The Culting of America

By Shelley Irwin

Published January 6, 2026 at 10:33 AM EST

Daniella Mestyanek Young shares her story.

The author of The Culting of America, Daniella Mestyanek Young, talks about what makes a cult and why we love them. Daniella is a cult survivor, scholar, and former Army Intelligence officer, exploring a fine line between community and control.

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Shelley Irwin

Shelley Irwin is the host and producer for The Shelley Irwin Show, a news magazine talk-show format on the local NPR affiliate Monday through Friday. The show, broadcast at 9 a.m., features a wide variety of local and national news makers, plus special features.

See stories by Shelley Irwin