In today’s episode, Emily Lynn Paulson - author and former top-level MLM rep - joins us to discuss the insidious nature of multi-level marketing (MLM) companies. Emily shares her journey from being a top seller to becoming a vocal critic, shedding light on how these organizations exploit individuals’ shame and vulnerabilities, and create unrealistic expectations of success.

We share some of our experiences and insights as a powerful critique that some may find controversial or offensive. We explore how MLM manipulates individuals by promising financial freedom, community, and personal fulfillment, and “free” cars, while often delivering the opposite, steeped in white supremacy and body shaming. As a former high level insider, Emily exposes the reality behind the glossy success stories and highlights the importance of reclaiming one's self-worth and intuition.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has been touched by MLM, might be involved in one, or is curious about the true impact of these organizations.

“Everything in an MLM is meant to break down your intuition.”

- Emily Lynn Paulson

“The goal is to get people to sign up as a distributor. In every MLM everywhere, that is the goal. And the products are just the gateway to get you into the business model.”

- Emily Lynn Paulson

This week on Here’s the Deal:

• The problematic structure of MLM: how the "multi-level" aspect inherently sets most participants up for failure
• Emily’s personal journey from an MLM top seller to a critic
• The dangerous impact of MLM on mental health, particularly in the wellness industry
• The false promise of financial freedom and community, and how these are used to lure vulnerable individuals
• The cult-like practices used in MLM, including the use of Steven Hassan’s BiTE model to understand their control tactics
• The reality behind the “free” car programs and other incentives that often lead to financial strain rather than benefit
• The deceptive nature of signing up for MLMs “just for the discount”
• The pervasive body shaming and unrealistic health standards promoted by wellness MLM
• The role of alcohol in MLM culture and how sobriety helped Emily see the reality of her involvement

Connect with Emily Lynn Paulson:

• Highlight Real by Emily Lynn Paulson
• Hey Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing by Emily Lynn Paulson
• Join the Sober Mom Squad Community

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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