Category: serendipity

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Escaping One Cult, Joining Another? The Trap of Ideological Echo Chambers

When ‘Cult Recovery’ Looks a Lot Like a New Cult

I had a lot of different topics in mind for my final solo episode of Taste of Truth Tuesdays Season 3. For example, The Stress-Mitochondria Connection: How B vitamins, Taurine and Magnesium Fuel your Energy, A world without religion: Freedom or Fragmentation, How Emotional Trauma contributes to Chronic Pain or the Social Media Dilemma How to Break Free from the Digital Grip… But then, a new development landed right in my lap—one that perfectly encapsulates the concerning trends I’ve been observing in the deconstruction, ex-Christian, anti-MLM, and ex-cult communities.

My friend Brandie, who I had on in Season 2 for the episode From Serendipity to Scrutiny, recently blocked me. And why? Because I simply pushed back and asked questions. We’d had some private conversations in the DMs that had already raised red flags for me, but apparently, even the slightest bit of pushback was enough to get me cut off. This isn’t just about one friendship—it’s about a much bigger pattern I’ve seen unfolding.

The Deconstruction Pipeline: When Leaving a High-Control Group Means Entering Another

One of the biggest ironies in the ExChristian circles is how quickly people flee high-control religious environments only to land in equally dogmatic ideological spaces. This isn’t a coincidence—it’s human nature. As Jonathan Haidt lays out in The Righteous Mind, our reasoning evolved more for argumentation than truth-seeking. We are wired for confirmation bias, and when we leave one belief system, we often replace it with another that feels equally absolute but now appears “rational” or “liberating.”

This is where figures like Steven Hassan and Janja Lalich come in (because this isn’t just about Brandie) self-proclaimed experts on cults who, ironically, exhibit the same control tactics they claim to expose. Hassan, a former Moonie turned cult deprogrammer, has made a career out of helping people escape authoritarian religious systems. But a deeper look at his work reveals an ideological bent (it’s hard to ignore). He frequently frames conservative or traditional religious beliefs as inherently cult-like while giving progressive or leftist movements a pass. He has called Trumpism a cult but is conspicuously silent on the high-control tactics within certain progressive activist spaces. His criteria for what constitute undue influence seem to shift depending on the political context, (BITE model) making his framework less about critical thinking and more about reinforcing his preferred ideological narrative. I did what Hassan won’t: use his own model to break down the mind control tactics of the extreme left.

Janja Lalich follows a similar pattern. A (supposedly) former Marxist-Leninist, she applies her cult analysis primarily to religious and right-wing groups while glossing over the coercive elements in the far-left spaces she once occupied (or still does). Her work is valuable in breaking down how high-demand groups operate, but she, too, appears to have blind spots when it comes to ideological echo chambers outside of the religious sphere. These represent a pattern rather than an isolated incident. Other platforms like (The New Evangelicals, Dr. Pete Enns (The Bible for Normal People), Eve was framed, Jesus Unfollower, Dr. Laura Anderson just to name a few.) highlight control tactics when they appear in traditional or conservative groups but fail to apply the same scrutiny to their own ideological circles.

This selective analysis creates a dangerous illusion: it allows people leaving fundamentalist religious spaces to believe they are now “free thinkers” while unknowingly adopting another rigid belief system. The deconstruction pipeline often leads former evangelicals straight into progressive activism, where purity tests, ideological loyalty, and social shaming operate just as effectively as they did in the church. The language changes: “sin” becomes “problematic,” “heresy” becomes “harmful rhetoric”, but the mechanisms remain the same.

Haidt’s work on moral foundations helps explain this phenomenon. Progressive and conservative worldviews are built on different moral intuitions, but both can be taken to extremes. The key to avoiding ideological capture is intellectual humility—the ability to recognize that no belief system has a monopoly on truth and that reason itself can be weaponized for tribalism.

John Stuart Mill warned of this centuries ago: the greatest threat to truth is not outright censorship but the cultural and social pressures that make certain ideas unspeakable. Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt’s The Coddling of the American Mind echoes this concern, showing how overprotective thinking and emotional reasoning have created a generation that confuses disagreement with harm.

Franklin O’Kanu’s concept of the “fake intellectual” is particularly relevant here—people who claim to be champions of free thought while aggressively enforcing ideological orthodoxy.

In this episode, through my experience with Brandie, I’ll illustrate how skepticism is selectively applied, and how ‘critical thinking’ communities can become just as dogmatic as the systems they reject. And unlike Hassan or Lalich, my connection with Brandie was personal. And that’s why I felt this warranted an entire podcast episode. Because what happened with her is a microcosm of a larger issue: people leaving high-control spaces only to re-enter new ones. They are convinced that this time, they’ve finally found the “truth.” Spoiler alert: that’s not how truth works.

So, let’s talk about it.

Blocked for Asking Questions

Recently, Brandie posted on Instagram about DARVO—a psychological tactic where abusers Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender to avoid accountability. I agree that MLMs use DARVO. But I wanted to add friendly pushback, that I’ve noticed anti-MLM advocates use similar tactics to silence critics—especially when it comes to questioning the food industry— but she had turned the comments off.

So I went to Substack, wrote a note, tagged her and asked for us to have a discussion. and that’s when she blocked me. Not for being aggressive. Not for being rude. But for questioning her narrative.

So much for open conversation.

DARVO: The Classic Manipulation Tactic

DARVO stands for Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender—a tactic frequently used by abusers, cult leaders, and high-control groups when they’re called out. It flips accountability on its head, making the person asking legitimate questions seem like the aggressor while the actual manipulator plays the victim.

How MLMs Use DARVO

Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes thrive on DARVO because their entire business model is built on deception. Here’s a classic example:

  1. Deny – A distributor is confronted with the fact that 99% of people in MLMs lose money. Instead of addressing the data, they deny it completely:
    “That’s just a myth! I know tons of people making six figures!”
  2. Attack – When pressed further, they go on the offensive, accusing the skeptic of being negative or jealous:
    “Wow, you’re so close-minded. No wonder you’re not successful!”
  3. Reverse Victim and Offender – Finally, they paint themselves as the victim and the questioner as the bully:
    “I’m just a woman trying to build a business and empower others. Why are you trying to tear me down?”

This tactic shuts down meaningful discussion and keeps people trapped in a system that exploits them.

Do you know what else exploits individuals? Fear and propaganda.

I saw this firsthand in a recent conversation with a friend who’s deeply entrenched in leftist ideologies and what I’d call “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” She shared a post warning people to change their bank accounts because of a false claim that Elon Musk’s staff had access to personal financial data. I pointed out that the post was misinformation, but instead of engaging with the facts, the conversation quickly shifted in a way that mirrors the DARVO tactic.

First, she denied that the post could be harmful or misleading. Then, she attacked me for not understanding the larger “fear” that people are feeling in the current political climate. Finally, she reversed the roles, casting herself as the victim of a chaotic world and me as the one creating unnecessary tension by questioning the post.

This is a textbook example of DARVO, a tactic that deflects accountability, shifts blame, and keeps people trapped in fear-driven narratives. It keeps them from having honest, fact-based conversations and prevents any real understanding of what’s going on around them.

How Brandie Used DARVO on Me

Ironically, despite being an anti-MLM advocate, Brandie used the exact same manipulation tactics when I pushed back on some of her positions. This is a woman who criticizes manipulative marketing tactics in MLMs, yet here she was, employing the very same tactics in our discussion. It’s a stark example of how these patterns can be so ingrained that even those who oppose them can fall into using them.

Deny – When I questioned her promotion of dietitians who endorse processed foods like Clif Z Bars (which recently faced a class-action lawsuit for misleading health claims), she refused to acknowledge the legitimate concerns. Instead, she dismissed it by claiming that caring about food ingredients was more stressful for the body than just eating the food itself—a false dichotomy that undermines any nuance in the conversation, especially when she often critiques the same logical fallacy in other contexts.

Attack – Rather than engaging with my points, she made it personal, implying that I was being antagonistic or bad-faith for even questioning her stance.

Reverse Victim and Offender – Finally, when I didn’t back down, she blocked me, flipping the narrative to make it seem like I was the one causing harm simply by asking questions.

When Therapy Becomes Thought Control: The Weaponization of Mental Health

What makes this dynamic even more interesting is that both my friend in Portland and Brandie, an anti-MLM advocate, are therapists. These conversations have all unfolded within a culture that professes to value feelings, emotional well-being, and mental health awareness. More people are going to therapy than ever before, and an increasing number of people are training to become therapists—mostly women. Currently, around 70-80% of psychologists and therapists are female, and those seeking help are also more likely to be female.

The field has increasingly become a vehicle for ideological activism. Dr. Roger McFillin has spoken extensively about this shift, describing how therapy now often reinforces victimhood narratives rather than fostering resilience. Instead of helping clients process experiences and build coping skills, many therapists nudge them toward predetermined ideological conclusions—especially in areas of identity, oppression, and systemic injustice.

This shift has eroded one of psychology’s most fundamental ethical principles: informed consent. Clients, particularly young and vulnerable individuals, are often funneled into ideological frameworks without realizing it. Under the guise of “affirming care” or “social justice-informed therapy,” therapists may subtly guide them toward specific worldviews rather than offering a full range of perspectives. What should be a process of self-discovery instead becomes thought reform, where questioning the prevailing narrative is framed as harmful or regressive.

Therapy is no longer just political—it has become a mechanism of enforcement. We see this in counseling programs that demand ideological conformity from students, in therapists who blur the line between clinical work and activism, and in public figures like Janja Lalich and Steven Hassan, who claim to expose undue influence while engaging in the same tactics. This is ideological gatekeeping disguised as expertise.

Rather than fostering open exploration, the field is increasingly defined by rigid dogma. Questioning the dominant ideology isn’t framed as critical thinking—it’s labeled as resistance, ignorance, or even harm. And when that happens, dissenting voices aren’t debated; they’re erased. If this trend continues, therapy won’t just be a tool for self-improvement. It will be a tool for social control. It already is.

The Hypocrisy of Selective Skepticism

Brandie and the anti-MLM crowd claim to combat misinformation, yet they overlook a significant issue: the influence of Big Food and Big Pharma on public health narratives.

On her social media story and in private conversations, Brandie has defended dietitians who actively promote ultra-processed foods. Some registered dietitians with large platforms endorse products like Hawaiian Punch and Clif Z Bars as acceptable—even healthy—options.

Clif Z Bars, for example, were recently involved in a $12 million class action settlement for falsely marketing their products as “healthy and nutritious.” These bars are 37% added sugar, essentially sugar bombs.

Yet, a dietitian Brandie supports feeds these bars to her young children, publicly calling them a “healthy snack.” Why is this not considered misinformation?

A deeper issue lies in the conflicts of interest within the nutrition field. 95% of the 2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee members had conflicts of interest with the food and pharmaceutical industries. Many had financial ties to corporations like Kellogg, Abbott, Kraft, Mead Johnson, General Mills, and Dannon. Similarly, a 2023 report by U.S. Right to Know revealed that 65% of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee had high-risk or medium-risk conflicts of interest with industry actors like Novo Nordisk, the National Dairy Council, Eli Lilly, and Weight Watchers International.

Interestingly, both Clif Z Bars and Hawaiian Punch—the two foods mentioned in this discussion—are owned by Mondelēz International, a company that has faced scrutiny over its ties to government-advising scientists and other potential conflicts of interest. This raises an important question: How much of what we’re told by credentialed experts is shaped by corporate influence rather than unbiased science?

These conflicts of interest raise serious concerns about industry influence over public health recommendations. Yet, if you question this, you’re labeled anti-science.

This kind of blind faith in authority is no different from religious dogma. The pursuit of truth should always leave room for debate. This also highlights why blindly trusting “credentialed experts” is insufficient. Degrees and titles don’t guarantee that recommendations are free from corporate influence.

Rather than acknowledge these conflicts, Brandie and her followers discredit those asking valid questions, often accusing them of using the “Just Asking Questions” fallacy.

The “Just Asking Questions” Fallacy

A common tactic used to dismiss skepticism is labeling it as the “Just Asking Questions” (JAQ) fallacy. This fallacy occurs when people imply that merely questioning an issue is a form of misinformation or bad faith argumentation.

Many dietitians and anti-MLM advocates are deeply entrenched in mainstream narratives on topics like vaccine safety, climate change, and pharmaceutical efficacy. When skeptics ask pointed questions about these subjects, they are often accused of using JAQing off—a term that suggests they are sowing doubt without providing counter-evidence. The accusation assumes that asking difficult questions is inherently conspiratorial, rather than a legitimate means of inquiry.

But skepticism is not the same as denialism. Critical thinking demands that we interrogate all claims—especially those made by institutions with financial or ideological incentives. Dismissing questions outright only serves to protect entrenched power structures.

The Counterpoint: Intellectual Humility and the Dogma of Data

While it’s vital to engage critically with the information we’re presented, it’s equally crucial to consider the potential pitfalls of blind adherence to any ideology—whether it’s religious, political, or scientific. In the modern age, science and data have often become the new forms of dogma. The scientific community, which prides itself on skepticism and inquiry, is sometimes treated as an unassailable authority—leaving no room for dissent or alternative perspectives.

The worship of science and data as infallible can feel eerily similar to religious dogma. It demands conformity in the name of progress, dismisses alternative viewpoints, and often shuts down debate—all while asserting that it’s in the name of critical thinking and rationality. In this system, the pursuit of truth can ironically become an exercise in tribalism and intellectual rigidity.

What is critical to recognize is that science and reason themselves are not immune to bias, corruption, or influence. Take, for example, the “revolving door” between regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical industry, which compromises the integrity of public health policies. This conflict of interest is a significant factor in the mistrust surrounding many mainstream health recommendations, especially when we see how corporate interests shape the outcomes of clinical trials, the approval of drugs, or public health initiatives.

Take the nutrition field, for example. The dietitian mentioned earlier endorses Clif Z Bars for her young children, but if you challenge this, you’re accused of being anti-science or fear-mongering.

Similarly, when figures like RFK Jr. highlight pharmaceutical industry ties to regulatory agencies, critics don’t engage with the data. Instead, they attempt to discredit the person asking the questions.

The Real Issue is Deception from Trusted Intuitions

The real misinformation often stems from corporate-backed institutions. Public trust in physicians and hospitals fell from 71.5% in April 2020 to 40.1% in January 2024—not due to misinformation, but because people witnessed firsthand the contradictions, shifting narratives, and financial incentives behind public health decisions. Trust is eroded by deception, not by questioning.

RFK Jr. isn’t “sowing doubt” for the sake of it. He’s pointing out documented cases where pharmaceutical companies have manipulated clinical trials, buried adverse data, and exercised significant influence over regulatory bodies. His book The Real Anthony Fauci outlines a heavily researched case against the unchecked power of Big Pharma and its ties to government agencies. If his claims were false, he would face lawsuits, yet his work continues to spark vital discussions.

True skepticism means demanding better science, not blindly trusting authority. The real danger lies in silencing those who ask critical questions.

Big Food and the Shaming of Health Advocates

A recent study has revealed something I find all too familiar: intimidation tactics used by industries like Big Tobacco, ultra-processed food companies, and alcohol sectors to bully and silence researchers, whistleblowers, and anyone challenging their agenda. This tactic—used by Big Food to discredit critics—reminds me of the way people are shamed or bullied for questioning processed foods or advocating for healthier diets. If you’ve ever pointed out the risks of sugary snacks or fast food, you’ve probably been labeled an extremist, a health-obsessed “wellness warrior,” or worse, a “purity culture” advocate. I can’t help but feel this is just another form of gaslighting, where we’re told that it’s worse to worry about the ingredients in our food than it is to consume those ingredients, even if they are known to contribute to chronic health conditions.

Ironically, this kind of manipulation is the same strategy Big Tobacco used for decades to muddy the waters around the health risks of smoking. And now, ultra-processed food companies are doing the same thing—distracting us from the very real, documented consequences of a poor diet.

Why We Need to Trust Ourselves, Not JUST the Experts

What frustrates me is how the anti-MLM community often jumps on wellness advocates who want to clean up their diets for health reasons. While I agree that MLMs are a breeding ground for manipulation, this should not mean we ignore the very real need to question the food industry’s stranglehold on our diets and health. It’s vital to recognize that not all experts have your best interests at heart. Many of the mainstream recommendations we’re told to follow come from organizations or industries with questionable motives—whether it’s Big Pharma, Big Food, or Big Tobacco. These same industries have a long history of misleading the public, and many of their experts are bought and paid for by corporate interests.

Wanting to improve your diet to manage or reverse chronic health conditions shouldn’t be dismissed as obsessive or extreme. It’s a rational, self-preserving choice that empowers you to take control of your health, even when the mainstream narrative tells you otherwise.

Is This Healing or Just Another High-Control Belief System?

Brandie often talks about “cult recovery” and the importance of psychological resilience. But is she really modeling resilience? Because true resilience isn’t about avoiding discomfort—it’s about engaging with it, questioning your own biases, and standing firm in discussions, even when they challenge your worldview.

Instead, she’s teaching people to coddle their minds. To create ideological echo chambers where questioning the “right” experts is heresy. To avoid any perspective that might cause discomfort. If she’s teaching people to avoid discomfort rather than work through it, I’m not sure how that aligns with the principles of ethical psychotherapy.

True healing requires grappling with discomfort, not running from it. When you teach people to shut down their discomfort rather than confront it, you’re not promoting growth—you’re just pushing them into another high-control belief system.

That’s not healing. That’s just another form of control.

And let’s be real—if your response to fair, thoughtful criticism is to shut down the conversation and block people who used to support you, you haven’t actually deconstructed anything. You’ve just built a new echo chamber with different branding.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about Brandie. It’s about a larger pattern I see in the deconstruction and anti-MLM communities. Many of them claim to be freeing minds, but in reality, they’re just recruiting people into a different kind of ideological purity test.

The message is clear: You’re allowed to be skeptical, but only in the “approved” ways.

That’s not intellectual freedom. That’s just another cult.

Where Do We Go From Here?

We need real conversations about manipulation and misinformation—whether it comes from MLMs, Big Food, Big Pharma, or influencer dietitians who profit from pushing corporate-backed narratives. It means we need to question everything—without replacing one unquestionable authority with another. And we need to be willing to hold all forms of power accountable, not just the ones that fit neatly into our existing beliefs.

Because if we’re not careful, we’ll escape one high-control group only to fall right into another.

Sources:

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Season 3 of Taste of Truth Tuesdays: Launching December 31st

We’re back! After a transformative and eye-opening second season, I’m excited to announce that Season 3 of Taste of Truth Tuesdays will kick off on December 31st. (Audio says Jan 7th, which was the original start date, I bumped it up a week.) This season promises to be packed with even more riveting conversations and insightful discussions. We’re diving into the complexities of spirituality, healing, activism, mental health, body image, and the power dynamics that shape our lives.

Here’s a sneak peek at the incredible guests you’ll hear from in the upcoming season:

Connie A. Baker: Spiritual and Religious Abuse

Connie A. Baker brings her expertise and personal experience to discuss the destructive impacts of spiritually abusive messages. These messages often erode our self-trust, leaving us vulnerable to further harm. In our conversation, we’ll explore the process of recovering from spiritual abuse and why it’s essential not to rush this journey. Connie will help us understand how survivors—especially those of us with a default setting of ‘push through’—can slow down and approach the healing process with patience. This wisdom is invaluable for true recovery, and I can’t wait for you to hear Connie’s insights.

Yasmine Mohammed: Escaping Radical Islam and Advocating for Women’s Rights

Yasmine Mohammed, a human rights activist and author of Unveiled: How Western Liberals Empower Radical Islam, joins me to share her powerful story. After escaping a forced, abusive marriage to an Al-Qaeda operative, Yasmine became an advocate for women’s rights. Through her non-profit organization, Free Hearts, Free Minds, she works tirelessly to support individuals seeking freedom from oppressive environments. Her memoir and activism offer a deeply personal and courageous perspective on overcoming adversity and empowering women. Her journey is one of survival, strength, and defiance.

Leah Denton: Therapy Harm and Power Dynamics in Mental Health

Leah Denton, the brilliant host of Psycho/Therapy podcast, will bring her deep insights into the harm that can occur within the therapeutic space and pastoral counseling. Leah, a survivor of therapy harm herself, shines a light on the ethical and systemic flaws within the mental health industry. She amplifies the voices of those who’ve been silenced and challenges us to rethink the power dynamics that can influence our healing. Leah’s work is a powerful call to action for better, more ethical care in therapy and beyond.

The Wellbeing Doctors: Body Image and Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health

Dr. Hannah Jarman and Ms. Claudia Liu, the dynamic team behind The Wellbeing Doctors, will discuss the intersection of body image, disordered eating, and the profound impact that social media has on our mental health. In their research, they’ve uncovered how active engagement with peers on social media can immediately reduce body image satisfaction, particularly for women. Together, we’ll explore how we need to redefine both beauty and health in ways that promote our true well-being, beyond appearances.

Wellness with Jaqui: The Real Story Behind Nutrition Research

Jaqui is back to break down the often-confusing world of nutrition research. If you’ve ever been baffled by conflicting diet headlines, this episode is for you. Jaqui will help us understand why nutrition research can be so complex, and how ‘statistical significance’ might not always mean what we think it does. This episode will bring clarity to the world of nutrition science and challenge the headlines we often see.

Franklin O’Kanu: Bridging Science, Spirituality, and Practical Wisdom

Franklin O’Kanu, also known as The Alchemik Pharmacist, is the founder of Unorthodoxy, a Substack that explores the spiritual dimensions of modern life through a holistic lens. With a Doctorate in Pharmacy and a background that bridges Pentecostal Christianity, Eastern philosophies, quantum physics, and Jungian psychology, Franklin offers a truly unique perspective. We’ll dive into his journey—from challenging conventional views during the pandemic to crafting a plan rooted in spiritual and natural principles. Franklin’s exploration of science, spirituality, and practical wisdom is sure to offer deep insights and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us.

This season is going to be a wild ride, full of wisdom, courage, and deep dives into essential topics that will challenge and inspire you. Don’t miss out on the launch of Taste of Truth Tuesdays Season 3 on December 31st! Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss an episode.

Stay curious. Stay skeptical. And, as always, keep tuning in! 🎙️🔒

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The MLM Illusion: Selling a Dream or a Trap?

New Episode Alert: The Dark Side of MLMs and Coercive Control

🚨 This Week on Taste of Truth Tuesdays 🚨, we’re diving into the complex and manipulative world of multi-level marketing (MLM) companies—uncovering the coercive control tactics they use to keep people hooked. 🧠💸 MLMs don’t just sell products. They sell a dream—a dream of financial freedom, wealth, and unlimited success. The problem? That dream is often built on deceptive tactics that prey on vulnerability, foster magical thinking, and emotionally manipulate their members.

At first glance, MLMs seem like a golden opportunity. They promise wealth, freedom, and independence—targeting people who are seeking a way out of financial struggle or a traditional 9-to-5. But underneath those glittering promises are dangerous tactics that prey on human psychology, exploiting emotional weaknesses to create loyalty and blind devotion.

A key tactic MLMs use is magical thinking. This is the belief that positive thoughts and visualizations alone can bring success, wealth, or health. A 2019 study in Frontiers in Psychology revealed that many MLMs sell products—like supplements and essential oils—by making unverified claims about curing diseases, with little to no scientific evidence to back them up. 😳

Why Is Magical Thinking So Dangerous?

Magical thinking isn’t just harmless optimism. In the context of MLMs, it can lead people to make poor financial and health decisions. Here’s why it’s so dangerous:

🚫 False Sense of Control: Magical thinking tricks people into believing they can control outcomes simply by thinking positively. This false confidence can prevent them from taking real, actionable steps to improve their situation.

🚫 Health Risks: MLMs often push supplements and oils with promises of “miracle cures” for serious illnesses—without scientific validation. People may choose these products over actual medical treatments, putting their health in danger.

🚫 Emotional Manipulation: By convincing members that failure is due to their lack of belief or effort, MLMs shift the blame from the system to the individual. This creates a toxic cycle of guilt and shame, trapping people emotionally in the MLM.

Coercive Loyalty and Emotional Manipulation

Beyond magical thinking, MLMs use coercive control tactics to create a false sense of community and belonging. They foster an atmosphere of loyalty where members feel pressured to stay positive, constantly recruit new people, and never question the system.

💥 Coercive Loyalty: Members are often told that the reason they’re not successful is because they’re not trying hard enough, recruiting enough, or believing in themselves. This turns failure into a personal flaw, rather than a flaw in the business model.

💥 Community Pressure: MLMs thrive on social dynamics, where members are encouraged to pressure their friends and family into joining. This creates a network of dependency and makes it harder for people to leave, even when they start seeing the cracks in the system.

💥 Emotional Exploitation: Guilt, shame, and failure are powerful emotional tools used by MLMs. When people don’t succeed, they’re often made to feel as if they didn’t believe in the product or themselves enough. This emotional manipulation keeps members invested—financially, mentally, and emotionally—even when the odds are against them.

Breaking Free: Real Stories of Escaping MLMs

In this week’s episode, we also share real stories of individuals who have been trapped in MLMs and how they broke free. These stories highlight the emotional, financial, and mental toll that MLMs take on their members, and how difficult it can be to escape once you’re in the cycle. 😳

Why You Need to Listen

If you’ve ever been approached by someone pushing a “life-changing opportunity” or a “groundbreaking product,” this episode is for you. If you’ve been tempted to join an MLM—or know someone who has—this episode is essential listening. We’re unpacking the toxic blend of pseudoscience, community pressure, and emotional exploitation that keeps MLMs running, and sharing actionable tips on how to recognize the red flags before it’s too late. 🚩

Tune in to this week’s episode of Taste of Truth Tuesdays to learn how to protect yourself from the manipulative tactics of MLMs and avoid falling into their web of magical thinking and emotional control. Whether you’re considering joining an MLM or are currently involved, understanding these tactics is key to protecting your financial and emotional well-being.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now—

#MLMAwareness #MagicalThinking #CoerciveControl #PodcastAlert #HealthOverHype #EmotionalManipulation #CriticalThinking #MultiLevelMarketing #BreakFreeFromMLMs

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Why MLMs Exploit Magical Thinking

Magical thinking is a quirky psychological phenomenon where people believe that their thoughts, wishes, or actions can directly influence real-world outcomes, despite defying logic or scientific fact. It’s the belief that if you wish for something hard enough, visualize it every day, or think positively, the universe will somehow bend to your will. Sounds empowering, right? But in reality, it leads to a lot of irrational beliefs and behaviors, particularly in high-pressure environments like multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes.

MLMs thrive on this kind of thinking, pushing slogans and practices that dangle the promise of success, wealth, and happiness in front of their members—all through nothing but the power of positive thinking and visualization. “Just think it, and it’ll happen!” But here’s the catch: it never really works like that.

Why Is Magical Thinking Dangerous?

1. False Sense of Control

Magical thinking feeds people this false sense of control over their lives and circumstances. It convinces them that all they need is positive vibes to attract success, which can lead to dangerous complacency. Instead of putting in the hard work, effort, and strategic thinking needed to succeed in any real business, MLM recruits often fall into a trap where they believe success will magically come to them. Spoiler alert: it won’t.

2. Financial Loss

MLMs are notorious for selling the idea that anyone can make it big if they just believe in themselves. It sounds inspiring, right? But it’s a trap. People are encouraged to pour their hard-earned money into products, recruitment materials, and endless training sessions without fully understanding the shaky foundation these businesses stand on. In reality, research shows that up to 99% of MLM participants lose money, but thanks to the allure of magical thinking, they keep going, convinced that their big break is just one more product purchase or recruit away.

3. Emotional Manipulation

MLMs are also masters of emotional manipulation. If you’re not succeeding, they’ll convince you that it’s not the business model that’s failing—it’s you. You didn’t think positively enough, you didn’t manifest hard enough, or you weren’t dedicated enough to your dreams. This emotional burden can leave individuals feeling guilty, ashamed, and like personal failures, even when the deck was stacked against them from the start. The cycle of shame continues as they compare themselves to the shiny success stories splashed all over social media.

4. Detachment from Reality

Magical thinking can lead to complete detachment from reality. When you’re convinced that positive thoughts are all you need, you can easily ignore the mounting red flags. People end up ignoring their dwindling bank accounts, fractured relationships, and mental exhaustion because they’re too busy trying to manifest success. And by the time they snap out of it, the damage is done.

Why Do MLMs Use Magical Thinking?

1. Reinforcement of Loyalty

MLMs aren’t just about selling products—they’re about creating a cult-like loyalty. By pushing magical thinking, they foster a tight-knit community of like-minded believers. This sense of belonging makes it incredibly difficult for individuals to walk away, even when the financial and emotional costs start piling up. After all, leaving the MLM means leaving the tribe—and who wants to be the one to break away?

2. Justification of Failure

When magical thinking is the foundation of your belief system, failure is never about the business model. It’s always personal. Didn’t make the millions you were promised? It’s because you didn’t believe enough. This mindset is a genius way for MLMs to deflect blame, keeping their own reputation intact while making their members feel like the problem lies with them. It keeps the business running without accountability.

3. Encouragement of Recruitment

MLMs thrive on recruitment, and magical thinking is the fuel for the machine. The idea that anyone can succeed if they just think positively or visualize their dreams is a powerful hook for drawing in new recruits. If everyone believes success is inevitable through mental willpower alone, they’ll keep signing up—and bringing others with them.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Slogans and Phrases

Be on the lookout for those overly-optimistic, saccharine catchphrases like, “Just believe and you’ll achieve!” or “Manifest your dreams, and they’ll come true!” These slogans might seem harmless at first, but they’re big red flags that magical thinking is being used to manipulate and keep people hooked.

• Focus on Personal Stories

MLMs love to highlight the few personal success stories where individuals “made it,” while conveniently sweeping the 99% of struggling participants under the rug. This selective storytelling distorts reality and feeds the illusion that success is within easy reach for everyone.

• Pressure to Stay Positive

If you feel constant pressure to only stay positive and avoid discussing any challenges or failures, that’s another major warning sign. MLMs don’t want anyone disrupting their “positive vibes” because questioning the business model threatens the entire operation.

• Ignoring Evidence

If an MLM is constantly dismissing scientific evidence or research in favor of anecdotal stories and positive affirmations, it’s time to raise an eyebrow. Facts and figures don’t lie—but magical thinking demands you ignore the hard truths in favor of feel-good fiction.

Conclusion

Magical thinking can feel seductive—after all, who doesn’t want to believe that simply thinking positively can change your life? But in the context of MLMs, it’s a dangerous trap that exploits emotions, manipulates reality, and can lead to significant financial and psychological harm.

Recognizing the power of magical thinking is a key step toward protecting yourself from falling prey to MLM schemes. The next time someone tries to sell you the dream with a hefty dose of “just believe,” remember: real success comes from strategy, effort, and critical thinking—not wishful thinking. Stay sharp, and always dig for the facts behind the hype.

If you’re looking to dig deeper into the topic of magical thinking, MLMs, and their psychological impacts, here are some top-notch resources that will give you the depth and insight needed to fully understand the scope of this issue:

1. Books

  • “Merchants of Deception” by Eric Scheibeler
    • A former high-ranking member of an MLM, Scheibeler exposes the dark side of the industry, shining a light on the manipulative tactics, including magical thinking, used to keep participants hooked and financially invested.
  • “Ponzinomics: The Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing” by Robert FitzPatrick
    • FitzPatrick’s book is one of the most thorough resources available on MLMs, dissecting the psychological manipulation that fosters the illusion of success, including how magical thinking plays a role in perpetuating these business models.
  • “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini
    • While not specifically about MLMs, this classic book on persuasion provides a solid foundation for understanding the psychological tactics used in MLMs, including magical thinking. The book covers how people are influenced by emotional appeals and irrational thinking in decision-making.
  • “The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It… Every Time” by Maria Konnikova
    • This book dives into why people fall for scams, cons, and magical thinking, explaining the psychological elements at play, such as the desire for control and emotional manipulation—key tactics used by MLMs.

2. Podcasts

  • “The Dream”
    • This investigative podcast explores the world of MLMs, breaking down the psychological manipulation, emotional appeals, and magical thinking used to recruit and retain participants. The show offers interviews and personal stories, exposing the inner workings of MLMs in a captivating and digestible format.
  • “MLM: The Broke Podcast”
    • Hosted by a former MLM member, this podcast uncovers how MLMs operate and the manipulative strategies they employ. The podcast touches on magical thinking and the emotional manipulation that keeps participants in these schemes.

3. Academic Articles & Research Papers

  • “Magical Thinking and Superstitions: How Beliefs and Cognitive Biases Drive Irrational Behavior” – by Michael Shermer
    • This article explores the psychological underpinnings of magical thinking and how it relates to belief systems. Shermer’s work is helpful for understanding the cognitive biases MLMs exploit.
  • “The Dark Side of Positive Thinking” by Gabriele Oettingen (Psychological Science)
    • Oettingen’s research critically examines the idea that positive thinking, often promoted in MLMs, can lead to worse outcomes when people fail to back it up with realistic planning and action, a key aspect of magical thinking.
  • “The Fantasy of Success: MLMs and the Psychology of Unrealistic Optimism” by Kim Korteweg (Journal of Business Ethics)
    • This study looks at the role of unrealistic optimism and magical thinking in MLM recruitment and retention, providing a scholarly perspective on how these psychological tricks keep participants engaged.

4. Documentaries & Films

  • “Betting on Zero” (2016)
    • This documentary follows hedge fund manager Bill Ackman’s quest to expose Herbalife as a pyramid scheme. It highlights how MLMs, including Herbalife, use magical thinking to maintain their recruitment and selling operations, and the devastating impact it has on participants.
  • “LuluRich” (2021)
    • A documentary series about the rise and fall of LuLaRoe, this film touches on the magical thinking that drove people to invest thousands into the company based on promises of riches and financial freedom. It dives into the personal stories of those who fell victim to the MLM’s tactics.

5. Articles and Blogs

  • “MLMs Use Magical Thinking to Sell Dreams” (The Atlantic)
    • This article delves into the connection between magical thinking and MLM success, explaining how the industry’s use of vision boards, affirmations, and other positive-thinking tactics lure people into believing they can manifest wealth.
  • “Why People Keep Falling for MLM Scams” by Amanda Montell (Cosmopolitan)
    • Montell breaks down the psychological manipulation MLMs use, including magical thinking, and how they tap into emotional vulnerabilities, especially for women seeking financial independence or a sense of community.
  • “Multi-Level Marketing and the Cult of Magical Thinking” (Psychology Today)
    • This blog post by a psychologist explores the mental traps of magical thinking, including how MLMs leverage these tactics to keep people hooked, even when they’re losing money.

6. Research Studies & Psychology Databases

  • American Psychological Association (APA)
    • The APA has various articles and studies on cognitive distortions, belief systems, and the psychology behind magical thinking, which are key to understanding how MLMs manipulate thought patterns.
  • PubMed/NIH Studies
    • If you’re looking for peer-reviewed research, searching PubMed for articles on cognitive biases, emotional manipulation, and the psychology of MLMs can provide high-quality, evidence-based insights.

These resources will give you a comprehensive understanding of how magical thinking, emotional manipulation, and psychological tricks are intertwined with MLM schemes. Whether you’re writing, podcasting, or just seeking to educate yourself, these tools will sharpen your perspective on the dangers of MLMs and the allure of magical thinking.

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From Serendipity to Scrutiny: The Truth Behind MLMs and Coercive Control

At the beginning of my journey into multi-level marketing (MLM), I felt an overwhelming sense of serendipity. Like many others, I was drawn into the promise of freedom, financial independence, and the power of owning my own business. That initial excitement felt so right, I even got a “trust the process” tattoo to anchor myself in the belief that I was on the right path. But the deeper I delved into this world, the more I realized the complexities and underlying control tactics that defined it.

Reflecting on my early days in the MLM space, I can’t help but think of how magical the thinking felt. I truly believed I was guided into the opportunity. But as time went on, the inconsistencies, emotional manipulation, and exploitative nature became impossible to ignore. It’s been a journey of grieving that magical thinking—something I now understand as part of a coercive, controlling system designed to keep me chasing an illusion.

Brandie, my guest on this episode, shares a similar experience. As a mother, writer, speaker, and advocate, she’s been at the forefront of exposing MLMs as commercial cults, wellness scams, and even legalized labor trafficking. She has spoken extensively about how her journey, which started with serendipity, eventually led her to scrutinize MLMs more critically. Her insights reflect the emotional complexity many face when disentangling from these organizations.

Here are some key aspects of our conversation:

  • The Magical Thinking Trap: Both Brandie and I felt an initial sense of serendipity, which was reinforced by the community and mentors telling us to “trust the process.” This belief system is intentionally nurtured in MLMs to keep participants emotionally invested.
  • Leveraging Credentials: We discussed how MLMs often leverage the credentials and influence of professionals like doctors, nutritionists, and influencers to give the illusion of legitimacy. Brandie emphasized how this tactic makes MLM pitches more persuasive, especially to vulnerable individuals seeking validation.
  • The “Mother” Angle: Brandie shared how MLMs often target mothers, using manipulative language that preys on their desire for financial freedom and the ability to work from home while caring for their families. The messaging can be so powerful that mothers internalize guilt and blame when they don’t succeed, despite the system being rigged against them.
  • Unpaid Labor and Emotional Manipulation: We delved into how MLMs strategically manipulate participants into performing unpaid labor, like attending large-group-awareness trainings or MLM conferences, under the guise that these events will lead to success. This creates a cycle of emotional dependency on the MLM structure.
  • Coercive Control Beyond the Home: Brandie highlighted the growing movement to criminalize coercive control, not just in domestic environments but also in online groups and commercial cults, including MLMs. Canada’s Bill C-332 and California’s SB 1141 are steps toward addressing this kind of manipulation in non-physical forms.
    • Misleading Social Media Practices: MLMs are notorious for using social media posts to bait others into joining, often hiding the true nature of the opportunity behind attractive lifestyle imagery and vague promises of success.
    • Paid Certifications as Funnels: Another tactic we discussed is the use of paid certifications and courses as entry points to recruit others into MLMs or similar for-profit groups, disguising recruitment as personal development.
    • Power Dynamics and Influence: Brandie warned about individuals in positions of power, like pastors or healthcare professionals, who pitch MLM opportunities using their influence, creating a dangerous overlap between authority and exploitation.
    • Bait-and-Switch in Non-Profits: Some MLMs use non-profit organizations as fronts to recruit members, exploiting charitable intentions for financial gain.

Brandie’s Substack recently covered how Canada’s Bill C-332 and California’s SB 1141 aim to combat coercive control. These laws recognize that coercion doesn’t always result in physical harm but can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects. Extending these protections to online and commercial environments, like MLMs, is a crucial step toward addressing the hidden abuse happening in plain sight.

MLM Compensation Plans

For those unfamiliar with how MLMs work, here’s a breakdown of their typical compensation plans, which all hinge on recruitment:

  • Binary: You recruit two people, who recruit two more, forming a pyramid. You earn based on the sales and recruits of those beneath you.
  • Unilevel: You can recruit as many people as possible, with everyone directly under you. You earn a percentage of sales from your downline.
  • Forced Matrix: There’s a limit to how many people you can recruit directly, so recruits are placed under others in your team, further embedding the hierarchical structure.

Although MLMs claim that participants can make money from sales alone, true financial gain only comes from recruiting others. Companies avoid pyramid scheme accusations by paying bonuses on downline commissions rather than direct recruitment. Still, this setup exploits participants, most of whom will never see a living wage.

MLM Profitability

Studies and reports paint a grim picture for those involved in MLMs:

  • FTC Report: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), approximately 99% of MLM participants end up losing money.
  • Profit Sources: Success in MLMs often hinges on recruiting new participants rather than selling products to consumers, which creates a structure where the majority are positioned at the bottom, struggling to make a profit.

When it comes to making a profit, the comparison between lottery odds and MLM (multi-level marketing) success rates reveals a stark reality: both paths are fraught with significant financial risk, but MLMs typically offer even lower chances of profitability.

If you’re evaluating an MLM opportunity, watch out for:

  • Deceptive earnings claims
  • Manipulative recruitment tactics disguised as “personal development”
  • High-pressure tactics to attend unpaid events
  • Cult-like devotion to leadership or the company itself

As Brandie and I peeled back the layers, it became clear that MLMs are not just financial traps—they are systems of coercive control designed to exploit both financially and emotionally. With legal movements like Bill C-332 gaining traction, there’s hope that MLMs and similar organizations will finally face the scrutiny they deserve.

Grieving the magical thinking days has been bittersweet. In some ways, it was easier to believe in the serendipity, but now, stepping into a space of scrutiny offers greater growth and clarity. In that sense, the journey may be more challenging, but it’s also far more rewarding.

How MLMs and high-control religions exploit narratives to control and isolate

As we have discussed in a previous blog post, in both MLM companies and high-control religions, sophisticated methods of narrative control and emotional manipulation are used to maintain adherence and deflect objections. These organizations craft carefully curated stories of success, empowerment, and belonging, reinforcing a strong sense of group identity while discouraging critical thinking. Objections are met with pre-scripted narratives designed to dismiss doubts and isolate dissenters, creating environments where questioning becomes taboo.

By understanding the parallels between these two worlds, we can begin to recognize the underlying tactics used to manipulate emotions and maintain control. Whether it’s an MLM promising financial freedom or a religious group offering spiritual salvation, the emotional hooks are the same: they both rely on your commitment to their carefully constructed reality. Breaking free means reclaiming your own narrative, embracing skepticism, and fostering critical thought in the face of pressure to conform.

Be sure to find Brandie on Instagram and on Substack!

Resources mentioned in the interview:

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Here are some of the best resources for learning more about commercial cults and anti-MLM movements:

Books:

  1. Ponzinomics: The Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing by Robert L. FitzPatrick – This book provides a thorough exploration of MLMs and their business structures, helping readers understand how they operate like legal pyramid schemes.
  2. Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell – Analyzes how cults (including MLMs) use language and manipulation techniques to maintain control over their members.
  3. Duped: Compulsive Consumers and the Culture of Shame by Ron Jonson – While not MLM-specific, this book delves into how we’re manipulated by industries that exploit our insecurities.

Websites & Blogs:

  1. Truth In Advertising (TINA.org) – A watchdog organization that exposes deceptive marketing practices, including MLM earnings claims and false advertising.
  2. MLMTruth.org – A resource dedicated to educating the public on the dangers and tactics of MLMs, providing reports and analysis on popular companies.
  3. The Anti-MLM Coalition – This coalition provides insight, resources, and stories from those who’ve escaped MLMs, along with analysis of companies and their harmful practices.

YouTube Channels:

  1. The Anti-MLM Coalition – A YouTube channel that breaks down how MLMs operate, featuring stories from former MLM participants and experts in cult dynamics.
  2. Savannah Marie – A former MLM participant who creates in-depth critiques and investigative videos on popular MLM schemes.
  3. The Recovering Hunbot – Focuses on exposing the emotional manipulation and false promises made by MLM companies.
  4. Hannah Alonzo-Hosts commentary-style videos relating to multi-level marketing companies, scams, cults, and influencer/social media culture.

Podcasts:

  1. The Dream – A highly-rated podcast that dives deep into the world of MLMs, offering an in-depth investigation into the industry’s history and practices.
  2. Life After MLM – Hosted by Roberta Blevins, this podcast features interviews with former MLM participants, exploring the mental and financial impacts of MLMs.
  3. Opportunity Cost-Hosted by a past guest, Jill, and is about multi-level marketing, each episode she covers inner workings, origins, nuances, and tries to answer the question: Is this the opportunity of a lifetime? Or the illusion of one?

Conferences & Activist Groups:

  1. The Anti-MLM Conference – A yearly event that gathers MLM critics, industry experts, and scholars to discuss deceptive practices in MLMs and their broader social impacts.
  2. Multi-Level Marketing Conference (MLM Conference) – A scholarly conference that brings together academics, legal experts, and former MLM participants to discuss MLMs from a critical perspective.
  3. Pyramid Scheme Alert – Run by Robert FitzPatrick, a pioneer in anti-MLM activism, this organization focuses on educating the public about the dangers of pyramid schemes and MLMs.

These resources provide a wide range of perspectives on commercial cults and MLMs, making them essential for those looking to understand and dismantle the harmful structures behind these organizations.