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Life After MLM

Roberta Blevins

Episode 343 : AI - The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly - Part 1

May 27, 20261h 3m
Summary

In this episode of Life After MLM, the hosts embark on a new series exploring the complex world of Artificial Intelligence. Joined by guest Michelle, they aim to demystify AI by breaking down the good, the bad, and the ugly of this rapidly evolving technology. Rather than diving into deep technical theory, the conversation serves as an accessible introduction for listeners to understand what they are encountering in their daily lives. The episode focuses on establishing a common language, defining essential terms like machine learning, large language models, generative AI, and AI agents. The hosts discuss how AI has become ubiquitous—often hiding in plain sight through features like predictive text, spell-check, and automated captions—and examine the ethical considerations surrounding its use. By providing this foundation, the hosts empower listeners to navigate the digital landscape more consciously, whether they are casual users or concerned consumers. As the conversation progresses, the hosts address the growing trend of AI being utilized within pyramid schemes and predatory marketing, emphasizing that the goal of the series is to help listeners make informed decisions in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

About This Episode

The rise of AI is inevitable and hard to escape, so I asked Michelle (our Triple Emerald Princess of Robots) to chat with us about the good, bad and ugly of this growing technology. From crypto pyramid schemes and data centers to advancing accessibility and innovating modern health care, AI seems to have it's finger in many pies, and as someone who has been working with AI in her professional career for many years, Michelle is uniquely qualified to help us understand the nuances and dangers of Artificial Intelligence. Even if you're a newbie to the AI space, we're here to help you learn and ethically navigate your way around. In Part 1, we dip our toes into the Good and Bad, and help define some common AI terminology.

Show Notes

AI: The Good, the Bad and the Scary

The Rise of AI in Health Care

AI's Harms

AI Tools and Data Leaks

Ai Delusion - Seventeen

How Bad are AI Delusions?

IP Theft - AI Bots are Scraping my Art Website

The Influence Continuum

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Life After MLM is produced by Roberta Blevins. Audio editing is done by the lovely⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kayla Craven⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, video editing by the indescribable⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RK Gold⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mich

More Episodes

Episode 346 : Amare Case Update

Jun 24, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of Life After MLM, the hosts dive into the latest developments surrounding Amare Global, a health and wellness company currently facing intense scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission. The discussion centers on a recent FTC motion calling for the company and key figures—including Sean Talbot and Patrick Hints—to show cause as to why they should not be held in contempt. The hosts break down the legal complexities of the case, highlighting that both Talbot and Hints have histories of prior run-ins with the FTC regarding unsubstantiated product and health claims. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to examining the problematic nature of the medical and pharmaceutical advice allegedly provided by those within the organization. By reviewing internal messages and past promotional strategies, the hosts illustrate a pattern of behavior where distributors and leadership prioritized sales over consumer safety. They also reflect on the typical structures of multi-level marketing firms, identifying how leadership positions often function as the top of a pyramid, and discuss the broader implications of these practices for those involved in the industry.

Episode 345 : FTC v Amare

Jun 7, 20261h 11mSummary

In this episode of Life After MLM, the hosts break down the recent legal action taken by the Federal Trade Commission against the multi-level marketing company Amare Global. The FTC has filed a lawsuit against the company and three of its principals, alleging that they have engaged in deceptive marketing practices by making unsubstantiated health claims regarding their dietary supplements. Specifically, the commission asserts that Amare and its distributors have falsely promised that products like Happy Juice can treat or mitigate serious conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD in both children and adults. The hosts explore the company’s history, noting that several of its leadership figures have previously faced scrutiny for similar deceptive marketing patterns in other industries. Through a critical examination of social media posts and distributor testimonials, the discussion highlights how predatory marketing tactics often target vulnerable populations, including parents of neurodivergent children. The episode serves as a cautionary analysis of how MLM distributors frequently bypass scientific evidence to promote products as miraculous cures, ultimately emphasizing the dangers of relying on unsubstantiated wellness claims over professional medical care.

Episode 344 : AI - The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly - Part 2

May 31, 202644 minSummary

In this episode of Life After MLM, the hosts continue their deep dive into the implications of artificial intelligence, shifting focus to the significant, often alarming, environmental and societal costs associated with the technology. The discussion centers on the massive data centers required to train and run generative AI systems, which the hosts describe as gargantuan, resource-heavy facilities that operate with little to no federal oversight. A primary concern raised is the staggering consumption of water and electricity by these facilities. The hosts highlight how data centers are frequently built in water-stressed regions, consuming millions of gallons of drinking water daily while local residents are asked to conserve. The conversation also explores the creation of urban heat islands and the potential displacement of power for local communities to prioritize tech infrastructure. Furthermore, the episode examines the questionable financial stability of the AI industry, comparing it to other business models that operate at a loss for years to gain market dominance. Ultimately, the hosts warn of potential surveillance risks and emphasize the dangerous lack of transparency inherent in the black box nature of complex AI models.

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