Girl Boss Red Flags

In this episode of Girl Boss Red Flags, Erin and Tay dive into the shady world of pay-to-play visibility scams with publicist Brooke Young. Brooke spills the tea on her own experiences—both personal and professional—and breaks down how these scams take advantage of people’s wallets and emotions. 

They chat about spotting red flags, avoiding sketchy deals, and what actually works when it comes to getting legit media features and speaking gigs. From the truth about paid media to building real visibility the right way, this convo is packed with must-know tips to help you make smart moves for your business.

Connect with Brooke Young on Facebook

CHAPTERS

00:52 Brooke's Background and Pay to Play Scams

01:55 Heartbreaking Stories of Pay to Play Victims

04:09 The Normalization of Pay to Play in Coaching

15:30 The Illusion of Credibility in Paid Media

18:55 Red Flags and Consumer Awareness

34:53 Foundations for Successful Media Engagement

42:56 Where to Find Brooke

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Mentioned in this episode:

Girl Boss Red Flags Disclaimer and Trigger Warning

Some of the topics that we talk about in this episode may be triggering or distressing. If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions at any point during listening, please do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Secondly, nothing that we discuss in this episode constitutes legal, medical, or professional mental health advice. We are not lawyers, we are not doctors, and we are not clinical mental health professionals. If you think that you or someone you know may have been scammed, please consult the relevant professionals so that you can get the advice that you need for your situation.

In this episode of Girl Boss Red Flags, Erin and Tay introduce a special panel discussion focused on diversity in the coaching and online business industry.  Shanel, a business advisor and marketing coach; Famira, a brand transformation guide; Dena, a civil servant and mental health advocate; and Sharmila, a public relations and brand consultant, join the conversation. 

The panelists share their backgrounds, discuss their challenges as BIPOC individuals in overwhelmingly white spaces, and offer insights into identifying genuine diversity versus performative allyship. They also explore the impact of the current U.S. administration's stance on DEI and the future of safe and inclusive business practices. 

Connect with Shanel Evans 

Connect with Famira Green 

Connect with Dena Rafati 

Connect with Sharmila Siew

CHAPTERS

00:54 Meet the Panelists

04:15 Challenges in the Coaching Industry

24:18 Red Flags in Business Programs

37:06 Creating Our Own Spaces

39:05 Identifying Green Flags in Collaborations

42:07 The Importance of Integrity and Authenticity

49:27 Navigating the Current Political Climate

01:02:09 Final Thoughts and Ways to Connect

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Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @girlbossredflags

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Mentioned in this episode:

Girl Boss Red Flags Disclaimer and Trigger Warning

Some of the topics that we talk about in this episode may be triggering or distressing. If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions at any point during listening, please do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Secondly, nothing that we discuss in this episode constitutes legal, medical, or professional mental health advice. We are not lawyers, we are not doctors, and we are not clinical mental health professionals. If you think that you or someone you know may have been scammed, please consult the relevant professionals so that you can get the advice that you need for your situation.

In this episode of Girl Boss Red Flags, we're keeping the convo going with sex and relationship experts Haylin Belay, Juliette Karaman van Schaardenburg, and Yael Rosenstock Gonzalez. If you have not listened to Hot Topics Part One, we recommend that you listen to that first so that you understand context.

We dive into the wild world of sex and relationship coaching—unpacking how culty dynamics can creep in. We’re breaking down sketchy advice, spotting red (and green!) flags in the coaching space, and exploring how cultural and religious backgrounds shape our views on sex. Plus, with everything going on in the world, we’re talking about why pleasure and self-care matter more than ever—along with real, practical tips for finding support in today’s fast-changing landscape.

Connect with Haylin Belay here

Connect with Juliette Karaman van Schaardenburg here

Connect with Yael Rosenstock Gonzalez here

CHAPTERS

01:48 Understanding Cult Dynamics

05:19 The Role of Authority in Oppression

07:04 Problematic Advice in Coaching

15:39 Green Flags in Coaches

23:15 Cultural Sensitivity in Coaching

25:47 Certification and Bias in Sexuality Professionals

30:18 Creating Safe Learning Environments

35:29 Political Climate and Women's Rights

43:46 Final Thoughts and Resources

46:49 Preview of Next Episode

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CONNECT WITH GBRF

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @girlbossredflags

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Mentioned in this episode:

Girl Boss Red Flags Disclaimer and Trigger Warning

Some of the topics that we talk about in this episode may be triggering or distressing. If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions at any point during listening, please do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Secondly, nothing that we discuss in this episode constitutes legal, medical, or professional mental health advice. We are not lawyers, we are not doctors, and we are not clinical mental health professionals. If you think that you or someone you know may have been scammed, please consult the relevant professionals so that you can get the advice that you need for your situation.

In this episode of Girl Boss Red Flags, Tay and Erin dive into the taboo topics of relationships, sex, and pleasure. They’re joined by an incredible panel of experts: Haylin Belay, a pleasure witch; Yael Rosenstock Gonzalez, an intimacy coach; and Juliette Karaman van Schaardenburg, a self-relationship and intimacy expert. 

The conversation covers everything from embracing sexual wholeness and understanding identity to building deeper connections. They also break down what it really takes to be a legit coach in this space—plus the red flags of shady programs and even sex cults. The episode wraps up with some powerful insights on how everyone can benefit from pleasure-focused and relationship coaching.

Connect with Haylin Belay here

Connect with Juliette Karaman van Schaardenburg here

Connect with Yael Rosenstock Gonzalez here

CHAPTERS

00:56 Meet the Experts

05:54 Who Needs a Sex Coach?

14:15 Benefits of Sex and Relationship Coaching

21:24 Qualifications and Credentials

32:28 Sex Cults in the Coaching Industry

38:03 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

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CONNECT WITH GBRF

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @girlbossredflags

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Mentioned in this episode:

Girl Boss Red Flags Disclaimer and Trigger Warning

Some of the topics that we talk about in this episode may be triggering or distressing. If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions at any point during listening, please do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Secondly, nothing that we discuss in this episode constitutes legal, medical, or professional mental health advice. We are not lawyers, we are not doctors, and we are not clinical mental health professionals. If you think that you or someone you know may have been scammed, please consult the relevant professionals so that you can get the advice that you need for your situation.

In this episode of Girl Boss Red Flags, Erin and Tay break down the TikTok ban drama that had the internet in a frenzy (for a hot minute). They read a hilarious obituary for TikTok written by Erin's college bestie and chat about the chaos and confusion the ban caused for creators.

But it’s not all jokes—Erin and Tay also dig into some shady stuff happening in the coaching world, from scammy engagement bait in Facebook groups to the sketchy ways AI is creeping into astrology apps. Plus, they call out the usual suspects: misinformation, propaganda, and the wild world of online business.

CHAPTERS

00:27 The TikTok Ban Meltdown

01:48 A Hilarious Obituary for TikTok (by Dontarius Jamel Young)

07:24 What the Ban Means for Creators

15:14 Social Media Censorship and Misinformation

26:17 Rage Baiting & Coaching Industry Scams

29:46 The Problem with Over-the-Top Claims & NDAs

33:17 Engagement Bait in Facebook Groups—Why It’s So Annoying

39:54 Shady Astro App Drama

49:55 Upcoming Panels: Sex, Relationships & Diversity

–

CONNECT WITH GBRF

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @girlbossredflags

Submit your Media Inquiries here

Mentioned in this episode:

Girl Boss Red Flags Disclaimer and Trigger Warning

Some of the topics that we talk about in this episode may be triggering or distressing. If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions at any point during listening, please do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Secondly, nothing that we discuss in this episode constitutes legal, medical, or professional mental health advice. We are not lawyers, we are not doctors, and we are not clinical mental health professionals. If you think that you or someone you know may have been scammed, please consult the relevant professionals so that you can get the advice that you need for your situation.

This Month on Girl Boss Red Flags, we're doing something new - just in time for Valentine's Day, we are having a 2-part episode with Sex and Relationship Experts to discuss their niche within the online space.

As February is Black History Month, we hosted another panel to discuss Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the online coaching and business industry.

You don't want to miss these episodes!

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Featured Guests in this trailer:

Yael R. Rosenstock Gonzalez

Juliette Karaman van Schaardenburg

Haylin Belay

Shanel Evans

Famira Green

Sharmila Siew

In this episode of Girl Boss Red Flags, Erin and Tay interview Hilary, who shares her experience of being scammed out of $2,500 by an influencer that created a somatic exercise accreditation course. 

They discuss the false promises and manipulative marketing tactics used by the course creator, including the lack of proper materials, unprofessional responses to student concerns, and misleading claims about accreditation and success rates. 

Connect with Hilary Marie on Instagram or TikTok

This episode features a clip from S2E2 featuring Will Rezin, SEP from Trauma and Somatics. You can access his list of Resources for Trauma Recovery, Growth, and Well-being here.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Disclaimer and Introduction

00:41 Meet Hilary

04:14 The Somatic Exercise Scam

10:31 Realization and Community Support

17:48 Red Flags and Lessons Learned

38:11 Final Thoughts and Advice

–

CONNECT WITH GBRF

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @girlbossredflags

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Mentioned in this episode:

Girl Boss Red Flags Trigger Warning and Disclaimers

Some of the topics that we talk about in this episode may be triggering or distressing. If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions at any point during listening, please do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Secondly, nothing that we discuss in this episode constitutes legal, medical, or professional mental health advice. We are not lawyers, we are not doctors, and we are not clinical mental health professionals. If you think that you or someone you know may have been scammed, please consult the relevant professionals so that you can get the advice that you need for your situation.

Girl Boss Red Flags Website

In this episode of Girl Boss Red Flags, Erin and Tay interview Will Rezin [SEP, CPC, ELI-MP], the co-founder of Trauma and Somatics, a 35hr practitioner training that teaches trauma-informed care and somatic interventions and practices to helping professionals around the world. 

Will talks about how to identify real credentials and steer clear of shady marketing in the trauma and somatics coaching world. At the end of the episode, Will shares some practical tips for tuning into your body and staying grounded—especially when the political and social climate is so full of fear and uncertainty.

Connect with Will Rezin and @traumaandsomatics on Instagram. You can view Trauma and Somatic’s Resources for Trauma Recovery, Growth, and Well-being here.

CHAPTERS

00:55 Meet Will Rezin: Trauma Educator and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner

10:21 The Rise of Trauma and Somatics in Coaching

30:11 Accreditation and Red Flags in Somatic Training

41:25 Navigating Uncertainty and Fear

57:49 Identifying Predatory Marketing in Trauma Space

01:02:55 Choosing the Right Trauma Practitioner

01:08:40 Upcoming Training and Community Resources

–

CONNECT WITH GBRF

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @girlbossredflags

Submit your Media Inquiries here

Mentioned in this episode:

Girl Boss Red Flags Disclaimer and Trigger Warning

Some of the topics that we talk about in this episode may be triggering or distressing. If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions at any point during listening, please do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Secondly, nothing that we discuss in this episode constitutes legal, medical, or professional mental health advice. We are not lawyers, we are not doctors, and we are not clinical mental health professionals. If you think that you or someone you know may have been scammed, please consult the relevant professionals so that you can get the advice that you need for your situation.

In the Season Two premiere of Girl Boss Red Flags, Erin and Tay reunite in Chicago to share their wild New Year's Eve experience and the importance of wearing underwear in the cold.

The episode discusses key trends for 2025, including regulatory changes, the mass exodus of coaches, and the impact of the results of the US Presidential Election on the online business industry. They emphasize their dedication to providing data-driven content and their upcoming projects, including a docuseries on the coaching industry's underbelly.

CHAPTERS

00:45 New Year's Eve Adventures

14:32 Reflecting on Secret Offers

18:46 Election Impact on Coaching Industry

24:18 Nostalgia and Critique of Modern Trends

28:21 FTC Regulations and Future Expectations

33:30 Coaching Industry Burnout and Exodus

38:20 AI in Coaching: New Standards and Ethics

42:34 Astrological Insights: Pluto in Aquarius

–

CONNECT WITH GBRF

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @girlbossredflags

Submit your Media Inquiries here

Mentioned in this episode:

Girl Boss Red Flags Disclaimer and Trigger Warning

Some of the topics that we talk about in this episode may be triggering or distressing. If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions at any point during listening, please do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Secondly, nothing that we discuss in this episode constitutes legal, medical, or professional mental health advice. We are not lawyers, we are not doctors, and we are not clinical mental health professionals. If you think that you or someone you know may have been scammed, please consult the relevant professionals so that you can get the advice that you need for your situation.

In this Season Finale of Girl Boss Red Flags, Erin and Tay reflect on their journey uncovering the dark side of the coaching industry. They’ve been stunned by the number of people who’ve reached out to share their stories of being scammed, and they’re not done yet! 

From unpaid wages to predatory coaching programs, this episode dives into the emotional and financial tolls these scams take on individuals and families. They also hint at exciting new projects, including a research study aimed at creating real change in the industry. 

–

CONNECT WITH GBRF

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @girlbossredflags

Submit your Media Inquiries here

Mentioned in this episode:

Girl Boss Red Flags Disclaimer and Trigger Warning

Some of the topics that we talk about in this episode may be triggering or distressing. If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions at any point during listening, please do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Secondly, nothing that we discuss in this episode constitutes legal, medical, or professional mental health advice. We are not lawyers, we are not doctors, and we are not clinical mental health professionals. If you think that you or someone you know may have been scammed, please consult the relevant professionals so that you can get the advice that you need for your situation.