🎙 The Jason Cavness Experience Daniella Mestyanek Young (The Knitting Cult Lady)

Sponsored by Sentry Computing Keeping the technology essential to your business safe and performing optimally can be challenging! With Sentry Computing, the IT partner of choice for business, you get thoughtful human interaction and innovative professional IT service — no matter your company size. Boost productivity and eliminate financial risks with Managed IT, Cybersecurity, AI Consulting, Cloud Consulting, and Business Automation. 🔗 Learn more: sentrycomputing.com     📚 About Daniella Daniella Mestyanek Young is a cult survivor, U.S. Army veteran, Harvard-trained organizational psychologist, and the author of two books on high-control groups: Uncultured — her critically acclaimed memoir The Culting of America — coming January 20, 2026 📖 Pre-order here → knittingcultlady.com/products/the-culting-of-america Born into the infamous Children of God cult — known for weaponizing religion, sexuality, and isolation — Daniella escaped at 15, only to enter another high-control institution: the U.S. Army. There, she became one of the first women on an integrated ground combat team, serving as an intelligence officer studying terrorist organizations. She has spent her career connecting the dots between cults, terrorist groups, the military, and corporate culture, uncovering the uncomfortable similarities in how they shape human behavior. Whether on stage, in her writing, or knitting on TikTok while explaining everyday cult dynamics, Daniella explores leadership, identity, group psychology, and coercive control — always asking: Why do we give ourselves over to groups, and how do we get our power back?     🎧 Episode Summary From escaping a cult to breaking barriers in the U.S. Army, Daniella’s story is one of resilience, identity, and reclaiming power. In this conversation, we explore: Her path from isolation to belonging Lessons from military service and combat How cult psychology shows up in workplaces and politics Building authentic communities online Why knitting grounds her creativity and advocacy Navigating vulnerability, writing, and public criticism Strategies for protecting your time and labor It’s an unfiltered, inspiring discussion on growth, purpose, and making an impact — even when the odds are stacked against you.     🗒️ Key Topics We Cover High School Struggles & Culture Shock Finding Belonging in College Embracing Unique Identity The Power of Storytelling Social Media & TikTok Growth Understanding Cults and Their Impact Military Experiences and Reflections Parenting and Personal Growth Entrepreneurial Journey & Future Goals Knitting as a Creative Process Balancing Business with Creativity Navigating Publishing Challenges Advice for Underrepresented Groups Handling Criticism & Haters Defining Success on Your Own Terms     📌 Daniella’s Advice Spot coercion early: If a group is “shiny, bouncy, and perfect,” that’s attitude and appearance control — run. When they call you “mature,” be careful: Often, it’s targeting, not a compliment. Value your time and labor: Never give all of yourself to any person, place, idea, or thing. 📖 Listen to Uncultured on Spotify.     🌐 Connect with Daniella 📖 The Culting of America Pre-Sale → Order Here 🌐 Website: knittingcultlady.com 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daniella-young 📷 Instagram: @daniellamyoung_ 🎥 YouTube: Knitting Cult Lady 🎭 TikTok: @knitting.cult.lady 📘 Facebook: Daniella Claire ❤️ Patreon: Group Behavior Gal   💡 Free Resources & Ways to Support CavnessHR 📚 Get 7 free ebooks with insights from The Jason Cavness Experience → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks 🤝 Join the CavnessHR Builders Club – help shape the future of small business HR → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ 🚀 Support CavnessHR on Wefunder – help us raise $50K–$500K for our AI-powered HR platform → https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr