TrueAnon Episode 456: Multilevel Marketing Madness
12 snips
May 5, 2025 
Bridget Read, a Features writer for New York Magazine and author of "Little Bosses Everywhere," joins the conversation to unravel the surge of multilevel marketing (MLM) since the pandemic. She dives into the intriguing history of pyramid schemes in America, revealing their ties to influencer culture and the self-help industry. The discussion exposes the deceptive tactics of MLMs and how social media has normalized selling among younger audiences. With wit and insight, Bridget highlights the emotional toll and exploitation intertwined with these schemes.
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Free Car Hashtag MLM Entry
- Bridget Read discovered the "free car" hashtag on Instagram during COVID, which marked her entry into understanding MLM culture.
- She found it curious how people showcased achieving "free cars" through recruiting and side hustles, representing a new MLM social media trend.
MLM Sales Are Purchase Volume
- MLMs pay commissions based on purchase volume, not actual retail sales, making the sales aspect almost irrelevant.
- The system depends on recruiting more people to keep the pyramid growing, resembling Ponzi mechanics.
MLMs Exploit Aspirational Psychology
- MLMs rely heavily on charismatic leaders who exploit aspirational psychology to recruit and motivate new participants.
- The pitch taps into desires for greatness and masculinity, often manipulating vulnerable psychological triggers.
