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  • Episode 10: Nobody Wants to Work Hard Anymore (Exploitation of Labor)

    Episode 10: Nobody Wants to Work Hard Anymore (Exploitation of Labor)
    2024/09/17

    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 center of cults, including the pursuit of power, financial gain, and the whitewashing of cult activities. The discussion also highlights the role of labor in high control religious groups and the manipulation of children to represent the group's ideals. The conversation expands to include the exploitation of labor in corporations and the systemic nature of labor exploitation in the United States. It concludes by examining the long-lasting effects of labor exploitation on individuals' mental and physical health. In this conversation, Daniella and Scot discuss the exploitation of labor and the pressure to constantly work. They explore how cults and other high-control groups use labor as a means of control and how this mindset is perpetuated in society. They also touch on the importance of self-care and the need to break free from the transactional nature of relationships. The conversation highlights the negative consequences of constant labor and the importance of setting healthy boundaries.

    Daniella Mestyanek Young's book:

    • From Bookshop.org

    • Uncultured Autograph:

    Connect with Daniella on social media

    • TikTok, Patreon, Instagram

    • Youtube

    • Connect with Scot Loyd's social media (TikTok)

    Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women

    Takeaways

    Cults often exploit labor as a means of gaining power and financial resources.
    Children are particularly vulnerable to labor exploitation in cults and high control religious groups.
    Labor exploitation is not limited to religious organizations and can also occur in corporations.
    The systemic exploitation of labor has long-lasting effects on individuals' mental and physical health. Cults and high-control groups use labor as a means of control and exploitation.
    Society perpetuates the idea that constant work and productivity are necessary for success.
    Self-care and setting healthy boundaries are essential for mental and emotional well-being.
    The transactional nature of relationships can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction.
    The pressure to constantly work and achieve can result in burnout and negative health consequences.
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    1 時間 2 分
  • Episode 9: We Are the Best, Down with All the Rest (Us versus Them Mentality

    Episode 9: We Are the Best, Down with All the Rest (Us versus Them Mentality
    2024/09/10

    Summary

    In this conversation, Daniella and Scot discuss various topics including Daniella's recent trip to Portugal, the us versus them mentality, and the experience of visiting a nude beach. They explore the influence of group norms and how they shape our behavior and perceptions. They also touch on the binary thinking prevalent in American culture and the need for more nuance. The conversation highlights the importance of representation and diversity in leadership roles and challenges the traditional gender roles and expectations. The conversation explores the themes of us versus them mentality, appearance control, and the use of familial language in high control groups. It delves into the experiences of women in the military and the challenges they face in fitting in and being accepted. The conversation also touches on the topic of trans identity and the misconception that it is a cult. The importance of understanding and respecting individual identities and experiences is emphasized. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the dangers of us versus them mentality and the need for open-mindedness and acceptance.

    Daniella Mestyanek Young's book:

    · From Bookshop.org

    • Uncultured Autograph:

    Connect with Daniella on social media

      • TikTok, Patreon, Instagram
      • Youtube
    • Connect with Scot Loyd's social media (TikTok)
    • Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women
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    1 時間 9 分
  • Episode 8: Cult Speak and Clichés; Unpacking the Language of Control

    Episode 8: Cult Speak and Clichés; Unpacking the Language of Control
    2024/09/03

    Summary

    In this conversation, Daniella and Scot discuss the use of specialized language or vernacular in cults and high control groups. They explore how cults develop their own language to create a sense of belonging and isolation from the outside world. They also discuss the impact of language on communication and the difficulty of finding community after leaving a cult. The conversation highlights the manipulation of language by cult leaders to disguise abuse and control. They emphasize the importance of critically evaluating loaded language and cliches to uncover their true meaning. In this conversation, Daniella Mestyanek Young and Scot Loyd discuss the use of cliches and loaded language in cults and other contexts. They explore how cliches are used to shut down critical thinking and manipulate individuals. They also discuss the conflation of ideas and the use of binary thinking to control and dismiss dissenting voices. The conversation touches on the concept of conspirituality and the influence of language in advertising and politics. They provide guidance on becoming more aware of manipulative language and the importance of exposing oneself to diverse viewpoints.

    Daniella Mestyanek Young's book:

    · From Bookshop.org

    • Uncultured Autograph:

    Connect with Daniella on social media

      • TikTok, Patreon, Instagram
      • Youtube
    • Connect with Scot Loyd's social media (TikTok)
    • Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women

    Takeaways

    Cults develop their own language to create a sense of belonging and isolation from the outside world.
    Language is used by cult leaders to manipulate and control their followers.
    Leaving a cult can result in a loss of community due to the specialized language and shared experiences.
    It is important to critically evaluate loaded language and cliches to uncover their true meaning.
    Language can be a powerful tool for communication and understanding, but it can also be used to deceive and manipulate. Cliches are used in cults and other contexts to shut down critical thinking and manipulate individuals.
    Binary thinking and the conflation of ideas are used to control and dismiss dissenting voices.
    Conspirituality refers to the use of language in health, wellness, and spirituality communities to manipulate and control individuals.
    It is important to be critical of the language and messages directed towards us, including in advertising and politics.
    Exposing oneself to diverse viewpoints and avoiding isolation can help guard against manipulation.
    Watch out for dehumanizing language and us versus them mentality, as these are tactics used by cults to create a sense of superiority and wage wars.
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    1 時間 2 分
  • Episode 6: Take One for the Team (Self-Sacrifice of Members

    Episode 6: Take One for the Team (Self-Sacrifice of Members
    2024/08/13
    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 within cults and high-control groups. Drawing from their personal experiences and extensive research, they explore how cults exploit their members’ labor under the guise of a transcendent mission, enforce conformity through appearance and attitude control, and manipulate emotions to maintain control. The conversation also touches on the parallels between cult behavior and practices in organizations like the military and corporate America, offering insights into the pervasive influence of cult-like tactics in various aspects of society. The episode explores key themes such as cults, high-control groups, and the concept of self-sacrifice, delving into how these groups exploit their members' labor under the guise of a transcendent mission. The discussion also touches on the idea of total institutions, where conformity is enforced through appearance and attitude control, and emotional manipulation is used to maintain control over members. By examining parallels between cult behavior and practices in organizations like the military and corporate culture, the hosts highlight the pervasive influence of these tactics in suppressing individual identity and enforcing group dynamics. Topics like cognitive dissonance, patriotism, social control, and the manipulation tactics used by cults are also discussed, providing a comprehensive understanding of the psychological and social mechanisms at play within these environments. Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: · From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autograph: Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok, Patreon, Instagram Youtube Connect with Scot Loyd's social media (TikTok) Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women **Scot Loyd:** Welcome to the *Cults and the Culting of America* podcast. I'm Scott Loyd along with my friend Daniella Mestyanek Young, and she's written a book called *Uncultured,* which you should pick up. Both of us are cult survivors, and we're working through a list of characteristics that Daniella developed to help all of you, along with us, process and understand our cult experiences, as well as identify cults and high-control groups. So with that introduction, Daniella, which characteristic are we talking about today? **Daniella Mestyanek Young:** Thanks so much for the introduction, Scott. Today, we are going to be talking about self-sacrifice. Specifically, in cults, there's the constant and continual self-sacrifice of the members. If you're just joining us, episode one has the whole list of my 10 characteristics that make up a cult, and we're going through each of those in detail. Self-sacrifice is number four on the list, but it connects very directly to number eight on the list, which is exploitation of labor. **Scot Loyd:** And you've mentioned before that this is ultimately what cults are all about—free labor, right? **Daniella Mestyanek Young:** Exactly. When I heard cult scholar Dr. Janja Lalich say, "Cults are about labor," it broke my brain and gave me a whole different understanding of what I had experienced and why we were doing the things we did. Labor is your one inexhaustible resource. The cult leader is out for power, but the cult itself is about getting your labor. They tell you it’s in pursuit of a transcendent mission, which we covered in episode three. In the Children of God cult, our mission was saving the world for Jesus before the end times. In the US Army, it was protecting American interests overseas. These missions are so grand and unquestionably good that they allow the cult and its leaders to constantly pull sacrifice from their members. **Scot Loyd:** You sent me something to read today, and you mentioned a term—quoting Irving Goffman—called a "total institution." I think when we're talking about cults, they certainly qualify as total institutions that seek self-sacrifice to meet their needs and aims through free labor. **Daniella Mestyanek Young:** Yes, exactly. I was trying to figure out this category for like 10 years. In the Army, when we weren't deployed or away for training, we worked a 6 AM to 6 PM schedule and went home every day. It wasn't that culty. But as soon as we went away together, it became culty. I didn't know how to explain it until I heard of total institutions. Total institutions are places where situated people live and work together, separated from the world, with a formal overlay of life. The military barracks or deployments are textbook examples of total institutions. Other examples include prisons, mental hospitals, hospices, communes, or even a rich person's household like Downton Abbey, which I argue makes the royal family a total institution too. When you're in a total institution, your job is to put the group first, to tamp down your own identity. That’s the cult experience. Growing up in it impacts your...
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    1 時間 9 分
  • Episode 5: The Transcendent Mission

    Episode 5: The Transcendent Mission
    2024/08/06
    ### Summary of Cults and the Culting of America Podcast - Episode on Transcendent Mission In this episode of "Cults and the Culting of America," hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young delve into the concept of the transcendent mission within cults and high-control groups. They discuss how cult leaders use vague, life-and-death missions to manipulate and retain followers. These missions often promise fulfillment in an unprovable future, making followers feel unique and superior, thus willing to self-sacrifice and endure hardships. Daniella differentiates the transcendent mission from the sacred assumption, explaining that while the sacred assumption is an unspoken belief (e.g., the leader being the smartest or chosen one), the mission is what recruits and keeps people dedicated. The mission is rarely practical and constantly evolving, ensuring followers never feel they've fully achieved it. The hosts also touch on the importance of recognizing the signs of manipulative missions, such as their vagueness, constant change, and exclusivity. Daniella advises that it’s okay for individuals to focus on their own well-being and happiness instead of falling prey to manipulative missions. Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: · From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autograph: Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok, Patreon, Instagram Youtube Connect with Scot Loyd's social media (TikTok) Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women **Hosts:** Daniella Mestyanek Young and Scot Loyd **Topic:** The Transcendent Mission in Cults and High-Control Groups **Overview:** In this episode, Daniella and Scot discuss the concept of the "transcendent mission" and how it is used by cult leaders and high-control groups to manipulate and control their followers. They delve into the differences between the transcendent mission and the sacred assumption, the tactics used to recruit and retain followers, and the personal experiences of both hosts in various high-control environments. **Key Points:** 1. **Introduction to the Transcendent Mission:** - Cult leaders create a transcendent mission to recruit and retain followers by promising a higher purpose or goal that often cannot be proven or achieved in this lifetime. - The mission is usually vague, large-scale, and tied to life and death, making it compelling and difficult to question. 2. **Difference Between Transcendent Mission and Sacred Assumption:** - The sacred assumption is an underlying, often unspoken belief that followers must accept to remain in good standing. - The transcendent mission is the outward goal or purpose that the group is supposedly working towards, often used as a recruitment tool. 3. **Manipulation Tactics:** - Cult leaders use the transcendent mission to justify extreme actions and sacrifices from their followers. - Examples include religious cults promising salvation or enlightenment, and organizations like the military or corporations using missions to motivate self-sacrifice and loyalty. 4. **Personal Experiences:** - Daniella shares her experiences in the Children of God cult and the US Army, highlighting the similarities in how both groups used a transcendent mission to control members. - Scot discusses his upbringing in the United Pentecostal Church and how the promise of witnessing the return of Jesus was used to motivate followers. 5. **Challenges of Deconstruction:** - Leaving a high-control group often involves losing a sense of mission and purpose, which can be terrifying and disorienting. - Both hosts emphasize the importance of finding a new, personal mission that prioritizes individual well-being and happiness. 6. **Misconceptions About Good and Bad Cults:** - Daniella argues that there is no such thing as a "good cult" because the core mechanism of coercive control and self-sacrifice is inherently harmful. - They discuss organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous, which may have cult-like elements despite their seemingly positive mission. 7. **Education and Awareness:** - Educating people, especially youth, about the signs of coercive control and the tactics used by cult leaders is crucial. - Recognizing the red flags, such as claims of unique knowledge or promises of easy solutions to complex problems, can help individuals avoid falling into high-control groups. **Conclusion:** Daniella and Scot encourage listeners to prioritize their own well-being and question any group or leader that demands extreme self-sacrifice or claims to have all the answers. They highlight the importance of education, critical thinking, and self-defined values in resisting manipulation and control. **Resources:** - Daniella's book *Uncultured* - Daniella's Patreon project *UnAmerican* - Follow Daniella and Scot on TikTok for more discussions on cults and high-control groups.
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    1 時間 2 分
  • Episode 4: The Sacred Assumption

    Episode 4: The Sacred Assumption
    2024/07/30
    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 assumption," a core belief that underpins a cult's worldview. Daniella explains how cult leaders create and manipulate these worldviews to control their followers, emphasizing that these assumptions don't have to be religious but can revolve around power, status, or other ideals. The discussion touches on the similarities and differences between cults and religions, the manipulation tactics used by cult leaders, and the challenges of deconstructing these beliefs after leaving a cult. Daniella also shares personal anecdotes about her experiences with the Children of God cult and the US Army, highlighting the parallels between different high-control groups. Scot and Daniella discuss the ongoing process of deconstruction, the importance of questioning sacred assumptions, and the impact of privilege and societal constructs on our beliefs. They emphasize the need for skepticism and self-defined values, contrasting this with the often rigid and manipulative frameworks of cults. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with Daniella's work, including her book Uncultured and her Patreon project UnAmerican. Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: · From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autograph: Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok, Patreon, Instagram Youtube Connect with Scot Loyd's social media (TikTok) Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women **Cults and the Culting of America Podcast** Welcome to the Cults and the Culting of America podcast with scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership, Daniella Mestyanek Young. I'm your host, Scot Loyd. Welcome to another episode of Cults and the Culting of America. I'm Scot Loyd, along with my friend Daniella Mestyanek Young. Not only is she my friend, but she is a scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership. Daniella, how are you doing today? **Daniella Mestyanek Young:** I am doing great. I am excited for us to talk about the worldview shift into the transcendent mission and the most common question anyone gets asked about cults, which is: what is the difference between a cult and a religion? **Scot Loyd:** Very nicely said. I'm looking forward to this episode. And you're wearing an interesting shirt today. Tell us about that shirt, and if folks want to buy one for themselves or their friends and family, how can they do that? **Daniella Mestyanek Young:** Yes, you can find any of the shirts you see me wearing through the links below. I sell them through my social media channels. This shirt says, "The first rule of cults is you're never in a cult," which is the epigraph of my book, *Uncultured*. It's about growing up in the Children of God and joining the US Army. It's also a play on *Fight Club*, which a lot of people don't realize is kind of the cult movie. It really gets to the idea that nobody thinks they're in a cult. Cults are manipulative cons that target people, lie, deflect, and pull you into their worldview. As soon as you realize you're in a cult, you're on your way out. But many people think cults are extreme and rare, when in fact, they're incredibly common. A lot of my life's work is pointing out these parallels and helping people understand the groups and systems we're in. **Scot Loyd:** And we're going down the list of characteristics of a cult that you have identified and authored. Today we arrive at the idea of worldview, or as you call it, the sacred assumption. What do you mean by sacred assumption, and why is it a leading characteristic of a cult? **Daniella Mestyanek Young:** Oh my gosh, this one is so dramatic. I mean, literally, I was in bed and I sat up and just yelled out, "Hold nothing sacred." It was the answer to the question I'd been asked for 15 years: Why would anyone join a cult? How can people fall for such extremism? Growing up in the Children of God, which was a pedophile cult, it was perfectly understandable how it happened, but difficult to explain to outsiders. First, let me bring this back to that common question: what is the difference between a cult and a religion? This ties into worldview. People ask this all the time, and I say they're not even the same type of thing. A religion is an idea, a noun. A cult is a group. You need a group, even if it's just two people. One of the most pernicious stereotypes is that cults are religious. Every day I see people saying, "Nah, not a cult, because we're not religious." Part of why NXIVM fooled so many people is because it wasn't religious. Large group awareness training, like est or anything ending in "-ony," aren't religious but can still be cults. A cult doesn't give you a religion; it gives you a worldview. The leader spends decades forming this worldview, and to be a member, you must adopt it. It's not presented...
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    59 分
  • Episode Three: The Skinny White Woman

    Episode Three: The Skinny White Woman
    2024/07/23
    Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: · From Bookshop.org Uncultured Autograph: Connect with Daniella on social media TikTok, Patreon, Instagram Youtube Connect with Scot Loyd's social media (TikTok) Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women Episode Summary: Cults and the Culting of America - Episode on The Skinny White Woman in Cults **Episode Title:** The Skinny White Woman in Cults **Hosts:** - **Daniella Mestyanek Young** (Group Behavior Gal) - Scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership. - **Scot Loyd** - Co-host and commentator. **Introduction:** In this episode, Daniella and Scot dive into the concept of the "skinny white woman" in cults and high-control groups, exploring her role in supporting and legitimizing cult leaders and their coercive control tactics. **Key Topics:** 1. **The Skinny White Woman in Cults:** - Daniella introduces the concept, highlighting examples like Allison Mack in NXIVM and Ghislaine Maxwell with Jeffrey Epstein. - The pattern of skinny white women supporting cult leaders and their role in upholding white supremacy. 2. **Historical and Cultural Context:** - The history of white supremacy and its influence on the perception of purity and ideal womanhood in America. - The policing of women's bodies, especially through clothing, makeup, and hairstyles, within cults and broader society. 3. **Daniella’s Personal Experience:** - Daniella shares her observations from the Children of God cult and the US Army, noting the emphasis on appearance and control. - Her realization of the role she played in upholding certain standards and her decision to rebel against these norms. 4. **The Role of Charismatic Authority:** - Discussion on how cult leaders often place skinny white women, military officers, or celebrities around them to gain legitimacy and distract from their actions. - The enforcement of patriarchal norms by these figures within the group. 5. **Scot’s Perspective from the United Pentecostal Church:** - Scot reflects on his experiences with the church's emphasis on the ideal woman and the spiritual power attributed to women who fit this mold. - The impact of purity culture on both men and women in religious settings. 6. **Control and Manipulation Tactics:** - How cults use control of appearance and emotional manipulation to maintain power over members. - The concept of emotional evocation and its role in cult dynamics. 7. **Breaking Free from Cult Influences:** - Strategies for deconstructing cult programming, such as rejecting purity standards and embracing individuality. - Daniella’s journey of using her platform to educate and advocate against these harmful norms. **Conclusion:** The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to educate themselves, support anti-racist and feminist causes, and use their voices to challenge oppressive systems. **Call to Action:** - Follow Daniella on social media and support her on Patreon for exclusive content. - Purchase Daniella’s book "Uncultured" to learn more about her experiences and insights into cults and high-control groups. - Like, subscribe, and share the podcast to help spread awareness and gain a broader audience. **Closing Remarks:** Scot thanks Daniella for her insights and contributions to the discussion, encouraging listeners to continue questioning and deconstructing harmful societal norms. --- ### Cleaned-Up Transcript **Daniella (Group Behavior Gal) (00:02.754):** This is the Cults and the Culting of America podcast with scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership, Daniella Mestyanek Young. I'm your host, Scot. **Daniella (Group Behavior Gal) (00:26.062):** And the Culting of America podcast. My name is Scot Loyd along with my friend, Daniella Mestyanek Young. Daniella, how are you today? **Scot Loyd:** I'm doing great today. Ready to talk about the skinny white woman in cults. **Daniella (Group Behavior Gal):** Yeah, so the last time we were together, we were going down the list that you put together to identify cults and high-control groups. And of course, the charismatic leader was at the top of that list. **Scot Loyd:** Closely related to the charismatic leader is what you refer to as the skinny white woman at his side. So tell us more about how you arrived at this idea of the skinny white woman. **Daniella (Group Behavior Gal):** Yes, absolutely. And I think I'm going to read a little bit from the book that I'm writing. Very exciting, because we've just explained it here. **Daniella (Group Behavior Gal):** All right. Time and again, when an American cult comes to public attention, often because they've crossed some very clear lines and have victims or bodies to show for it, we find very near the cult leader, a skinny white woman pulling some of the strings. When NXIVM was all over the news in 2017 and 2018, and it came to light that ...
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    59 分
  • Episode Two: From Charisma to Control: Understanding Cult Leaders

    Episode Two: From Charisma to Control: Understanding Cult Leaders
    2024/07/16
    In this episode of "Cults and the Culting of America," hosts Scot Loyd and Daniella Mestyanek Young delve into the concept of charismatic leadership within cults. They begin by discussing how the idea of a charismatic leader is often associated with cults, highlighting that many of these leaders are typically perceived as white males. Daniella explains that while cults have been largely defined by white western academics, the underlying structure of patriarchy predates even white supremacy and capitalism, making it a fundamental aspect of coercive control in cults. The conversation touches on notable examples of charismatic leaders, including Keith Raniere, David Berg, and Jim Jones, as well as Elizabeth Holmes and Adam Neumann. Daniella emphasizes that charismatic authority is not just about charm but involves qualities that make people grant these leaders extraordinary influence. She discusses how these leaders often transition from being charismatic figures to being deified by their followers, creating a system where their personal mythology becomes integral to the group's identity. Scot and Daniella explore the psychological and social mechanisms that make individuals susceptible to charismatic leaders. They discuss the concept of "front-of-the-room advantage," where the mere act of being in a position of authority can make a person seem more credible and likable. They also highlight the role of rhetoric and persuasive communication in enhancing a leader's influence, noting how leaders use techniques like "trance talk" to captivate and manipulate their audience. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of critical thinking and diverse social connections in protecting oneself from falling prey to cult-like influence. Daniella shares her "guru gotcha" checklist, a tool she developed to help identify potential red flags in leaders and groups. Both hosts stress the need for self-awareness and skepticism, encouraging listeners to examine the charismatic leaders in their lives critically. They also preview upcoming episodes, including an exploration of the role of the "skinny white woman" in cult dynamics and the broader impact of group psychology on individual behavior. Links: Daniella Mestyanek Young's book: From Bookshop.orgA Signed Copy of Uncultured: The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Disagree About Religion and Politics by Jonathan Haidt Influence: The Power of Persuasion by Dr. Robert CialdiniScarred by Sarah EdmondsonSapiens by Yuval Noah HarariDr. Janja Lalich's work and resources on cults and coercive controlConnect with Daniella on social media TikTok, Patreon, Instagram Youtube Connect with Scot Loyd's social media (TikTok)Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women **Keywords**: cult, cult leader, people, charismatic leader, leader, purity, call, Daniella, woman, rhetoric, groups, skinny, idea, charisma, religion, white, followers, book, white male, life Transcript: **Speaker 1**: This is Cults and the Culting of America, a podcast with scholar of cults, extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership, Daniella Mestyanek Young. **Scot Loyd**: Welcome to Cults and the Culting of America podcast. I'm Scot Loyd, along with my friend Daniella Mestyanek Young. Daniella, how are you today? **Daniella**: Doing good! I'm excited to talk about charismatic leadership because everybody gets confused by this one. **Scot**: Did I get "Mestyanek" right this time? **Daniella**: Yes, you did. Very good. **Scot**: You were telling me during your time in the army that there were some gentlemen who were actually afraid to mispronounce it. **Daniella**: Yeah, I always joke that people thought I was so scary because, in the army, that's how you have to present yourself if you're a woman. People were so scared of me that everyone just learned how to pronounce Mestyanek. It wasn't until my very last unit that people started calling me Captain M, which would be more normal in the US military when you have a complicated name. **Scot**: Nice. My name is Scot Loyd, a little less complicated—one T and one L. I like to joke that my family couldn't afford the extra consonants. But here we are today, and I'm thrilled that all of you are along for the ride. Last time we were together, Daniella, we unpacked a little bit about your 10 characteristics of a cult. The first one on that list is something that, if you asked people what they associate with a cult or a cult group, they would come up with: the charismatic leader. So, what do we need to understand about the charismatic leader's role in a cult? And am I wrong to assume that most of these charismatic leaders are white males? **Daniella**: First of all, the acknowledgment that cults have been largely defined by white academics, white western academics. When we actually start looking at what we're really talking about—when individuals come under the coercive control of a group—those leaders can look like a lot of things. ...
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    1 時間 2 分