Cults and the Culting of America
Episodes
Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 62 | Cognitive Dissonance Fact Check
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, Daniella sits down with political scientist Thomas Kelly to revisit one of the most foundation...
Cults & The Culting of America w/ Dr. Scot Loyd | 61 | Jewish Black Supremacy Cult
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, guest Ara Jade shares her seven-year experience inside a high-control religious group adjacent to the Hebrew Israelite movement, know...
Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady & Dr. Scot Loyd | 60 | Christian Science
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Cults and the Culting of America features guest Emily Hulen, a massage therapist and trauma coach who grew up in Christian Science and...
Cults & the Culting of America Podcast w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 59 | Purity Culture vs. Fertility Treatment
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Brown discusses her journey in women's health and fertility, emphasizing the importance of understanding these topics bey...
Cults & the Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 58 | America Branded Fascism
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Content Warnings: Sexual assault and child sexual abuse Sex trafficking and the Epstein list Cult dynamics, coercive control, and brainwashing ...
Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady & Dr. Scot Loyd | 57 | Born and Razed
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of religious and institutional abuse, child abuse, disordered eating, family estrangement, mental i...
Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 56 | Brazilian Dictatorship and Resilience
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, Daniella Mestyanek Young ("Knitting Cult Lady") speaks with Dr. Bryan Pitts, Assistant Director of UCLA's Latin American Ins...
Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 55 | The Power of Story Telling
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, Daniella Mestyanek Young (aka Knitting Cult Lady) speaks with Chicago educator and social work st...
Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady & Scot Loyd | 54 | Join A Club, Not A Cult
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Cults & the Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep53 | The God Scot Was Given
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 dystop...
Cults & the Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep52 | Veterinary Medicine
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Cults & The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep51 | Candi Carpenter
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Daniela Mestyanek Young and Scot Loyd welcome musician and activist Candi Carpenter. The co...
Cults & The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep50 | One Taste Sex Cult
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Cults & The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep49 | Cycle Breaking
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Daniella Mestyanek Young and Scot Loyd welcome Sydney, a member of the Cult Book Club, to s...
Cults & The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Loyd | ep 48 | Troubled Teens
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young engage in a profound conversation with Elizabeth Abe...
Cults and The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Lloyd | Episode 47 | The Cultiness of Nursing
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Cults and the Culting of America features guest Jess M. (aka White Mess Express), a former nurse, alongside hosts Daniella Mestyanek Y...
Cults and The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Lloyd | Episode 46 | The God I Was Given book coming out soon!
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, Scot Loyd joins Haley while Daniela is away on her book tour. The conversation centers on Scot's ...
Cults and The Culting of America with Knitting Cult Lady and Scot Lloyd | Episode 45 | Sunday Brunch: The Musical
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Scott Loyd interviews the creators and a performer from Sunday Brunch: The Musical, a new theatrical work that humorously explores cu...
Episode 44 | The Cult of Capitalism
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Cults and the Culting of America features guest Kelvin, a political scientist and community organizer, in a deep dive on whether capi...
Episode 42 | "Not My Church": Plausible Deniability in High-Control Systems
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this revealing and emotionally rich episode of Cults and the Culting of America, Cynthia Williams joins hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Youn...
Episode 41 | Decolonizing Yourself with Hilary Giovale
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, host Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek-Young (KnittingCultLady) sit down with Hilary Giovale—a ...
Episode 40 | Scot wrote a book!
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Episode 39 | "Satanic Panic" Facts and Fiction
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 38 | Starbucks and Corporate Cults
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Daniella and Kasi explore the cult-like aspects of Starbucks, discussing Kasi's personal journey from barista to store manager a...
Episode 37 | Caring For Relatives When They Didn't Care For You
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 36 | Yogaville
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 35 | AA From an Addiction Specialist
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Scott Loyd and Daniela Mestyanek-Young engage in a deep conversation with Andi Wiseman about the nature of cults, particularly focusi...
Episode 34 | Cult of Masculinity
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Episode 33 | Improvement Gurus
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ab...
Episode 32 | Satanic Panic Debunked
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
Episode 31 | Cult Situation Report
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. an...
Episode 30 | The DSM as a Weapon
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Daniella and Katie Keech explore the intersections of cult dynamics, mental health, and neurodiversity. They discuss the misdiag...
Episode 29 | Asian American Apostate
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, wh...
Episode 28 | Online Cult
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Scott Loyd and Daniella Mestyneck Young engage in a deep conversation with Taylor Marie, a mental health therapist and cult survivor....
Episode 27 | Childhood Torture vs Abuse
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Content Warning: This episode includes descriptions of the abuse and torture of young children In this episode of 'Cults and the Culting of America', ...
Episode 26 | Mediation and Marketing
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, host Scot Loyd and co-host Daniela Mesteneck Young engage in a deep conversation with Chloe Nwang...
Episode 25 | Post Traumatic Mistriss Syndrome with Amanda Gross
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniela Mestyanek Young engage in a profound conversation with Amanda Gross a...
Episode 24 | IBLP and "Shiny, Happy People"
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young engage with Tara and Floyd, who share their experien...
Episode 23 | Tia Levings Author of "A Well Trained Wife"
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella engage with Tia Levings, a New York Times bestselling author and cul...
Episode 22 | Teaching and Public Education
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Daniella and Jack explore the parallels between cult dynamics and the education system, particularly focusing on how teaching ca...
Episode 21 | Spiritual Abuse and Single Family Cults
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Jamie Marich discusses her experiences with spiritual abuse and the dynamics of cults, emphasizing the importance of understandin...
Episode 20 | Recovering from Purity Culture
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Maddie Jo Cowsert shares her journey from growing up in evangelical purity culture to navigating her identity and sexuality in N...
Episode 19 | Hasidic Judaism
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, Beatrice Weber shares her profound journey growing up in the Hasidic community, detailing the str...
Episode 18 | 1 to 1 cults (Narcassistic Abuse)
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Dr. Kerry McAvoy discusses her experiences with narcissistic abuse, the psychological implications of narcissism, and the societ...
Episode 17: Is Alcoholics Anonymous Culty?!?!
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary In this conversation, the hosts and guest explore the dynamics of cults, particularly focusing on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its 12-step pr...
Episode 16: Voices Unbound--Cults, White Supremacy, and the Silencing of Women
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary In this episode, Scot Loyd, Daniella Mestyneck Young, and Ali Henney discuss the intersections of cult dynamics, white supremacy, and the sile...
Episode 15: Leaving the Cult of MAGA
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary In this conversation, Scott Loyd and Daniella engage with Haley Griffith, who shares her transformative journey from supporting Donald Trump t...
Episode 14: Good Cult, Bad Cult
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary In this conversation, Scot Loyd and Daniella (KnittingCultLady) delve into the complexities of group dynamics, particularly focusing on the du...
Episode 13: The Ends Justifies the Means
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary In this episode, Scott Loyd and Daniela Mestenec Young explore the complex dynamics of cult mentality, particularly focusing on the phrase 'th...
Episode 12: Breaking Free: The Emotional, Financial, and Psychological Costs of Leaving a Cult
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The conversation explores the concept of exit costs in cults, focusing on the United Pentecostal Church International and the Children of God. It disc...
Episode 11: Free Will or Control? Film Director on Cults, 'Holy Water,' and the Battle for Authenticity
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary Lucas Moctezuma discusses his upcoming film 'Holy Water' which is inspired by cults and explores the concept of free will within a cult settin...
Episode 10: Nobody Wants to Work Hard Anymore (Exploitation of Labor)
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary The conversation explores the exploitation of labor in cults and its impact on individuals. It delves into the reasons why labor is at the cen...
Episode 9: We Are the Best, Down with All the Rest (Us versus Them Mentality
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary In this conversation, Daniella and Scot discuss various topics including Daniella's recent trip to Portugal, the us versus them mentality, and...
Episode 8: Cult Speak and Clichés; Unpacking the Language of Control
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary In this conversation, Daniella and Scot discuss the use of specialized language or vernacular in cults and high control groups. They explore h...
Episode 7: Isolation Nation--The Silent Tool of Control in Cults and Beyond
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young discuss the role of isolation in high control groups and cults. They explore how isolation is...
Episode 6: Take One for the Team (Self-Sacrifice of Members
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of *Cults and the Culting of America*, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young delve into the complex dynamics of self-sacrifice ...
Episode 5: The Transcendent Mission
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
### Summary of Cults and the Culting of America Podcast - Episode on Transcendent Mission In this episode of "Cults and the Culting of America," hosts...
Episode 4: The Sacred Assumption
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Cults and the Culting of America podcast, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young dive into the concept of the "sacred...
Episode Three: The Skinny White Woman
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: · From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autograph: Connect with Daniella on social media TikTo...
Episode Two: From Charisma to Control: Understanding Cult Leaders
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Cults and the Culting of America," hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young delve into the concept of charismatic leadership w...
Patriot Pains: I Joined the Army, and All I Got Was This Lousy Trauma
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary: In this inaugural episode of "Cults and the Culting of America," hosts Daniella Mestyanek Young and Scott Loyd introduce the podcast, d...
Who We Are, and Why We Talk About Cults So Much
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Cults and the Culting of America" podcast! Join hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young as they dive int...