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

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

Website

The Book: The Unsubtle Art of Unfucking Your Life

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

Cults can be found in various societal structures, including the military and AA.
The 12-step model may not work for everyone and can be harmful.
Recovery is a personal journey that can take many forms.
Cults often manipulate vulnerable individuals seeking connection.
The nonprofit sector can exhibit cult-like behaviors.
Systemic issues contribute to addiction and recovery challenges.
Listening to survivors is crucial for understanding the impact of cults.
Secrecy in groups often hides harmful practices.
Challenging the status quo is necessary for meaningful change.
Individual action alone cannot solve systemic problems.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cults and Group Behavior
03:01 Exploring the Definition of Cults
06:08 The Role of AA and Military in Cult Dynamics
08:59 The Harmful Impact of 12-Step Programs
11:59 Generational Trauma and Cult Influence
14:59 Personal Stories and Systemic Issues
18:04 Navigating Nonprofit Work and Cult-like Structures
20:52 The Intersection of Individual Action and Systemic Problems
29:42 Systemic Issues in Recovery
36:18 The Intersection of Faith and Recovery Programs
40:06 The Role of the State in Addiction Treatment
43:20 Cults and Coercive Control
49:04 Understanding Trauma and Recovery
55:02 Promoting Open Conversations about Recovery

Produced by Haley Phillips

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 superiority, and the importance of emotional expression and connection among men.

Jack's Links:

Website: https://healthecycle.com/

TikTok: @watchfulcayote

Youtube (His podcast is here) : @WatchfulCayote

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

• Masculinity is often defined by societal constructs rather than biological factors.
• There is a significant difference between sex (male) and gender (man).
• Cultural influences shape our understanding of gender from a very young age.
• Parenting plays a crucial role in shaping children's perceptions of gender.
• Communication styles differ between boys and girls, often influenced by societal norms.
• The cult of masculinity imposes harmful expectations on men.
• Anger among men often stems from unmet societal promises and expectations.
• The narrative of male superiority is a damaging myth.
• Men often sacrifice their emotional health for societal expectations.
• Building healthy male communities is essential for emotional well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Cult of Masculinity
02:11 Jack's Journey: From Trauma to Men's Work
04:03 Defining Masculinity: Sex vs. Gender
08:02 Cultural Influences on Gender Identity
11:34 Communication Styles: Boys vs. Girls
16:10 The Impact of Gendered Expectations
20:02 Navigating Masculinity in Modern Relationships
23:09 The Cult of Masculinity: Ideals and Influences
26:45 Angry White Male America: A Cultural Analysis
31:18 The Intersection of Politics and Masculinity
36:26 Understanding Privilege and Its Misconceptions
38:44 The Cult of Patriarchy and Its Promises
40:26 The Impact of White Supremacy on All Men
43:02 The Cost of Self-Sacrifice in Masculinity
50:11 Isolation and the Need for Male Community

Produced by Haley Phillips

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. Ben emphasizes that true growth comes from within and that individuals should be wary of those who exploit vulnerabilities for profit.

Benjamin’s Links

Youtube

Book

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

• The self-help industry is largely unregulated and can be predatory.

• Misguided mentors often use manipulation tactics to control their followers.

• Vulnerability can be weaponized by cult leaders to create dependency.

• Leaving a cult can result in significant emotional and relational costs.

• Authenticity in personal growth is crucial; individuals should trust their instincts.

• Red flags include leaders who discourage independent thinking.

• Community and belonging are powerful human desires that cults exploit.

• Self-help should not come at the cost of personal well-being.

• It's important to recognize the difference between ethical and unethical sales tactics.

• 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

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 an inspiring testament to resilience and the power of reclaiming one's narrative.

Lydia's Links:

https://theshecenter.org/

Daniella's Links:

Other Podcasts

Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women

Scot's TikTok

@thescotloyd

Takeaways

• Lydia Knight shares her experiences growing up in a cult.
• The concept of 'apocalypticizing' reflects societal fears.
• Racism and identity play significant roles in cult experiences.
• The satanic panic of the 80s influenced many cult narratives.
• Fear can create a false sense of comfort and community.
• The importance of questioning and seeking truth in cult dynamics.
• Healing from trauma involves deprogramming from harmful beliefs.
• Reconnecting with family can be a complex journey.
• Empowerment through leadership is crucial for women.
• Transforming trauma into a source of strength is possible.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cult Experiences
03:25 Lydia Knight's Journey and Background
06:08 Racism and Identity in a Cult
09:21 The Impact of the Satanic Panic
12:00 The Role of Secret Knowledge in Cults
15:11 The Complexity of Abuse and Protection
18:02 Deconstructing Cult Beliefs and Systems
20:52 The Intersection of Personal and Societal Cultures
23:57 Reflections on Healing and Activism
31:17 The Creation of Fear and Control
32:46 Facing Fears and Planning for the Worst
36:29 Breaking Free from Past Programming
41:33 The Journey of Discovery and Truth
48:17 Confronting Lies and Seeking Proof
49:54 Reconnecting with Family and Healing
53:41 Transforming Trauma into Empowerment

Produced by Haley Phillips

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.

Daniella's Links:

Other Podcasts

Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women

Scot's TikTok

@thescotloyd

Takeaways

• The current political climate reflects cult-like dynamics.
• Fear is a tactic used by cult leaders to control.
• Deification of leaders leads to dangerous governance.
• Cults can be led by charismatic individuals or ideas.
• The military operates under a different cult dynamic than political cults.
• Executive power is expanding in ways that threaten democracy.
• Community engagement is crucial for resistance.
• Art and hobbies are vital during oppressive times.
• Panic is counterproductive; planning and action are essential.
• History teaches us that patterns repeat, but not exactly.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cult Dynamics
03:38 The Current Political Climate and Cult Behavior
06:40 The Deification of Leaders
09:33 Cult Language and Tactics
12:44 Military Culture and Cult Dynamics
15:28 The Intersection of Politics and Military
18:38 The Role of Women in Military Cultures
21:36 Concluding Thoughts on Cults and Society
29:09 The Acceleration of Authoritarianism
31:33 The Resilience of American Democracy
34:32 The Dangers of Pendulum Politics
37:36 Historical Context and Future Concerns
40:40 The Impact of Governance on Global Relations
43:37 Strategies for Resilience and Resistance
47:06 Community and Collective Action
51:25 The Role of Hobbies in Times of Oppression