Jacksonville, FL, October 6, 2025
News Summary
In Fall 2025, Ashlen Hilliard, a cult intervention specialist, is set to launch her nationwide tour with a live show titled ‘Psychology of Cults’ in Jacksonville, FL. The event aims to educate attendees about the dynamics of high-control groups through presentations and interactive Q&A sessions. Hilliard, founder of People Leave Cults, is renowned for her insights into cult behavior and coercive control. The tour will include multiple cities across the nation, focusing on increasing awareness about cults and providing support resources for individuals affected by such influences.
Jacksonville, FL to Host Cult Psychology Live Show in Fall 2025
In Fall 2025, Ashlen Hilliard, a renowned cult intervention specialist, will embark on a nationwide tour featuring her live show titled “Psychology of Cults.” The event, which aims to educate the public on the psychology of high-control groups, will include presentations, discussions, and a Q&A session for audience inquiries. The tour kicks off on October 8, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Florida Theatre.
Hilliard is one of the few cult intervention specialists in the United States, with extensive experience in exploring the psychology behind high-control groups. She has been featured on major media channels, including Hulu, NewsNation, HuffPost, and BET+. In 2022, she founded People Leave Cults, an organization dedicated to providing intervention and recovery resources for those affected by cults, including survivors and their families.
Tour Details
The “Psychology of Cults” show will visit various cities during the fall of 2025. Key tour dates include:
- 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
Educational Focus
Hilliard believes that education regarding cult dynamics is crucial for prevention efforts. She actively addresses common misconceptions about cult membership, particularly the stereotype that only “gullible” individuals join such groups. In reality, intelligent and capable individuals are often targeted and recruited by high-control organizations.
Moreover, Hilliard emphasizes that coercive control is not limited to traditional cult settings; it can also manifest in workplaces, personal relationships, and self-help groups. Her show intends to shed light on the gradual and intentional patterns of coercive control, which often lead to the isolation and manipulation of individuals.
Survivor Support and Resources
At her live show, Hilliard will highlight the importance of survivor support, understanding manipulation tactics, and safeguarding against cultic influences. Audience members will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session to discuss various aspects of cults and coercive control. Hilliard’s in-depth research, including her study on reproductive coercion within cults, reinforces her expertise in this critical area.
Hilliard’s background also includes serving as the Director of Events for the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), where she organized workshops and conferences aimed at assisting individuals affected by cult phenomena. Her experience working with former members of the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) has profoundly influenced her understanding of cult dynamics and the environment of coercion.
Impactful Discussions
Throughout the tour, Hilliard plans to share insights about notorious cults, such as Jonestown, Heaven’s Gate, and NXIVM. These discussions will help audience members understand the subtle and powerful tactics used by cults to gain control over individuals.
Overall, Hilliard’s live show in Fall 2025 aims to provide valuable knowledge on cult psychology, promote awareness, and empower individuals to recognize and resist coercive influences in their lives.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of Ashlen Hilliard’s live show “Psychology of Cults”?
The show aims to educate the public on the psychology of high-control groups and provide insights into cult dynamics and coercive control.
The show aims to educate the public on the psychology of high-control groups and provide insights into cult dynamics and coercive control.
When and where will the tour for “Psychology of Cults” take place?
The tour will take place starting on October 8, 2025, in Jacksonville, FL, and will continue through various cities across the nation.
The tour will take place starting on October 8, 2025, in Jacksonville, FL, and will continue through various cities across the nation.
What topics will be covered in the show?
Topics will include survivor support, manipulation techniques used by cults, and how to protect oneself from cultic influences.
Topics will include survivor support, manipulation techniques used by cults, and how to protect oneself from cultic influences.
What is the significance of Ashlen Hilliard’s work?
Hilliard has developed personalized strategies for families dealing with coercive situations and aims to educate others about cult dynamics for prevention purposes.
Hilliard has developed personalized strategies for families dealing with coercive situations and aims to educate others about cult dynamics for prevention purposes.
Key Features of the Live Show
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Tour Title | Psychology of Cults |
| Specialist | Ashlen Hilliard, Cult Intervention Specialist |
| Focus Areas | Psychology of cults, prevention education, coercive control |
| Key Topics | Survivor support, manipulation techniques, protecting against cult influence |
| Q&A Session | Live audience interaction with questions about cults |
| Overall Goal | Increase awareness and provide resources for individuals affected by cults |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bristol School District Honors Alumni with ROAR Award
Remembering Kim Castle: A Joyful Journey Through School
Additional Resources
- Folio Weekly: The Psychology of Cults
- Wikipedia: Cult
- Action News Jax: Exclusive – Psychology of Cults
- Google Search: Psychology of Cults
- Psychology Today: Cults and the Mind-Body Connection
- Google Scholar: Psychology of Cults
- Skeptic: Why No One Thinks They’re In a Cult
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Psychology of Cults
- The Conversation: Sirens – The Dark Psychology of Cults
- Google News: Psychology of Cults
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
