Podcasts about LuLaRoe

NEW, Meri Brown addresses if she's still selling LuLaRoe leggings and her true feelings about the MLM. Plus, ICYMI, I share an update that I originally aired in December of 2024. In today's episode I get into some juicy Sister Wives drama, including Christine Brown Woolley's wedding dress fiasco and the supposed feud between Meri and Janelle Brown. We also explored some shocking true crime stories: the fake Rothschild who died in a house fire in LA and the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. We had a lively discussion with listeners about the high cost of healthcare and the implications of this tragic event. Stay tuned for tomorrow's episode where we'll discuss Dave Portnoy's unique relationship with his ex-wife. MY Go Big Podcasting Courses Are Here! Purchase Go Big Podcasting and learn to start, monetize, and grow your own podcast. USE CODE: Cyber10 for 10% OFF **SHOP my Amazon Marketplace - especially if you're looking to get geared-up to start your own Podcast!!!** https://www.amazon.com/shop/thesarahfrasershow Show is sponsored by: Head to acorns.com/tsfs or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today! Alomoves.com use code TSFS30 for only ninety-nine dollars with a thirty-day FREE trial. This is a limited time offer that ends January 31 Amazfit.com/tsfs are the best, most affordable, and long-lasting performance watches! Use code TSFS for 10% OFF Horizonfibroids.com get rid of those nasty fibroids MeetFabric.com/TSFS join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family. Apply today in just minutes Nutrafol.com use code TSFS for FREE shipping and $10 off your subscription Quince.com/tsfs for FREE shipping on your order and 365 day returns Follow me on Instagram/Tiktok: @thesarahfrasershow   ***Visit our Sub-Reddit: reddit.com/r/thesarahfrasershow for ALL things The Sarah Fraser Show!!!*** Advertise on The Sarah Fraser Show: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Got a juicy gossip TIP from your favorite TLC or Bravo show? Email: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am out of town, so here is a spooky Halloween bonus episode with some of the most heartbreaking MLM Horror Stories I found on Reddit, featuring some of our favorite MLMs to hate, Amway, Primerica, Mary Kay and LuLaRoe. If you'd like to dive deeper into these posts and read comments or updates, the source link is provided below, and let me know if you'd like more sourced stories as bonus episodes going forward! There are so many, and they all deserve a platform to be heard on. Show Notes r/antiMLM : MLM Horror Stories Out of MLM The BITE Model LAMLM Book Club MLM Dupes How can you help? MLM Change Report Fraud Truth in Advertising Report to your state Attorney General's office! Not in the U.S.? No Problem! Support the Podcast! Website | Patreon | Buy Me a Taco | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Discord | Merch! Life After MLM is produced by Roberta Blevins. Audio editing is done by the lovely Kayla Craven, video editing by the indescribable RK Gold, and Michelle Carpenter is our Triple Emerald Princess of Robots. Life After MLM is owned by Roberta Blevins 2024. Music : Abstract World by Alexi Action *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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.comIn today's episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe”, we are talking about the reason you should NOT be watching creators and brands most close to you in your niche. Even if you don't mean to copy them, it could happen even subconsciously. Instead, here are some methods you can use to find your own lane when posting on oversaturated apps like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and podcasting.At the end of the episode, I dive into my thoughts on two pop culture topics, which are below: * The “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” on Hulu* The VMA's: Katy Perry, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan + Addison RaeOnly paying members of the official Substack can listen to this portion of the podcast. Subscribe to the #AOTC Substack to listen to the pop culture portion of this podcast episode: coocmocoe.substack.com/podcastAdditional Source: “The allure of companies like Lularoe for LDS women” by Washington PostDo you want me to do a deep dive into “Steal Like an Artist” from Austin Kleon for an upcoming episode? Vote here: cocomocoe.substack.comAMAZON BOOK RECS:* “Steal like an Artist” Austin Kleon (9.69 for paperback)* “Big Magic” Elizabeth Gilbert (11.89 for paperback)* “The Creative Act” Rick Rubin (19.25 for hardcover)* “Swipe Up For More!” by Stephanie McNeal (23.29 for hardcover)Thank you for using my Amazon associate links above as I get a percentage of the sale“Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey.Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts - love you, coconuts.Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube!* IG: @cocomocoe* TT: @cocomocoe* YT: coco mocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.comSubscribe to the official Substack if you want to listen to the extended episode every week: cocomocoe.substack.com

I will be chatting about a mattress theory, Twin Flames,LuLaRoe and more.Find the stream on Nostr: https://zap.stream/npub17wmfr6m9y2p8jjzp8hsa53zl3hmc70n4hn3juydw4avjf256tscs4lt5f4 Check out the new NostrOnboarding video: https://youtu.be/UvSBPvYnNxMCheck out our new snail YTchannel: https://youtube.com/@TinyArmoredOnesWalk up to the cabin sitevideo: https://youtu.be/YL1g6yEjUvw Come to SRF this fall. Buy your tickets now and make it happen: https://selfreliancefestival.com/?aff=lotsproject Grab Paracord here at 10%off https://atwoodrope.com/LOTSPROJECTI recently acquired the Hardcover edition of "The DailyStoic". Join me in exploring this captivating book by grabbing your owncopy using the affiliate link below: https://amzn.to/48FZ2jm

In this episode, we explore the recent arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France and discuss the app's encryption claims. Is Telegram truly an encrypted messaging app? Joining the conversation is co-host Kevin Johnson, bringing his trademark opinions. We also talk about some intriguing documentaries, including ‘LulaRich' about the LuLaRoe leggings company and ‘Class […] The post Telegram is NOT an Encrypted Messaging App, Must-See Documentaries appeared first on Shared Security Podcast.

This one was like a sneaky “Designing Women” lesson to BOLO for pyramid schemes. If it happened this side of the 21st century, they would have been extracting Charlene from the grasps of some LulaRoe-esque company.  When we weren't trying to un-brainwash Charlene, we were watching Suzanne and Anthony grow closer over his run for homecoming representative.  We ended this one with an “Extra Sugar” about the darker side of pyramid schemes and their tactics eerie resemblance to cults. 

When it comes to MLMs (multi-level marketing) brands, Nicole is torn. She's heard some horror stories exposing an exploitative underbelly of MLMs, but she's also spoken firsthand to people who attribute all of their financial success and happiness to their work with MLMs. Today, Nicole hears from Roberta Blevins, who was once a seller for It Works! and LuLaRoe. Roberta shares her firsthand experience, and why she unequivocally believes MLMs are pyramid schemes. Find more of Roberta's work, and her podcast, here: https://robertablevins.com/ Originally aired 4/20/23

Episode content warning: cults, cultic behavior, multi-level marketing, MLMs, pyramid schemes, ponzi schemes, white collar crime, scams, and fraud. Roberta Blevins is a mom, business owner, consumer protection & victim advocate, and podcaster from Southern California. She began her professional life as a creative multi-hyphenate who juggled several different jobs and careers to provide for herself and her family. However, when she found out about LuLaRoe (a U.S.-based women's fashion company), she believed it would be the answer to her desire for simplification and success. Within a few years though, Roberta would realize - along with many other LuLaRoe business owners - that the company offered a much different reality. As a result, Roberta has gone on to share her experiences in the media - including the documentary LuLaRich, in her hit podcast Life After MLM, as well as in the courtroom for legal purposes. The Broken Cycle Media team is extremely grateful for Roberta's advocacy and awareness work, as well as everything she shares with our audience today.  Roberta's website https://robertablevins.com/ Roberta's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/therealrobertablevins Life After MLM http://lifeaftermlmpod.com WA Office of Attorney General on LuLaRoe Settlement https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/lularoe-pay-475-million-resolve-ag-ferguson-s-lawsuit-over-pyramid-scheme Amazon's LuLaRich https://www.amazon.com/LuLaRich-Season-1/dp/B09CFXPNSX FTC on MLM & Pyramid Scheme Profits https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/public_comments/trade-regulation-rule-disclosure-requirements-and-prohibitions-concerning-business-opportunities-ftc.r511993-00004%C2%A0/00004-57286.pdf If you believe you or a loved one have been a victim of financial fraud or unethical business practices, please visit the FTC website at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ to make a claim. For a list of other non-profit organizations and resources, please visit http://www/somethingwaswrong.com/resources

This week, Amanda Montell (linguist and bestselling author of Cultish) is back on the pod for the first time since the LuLaRoe deep dive. This time, they're discussing Amanda's new book (out April 9) called The Age of Magical Overthinking, which explores our cognitive biases and the power, disadvantages, and highlights of magical thinking. Broadly defined as the belief that one's internal thoughts can affect unrelated events in the external world, the book (and this episode) examines topics like celebrity worship, manifesting babes, therapy speak, toxic relationships, weaponized nostalgia, conspiracy theories, and other categories where our inner mental gymnasts are doing the most to justify our behavior. Enjoy!SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOrder Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here!Right now, BÉIS (base) is offering our listeners 15% off your first purchase by visiting BEISTRAVEL.com/BETHEREINFIVE. Go to BEISTRAVEL.com/BETHEREINFIVE for 15% off your first purchase.Get 20% off your first order when you go to LIQUID-IV.COM and use code BETHEREINFIVE at checkout. That's 20% off your first order when you shop better hydration today using promo code BETHEREINFIVE at LIQUID-IV.COM.Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code BETHEREINFIVE at OSEAMalibu.com. You'll get free samples with every order, and free shipping on orders over $60.Get 25% off your first month for a limited time at ritual.com/BETHEREINFIVE. Start Ritual or add HyaCera to your subscription today. That's ritual.com/BETHEREINFIVE for 25% off.

In part two with former LuLaRoe seller, Roberta Blevins, they discuss everything about LuLaRoe's founder DeAnne Brady and her family, the mother figure role DeAnne provided in Roberta's life, dealing with toxic positivity, and a thorough list of MLM red flags to look out for. Plus, how Roberta finally realized that she was in a cult and how starting her own podcast helped with her recovery. Trust Me is sponsored by Prose hair care! Get your FREE consultation and 50% off at Prose.com/trust

In part one with former LuLaRoe seller and Life After MLM podcast host, Roberta Blevins, she'll share how she first got involved in MLMS, what LuLaRoe was like, what the deal was with the wet smelly leggings, and what made realize that she did not want to be a part of MLM life anymore. We'll discuss how MLMs make good people act badly, what "huns" and "megahuns" are, and where the line is between incompetence and knowingly engaging in harmful practices. Check out our great sponsors!!! Quince: Indulge in affordable luxury! Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/trustme June's Journey: Discover your inner detective when you download June's Journey for free today on iOS and Android.

First of all, what the hell is going on with culty leggings companies that have too many Ls in their brand name: LuLaRoe, Lululemon... sounds like a conspiracy!!! Anyway, after many long years of listener requesting this topic, Sounds Like A Cult is finally diving into the spandex heart of darkness that is Lululemon. With the help of special guest hosts Taz and Marah, the ridiculously charming voices behind the Sistas Who Kill podcast, host Amanda is unraveling how this bougie "It Girl" athleisure empire stretches beyond mere clothing into a full-blown lifestyle, complete with dogmas, devotees, and even a murder??? Yep, the true crime girlies already know. Oooof, this tale is banaynays—we hope you enjoy our culty analysis of it! Get your tickets now to Amanda's live tour, The Big Magical Cult Show, feat. Kelsey from Normal Gossip, Ceara & Griff from Petty Crimes, drag burlesque, musical guests, merch, and more! To preorder a signed and personalized copy of Amanda's new book, The Age of Magical Overthinking, click here :) For book BTS, news about her forthcoming Magical Overthinkers podcast, and more, consider subscribing to her newsletter! Follow @soundslikeacultpod @amanda_montell Thank you to our sponsors! Head to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you're ready to launch, go to https://www.squarespace.com/CULT to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Shop SKIMS Bras at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. Visit BetterHelp.com/CULT today to get 10% off your first month. Further reading! Business of Fashion: At Lululemon, Being Black Is ‘Off-Brand' by Sheena Butler Young: https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/workplace-talent/lululemon-diversity-and-inclusion-2023/ HuffPost: What the F*ck Was LuluLemon Thinking by Caroline Gregoir: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-the-fck-was-lululemon-thinking_b_4138754 Business Insider: 12 Utterly Bizarre Facts About The Rise Of Lululemon, The Cult-Like Yoga Brand by Jim Edwards: https://www.businessinsider.com/12-utterly-bizarre-facts-about-the-rise-of-lululemon-2012-4#the-founder-is-an-ayn-rand-fan-and-the-company-takes-its-values-from-atlas-shrugged-1 Business Insider: Some Lululemon retail employees say there is an environment of 'toxic positivity,' where workers feel pressure to share personal information with managers and constant feedback can feel like bullying by Caroline Hroncich and May Teng: https://www.businessinsider.com/lululemon-retail-employees-describe-toxic-culture-2021-3 Salon: Yoga, spinning and a murder: My strange months at Lululemon by Mary Mann: https://www.salon.com/2013/12/31/yoga_spinning_and_a_murder_my_strange_months_at_lululemon/

Welcome back to Analyze Scripts, where a psychiatrist and a therapist analyze what Hollywood gets right and wrong about mental health. Today, we are covering two popular documentaries that have recently been getting a lot of attention, "Escaping Twin Flames" on Netflix and "Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God" on Max. We discuss how cults prey on vulnerable people, some red flags to look out for and discuss similarities between these two cults as well as others. We hope you enjoy! Psychology Today Article Instagram Youtube TikTok Website Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Hi, I'm Dr. Katrina Furey, a psychiatrist. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: And I'm Portia Pendleton, a licensed clinical social worker. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: And this is analyze scripts, a podcast where two shrinks analyze the depiction of mental health in movies and tv shows. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Our hope is that you learn some legit info about mental health while feeling like you're chatting with your girlfriends. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: There is so much misinformation out there, and it drives us nuts. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: And if someday we pay off our student loans or land a sponsorship, like. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: With a lay flat airline or a major beauty brand, even better. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: So sit back, relax, grab some popcorn. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: And your DSM five, and enjoy. Welcome back to another episode of analyze scripts. We are doing something a little bit different today. Usually we focus on fictional tv shows and movies, but we have decided to take a stand against cults. And we have decided that we will make an exception and talk about cults when they're in the media, because they are honestly just so atrocious. So we're going to try to walk a really fine line here and still be ethical. We're not trying to analyze anyone specifically in terms of the people that are talked about and the two documentaries we're going to be talking about today. But we want to use this material to talk more broadly about cults in general, again, because it is really pervasive, it's really dangerous, it's heartbreaking, and we see it a lot in the media, but there's still so much confusion about it. So, again, if you want to hear more, you can also revisit one of our older episodes about yellow jackets season two with Dr. Jesse Gold. We talk a lot about Lottie's cult. And so, basically today what we're going to do is I watched a documentary about a cult. Portia watched a different documentary about the cult. A different cult. And we didn't watch each other's documentaries. And we're going to tell each other about the different cults. Right? Did I explain that? Yeah. Okay, so do you want me to get started, or do you want to get started? Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Portia, why don't you intro yours and get started? Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Yeah, not my cult, but the cult. Too short. Okay, so I'm going to be referring to a recent Netflix documentary called escaping Twin Flames. I think that's what it's called. It was only about three episodes. They're about an hour long each. Interestingly, I watched them on an airplane when we were flying down to Disney World. So it was like an interesting juxtaposition, like going to the happiest place on earth and then watching all of this sadness and heartbreak and intensity sitting next to my children. It's interesting. This documentary follows an organization which obviously they don't call themselves a cult, but they have some experts kind of weighing in who do call it a cult, or also a high control group is like another phrase used to describe cults these days. And basically it's run by these two people, Jeff and Shalia, who I was just looking up their Wikipedia before we got started, Portia. And they both have had different names throughout their lives, according to Wikipedia, which I just think is interesting. And they run something called the Twin Flames University. I had never heard of twin flames until Megan Fox and machine gun Kelly. Right. Like, weren't they all about twin flames? Had you heard of this before? A little. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Like, it's like an extra. Like, that was my understanding of what. Or, like, not an extra, a soulmate to the right. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Right. Yeah. So I again looked it up on Wikipedia, because doctors use Wikipedia, too. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Did you donate? Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: No, it's Christmas time. I'm a little stressed. But basically, according to Wikipedia, it says, the term twin flames was coined by the english novelist Marie Corelli in her novel of romance of two worlds. And since then, it has sort of evolved into a lot of new age spiritualism. Kind of focuses on twin flames. It's kind of like, it's my understanding it's like your soulmate, but even greater than that. So it's almost like meeting your counterpart and that you have to find each other in order to both achieve your full potential. That's kind of what it is. And then I guess these two folks started this twin flames university where you could take classes about bettering yourself and finding your twin flame. And again, like we talked about in our yellow jackets documentary, always be very careful when someone calls themselves a guru. Someday we'll have merch that has that slogan on it. Right. But just always be careful. And I was looking, and their class that they sold was over $4,000. That's a lot of money. A lot. But again, I see this. I don't know if you see it in people you're treating or evaluating, but I see a lot of people coming to me who are paying a lot of money out of pocket. They don't take insurance. They're also not advertising themselves as clinicians. They might advertise themselves as, quote unquote, life coaches or a coach of some kind, but you can charge whatever you want for whatever you're selling. And it's just interesting to me how some people get hooked and some people charge so much money. Anyway, what the premise of the documentary, Portia, is, is know. So these two people start this twin flames university, and they kind of use themselves as, like, we found our twin flame and this is how we did it. And look at how successful we are and how happy we are and stuff. And then people start joining, and it kind of becomes. I feel like they always become these MLM type things, right? Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Yeah. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Where it's like you buy in and then you become the teacher. Did you watch that documentary about the Nexium cult? Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Not that one, but Portia, I think I did the Lululemon. Not Lululemon, the Lula Rowe similar. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: So the nextium was really good. Also, like, heartbreaking and awful, but it's a really good expose about typical cult psychology. But again, it's like we are up here on a pedestal. Typically, cult leaders are like, malignant narcissists who want to be idealized, and they want people to obey them no matter what. And they have this sociopathic flair to them. Again, I'm not analyzing anyone specifically or individually. I'm just talking about, in general, what we see. They have this sociopathic flare where, again, they kind of get off or get a rush from controlling people. So those tend to be the people at the top of a cult, and then below are people who are vulnerable to this type of influence. And I think that's where the psychology is really fascinating. Like, how do people get hooked and kind of. It's not always like someone waiting on the end of the road, like, hey, come sign up for my cult. No one would do it. Right? So it tends to be people who are vulnerable in some way. Whether there's been a history of trauma, I would say really common. If there's developmental or intellectual disability, if there is some type of mental illness that can be exploited. Like, I remember in my training, a colleague of mine was treating a patient with psychosis who was getting sucked into these cults. And for someone like that who's already struggling to tell reality from not reality, you can see why you're vulnerable to this. And other times, I think you can just think of it as an unclear sense of self, like someone who maybe is feeling a little lost or who's looking to feel connection or community or love. I think those types of people might be more apt to, I don't know, just, I guess, feel, like, enticed by someone saying, I have all the answers. Look how great my life is. Like, you can have this, too. If you pay me $100 million and do everything I say and change everything about yourself, isn't that great? I think people who have a really strong sense of self, who have more of a secure attachment style, probably will sniff out the bs and turn away and not be as easily manipulated as other people who maybe are struggling with that. I don't know. What do you think? Portia Pendleton, LCSW: I think that's pretty true. I mean, I think a generalization would be that people who tend to kind of fall into cults or even like mlms, it's like you're looking for something and then this organization is promising to deliver, and then there's this added layer of like, you're a family. And obviously that feels really strong in a cult as we know it. And then also we do see that show up in Lularoe and your team and your girl boss thing. So it can be obviously different levels of it, but totally. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: I found a really interesting article that we're going to link to in our show notes because we know how to do that now on psychology today, that really explains cults, written by Stephen Hassan, a PhD I thought was like a really good, easy to digest description. And they also say you can see these dynamics not just in cults, but you can see it in mlms, you can see it in religious organizations, you can see it in schools, you can see it in families, you can see it in the workplace. Again, it's not like this phenomenon is unique to cults. I think it's just from the outside. Like when you're watching a documentary like this, you're just like, what? How on earth did these people stick around? And it's because it's so insidious and slow, right? Like we're seeing it in a three hour documentary. This has been going on for years. I think these people started this organization like 2007. It doesn't happen overnight, right? So usually the leader is really charming and charismatic and captivating in some way, but then there's a lot of nefarious things going on underneath. So we'll link to that because it's really interesting. And I think it's important just to note that these dynamics exist other places. And that's one reason we want to talk about it again, to sort of help educate and push out some information. So I guess with this one, with the twin Flames university. So again, the whole goal is like, sign up for this class. You'll become self actualized. I feel like that's another thing. All these cults sort of advertise like, you'll be your best self, and then that's confusing. Because I feel like Weight Watchers advertise this, too, and other types of self help advertise that. So how do you draw the line? But then you pay for this. And then as this documentary goes on, Portia, you meet different characters in it, and you meet, like, there was one. I was trying to just look up their names again really quick. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: So is this online mostly, like, the university? Like, I could sign up and take the class. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: You could go right now. I went to the website, actually, to see if it's still there. And it is. So it is online. And then they started having in person meetups, which I think once you do that, then those connections are even stronger. Right? Like, now you're seeing each other in person, and it's like, this is our community. This is our. He did, the leader, Jeff did have a goal of eventually having an actual community. Like, we're all going to move to this place. I don't know if that ever happened or not, but so we meet a lot of different people involved. And one person involved that really struck me was this young girl named Marley. I think she was in her late teens when she got involved. And again, I feel like that's, like, the perfect person who's susceptible. Like a 17 year old with an Internet connection. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: You're really figuring out who you are. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Right, exactly. You don't have a fully formed identity yet because you're so young and you're just trying to figure it out. And we don't know anything about her background, so I'm not going to speculate, but basically, she was super young going to these classes. I don't know how she's paying for it. I'm not sure. And then what really struck me is basically, like, jeff and Shalia, the leaders would tell their participants, like, we know who your twin flame is. So, like, once you're self actualized enough, we'll let you know. Or we're going to help make the map. Yes, exactly. Like this ultimate puppeteer, right? This ultimate. And, like, they showed this scene where they were at the in person meetup, and they're all meeting for the first time, and they're talking to Marley and saying, like, well, is there anyone special in your life? Right? You know, they're showing this stuff, and somehow they have footage of it in real, like, they have the old footage. So someone was, like, filming all this, but then they're also showing Marley, like, present day, reflecting on the experience, and they're asking her, is there anyone special in your life right now? And she's kind of shy because she's like a kid and like, well, not really. And then Jeff's pushing her, like, are you sure? Are you sure? Sort of like, suggesting, like, he knows. And then she says, like, well, this guy has been texting me. And he's like, oh, that's it. That's it. This random guy who's texting her, and then that's her twin flame. Over time, she starts having a relationship with this guy. She moves in with him when she's really young. I can't remember the age difference, but there was a pretty significant gap. Not like 20 years, but maybe somewhere between five to ten years. And he had a criminal past. He was doing a lot of drugs. That's all we know. We don't know if there's any other trauma going on in the home as they're living together. I wouldn't be surprised if there was. And it just broke my heart that this young girl gets sucked in to thinking this is the person she's supposed to love, right? And you're just so brainwashed by it. So that was really captivating and sad. And then the other things that we see in the twin flames universe is we see a woman named Keeley, who's a key character in the documentary because she got in early and became, like, one of the teachers. So she was someone who was know. Jeff and Shalia are here. She's like the next level and trying to train other people. And how do you do the classes and stuff? And by the way, all these people are working for free. No one's getting paid. Eventually, Jeff and Shalia somehow incorporate to be a religion so that they don't have to pay taxes. And it's just like, again, all of this stuff is messy and very classic for so. But what's interesting about Keely in this documentary is that she comes in, she finds her twin flame very early on and is sort of put on this pedestal of the ultimate example of, like, look, it's not just us, Jeff and Shalia, who found our true love. These people also did using our methods, and now they can teach you. So they're like the ultimate teachers. And over time, she starts to kind of doubt what's going on. She eventually leaves, and you really see her grapple with the shame and guilt of what she did while she was part of the cult. And there's a scene at the end where she meets another former cult member who she used to be, like, the teacher of and would really push to do unhealthy things. And they just have this moment, this conversation where she's so genuinely apologetic, and it's really heartbreaking. You really see how that whole thing about how someone who's been abused becomes an abuser, and it's really heartbreaking to witness. So she's a really compelling character. And then the cherry on top of this awful Sunday, Portia, is that. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Just nervous. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: I know. You should be like, hold on tight. So as if all of this wasn't bad enough, as they know, Jeff and shalia start morphing their teachings to include that everyone is either a divine masculine or a divine feminine. Okay? So they're saying you're either a divine masculine or a divine feminine. You don't have both characteristics of both. And you have to find, like, if you're a divine, if you are a divine feminine, you have to define your divine masculine and vice versa. Like, two divine feminines, two divine masculines can't be together. Okay? So then they start telling people whether they are a divine masculine or feminine, whether or not that matches with that individual's own sense of their gender, okay? And it's also not based on the person's outwardly appearing gender. So they're not telling all the outwardly appearing girls you're defined feminine, and all the outwardly appearing males, you are divine masculine. The reason why is because they had way more women as students than men. So I think they started running out of men to pair with people. Honestly, it seems like. So they started telling certain women, like, you are a divine masculine, and this divine feminine is your twin flame. You need to be in a relationship with them. And some of these people now who are being interviewed are like, I'm not attracted this person. I don't feel like I'm trans or anything like that. In Portia, it goes so far that some of the people got top surgery. I know. And so abuse 100% across the board. This is why I feel like we can make the exception and talk about cult like this, because it is so atrocious. It's like a human rights violation, I feel like. And what I really liked about this documentary, actually, is that. And I was, like, talking about this just socially with some of my friends who aren't in the mental health field. And they agreed that they really appreciated how in this documentary, they had someone who is, I forget exactly what their title was, but they work at, like, a university and gender studies and do a lot of advocacy for transgender rights and things like that. And they very clearly said, this actually is anti trans. Like, twin flames university is advertising itself as pro. Like, we support this. We'll support you when no one else in your family does. We'll support you getting your surgery and things like that. But they're like, this is actually completely anti trans because you are telling someone what they are and how their body should look, and you don't care if that matches their own inner experience. Right? And that is like, bad. So bad. And so this documentary does follow a couple of people in particular who ended up getting surgeries. And one of the most heartbreaking scenes is when they follow a group of mothers who have been disconnected from their children, who have joined this cult. And one of them is watching her daughter talk about getting top surgery because she was told she's a divine, masculine, and it's just so heartbreaking to see. And then the other two pieces of the documentary that just blew my mind were at the beginning, they advertised having, and there was a psychologist involved, okay? Like someone with real training. They advertised having some sort of treatment for PTSD, of all things. And I just think that is disgusting. It is egregious. It should be reportable to whatever medical or psychology board this person is licensed by because they're advertising like, we have this treatment. And really they're just like indoctrinating people. And so that was really disgusting to me. And the last thing I wanted to tell you about was we saw one of these moms as she's talking to the camera about basically her child cut her off. And she keeps trying to reach out. She's not hearing back, but she keeps trying. And I feel like that's a message I want to get out is like, if you have someone you love in one of these cults or high control groups, just keep reaching out, even if you're getting nothing back, because you just have to keep that thread of attachment going so that when the person is hopefully ready at some point to leave, they know you're still there. So this mom kept reaching out, kept reaching out even though she wasn't getting anything back. And then as she's talking to the camera, her child text messages her. And you see her very genuine reaction, just like. And all the text said was like, mom, it's me. I need help getting out of this relationship. And she's just like, I just got chills trying to tell you about it because it's so moving and it's so sad. And you see just such a genuine reaction of her saying, like, oh, my God, she got back to me. I want to say something, but I don't want to push her away. I want to keep this going, but I don't want it to be too much like what do I way? And then you see her telling the other moms that she heard from her child and how they're supporting each other. Oh my God. It's really intense. And I would say this documentary is very hard to watch because you really see how so many people have been exploited and traumatized and how they're trying to pick up the pieces and how there's still so many people in it. But I think it really speaks to cults and kind of what it's like. And I feel like twin flames to me always sounded like ludicrous. It just sounds like something that's so ludicrous. But I think that's also an important point is that to some people it's not ludicrous. Yeah. And it just depends on what you're searching for. Right. Whether it's like love or a family or money for MLM schemes. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Right. So that key part, I think in your cult and that what you not. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Dr. Fairy's cult, I do not have one. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: I am not a guru. Right. So in love has won, which I watched, which is on HBO or Max, three parts, 3 hours. It sounds like there's a lot of people who are in general prior to joining are kind of like anti establishment. Some the government isn't working for us anymore, which a lot of people feel that way. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Exactly. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: So there's these know, I think sometimes really normal thoughts or feelings somebody could have. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: And then it's like the kind of. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Takes that and it's like, oh, yeah. So like we also believe this. And then they kind of continue to pull you in. I think we saw that a little bit with QAnon stuff. It's like some of what I'm sure they had out there is pretty believable. So that kind of draws the person to do more research and then all of a sudden you're in a cold. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Right. And again, it's like, I feel like it's certain types of people who are going to keep getting sucked in. And the leaders have an uncanny ability to sniff that out and they know who they can manipulate and exploit, right. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: No, totally. So speaking of that. So Amy Carlson or mother God. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Oh, mother God. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Or mother Earth or divine mother was a young, I'd say attractive woman who had three husbands and some children who she ended up leaving all for her own kind of spiritual journey. So her mother and sister describe her as being really charismatic. She worked at McDonald's and was kind of immediately, like in a leadership role, she was constantly being promoted. Her team loved her. She had this way with people. During that time, she was with a partner, and she had several children, et cetera. So then she starts to kind of join these online chat groups, which I feel like is a pretty common start to the depths of the Internet. So she started with spiritual singles, and she ended up meeting this man who was much, much older than her, or at least he appears much older than her on lightworkers.org. So they were, like, messaging back and forth. It's basically just people who are, I would imagine, interested in spirituality, and you can chat with each other about the divine and mutually interesting things. So she meets Amorith White Eagle, and she ends up meeting him. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: What's that name again? Portia Pendleton, LCSW: So it's amorous white eagle. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Is this person, like, indigenous? Portia Pendleton, LCSW: I don't know. Okay, so this all kind of then takes place in the Pacific Northwest, it appears Colorado, Oregon, kind of back and forth. So she meets him. They end up getting married. I'm not sure if it's a legal marriage or they just have a ceremony, and they start putting their message out online. So they're interviewing him. He appears, I don't know, like, 70, and she's, like, 30. But funnily, that is. She, though, seems like she's running the show still. So he's very peace and love, and he's kind of going along with whatever she's saying. So she wants to put more on social media. He's like, okay. And then she ends up leaving him eventually, I think, like, after a year, to kind of start an organization with people that she also met online who are then more close in age to her. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Did she use his money or something? Portia Pendleton, LCSW: No, it seemed kind of like they lived in nature. He didn't really have much. He seems like this is an opinion, like, sweet. Like, just like a hippie. Like, living on the land. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: New ag. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Yeah. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Okay. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: And so she then he, like, compost. Yeah, totally compost. She takes that and runs with. She gets. She meets this guy who she, um. So this is a big kind of part of her. So she heals him of cancer. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: They always are healing people of cancer. Jeff and Shalia said they could do that, too, by the way. And they also call themselves the divine father and the divine mother. And they went through ivf to have a daughter who's the defined daughter, and I worry for her. But sidebar. Anyone who's calling themselves divine father or mother, run away. Run away. Yeah. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: And that always seems to be a theme of healing people. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Yes. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: So he comes to live with her, works with her, and then there's this other person who comes in who then becomes, like, the second father God, who he appears to not be in the cult anymore as he's being interviewed for the show. So he kind of has, like, a different stance than everyone else who is interviewed who appear to still really believe some of her messages. So this is not even the crux of the story. So she gathers these group of people who they talk about have pretty significant trauma histories, and then these beliefs come out where. So they believe that they are being led by, like, Robert Williams, St. Germain. Most of these people who are deceased, there's only one living person who is Donald Trump. So they have this board with all of their pictures, and she's constantly getting messages from Robin Williams and has been. So she's God who's billions of years old. She has been Marilyn Monroe, she has been Cleopatra. She's been all of these kind of famous women throughout history who've done different things. So I was like, you're Marilyn Monroe and you're like Joan of. Oh, okay. They're just different. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Like reincarnation or something. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Only for her, it's not. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Ultimate exception. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Yeah, so Robin Williams is telling know, I'm kind of skipping some things, but basically that she needs to be at a really low weight to be picked up by the starships. So she starts restricting her food intake, which is just interesting because that's what I do in my private practice. I was like, oh, here we go. And to be, like, 103 pounds, she has to be under 103 in order to be picked up. So other people in the group as well start restricting nutrition. The lighter you are, the higher frequencies you can tolerate. So they also believe that marijuana and alcohol are, like, tools of healing if used appropriately, which they do say, which I was like, okay. But apparently her use of alcohol combined with her food restriction seems to lead to her downfall. So she gets really sick, like, pancreatitis. I think her liver is failing, probably. And so she's very small. They go to Hawaii to try to heal her. She gets Kauai. They get literally driven out of Kauai by the people who live there because she is now saying that she is, and I'm not remembering it at the time, but she's like, there this goddess that they believe in, and she's saying that she's that person or that spiritual leader, and they're like, no, you're not. That's really disrespectful. So they leave Kauai go back to Colorado, and she's dying. And meanwhile, this whole time they're trying to save her, and she's ingesting high levels of colonial. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Oh, just try to heal her. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Quote unquote. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Yeah, okay. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: And so she ends up passing away. And meanwhile, her family, before this, has put her on Dr. Phil to try to point out that she's a cult. Dr. Phil is involved. It doesn't work. She presents as just, I'm really spiritual and not giving culty vibes at all. Doesn't do anything. Meanwhile, they interview her daughter, who's just sad watching it. She feels abandoned by her mom. So Amy dies, and they are convinced, per her, that she is going to be picked up by the starships. So they have her body at home, or it happens in a hotel, and they are, like, holding up these freak. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: These. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: They use them in the ghost stories where you hold up this instrument and, oh, the thing goes crazy. The frequency. So they're, like, holding it up to her dead body. Meanwhile, all of this, they have filmed. They've filmed and written down everything that she's ever done. She sleeps five times. She did this because she's God. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: And so they have a dead body. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: With them for a week, like a week or two. They end up leaving the hotel because people are really confused and concerned. They go back to the house in Colorado. The police end up coming. She's modified. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Yeah, that's what. Oh, my God. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: And it was never taken. And they still kind of were saying that they believe to this day that we are so curious what her autopsy showed. She has three hearts. I'm sure all the medical people were blown away and everyone still believe it. To kind of branch off and do something with spirituality. Again, it was a pretty small cult. There was, like twelve to 20 active members who were living there. Then again, they made over $350,000 that one of the members then stole after she died and took because all of it was in his name. Because there's always a theme of money, greed, power in a cult, in my experience. So I think we saw all of the key themes of a person with a really unique ability to have charisma and charm. It just seems like there's always common themes with cults which we see over and over again. And I think really what I was keeping in mind while watching this documentary is there can be such a fine line between spirituality and just having different beliefs that maybe are not mainstream, and that's okay. But there becomes this little line that gets crossed where there's like abuse and someone taking advantage over someone else. And it's like that, to me, is really the difference between anything you want to believe in or do or how you want to live. But when you're harming others or being harmed, it's like that's when it's not. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Okay. Right. And I think I had a friend recently ask me, how do you tell the difference between someone who's psychotic and someone who is running a cult but not psychotic? So the woman you were just describing to me, Portia, the mother God person, sounds like she may have had elements of both, which is possible, although I would imagine, although I don't know for sure, more rare. But again, I would say people who are cult leaders tend to meet criteria for what we call malignant narcissism. So, again, as we talk about with narcissistic personality disorder, they really elevate themselves into this God role. They believe God is talking to them, but then they also take advantage of other people, whereas I think someone who is just struggling with a psychotic disorder, who may have religious delusions, again, they might also believe that God is talking to them, but then they're not using that to their advantage and exploiting people to make money or for sex or some other kind of secondary gain. So I think that's something important to note. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Yeah, no, I would agree. It's so hard. And I think we should, like you said, create some merch. We need, like, a clear checklist to ask yourself to disseminate to everyone. Like, is this a cult or not? Where are the red flags? Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Seriously? Seriously. Again, I would say be very wary of anyone calling themselves a guru or using words like that who doesn't have the applicable training or credentials. That even goes, I think, for getting medical advice online, like on Instagram and TikTok, be really cautious and look into what is this person's credentials? Are they really qualified to be telling me these things? Be mindful of how much are they charging? What are you getting from it when they're charging you? And what does your gut tell you? If your gut red flags are going off, you got to listen. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Yeah, that's a good one. I like the part about the cost, because things should feel balanced. If you're getting a worksheet or if I'm paying an insurance via insurance for therapy and I'm paying, I don't know, it can be anywhere from 90 to 150, depending on an insurance rate, for an hour. And that person is credentialed. Right. If you take insurance, you have to be a certain quality of practitioner. And so if you're seeing someone who's like a guru or a coach and you're paying privately and they do not have the credentials, and I'm paying maybe $800 for an hour sessions, it's like. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: That just feels off. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: And I'm not talking about private pay or for someone who does have credentials, but if you can get therapy from a certified, licensed practitioner that generally, sometimes insurance covers, sometimes it doesn't, for around $100, depending where you are and someone, a coach is asking for hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars, that just feels off. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Right. And that is a theme we've seen, at least in these two documentaries we're talking about today, is the cost of the classes or whatever it is you're buying seems exorbitant. I mean, like at twin Flames University, I read they were charging $4,000. That's crazy. That's really a lot of money. So you really just have to be mindful of what are you getting out of it. And as soon as you start to get a whiff of someone trying to change who you are or someone trying to convince you that they know you better than you know yourself, huge red flag. Run away. If you're feeling devalued around them and they're always putting themselves on a pedestal. Run away. If everyone's fawning over them and the people who bring up a criticism or have a question get ostracized. Run away. Run away. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Yeah, that's a good point. That's on the sweatshirt. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Run away. Yeah. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: So you can find both of these documentaries. One of them, the one Katrina watched, twin flames, is on Netflix. And then the one that I watched, love has won, is on Max, both short kind of docuseries, which I loved that it wasn't 8 hours. Both sad and just the after effects are sad. And cults obviously can be so dangerous and abusive. There's many practitioners out there who specialize with treatment of people who have been in a. If you're. If you have more interest in it, like Katrina is going to link that psychology today article and then know, I think our biggest theme is please reach out. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Right. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: So in the one I watched, there was a mother who continuously was kind of getting police involvement and calling her daughter and contacting her, and they ended up reuniting at the end. And just as painful as it is, please don't give up. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Don't give up. Don't give up. Yeah, that's a big theme I want to get across, too. And we'll keep covering cults I think moving forward, again, we want to be mindful and be really clear. We're not analyzing any one person in particular. We're just using this media to talk about this phenomenon in more detail because it is so dangerous and so many people are getting hurt by these things. And I would imagine like coming out of COVID with so much more happening, think, you know, it's reaching more people these days, like cults, and all you need know, you can be in a cult of one. It doesn't have to be huge. So that's another thing to keep in mind is these dynamics can play out in smaller communities, smaller relationships, even within families. So we're hoping to try to shed some light on these toxic dynamics so you can protect yourself totally. Portia Pendleton, LCSW: Well, thank you for joining us today, and we look forward to catching up with you next time as we cover another movie or tv show. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: Yeah, and find us on TikTok and Instagram and YouTube at Analyze Scripts podcast. Please rate, review, and subscribe and let us know what you think. And let us know what you'd like to hear us cover. Next. Bye bye. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: This podcast and its contents are a copyright of analyzed scripts, all rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited unless you want to share. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: It with your friends and rate, review, and subscribe. That's fine. Dr. Katrina Furey, MD: All stories and characters discussed are fictional in nature. No identification with actual persons, living or deceased places, buildings, or products is intended or should be inferred. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The podcast and its contents do not constitute professional mental health or medical advice. Listeners might consider consulting a mental health provider if they need assistance with any mental health problems or concerns. As always, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room for any psychiatric emergencies. Thanks for listening and see you next time.

Today's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.  Just in case you're thinking about joining that incredible business opportunity selling a life changing product…don't give them your credit card info until you've listened to this A Little Bit Culty remix. We've put together a special Anti-MLM 101 Starter Kit episode with some of our favorite crusaders in the war on schemes, scams, and other internet flim-flams especially for you. Our upline on this one is pretty solid. We dug into our archives and Roberta Blevins came out swinging, so a segment from our Season 2 episode with the LuLa Rich fan fave is at the top of the batting list. She chats with us about the dangers of moldy leggings, #bossbabe energy, pricey sea cruises, other MLM tomfoolery. After Roberta, we move on to a clip from our more recent episode with Emily Lynn Paulson, an author and mother who believes that all MLMs—which form a $180 billion industry—are cults. Spoiler alert: We violently agree. And last but not least, we go all the way back to our Season 1 chat with Douglas Brooks, an attorney and MLM-buster with insights on what it takes to seek justice for people who've been screwed over. Take heart: When prosperity gospel grifters write big checks that their sneaky asses can't cash, there can be legal consequences. NOTES: Roberta Blevins was a Trainer with LuLaRoe, had a team of 75 women under her, and made over $65,000 in bonuses alone. But when she came to the conclusion that it was a rigged, losing game she didn't just leave the business: she testified in the Washington State vs. LuLaRoe Pyramid Scheme lawsuit as a witness for the state. Since leaving MLM, the fan favorite from the LuLaRich series has educated herself on the systemic structure of the business model, the psychological manipulation, the seedy underbelly and governmental ties, the cult indoctrination, and the history of Multi Level Marketing. She educates daily on TikTok, and podcasts in her "free time" on her own podcast, Life After MLM, which explores the dangers of Multi Level Marketing through the eyes of the victims and survivors. Her work has been featured on Amazon Prime Video, Vice Media, Bloomberg News, Split, and Business Insider among others. Learn more on her website or find her on Instagram @therealrobertablevins Emily Lynn Paulson is the author of Highlight Real: Finding Honesty and Recovery Beyond the Filtered Life, and Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing. She has given two powerful TEDx talks, both challenging the status quo of parenting, alcohol use, and feminism as we know it. Paulson has also been featured in major publications such as the Today Show, New York Times, Washington Post, The Seattle Times, Chicago Tribune, Next Question with Katie Couric, and the Tamron Hall Show. She resides in Central Oregon with her husband and their five children.   Also…Let it be known far and wide, loud and clear that… The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.   OTHER LINKS: Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources   CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Citizens of Sound Producer: Will Retherford Co-Creator & Writer: Jess Tardy Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin  

Vicki, Allan and Shawn take on the house mom made Multi Level Marketing scheme that sold billions worth of leggings and other clothes. Come find the inside scoop on what really goes on in this group.

The Mandys are all birthdays and smiles this week as they join Awkwafina and Sandra Oh for a road trip to stardom in "Quiz Lady," the new Sandra Oh/Awkwafina comedy jam. Surprises abound. Along the way, we get a Golden Bachelor update, a debate on the merits of American Vandal, and a signature game of "I'm Trying Out for Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me" involving a ketchup chip run.  (00:00) - Welcome to The Mandcave (01:31) - The Golden Update (06:07) - TV Update (09:01) - Quiz Lady (33:25) - Bonus: American Vandal (37:33) - Support the Show! (39:31) - Games! (43:21) - Coming Attractions: The Rise and Fall of LuLaRoe

Happy Fraud Friday! This week, we revisit one of our favorite episodes with My Favorite Murder Co-Host Georgia Hardstark. We discuss LulaRoe, the women's clothing company embroiled in over 50 lawsuits, unsold leggings and many of their consultants left in crippling debt. Plus, two Chicago women fall victim to a scam leaving one jobless and the other heartbroken. Recorded on October 12th, 2021. Research by Kaelyn Brandt SOURCES:LulaRich, a documentary directed by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughbyhttps://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/stephaniemcneal/lularoe-millennial-women-entrepreneurship-lawsuitshttps://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/09/amazon-lularoe-documentary-lularichhttps://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a37543989/lularoe-true-story-now-lularich-amazon/https://totallythebomb.com/how-to-have-the-money-to-be-a-lularoe-consultanthttps://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2021-02-01/lularoe-to-pay-475m-to-settle-pyramid-scheme-lawsuithttps://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/lularoe-pay-475-million-resolve-ag-ferguson-s-lawsuit-over-pyramid-schemehttps://chicago.cbslocal.com/2021/09/22/con-artist-employment-scam-summit-woman-michigan-woman/

I sit down with Roberta Blevins, a former successful MLMer, to discuss her time in that cult like world. She shares What an MLM is, the tactics used in an MLM to maintain rank, and how the structure encourages bad behavior. Plus we discuss why personal accountability isn't relevant in an industry with a higher failure rate than gambling. Roberta Blevins was a consultant for 3 MLMs; It Works!, LuLaRoe and Modere, and a customer of many. A Trainer with LuLaRoe, Roberta had a team of 75 women under her, and made over $65,000 in bonuses alone. Definitely "successful" in the eyes of MLM, she was in the top 5% of the company, personal friends with many at Home Office, and invited to speak in company propaganda.  She definitely "worked her business", and still came to the conclusion it was a losing game and a systemically run scam. She eft the MLM world in 2017 and began publicly educating and speaking out against it. Since leaving MLM, she has educated herself on the systemic structure of the business model, the psychological manipulation, the seedy underbelly and governmental ties, the cult indoctrination, and the history of Multi Level Marketing. She educates daily on TikTok, and podcasts in her "free time", talking to the survivors and victims of these commercial cults, disguised as the quickest route to the American Dream. robertablevins.com lifeaftermlmpod.com Click here to get the Am Yisrael Chai crewneck. Click here to see my collection of dresses. Click here to join the Impact Fashion Whatsapp Status Click here to follow @impact.fashion.nyc on Instagram Click here to follow @impact.fashion.nyc on TikTok Click here to get the Secrets Your Tailor Won't Tell You Click here to see my maternity friendly pieces. To hear more episodes, subscribe and head over to Impactfashionnyc.com/blog/podcast. Be Impactful is presented by Impact Fashion, your destination for all things size inclusive modest fashion

Today's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.  Jane Marie is the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, and producer of This American Life. Now, she's hosting the hit investigative podcast The Dream where she's examined pyramid schemes and culty, late-stage, self-care capitalism. In season 3, she gives the side-eye to all the gurus and life coaches that promise new and improved secrets to living our best lives as they empty the pockets of working class people. Check out this podcaster-insider convo on the culty dynamics of selling the American dream via prosperity gospel.   If you missed ALBC's shows on MLMs, check ‘em out:  Emily Lynn Paulson describes suburban mom-squad MLMs;  Douglas Brooks represents victims of MLM schemers;  and trainer Roberta Blevins testified against LuLaRoe.    NOTES Jane Marie and her partner – former Modest Mouse guitarist Dann Gallucci – started Little Everywhere, a podcast production house and recording studio renowned for Michelle Obama's The Light Podcast and The Dream. Jane Marie's forthcoming book Selling the Dream exposes the scourge of multilevel marketing schemes and how they have profited off the evisceration of the American working class. It's available for preorder at www.Jane-Marie.com.   Find Jane on social media: Twitter, Instagram & TikTok.   Also…   Let it be known far and wide, loud and clear that…   The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.   OTHER LINKS:   Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources   CREDITS:    Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Citizens of Sound Producer: Will Retherford Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Writer: Holly Zadra Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin  

LuLaRoe has been known to it's past sellers as a cult or at the very least, a pyramid scheme. In this episode, we will do a deep dive on the online shop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6eujSJ0-RU https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/multi-level-marketing-businesses-pyramid-schemes#:~:text=Businesses%20that%20involve%20selling%20products,MLMs%20are%20illegal%20pyramid%20schemes. https://www.thelist.com/155694/lularoe-the-real-reason-why-women-are-quitting/ https://www.lularoe.com/This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5482368/advertisement

This week, Ash is joined by Roberta Blevins of the Life After MLM podcast, and the Amazon Prime docuseries LulaRich! Roberta Blevins is a former Hun, who left the MLM world in 2017 and began publicly educating and speaking out against it. In her time in MLM, she was involved as a consultant for 3; It Works!, LuLaRoe and Modere, and a customer of many. Since leaving MLM, she has educated herself on the systemic structure of the business model, the psychological manipulation, the seedy underbelly and governmental ties, the cult indoctrination, and the history of Multi Level Marketing. She educates daily on TikTok, and podcasts in her "free time", talking to the survivors and victims of these commercial cults, disguised as the quickest route to the American Dream. Keep up to date with her on Instagram!Roberta catches Ash up on alll of the Billy McFarland (DumpsterFyreFest) dirt! And Ash gives Roberta cultertainments recs on some of her favorite culty and scammy docs and shows. For links to all of the shows that Ash recommended, and where you can stream them, click here!-Join us for as little as $5 a month on Patreon!-We have super fun merch, go take a look!-We'd love to see you in our Discord, come hang out!-Follow us on Instagram and Twitter!-Audio editing by Gaytrice Perdue.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4523794/advertisement

** For Ad-Free Episodes, Join Our Patreon! ** https://www.patreon.com/thesurvivorsquad Part 2 of a two-part episode with Roberta Blevins. Roberta Blevins is a former "Hun" who left the MLM world in 2017 and began publicly speaking out against it. She educates on the systemic structure of the business model, the psychological manipulation, the seedy underbelly and governmental ties, the cult indoctrination, and the insidious history. Roberta's work has been featured on Amazon Prime Video, Vice Media, Bloomberg News, Split, and Business Insider, among others. Her podcast, Life After MLM, educates on the dangers of cults, frauds, scams, and MLMs through the eyes of the victims and survivors. In the Fall of 2020, Roberta took the stand in the Washington State vs. LuLaRoe Pyramid Scheme lawsuit as a witness against them. The case was settled in February 2021 for $4.75M.  Roberta Blevins, Anti-MLM Advocate www.robertablevins.com ***Join our Survivor Squad True Crime Podcasting Course!*** https://coaching.terranewellsurvival.com/ethical-true-crime-podcasting/ Survivor Squad Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/thesurvivorsqaud Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesurvivorsquad • Terra's links: https://linktr.ee/terranewell  • Collier's links: https://collierlandry.com/links • Collier's Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-collier-landry-show/id1551076031 • Book a 1-on-1 with Terra for trauma/ toxic relationship coaching: https://calendly.com/terranewell91/15-minute-coaching-consult?month=2023-06  • Join Terra's Complementary Trauma Support Group: Every 1st and 3rd Monday 5:00 PM PT mailto: Terranewellcoaching@gmail.com   It's important to consider seeking support from a licensed mental health professional or support group. Talking to a trusted friend/family member can also be beneficial in overcoming trauma and its aftermath.  •Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ •Trauma-Recovery.org: https://trauma-recovery.org/ •American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/ •National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml •National SA Hotline 1-800-656-4673 https://www.rainn.org/ •National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 https://www.thehotline.org/

** For Ad-Free Episodes, Join Our Patreon! ** https://www.patreon.com/thesurvivorsquad This is Part 1 of a two-part interview with Roberta Blevins. Roberta Blevins is a former "Hun" who left the MLM world in 2017 and began publicly speaking out against it. She educates on the systemic structure of the business model, the psychological manipulation, the seedy underbelly and governmental ties, the cult indoctrination, and the insidious history. Roberta's work has been featured on Amazon Prime Video, Vice Media, Bloomberg News, Split, and Business Insider, among others. Her podcast, Life After MLM, educates on the dangers of cults, frauds, scams, and MLMs through the eyes of the victims and survivors. In the Fall of 2020, Roberta took the stand in the Washington State vs. LuLaRoe Pyramid Scheme lawsuit as a witness against them. The case was settled in February 2021 for $4.75M.  Roberta Blevins, Anti-MLM Advocate www.robertablevins.com ***Join our Survivor Squad True Crime Podcasting Course!*** https://coaching.terranewellsurvival.com/ethical-true-crime-podcasting/ Survivor Squad Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/thesurvivorsqaud Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesurvivorsquad • Terra's links: https://linktr.ee/terranewell  • Collier's links: https://collierlandry.com/links • Collier's Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-collier-landry-show/id1551076031 • Book a 1-on-1 with Terra for trauma/ toxic relationship coaching: https://calendly.com/terranewell91/15-minute-coaching-consult?month=2023-06  • Join Terra's Complementary Trauma Support Group: Every 1st and 3rd Monday 5:00 PM PT mailto: Terranewellcoaching@gmail.com   It's important to consider seeking support from a licensed mental health professional or support group. Talking to a trusted friend/family member can also be beneficial in overcoming trauma and its aftermath.  •Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ •Trauma-Recovery.org: https://trauma-recovery.org/ •American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/ •National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml •National SA Hotline 1-800-656-4673 https://www.rainn.org/ •National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 https://www.thehotline.org/

Our guest this week is Roberta Blevins, a former Hun, who left the MLM world in 2017 and began publicly educating and speaking out against it. She's been featured in the LuLaRich documentary for her time in LuLaRoe and in Bloomberg, Vice News and lots of other press outlets. She talks to us about her time in MLMs, what makes them culty and why evangelical churches so susceptible to them. Connect with Roberta at her website: https://robertablevins.com/

Janelle and Christine meet for lunch at Salsa Brava (shocker) and Janelle reveals that she does not want to be married any more. Meri nervously tells Robyn that she is moving her clothing business (aka LuLaRoe) to her Inn in Parowan, Utah and will be spending less time in Flagstaff since Kody appears to be done with her. Please SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and give us a 5-star rating and review. We are on Instagram and TikTok @psychlegalpop Email: psychlegalpoppodcast@gmail.com

Bea and Dee are back together again to talk some mad shit about their favorite show, Sister Wives. Kody continues to make a complete ass of himself, Christine is flirty and thriving, Janelle is over it ALL, Robyn is still playing mind games...annnnnd then there's Meri, all alone in her sad mansion, surrounded by LuLaRoe clothing, and facetiming her BFF Jen. Good Lord, woman! #WorthyUp already and LEAVE Kody's balding, narcissistic ass! Sigh. Maybe we will get to see that in the next season....Are you hungry for more trash?! Support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/RealityTVCringeWe want to hear from you! Leave us a message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/RealityTVCringeSubscribe to our YouTube Channel! https://youtube.com/@RealityTVCringeIf you love our podcast, be sure to leave us a 5-star review wherever you are listening!Follow RTC ON IG: www.instagram.com/RealityTVCringe

A former cult member, Daniella delves deep into group dynamics, drawing from her past experiences. She highlights the red flags of cult behaviors and contrasts them with the hallmarks of genuine communities. Tune in for a compelling exploration of the fine line between coercion and authentic communities.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co . And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe.In this episode you will learn about:Daniella's personal transition from cult life to clarity.The characteristics that define high control groups.Techniques to identify underlying cult behaviors.When and why to question self-proclaimed gurus.Episode References/Links:Follow Daniella Mestyanek Young on IGDaniella Mestyanek Young's Unculture Yourself WebsiteDaniella Mestyanek Young on TiktokDaniella Mestyanek Young's Book Uncultured: A MemoirEducated: A Memoir by Tara WestoverCulting of America by Ron RhodesScarred by Sarah EdmondsonGuest Bio:Daniella Mestyanek Young is the author of UNCULTURED and a scholar of cults and extreme groups, and extremely bad leadership. Daniella was raised in the religious sex cult, The Children of God. She later served as an intelligence officer for the US Army, making the rank of Captain, and became one of the first women in US Army history to conduct deliberate ground combat operations when she volunteered to serve on a Female Engagement Team, and received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Daniella lives with her husband and daughter in Maryland, and holds a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from the Harvard Extension School. Daniella is an organizational development speaker with the Macmillan Speaker's Bureau, and you can see her TEDx talk here. In the vein of Educated and The Glass Castle, Daniella Mestyanek Young's Uncultured is more than a memoir about an exceptional upbringing, but about a woman who, no matter the lack of tools given to her, is determined to overcome. Uncultured is "a propulsive memoir delivered in the honest tones of a woman who didn't always think she'd live to tell her story,” (NYT) it's a book which explores the dangers unleashed when harmful group mentality goes unrecognized, demonstrates the “dangers of blindly following leaders of any stripe” (Kirkus Review) and is emblematic of the many ways women have to contort themselves to survive.  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox.Be It Till You See It Podcast SurveyBe in the know with all the workshops at OPCBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship Join us at Agency Mini - Sept. 10-16, 2023Join us at our Cambodia Retreat - Oct. 8-13, 2023FREE Ditching Busy WebinarAmy Ledin - Episode 5: "How to take fast action against limiting beliefs" ResourcesWatch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube!Lesley Logan websiteBe It Till You See It PodcastOnline Pilates Classes by Lesley LoganOnline Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTubeProfitable PilatesSocial MediaInstagramFacebookLinkedInEpisode Transcript:Daniella Mestyanek Young 0:00  Because, you know, I was sort of in your world of, you know, entrepreneurship, and how am I going to do this? And what am I going to do? Am I a speaker on my own author? Am I a teacher, and somebody told me, you know, I don't know if there's a market for your stories, because I don't know if nice girls from Milwaukee who've never had anything bad happened to them can relate. And I just immediately went to I was like, first of all, I don't think there is such a thing. As a girl who's never had anything bad happened to her. I think all women can think back to being six years old and being afraid and wishing they had a fairy godmother to give them a different life.Lesley Logan 3:25  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.Lesley Logan 5:08  Hi, Be It babes. Okay, so I'm super excited because I heard today's guest on a podcast a little bit culty. I'm constantly intrigued, and always making sure that I'm not in a cult or creating one. And when I heard this amazing woman you're about to meet today, and her journey and her story. I was like, oh my god, like, what a Be It person like, be it till you see it all the way through? I can't imagine going through any one of the things that she went through, let alone what all of that and then what she's doing today. So today's guest is Daniella Mestyanek Young. Thank you so much for being here. Can you tell everyone who you are and what you're up to these days? Daniella Mestyanek Young 7:28  Absolutely. So I'm Daniella I call myself a scholar of cults, extreme groups and extremely bad leadership. And I wrote a book called Uncultured, which is my memoir. So it's a story of my life. Being born and raised two generations into the Children of God religious cults, I was my mom was born and raised in, and then what it took to leave that kind of put my life together in America outside the cults. And then, because I'm such a high demand, high control person, I end up in the US Army, and kind of breaking barriers, making a lot of history for women, but also realizing a lot of the parallels between the world I'm in and my womanhood and the sex cult that I grew up in, in my childhood. So it is a book ultimately about group behavior that is telling the reader you know what, the New York Times called a propulsive story, but it's also kind of begging you to look at the parallels in your own lives. I say like all my readers to ask themselves the question what cults am I in?Lesley Logan 8:34  Yeah, I think that the listener right now probably has a lot of questions. So first of all, you have to read her book, you can listen to her say on on Audible. It's, it's just phenomenally written. I heard when you were on a little bit culter. You mentioned the book Educated. And that is a book my husband and I loved, the way that she tells her story. And so I have to say like, you're you tell a story in a way that you do take us along for the ride and it is interesting how you can find out first of all, I found myself seeing the repetitiveness from what the cult you grew up in to the military, but then also, when you can do that, then you can also see it in your own life, which is your goal and that's I think the more we can do it, the easier it is for us to understand like how do we get ourselves here like you You were born into the cult that your family is but like, what were the steps that got me here? This cult that I may be in.Daniella Mestyanek Young 9:31  Can I tell you first just like quick story about Educated from the perspective of Be It Till You See It? I you know, listen to Educated in 2018 and my first thought was literally, why didn't I write that book first. And then I was like, No, that's the model right? Like that's the like she did a book and I can go write my book in the tradition of Educated and because Educated with such a massive book, pretty much everyone in the industry was like, You cannot compare your book to Educated. And I was like, I'm sorry. I know you mostly say that. But this is a true comparison. And now I have, you know, four years later, I published a book called Uncultured that on the cover says, in the vein of Educated and Glass Castle. Yeah, which were the two Jacks in the field, right. So I like this story just to tell people like, don't let people tell you, you can't also be something big, just like, go ahead and be it. Lesley Logan 10:34  Ah, oh, my God. And we can just drop the mic there. I mean, I, first of all, I'd love you to share that, because one of my coaches that I've worked with, he is very much like, you should absolutely compare your thing to something that's big, because people need to know what camp you go in. So like, this is like the American Idol for I'm gonna say knitting because Daniel is knitting. If you're watching us on YouTube, I'm so impressed right now. So like, if people know if they can take your unique idea, because it's your unique story, and you can put it in the camp of something that they know is successful, then his theory it actually works really well. So I think it's so funny that people you can't do it. It's like, actually, you just fucking did it.Daniella Mestyanek Young 11:16  Oh, and I, you know, I want to tell you another story here. Because, you know, I was sort of in your world of, you know, entrepreneurship, and how am I going to do this? And what am I going to do? Am I a speaker or my own author? Am I a teacher, and somebody told me, you know, I don't know if there's a market for your stories, because I don't know if nice girls from Milwaukee who've never had anything bad happened to them can relate. And I just immediately went to I was like, first of all, I don't think there is such a thing. As a girl who's never had anything bad happened to her. I think all women can think back to being six years old and being afraid and wishing they had a fairy godmother to give them a different life. And that's why Disney is a billion-dollar industry. And I use that a bit in my sales pitch, right? Which was like, Yes, I'm telling you this, like far out fantastic story. But I'm also telling you in a way, that's like every woman's story, because you're seeing it through the eyes of this, this girl experiencing the extremes, you're going to be seeing probably less extreme, but also toxic versions of that in your own life. Wow. Like, I really hope for. Lesley Logan 12:33  I agree. And I think like also, yes, every woman everywhere, does need to maybe yours is the extreme. Maybe there's other extreme, more extreme ones out there. I just gotta hope not. But like, the reality is, is that like, we can't pretend that somewhere some girls are very safe. And they're very fine, because they are eventually going to be out on a trip, they're going to be somewhere. And also, I agree, I don't know that there's that there's any person who hasn't experienced something where they didn't actually have the words for it. Like, even when you were a child, you didn't have the words for what's going on with you, you just had this inherent knowledge, like, this is probably not a good thing. And I don't actually want to live this life. Daniella Mestyanek Young 13:12  So, and that's a big thing I've learned through writing my story. And I feel like with the proliferation of, you know, shiny, happy people being Amazon's largest number one original right now, people look at my story as extreme. But the cult I was born and raised in was just kind of the ultimate conclusion of the Duggars, right, of so many of these families and groups in America. And this is why the next project I'm working on is a book called the Culting of America. But one of the things that I've learned from my readers, and my discussions with them is that, you know, for example, I have so much in common with some of woman who grew up Mormon, you know, or like that it doesn't have to be a cult to have been a high control, high demand group environment that you were born and raised in that then influence your personality in all of these ways. You know, and going back to what you were saying earlier of like, when you're born into it, but you still have to kind of go back through and be like, why was I in this room? This is the thing I found is that after our culture or high-demand religions, or groups, we have to ask ourselves, you know, why was I in that group? And then what impacts did it have on me? And so for me, asking, you know, on the one hand asking why I was in the military, that tells me a lot about where I was personally at the time, but why I was in a cult is because my grandfather joined a cult. So for me, understanding why I grew up in a cult was kind of like going back and understanding systems and understanding group behavior. It's what led me to graduate school and setting Organizational Psychology around the same time I was writing Uncultured because really that's because I was trying toLesley Logan 15:14  Thanks for the timeline of like, when did you? So? When did so actually I would have I want to just get the listener up to date because they haven't read your book. You. You left the military when and then you started writing your book and going to college like, what what timeframe are we in because I'm looking at you and I'm like, I think I'm older than you. I don't know how you live five lifetimes before in these many years, times I am still a Daniella. Daniella Mestyanek Young 15:40  That's funny. I put together a PowerPoint of photos for the book team helping me publish the book. And that's exactly what they said, there are so many lives. I just turned 36 last month. So the timeline went, I got out of the army when I was 25. Sorry, not 25, 28. I got out of the Army in 2015. And I was pregnant with my daughter and I went to work for corporate America for a few years. And then was like, this is not for me, number of reasons. Got myself at first, just into entrepreneurship. I was like, I'm gonna start a team building company. And then I was like, oh, the problem with team building is people just think it's take a fun activity for add alcohol, and call it a team. And so I really started right around the same time, I was deciding, I was not going to go back to a nine to five job, I started kind of self-study, I was like, I'm gonna make myself an expert in leadership and culture. And I started with this idea of like, you can't spell culture without cult to you know, this comes from the same place, there are so many parallels in my life, you know, and, and all of these things are, are worked into the book. And then I was actually eyeing this program, this Harvard program for a master's in Organizational Psychology, but I couldn't make it across the country to Harvard. And then because of COVID, everything got turned virtual. So I jumped on that opportunity in mid-COVID. To go get a, an online degree at the same time everybody else was. So, use my veteran money to go back and do that. And here's what worked out so cool with the timeline. So, you know, the book came out in September, I graduated. So in March, 20 years to the day of when I walked away from the cult with zero education, right, zero days in school, 20 years to the month, I was conferred the master's degree from Harvard, and then graduation was on my birthday, 20 years later, Tom Hanks was the speaker. It was just, I got to like to dress up in all my Harvard Crimson. You know, Harvard's my favorite cult, and then go to Harvard bookstore, and autograph my book they're like, on my birthday in my regalia. So it's actually kind of cool talking about this on this podcast, right? Because it really was this five-year journey for me of seven-year really, after the army, I don't know what I'm going to be. And then I think I know what I'm going to be, but I don't really know. But just still like following a path. And all of a sudden, everything just came together five years later. And now when I dropped my credentials, people are like, oh, wow. Like, yeah.Lesley Logan 18:42  I'm sure that's part of the cult of America that our credentials are what gets us into places and not like experience. But so, okay. (Daniella: Agree. Agree.)Lesley Logan 18:54  Great. Thank you for that timeline. Because I just think that is really cool. So because we're like, it's so easy to like, read a book or read someone's bio, and go, okay, she left the cult, got in the army, now she's a Harvard grad. She wrote, it's like, she wrote a book. It's like, it's actually for you as a 20-year journey from almost like book in, to book in and we're like on a new series of books in your life, I feel like. So, I do want to like get a little definition for those people listening who may not be aware may not be like, like me watching anything that has to do with a cult to just make sure that I don't when I'm like, shiny happy people watch that. The bow all the things, high controlled groups. Can you like give us a definition of like, what those things are? You said high controll and high. what was that?Daniella Mestyanek Young 19:42  Yeah, high control, high demand group. (Lesley: Yes.) Um, so I have a, okay, I have a very specific definition of a cult. It's maybe a little bit hard to follow because it's 10 parts, which is why like, I like to have it in writing. If any of you have scenarios like TikTok, you can always find this 10-part list above my head and my videos. But I say our cult is a group that has, you know, a defined charismatic leader, although that might be changing because of (inaudible) whose members all believe in this single sacred assumption. So I say, you know, for the Children of God, the sacred assumption was that David Berg was a prophet of God or for NXIVM that Keith Raniere was the world's smartest man. And as long as you're under that sacred assumption, you can justify anything, but the sacred assumption fuels this transcendent mission, right, you have this huge mission that is so big, and so right, you're going to go save the world in some way. And it's going to require the self-sacrifice of the individual that's a really important part of cults and high-demand groups are constantly asking the individual to sacrifice for the good of the group. This is why nonprofits can become cold, like very quickly. And then this group now at this stage of the journey, right, it starts to limit its members' access to the outside world, it starts to have a distinguishable vernacular language that only holds meanings. And there's quite a few ways cults weaponized language as well. And then it programs its members to hold an "us versus them" mentality. Now you're at this pretty serious stage where it starts to exploit its members labor, have very high exit cost, and bring you into an ends justifies the means mentality. And with all of those things, I say like, congratulations, if you've hit 10 out of 10, Euro calls, even if nobody has diagnosed you as one. However, we can all probably look through that list, right and see that our groups are hitting a few, a few of these. And, you know, one of my arguments is that in a military unit, when you're back home, you're fine, you're only five out of 10, or six out of 10. But as soon as you deploy or go away to training together, and you add this isolation, this us versus them mentality, these different things, you are going to have a cultic experience. And we can't always just be like, Ah, it's a call and leave the group. So I like this sort of formula here, because it tells us where to look for the toxic behavior. Yeah. For me, this is very similar to my job in the military in the army, which was I was an intelligence officer. So I was the expert on the bad guy, I was the expert on how every plan was going to go wrong. And but when I was in school, setting group behavior, people only wanted to talk about happy positive stuff and good groups and good leaders and values. And I'm like, but but here's all the dangers, you know, and we're seeing these companies like we were or LulaRoe, you know, just turned completely into cults. And nobody's really seeing what's going on. So I like to use that framework. And I tell people, you know, if it quacks like a cult, you know, where to start looking for the the harmful stuff.Lesley Logan 23:17  I do, I appreciate you going into that framework and talking about that, because I do analysis that you brought up like we work and LuLaRoe those are like jobs that people bought into, like LuLaRoe, you paid into you really paid into joining that cult. But the women who started that that's what they that's what they thought they were joining to, they thought they were joining into creating a business for themselves that could make money and we work they thought they were like redesigning the way the workforce was and so it doesn't have to be religious.Daniella Mestyanek Young 23:47  And you know, there's two things here like nobody ever joins a cult, right they join a group that is doing something that is like feeding their soul. But also you know, the listeners of Be It Till You See It are all going to be very susceptible to join in cults because that is what cults do is they give you these big missions. Remember we talked about. So any person who is seeking to like change their life or do things differently or has recognized that the systems and the way that the world is they don't like it. Those are the people that are susceptible to join cults. And then we also don't usually talk about when we do talk about Carlson society, we talk about why and how people join them and don't see all of the red flags we don't talk about is how much effort goes into recruiting people into disguising the red flags into walking you slowly into the cults until that coercive control is complete. And then you really are under you know, what's what scholars like to call bounded choice, where you think you have free choice, you think you're free to leave anytime But you actually are under the coercive control of a group. Lesley Logan 25:03  Yeah, I so I love that you brought that up because I I do agree like I think anybody who's like seeking information to change their life and has this like, and I actually don't think it's a bad thing to want something more in your life, I don't think that's what you're saying either. But to be aware that like, because you are in such search of something bigger or something more than what you're doing, you are susceptible. So can we talk a little bit about like, what the disguise can look like. So that if the if something quacks a little bit like that, that's a cult.Daniella Mestyanek Young 25:40  Yeah, yeah. So, you know, I'll start with one that that I heard you throw out earlier, which was, well, we can't be a cult because people are free to leave anytime, right? This is the number one thing that you've got from any group. And I've even people will literally say this to me with a straight face about the military. And I'm like, you think you're free to leave the military? Anytime? Please explain that to me. Lesley Logan 26:05  I don't think so. I've not been in it but my family (inaudible). Daniella Mestyanek Young 26:08  Right. So, I think there's some, there's a really important thing about that phrase, they're free to leave any time, which is under coercive control. Not only is that phrase not true, that phrase is actually there to reinforce the dichotomy of there are two ways, my way or you're gone. Right? So there's no room for you to criticize anything here. And I, you know, of course, we saw this in the cults, but I saw this in the army all the time. And they say, you know, you signed up to be here, it's a volunteer army. And I'm going, I'm just saying I don't think all the soldiers need to be here at 3am for a movement that doesn't start until noon. I'm not saying I don't like my job, right, but they give you this all or nothing dichotomy, um, and then but in cults, when I say, you know, they say you're free to leave anytime and saying that is actually part of disguising the fact that you aren't free to leave because cults and coercive groups they know, they need to keep you you know, for isolated, busy, skinny, pregnant and tired. And if they do all of those things, you actually will not be free to leave, right? And you will have so many things keeping you in place. And so that, for example, is one of the ways of disguising, right? Like yeah, constantly reminding you, you're free to leave constantly talking about how we're not a cult and what the answer that we give to people is. Cults use these things called thought-stopping cliches, which is you know, it's the first day of the rest of your life comes from a cult leader named sin Anon, you know, they'll say trust the Prophet, they'll say, keep sweet. Boy, boys will be boys is a good one, you know, or you knew what you signed up for and it's intended to just shut down political complaints. And there's a book that shows very well the way that the cults disguise all the red flags. It's called Scarred by Sarah Edmondson who was from NXIVM, I'm actually reading it out loud on Tiktok while I'm knitting, so people can come there for snippet. But what she shows really well is that she's not blindly joining a cult, she is having questions all along the way. But every time you have a question, there's an answer. You know, and they have like, preempted this. And one of the ways I think we can see this with cult leaders is, you know, big, complicated societal questions have big complicated answers or don't have answers. So anyone promising to solve a big complicated problem for you with a very simple solution? Is a comment, right? Like, is someone who is trying to coerce you?Lesley Logan 29:06  Oh, I love this. So many tools for us all to use. And I remember, I was in college, I think I was just finishing college. I was prime for this to happen. Somebody invited me to a landmark meeting. And I went, I didn't know what it was. And I like went. And of course, like they do a really good job, like, asking these great questions to get you to give information. And of course, like, I was having problems with a family member at the time. They're like, Well, how long have you kept this problem around? It's obviously serving you something good to keep this problem around. And I remember thinking, like, I can't get rid of this family member. I'm a 19-year-old person who's trying to pay college loans. What are you talking about? So I left and I never like I didn't sign up. Also, it was too expensive. And I was like, You kid. Are you kidding? You missed my student loans or that I'm paying myself. Thank you. So I, but I remember this moment because I remember like, how close had I had the money, would I have joined it, maybe because they seem to have the answers. They seem to what they're doing so fast when I'm teaching Pilates class and one of my clients is like, I'm gonna miss class this weekend, I'm going to this thing and I said, Okay, great. Have fun, you know. So she shows up for class on one of the days I said, and I said, Oh, I thought you're gonna be here. She was like, I think it's a really weird place. And so I'm just gonna be here. You guys, her phone did not stop ringing. They kept calling her to get her to come back. Because it was the last day all these things and I said, I'm just like, I'm just going to be honest. I think it's really weird. I've never called the client multipleDaniella Mestyanek Young 30:38  screen. Why haven't you come back to class?Lesley Logan 30:41  Like, that's weird?Daniella Mestyanek Young 30:49  Yeah, and Citrix our channel is is me just like helping people, like pull out and understand these little things, right? So even for example, you know, when we first started talking, and you said, you're a Pilates instructor, and I said, Oh, is it a cult? And you laughed, right? That's a very healthy response. Because I say like, if you wanted to fight me all of a sudden, or if you had all these justifications about why you weren't a cult, that's when I get very suspicious. The moment in my book, after I've left the cult word, I realized it was a cult, right, we spent hours drilling responses to why we aren't a cult, right? Like, who does that? And so I even think it's one of those things, you know, it's one of my 10 commandments for good groups that aren't cults is like, can you can you joke about your organization, which is also to say, can you critically look at your organization, right? Because your response was, you laughed, then you said, well, it can be a cult, and then you immediately started critically looking. Right. So that is, I would say, a healthy response to for a leader of an organization in an organization that might have some things that are culty. And some areas, you know, I'm sure he could come into your Pilates studio, and point out some things about group behavior that you may be unaware of that could turn toxic. But that doesn't mean like you're a cult. But real cults, of course, do not want to fix themselves, they do not want to, you know, dig into areas of behavior that could turn toxic. And so if you ask someone a question, like, Oh, could it be a cult, and their reaction is really negative, even though cult's a negative word? Like, I usually see that as one of those interesting signs.Lesley Logan 32:43  That's so interesting. That's so funny. One of the things that I did last year, I started a mentorship and I had, there's like, 15 girls, and I had said, I don't know if I'm gonna do it again, probably do it one time, let's just see how it goes and see if I like the how much time it takes and the and the journey of it all. And at the end, I said, Yeah, ladies, you guys were so much fun. I'm gonna do it again. And they're like, can we all apply again? Because then it's just us? And I said, No, we're actually you're gonna get lots of people in. And we're not going to isolate ourselves. In fact, all this has to get out there because I would love to change industry, but I can't change it myself. I want, I want you all to be the people who change it. So we're gonna write they're not become a weird group who isolates themselves. Daniella Mestyanek Young 33:26  And this is I think, this is so important in the kind of life coach industry, you know, and one of the reasons I went more traditional book route instead of and more degrees instead of life coach route was, I personally was like, this feels a little culty. Like, we're trying to become gurus and just, you know, which is actually what charisma is, is you have authority based on your own qualities that are somehow above other people's, you know, and so I I think that's one of another one of the signs though, right? It's like, I wrote a whole memoir, I we came on here to talk about my book, how little have we talked about me, and how much have we talked about the ideas right? With you with that group, right? They were trying to almost make you this guru. And you're like, No, let's not do that. Like let me just be help her along the way. And I think that's an interesting, important distinction. And one of my favorite cult scholars, Dr. Janya Lalich, she just says point blank, she's like, there are no gurus. Like do what you need to do for your religion for your spirituality. But just like there are no gurus, it's always a danger sign. And you should always be questioning. And this was, you know, something that was said about Keith Raniere of NXIVM, which was very, very extreme. And it was all based on his claim, completely unsubstantiated that he was the smartest man alive and the thing that was said that was so insightful was any time a leader asks for your extra confidence in them, or promises you extra results, you should actually be asking extra questions or looking for extraordinary proof. Right? Because this is the thing that happens again and again, as people get lost in the charisma lost in the thought leadership lost in the guru-ness, and then they don't question. And it doesn't always mean it's gonna turn toxic, but it often does.Lesley Logan 35:34  Yeah, yeah, I thank you for saying that. I want to say to my ladies in that group, I don't think you are trying to make us a cult. But I think you really enjoy the time. But I just wanted to use it as an example. Because I do think a lot of people listening create groups, and how easy we like, well, actually, yeah, let's just make this the group that always goes and does this together. And then what you're saying it doesn't, it can't, it's just it can lead that way. So you know, and I think that's important because especially people listening who do want to, to have a community of some kind, you know, knowing that you're creating a community that it's like, are you putting yourself at the top or like, is the community a whole that like, there's the community of the whole, that's the top and everyone's kind of part of it, you know. So that's why I really loved what you how you bring things up. Because it can be easy for the person's like, well, I created this group, so I have to lead this group, and I have to do these things. And then all of a sudden, you put this pressure on yourself to be somebody, that that's not why you might have created the group in the first place, or the community because everybody does want to belong to a group. And I think that that's also the hard part of and I'm sure you're talking about that in your next book. It's like, people want to belong, people want to feel seen. So how do we create places? Where can people belong and feel seen without creating a toxic environment?Daniella Mestyanek Young 36:47  Yeah, I mean, the drive for community is huge, you know, and when you were talking about with your group, how, like not doing repetitive things can be helpful. You know, I never thought about it this way. But I was like, but that's a huge thing in military intelligence is you don't set patterns because patterns are dangerous. Right? And so I think just that right, there is an interesting thing to look at. But how do we, how do we create positive groups? Right, and this is one of everyone's big questions. Um, I'm actually ending my next book with a chapter it was going to be called good cults or groups, everyone asked about, but now we're calling it Just Groups, though just groups, but also just groups, which is kind of, if you understand this idea of, it's not a binary it's a spectrum, right? So I like to say like, a group is not a cult, or not a cult, or toxic or not toxic, right? It's not that simple, complicated issues have complicated answers. And so I, you know, want people to look at the spectrum of there's 10 parts of a cult, you can have any or none or all of them. And then how do those influence you, but part of starting to look at groups as neither good nor bad, but a spectrum that I think really changes the answer of how we look at good groups, which is something I kind of say that in the end of Uncultured, which is the need to understand that our groups are just groups. And, you know, there's this phrase out of individual psychology, which says, human beings are 99%, the same, but it's that 1% of difference that causes all the world's problems. And I feel like the DNA of groups very similar, right, like groups are 99% similar, and I've been in and studied a lot of them. But no matter. You know, the flip side of that is no matter how amazing you think your group is, and how hard you're trying to build a good group, you're also kind of only 1% away from the being the sex cult that traffics children. Right. And I think this is the most important thing we can do to build good groups is be on guard is talk about the negatives is never assume that our group is good. You know, one of my 10 commandments for good groups that are not called is thou shalt never champion last name. And it's just this like us versus them mentality. But as humans, we have this propensity to believe that our group is the best because it is ours. Our family is the best because it is ours our way of life is the best our religion and on and on. And so anytime you are 100% sure of your position, you have blind spots, and then these coercive groups again that are out there that are recruiting that have agendas that are Trying to build these armies to create power, you know, they have much more of a chance of getting you than if you're really much better at kind of living in the gray. And being like, you know, I have a great group I try really hard. But I want to look out for these things, you know, like, like, in your example, right? Another leader might be like this, these are really good girls, no women, nobody's trying to turn this into a cult, like, we're fine. I can be the leader. Whereas you are like, No, I'm always worried about whether I'm joining a cult or building a cult. So I'm going to be careful here, right? (Lesley: Yeah.) And this is something we see out of military intelligence as well that you almost don't have to prepare for the exact scenario that you're going to encounter. Because you almost never know what that is. But any level of preparation for like, a bad guy attack right for toxins coming in from the outside is going to make you more prepared for when it does go wrong. You know, and I think one of the biggest ways that people fall for these toxic groups or toxic gurus is just getting so isolated or so into it or so inundated with it, you know, you go to CrossFit every day, if your CrossFit box starts going wrong, how are you going to be able to tell? Right, if you don't have enough exposure to enough other groups? Right, be able to see when they're going wrong. See when the logic is going off?Lesley Logan 41:36  Yeah, yeah, I thank you for sharing that. Because I think it is. It allows everybody to go okay, if I'm, like, if I'm stayin on guard, I'm asking questions, and I can consciously go into a group. And, and many groups can be just a group. And if I ever feel like I'm at a point where I cannot ask those questions, I cannot be critical. There's my red flags to go. Okay. Then I like I've, I've leaned into the spectrum too far with this place, you know, soDaniella Mestyanek Young 42:07  that's 100% 100%. Correct. Lesley Logan 42:10  Yeah. Yeah. And I, I feel like sometimes I get really on guard because I was raised. I was not raised in a, like a shiny happy people type cult. But my parents, my parents were very much in organized religions. However, they changed pretty much every year for a good several years. So I'm like, I'm like, did we stop going? Because like it was, my mom. The big joke was that we stopped going, we switched church just because of football. Because we'd stopped going every football season. I think my mom was too embarrassed to go back to that cult. We had a start a new one. That's likeDaniella Mestyanek Young 42:50  It's funny, though. But this is actually some of the advice that I give to people. Like if you're trying to understand cults and coercive control, like read five different memoirs, right? Because once you read enough, where the details are completely different, you'll start to realize that it's a pattern. Yeah. Right. And it seems like that's accidentally what your mom was doing. Because you had so many, whether, whether she realized it or whether you realize that right, you started to see these patterns and be like, oh, I get like what this is, you know, because you're seeing so many different ways. And for me, I was reading about all of these different Christian cults. And so in my head, you know, 22 years old, the problem is Christianity. And then I read a memoir by a girl who grew up in Scientology, and it was exactly like, sounded exactly like my childhood and a bunch of similar themes. And that's when I was like, oh, it's that the essence of mind control and controlling other humans is, it's like, it's not only the same, it's programmatic, so we can spot these markers as it's happening, right? Lesley Logan 44:02  Yeah. I'm glad that you brought that up. I love that you said five different ones because then you're not able to go well, because I'm not in a Christian group that I'm not a cult. It's like actually what you're saying this programming can happen in any type of group. So And as we're all trying to follow that journey like you followed your journey to become an author, whatever that is, if you're listening wherever you're going, all this is is to help you what I hope you're getting out of this is I help you understand like science where maybe your your goal your ultimate idea of what you wanted has led you down to a path of like being part of some group that is not healthy for you and it's actually not going to help you get to that next level.Daniella Mestyanek Young 44:43  So the number one you know, the number one personality type that they say that is amongst people that join cults is being a seeker, you know, which I say if you're if you like to read books, or you're listening to this podcast, right, you're probably a seeker, and something that cults and coercive groups and coercive leaders will do is weaponize your passions and weaponize your discontents. Right. So if you're this person who's doing exactly what I did, I'm dropping out of the business world, I'm gonna go seek for my own thing, I'm gonna be super passionate, I want to change the world, I have joined 1000 culty groups, you know, like, those things are the things that are qualities that make you this amazing human that makes you the person that can probably go achieve anything you want. But it also can be weaponized against you, you know, and General Stanley McChrystal, he has this really great concept of like, when we are looking at threats to our leadership or our groups, we don't usually look at ourselves as one of the threats, right. So that I think is just one of those things, you know, that's really important to kind of focus on and I always like to stay away from the words of good or bad, and none of this stuff is to scare anyone, it's just literally to see, by looking at these extreme examples, we can find those parallels when they start, right. Yeah, when our group is on the international news with really bad bad stuff.Lesley Logan 46:21  Yeah, yeah, it can happen in, in your, in your local gym, you know, Daniella, I feel like I could talk to you forever. I've also, because I've just been listening to your book, like, crazy to, to get to know you more, and what you're up to, I'm excited to see where you go with all of this. Because the good part about being a seeker is that I do think that deal with all of your tools, you know, will probably educate all of us in bigger ways than we can ever be. And then those of us who are in leadership who are who want to lead the seekers in a safe, and just a group environment can learn so much more about how we can do that. So thank you. We're gonna take a quick break.Daniella Mestyanek Young 47:01  And thank you so much for listening to the audio. Because doing that was one of the hardest things ever.Lesley Logan 47:08  I can't even imagine because, like, I just how much stuff that I have to do. And my husband's like, well, when you read it, it sounds like you're reading and I'm like, Uh huh. I'm, well you want me to read this. So I'm reading. So, I can't even imagine. Daniella Mestyanek Young 47:25  Here's the thing that I think your leaders will get a kick out of right? It was like doing that I had to record it straight through in five days, it felt like it was going to kill me it was so so so so hard. But I was a trained exploited actor from the age of birth by this cult, and I got to go use my own voice and my own voice acting abilities, which got me recommended in the New York Times to read this book about them for global distribution. So that was like, those moments of like, even though this is so hard, right, like I'm doing this to own my story to get it back into like, this is how I win, you know? So anyways, (inaudible)Lesley Logan 48:06  So powerful like oh my God. Okay, where can people find you follow you work with you get your books get get notifications of your next book.Daniella Mestyanek Young 48:16  So my website is www.uncultureyourself.com you can find out all kinds of things about me there including sassy T-shirts, um, best bet is going to be follow me on TikTok at Daniella Mestyanek Young and we're there all day all the time talking about cults and extreme groups and extremely bad leadership and ways it might show up in your life. And of course knitting. And, you know, the book is available anywhere you can buy books, and I hope that you all will both read the book and then come join one of our online conversations about it because we are all learning from each other.Lesley Logan 48:54  Yeah, I agree. You've given us a lot. You got us tips and all these things, but I would love we like to end with like bold, executed intrinsic targeted steps because it's one thing to be inspired. It's another thing to like, have an action step you can take on what do you have for our listeners today? Daniella Mestyanek Young 49:13  Okay, so everyone does vision exercises, but as an organizational psychologist, I feel like this is where I must go and I have a good one. Which is just because it's for bold it's for backwards planning, right? It's just you imagine yourself when you're 80 and then you go through all of your senses, right? So dream life, what are you seeing around you? What are you hearing? What are you smelling? What are you tasting? What are you feeling? And then how do you start to backwards plan your life so that you can get there? So that's one that I really like cray because it really gets to the like we have one life to live it. What do we want out of it right? And how can we create those things? And then the other, I think, executable advice is like, when you figure out what you want to be, even if you don't know what that is, yeah, you just know it's something more or it's in this direction. Like, everyone is going to give you advice. Listen to all of it. But if it's negative advice, only listen to people who've done what you're trying to do.Lesley Logan 50:35  That's so helpful.Daniella Mestyanek Young 50:36  Yeah, like I had so many people tell me that what I was going for was impossible. And like, yeah, because nobody's done what I've done before. So they couldn't see it. But I could, but I had specific things like, oh, self-publish a book because nobody can reverse engineer a bestselling memoir. And I said to myself, well, has this person written the bestselling memoir? No. Okay. I'm gonna go find someone who has, you know, so I think we encounter this a lot in the world of seekers and what we're trying to be and sharing our passions. And it is, it is so up and down, right? You're gonna have moments that you think you screwed everything up, and then you're gonna have moments that it's all coming together. But if you just like, talk to everyone, keep your mind open. Listen to everyone, but only pay attention to the naysayers who have done what you're trying to do. Yeah, yeah, who are not the naysayers were like, that's the legitimate negative advice is learning from them. But so many other people are just saying telling you not to because they can't see it.Lesley Logan 51:46  Yeah, I agree with that. Like, I think, you know, when I started work for myself, everyone in my family who was giving me negative advice, oh, you're not gonna move how you pay your bills, all this negative stuff. It's like, Well, none of you have worked for yourself. So appreciate it. But like, that's an easy filter versus like my my great uncle who has worked for himself. He's like, that's amazing. Do this one thing. It's gonna be hard, but it's like okay, it's gonna be hard. He knows. And here's something advice I can take him. I think that's it, Daniella. Thank you so much. I also I love I love the vision of day but I also love that you put it through the filters of the senses that's really uniquely different. So thank you for for that. Oh my god, this puppy is so cute. If you're watching on YouTube, she's been doing this entire time. I'm so impressed. I've knitted nothing in my life and her dog looks like a stuffed animal. So Daniella, thank you so much. Y'all. How are you going to use these tips in your life? What are you going to do with them next make sure you let Daniella know how this podcast made you feel tag her tag the Be It pod and share this with a friend who might needs to hear it that they're the 10 signs in a cult and they don't want to listen to you. So give them this podcast and until next time. Be it till you see it. Lesley Logan 51:47  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. Brad Crowell 52:21  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan and me, Brad Crowell. Lesley Logan 52:26  It is produced, edited by the epic team at Disenyo. Brad Crowell 52:28  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music, and our branding by designer and artist Gianfranco Cioffi. Lesley Logan 52:32  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals and Ximena Velazquez for our transcriptions. Brad Crowell 52:39  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all the content to our website. And finally to Meridith Crowell for keeping us all on point and on time. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Husband and Wife cover Proverbs 31, thereby finishing up the book of Proverbs.The Book of Proverbs is a collection of collections, the FIFTH of which (Proverbs 30–31) are referred to as appendices.Proverbs 31: The words of Lemuel / Admonitions to a King, AND Praise of a Good (ideal) Woman and a description thereof. Lemuel's mommy actually offers some good advice with regard to being a good leader, which basically comes to this: Keep your head straight and don't get distracted by that party life. When it comes to the ideal woman... well, basically she should run the household 24/7 and never sleep. She's expected to do all the work, with the help of her slaves, and even tho the husband is supposed to bring in the main source of income, the Mrs. must engage in that side-hustle life, which is how we ended up with ridiculous try-hard MLMs like Avon makeup, Scentsy candles, Tupperware containers, Longaberger baskets, LuLaRoe leggings, Pampered Chef kitchenware, and Paparazzi jewelry. Husband wants to know why Wife hasn't purchased him a vineyard; Wife wants to know why she hasn't been given an allowance with which to do so.Join us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/8RwwMrb5zKSkip the ads by joining Acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/6331d364470c7900137bb57dThank you for stopping by Sacrilegious Discourse - Bible Study for Atheists!Check out these links for more information about our podcast and merchandise:Our Homepage: https://sacrilegiousdiscourse.com/Help support us by subscribing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sacrilegiousdiscourse Join Acast+ to enjoy our podcast adfree! https://plus.acast.com/s/sacrilegiousiscourse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many people have ended up in an MLM because they wanted to help a friend out. But it is important to understand the red flags of how they can motivate and manipulate. Today's guest is Roberta Blevins. Roberta is an anti-MLM advocate who starred in the Amazon Prime documentary Lula Rich and speaks out on social media against MLMs, scams, frauds, and cults and is the host of the podcast Life After MLM. Show Notes: [0:45] - Roberta shares her background and what she does now. [2:20] - In 2015, Roberta heard about LulaRoe and was initially very excited. [3:34] - She wasn't making any more than she had been making in the job she left, but was working a lot more. [4:40] - Roberta realized that it wasn't the right way to run a business and it took a toll on her and her family's mental health. [6:17] - Pressure and pushback against questions are major red flags. [7:28] - Avoid being alone and being led to a second location when talking to someone. [8:28] - Roberta explains how different MLMs operate under a pay-to-play model. [10:05] - The only way to make money is to hit qualifying monthly quotas that are a big challenge to accomplish. [11:58] - What is the difference between a pyramid scheme and an MLM? [14:43] - MLMs tend to invade every area of your life. [16:10] - Many people have a fake-it-till-you-make-it approach which is misleading people to be recruited. [19:26] - Social media plays into this fabricated lifestyle. [21:42] - MLMs exploit personal relationships. [22:54] - Roberta shares how “icky” it felt to keep a “dirt list”. [24:38] - There are stories of some people signing up their children in order to meet their recruitment quota. [26:30] - Roberta explains the history of MLMs and how they started. [29:21] - MLMs aren't going anywhere, but Roberta wants to see regulation in an unregulated space. [31:48] - Roberta shares about some of the background work she is doing to help create dialogue about regulation. [34:12] - Social media has strengthened MLMs and has gotten more people to sign up. [35:53] - In some MLMs, more than half of the sellers are making no money. [37:26] - Numbers don't lie. If you are spending or making money, you should track it. [38:51] - Track any amount of time you spend on the business. [41:07] - Roberta outlines a strategy if you are in an MLM and deciding if it is the right fit for you. [44:30] - Have someone who is unbiased listen to you. Be that person for someone else. [46:35] - A company should be able to stand up to scrutiny. Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.  Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Roberta Blevins Web Page Roberta Blevins on Instagram Roberta Blevins on YouTube Roberta Blevins on Twitter Life After MLM Podcast

Get a 60-day free trial at https://www.shipstation.com/mlm. Thanks to ShipStation for sponsoring the show!  Go to http://joinhoney.com/mlm to get PayPal Honey for free. Sign up for our Patreon to support what we do! https://www.patreon.com/iilluminaughtii Welcome to Multi Level Mondays, a weekly series all about multi level marketing, pyramid schemes, and ponzi schemes. Today, fashion and MLMs combine to create Cabi; an MLM that makes hundreds of millions, though you've probably never heard of it. Is Cabi just another Lularoe, or worse? Are they a combination of Shein and direct marketing? Just how deep does this rabbit hole go? Connect With Me: https://linktr.ee/iilluminaughtii' Sources: https://justpaste.it/daigf Writers/Researchers/Helpers: Ali Z-B This episode was edited and mixed by: G. Thomas Craig Album cover art created by: Betsy Primes Intro Song Credits: Last to Fall- Will Van De Crommert Outro Song Credits: Sacred and Profane- Nicholas Rowe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In This Episode: Business building powerhouse, DeAnne Stidham, founder of LuLaRoe - joins the host Rachel Medina to share her entrepreneurial journey with a capital B! Helping Women Build Businesses They Love While Unpacking Their Inner SHE.E.O & SHE.E.O Latina ! PLUS: Listen to female founders and experts share their entrepreneurial journey with Rachel Explore money making opportunities with platforms you already know, like and trust... such as Etsy, Shopify, Pinterest, Canva, Tiktok, Instagram, YouTube, and so much more! Rachel Medina is an Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, Christianpreneur, Mommypreneur and an ordinary woman who ditched the C suite for the SHE suite by tapping into the new and exciting laptop lifestyle in the SHEconemy, and who built multiple businesses from home, after divorce, as a single mother over 40! The Rachel Unpacked Podcast is here to help you do the same, while avoiding common mistakes and learning the lessons she learned along the way! Whether you're a corporate baddie wanting to ditch the C-suite for the SHE-suite or a single momma ready to learn a new money making skillset from home, the Rachel Unpacked podcast is for you. Access resources mentioned on this show here ⁠www.rachelmedina.com/connect⁠ As seen on: LATV's Get It Girl, David Meltzer's Playbook IG-LIVE. StartEmpire Wire Podcast, Jackie Hernandez Live, Canvas Rebel Magazine, SDvoyager Magazine, Keynote Women's Leadership Conference, to name a few. > RACHEL UNPACKED RACHEL MEDINA SHE.E.O, SHE,EOO,OOO --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachelunpacked/support

Reeemiiiiix! This week we flashback to December 2021, when Ash first explored MLMs with former co-host Cam! The gals discussed the LuLaRoe pyramid scheme.What's an MLM? Hint: it stands for multi-level marketing! What's the difference between an MLM and a pyramid scheme? Nothing. Are MLMs cults? Yup. Ash tells former co-host Cam about the pyramid scheme that blew up in the mid 2000s thanks to their "buttery soft" leggings that came in crazy patterns and apparently fit everyone like a glove (even according to Cam's mom!). LuLaRoe offered women, mostly young mothers, the promise of working part-time from home, for full-time income and the ability to be with their kids. But the family-owned business grew faster than anyone imagined, and storage and greed problems caused the smelly leggings epidemic, which led to dozens of lawsuits and hundreds of lives ruined. Join us as we dive into the incredibly insidious world of MLMs.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Start your mental health journey today and give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/thatsso. Using our code will get you 10% off of your first month!-Join us for as little as $5 a month on Patreon!-We'd love to see you in our Discord, come hang out! (seriously though, if you're not in there, WHAT are you doing?! It's SO fun and everyone is SO nice!)-Follow us on Instagram and Twitter!-We have really fun new merch!-Play "Cult Bingo" with us!-Audio editing by Evette Darensbourg and Lexi Jackson.-Sources:Millennial Women Made LuLaRoe Billions. Then They Paid The Price.LulaRich Amazon documentaryDefective Detectives on RedditLulaRoe happiness policyThe Truth About The LuLaRoe Family'LuLaRich' is the Jaw-Dropping MLM Exposé You've Been Waiting ForThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4523794/advertisement

I'm halfway thru the documentary ‘Shiny, Happy, People' about the Duggars, here are my thoughts so far. Plus, lots of Sister Wives tea - we now know when Christine Brown is getting married, why she quit her LulaRoe business, and new talk of a spin-off for her. Plus, Amy Slaton's divorce hearing cancelled.  Show is sponsored by:  Bostonhernia.com/tsfs Got a hernia? Does your man? Boston Hernia is one of the top hernia surgeons in the country! Avoid heavy pain meds and long recovery times, call them 617-466-3373 Brilliantearth.com Beautiful diamonds and jewelry ethically sourced Carawayhome.com use code TSFS for 10% OFF your order at check out Horizonfibroids.com Get rid of those nasty fibroids! Nutrafol.com use code TSFS for FREE shipping and $15 off Marbyl App Find your new favorite podcast by searching a keyword or topic  Zocdoc.com/tsfs Download the Zocdoc App for FREE   Advertise on The Sarah Fraser Show: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Got at TIP on 90 Day Fiance, a TLC Show, Welcome To Plathville? Email: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Leave your hot takes on my Reddit page: reddit.com/r/thesarahfrasershow Instagram: @thesarahfrasershow Follow me on Tiktok: @thesarahfrasershow Book me on Cameo: cameo.com/sarahfraser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Samantha was a casino cocktail waitress, working the graveyard shift when she decided to change her direction in life and go into real estate. After getting her license and becoming a realtor she was introduced to eXp Realty and joined a local broker. Samantha and I go down the rabbit hole of MLM Real Estate - yes, there truly is an MLM for EVERYTHING! - answer some questions as to how Real Estate MLMs are different than the already complicated world of Real Estate, and even her talk about her time through the ringer in LuLaRoe and Piphany. Show Notes Watch Shiny Happy People June 2nd - https://amzn.to/43oTlUa Herbalife Settlement - https://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/legal-compliance/herbalife-pay-125-million-settle-class-action-suit-over-event-costs BeachBody Lawsuit - https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2023-05-22/santa-monica-fitness-company-beachbody-lawsuit-exercise-coaches Shiny Happy People Doc - https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/shiny-happy-people-everything-to-know-about-duggar-docuseries/ eXp Income Disclosure - https://exprealty.com/wp-content/uploads/eXp-U.S.-Average-Income-Disclosure-2022-1.pdf eXp Revenue Share - https://buildingbetteragents.com/exp-realty/revenue-share/ eXp Stock on NASDAQ - https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/expi eXp "Stock Options" - https://buildingbetteragents.com/exp-realty/stock-awards/ 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!

Lesley interviews Brittany Hodak, a famous keynote speaker and author of "Creating Superfans” on this episode. She shares what inspired her to write the book and some personal anecdotes to take your business to the next level and build a loyal customer base. If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co . And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe.In this episode you will learn about:Brittany Hodak's journey of writing her book, Creating Superfans.Author identity and how to cope with overwhelmThe impact of Creating Superfans on different industriesThe role of customer satisfaction in generating referrals and ultimately growing a business.The value of audience feedback and adaptability in content creationEpisode References/Links:Follow Brittany on IGCreating SuperfansPage Two BooksTime Genius Online Course by Marie ForleoShiv Singh on IGThe Big Leap by Gay HendrixGuest Bio:Brittany Hodak is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and customer experience speaker who has delivered keynotes across the globe to organizations including American Express and the United Nations. She has worked with some of the world's biggest brands and entertainers, including Walmart, Disney, Katy Perry, and Dolly Parton. She founded and scaled an entertainment startup to eight figures before exiting, and she is the former Chief Experience Officer of Experience.com. Forbes said of her debut book, Creating Superfans, “If you have customers, you need this book. Period.”  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox.Be It Till You See It Podcast SurveyBe in the know with all the workshops at OPCBe a part of Lesley's Pilates MentorshipWaitlist for the flashcards deckUse this link to get your Toe Sox!ResourcesWatch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube!Lesley Logan websiteBe It Till You See It PodcastOnline Pilates Classes by Lesley LoganOnline Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTubeProfitable PilatesSocial MediaInstagramFacebookLinkedInEpisode Transcript:Brittany Hodak: [00:00:00] I wanna take what I think are all the most important business lessons and package them in a way to where whether somebody is like 17, starting their first job or 70. Whether they love business books or have never read one in their life, will pick up this book and feel like they're having a conversation with a friend.I wanted to feel like you had a friend who was like, Hey, here's all the stuff that's worked really well for me that I've seen work really well for other people, and the research to back up why that works.Lesley Logan: Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear.Each week, [00:01:00] my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.All right, Be It babe, I will get ready cuz this is like a podcast where two friends who have never met, basically just share amazing stories back and forth. I am so excited for you to hear the amazing words of Brittany Hodak, the author of Creating Superfans. Um, whether or not you are in business or you want to be, this book is really fun and I want you to hear her journey.So even if you don't wanna read the book, which you're gonna wanna read it at the end of this podcast, I want you, if you've ever wanted to write a book or start a podcast or start something that has content creation that's gonna take some time. I want you to hear her journey. I want you to hear how she, the twists and turns that were in there.And then also like what she considered when she was bringing this to [00:02:00] fruition. Because you can see yourself in this story, and that's the point of this podcast, is just like you can see yourself in the different stories of our guests. Also, I just really genuinely think you're going to love her and she is the first guest to quote her child at the Be It Pods, uh, Be It action item.If you wanna hear that, that is a reason to listen to this. But at any rate, you're gonna love every word that comes out of Brittany's mouth. I'm just so grateful to have been introduced to her by someone else so I can bring her to you. And our agency members got to experience all of her amazing words already, and so amazing people like her are who we love to surround ourselves with because they make us better.And I am excited to bring her around you cuz you're going to love it and Be It Till You See ItAnd stick around to the very end because we got some outtakes that's been happening. There's always outtakes. Um, and the team does collect them for bloopers on the YouTube, but uh, we're adding them into the end of the pod because you know what you need to know that we are not perfect. You're not perfect, and we're enjoying the process and we are enjoying that.[00:03:00] So have a good laugh on our behalf. Love you.All right. Be it babes. I am so excited. Thank goodness for amazing women who do amazing introductions because today's guest is actually an intro from a past guest that we had, and, um, I'm so grateful that Hillary connected us because I one Brittany Hodak is our guest today.I'm just gonna like say your name. So I'm gonna say this like fangirling right now. I love your book. Creating Superfans is just so fun, so fun to read. I read it on the beach in Mexico, like I made my whole team read it and I'm just, I think what you're doing is actually breaking down things to make things easier for people to have the business they wanna have with the right fans they wanna have.And so thank you Brittany for being here. Can you tell everyone who you are and what you're rocking at these Brittany Hodak: days? Well, thank you so much for having me, Lesley. I'm so excited to be here, and I'm so glad that you loved the book. These days, I'm out there spreading the word about this book. It was my baby.I worked on it for so long. It came out into the world earlier this year in January, and I am just so [00:04:00] excited that people are discovering the message. I am obsessed with customer experience. I think it's the most fun, most important. Honestly most exciting thing about business and I am on a mission to help indoctrinate everybody else to feel that exact same way.Lesley Logan: Yeah, I think that's a, it's almost like the thing that people think about last, which is so weird. They're like, okay, this is the idea I have and I wanna do it. And then they, they don't actually see it from the user's perspective. And it can be as simple as you guys, it could be as simple as your customer experience is like the scheduling tool.Like nothing drives me like more insane than not having one. Cuz when I wanna book with you. I just wanna book with you. And then if your scheduling tool sucks, I can't. So, um, so I think that's really cool. Yes. So important. We have so much we can get into, but first I just wanna say like, you wrote a book.Was that like just the craziest thing to endure? Did you have to quit everything to get it done? How long did it take you? Brittany Hodak: Well, so it's [00:05:00] actually kind of a funny story. We always like think we have our plans and then life lets us know otherwise. I had started writing this book at the end of 2019 and my second son was born in May of 2020, so I knew that I was gonna be too pregnant to fly for like the month and a half or so before he was born.So I had my calendar full of keynote gigs from January to March of 2020. And then I was like, I'm gonna spend March and April finishing this book. Like it's gonna be great because my then three year old was in daycare, so I was like, oh, it'll be perfect. And then of course the world shut down and that did not happen.And so then, not only was I like home with a three-year-old every day, but then when my son was born, I was home with both of them because you know, back then, yeah, everything was still like so uncertain about Covid. We were like, we don't wanna send the older one back to preschool. So I got no writing done, and then at the beginning of 2021 a speaking client of mine who had hired me a bunch of time was like, please, please, please come help [00:06:00] us relaunch our brand. They were rebranding to experience.com and they wanted me to come be their Chief Experience officer. And I was like, well, that does sound very much in alignment with what I do and what I care about, so I spent most of 2021 at experience.com. And so it wasn't until like the end of 2021 that I got back to writing the book. And when I did that I was like, oh, I wanna rewrite everything. I wanna redo all of it. So I ended up writing over a hundred thousand words for this book that is like 57,000 words long.So there is so much that I wrote so much that I did the. First draft that I sent to my publisher, I sent in like January or February of 2022. And then we were working on it all year long. It printed in October of 2022, and then it was in stores in January of 2023. So it was a really, really long process.And now every time somebody tells me they wanna write a book, I'm like, have you thought of starting a podcast? [00:07:00] Because there's merit to that too. Lesley Logan: I, 100% understand this, and I thank you for sharing that because I think sometimes people. I think most of our listeners have a story similar where they had this plan, they had this beautiful plan in Covid or whatever, and then they had another opportunity that they took and they almost get upset at themselves for not doing the original plan or giving, not giving themselves base space and grace and like obviously you taking that job at experience.com allowed you to even get more ideas, more experience for how you want this book to land. And so your book was born when it was supposed to be born and also at a time when people can have customers that can experience something, you know, and all those things. So I think, um, I think it's just really nice to hear from someone that it's not a perfect journey and like there are some detours and they actually enhance the thing that you wanna do.And yes, as someone who wrote a book 10 years ago, uh, it's only in this last like few months and I'm like, okay, I could [00:08:00] fried another one. Like it's say, gimme 10 years to go. You know, I think I'm healed. I'm from, I'm not journey. Brittany Hodak: Yes. Well it's so funny cuz people are already asking me like, when's your next book coming out?And I'm like, uh, 2027. Mark your calendars because it's like once you write it, I feel like, first of all, I feel like right now we're at this moment where there's so many people who are like, I'm gonna write a book. And they wanna do it as like a business card and they don't put a ton of thought into it.Or they hire somebody who does a lot of the work and there's nothing wrong with that at all, but, like those people aren't looking at the long game like they're saying like, I wanna have a book, not, I wanna have her book and promote it for years and years and years. (Lesley: Yeah). Like part of why I was so excited for this book to come out in January is so that all year long, I can call it my new book.Like my new book that came out this year because you know, as customers when you find out about something, it's new to you. [00:09:00] Like it doesn't matter how old or new it is. Like I just started watching some series on Netflix the other day, uh, called You with Penn Badgley, which is like very fascinating.He's a serial killer. It's. Very ...(Lesley: Oh, oh I was up my alley. I'm excited.) Yeah. No, it's a, it's a really good show. Um, but I was like telling some of my friends and they were like, yeah, Brittany, the show is like six years old. And I was like, I know, but it's new to me cuz none of you ever told me about it, even though you apparently were all enjoying it for years.So it's the same with the book. Like, I wanted to write a book that would be really approachable and really accessible and feel really timeless so that if somebody was reading it when it came out, or if somebody's reading it in like 10 years, it still feels like it's really, you know, applicable to what's happening.Lesley Logan: Yeah. I mean like the, um, As I was reading it, what I loved so much is that there, there are so many different things you can take out of it. Like I said earlier, we're having people on the team read it. They don't actually run the company, but if they can understand the process, you talk about like with apathy, like I literally [00:10:00] have like on my computer, it's like a post.Like where can apathy like are you like, are you like that for apathy? And so it's like I just want the team to understand that process so they can go in this part right here that I'm responsible for, this is where apathy can happen, you know? And I want the people on the team to think about that.And that doesn't matter if people are using AI now or if people are doing things in whatever metaverse they're trying to force us all into. Or if it's like in real life that is, that word is transcendent. So I think you did a really good job there. Um, and that way it can be your new book all year long, but it could be someone's new favorite book next year, you know?Brittany Hodak: Well, thank you. Yes. I hope lots of people will continue to discover it. To discover it. The thing that's been so amazing. And like so touching and so exciting is how many people have told me kind of like you, like I read the book and then I bought it from my team, or I read the book and I ordered it for my clients.Or people are telling me like, oh, my friend her who heard about it from her friend who heard about it from her friend told me [00:11:00] to get this book. And so it's just been really, really cool. It's, you know, like watching your little baby go out there into the world and make ripples. So yeah, it's been really fun.Lesley Logan: So I. I wanna go to like, cuz it's like a whole new hat to wear, right? Like, you have, you, you have had incredible journey and we don't, I mean we could talk about your incredible journey for hours cuz you've just done so many amazing things. But you know, going from like, Like chief experience officer of all these amazing places to I'm gonna put myself in a room and write a book that takes like a, that's a whole different identity. Um, was it an easy identity to step into? You're like, yep, I can sit down and write this book, I'm so ready. Or did you struggle with any mindset things going on there? Brittany Hodak: So I think a little bit of both depending on the day.Um, I have always loved books so, so much like when I was a baby, I took books into my crib with me. Like it's funny, I was a baby in the eighties where it was like how many pillows [00:12:00] and padded things can we put in the cribs just like these little, like sleep death traps. Um, but I never wanted to take toys into my crib with me.I always wanted to take books and I had my favorite books and I just have always loved love books. So I've wanted to be an author like my whole life. Like my mom was sending me pictures of my school book where it's like every year you had to say what you wanted to be. Mine was always like author and astronaut.Like, that was what I wanted to do. So I'd been like ready. And I think because of that I had put so much pressure on myself, like I'd built it up over like decades and decades and decades and decades to where when it was time to write it, I was like, it has to be so good. And I also didn't ask for nearly as much help early on as I should have, and I worked with an amazing publishing company called Page Two and they really helped me through like the different rounds of edits and design and thinking about like how we wanted the book to feel and look. But early on I was like, I have to do this myself. Like I thought like to be [00:13:00] an author it meant like you're doing every single part of it entirely on your own.And then I realized that was like very unsustainable and luckily I have an amazing chief of staff named Alex on my team who was able to like get into the draft and be like, oh, I think this point would do really well like in this chapter that you're writing or, oh, you kind of talk about this and you say like research to follow.Like do you want me to give you some options for research that would really like back up this point? So between Alex and the team at Page Two, I quickly realize that like if you're gonna step into that author identity, it means asking for help and having a really great team around you, which I think is honestly true of like all things in life that are worth doing.Right? Lesley Logan: Yeah. I was just thinking in like, Um, I had just interviewed someone, uh, earlier today and she said, like I said, what are the five mistakes you see people making in like their business? And she said, oh, trying to do it all themselves. Like, I think so often people, and people also project this on, I'm sure this happens to you.It happens other times. Like, oh my gosh, you do so much. How do you do it all yourself? And I'm like, [00:14:00] I really don't. Like when our websites went down, they were down for. Whole six days. Like, no, like six days, like is like 1999. No, no way of doing. You couldn't go on our website. They did not exist. And um, people are like, are you doing okay?And I'm like, well, I can't actually fix them. So I'm doing pretty great cuz I have a really awesome team. I trust them a lot. And I'm over here just like fielding the customer service stuff cuz I can actually talk to people. I know how to do that, but I can't, can't stress about those things. And so I think people will look at you or look at people that they admire and go, oh, they did it all on their own, even though you have a whole team. So I think it's great that you were able to lean into them and see how they could enhance the whole experience too. Brittany Hodak: Oh yeah, absolutely. And I think it's so key for people to have those teams around them, whatever that looks like, whether you're just starting out and that means you have like a virtual assistant a few hours a week, or maybe you have full-time help, but y you've gotta have that.[00:15:00] And something that I wish I had done years ago, uh, you know, Marie Forleo. ...(Lesley: Oh yes. Oh yes.) So for year, like a couple of years, people were telling me like, oh, I took Time Genius, which is one of the courses she offers. And like, it was so transformational. And I just always thought like, isn't it about time management?How could time management course be transformational? So I never did it. And then right after my book came out, I was flying all over the place. I had, I think I had like 17 events in the first eight weeks of the year. Like it was bonkers. Oh gosh. It was like, my gosh, I would wake up and I was like, what city am I in?What city am I going to? I actually had an Uber driver take me to the wrong airport once because I was somewhere in Pennsylvania and to get me to the next place, it was like, I was going to another city, but I told him the wrong one. I said like Lancaster instead of, oh my goodness. ...(Brittany: Something else.Lansdale or something else.) Yeah. So I was in Hershey, Pennsylvania and I went to the wrong airport to get to like, I don't [00:16:00] know, Boston or wherever I was going. So anyway, it was stressful. Yeah. Dallas, I don't even know where I was going. Um, so anyway, I was like very overwhelmed and so I signed up for Time Genius, which is like an online course.And at the beginning there was something that Marie Forleo said that totally was a paradigm shift for me that I was like, oh my gosh, I wish I had heard this years ago. So I've been repeating it everywhere I can, and it was just the simple mantra of "I don't do overwhelm." Like, so when you find yourself starting to get overwhelmed because of time, because of your schedule, because what you have to do, just reminding yourself that it is a choice to be overwhelmed or not overwhelmed because worrying in the moment about like all the stuff that you can't do right now, I. Is not beneficial. Like it doesn't help that task get done better. It's like not great for your nervous system. It's not great for your mental state. Like it's just not great. So when you find yourself starting to like freak out about all of those things, you know, kind of telling yourself [00:17:00] like I. Right. I know and I'm gonna address those when I have time to address those, but right now I'm making dinner, or right now I'm playing with my kids or doing this client meeting or whatever.So those four words, I don't do overwhelm, have like changed the way I think about my schedule and I wish I had heard them years ago. Lesley Logan: I am, I love this so much. My brain, my brain was like thinking of something else that this all kind of goes to. So I'll, I'll take everyone on the journey my brain just went to, first of all.Yes, I love that because you, your brain doesn't wanna be in dissonance. So like when you say that, and if you say, especially if you say out loud, like you're, you can't start doing overwhelming stuff cuz you just said, I don't do that. The other thing is, um, a lot of times, um, As we are going outside of our comfort zone, which like 17 trips and like so few weeks and all these things, like if you're not used to doing those things, it's like outside of the comfort zone.And yes, it's exciting. Yes, it's everything you want, but there's the book, the Big Leap with Gay Hendrix. I'm not sure if you're familiar with it, but he talks about the things that we do to upper limit ourselves. One of those things that's worrying [00:18:00] or stressing or starting to list all the things that are going wrong.Like just because something is going right and so you can start to do this stuff and by saying, I don't do overwhelm, you can kind of stop that whole upper limiting moment and get yourself into some sort of present being like, I am cooking right now and when I'm done cooking I can go think about that thing.That is overwhelming, but I'm not doing that right now. I love that. What a great, what a great course that's, I'm sure there's more to it, but that's really helpful. Brittany Hodak: Yeah, there was a lot more that was like literally like the first five minutes and I don't even know if I finished the whole thing. I'm really bad at like signing up for things and then doing part of them, but that alone was worth the cost of the course for me. Lesley Logan: Okay. I, um, I want to kind of go to, like, I wanna go back to this reason for writing the book because wanting to be an author is like, you know, Admirable and it's amazing. There should be, I hope there's more and more authors and more and more books out there.I want us to all go back to reading them. And I love that this is a hard back. It's my first hard back in years, so thank you. Uh, but what were you, [00:19:00] like, why did you wanna write this book? What was the, because you could do a podcast or you could just go into a bunch of interviews, I'm sure you have. So like, what was it that the book was solving a problem for that you wanted to have out there?Brittany Hodak: Well, the answer is twofold. One is, you know, I never planned on becoming a keynote speaker. It kind of was like an accidental career that I fell into. Um, I was an entrepreneur. I ran my own business for several years, and because we were invited to go on Shark Tank, I started getting all of these speaking requests.And the more I did it, the more I got feedback from people saying like, you should really do this more. You're so good at this. And. So like, one reason is when you are a keynote speaker, it really helps to have a book because it helps position you as a thought leader. It helps you sort of crystallize your thoughts.It helps you put something out there that people can be like, oh, okay, I get it. I know what you're about. So that was part of it. Um, but really the other part was, so I, I read all the time. I mean, I read like dozens and dozens of books a year. My husband reads like a book a [00:20:00] year, and he doesn't like business books.And so many of my friends are like, I've never read a business book. I've never read like a personal development book, a professional development book, and like, those are my jam. Like I don't read like fantasy novels or you know, Sci-fi, but I love a good non-fiction book. And so as I was talking to people who told me that they weren't readers, I started to ask them Why, like, why don't you read business books?And people are like, they're so boring. There's never any real takeaways, like, it's just such a waste of time. Or I try to read but I fall asleep. So my mission was to write a business book that didn't feel like a business book. I was like, I wanna take. What I think are all the most important business lessons and package them in a way to where whether somebody is like 17, starting their first job or 70.Whether they love business books or have never read one in their life, will pick up this book and feel like [00:21:00] they're having a conversation with a friend. I wanted to feel like you had a friend who was like, Hey, here's all the stuff that's worked really well for me that I've seen work really well for other people in their research to back up why that works.And so that was why I really wanted to write the book, was to be able to prove even through some of the creative choices, you know, like you were talking about, like all the song titles and using color and using like funny pop culture references. I wanted to prove that you could make a business book feel fun and exciting and like something you would recommend to your girlfriend.Lesley Logan: Yeah, I mean, well done. You did it. Um, y'all, if you're, if you're not watching us on YouTube, cuz her, her book is in the, in the background. Um, let me just say like, I literally laughed as I was reading the book because the different chapters are, I think one of 'em is, uh, a title that we've made an, uh, Pilates class on OPC.So I was like, oh, this girl's my jam. But you, you know, I think that you hit something really important. You ask people questions about why they didn't do [00:22:00] the thing that you were wanting to create. And I think that's a great thing for anyone. Maybe you don't wanna write a book, but maybe you wanna start a podcast or maybe you want to, when we, actually, I'll just do a real ex life example.Brad wanted me to create onlinepilatesclasses.com. It's a pilates platform. And I was like, well, they already exist. Like I'm on one, I'm on the number, I'm on the the top one. And so why would we create something that's already out there and. So I just started asking people, do you use it? Like, what do you like about it?What don't you? And people were saying things like, well, I have it, but like, I don't do this, or I don't. And I started to figure out like what was the reason for not having it or why they weren't using it. And I was like, well, if I was gonna create something like it, how can I solve those things, those objections.And so it's very similar and it makes it a, it makes it a lot of fun cuz now I'm solving a puzzle, like how do I create the thing that they, they could like, you know? So, um, that's a really cool experience like, journey that you went through to get the book out there. Um, and so then what are you [00:23:00] like now that you've got this book out,I mean, you birthed the book, it's out there like that probably had to feel so crazy cuz as you mentioned, you've been working on it for years. Um, what are you excited about, uh, this juncture? Like where are you going with this all next? Brittany Hodak: Well, I'm just so excited to get feedback from people, people who work in all kinds of different industries who have reached out to me and have said we've changed the way we do our patient experience at our hospitals, or we've changed the way we do the onboarding of our employees.Somebody told me that they work at a prison and they're like, we need to think about the way that all of the prison employees treat our inmates. And so, ...(Lesley: oh my gosh, Brittany) all these areas. I like never in a million years like would have thought like I was writing a book for this. I met somebody the other day that does industrial concrete polishing, which was, I'm not gonna lie an industry I did not know existed.Um, so it's really fun to hear people say, just like you're saying, like, oh, I felt like you [00:24:00] wrote this book for us. The cool thing about customer experience is it is universal. Like if you have customers or want to this is important and like you should be thinking about this. And so it's been really, really fun to hear all those stories and honestly, I just am excited to continue spreading the word about the book and hopefully helping people change the way they think about their customers and make more money.Lesley Logan: Yeah, and also like when you, and, and, and, and also for those of you who are like, are like, oh, scared of money. The more money you make, it means the more lives you've changed, the more hearts you've like helped. Like it's ...(Brittany: the more people you've helped.) It's, I know, I mean like, I think people can get a little like, um, I'm making money and it's like, especially like the, some of the women I talked to and I'm like, profit is not a bad word actually.Uh, of the curse words that are out there, profit is not one of them. And also like, it's a sign of helping people and like, Every person listening to this podcast wants to help people in a very specific way. And if you figure this out, that you've, you've so well written, [00:25:00] you figure out the customer experience so well, um, you get to help more.I mean, one of the ti I just got this question in my dms today. And it was like, um, should I, what are your thoughts on referral programs? And I was like, well, hello, I don't coach in the dms, you know, blah, blah, blah. Um, uh, but I said, just so you know, like you really just can't pay people to talk about you.So if this is like, this can't be the first thing that you're thinking about when it comes to referrals, and it's because people want referrals, but they think they have to reward people for those referrals and like, There people were referring people to things well before rewards programs were out there y'all.So like that's what I think is so great about your book is it actually helps people see, like you don't actually have to pay the people. You don't have to come up with some great, awesome discount for them. You can actually change the customer experience, so they can't wait to talk about you. Brittany Hodak: Well, thank you for saying that.And yeah, it's a hundred percent true. It's, I think anytime somebody shares a referral [00:26:00] offer or an affiliate offer, there's always a little bit of hesitation of like, is this a hundred percent genuine or is this person sharing it because they like it and they're gonna make 15%? And so there's always that like push pull.Um, and it's funny, like I actually. Is like a little bit random. Um, I, I took my car in, uh, yesterday and like, just for an oil change and they always do this inspection like where, you know, they like send a video of like all the stuff that's wrong. And so the guy was like, oh, you're gonna need to replace your back brakes and you're gonna need to replace your front brakes.And there was like something in the middle of the car that I'd never heard of, like an arm or some, some sort of arm. Um, ...(Lesley: you're like, is the car gonna run right?) And I was like, my car is six years old and it's got like 40,000 miles. Like, it's not like, It's not like what I would think of, my mind is like an old car.So you know, I'm in there for the like hundred dollars oil change and filter change and whatever, and they're like, oh yeah, so like, these are the services we recommend, and it was gonna be like $2,300. And so I immediately was like, I. I [00:27:00] should just buy a new car. Like I don't wanna spend $2,300 on this car that I like, don't even like, um, that I just got cause you know, I like needed a car cuz I'm, I moved from New York to Tennessee and I needed a car and that was, that was like, okay, here's like a dealership, I'll get this car. Um, so I was like, oh, I should buy a Tesla. And I went on the website on my phone. Like, I was just like, oh, I wonder if Tesla has an SUV.Like if they've got to, right. And like 10 minutes later I was like, oh, I just bought a Tesla. It's like, I didn't even mean to like, I was just like, oh, like I wonder what it would cost. And it was like, oh, I, wow. I can like do these wheels. I like this. I like this. So I literally bought like a very expensive car, or s u v, like, like on a whim because everybody who has a Tesla loves their Tesla. Yeah. Like it's all about the evangelism, it's all about that advocacy. And it's so funny cuz I was texting my husband, um, cuz they, this is another very annoying thing about the car company, even though it was [00:28:00] my car when we went together, they put his name and they were like, oh, like we're gonna finance it together.And I was like, I don't know, this is my car. And every single time I do anything for that car even though I've like asked them to change this, it's always under his name. So I'll go in and I'm like, Hey, I'm Brittany. I'm here for an oil change. And they're like, oh, we don't have it, Brittany, could they be under another name?And I'm like, is it still under Jeff? Like, is it, have you not... You're like this customer experience, you just, just so you know, I don't feel seen at all. Yeah, exactly. Like, exactly. So it was so annoying. So I, I was just like, oh, I'm just gonna buy a Tesla. But it's funny because, um, as I was doing it, I was like, wait, I think they have a referral program.So I texted one of my friends and I was like, Dave, do you have a referral? Like I want to like get you credit or whatever. And he was like, oh, I don't even know, like, let me check. And he went into his Tesla app and he was like, it looks like they're only doing it now for solar panels. And I was like, oh, I'm sorry.And he was like, but you should definitely buy one cuz they're awesome. And I was like, okay. [00:29:00] And then when I, my husband's at South by Southwest to speak, so I was like, babe, I bought a Tesla. And he was like, did you go test drive one? And I was like, no, but I've like been in some, um, like, I'm sure it'll be great.Like, look how pretty it is. Lesley Logan: So, but you know, okay. I love this story so much because first of all, here's these people who are like, oh, we're gonna upsell this person on these things. And, and you're like, if I'm missing $2,300, I may as well just buy the, the car that I really want. And like, obviously the experience with them isn't good enough.That makes you wanna keep coming back to them. So you're like, I'm just gonna get this thing over here that everyone raves about. And, um, I, I too, I mean, they, that's what they want. They want us all buying cars off of the internet now anyways. I mean, that's why there's a vending machine of cars by the freeway that I drive past.Um, so, but I also think that's true. Like we, uh, you know, obviously people ask me about Pilates equipment and I, I have to say, I'm like, look, I will be completely honest with you, um, the company that I'm going to say I like, I am also an authorized person to say that I like it. So I actually [00:30:00] k will not tell you that things, but I'll be really honest why I like this one and I will get paid if you use this thing.So just so you are cl fully aware of like all the things around that. Um, obviously my joy and my love for it extends past like the getting paid for it, but it's true, people do wanna make sure that the referral is for a good reason and, and genuine because, and also the people that are now, like nowadays, I think a lot of people are afraid to sell their friends on things after like, you know, the eighties and nineties of MLMs selling their friends of baskets Brittany Hodak: and makeup, tens of MLMs in the 2000 twenties of MLMs.Right. I know they a bunch of people who still have some of those ugly leggings. Oh, were they called LuLaRoe? Lesley Logan: Oh, yes. Oh, yes. Talk about, talk about a UX experience for their sellers. That's a word. That's a interesting documentary to watch y'all. Um, but it's. It's so true and, and I, and I, I get why people ask like, what are the best referral programs?Cuz I do understand that they're like trying to get their clients to talk more about the [00:31:00] things. But what I've always believed, and this comes from the first person to ever talk to me about when I was a Pilates instructor, this teacher came up to me and he said, do you want one of the best advice you could ever have for business?And I said, sure, tell me. He says, get focus on getting one client and making them like your best number one client, and if you get them all the results that they want quickly, you will have a full book of clients. And I was like, okay. So I got this my first client and they're like, oh, I have to reschedule next week.I'm like, can you come Thursday? Can you come? I like, just like I like took that advice to home and then sure enough, they just started referring me people, because people noticed they were standing taller, noticed that they had more flex, like their friends noticed that they were more active, so their friends were just asking them, Hey, what are you doing?They weren't like passing my cards around, and so I think we forget that it's more about the actual people we're helping in the moment and less about the people that we haven't seen yet. You know, like we don't know them yet. And if you can just change your focus, it really can enhance the business and you don't have to [00:32:00] come up with point cards.Brittany Hodak: Yeah. And I think it's kind of, you know, it reminds me of my, my kids. So I've got a two year old and a five year old little boy, and. You know, like most kids, my five year old, like all like wants a new toy and it's like the most important thing. He's like, I want this toy, I want this toy, I want this toy, I want this toy.He gets it and he is happy for like, I don't know, 12 seconds and then it's about the next toy. And he doesn't appreciate the toys he has because he wants that next toy. And I'm trying to like, you know, help him out of that mindset. But it reminds me of the way so many people treat their customers. It's like, you're like, okay, if I could only get 10 customers this month, and then you get your 10 customers and all of a sudden it's like, well, I should get 20 next month. And instead of taking great care of those 10 that you have, you're trying to like look ahead to the next, look ahead to the next. So treating every customer as the most important customer you have does exactly what you just described.Every time. Mm-hmm. And that's why one of the epigraphs, which [00:33:00] that epigraph is a word that I learned when I was writing my book and epigraph is the like quote at the beginning of the chapter when you quote somebody else. One of the epigraphs in my book is by a guy named Shiv Singh, who's uh, right now he's the CXO at Lending Tree, but he's worked for a ton of giant companies in his life.And that epigraph is the purpose of a business is to create a customer who creates customers. And that's exactly what you just described. And if you follow that advice, everything else takes care of itself. Lesley Logan: Yeah, yeah. I agree. And I, I'm sure there's people listening and they're like, Lesley, you have affiliate links. Yes, we do. You can sign up for them if you want to, and you only have to promote them if you want to. But, um, uh, cuz I like paying you when you do. Absolutely. But I, um, I think it's, I really have wanted to make it my focus in everything that we do, like how do we just take care of the people that we have and then when we do things to get new clients, new members and things like that, [00:34:00] I want it to be, I want our members to be like, of course I'm gonna share that.Like I would, I wouldn't even have to ask them. Like that's just always been the thing. And it's not an easy task. Like it sounds easy like we're talking about, like I love that quote so much. And it's like, yes, that's the thing. It is so hard in practice, but if you make that your priority, It becomes easier over time and you can really reap the rewards, um, a lot quicker than just focusing on the next new thing, you know?So you just did an amazing. Amazing job with this. I'm sure there's be more things that come around with this book. I'm sure they'll be, I don't know, merch or checklists. Actually, there's so many, there's so much content that I have, um, in the book I mentioned this URL to where people can go and they can download a playbook, um, to sort of help them go through the five step process that I talk about in the book, which I call the supermodel.And then there's like PDFs of a bunch of pages in the book. But. As we wrote it, like we kept thinking of more things to add and then readers, like [00:35:00] somebody, somebody sent me an email and then like two days later somebody sent me a DM that basically said exactly the same thing, which is, I wish there was a discussion guide cuz I wanna do this for my book club.And we were like, yeah, that's a great idea. So we made a discussion guide. So all of these resources that we keep creating, somebody else was like, oh, I love all of your sales advice, but I'm an introvert and I feel like it's really hard to be an introvert in sales. Have you ever thought about creating the sales or the Introverts Guide to Sales?, and I was like, Nope. But that's a great idea. And a week later we had it and it's up. And so in the resource library is what we call, ...(Lesley: oh my gosh.) It's like there's all of these resources in the resource library because of things that people have like read the book and reached out and said like, can you make this?I That's so cool that your resource library is like an ever-changing organic thing. Um, I, we get that question a lot. Like I'm, cuz my, my husband has, um, a course, like 200 Rejections to Success. He's like, look, he's like, it's a numbers game. You're gonna reject it more [00:36:00] than, than you won't be. But like you, if you get to 200 nos before you have a full schedule, then we really have to talk about you really understand who you're talking to, but you just can't like, just like, you just get better over time.And then we have people like I'm. I'm an introvert, so I can't do that. And I said, well, let me just be really clear. You get your energy by being alone. So you might be shy or might be afraid of rejection, like, but you, like, I, I also like to be by myself to get energy. It is not easy to be rejected nor those things.So I love that you created that for people, because I do think some people will see, they go, oh, it must be easy for them, and then there's a reason why they can't do it. And so you're just like, I took that reason away. Sorry. Here you go. Brittany Hodak: Exactly. Lesley Logan: Oh my gosh, Brittany. Well you are so cool. I am so excited. Um, by the time this comes out, you will already have spoken to our agency members.Um, so y'all, if you are like what? Um, yes. The agency members got to have Brittany all to themselves, um, and you all have to just go grab this book. I swear, even if you [00:37:00] think I'm only gonna have like a small business at the farmer's market, you will have the best small business, the most thriving small business, um, ever because we've read this book so quick, we're gonna take a quick break, Brittany, and then we'll come back, find out where people can find you, follow you, work with you, and you'll Be It action items.All right, Brittany, you've given us some amazing advice. Before we get to those Be It action items, where do you like to hang out? Are you on Instagram? Are you on LinkedIn? Where are all the things and where can people buy your book? Brittany Hodak: I am on all of the places. I'm @ brittanyhodak everywhere. Uh, I got very lucky when I married my husband for a lot of reasons.He's a great guy, but, um, one of them was the SEO o my maiden name was Jones. So luckily now as Britney Hodak, there is much less competition for those handles. So I'm @brittanyhodak. Just about everywhere you can be at something. Um, so people can find me there. My website is brittanyhodak.com and if you wanna pick up the book, you can get the hard cover at your favorite local independent bookstore.You can also get it at Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million or Amazon.com. And if you want the ebook [00:38:00] version or the audiobook version, which I narrate, those are available at Amazon. Lesley Logan: Oh, you do your own narration? Brittany Hodak: I did it. Oh my gosh. It was so hard. It was like, I thought it would be easy. I was like, I do podcasts all the time. Speak for a living. Recording an audiobook is like a different beast. Did you do yours when you wrote your book? Lesley Logan: Uh, we haven't done it yet and the team is like wanting me to do it and I'm like, I have to get the editors ready cuz like, Like, I feel like, do you have to say the sentences like over and over and over again or like you just read it and tell you like, don't fuck up?Brittany Hodak: Um, yeah. Well, so that my audio engineer who's great, I worked with this company called Twin Flames, and Steven, my engineer, was like, your homework is to read the whole book out loud. And I maybe read like, Six pages. Like, cuz I was like, oh, I'll read it when I'm like putting my kids to bed, like instead of a bedtime story.And they immediately were like, no, mom, not like popping up. This isn't good. Not, not this. Um, so I had not read it out loud. And it's weird, [00:39:00] like you don't think about how certain words sound and you know, like how when you say any word enough times, it just like starts to sound weird. Lesley Logan: Yeah. Brittany Hodak: That was what recording the book was like.Like I was like experience, exper experience. Like, it just, it's, it was such a weird experience. So I think it took me like 14 or 15 hours of recording to record a book that's like, I don't know, six or seven hours long. Lesley Logan: Yeah. I mean, I believe that only cuz um, one of, one of my, my book is called Profitable Pilates: Everything But the Exercises and just for me to say profitable, like I have to go profit. Because if I say it too fast, like profitable, it's seven syllables. It's seven syllables. Right. It's predictable. Yeah. It's, and then, and then, so, okay, I, y'all, I have to, I haven't showed this up, this, sorry, on the podcast, but like, this is, this is just like, uh, an example of like what me reading my own book would sound like.So it was my birthday. And we had this like party at this, it's this really cool old bar in downtown Vegas. And my dad was [00:40:00] there and he had brought a gift, which is so nice, right? And so I had not actually had my drink yet. Like I, maybe I had a sip of it. It was like sitting there and there's this like bright yellow box on the table and Brad's like, well open up your presents.So then everyone like stops talking to like watch me, like open up my present. So Brad's like, well read the cover of the box. Like I took the wrapping paper off and had like these words on it and I was like, keep sake. And Brad's like, you wanna read that again? And I was like, keep sake. And he's looking at me.He is like, try, try that one more time. And I'm, look, I'm like, Brad, it says keep sake. Like I can't, like my, I could not change how it looked to my brain. And he said, keepsake. And I'm like, keepsake. Oh, it's a keeps, I could not read that word any different than like, keep the drink. Brittany Hodak: I love it. Lesley Logan: So I, I feel like that would be me reading my own book besides the word [00:41:00] profitable, happening too many times the like, I just feel like I would say the wrong.So now all the time, people who are at my party, they'll just text me and they'll go keep sake. Anyways, Brittany Hodak: So funny, I l it reminds me, somebody told me, uh, actually when I was recording the audiobook, um, I guess this was like something that was viral on TikTok for a minute, but what is f a t spell? ...(Lesley: Oh, fat).Yeah. And h e r? H h e r, here her. Oh, h e r her? Yeah. So F a T h E R. Lesley Logan: Oh, that's father. But you may like, did someone say fatter? Brittany Hodak: You got Yeah. Right away. It's like most people are like, wait, fat, fatter father fat, fat, fat. Yeah. Yeah, so apparently like the way, so I, I, I think keepsake is a great way to say keepsake and I a hundred percent know what you mean because my brain did that a bajillion times recording the audio books.There were [00:42:00] actually parts where I was like, can I just change it? Should I just change it? Like, I dunno if I'm, it's been 12 tries, I don't know if we're gonna get much better than this. So you need to either lower your expectations or I need to like change the content. Lesley Logan: I, um, I'm one of those people. If I, if I can do it the first time, it's great, but the moment I'm, they're like, can you do that one more time?It's like, it's never gonna be as good as that was. So Brittany Hodak: Right. It's gonna take, or, and then like, because it's so many sessions, they're like, you, like the feedback was always like, oh no, you need to sound a little more enthusiastic. Or like, oh, you've gotta be a little bit slower. So every session would start with the engineer playing.Like from last time. Yeah. And so then you're like in your head cuz you're like, oh, how many inches was I from the microphone? And like, which way was my head facing? And like, it is, it is a process. So it's, if you're like, which version should I buy? Please consider the audiobook because a lot of time and love went into getting that puppy out in the world.Lesley Logan: I promise you that's how Brad has digested it. [00:43:00] Brittany Hodak: Awesome. Thanks Brad. Brad, you're, you're the best. Lesley Logan: Yeah, he is. Yeah. okay. Bold, executable, intrinsic target steps people can take to be until they see it. What do you have for us? Brittany Hodak: All right, so I am gonna take a different approach here. Have any of your guests ever quoted their children?No. This is a first. Okay, well, you may know what's coming because I put this in the book as well, but I told you I was very, um, delayed in writing my book. I worked on it for a really, really long time before my second son was born. My first son who was almost three. Um, You know, I was like trying to get as much writing before the baby was born as I could.I was downstairs one day, I was working on the book and my son like kept coming into the room and I kept sort of like reminding him nicely, like, buddy Mommy's working on her book. You're supposed to be up, but daddy like go in the bonus room with daddy. Like Mommy has to write. And he looked at me and he said, what's your book about mom?And it was the first time he'd shown like any interest at all. And so I kind of took a deep breath and I was like, well, [00:44:00] and I was trying to explain, the idea of Creating Superfans in a way that a, you know, almost three year old would, would understand fully expecting him to say like, that's dumb. You should, you should write about dinosaurs or something like that.And instead he looked at me, he got really quiet and he said, mom, I think you should tell the people to be nice and listen. And then he gave me a kiss and he ran out of the room and I was like, Mic drop, like, oh my gosh, did my kid just write my book in four words better than I'm gonna do it in like 60,000 words.So that is what I wanna share with people, because I feel like not only is it applicable for Creating Superfans, it's applicable for everything in your life. Yeah. Be nice and listen even when it feels hard. Even when you don't wanna do that. Even when you wanna like, be catty or like cutting or like get that, you know, jab, you know, in.Um, and even when you like wanna talk [00:45:00] and you wanna share like, so be nice and listen. Hmm. Straight from Katoh Hodak. Lesley Logan: That is, um, that is beautiful and. I, I love that. And I think it's something we can all do exactly right now in this moment. Wherever you are, you're probably in driving and someone's probably trying to cut you off.Uh, be nice. Let and listen to this. Brittany Hodak: Take a little longer. Let that, let that tractor trailer turn out in front of you. It's fine. Be nice. Lesley Logan: Oh my gosh. I'm so grateful for getting to know you for this book, being like, I mean, I, I. I would hope that I would've heard about it. Uh, but having to hear, hear about as soon as it came out, um, it's changing the way that my team can work with our business and our clients and our customers and and, and how we are even thinking about this podcast.And so I'm just so grateful for you. I hope that I get to meet you when I come to Nashville. Um, and y'all go get this book. How are you going to use these tips in your life? Brittany and I wanna know. So tag Brittany Hodak, tag the Be It pod, and until next time, Be It Till You See It.[00:46:00] That's all I got for this episode of the Be Until You See a Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram.I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others be it till you see it. Have an awesome day. Be it till You see. It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. Brad Crowell: It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Leslie Logan and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan: It is produced, edited by the Epic team at Disenyo our Brad Crowell: theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music, and our branding by designer and artist Gianfranco Cioffi. Lesley Logan: Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals and Xemina Velazquez for our transcriptions. Brad Crowell: Also to Angelina Herico for adding all the content to our website.And finally to Meredith Crowell for keeping us all on point [00:47:00] and on time.Yeah, exactly what happened? No rain, sleet, snow, except for Thursdays at two o'clock. Yeah. My dad worked for the post office. Exactly and like, he's like, what is.I don't wanna lose any good stuff o off the recording, but I will say, um, my entire O p C platform is like eighties and nineties, like throwbacks, so like everything. So when you were like doing all these like hip hop song titles for things, I was like, it's like, it's like she wrote a print, like a, a creating super fans book for op p c cuz it's literally like everything we do, all the song titles are like, you know, ba.Boom. I'm like about to spin around the room here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Mandys relive their youth with Judy Bloom as they dive into the film adaptation of the classic "Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret.” Along the way, they dig into the latest Miscast performance, diagnose Mandy's nearly irrational sexual obsession with Succession, and find a way to, together, be completely wrong about the musical Beetlejuice. (00:00) - Welcome to The Mandcave (01:15) - This is the part in which the Mandys are wrong about Beetlejuice, the Musical (02:23) - Succession Sex (04:44) - Fans of Miscast: Singing Not Always Appropriate (07:59) - Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret (36:11) - Suppor the Show! Become a Fandy! https://mandcave.com (38:07) - Games! (49:10) - Coming Attractions: The Rise and Fall of LuLaRoe

When it comes to MLMs (multi-level marketing) brands, Nicole is torn. She's heard some horror stories exposing an exploitative underbelly of MLMs, but she's also spoken firsthand to people who attribute all of their financial success and happiness to their work with MLMs. Today, Nicole hears from Roberta Blevins, who was once a seller for It Works! and LuLaRoe. Roberta shares her firsthand experience, and why she unequivocally believes MLMs are pyramid schemes. Find more of Roberta's work, and her podcast, here: https://robertablevins.com/

When Amazon Prime dropped the LuLaRich documentary in 2021, it was one of the first times the population at large got to peek behind the curtain at one of the largest multilevel marketing companies in the world—and boy, did it take internet voyeurs by storm. The timing of (and snark generated by) such an explosive exposé was especially interesting, given the other pyramid scheme-y thing playing out in 2022: NFTs, shitcoins, and meme stocks. It feels like we should've learned our collective lesson by now—but are the get-rich-quick schemes that plague our DMs and Twitter feeds evolving faster than we are? What's a Boss Babe to do? Learn more about our sponsor, Vin Social: https://www.vinsocial.vip Learn more about our sponsor, Droplette: https://droplette.io/. Use promo code MONEYWITHKATIE for 50% off. Learn more about our sponsor, Fidelity: https://fidelity.com/stocksbytheslice Transcripts can be found at podcast.moneywithkatie.com. — Mentioned in the Episode Amanda Montell's Cultish: https://bookshop.org/a/90396/9780062993151 LuLaRich: https://www.amazon.com/LuLaRich-Season-1/dp/B09CFXPNSX LuLaRich trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIkcrQzTr8w&ab_channel=AmazonPrimeVideoUK How LuLaRoe worked: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4411N0nAELY&ab_channel=AmazonPrimeVideoUK The Sam Dee on YouTube, sharing their experience as a LuLaRoe retailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-TO2-d10S0&ab_channel=TheSamDee The Dream podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s1-e1-wanna-swim-in-cash/id1435743296?i=1000420324159 The Airplane Game from the 1980s: https://apnews.com/article/7894d03521da555b7ea45e6f78323fbb "Blessing Loom" scam alert: https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/22255-bbb-scam-alert-easy-money-blessing-loom-nope-pyramid-scheme Benjamin M. Friedman's Religion and the Rise of Capitalism: https://bookshop.org/a/90396/9780593311097 Protestant ethic, per the Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Protestant-ethic James Jani on YouTube, sharing about the prosperity gospel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTfKpAWkgJY&t=771s&ab_channel=JamesJani — Follow Along at Money with Katie: https://moneywithkatie.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoneywithKatie Follow Money with Katie! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneywithkatie/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/moneywithkatie   Subscribe to The Money with Katie Newsletter - Sign up for free today: https://www.morningbrew.com/money-with-katie/subscribe/2 Follow the Brew! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morningbrew/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorningBrew - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morningbrew

If Theresa Giudice opened a mediocre fast casual sandwich shop it would look like Subway restaurants. Founded in part by a 17 year old from the Bronx named Fred Deluca, Subway would become the world's largest fast-food chain. But while Deluca's family was raking in that sweet meatball money, their franchisees were in honey ham hell. Once the sandwich king, Subway now faces serious lawsuits and FTC investigations amid dwindling sales. How did this chain, known for its "definitely 100% real, seriously guys I promise it really is tuna" sandwiches tumble to the bottom of the food chain? Find out on this episode of Corporate Gossip! Don't forget to rate and review this podcast! We're on Youtube  Support the pod by buying us a coffee Check out our reading list  Tiktok: @corporategossippod Hosts: Becca Platsky (Becca@nitetoast.com) Adam Platsky (Adam@nitetoast.com)  Produced by: Michael Albanese @bigmanmike Timestamps:  1:50 - Fred Deluca opens the first Subway with $1,000 and a bag of tuna and quickly realizes that making franchise royalties is wayyyyy easier than making a hot italian sandwhich.    5:15 - Deluca is Tiny Time vibes with a Scrooge personality.    7:40 - The most haunted calendar of all time is created by Deluca and his colleagues. They literally take pictures of themselves shirtless around the office. Deluca is Mr. January.  12:30 - Subway becomes the LuLaRoe of fast food restaurants.  16:00 - Wokeup this mornin' and I got myself a sub.... Subway's hitmen set their targets on francisees. 22:30 - J*red F*gle, I don't think I need to say anymore.  26:00 - After his death, Deluca gives his estranged wife the ultimate anniversary present... half of a dying sandwhich company!  31:50 - Subway's requirement for a new CEO? Sharing the majority of the founder's DNA.  37:00 - You know what they say about mixing business with family? It literally always works every time! You should def do it!  40:00 - Subway spends millions of dollars on a rebrand and a ton of celebrity influencers but their sandwhiches still suck.  44:20 - Subway's future looks as grey as their tuna.  45:45 - Find out what fast food restaurant you are based on your zodiac sign. Links:  SubCon 2023! (Subway Convention)  Subway cofounder Fred DeLuca ruled the company like a demigod and pursued wives of franchisees. How one man sent the world's biggest fast-food chain into a tailspin Subway does franchisee damage control after John Oliver segment: memos Subway Got Too Big. Franchisees Paid a Price Inside the 2 secretive billionaire families that own Subway, as they face backlash from furious franchisees Judge rules Subway can be sued over claims that its tuna sandwiches contain other fish species or animal products New Subway sandwich menu items taste just as vile as the old ones What fast food are you based on your zodiac

The Eat The Rich podcast ended its run last summer, and I noticed their patreon recently deactivated, so all those episodes have VANISHED! I couldn't let that happen with this very funny episode Natalie did with Cari about the weird women's clothing pyramid scheme, LuLaRoe. Originally released 9/26/2021. Thanks to Cari for granting us permission to rehost. Here's the original episode description: ------------ On this week's Patreon episode, Natalie (@hot4trotsky of @rockhardcaucus) joins Cari to talk about LuLaRoe, platypi, and pies. ------------ Also, if you're attending Mission Creek Festival in Iowa City this weekend, come see my band BCJsPs open the lineup at Riverside Theatre at 7pm on Saturday: https://missioncreekfestival.com/schedule/bcjsps And don't forget to cheer on the Englert production staff as we continue the process of negotiating a fair union contract: https://littlevillagemag.com/letter-to-the-editor-the-stage-is-being-set-for-a-worker-centered-arts-scene Thanks, love you all! -Justin https://rockhardcauc.us

Go to http://dipseastories.com/mlm to get an extended 30 day free trial. Go to http://hellofresh.com/mlm60 and use code mlm60 for 60% off plus free shipping! Welcome to Multi Level Mondays, a weekly series all about multi level marketing, pyramid schemes, and ponzi schemes. Dot Dot Smile is a children's clothing company that prides itself on offering business opportunities to women around the world to make their own money, be their own boss, and stay with their kids. If all that sounds familiar, that's because it is. They are an mlm brought to you by the same family that brought us LulaRoe and their structure is remarkably similar. Almost as if it was by design. But, their success seems to be relatively short-lived and while the rest of the family is running around making their wildest mlm dreams come true, Dot Dot smile has fallen flat—right into bankruptcy.  Connect With Me: https://linktr.ee/iilluminaughtii' Sources: https://justpaste.it/9q6ex Writers/Researchers/Helpers: Jess Hubbert This episode was edited and mixed by: G. Thomas Craig Album cover art created by: Betsy Primes Intro Song Credits: Last to Fall- Will Van De Crommert Outro Song Credits: Sacred and Profane- Nicholas Rowe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've been talking a lot lately about all the dangerous bills and bans that extremists have been pushing. And like we always say, one of the best ways we can fight these things is by having honest conversations. Our friends or family or neighbors might be on the fence about some of these issues, and by talking to them, we just might change some hearts and minds.We're joined by Crystal Lett, a mom in Ohio who's gone on an amazing journey from growing up in an ultra-conservative religious community to a career in progressive politics. Crystal and the hosts chat about what that journey was like, what prompted her to change her mind, and strategies for talking to the people in our lives about politics. It's all about compassion, listening, and realizing that we have more in common than what divides us. Then Rachel sits down with Roberta Blevins, a mom who became an anti-MLM advocate after joining – and then getting out of – LuLaRoe. Roberta shares the vulnerabilities that led her to join a multi-level marketing company in the first place and how a supportive community helped her escape. She also discusses how we can change the minds of people in our lives; like Crystal, Roberta says that listening with compassion is the best way to meet people where they are.Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to brand-new bikes and kids excelling in their sports and recitals in this episode's “Toast to Joy.”On Thursday March 30th, Red Wine and Blue is hosting a virtual event with a guest who knows all about the power of changing your mind. Dr. Ellen Gaddy is the granddaughter of the late Republican Senator Jesse Helms and she'll share her journey of freeing herself from a family legacy that doesn't reflect her values. You can learn more and sign up for this exciting event here.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Mandy is gone, so Mandy has invited her friend Rory O'Malley to sit in and dish on The Rehearsal. The show is bonkers, possibly offensive, and pokes at all the social anxieties — big and small — many of us carry around on our backs. It's right in line with writer-director Nathan Fielder's brand of comedy, and Mandy and Rory dive in deep this week.Oh, who is Rory, you ask? The biggest thing you need to know about Rory is that he plays the perfectly-named character of “Peter” in Mandy's upcoming film Jess Plus None, premiering in London in March. He's also been nominated for a Tony for his work as Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon on Broadway and did a healthy stint in Hamilton, taking over the Groff's part as King George III. You can hear his dulcet tones in the animated series Central Park on Apple TV+ and Chicago Party Aunt on Netflix right now. Go ahead, learn more about Rory right here. We dare you. (00:00) - Welcome to the Mandcave (00:29) - Harassing Rory O'Malley (01:40) - Rory and Josh do VR (09:18) - An exercise in name dropping and an invitation to London... (12:10) - Book of Mormon (19:21) - The Rehearsal (43:04) - Coming Attractions: The Rise and Fall of LuLaRoe (47:58) - Support the show: Become a Fandy! (49:25) - GAMES!

Moldy Leggings? Killer Clowns? False Idol Worship? Tijuana Weight Loss Trips? This week Candice is joined by antiMLM advocate Roberta Blevins. Roberta shares her experience working for LulaRoe, the moment she realized she was in too deep, and how she's now helping others get out of pyramid schemes with her podcast Life After MLM.Roberta's Social Media:www.instagram.com/therealrobertablevinhttps://robertablevins.com/Candice's Social Media:www.instagram.com/candiceking/www.instagram.com/asuperbloompod/www.tiktok.com/@itscandicekingUpcoming guests:Dr. Elena AdamsMary Laura PhilpottDanny PellegrinoTanya Rad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mandys are hanging with Jonah Hill and his therapist in “Stutz” and taking on the challenges of giving advice when you should just shut up. Along the way, they take on competitive board gaming and traumatic brain injury.  (00:00) - Welcome to the Mandcave (01:42) - Cards Against HuMandity (04:17) - Stutz (32:11) - Support the show: Become a Fandy! (33:35) - Games! (33:48) - The Pen Saga (34:33) - Ok, back to games... Stutz Madlibs! (43:11) - Coming Attractions: The Rise and Fall of LuLaRoe

Multi-level marketing companies (MLMs) operate in secrecy. They don't want you to know where the products are coming from, how they're being sold, who's making a profit, and how the business works. They only want you to buy. Buy this starter kit, host that party, convince your friends and join the cult—sorry, the “club.” Operating in darkness is how these pyramid schemes build their membership count, branch into new cities, and keep average Americans in debtbut still chasing an empty dream.So how did MLMs even come to be, and if they're so blatantly nefarious, why hasn't the government permanently shut them down? To answer these questions and many more, we brought on Jenner Furst, director of LuLaRich, the documentary that exposes the multi-billion dollar MLM empire, LuLaRoe. Jenner has worked tirelessly to uncover how these entities exist, what causes them to become so cult-like, and how unassuming Americans can fall prey to their money-making traps.We also talk about the hierarchy of pyramid schemes, the culture inside of one, and the uneven pay structure that falsely tricks new members into believing they can strike it rich. You'll learn about the history of MLMs, the so-called “Amway Rules,” and how snake oil salespeople have used social media to grow their empires to even greater heights.In This Episode We CoverThe history of pyramid schemes and MLMs and how they become popularized in AmericaMLMs vs. pyramid schemes and the loose differences between these two types of businessesThe cult-like culture that exists inside an MLM and the blatant red flags that stick outThe false pay structure of MLMs and how they artificially promise returns that are impossible to achieveHow social media and live posts caused the MLM fire to grow even fasterHow pyramid schemes play to people's fears and desperations to get them to joinAnd So Much More!Links from the ShowBiggerPockets Money Facebook GroupBiggerPockets ForumsFinance Review Guest OnboardingScott's InstagramMindy's TwitterListen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One PlaceApply to Be a Guest on The Money ShowPodcast Talent Search!Subscribe to The “On The Market” YouTube ChannelListen to The “On The Market” Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BiggerPocketsCheck Out Mindy's 2022 Live Spending Tracker and BudgetClick here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-369Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Broads continue their deep dive into MLMs and pyramid schemes, answer some #broadsquad questions regarding it, and share their own experiences! Then they are joined by journalist Stephanie McNeal and discuss the documentary “The Rise and Fall of LulaRoe”, how Stephanie got into writing stories on MLMs, the Young Living “demonic book” scandal, the LulaRoe craze, some LulaRoe lore, the amount of prints designers were assigned to create daily, moldy packages, the multiple lawsuits, and much more!   STEPHANIE MCNEAL: Follow Stephanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephemcneal/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephemcneal  “The Rise and Fall of LulaRoe” documentary: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/the-rise-and-fall-of-lularoe/umc.cmc.37crywezxc7tzk3ivgqx19wb9    THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: ***THRIVE MARKET: Get $80 in free groceries at THRIVEMARKET.COM/CHATTY ***PRETTY LITTER: Go to PRETTYLITTER.COM / CHATTY to save 20% on your first order   ***DAILY HARVEST: Go to DAILYHARVEST.COM / CHATTY to get up to $40 off your first box.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Roberta Blevins casually bought a pair of buttery soft, printed leggings from a fellow young mom on Facebook, she never could have imagined the journey that would follow. The rise and fall of LulaRoe –a multi-level marketing company that denies allegations of being a pyramid scheme and still exists today– coincided with Roberta's experience, carrying her up the Lula-ranks and back down again when she discovered the dark side of direct sales. Come along, hun! We're deconstructing the lifestyle of the Almighty Girlboss. This episode is part of a ten-part series called Let The Women Do The Work. Join host Gillian Pensavalle as she follows the stories of ten dynamic, inspiring, badass women in true crime. This week's sponsors: Modern Fertility - Get $20 off your fertility test when you go to ModernFertility.com/WORK. Athletic Greens - Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs when you go to athleticgreens.com/WOMEN. Credit Karma - Ready to find the card for you? Head to creditkarma.com and check out your personalized mix of offers today. Apostrophe - Save $15 off your first visit with an Apostrophe provider at Apostrophe.com/work when you use code WORK.

It's time for Women Tell All, a space for sisterhood, empowerment, and putting shine theory into action. Or more like… women insulting each other's asses and slut-shaming. Here to help us remember a painful evening of The Bachelor is Buzzfeed senior culture reporter and host of The Rise and Fall of Lularoe, Stephanie McNeal!

We spoke with Roberta Blevins, a former member of a Multi-Level-Marketing (MLM) scam known as LuLaRoe.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com