The Jordan Harbinger Show

823: Daniella Mestyanek Young | How to Disengage from a Lifelong Cult

Apr 11, 2023

Daniella Mestyanek Young, a survivor of the Children of God cult and a US Army combat veteran, shares her harrowing journey in this enlightening conversation. She discusses how the cult exploited members, particularly women, through manipulative tactics and sexual coercion. Daniella recounts the traumatic experiences of growing up in such an environment, including the normalization of abuse. She also reflects on her challenges in transitioning to a free life and the lasting impact of cult dynamics on personal identity and societal relationships.

01:31:15

Episode guests

Daniella Mestyanek Young

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Faith and Exploitation: The Children of God

8min

Shadows of Indoctrination: Growing Up in a Cult

20min

Cult Abuse and Silent Suffering

5min

The Psychology of Cult Recruitment and Abuse

5min

Inside the Mind of Cults: Power, Control, and Trauma

14min

Echoes of Influence: Cult Dynamics and Legacy

7min

Journey from Cult to Freedom

18min

The Decline and Shadows of a Cult

6min

10.

Navigating Family Ties and Recognizing Cult Dynamics in Society

4min

11.

Escaping the Grip of Cult Conditioning and Trafficking

3min

12.

Psychological Manipulation and Commitment in Cult Dynamics

4min

Daniella Mestyanek Young (@daniellamyoung) is a survivor of the religious Children of God cult, a US Army combat veteran, an extremely advanced knitter, and the author of Uncultured: A Memoir.

What We Discuss with Daniella Mestyanek Young:

How the seemingly wholesome Children of God (later known by variations of "The Family") religious group centered around love, faith, and Jesus — and packaged to appeal to impressionable countercultural hippie types of the day — veered into true cult territory under the direction of its leader, David Berg.
How female followers of Children of God were encouraged to use their bodies and sexuality to gain converts and money in a practice known as "flirty flashing."
How child sexual abuse became a commonplace Children of God practice in an effort to raise "sexually liberated" children.
What this cult and others do to cultivate credibility — and raise funds — among its followers and the outside world.
The toll that life in a cult takes on those who are lucky enough to exit.
And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/823

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