HOW TO START A CULT
Why do even “smart people” join dangerous groups? As the line between community and coercion blurs, charisma becomes control in an age of influencers, conspiracy and algorithmic devotion.
Uncover the seductive mechanics of belonging, belief and manipulation. From wellness empires to political movements and spiritual leaders, this is an exploration of how cults operate, why people stay, and what these secret systems reveal about power and the human need for connection.
Anke Richter is joined by Laura McConnell.
Anke Richter [GER/NZL]
Anke Richter is an award-winning international journalist in Aotearoa New Zealand and the author of the bestseller Cult Trip: Inside the World of Coercion & Control (HarperCollins, 2022). Originally from Germany, Anke has worked as a foreign correspondent from the South Pacific for over two decades, contributed to documentaries and investigated high-control groups and spiritual movements around the world. She is the founder and director of Decult, a grassroots charity that held the first cult awareness conference in Australasia.
Laura McConnell
Laura McConnell is a cult survivor advocate who survived the Truth 2x2s, who works towards secular, LGBTQIA+ inclusive support for cult survivors. She has a BA in Feminism, a BA Chinese Language and a BCom in Accounting and Finance. She holds a CA and AAICD, serving on the boards of several grassroots, women-led organisations. She also co-founded social enterprise BCorp #GoKindly.
Sarah Steel
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation - the custodians of the country on which we meet - and acknowledge their Elders, past and present.
The views and opinions expressed by the Festival participants are not necessarily the views of The Ethics Centre and our partners.