Downline: Recent Episodes
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An indie/independent consumer awareness, anti-scam podcast focused on the multi-level-marketing (MLM) industry. This podcast is temporarily unavailable and is undergoing updates. For archived episodes please visit Patreon.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're doing things out of order folks. Our next deep dive is Plexus. To get me started-- I talked to former Plexus rep and current podcaster (hun turned human) Danielle. She shared her experiences with a series of supplement and weight-loss-focused MLMs-- including her longest stint at Plexus. Then in our next episode, we look at the nitty-gritty of Plexus and its current modus operandi.
Danielle's Podcast: From Huns to Humans
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Instagram + Tiktok
- @downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
Let's catch up on what's gone down at Young Living since we first covered it earlier this year.
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Instagram + Tiktok
- @downlinepod
See the FDA warning letter + the link to their study (that has no results) for yourself
- https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/young-living-essential-oils-corporate-615777-06102022
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04499560
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
World Financial Group has faced lawsuit after lawsuit and regulatory issue after regulatory issue. Here we cover some of the messy nonsense that is WFG's business practices. You will probably be confused. I know I still am.
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
List of Insurance MLMs
- Primerica
- Transamerica/ World Financial Group
- Symmetry Financial Group
- Premier Financial Alliance
- PHP Agency
- Freedom Equity Group
- American Income Life
- Family First Life.
Instagram + Tiktok
- @downlinepod
Sources
- https://downline.podbean.com/p/insurance-mlm-primerica-wfg-sources/
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
World Financial Group may seem at first to be like any other insurance or finance company. But at the end of the day like every other MLM, it’s just about recruiting and very little energy is given to making sure clients are well taken care of. This is part 1 of 2 episodes on WFG.
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
List of Insurance MLMs
- Primerica
- Transamerica/ World Financial Group
- Symmetry Financial Group
- Premier Financial Alliance
- PHP Agency
- Freedom Equity Group
- American Income Life
- Family First Life.
Instagram + Tiktok
- @downlinepod
Sources
- https://downline.podbean.com/p/insurance-mlm-primerica-wfg-sources/
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
Is Primerica an MLM? How is it legal for insurance MLMs to exist? Do the reps actually make money? Let us discuss what this company is all about.
List of Insurance MLMs
- Primerica
- Transamerica/ World Financial Group
- Symmetry Financial Group
- Premier Financial Alliance
- PHP Agency
- Freedom Equity Group
- American Income Life
- Family First Life.
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Instagram + Tiktok
- @downlinepod
Sources
- https://downline.podbean.com/p/insurance-mlm-primerica-wfg-sources/
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
Arbonne likes to tout itself as an environmentally friendly and socially responsible B-corporation. In reality, Arbonne seems to have honed in on the art of greenwashing and advertising a false opportunity to pull in free labour.
Go check out Danielle’s podcast: From Huns to Humans
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
- @downlinepod
Sources
- https://downline.podbean.com/p/arbonne-sources/
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the history and the business itself-- come with me to "Discover Arbonne" and the vibes it gives off.
*I made a last-minute decision to re-record the full Arbonne deep dive episode with my new mic-- so today we are going to have a good time, vibe, and acknowledge that the tiny pink mic era is coming to an end. Taking her for one last ride.
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
- @downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
"Pick up a piece of broccoli instead of a candy bar, and FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE."
- Autumn Calabrese
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
- @downlinepod
Sources * https://downline.podbean.com/p/bitter-about-body-positivity/
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
Bonus episode drop!
I don't even know what to say about this episode other than vomit. The manipulation is just next-level.
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
- @downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
In part 2 we will discuss Modere's flagship product, current trailblazer CEO, and the ruse that Modere puts on via their compensation plan to sell false legitimacy.
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
- @downlinepod
Sources * https://downline.podbean.com/p/modere-sources/
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
Neways and Modere are the exact same company, no matter how much they try to convince everyone else otherwise. They sell the same stuff but they have just refined their messaging. Modere is also at the centre of soooo much MLM drama. Enjoy part 1 of this 2-part series!
- @downlinepod
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Sources * https://downline.podbean.com/p/modere-sources/
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
It's time to take those baby steps to make some change. Let's talk about how we can make MLMs less predatory a bit at a time.
Submit your comments to the FTC
- https://mlmchange.org/ (this is the website Michelle Developed! Use this link if you want inspiration or support for your comments)
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/11/2022-04679/deceptive-or-unfair-earnings-claims (Direct Link)
ReNu Hygienics (Sponser)
Soap but make it ethical af
https://renuhygienics.com/
@renuhygienics on Instagram and Facebook https://ca.linkedin.com/company/renu-hygienics on LinkedIn
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
After listening to part 1 + 2, Jen reached out and had some insight to offer. She was the BOTH a rep + and a Vector "secretary."
Submit your comments to the FTC
- https://mlmchange.org/ (this is the website Michelle Developed! You can make your comment here)
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Listener Survey
- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KV7522M
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Sources
- https://downline.podbean.com/p/cutco-sources/
NEW SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
It's almost the time of year when Cutco aka Vector Marketing tries to scam young people desperate for summer jobs! Arm yourself and your 18+ children with the correct info so they do not fall for this in 2022. For part 2 we discuss the comp plan, more sketchy things, and lawsuits.
Use promo code "downline" for a 60% discount on your 1st month with MEL Science https://melscience.com/sBGL/
Submit your comments to the FTC + Watch Jessica and Michelle's Full Video
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pV7LXMqJv8&t=1198s
- https://mlmchange.org/ (this is the website Michelle Developed! You can make your comment here)
Listener Survey
- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KV7522M
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Sources
- https://downline.podbean.com/p/cutco-sources/
NEW SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
It's almost the time of year when Cutco aka Vector Marketing tries to scam young people desperate for summer jobs! Arm yourself and your 18+ children with the correct info so they do not fall for this in 2022/
Submit your comments to the FTC
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/11/2022-04679/deceptive-or-unfair-earnings-claims
Listener Survey
- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KV7522M
Patreon
- https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Sources
- https://downline.podbean.com/p/cutco-sources/
NEW SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
Tactics used to recruit 18 to 21 year-olds are specific, intentional, and honestly wildly entertaining.
Together we'll listen to a sales pitch from a (very) young adult, to recruit other (very) young adults so we can help our young friends or family avoid these traps.
Submit your comments to the FTC
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/11/2022-04679/deceptive-or-unfair-earnings-claims
Listener Survey
- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KV7522M
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
NEW SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
Join me in my chat with anti-diet dietician, Rianna, about the problem with programs like the ones offered by Beachbody (and lets be real, all the weight loss MLMs).
Follow Rianna on Instagram @guiltfree.dietitian Tik Tok @rianna.nutrition
Submit your comments to the FTC
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/11/2022-04679/deceptive-or-unfair-earnings-claims
Listener Survey
- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KV7522M
Sources
https://downline.podbean.com/p/beachbody-sources/
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
NEW SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Upload the clip, recording, or image(s) to Google Drive then email me the link/share access with my email downlinepod@gmail.com
In part 2 we look at Beachbody's Shakeology empire, propped up by toxic diet culture.
Sources
https://downline.podbean.com/p/beachbody-sources/
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
In Beachbody part one, we are going to learn about how Beachbody got started and why the company may no longer be on the up-and-up despite going public with a valuation of $2.9 billion.
Sources
https://downline.podbean.com/p/beachbody-sources/
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
La la la-la la la la, a little bit Litigious.
Sources
https://downline.podbean.com/p/monat-sources/
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Raise your hand if you have ever been personally victimized by Monat Global.
Sources
https://downline.podbean.com/p/monat-sources/
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
The dreaded opportunity call. This is to the MLM industry what bait is to a fisherman. Hook, line, and sinker.
Today we're going to unpack the industry wide tactics tactics used in these calls to try and recruit you and take your money.
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
In the final episode on Young Living, we sit down with a former rep to discuss what it was like to be in the 'oily' company, what she saw, and why she left.
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Sources
https://downline.podbean.com/p/season-2-young-living-sources/
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
In today's episode we learn more about how Young Living got started, what they are all about, and the legal hot water they have found themselves in.
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Sources
https://downline.podbean.com/p/season-2-young-living-sources/
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Young Living Essential Oil Founder Donald Gary Young was a shady guy who is like a messiah to Young Living reps-- his attitude and his teachings are the foundation on which Young Living sits.
In today's episode, we learn about the man behind the billion dollar snake oil company and his legacy.
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Sources
https://downline.podbean.com/p/season-2-young-living-sources/
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Welcome to my game show called: Fact or Fiction!
Today we debunk MLM reps and some of the sillier things they try to claim about their "business" or the industry in general.
Where to report pyramid selling
Canada: https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/h_00019.html
US: https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-complaint-ftc
UK: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/pyramid-scheme-fraud
Australia: https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/contact-us/how-to-complain/where-asic-can-help/scams/
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/downlinepod
Sources
https://downline.podbean.com/p/season-2-fact-or-fiction-sources/
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Although LuLaRoe themselves have suffered as series of blows in recent years that have tanked the company financially, and ruined its reputation, LuLaRoe has directly inspired a swath of other MLMs. Deanne and Mark Stidham, the LuLaRoe founders, are part of a family of network marketers, all of whom started together in what became LuLaRoe.
In part one, we discuss Honey and Lace, Piphany, and introduce you to Savvi.
In part two, we talk more about Savvi, the athleisure, wanna be Fabletics MLM, DotDotSmile, a kids clothing MLM, and the gendered implications of the Boss Babes working for this paternalistic family tree that is LuLaRoe.
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Although LuLaRoe themselves have suffered as series of blows in recent years that have tanked the company financially, and ruined its reputation, LuLaRoe has directly inspired a swath of other MLMs. Deanne and Mark Stidham, the LuLaRoe founders, are part of a family of network marketers, all of whom started together in what became LuLaRoe.
In part one, we discuss Honey and Lace, Piphany, and introduce you to Savvi.
In part two, we talk more about Savvi, the athleisure, wanna be Fabletics MLM, DotDotSmile, a kids clothing MLM, and the gendered implications of the Boss Babes working for this paternalistic family tree that is LuLaRoe.
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
In the Season One Finale, we have a campfire chat about how we got here, and where we are going next. Settle in folks and enjoy.
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
You've heard of buyer beware, but what about when the seller is also the buyer, and that seller has a bunch of other buyers and sellers beneath them? Who's accountable when things go wrong? Well according to LuLaRoe, it's certainly not them.
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
https://downline.podbean.com/p/lularoe-sources/
You probably know LuLaRoe as the company with the tackiest patterns you’ve ever seen. But did you know that founders DeAnne and Mark built their pyramid shaped company on lies, exploitation, and misogyny? In part one we meet DeAnne and go right to the very beginning.
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
https://downline.podbean.com/p/lularoe-sources/
Everything you hear about the MLM business from reps themselves is either misleading, a half-truth, or a flat out lie. In other words, it's all smoke and mirrors. Listen as we unpack some of the most common MLM lies, and take a look at the sketchy compensation plans.
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
If somebody asks if you want to start your own business, and that they will mentor you through it. Run. MLMs are notorious for pretending to be small businesses, and for convincing people to become ‘entrepreneurs’ when it is not in their benefit to take those financial risks.
Current Active MLMs
- https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
- https://downline.podbean.com/p/entrepren-not-sources/
Let's talk money. The dollars and cents people invest into MLMs just do not add up to a sustainable living wage. Most people will lose money because MLMs set you up to fail. It's not your fault. It's the business model
Follow along with the income disclosure statement.
https://static.youngliving.com/en-AU/PDFS/IDSOnlineVersion_PDF_US_Page3.pdf
Current Active MLMs
https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Current Active MLMs
https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Essential Oils
https://purejoynaturals.ca/
https://www.avivahealth.com/collections/aromatherapy
https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.ca/
We are back with Lisa and Aleah to keep talking about MLMs, Vaccines, and other health claims about MLM products and whether their 'Kool-Aid' is really better than what is in your cabinet.
Current Active MLMs
https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
https://downline.podbean.com/p/health-claims-part-2-sources/
There is an undeniable link between a particular subset of health and wellness MLMs and vaccine hesitancy. The vaccine hesitant industry is worth over a billion dollars, and MLMs are a big part of it. Learn about how the COVID-19 vaccines actually work, and about how MLMs are taking advantage of your fears about the vaccine to boost their 'business.'
Current Active MLMs
https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
https://downline.podbean.com/p/health-claims-part-2-sources/
In the first episode of the MLM health claims series, we dip our toes into the water of MLM health claims. Health and wellness MLMs make up the bulk of the industry, and they often claim their products can make you walk on air.
Current Active MLMs
https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
https://downline.podbean.com/p/health-claims-part-1-sources/
Between 60-75% of people in MLMs are women. Why? What's going on here? Listen to this weeks episode to hear about MLMs through a modern + historical gender lens.
Our first small woman-owned business is Cursed Coffee Co! Follow them on Instagram @cursedcoffeeco or find their page on Facebook.
Current Active MLMs
https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
https://downline.podbean.com/p/season-1-episode-6-sources/
In this episode we talk about how you can identify an MLM scheme by looking to one of our favourite scam companies-- Vemma Nutrition-- and how MLMs have evolved since Vemma's downfall.
Current Active MLMs
https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
https://downline.podbean.com/p/season-1-episode-5-sources/
Groupthink, mob-mentality, cult-like, brain-washing, whatever we want to call it-- we know its a major part of how MLMs operate to keep people in their Downline.
Current Active MLMs
https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
https://downline.podbean.com/p/season-1-episode-4-sources/
Do you have that friend or relative who joined an MLM and started closing themselves off to relationships that were not transactional? MLMs are notorious for straining relationships because of the boundary crossing, that happens in 'network' marketing.
Current Active MLMs
https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
https://downline.podbean.com/p/season-1-episode-3-sources/
In this bonus episode, hosted by the @theframeworkproject, we dive into MLM toxic positivity.
Current Active MLMs
https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
https://downline.podbean.com/p/bonus-episode-the-toxicity-framework/
What's a downline, upline, cold-market, income disclosure statement, etc. Look no further than this episode to get all the answers
Current Active MLMs
https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
https://downline.podbean.com/p/season-1-episode-2-sources/
In our premier episode, we are going to cover what an MLM is, and why they may be on the rise during COVID-19.
Current Active MLMs
https://mlmtruth.org/master-list/
Due to character limits, you can follow this link to find all the sources we use for this episode.
https://downline.podbean.com/p/s1-episode-sources/