I speak with Dave Troy. Troy is a tech entrepreneur and disinformation researcher. His research focuses on the intersection of sociology, network science, and political science. He believes that studying long-term historical conflicts — rather than focusing on individual politicians or personalities — is the best way to understand current political issues…
LuLaRoe is one of the largest multi-level marketing schemes (MLMs) in history. Founded in 2012, the company became famous for selling colorful, patterned leggings and advertising heavily on social media. Last month, Amazon Prime released the original series “LuLaRich,” and brought LuLaRoe’s use of undue influence and mind control to the public’s attention.
Multilevel Marketing (MLM) is a Worldwide Problem I recently had the exciting opportunity to be one of 37 Panelists at the First Global Conference on Multilevel Marketing (MLM). The virtual conference was held by the College of New Jersey’s School of Business, on April 30th and May 1st 2021 and attracted 500 participants from 49 …
I recently watched the first four episodes of The Vow, a new HBO series about the cult of Keith Raniere. It tells the story through the experience of former leaders of the cult Mark Vicente and his wife Bonnie Piesse and Sarah Edmondson and her husband, Anthony Ames and then expands to Catherine and her …
I recently wrote about religious and political cult groups that manipulate and control members and how it is important to evaluate the major behaviors and characteristics of a group to see if it meets the criteria of a cult. In addition to religious and political groups, there are other types that recruit millions of people all over the …
Multi-Level Marketing and Self-Help Cult Groups: Learn the Warning Signs Read More
Last week, I attended the excellent ICSA 2019 Annual International Conference entitled, “Coercive Control and the Psychology of Influence Across Comparative Contexts – Implications for Policy, Practice and the Criminal Justice Process.” I presented a 90–minute, well–attended workshop on the “The Influence Continuum and the BITE Model and its use for Determining Undue Influence in …
The 2019 International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) Conference in Manchester, England Read More
June 19, 2018 I try to blog every week with updates about my work, research, current events, high control groups, coercive control, media and other topics. I have written pieces on U.S. politics, world news, child abuse, human trafficking, terrorism, undue influence, multi-level marketing, and healing and recovery. Whether you are new to Freedom of …
Download Influence Continuum June 28, 2018 This Influence Continuum graphic describes my model for evaluating influence–from the healthy to the unhealthy. My BITE model offers a list of concerning practices that represent unhealthy mind control: Behavior, Information, Thought and Emotional control designed to create dependent and obedient slaves to a person or ideology. One …
A Response to Academics Who Say There Is No Undue Influence in Destructive Cults Read More
There’s a new documentary coming out today Betting on Zero: The Ultimate Shakedown which exposes Herbalife, one of the largest MLM’s. Check out http://bettingonzeromovie.com/ to watch the trailer and find a screening location. I hope documentaries like this continue to raise public awareness of commercial cults. Once you understand their tactics, you can protect yourself …
Consumers, beware! Guard your minds and your wallets carefully. Quixtar, a former subsidiary of Amway, one of the largest multi-level marketing (MLM) companies in the world, has agreed to a $150 million class action settlement. The settlement points out the serious risks that face consumers who fall for the well-worn pitch that MLM “business opportunities” …
