secrecy and Deception
39:29 Navigating Relationships After Leaving
41:04 Creating Awareness and Sharing Stories
42:45 Trusting Your Intuition and Finding Balance

Produced by Haley Phillips