Episodios

  • Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 62 | Cognitive Dissonance Fact Check

    Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 62 | Cognitive Dissonance Fact Check
    Dec 16 2025
    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, Daniella sits down with political scientist Thomas Kelly to revisit one of the most foundational ideas in cult studies: cognitive dissonance. Their conversation centers on Leon Festinger's famous book When Prophecy Fails, which is often cited to explain why cult members double down on beliefs after predictions don't come true. Thomas walks through his research uncovering serious methodological and ethical problems with that original study, arguing that the historical record actually shows the opposite of what Festinger claimed. Rather than reinforcing belief, failed prophecy most often leads to attrition, disillusionment, and collapse. Together, Daniella and Thomas explore why this misunderstanding has shaped decades of cult research, how survivor voices were sidelined during the "cult wars," and why failed prophecies tend to wound groups far more than scholars once believed. The discussion expands into broader questions about coercive control, survivor testimony, ethical research methods, media involvement, and why people want prophecies to come true. The episode ultimately challenges listeners to rethink how we explain belief, persistence, and exit in high-control groups—and to be more skeptical of tidy psychological theories that ignore lived experience. Daniella's Links: Preorder for Culting of America: The Culting of America PRE-SALE (SHIPS BY JANUARY 20, 2026) – Knitting Cult Lady Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autographed: Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok Patreon Instagram Youtube Other Podcasts Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women Scot's Socials TikTok: @thescotloyd Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Key Takeaways When Prophecy Fails is deeply flawed and misrepresents what actually happened in Dorothy Martin's UFO cult. Historical evidence shows most groups do not grow stronger after failed prophecy; they fracture or dissolve. Festinger and his team interfered with the group they were studying, compromising the research. Cognitive dissonance as a concept does not stand or fall on this study, but the case should no longer be used as proof of belief "doubling down." Survivor voices were largely ignored during the development of cult scholarship, especially during the cult wars. Failed prophecy outcomes depend heavily on whether the prophecy is tied to a single charismatic authority or a broader interpretive framework (like scripture). Media attention played a significant role in shaping the cult's behavior before and after the prophecy failed. People in cults often want the prophecy to come true—it represents hope, purpose, and meaning. Coercive control is better understood through tactics and dynamics than rigid definitions of "cult." Studying real-world "natural experiments" may offer better insight into belief and compliance than lab psychology studies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cognitive Dissonance and Cults 01:21 Exploring 'When Prophecy Fails' and Its Implications 03:27 Critique of Festinger's Research and Methodology 06:28 Key Figures in the Study and Their Influence 07:56 Patterns in Cult Behavior and Promises of Space Travel 09:43 Failed Prophecies and Group Survival 10:56 Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research in Cult Studies 13:19 Ethical Considerations in Cult Research 17:55 The Complexity of Defining Cults 20:48 Cognitive Dissonance: Current Perspectives and Future Directions 27:44 The Quest for Belief: Cults and Prophecy 29:11 Media Influence on Cult Dynamics 30:31 After the Prophecy: Coping with Disappointment 32:24 The Psychology of Hope and Belief 34:06 Cognitive Dissonance: Understanding Belief Systems 36:59 Rethinking Cognitive Dissonance Studies 39:54 The Complexity of Cult Membership 43:44 Humanizing Cult Experiences 45:56 Personal Reflections on Cults and Immunity 51:14 Future Directions in Cult Research
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    53 m
  • Cults & The Culting of America w/ Dr. Scot Loyd | 61 | Jewish Black Supremacy Cult

    Cults & The Culting of America w/ Dr. Scot Loyd | 61 | Jewish Black Supremacy Cult
    Dec 10 2025

    In this episode, guest Ara Jade shares her seven-year experience inside a high-control religious group adjacent to the Hebrew Israelite movement, known as the Israel of God. She recounts how she was drawn in through family influence, biblical study practices, and a strong sense of community, only to later encounter manipulation, racism-based doctrine, misogyny, surveillance, fear tactics, and emotional control. Ara describes specific red flags, including purity rules for women, the weaponization of Black identity, pressure to obey male authority, and her arranged-like marriage. She explains how her awakening unfolded through personal losses, marital betrayal, and finally being dismissed by leadership when seeking protection. Ara concludes with thoughtful advice for people questioning their involvement in high-control groups, emphasizing listening to intuition, seeking outside perspectives, asking hard questions, and being gentle with oneself during the process of leaving and grieving.

    Daniella's Links:

    Preorder for Culting of America: The Culting of America PRE-SALE (SHIPS BY JANUARY 20, 2026) – Knitting Cult Lady

    Daniella Mestyanek Young's book:

    • From Bookshop.org

    • Uncultured Autographed:

    Connect with Daniella on social media

    • TikTok
    • Patreon
    • Instagram
    • Youtube

    Other Podcasts

    Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women

    Scot's Socials

    TikTok: @thescotloyd

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescotloyd

    Haley's Tiktok

    @nuancedmasculinities

    Key Takeaways

    • The Israel of God mirrored Hebrew Israelite theology but distanced itself publicly while maintaining similar doctrines.

    • Black identity and biblical narratives were used to create belonging while simultaneously controlling members.

    • Fear-based teachings (hell, end times, impurity) played a key role in keeping members obedient.

    • Women were subjected to strict purity laws, gender hierarchy, and were often treated as property for marriage.

    • The community structure relied heavily on surveillance, gossip, and punitive social consequences.

    • Ara experienced pressure to marry men she did not choose, reflecting the group's patriarchal control.

    • Her father leaving the group, her grandmother passing away, and her husband's infidelity created a tipping point.

    • Church leaders minimized abuse, discouraged outside help, and expected spiritual authority over personal safety.

    • Leaving the group resulted in shunning but also clarity and relief.

    • Ara encourages listeners to trust gut feelings, seek outside information, and allow themselves compassion while exiting.

    • Missing aspects of the community after leaving is normal and part of healing.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Ara Jade's Journey
    03:08 Understanding Hebrew Israelites and Their Beliefs
    05:43 Ara's Experience with the Israel of God
    08:33 Initial Attraction and Community Building
    11:12 Red Flags and Cognitive Dissonance
    13:56 The Weaponization of Fear and Control
    16:30 Identity Stripping and Community Dynamics
    18:54 The Role of Forgiveness in Manipulation
    27:14 The Toxic Environment of the Cult
    29:50 Questioning Beliefs and Doctrines
    35:02 The Impact of Relationships and Marriage
    39:32 Realizations and Leaving the Cult
    46:12 Advice for Others in Similar Situations

    Produced by Haley Phillips, Meghan Picmann, and Lizy Freudmann
    Más Menos
    52 m
  • Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady & Dr. Scot Loyd | 60 | Christian Science

    Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady & Dr. Scot Loyd | 60 | Christian Science
    Dec 3 2025
    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 later navigated additional cult-like environments. Emily describes the core beliefs of Christian Science — including the denial of physical reality, rejection of medical care, and heavy reliance on prayer as a means of erasing mortal experience. She shares harrowing examples of untreated medical issues in her family and her own childhood injuries and illnesses that went unaddressed. Emily traces her early cognitive dissonance, beginning around age ten, as she started comparing Christian Science ideas with Greek mythology and noticing inconsistencies. Her family's reaction to her questioning led to increased control, isolation, and punishment. She also explains overlapping dynamics of a family cult, with her mother acting as a controlling, narcissistic leader. Emily describes eventually leaving home, the challenges of early adulthood, and the emergence of PTSD symptoms in her romantic relationship. The episode highlights her healing journey through therapy modalities including CBT, DBT, IFS (Internal Family Systems), EMDR, and somatic work. Emily emphasizes how trauma shows up physically, how therapy helped her reclaim a sense of self, and how she now helps others through trauma-informed bodywork and coaching. Daniella and Scott connect Emily's experiences to broader patterns across cults and high-control systems (including the military), highlighting shared mechanisms such as intense rhetoric, personal blame, dissociation, and thought-terminating clichés. The episode closes with information about Emily's work and her perspective on reclaiming identity after trauma. Emily's Links: https://www.holisticechoes.com Contact: emily@holisticechoes.com Daniella's Links: Preorder for Culting of America: The Culting of America PRE-SALE (SHIPS BY JANUARY 20, 2026) – Knitting Cult Lady Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autographed: Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok Patreon Instagram Youtube Other Podcasts Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women Scot's Socials TikTok: @thescotloyd KEY TAKEAWAYS Christian Science denies physical reality, framing illness, injury, and even death as illusions created by "mortal mind." Medical neglect is common within the group; Emily and her family suffered severe, untreated medical conditions as a result. Prayer functions as a "window cleaning" practice — not communicating with God, but reaffirming perfection and denying suffering. Children are taught to dissociate from physical experiences, creating lifelong structural dissociation patterns. Emily began questioning the belief system around age ten, aided by secular homeschooling materials and internet access. Her family reacted with increased control, isolation, and policing of thought, including banning books and restricting time outdoors. Emily's home also functioned as a family cult, with her mother exerting authoritarian control and exploiting her children's labor. Leaving her parents' home sparked PTSD symptoms, especially around conflict, anger, and household dynamics. Trauma responses mirror old patterns, such as scanning for danger, over-responsibility, flinching, or misinterpreting neutral situations as threats. Therapy — particularly IFS, EMDR, and somatic modalities — helped Emily repair trauma by meeting unmet needs and separating past from present. Cult survivors often struggle with self-trust, identity, and fears of being seen as "frauds." Daniella and Scott note that cult dynamics and military culture share structural similarities, including high pressure, emotional suppression, and elevated rhetoric. Healing involves reclaiming agency, challenging old wiring, and recognizing one's worth and capability. Emily now helps others through trauma-focused bodywork and coaching, emphasizing that expertise can come from lived experience and extensive independent study. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Emily Hulen 01:55 Understanding Christian Science and Its Impact 05:36 Personal Experiences with Medical Neglect 09:24 Dissociation and Cult Ideology 11:14 Red Flags and Awakening 16:02 Family Dynamics and Leaving the Cult 20:49 The Decline of Christian Science 26:40 Reflections on Healing and Moving Forward 28:28 The Impact of Medical Neglect in Cults 30:44 Healing from Cult Trauma 35:08 Navigating Relationships Post-Cult 39:44 Therapeutic Journeys and Self-Discovery 44:52 Integrating Past Trauma into Present Life 49:29 The Role of Education and Expertise in Healing Produced by Haley Phillips, Meghan Picmann, and Lizy Freudmann
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    55 m
  • Cults & the Culting of America Podcast w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 59 | MAHA vs. Fertility Treatment

    Cults & the Culting of America Podcast w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 59 | MAHA vs. Fertility Treatment
    Nov 25 2025

    In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Brown discusses her journey in women's health and fertility, emphasizing the importance of understanding these topics beyond conventional medicine. The conversation explores the Maha movement and its impact on women's health, cultural perspectives on pregnancy and motherhood, and the dangers of extreme birthing practices. The discussion also touches on the romanticization of pain in motherhood, the need for community support in parenting, and the intersection of gender and medical care. Dr. Brown highlights the boy crisis and the influence of cult mentality on health choices, advocating for transparency in women's health discussions to empower women and improve outcomes.

    Dr. Cyntia's Links

    https://www.kopelahealth.com/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@drcyntiabrownfertility

    https://www.threads.com/@dr.cyntiabrown

    Daniella's Links:

    Preorder for Culting of America: The Culting of America PRE-SALE (SHIPS BY JANUARY 20, 2026) – Knitting Cult Lady

    Daniella Mestyanek Young's book:

    • From Bookshop.org

    • Uncultured Autographed:

    Connect with Daniella on social media

    • TikTok
    • Patreon
    • Instagram
    • Youtube

    Other Podcasts

    Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women

    Scot's Socials

    TikTok: @thescotloyd

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescotloyd

    Haley's Tiktok

    @nuancedmasculinities

    Takeaways

    • Dr. Cynthia Brown emphasizes the importance of understanding women's health beyond conventional medicine.
    • The Maha movement often leads to misinformation about health and fertility.
    • Cultural beliefs significantly influence perceptions of pregnancy and motherhood.
    • Extreme birthing practices can pose serious risks to mothers and babies.
    • Pain and suffering are often romanticized in discussions about motherhood.
    • Community support is crucial for effective parenting and mental health.
    • The boy crisis highlights the need for better understanding of young men's issues.
    • Cults often promote a distrust of medical care, impacting health choices.
    • Transparency in women's health discussions can empower better decision-making.
    • The conversation around parenting must include discussions about systemic issues.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Women's Health and Personal Journey
    02:32 The Maha Movement and Its Impact on Women's Health
    05:29 Cultural Perspectives on Pregnancy and Motherhood
    08:20 The Dangers of Extreme Birthing Practices
    11:19 The Role of Pain and Suffering in Motherhood
    14:13 The Intersection of Personal Experience and Medical Advocacy
    16:58 The Systemic Issues in Maternal Health
    19:42 Community Support and the Modern Parenting Crisis
    22:36 The Cult of Suffering and Perfectionism
    25:14 The Search for Answers in a Complex Medical Landscape
    28:14 Conclusion: Balancing Traditional and Alternative Approaches
    34:59 The Culture of Pain and Control
    38:14 Toxic Masculinity and Medical Care
    41:46 The Skinny White Woman Concept
    46:25 Cults, Children, and Control
    50:18 The Boy Crisis and Gender Dynamics
    55:20 Raising Good Children in a Troubling World

    Produced by Haley Phillips, Meghan Picmann, and Lizy Freudmann
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Cults & the Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 58 | America Branded Fascism

    Cults & the Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 58 | America Branded Fascism
    Nov 18 2025
    Content Warnings: Sexual assault and child sexual abuse Sex trafficking and the Epstein list Cult dynamics, coercive control, and brainwashing White supremacy, racism, xenophobia, and fascism Historical violence, genocide, Nazism, U.S. colonial atrocities, police violence Political extremism, MAGA, Trump administration actions Death, including anticipated death of a political figure Domestic extremism, ICE raids, and militarized responses Cult-related childhood trauma and labor camp environments In this episode Daniella ("Knitting Cult Lady") and historian Amanda Nelson dive into the deep historical currents beneath modern American politics, arguing that the chaos of the Trump era isn't unprecedented but deeply rooted in American history. They examine how panic, white exceptionalism, and a lack of historical education shape public reactions to authoritarian behavior. The conversation highlights parallels between MAGA and cult structures, emphasizing how "mission collapse" (such as the refusal to release the Epstein documents) destabilizes the movement. They explore how white Americans often misunderstand authoritarianism because they have been insulated from state violence, and how whiteness itself is a tool that can be used both to maintain oppressive systems and to dismantle them. They discuss protest strategy, noting that mass participation by everyday "normies"—especially white women—has historically been one of the few things authoritarian regimes respond to, even during Nazi Germany. The two discuss the limits of political institutions, the psychology of cult disengagement, and the likelihood that Trump himself will avoid legal accountability. They explore whether JD Vance would be "worse," ultimately concluding he would be more strategic but less chaotically dangerous. The episode closes with reflections on justice, narcissism, and the strange, painful reality that cult leaders often die unpunished, even as their followers suffer. Amanda's Links: tiktok instagram threads youtube facebook Daniella's Links: Preorder for Culting of America: The Culting of America PRE-SALE (SHIPS BY JANUARY 20, 2026) – Knitting Cult Lady Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autographed: Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok Patreon Instagram Youtube Other Podcasts Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women Scot's Socials TikTok: @thescotloyd Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Key Takeaways Panic feels productive but is politically ineffective; organized, sustained action is what matters. White American panic often reflects unfamiliarity with state violence experienced by others. U.S. authoritarianism has deep historical precedents, not just recent ones. Americans default to Nazi comparisons due to limited education and universal patterns of authoritarianism. National exceptionalism is a major red flag for cult-like thinking. White women have historically not shown up in protest movements despite their cultural protection and organizing power. Regimes often back down when "normies," especially white women, show up en masse to protest. MAGA operates like a cult with a charismatic leader, transcendent mission, and predictable collapse pattern. Trump's refusal to release the Epstein files broke the core promise of "drain the swamp," damaging the movement's internal stability. People rarely leave cults with dramatic awakenings; exits are quiet and painful. White women can use their social protection to shield more vulnerable groups during protests. The U.S. population size and armed citizenry make totalitarian consolidation unstable and unsustainable. JD Vance would be strategically dangerous but less chaotic and impulsive than Trump. Cult leaders often avoid punishment; public anticipation of their downfall may be its own form of consequence. The patriarchy is deeply entrenched, but mass exposure of crimes (like Epstein files) could destabilize political power. Lack of historical literacy prevents people from recognizing authoritarian patterns. "Normie-led" protests are historically what end authoritarian pushes. The MAGA movement is fracturing due to mission collapse and internal contradictions. The conversation emphasizes harm reduction rather than fantasies of quick political salvation. Mass organization, not despair, is the path to meaningful opposition. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to American History and Culture 02:48 Understanding Panic and Historical Precedents 05:52 The Role of Race and Identity in American History 08:32 The Puritans and American Exceptionalism 11:28 Xenophobia and the American Identity 14:06 Protests and the Role of White Women 17:10 The Complexity of American Values 19:55 Cults, Authoritarianism, and American Politics 22:46 The Power of Collective Action 25:45 Conclusion and Call to Action 29:42 The Role of White Allies in Activism 34:03 The Power...
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    55 m
  • Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady & Dr. Scot Loyd | 57 | Born and Razed

    Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady & Dr. Scot Loyd | 57 | Born and Razed
    Nov 11 2025
    Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of religious and institutional abuse, child abuse, disordered eating, family estrangement, mental illness, trauma recovery, and medication withdrawal. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Dr. Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young speak with Beth Granger, author of Born and RAZED: Surviving the Cult Was Only Half the Battle. Beth shares her experience growing up at Grenville Christian College, a Canadian boarding school later revealed to be a religious cult connected to the Community of Jesus. She describes the systematic control, emotional and physical abuse, and the long process of recovery and rediscovery that followed her escape. The conversation dives into the complexities of grief, family estrangement, and the enduring impact of coercive religious systems. Beth also discusses her role as a representative plaintiff in a landmark class-action lawsuit against the institution, and how advocacy, writing, and community have shaped her healing. The episode ends with a reflective discussion about deconstruction, the search for meaning after leaving high-control groups, and what it means to "live with it" as an adult survivor. Disclaimer: This conversation is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-6264 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (US) National Eating Disorders Association Helpline: 1-800-931-2237 Beth's Book: Amazon Daniella's Links: Preorder for Culting of America: The Culting of America PRE-SALE (SHIPS BY JANUARY 20, 2026) – Knitting Cult Lady Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autographed: Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok Patreon Instagram Youtube Other Podcasts Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women Scot's Socials TikTok: @thescotloyd Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Religious abuse can hide in plain sight: Grenville Christian College operated for decades as a "prestigious" Anglican school while functioning as a coercive cult. Systemic control dismantled family bonds: Children were separated from parents, spied upon, and punished under the guise of spiritual discipline. Recovery is lifelong: Leaving a cult is only the beginning—true healing often unfolds over decades. Grief is complex for survivors: Survivors grieve not only their past but also the version of themselves and families they never got to fully have. Weaponized religion causes lasting harm: Faith can be used as a tool of control, and rebuilding a healthy spiritual or secular identity takes time. Community resilience matters: The class-action lawsuit gave survivors both validation and voice, setting legal precedent in Canada. Art and storytelling as healing: Beth's memoir and Daniella's creative work illustrate how expression can help survivors reclaim their narratives. Ambiguity is part of recovery: Many survivors find peace not in certainty, but in learning to live with doubt. Intergenerational healing is possible: Rebuilding family connection and emotional fluency can break the cycle of silence. Living with it: Healing doesn't erase trauma—it integrates it into a fuller, more authentic life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cult Experiences 01:39 Beth Granger's Journey as a Cult Survivor 03:02 Life Inside the Cult: A Personal Account 05:16 Surviving and Recovering from Cult Life 10:17 The Importance of Recovery Narratives 11:27 The Breaking Point: Realizations and Escape 18:44 Grief and Loss After Leaving the Cult 24:43 Navigating Faith and Doubt Post-Cult 26:37 Navigating Personal Beliefs and Cult Influence 31:30 The Role of Music in Healing and Identity 37:36 Grief and Family Dynamics Post-Cult 40:59 Community Resilience Against Coercive Organizations 47:54 The Impact of Trauma and the Journey to Healing Produced by Haley Phillips, Meghan Picmann, and Lizy Freudmann
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    52 m
  • Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 56 | Brazilian Dictatorship and Resilience

    Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 56 | Brazilian Dictatorship and Resilience
    Nov 4 2025
    In this special episode, Daniella Mestyanek Young ("Knitting Cult Lady") speaks with Dr. Bryan Pitts, Assistant Director of UCLA's Latin American Institute, about the Brazilian military dictatorship (1964–1985) and how studying Brazil's political history can help Americans understand current threats to democracy. They compare U.S. and Brazilian political systems, the cultural myths that obscure inequality (the "American Dream" vs. Brazil's "racial democracy"), and the interplay between religion, class, and authoritarianism. The discussion explores how political elites, class structures, and the military shaped Brazil's dictatorship and its fall, how the U.S. normalizes corruption through legality, and why Americans struggle to recognize creeping authoritarianism. The episode ends with reflections on community resilience, the dangers of individualism, and lessons from Brazil on defending democracy. Dr. Pitts' Book: Amazon Daniella's Links: Preorder for Culting of America: The Culting of America PRE-SALE (SHIPS BY JANUARY 20, 2026) – Knitting Cult Lady Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autographed: Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok Patreon Instagram Youtube Other Podcasts Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women Scot's Socials TikTok: @thescotloyd Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescotloyd Haley's Tiktok @nuancedmasculinities Key Takeaways U.S. comparisons to Nazi Germany miss nuances—Latin American dictatorships, especially Brazil's, offer more relevant parallels. Brazil's 1964 coup was not purely CIA-driven but enabled by U.S. encouragement and anti-communist ideology. The Brazilian dictatorship's fall was driven by local politicians regaining influence and citizens mobilizing for democracy. Brazil's political class and military were both hereditary systems that reinforced inequality and control. Corruption in Brazil was often criminalized campaign funding—whereas in the U.S., "legal corruption" (e.g., Citizens United) plays a similar role. National myths—America's "classless society" and Brazil's "racial democracy"—mask systemic inequality and prevent honest reckoning. Daniella and Bryan compare cult structures to political systems: authoritarian control thrives on isolation, hierarchy, and sacred assumptions. Bureaucracy and decentralization (local politics, paperwork, institutional rules) often protect democracy better than charismatic leadership. The Brazilian opposition's shift from abstract "save democracy" rhetoric to focusing on people's material needs (poverty, inequality) was pivotal to defeating authoritarianism. Americans may not recognize creeping dictatorship because they lack collective memory of one; Brazil's experience offers a warning and a roadmap. The U.S. military's apolitical stance may protect against coups but limits civic intervention when democracy erodes. Building community and mutual aid networks is crucial as a counter to isolation and authoritarian individualism. Both guests reflect on how growing up in cults or authoritarian systems gave them insight into manipulation, obedience, and ideological rigidity. Authoritarianism can appear on the left or right; unquestioning certainty is itself cult-like. Brazilians unified quickly to defend democracy after Bolsonaro's attempted coup—contrasting sharply with U.S. responses after January 6th. Americans over-trust institutions and underestimate the need for civic defense of democracy. Brazil's "relative democracy" under dictatorship reveals how regimes justify authoritarian control in the name of "protection." Structural inequality, not individual failure, drives poverty—an insight both guests developed from missionary childhoods. Both guests emphasize that understanding other nations' histories is vital to preventing tyranny at home. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 02:18 Personal Backgrounds and Cultural Insights 11:40 Understanding Brazil's Military Dictatorship 18:33 The Role of the Political Elite in Brazil 24:25 Class and Military Dynamics in Brazil and the US 29:06 Sacred Assumptions and the American Dream 30:28 The Decline of the American Dream 31:41 Comparing Dictatorships: The U.S. and Latin America 35:07 Cultural Diversity and National Identity 38:37 Birthright Citizenship and Its Implications 42:48 Political Maneuvering During Dictatorship 52:04 Lessons from Brazil's Political History 55:03 The Role of Community in Political Change 56:01 Introduction to Authoritarianism and Democracy 58:33 The Role of Institutions in Protecting Democracy 01:01:36 Military's Role in American Politics 01:04:22 Cult Dynamics in Military and Academia 01:07:19 Experiences of Extremism and Authoritarianism 01:10:15 The Importance of Community and Resistance Produced by Haley Phillips, Meghan Picmann, and Lizy Freudmann
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    1 h y 15 m
  • Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 55 | The Power of Story Telling

    Cults & The Culting of America w/ Knitting Cult Lady | 55 | The Power of Story Telling
    Oct 28 2025

    In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, Daniella Mestyanek Young (aka Knitting Cult Lady) speaks with Chicago educator and social work student Jamal Bruce about his experiences teaching, navigating race and identity, and how her memoir Uncultured influenced his career pivot from education to social work. Their conversation explores how America's educational and social systems function as cult-like institutions that condition compliance, suppress individuality, and reflect deeper cultural hierarchies. Together, they draw parallels between trauma survival, masking behaviors, racial inequity, and the ways storytelling can challenge systemic norms. They also discuss how white privilege manifests in subtle daily ways, the importance of listening across difference, and the transformative power of reading beyond one's own identity.

    Daniella's Links:

    Preorder for Culting of America: The Culting of America PRE-SALE (SHIPS BY JANUARY 20, 2026) – Knitting Cult Lady

    Daniella Mestyanek Young's book:

    • From Bookshop.org

    • Uncultured Autograph:

    Connect with Daniella on social media

    • TikTok, Patreon, Instagram
    • Youtube

    Other Podcasts

    Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women

    Scot's Socials

    TikTok: @thescotloyd

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescotloyd

    Haley's Tiktok

    @nuancedmasculinities

    Key Takeaways:

    • Jamal Bruce, a Black high school teacher in Chicago, found Uncultured profoundly validating and inspiring, prompting his shift toward social work.

    • Daniella and Jamal discuss how schools often mirror cult-like systems that demand conformity and suppress individuality.

    • Both highlight how trauma survivors often overachieve as a coping mechanism—seeking safety in perfection and compliance.

    • Educators of color are more likely to "see" marginalized students and advocate for them because of shared systemic experiences.

    • The U.S. educational model has roots in Puritan indoctrination and continues to prioritize obedience over humanity.

    • White privilege shows up in small, everyday ways—like who gets questioned, believed, or celebrated for multilingualism.

    • The conversation emphasizes the need to believe marginalized voices rather than debate their experiences.

    • Daniella reflects on how publishing, like education, gatekeeps whose stories are told and deemed "marketable."

    • Both guests stress reading broadly and engaging with diverse perspectives as a way to dismantle bias and foster empathy.

    • Uncultured demonstrates how personal trauma can illuminate collective social conditioning, inviting broader discussions of power, race, and belonging.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Uncultured Perspectives
    02:41 The Role of Educators in Social Change
    05:26 Personal Stories of Advocacy and Support
    08:19 The Cult-like Nature of Education
    11:20 Navigating Identity and Trauma in Education
    14:10 The Intersection of Race and Education
    16:44 The Impact of Trauma on Academic Performance
    19:35 The Complexity of Privilege and Identity
    22:33 The Need for Authenticity in Education
    25:27 Conclusion: Shared Experiences and Collective Growth
    29:03 Finding Your Audience in Storytelling
    30:25 Relating Through Shared Emotions
    32:33 Understanding Different Perspectives
    34:53 The Importance of Believing Experiences
    37:32 Recognizing Privilege in Society
    40:32 Bilingualism and Perceptions of Intelligence
    44:06 Challenging Gender and Racial Stereotypes
    48:18 The Journey of Deconstructing Worldviews
    51:06 The Power of Diverse Narratives

    Produced by Haley Phillips, Lizy Freudmann, and Meghan Picmann
    Más Menos
    57 m