The Reference Desk

Multi-Level Marketing Schemes: Magic Dirt, a Presidential Grifter, and How to Say No to Boss Babes

January 10, 2024
Multi-Level Marketing Schemes: Magic Dirt, a Presidential Grifter, and How to Say No to Boss Babes
The Reference Desk
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The Reference Desk
Multi-Level Marketing Schemes: Magic Dirt, a Presidential Grifter, and How to Say No to Boss Babes
Jan 10, 2024

How much would you be willing to pay for a bag of dirt that could rid your body of toxins? How about a personalized vitamin regimen backed by Donald Trump? In this second part of our MLM series, Katie covers the viral sensation of Black Oxygen Organics, an MLM that sold literal dirt to thousands of crunchy moms who were convinced they were healing their families. We also dive into Donald Trump’s relationship with the MLM industry, from his ad placements on The Apprentice to his use of MLM-approved selling tactics in Trump University and beyond. Plus, we have some tips for you on how to turn down MLM sales pitches without ruining friendships and some media and book recommendations for those who want to learn more about this fascinating cult-like phenomenon. 

All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop!

Recommended reading:

Fiction:

Broke Georgia Goes Multi-Level
by Donna Fernandez
Confidence by Rafael Frumkin

Non-fiction:

Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing 
by Emily Lynn Paulson
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
 
Other Media:

LulaRich
Docuseries [Amazon Prime]
Betting on Zero Documentary [Roku Channel, Tubi, Plex]
On Becoming a God in Central Florida [Showtime]
Life After MLM Podcast hosted by Roberta Blevins
The Dream Podcast hosted by Jane Marie

Sources:

Episode sources

Support the Show.

Show Notes

How much would you be willing to pay for a bag of dirt that could rid your body of toxins? How about a personalized vitamin regimen backed by Donald Trump? In this second part of our MLM series, Katie covers the viral sensation of Black Oxygen Organics, an MLM that sold literal dirt to thousands of crunchy moms who were convinced they were healing their families. We also dive into Donald Trump’s relationship with the MLM industry, from his ad placements on The Apprentice to his use of MLM-approved selling tactics in Trump University and beyond. Plus, we have some tips for you on how to turn down MLM sales pitches without ruining friendships and some media and book recommendations for those who want to learn more about this fascinating cult-like phenomenon. 

All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop!

Recommended reading:

Fiction:

Broke Georgia Goes Multi-Level
by Donna Fernandez
Confidence by Rafael Frumkin

Non-fiction:

Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing 
by Emily Lynn Paulson
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
 
Other Media:

LulaRich
Docuseries [Amazon Prime]
Betting on Zero Documentary [Roku Channel, Tubi, Plex]
On Becoming a God in Central Florida [Showtime]
Life After MLM Podcast hosted by Roberta Blevins
The Dream Podcast hosted by Jane Marie

Sources:

Episode sources

Support the Show.