Ponzinomics 101

Melissa Milner and Robert FitzPatrick
  • 5.0 (9)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Ponzinomics 101 is a monthly educational podcast for anyone interested in learning more about multi-level marketing (aka MLMs), and why it should be avoided. Hosts Melissa Milner and Robert FitzPatrick want this podcast to be a helpful resource for teachers and parents and will provide valuable information that is not currently being taught in our public schools, colleges, and universities about MLMs and similar dangerous schemes.

Episodes

  1. 04/22/2023

    Next Steps for the Anti-MLM Movement

    There are amazing anti-MLM content creators trying to make a difference. In this episode, Robert shares what he believes should unite all anti-MLM work. What actually is our message and goal in this fight?

    58 min

  2. 04/15/2023

    A Pyramid Scheme by Any Other Name...is Still a Pyramid Scheme

    In episode 9 of Ponzinomics 101, Robert shares his experience with a pyramid scheme in the 80s called the Airplane Game. The similarities to MLM become clear quickly.

    36 min

  3. 02/18/2023

    How MLM Infiltrates Schools: A Story of One Teacher's Betrayal with Robert FitzPatrick and Megan Rowton

    In this episode, Robert and Melissa speak to Megan Rowton who at 18 was recruited into an MLM by her special education teacher. You read that right! Megan shares her story of getting in and getting out of an essential oil MLM.

    55 min

  4. 12/10/2022

    Talking to Your Child about MLM with Doug Brooks

    Our chat with lawyer and advocate, Doug Brooks, continues in episode 7, as we explore why people abandon critical thinking and join MLM companies. How can we teach youth to do their due diligence and not believe the lies?

    43 min

  5. 11/19/2022

    Why Law is Failing with Doug Brooks

    Episode 6 is a discussion for parents, teachers, and anyone hoping to protect youth from MLM. Lawyer and advocate Doug Brooks joins Robert and Melissa to talk about court cases, legislation, and what is going wrong in the fight against MLM.

    39 min

  6. 10/15/2022

    Legal Schmegal

    Know anyone who failed trying to sell MLM products or an MLM "opportunity?" It wasn't their fault. How could something “legal” engage in such deception and cause so much harm?

    16 min

  7. 09/17/2022

    So, What's a Pyramid Scheme?

    Ever had a person try to recruit you into a multi-level marketing (aka MLM) company? One of the first things they say is, "It's not a pyramid scheme." What is a pyramid scheme? How are they disguised? Are MLM companies pyramid schemes?

    23 min

  8. 08/13/2022

    The First Truth: What is Multi-Level Marketing?

    "Business opportunity." "Full time pay for part time work." We have clarified in our first two episodes that MLMs are not direct selling. So what are they?

    23 min

  9. 07/09/2022

    Reality Check: Is Multi-Level Marketing Direct Selling?

    "This is a direct selling business opportunity." Is it really? In this episode we continue to investigate direct selling and whether multi-level marketing (MLM) really is direct selling.

    17 min

  10. 06/04/2022

    The First Lie: What is Direct Selling?

    Whether it’s selling leggings, make up, or knives, we hear about business opportunities to make full time pay for part time work. Are they too good to be true? Multi-level marketing companies such as LuLaRoe, Mary Kay, and Cutco Knives claim to be direct selling opportunities. What exactly is direct selling?

    22 min
  • 10 Episodes

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Ponzinomics 101 is a monthly educational podcast for anyone interested in learning more about multi-level marketing (aka MLMs), and why it should be avoided. Hosts Melissa Milner and Robert FitzPatrick want this podcast to be a helpful resource for teachers and parents and will provide valuable information that is not currently being taught in our public schools, colleges, and universities about MLMs and similar dangerous schemes.

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa Milner and Robert FitzPatrick
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2023
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Ponzinomics 101
  • Show Website
    Ponzinomics 101