What a Cult Really Is (And Isn’t) 

“A cult is a group that is united by a particular cause, person, or idea that involves thought reform, course of control, or restriction of autonomy.”

In this convo, the lines between “weird” and “dangerous” aren’t as clear-cut as they seem. Ashlen defines cults through dynamics rather than a bell-curve of obvious red flags. Yes, many big-name groups have charismatic leaders, but the money line isn’t just the person at the podium, it’s how belief becomes a mechanism to control thinking and behavior. It isn’t all black-and-white: “there’s not a list that exists of what cults are and what cults aren’t.” The goal here is education—helping people recognize the dynamics that can turn a tight-knit group into a psychologically abusive environment, even if the beliefs themselves aren’t instantly labeled as “cultish.”

“Most people join cults for reasons that we can all relate to. … One thing that changed my life was exercising.”

Reality check: a lot of people get pulled into groups because they’re searching for connection, meaning, or an escape during a life transition. Ashlen breaks down the spectrum—from those born into high-control communities to those who join voluntarily after a breakup, a move, or a big life change. The takeaway: danger isn’t only in the spotlighted scandals; it’s in everyday dynamics that erode autonomy and critical thinking over time.

From Training to Trials: Ashlen’s Path and the People She Helps 

“The way people leave cults is … you do an intervention service. Intervention services for families who have loved ones and groups who are concerned and recovery services for survivors who need support.”

This section humanizes the work behind the headlines. Ashlen’s journey starts in Utah, working with survivors from polygamous Mormon fundamentalist groups, then expands into education, intervention, and survivor support through People Leave Cults. The conversation emphasizes a practical, compassionate approach: meet people where they are, avoid shaming, and focus on safety, housing, education, and post-cult recovery. It’s not just about “getting out” but about rebuilding a life with resources, community, and ongoing support. The work is hands-on, sometimes explosive, and always about empowering survivors to reclaim their autonomy.

“I want people to know that anyone can get into them. I think there’s a lot of stigma surrounding cults still.”

The show-and-tell format: live tours, Q&A, and audience participation frames education as an act of outreach. The goal isn’t to pick a fight with belief systems; it’s to illuminate the patterns, offer tools, and create safer pathways for people seeking to understand or escape high-control groups. And yes, the path can include housing, law enforcement coordination, and even safety planning for those leaving dangerous communities.

The Modern World, The Old Problem: Media, Community, and Real Talk 

“We all have weird beliefs that some people would say. They may not always be rational beliefs, but it doesn’t matter.”

The conversation threads through today’s information overload: social media, AI-generated content, and the easy spread of conspiratorial thinking. Ashlen argues for nuance: “we all have beliefs that people may think are strange,” and the key is whether those beliefs impair mental health or isolate someone from reality. The rise of online communities can both attract and trap people, especially when algorithms push polarizing materials or when altered states of consciousness (like intensive meditation practices) are used in ways that feel transformative but can be psychologically risky. The talk is clear: healthy communities exist, but so do exploitative ones, and discernment, plus accountability from leaders, is essential.

“If there is a leader of that community or there is some sort of power dynamic with somebody, are they open to change? Do they take accountability for any harm that’s been done?”

Ashlen’s perspective is warm, non-judgmental, and practical. She emphasizes that the best antidote to cult-like thinking is community engagement, critical conversation, and real-world help for those navigating life transitions, marginalization, or vulnerability. And when it comes to kids, students, and marginalized groups, targeted recruitment remains a reality: but so does accessible support, education, and resources that de-stigmatize and de-romanticize these experiences.

Why this matters, right now From the FLDS to Heaven’s Gate to the current online echo chambers, the core issue isn’t just “bad groups” but how people get drawn into them and how they break free. Ashlen’s work, and this chat, offers a roadmap for understanding, supporting, and intervening with care when needed. It’s about preventing harm, honoring agency, and building safer communities where disagreement doesn’t become danger.

Want to watch the original video and see Ashlen in action? If you want a deeper dive into these ideas, this is a great one to check out. You’ll hear the nuanced take on what makes cult dynamics so tricky, how to talk about it without turning people off, and what practical steps survivors can take to reclaim their lives. It’s informative, thought-provoking, and surprisingly hopeful.