The Psychology of Cults | Ashlen Hilliard | 104

Just wrapped one of the most eye-opening conversations I’ve had on the show.

Ashlen Hilliard, cult interventionist and creator of The Psychology of Cults
, joined me in the studio for a no-holds-barred deep dive into the mindset, manipulation, and madness of cult dynamics—past and present.

We broke down:
-Why “good” people join cults
-The devastating stories of Heaven’s Gate and Jonestown
-How cults evolve in real time—including ones you’ve never heard of
-The psychological hooks behind belonging and belief
-How to self-examine your own community dynamics
-What to do if you think someone you love is in one

This was more than a conversation—it was a mirror. Chilling, compassionate, and necessary.

🎙️ Our full episode drops October 16th
🎟️ If you’re in West Virginia, Ashlen will be LIVE at the Clay Center in Charleston TOMORROW (October 18th) as part of her national Psychology of Cults tour. Get ticket info here: psychologyofcults.com/events

#Creepalachia #PsychologyOfCults #AshlenHilliard #CultsExposed #HeavensGate #Jonestown #CultsAndControl #WVCultStories #CharlestonWV #ClayCenterWV #AppalachianStories #CultPsychology #MindControlTactics #CreepalachiaPodcast #TrueBelief #CultSurvivors #LiveEventsWV #DarkAppalachia #RedFlagCommunities

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Other Interviews - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8eNIjb64yLAS3Z2N9YRDUGMz&si=pQEw9jDJAP_Z4_95

True Crime - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8eNql44CayXCCBsW-6zIeWsA&si=3teIk_jc4MrmsUUe

Solo Stories - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8eOSFgB6XFmefueia2ZvRc4G&si=1wL1ft-UVhM_PiAN

Mysteries - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8eN0mOcv-OBjI1MqeQgoMi9W&si=wA7zLRkT5MiUQIlC

Hauntings - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8ePTwq7hLiYjlzSs-UqWtrfp&si=ddRW_lx1pXQrxLUC

Creepalachia was started and will remain as a show diving into the dark, strange, unknown, tragic, and heroic stories of J.D. 's homeland. These hills have stories. LONG LIVE APPALACHIA!

Disclaimer:
The stories, views, and opinions shared by guests on Creepalachia are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or the show. Creepalachia does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of guest statements and is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes related to their content. All discussions are presented for storytelling, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Viewers are encouraged to research and form their own conclusions.