How Multi-level Marketing Became America’s ‘Unseen Propaganda Factory’

KQED's Forum

KQED

Politics, News, News Commentary

4.6 • 656 Ratings

🗓️ 3 June 2025

⏱️ 56 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

For decades, multi-level marketing (or MLM) companies like Amway and Mary Kay have made the promise that people could become their own bosses, earn extra income and work flexible hours under the umbrella of a globally recognized brand. But in reality, the success rates for people working in multi-level marketing “are closer to those of gamblers in a casino.” That’s according to Bridget Read, author of the new book “Little Bosses Everywhere.” We talk to Read about the rise of the MLM model and why she says it helped fuel the modern conservative movement. Guests: Bridget Read, features writer, New York Magazine - author of the book “Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:57.9	The From KQED From KQED In San Francisco, this is forum. I'm Mina Kim. Signups to sell products for companies like Amway, Herbalife, or Mary Kay, surged during the pandemic. Multi-level marketers, or MLMs, promise
1:05.4	flexible hours, income, and the ability to be your own boss with the backing of a recognized brand.
1:11.6	But according to Bridget Reed, the success rates for people working in multi-level marketing
1:16.0	are, quote, closer to those of gamblers in a casino.
1:20.5	Reed joins us to talk about the rise of the MLM model, the people it exploits, and why
1:25.6	it's got powerful political backers.
1:28.3	Forum is next.
1:37.3	Welcome to Forum. I'm Mina Kim. For decades, multi-level marketing or MLM companies like Amway and Mary Kaye have made the promise that people could become their own bosses, earn extra income, and work flexible hours under the umbrella of a globally recognized brand.
1:54.8	And some 17 million Americans have gotten involved at some point in their lives.
2:00.2	But according to the Federal Trade Commission,
	...

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