Oct 15, 2025

CultNEWS101 Articles: 10/15/2024


Ex-member Stories, Live Event, Video

"When I realized that the doors to the 13-story former hotel building we were all living in were locked, and you had to sign out to leave. No one (from children to adults) could leave without an explanation of where they were going and when they'd be back."
"Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents The Psychology of Cults – A Live Event on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 8:00pm. Hosted by renowned cult interventionist Ashlen Hilliard, this gripping live show takes audiences deep inside the world of cults—how they form, why people join, and what it takes to break free.

Ashlen Hilliard, MSc, PSS, is one of the few academically trained, harm-reduction-oriented cult-intervention specialists in the United States. The Psychology of Cults – A Live Event delves deep into how cults form, manipulate, and maintain control over their followers. From headline-making cases like NXIVM and Heaven's Gate to lesser-known but equally dangerous groups, audiences will gain rare insight into the psychology of coercion and survival in high-control environments.

Tickets range from $35 to $67 (including all fees) and are available for purchase online. Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is located at 100 South Street in Morristown, New Jersey.

During intermission, audience members will submit questions for Hilliard to address in an unscripted Q&A that brings the audience directly into the conversation.

The Psychology of Cults – A Live Event is directed by TJ Dawe, who was also the director for Right Angle Entertainment's national touring productions The Psychology of Serial Killers, The Psychology of Murderers, and Cold Case Live."
Interview with Ashlen Hillard.


The selection of articles for CultNEWS101 does not imply that Patrick Ryan or Joseph Kelly endorse the content. We provide information from multiple perspectives to foster dialogue.

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