*This episode mentions abusive relationships, thoughts of suicide and health claims. Please use discretion when listening.*

When you're already experiencing red flags, it's easy to miss the others as they fill up your space and for Kristin it was one thing after the other. From an abusive relationship, into an abusive MLM, a lot of warning signs were excused until the weight of it all was just too much and Kristin felt she had no other options. Luckily, a supportive sisterhood inside the scam helped her though and inadvertently helped her out.

Show Notes

D. Gary Young - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._Gary_Young

Brigham Young - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigham_Young

The United Order - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Order

FDA Warning Letter - https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/young-living-essential-oils-corporate-615777-06102022

YL Class Action - https://www.classaction.org/blog/no-medicinal-benefit-young-living-hit-with-class-action-challenging-essential-oil-health-benefit-claims

Out of MLM - https://outofmlm.info/

Cultish by Amanda Montell - https://amzn.to/3Q7owx9

Dr. Steven Hassan's BITE Model - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/

Ponzinomics by Robert L. FitzPatrick - https://amzn.to/3q16oJb

How can you help?

Report false income and health claims here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Or go to: https://www.truthinadvertising.org

You can also report to your state Attorney General's office! https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/

Not in the U.S.? Go here: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-authorities-worldwide

Support the Podcast!

Join the Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/robertablevins

Buy me a Taco and leave a note! 🌮💖 - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robertablevins

Follow on TikTok for Anti MLM content, education, and humor! - https://www.tiktok.com/@bertalikewhoa

Follow on Instagram for visual show notes, FAQ, and updates! - https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast/

Like on Facebook and join our show fan page to jump in on the conversation! - https://www.facebook.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast

*Some links may be affiliate links. When you purchase things from these links, I get a small commission that I use to buy us tacos.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*Content Warning* This episode deals with the human trafficking industry, please use discretion when listening.

Amanda was just a teenager when she left home to join a "Mag Crew", traveling across the country selling magazines door to door. Maybe you've encountered a Mag Crew at your own doorstep, peddling overpriced magazine subscriptions with sketchy looking "official" documents, claiming to be earning points for a savings bond or vacation. It seems harmless, but as Amanda tells us, it's anything but.

Show Notes

Follow Amanda - Facebook | Instagram | Website

For Youths, a Grim Tour on Magazine Crews - https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/21/us/21magcrew.html

Trapped into Selling Magazines Door-to-Door - https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/04/trapped-into-selling-magazines-door-to-door/388601/

Magazine Sales Enmesh Youths in Murky World - https://www.mcall.com/1984/06/17/magazine-sales-enmesh-youths-in-murky-world/

Ghost Fleet - https://amzn.to/3megx7C

Mag Crew Support Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/770393066349097

Everything Owned by Nestle - https://wyomingllcattorney.com/Blog/Everything-Owned-by-Nestle

Fair Trade America - https://www.fairtradeamerica.org/

International Labor Rights Forum - https://laborrights.org/

In Our Backyard - https://inourbackyard.org/

Out of MLM - https://outofmlm.info/

Cultish by Amanda Montell - https://amzn.to/3Q7owx9

Dr. Steven Hassan's BITE Model - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/

Ponzinomics by Robert L. FitzPatrick - https://amzn.to/3q16oJb

How can you help?

Report false income and health claims here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Or go to: https://www.truthinadvertising.org

You can also report to your state Attorney General's office! https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/

Not in the U.S.? Go here: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-authorities-worldwide

Support the Podcast!

Join the Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/robertablevins

Buy me a Taco and leave a note! 🌮💖 - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robertablevins

Follow on TikTok for Anti MLM content, education, and humor! - https://www.tiktok.com/@bertalikewhoa

Follow on Instagram for visual show notes, FAQ, and updates! - https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast/

Like on Facebook and join our show fan page to jump in on the conversation! - https://www.facebook.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast

*Some links may be affiliate links. When you purchase things from these links, I get a small commission that I use to buy us tacos.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily Lynn Paulson is back! And this time it's to talk about her book Hey, Hun Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing that comes out May 30th! In our chat we cover a lot of bases, including the process of writing and publishing a book with an "AntiMLM" message to the oddity of Parasocial relationships and how MLM is dripping in white supremacy.

Show Notes

Episode 101 - Emily Lynn Paulson - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-101-emily-paulson/id1553784236?i=1000559960572

MLM Conference Video - https://mlmconf2023.org/conference-videos/

Preorder Hey, Hun! - https://amzn.to/3KiXdiR

Row House Publishing - https://www.rowhousepublishing.com/

"I exploited my own cancer diagnosis to grow my MLM business" - https://www.today.com/money/essay/cancer-pity-grow-mlm-business-rcna67053

Out of MLM - https://outofmlm.info/

Cultish by Amanda Montell - https://amzn.to/3Q7owx9

Dr. Steven Hassan's BITE Model - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/

Ponzinomics by Robert L. FitzPatrick - https://amzn.to/3q16oJb

How can you help?

Report false income and health claims here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Or go to: https://www.truthinadvertising.org

You can also report to your state Attorney General's office! https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/

Not in the U.S.? Go here: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-authorities-worldwide

Support the Podcast!

Join the Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/robertablevins

Buy me a Taco and leave a note! 🌮💖 - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robertablevins

Follow on TikTok for Anti MLM content, education, and humor! - https://www.tiktok.com/@bertalikewhoa

Follow on Instagram for visual show notes, FAQ, and updates! - https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast/

Like on Facebook and join our show fan page to jump in on the conversation! - https://www.facebook.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast

*Some links may be affiliate links. When you purchase things from these links, I get a small commission that I use to buy us tacos.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Isaac Ramos was an overworked and underpaid teacher looking to supplement his income while caring for his chronically ill wife when Amway walked into their lives. As the "upline" in their marriage, Isaac dove head first into the American Way, duplicating what his Platinum kept saying was the way to millions in residual income. Through Isaac's perspective, we see the pressures of an Amway marriage with a different lens, and learn that nowhere is safe, not even the dog park.

Show Notes

Follow Eddie (Ep:42) on his journey through the Pacific Crest Trail! - https://pct.edwardarriola.net/

Married to an AmBot - http://marriedtoanambot.blogspot.com/

Peter Island - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Island

Out of MLM - https://outofmlm.info/

Cultish by Amanda Montell - https://amzn.to/3Q7owx9

Dr. Steven Hassan's BITE Model - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/

Ponzinomics by Robert L. FitzPatrick - https://amzn.to/3q16oJb

How can you help?

Report false income and health claims here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Or go to: https://www.truthinadvertising.org

You can also report to your state Attorney General's office! https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/

Not in the U.S.? Go here: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-authorities-worldwide

Support the Podcast!

Join the Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/robertablevins

Buy me a Taco and leave a note! 🌮💖 - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robertablevins

Follow on TikTok for Anti MLM content, education, and humor! - https://www.tiktok.com/@bertalikewhoa

Follow on Instagram for visual show notes, FAQ, and updates! - https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast/

Like on Facebook and join our show fan page to jump in on the conversation! - https://www.facebook.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast

*Some links may be affiliate links. When you purchase things from these links, I get a small commission that I use to buy us tacos.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family & County Mediator, Vanessa sees a lot. As another personal protection advocate on TikTok, she wanted to have a conversation. And in that conversation we covered a lot of topics; owning your own business, obvious lack in education, not-so-basic job knowledge, the military and the power of confidence.

Show Notes

Vanessa on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@divorcingadults

Divorcing Adults - https://www.divorcingadults.com/

National Domestic Violence Hotline

https://www.thehotline.org/

1-800-799-7233

Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline

https://childhelphotline.org/

1-800-422-4453

Out of MLM - https://outofmlm.info/

Cultish by Amanda Montell - https://amzn.to/3Q7owx9

Dr. Steven Hassan's BITE Model - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/

Ponzinomics by Robert L. FitzPatrick - https://amzn.to/3q16oJb

How can you help?

Report false income and health claims here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Or go to: https://www.truthinadvertising.org

You can also report to your state Attorney General's office! https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/

Not in the U.S.? Go here: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-authorities-worldwide

Support the Podcast!

Join the Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/robertablevins

Buy me a Taco and leave a note! 🌮💖 - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robertablevins

Follow on TikTok for Anti MLM content, education, and humor! - https://www.tiktok.com/@bertalikewhoa

Follow on Instagram for visual show notes, FAQ, and updates! - https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast/

Like on Facebook and join our show fan page to jump in on the conversation! - https://www.facebook.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast

*Some links may be affiliate links. When you purchase things from these links, I get a small commission that I use to buy us tacos.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cori was never in a MLM, but she got a front row seat to the circus of Amway when she met her soon-to-be in-laws and saw their basement. Throughout almost their entire marriage, Cori watched them struggle when they didn't have to, sacrificing everything they had for a dream that was only out of reach while funneling their money into Amway. Cori shares her story of watching the aftermath of putting your MLM before your family.

Show Notes

Amway : The Comments - https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Amway/AUS/commen39.htm

Amway Ruined my Childhood - https://www.reddit.com/r/antiMLM/comments/8wuyue/amway_ruined_my_childhood/

Amway : Technically Legal - https://medium.com/agastya-zayant/amway-multilevel-marketing-technically-legal-but-will-ruin-your-life-8d792c20e9d7

Out of MLM - https://outofmlm.info/

Cultish by Amanda Montell - https://amzn.to/3Q7owx9

Dr. Steven Hassan's BITE Model - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/

Ponzinomics by Robert L. FitzPatrick - https://amzn.to/3q16oJb

How can you help?

Report false income and health claims here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Or go to: https://www.truthinadvertising.org

You can also report to your state Attorney General's office! https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/

Not in the U.S.? Go here: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-authorities-worldwide

Support the Podcast!

Join the Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/robertablevins

Buy me a Taco and leave a note! 🌮💖 - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robertablevins

Follow on TikTok for Anti MLM content, education, and humor! - https://www.tiktok.com/@bertalikewhoa

Follow on Instagram for visual show notes, FAQ, and updates! - https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast/

Like on Facebook and join our show fan page to jump in on the conversation! - https://www.facebook.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast

*Some links may be affiliate links. When you purchase things from these links, I get a small commission that I use to buy us tacos.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eden Robinson had a confusing childhood; a closeted father, an abusive mother and a buried identity that almost everyone else could see but her. Slowly, as she started to unpack her own baggage, she had to confront some hard truths before unlearning all the shame she had been raised in. With the help of Pink!, Jillian Holtzman, and Jennette McCurdy, Eden found herself, her voice and her identity, and then she wrote it all down.

Show Notes

Becoming Shameless by Eden Robinson (Simchah) - https://amzn.to/3ZEucTz

What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo - https://amzn.to/3Yi05jB

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy - https://amzn.to/3yaKWGo

Out of MLM - https://outofmlm.info/

Cultish by Amanda Montell - https://amzn.to/3Q7owx9

Dr. Steven Hassan's BITE Model - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/

Ponzinomics by Robert L. FitzPatrick - https://amzn.to/3q16oJb

How can you help?

Report false income and health claims here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Or go to: https://www.truthinadvertising.org

You can also report to your state Attorney General's office! https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/

Not in the U.S.? Go here: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-authorities-worldwide

Support the Podcast!

Join the Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/robertablevins

Buy me a Taco and leave a note! 🌮💖 - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robertablevins

Follow on TikTok for Anti MLM content, education, and humor! - https://www.tiktok.com/@bertalikewhoa

Follow on Instagram for visual show notes, FAQ, and updates! - https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast/

Like on Facebook and join our show fan page to jump in on the conversation! - https://www.facebook.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast

*Some links may be affiliate links. When you purchase things from these links, I get a small commission that I use to buy us tacos.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a mom of special needs children, Savannah wanted to be the best advocate for them that she could be. She thought she was doing her research when she came upon a Special Needs advocate and educator who promised just that. Throughout her experience she started to notice some red flags; unnecessary conflict, tensions and a seemingly endless fight for what kinda looked like justice. But for who?

Show Notes

COPAA - https://www.copaa.org/

From Emotions to Advocacy -https://amzn.to/3SoKNs0

Wrightslaw - https://www.wrightslaw.com/

Beyond Behaviors - https://amzn.to/3kpqNsQ

The Council for Exceptional Children - https://exceptionalchildren.org/

Out of MLM - https://outofmlm.info/

Cultish by Amanda Montell - https://amzn.to/3Q7owx9

Dr. Steven Hassan's BITE Model - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/

Ponzinomics by Robert L. FitzPatrick - https://amzn.to/3q16oJb

How can you help?

Report false income and health claims here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Or go to: https://www.truthinadvertising.org

You can also report to your state Attorney General's office! https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/

Not in the U.S.? Go here: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-authorities-worldwide

Support the Podcast!

Join the Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/robertablevins

Buy me a Taco and leave a note! 🌮💖 - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robertablevins

Follow on TikTok for Anti MLM content, education, and humor! - https://www.tiktok.com/@bertalikewhoa

Follow on Instagram for visual show notes, FAQ, and updates! - https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast/

Like on Facebook and join our show fan page to jump in on the conversation! - https://www.facebook.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast

*Some links may be affiliate links. When you purchase things from these links, I get a small commission that I use to buy us tacos.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Hopper was introduced to pole fitness in the mid 2000's when she stumbled upon S Factor Studio and quickly became an instructor. Throughout her 14 years with the studio, Jessica witnessed countless abuses of power at the hand of the company's founder, Sheila Kelley. With compartmentalization and focusing on her students, Jessica trudged on until the company's reaction to the murder of George Floyd and the BLM movement couldn't keep her silent any longer.

Show Notes:

Stripped Down: The Undoing of Hollywood’s Favorite Pole-Dancing Studio - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hollywood-pole-dancing-studio-s-factor-allegations-1234961498/

A wildly popular pole dancing studio "irresponsibly preyed on women’s pain," a former instructor says - https://www.mic.com/life/the-s-factor-studio-is-facing-allegations-of-exploitation-racial-insensitivity-81080002

Not-So-Empowering: This Hollywood Pole Dance Studio Reportedly Caused 'Direct Harm' to BIPOC Women - https://www.theroot.com/not-so-empowering-this-hollywood-pole-dance-studio-rep-1847025002

Navigating the Cult-Like World of Fitness Classes, Self-Help Guides, and Groupthink - https://www.shondaland.com/live/body/a36832001/navigating-the-cult-world-fitness-self-help-groupthink/

Netflix's pole dance therapy film "Strip Down, Rise Up" exploits trauma & is fixated on male gaze - https://www.salon.com/2021/02/15/strip-down-rise-up-netflix-pole-dance-trauma-feminism/

Yes A Stripper Podcast - https://yesastripperpodcast.com/

Out of MLM - https://outofmlm.info/

Cultish by Amanda Montell - https://amzn.to/3Q7owx9

Dr. Steven Hassan's BITE Model - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/

Ponzinomics by Robert L. FitzPatrick - https://amzn.to/3q16oJb

How can you help?

Report false income and health claims here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Or go to: https://www.truthinadvertising.org

You can also report to your state Attorney General's office! https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/

Not in the U.S.? Go here: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-authorities-worldwide

Support the Podcast!

Join the Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/robertablevins

Buy me a Taco and leave a note! 🌮💖 - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robertablevins

Follow on TikTok for Anti MLM content, education, and humor! - https://www.tiktok.com/@bertalikewhoa

Follow on Instagram for visual show notes, FAQ, and updates! - https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast/

Like on Facebook and join our show fan page to jump in on the conversation! - https://www.facebook.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast

*Some links may be affiliate links. When you purchase things from these links, I get a small commission that I use to buy us tacos.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*TW: This episode talks about infertility, IVF, and Covid-19. Please use caution when listening.*

When Brandi joined Arbonne she had no idea what she was signing up for, she just wanted a way to pay for another round of IVF. Throughout her time in the MLM she was shamed, guilted, preyed upon and then had to answer to the FTC. Brandi shares what it was like to be "successful" in a health and wellness MLM at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, what she was told to say, how she was told to pray, and what incriminating evidence she was told to erase.

Show Notes:

17 Biggest MLM Companies in the World - https://www.yahoo.com/now/17-biggest-mlm-companies-world-144157353.html

r/AntiMLM : IVF & MLM - https://www.reddit.com/r/antiMLM/comments/bzfkng/sure_target_vulnerable_women_battling_with/

FTC Letters to Arbonne - https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/covid-19-letter_to_arbonne_international_llc.pdf

Cults, Cancer & Covid-19 - https://shityoushouldcareabout.com/article/arbonne

Out of MLM - https://outofmlm.info/

Cultish by Amanda Montell - https://amzn.to/3Q7owx9

Dr. Steven Hassan's BITE Model - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/

Ponzinomics by Robert L. FitzPatrick - https://amzn.to/3q16oJb

How can you help?

Report false income and health claims here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Or go to: https://www.truthinadvertising.org

You can also report to your state Attorney General's office! https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/

Not in the U.S.? Go here: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-authorities-worldwide

Support the Podcast!

Join the Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/robertablevins

Buy me a Taco and leave a note! 🌮💖 - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robertablevins

Follow on TikTok for Anti MLM content, education, and humor! - https://www.tiktok.com/@bertalikewhoa

Follow on Instagram for visual show notes, FAQ, and updates! - https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast/

Like on Facebook and join our show fan page to jump in on the conversation! - https://www.facebook.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast

*Some links may be affiliate links. When you purchase things from these links, I get a small commission that I use to buy us tacos.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices