*Content Warning* This episode features a former rep from Pure Romance, an MLM that deals with adult products and toys. We talk about many topics that are not suitable for younger listeners, and could be triggering for some, including sexual situations and trauma. Please listen at your own discretion. In part 2, "Ruth" finishes her story about her time in Pure Romance and shares what she started to experience as soon as higher education came into her life. We talk about the aspects of Pyramid Sc...
May 24, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 33
*Content Warning* This episode features a former rep from Pure Romance, an MLM that deals with adult products and toys. We talk about many topics that are not suitable for younger listeners, and could be triggering for some, including sexual situations and trauma. Please listen at your own discretion. "Ruth" joined Pure Romance when her previous MLM, Slumber Parties was bought out and they were merged together. For 7 years, she was at the top 5% of the company, educating on sexual health and wel...
May 23, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 32
Another Bonus episode! And this time it's with my girl, Chelsea! You may know her from her YouTube Channel where she does deep dives into MLM companies, talks to former 1%, and exposes scammers, among other things. We chat about her new gig as a full time content creator, her personal experiences in MLM, and the differences she's seen between being an actual sales professional, vs an MLM rep. Plus, Chelsea's beef with Monat, and what you can do to help too. Show Notes Chelsea's YouTube Channel -...
May 19, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 31
"Moira" was a stay at home mom of 3 boys, who bought into the hype of MLM in 2016. While chasing the dream of being at the top of the pyramid, "Moira" found herself involved with 3 different MLMs, including an elusive invitation to a "Ground Floor Opportunity". From her vantage point, she got a deep look into the toxic positivity of MLM, and experienced more psychological manipulation than she bargained for. Show Notes Millennial Women Made LuLaRoe Billions. Then They Paid The Price. - https://w...
May 16, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 30
In the conclusion of Megan's story, she shares her struggles with Senegence, the predatory and toxic nature of what she experienced inside the cult, and how she got out and moved on. We also connect on a personal level and find out we have a lot more in common that just MLM (which is a pattern of coincidence I'm starting to see on this show...). Show Notes Megan "ZonaLife" YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL-WOySfYcGuFzLaI9qWnJQs Erica McBeth YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/U...
May 10, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 29
As an addict in recovery, Megan was targeted in her sacred Tuesday Night meeting by a seemingly friendly looking, tattooed woman who she connected with. Over a cup of coffee, she's pitched the beauty MLM, Senegence and decides to start her "business". Over the course of her time with the company, Megan started to notice things weren't what she signed up for. Thankfully for us, she's spilling all the SeneTea. Show Notes Megan "ZonaLife" YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL-WOySfYcGuFzLaI...
May 09, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 28
In this bonus episode, I interview the hosts of Sip with Me about their MLM themed, second season. I had so much fun talking with Ioanna and Aaron last summer on their show, that I had to have them on mine! They recount what they learned diving into the Anti MLM world, their own cringey experiences with MLM, how it invaded their personal and professional spaces and even share an MLM inspired cocktail created just for the show! Show Notes Sip with Me Podcast - https://www.sipwithme.org/podcast Si...
May 05, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 27
In the conclusion of Amanda's story, we finish up the BITE model and talk about the artificial "mentorship" and friendships of MLM. Once she understood what was actually happening, she became fiercely protective of her groups outside of Amway and started to realize that this wasn't what she signed up for. Her and her husband decided that it was time to leave, and shortly after things began to change. Show Notes Steven Hassan’s BITE Model of Authoritarian Control - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-...
May 03, 2021•57 min•Ep. 26
Amanda and her husband were newly transplanted into Southern California for work, and looking for some mentorship and direction in life when she met a nice girl offering just that at a coffee shop. She was quickly swept up into the controlling nature of the oldest MLM in the world, Amway. Amanda and I talk about what life was like inside the cult, the BITE Model, and Amway's odd fixation on married couples and The American Dream. Show Notes Josie Naikoi "Not the Good Girl" - https://www.youtube....
May 02, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 25
In the early 1990's Skip Press was a newlywed with a son on the way, looking for an alternative to the freelance life he was currently living; the thought of a corporate job with consistent, steady pay was enticing. He was hired on as the new Communications Director, and placed in charge of the huge yearly convention for a HUGE Multi Level Marketing company with juicy secrets. Things started to get weird almost immediately, as Skip recounts late night meetings, confidential confessions, volatile...
Apr 28, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 24
Hey! A little call to action before we jump into this next story, I need your help! I am working on some ideas for future episodes, but I can't do it without you! Just hear me out hun, this could be an exciting opportunity for you! Afterwards, listen to the story of Belen, who was looking for friendship, confidence and community, but instead found gaslighting, manipulation and bullying from the same people she thought were her friends. Show Notes https://anchor.fm/roberta-blevins/message https:/...
Apr 25, 2021•43 min•Season 1Ep. 23
CONTENT WARNING : In this episode, we break down the deceptive and dangerous dealings of Mr. "Doctor" Donald Gary Young, founder of Young Living. We talk about many things that may be triggering to people, including infanticide. Please listen at your own discretion. In the second half of Liz's story, we talk about the random cause and effect that lead to her ending her Herbalife business, her time as a Young Living "kitnapper" and our common experiences in the beauty industry. Show Notes Student...
Apr 19, 2021•57 min•Season 1Ep. 22
When MLM found Liz, she was looking to up her game on the roller derby circuit. One of her derby friends reached out with a solution that answered of her problems, or so it seemed. Liz decided to go "all in" after a roller derby injury resulted in her losing her job as a cocktail waitress at a local casino. In this episode, we get deep into what it's like to sell Herbalife, what's the deal with those "Nutrition Shops", Betting on Zero and what happened to the latino population in Los Angeles dur...
Apr 19, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Josie and I finish up the BITE Model in part 2, diving into the Informational and Emotional control of commercial cults. Afterwards we discuss the DSA and politics in MLM, an inside perspective into those "free" perks, the culture and dynamics of the top of the pyramid, and a little personal chat and look into our lives outside of our Anti MLM advocacy efforts. Show Notes Steven Hassan's BITE Model - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/ DC Talk - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
Apr 15, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 20
You asked, and we answered! In this bonus episode, I talk to AntiMLM Advocate, "Not the Good Girl", Josie Naikoi about her time in MLM as the Top 1%, and our favorite topic to ramble on about, the BITE model. Show Notes Not the Good Girl - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4DMThX0F-h6F1nzCbp6shw/featured Combatting Cult Mind Control by Steven Hassan - https://amzn.to/3uLhYco "Because of Deanne" - https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/becauseofdeanne/ TikTok Hun - https://www.tiktok.com/@danasce...
Apr 14, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 19
As if his story in part one couldn't get any weirder, in part two Russ tells us about his experience of heading to a big ACN convention where Donald Trump, star of The Apprentice, would be speaking at. He recounts his trip, including fudge inspired doowop, and odd encounter with an employee in the lobby of McDonalds. We get deep into the celebrity and political affiliations with ACN, how men are targeted by MLMs, and getting out of the MLM Complex. Show Notes Experience the excitement of ACN eve...
Apr 12, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this episode, we get to meet our very first "BroBot", Russ Nielsen, who had an incredibly unbelievable experience in a serviced based MLM. In an effort to keep Russ motivated and "all in" with their scam, his upline kept pushing attending big events, even when he couldn't afford to go. Even with the strange and abusive treatment he received, the dopamine fueled parties kept Russ on the hook, right up until the sunk cost fallacy kicked in when he went to Baltimore to hear Donald Trump speak. S...
Apr 11, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In part 2, Robert and I finish up our analysis into the differences between MLMs and Pyramid Schemes, answer some questions from our listeners, discuss what the future of the Anti-MLM movement looks like and how to achieve the cohesive message that we both believe will change the future of how people view and understand Multi Level Marketing on a fundamental level. Show Notes: Ponzinomics by Robert L. FitzPatrick - https://amzn.to/3tWutRS False Profits: Seeking Financial and Spiritual Deliveranc...
Apr 08, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 16
This is the bonus episode I have been waiting to record forever! I always enjoy all my conversations with Robert, because he's so knowledgeable on this subject and we have a great time talking about swindles, scams, tricks and flimflams. After I finished reading Ponzinomics, I immediately emailed Robert and asked him if he would be willing to talk with me on the podcast about his chapter "Anatomy of a Pyramid Scheme", so we can really define what differences there are between Pyramid Schemes and...
Apr 07, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 15
When MLM came knocking, Dina was a young newlywed. Even though she grew up with MLM all around her, she never actually fully experienced the insidous cult until she joined one. She felt like she couldn't talk about her experiences because of who had recruited her, but decided it was time to share her experiences about how ridiculous it all really was. We had A LOT of laughs while Dina recapped her journey with the magic blueberry power of Kyani. Show Notes 5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE WILD ALASKAN B...
Apr 04, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this bonus episode, I tackle the age old question of "How much can you make PER HOUR in MLM?" by analyzing 14 different MLM's Income Disclosure Statements, and using averages to find out. I take the annual average wages, divide by 12 to get the monthly figure, then divide by 80 hours a month for part time wages. I think the results may shock you. For comparison, we also talk about minimum wages, livable wages, living comfortably, and what the going rate for labor is in the US Prison System. *...
Mar 31, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In Part two, Lynzee and I spill A LOT of tea. We get into the nitty gritty details about our collective time in LuLaRoe and dish some gossip about what we experienced, including the LuLaRoe Cruise, what it's like to go to Mark and Deanne's house, the drama of the failed Noir launch and a couple juicy bits more. Lynzee shares her realization about the similarities she saw in Piphany, and what her "final straw" was. Life after MLM for Lynzee includes her continued education and a Marie Kondo style...
Mar 29, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Lynzee Abel was a wide eyed, optimistic person who just wanted more for her life when she was first introduced to Multi Level Marketing in her teens. With her professional retail experience, she thought she could have an edge in the competitive industry. Once she saw the way MLMs worked from the inside, after being involved in FIVE of them, she decided enough was enough. Show Notes My favorite AntiMLM Wax Melt alternative (And it's the family owned business of AntiMLM Advocate Jessica James, of ...
Mar 28, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 11
After tackling topics like cultural moray, the role of women in the LDS faith, and why Utah is rife with MLM's in part one, Ryan and I dive into "Big Pyramid", Mitt Romney's connections to MLM, the affinity fraud of Tahitian Noni Juice, the obsession of outrageous health claims and essential oils from a religious standpoint, and where your tithing really goes. This is Part 2. Show Notes: Truth and Transparency - https://www.truthandtransparency.org/ How much do top Mormon leaders make? Leaked pa...
Mar 25, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 10
As the founder of Truth and Transparency, and a former member of the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints, Ryan McKnight has a unique perspective into the culture and atmosphere of the Mormon faith. Paired with his understanding of Multi Level Marketing and the scam it perpetuates, Ryan and I have an in depth discussion into some of the reasons why many LDS members fall victims to these cons, including cultural moray, gender roles within the church, "Magic Underwear", why MLM chose U...
Mar 24, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 9
The final part of Cat Dean's story comes to a close as we chat about the scary financial side of navigating an MLM, what to do when it's tax time, how to get yourself out a the hole you dug, and ways to start rebuilding your credit and savings. While Cat is not a professional financial advisor, she does offer a lot of good basic info that most MLM's conveniently leave out of the equation. Take what she has to say and apply it if it works for you! Show Notes: Follow Cat on IG! https://www.instagr...
Mar 21, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 8
I am beyond excited to share this bonus episode with you, because not only do I get to chat with my friend and fellow Anti-MLM warrior, but we're talking about my current obsession, Ponzinomics : The Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing. And who better to discuss this with, other than Savy Leiser, our gay aunt from the 80's, Small Business Babe and creator of Savy Writes Books on YouTube! After finishing Robert's book, I knew there was only one person (besides him) that could do this review jus...
Mar 17, 2021•48 min•Season 1Ep. 7
After wanting to take responsibility for her finances, and become financially literate, Cat Dean realized her MLM was hemorrhaging her cash flow. Armed with this new knowledge, she decided to learn how to manage debt, become "financially free" without the cult of MLM, and help others leaving these businesses with their long term money goals as well. Stay tuned for Part 2! Show Notes: Follow Cat on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreewithcattitude/ Follow Cat on TikTok - https://www.tik...
Mar 14, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In our very first bonus episode, we talk with Haley O'Bryan, a therapist with a masters in counseling, a wide range of interest in social justic topics, and who did her masters theis on "Counseling Considerations for Clients with Experience in Multi-Level Marketing Companies and Similar Groups". Haley offers valuable insight into the harmful culture of MLM, the issues that come along with joining them and the importance of finding supportive treatment when leaving these cults. Show Notes! Follow...
Mar 10, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In our 4th episode of Life After MLM, we finish Katie's story about her time in LuLaRoe. She walks us though her refund process, the 100% buyback drama, the deep feelings of guilt she experienced when leaving MLM and the resulting mental health journey she had to take to find herself again. In Katie's speaking out, she finds the cathartic release and the resulting validation when people begin to respond to her shared experience. Show Notes: Check out our Instagram feed @lifeaftermlmpodcast for K...
Mar 07, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 4
