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Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation
Ashlen Hilliard - The Evolution of Cult Intervention Practices
Jan 1, 2025
Ashlen Hilliard, a cult interventionist and founder of People Leave Cults, shares her impactful journey from personal religious experiences to her vital work in cult recovery. She discusses the evolution of intervention practices, highlighting its shift from unethical methods to a compassionate, harm-reduction approach. Ashlen elaborates on the complexities of defining a cult, the challenges faced by survivors, and the ethical responsibilities in intervention efforts. Her insights on navigating family dynamics and the need for a nuanced understanding add depth to the conversation.
01:29:37
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Quick takeaways
- Ashlen Hilliard's journey into cult intervention was profoundly shaped by her personal experiences in a fundamentalist religious group, influencing her approach to helping others.
- Contemporary cult intervention practices have evolved from the unethical tactics of the past to a more ethical, harm-reduction model focused on open dialogue and empowerment.
Deep dives
Ashlyn Hilliard's Journey into Cult Intervention
Ashlyn Hilliard describes her path to becoming a cult interventionist, which began with her own experiences in a highly restrictive religious group. Raised in a fundamentalist version of the Churches of Christ, she struggled with their stringent interpretations of the Bible and connections to broader cultic practices. While attending a college affiliated with her church, Ashlyn's curiosity about other faiths, particularly Mormonism, prompted her to critically examine her beliefs and question the doctrines she had accepted her whole life. This introspection ultimately led her to realize the parallels between her own upbringing and more overtly cultish organizations, igniting her passion for helping others navigate their way out of similar groups.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode