Multi-Level Marketing

S2:E24 Multi-Level Marketing, Pyramid, and Ponzi Schemes (1 of 4)

Apr 16, 2019

What is multi-level marketing? It turns out, it is a very popular business model that targets Christians and other people of faith. But… it is almost guaranteed to fail. Because MLM’s and direct sales companies are not designed to sell a product but to sell the business itself.

Joining us for this episode is Robert Fitzpatrick. He’s the president of Pyramid Scheme Alert and the author of the new book “Ponzinomics: The Untold History of Multi-Level Marketing and How Direct Sales Became an American Swindle”.

S2:E26 The Amway Decision

Apr 30, 2019

The Amway Decision. The Federal Trade Commission decided that Amway was not an illegal pyramid scheme, but a legitimate business. How did that happen? Why is it important. This week on the Truce Podcast we’re joined once again by Robert Fitzpatrick of Pyramid Scheme Alert (https://pyramidschemealert.org/), author of Ponzinomics to explore the history of MLMs.

Also in this episode is a brief history of the founders of Amway: Richard DeVos and Jay VanAndel. The DeVos name probably sounds familiar. Our current Secretary of Education is Betsy DeVos, daughter-in-law to Richard. She’s made a lot of news in her position because of her stances on charter schools and arming teachers in public schools.

S2:E27 How Multi-Level Marketing Targets Christians (4 of 4)

S2:E27 How Multi-Level Marketing Targets Christians (4 of 4)

May 7, 2019

Did you know that Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump have all stumped for the multi-level marketing industry? MLMs, direct sales, and network marketing have powerful friends. But what about Christian “celebrities”?

S4:E11 The Cult of MLM

S4:E11 The Cult of MLM

Sep 28, 2021

Multi-level marketing companies behave like cults. Does that make MLMs cults? Multi-level...