Why No One Thinks They’re in a Cult

About this episode:

What really defines a cult—and why do smart, well-intentioned people get caught up in them? In this episode, Michael Shermer sits down with cult intervention specialist Ashlen Hilliard to explore the psychology of high-control groups and the people drawn into them. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets like Hulu, NewsNation, HuffPost, and BET+.

In 2022, Ashlen founded People Leave Cults, offering intervention and recovery resources for survivors and concerned loved ones. As one of the few Cult Intervention Specialists in the country, Ashlen consults with a team of experts to develop personalized intervention strategies for families that have a loved one involved in a range of coercive situations, including cults, gangs, domestic violence, trafficking, and violent extremism. She also served as the Director of Events for the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), organizing regional and international events, workshops, and conferences for those affected by the cult phenomena and psychological manipulation.

She is touring the Fall of 2025 in these cities for her show psychologyofcults.com

October 8  Jacksonville, FL  Florida Theatre

October 9  Newberry, SC  Newberry Opera House

October 11  Huntsville, AL  Mars Music Hall

October 12  Bristol, TN  Paramount Bristol

October 14  Charleston, WV  Maier Foundation Performing Hall

October 16  Stroudsburg, PA  Sherman Theater

October 17  Morristown, NJ  Mayo Performing Arts Center

October 18  Stamford, CT  Palace Theatre

October 19  Concord, NH  Chubb Theatre

October 21  Buffalo, NY  Electric City

October 22  Columbus, OH  The Southern Theatre

October 24  Pontiac, MI  Flagstar Strand Theatre

October 26  Cincinnati, OH  Bogart's

October 28  Chicago, IL  City Winery

October 29  Indianapolis, IN  Clowes Memorial Hall

October 30  Cleveland, OH  Connor Palace

November 23 Livermore, CA  Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center