I Call Bullsh*t with Kristina Braly

This episode of I Call Bullshit examines the widespread data collection practices of AI-powered devices and platforms, exploring the implications for consumer privacy, the potential for data misuse, and the current state of regulations, while also addressing the often misleading claims of data anonymization and providing specific advice for using AI tools like ChatGPT.
Key Topics Discussed:
Understanding AI Data Collection:
How AI assistants (Alexa, Siri, ChatGPT, Google Assistant) collect user data through voice recordings, text inputs, and usage patterns.
[1] Amazon. "Alexa and Your Privacy." Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/alexaprivacysettings/ (Note: Specific details about data storage and usage are often updated; refer to the latest policy).
[3] OpenAI. "How Your Data is Used to Improve Models." OpenAI Help Center. https://www.google.com/search?q=https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6345527-how-your-data-is-used-to-improve-models (Note: OpenAI's data usage policies are subject to change; refer to the latest documentation).
The role of smart devices (smart speakers, thermostats, doorbells, TVs) in continuous data gathering, including environmental data, usage patterns, and even biometric information.
[2] Consumer Reports. "Smart TVs Are Watching You." ConsumerReports.org. https://www.consumerreports.org/privacy/smart-tvs-are-watching-you/ (Note: Specific functionalities and privacy implications vary by manufacturer and model).
Data Usage and Misuse:
How collected data is used to train AI models, personalize user experiences, and target advertising.
[5] O'Neil, Cathy. Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy. Crown, 2016. (Discusses the broader implications of data-driven algorithms and their potential for bias and manipulation).
The potential for data breaches and misuse, referencing incidents like the DeepSeek data leak.
[6] Wikipedia. "DeepSeek." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeepSeek (Search for information regarding any reported data leaks or security incidents associated with DeepSeek or similar AI companies). Note: Specific details and sources regarding data leaks should be verified with reputable cybersecurity news outlets and reports.
The risk of bias in AI algorithms due to biased training data, leading to discriminatory outcomes.
[7] Noble, Safiya Umoja. Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism. New York University Press, 2018. (Examines how search engine algorithms can perpetuate and amplify racial bias).
[8] Zuboff, Shoshana. The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power. PublicAffairs, 2019. (A comprehensive analysis of the economic and social implications of surveillance capitalism).  
 
The ChatGPT Black Box:
Analysis of OpenAI's privacy policy regarding data collection, usage, and sharing.
[26] OpenAI. "Privacy Policy." https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy (Refer to the latest version of OpenAI's privacy policy for the most up-to-date information).
[27] OpenAI. "Privacy Policy." https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy (Refer to the latest version of OpenAI's privacy policy for the most up-to-date information).
[28] OpenAI. "Privacy Policy." https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy (Refer to the latest version of OpenAI's privacy policy for the most up-to-date information).
[29] OpenAI. "Privacy Policy." https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy (Refer to the latest version of OpenAI's privacy policy for the most up-to-date information).
[30] OpenAI. "Privacy Policy." https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy (Refer to the latest version of OpenAI's privacy policy for the most up-to-date information).
Discussion on whether user data is sold and how it is used for model training and service improvement.
Advice for consumers on how to use AI tools like ChatGPT while minimizing privacy risks.
[31] OpenAI. "How Your Data is Used to Improve Models." OpenAI Help Center. https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6345527-how-your-data-is-used-to-improve-models (Refer to the latest guidance from OpenAI on data usage controls).
The Illusion of Anonymity:
The concept of the "data mosaic effect" and how seemingly anonymous data points can be aggregated to re-identify individuals.
[22] Ohm, Paul. "Broken Promises of Privacy: Responding to the Surprising Failure of Anonymization." UCLA Law Review, Vol. 57, 2010, pp. 1701-1777.
Producer & Host:
Kristina Bralycontact[at]kristinabraly.com instagram: @icallbswithkb website: icallbullshit.co

Episode 011: Tariffs Unmasked – How Trade Wars Punch Your Wallet & Portfolio
Host: Kristina Braly, M.D.
Episode Description
In today’s episode, Kristina dives deeper into the controversial world of tariffs, breaking down exactly how these international trade taxes trickle down directly into your everyday expenses and personal financial plans. Joined by an anonymous financial expert with over 40 years of wealth management experience, the discussion unpacks how tariffs quietly raise prices at the grocery store, fuel inflation, and rattle financial markets—affecting your retirement savings and investments. With the latest policy shifts from early April 2025—including President Trump’s unprecedented tariff escalation and subsequent 90-day pause—Kristina and her guest reveal the hidden realities and myths of tariffs. Are tariffs truly beneficial to the American economy, or are they just another stealth tax burdening consumers and investors? Listen in as they uncover the truth behind the political spin and provide actionable advice for navigating turbulent economic times.
Key Topics Discussed
The direct impact of tariffs on consumer goods like groceries, clothing, electronics, and vehicles.
How tariffs contribute to inflation and erode your purchasing power.
The immediate and long-term effects of tariffs on your investment portfolios and retirement accounts.
An inside look at the market turmoil triggered by recent tariff announcements and subsequent policy reversals.
Strategies from a seasoned financial advisor on protecting yourself from tariff-driven market volatility.
A breakdown of the recent tariff policy shifts (up to April 16, 2025), including Trump’s 90-day pause and the significant escalation on imports from China.
Featured Guest
An anonymous financial expert (Certified Financial Planner and wealth manager with over four decades of experience)
Referenced Material & Further Reading
Tax Foundation Analysis – How Tariffs Raise U.S. Consumer Prices
Council on Foreign Relations – 2025 U.S.-China Trade War Escalation
Federal Reserve Research – Tariffs and Their Inflationary Impact
Reuters – Market Turmoil Amid Trump Tariff Announcements
Bloomberg – How 2025 Tariff Policies Shook Global Financial Markets
New York Times – Consumers Brace for Price Hikes Amid Tariff Wars
CNBC – Investor Reactions to Latest U.S.-China Tariffs
Richmond Federal Reserve – Economic Brief on Tariff-Driven Job Losses
Congressional Research Service – U.S.-China Tariff Actions Overview
Listener Takeaways & Action Items
Understand how tariffs directly translate into higher prices for everyday goods and services.
Prepare financially for price fluctuations and inflation triggered by tariffs.
Learn practical tips to protect and optimize your investment portfolio amid tariff-related market volatility.
Stay informed about evolving tariff policies to better navigate economic uncertainty.
Stay Connected
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
Get in touch:
Instagram: @icallbswithkb
Email: contact@kristinabraly.com
Thanks for listening to "I Call Bullshit with Kristina Braly"!
Takeaways
Many people don't connect tariffs with their own wallet.A tariff is a tax and you pay it.Expect a ripple effect on everyday products.Tariffs can nudge inflation upward.Consumers pay higher prices and might have less variety.Don't panic during market volatility.Tariffs act like a regressive tax on Americans.Stay informed about tariff news and its implications.Plan ahead for big purchases when tariffs are announced.Diversification is key to protecting investments from tariff impacts.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tariffs and Their Impact02:40 Understanding Tariffs as a Hidden Tax10:22 Tariffs and Inflation: A Vicious Cycle20:55 Market Reactions: Tariffs and Stock Volatility31:48 Recent Policy Changes and Their Implications40:41 Navigating the Future: Consumer and Investor Strategies49:49 Outro track (1).mp3
 
Titles
The Hidden Costs of TariffsHow Tariffs Affect Your Wallet
 
Keywords
tariffs, inflation, consumer prices, stock market, economic impact, financial planning, trade policy, market volatility, consumer awareness, economic recession

Tariff Wars: How You're Secretly Paying the Price for International Drama
Host: Kristina Braly, M.D.
“I Call Bullshit with Kristina Braly”
Episode Description
In this explosive episode, Kristina dives deep into the controversial world of tariffs, the taxes on imports that quietly raise prices on everyday products. From Alexander Hamilton’s original tariffs that funded early America to the disastrous Smoot-Hawley Act, and the modern tariff wars of Trump and Biden, we uncover the truth behind this contentious economic weapon. You’ll learn why countries use tariffs, how America has both suffered and retaliated, and why these trade battles ultimately hit your wallet the hardest. Are tariffs genuinely protecting American jobs, or are they just another political game costing consumers billions? Listen now and decide for yourself!
Key Talking Points
What tariffs are and how they've historically been used to fund governments and protect industries.
The devastating economic backlash from the 1930 Smoot-Hawley tariff.
Why other countries’ tariffs often place U.S. products at a severe disadvantage.
The rationale behind Trump’s aggressive tariffs aimed at reducing trade deficits and boosting manufacturing jobs.
President Biden’s targeted approach to tariffs on clean energy, steel, aluminum, and critical technology imports.
Real-world impacts of tariffs—higher consumer costs, lost jobs, and economic trade-offs.
Recent April 2025 developments: escalating tariff tensions between the U.S., China, and Europe.
References & Links
Commerce Department: Biden Administration Tariff Actions (May 2024)
International Trade Insights: Biden’s 2024 Aluminum & Steel Tariff Hikes
USTR: September 2024 China Tariff Updates
Utility Dive: Biden's Solar Energy Tariffs (December 2024)
Congressional Research Service: U.S.-China Tariff Actions Overview
Richmond Fed: Economic Impact of Tariffs (March 2025)
Cato Institute: History of Tariffs in American Economic Policy
US International Trade Commission: Tariff Act of 1789
White House (Trump Administration): Reciprocal Tariff Announcement (April 2025)
White House (Trump Administration): Section 232 Tariff Restoration (Feb 2025)
White House: America First Trade Policy Report (April 2025)
Reuters: China's Response to Trump's 2025 Tariff Proposals
Listener Takeaways
Understand that tariffs are not just economic policy but powerful political tools.
Recognize that tariffs primarily impact consumers and everyday products.

Bots, Lies & Billions: Inside the Great Social Media Scam (with Guest Sarah Perkins)
Host: Kristina Braly – physician, skeptic, and unfiltered guide through the world of corporate scams and social media illusions.
Guest: Sarah Perkins - Talent Manager at Dulcedo
Episode Summary
In this episode, we tackle the “Fake Follower Epidemic” gripping the social media influencer world. From bots and pod engagements to shell accounts, we expose how influencers inflate their metrics while misleading brands and audiences. We also explore how brands lose over $1.3 billion annually to fraudulent social media engagements, and why many say the problem is only getting worse.
Key Topics & Stats
55% of Instagram influencers have allegedly engaged in some form of follower or engagement fraud, making it a majority behavior rather than a fringe practice.
Brands reportedly waste $1.3 billion a year on phony influencer deals with fabricated or bot-driven metrics.
We discuss bot comments, suspicious spikes in follower counts, and how unscrupulous influencers trick brands into believing they have massive “reach.”
Real Consequences: Eroded consumer trust, wasted marketing budgets, and a backlash from regulators and social platforms cracking down.
References & Links
Influencer Marketing Hub – Research on influencer fraud, reporting that 55% of Instagram influencers engaged in deceptive tactics.
CHEQ: Influencer Fraud Report – Noted that brands lose over $1.3 billion annually to fake followers and bot engagements in influencer campaigns.
Listener Takeaways
Brands: Scrutinize influencer metrics – watch for unnatural spikes, questionable engagement ratios, or identical comments.
Consumers: Understand that not all big “followings” are real; be skeptical of perfect sponsor promos.
Influencers: Authentic growth may be slower, but it builds genuine credibility that “bot illusions” can’t replicate.
Stay Connected
If you loved (or hated) hearing about the underbelly of influencer marketing, drop us a 5-star review, or let’s chat:
Email: contact@kristinabraly.com
Instagram: @icallbswithkb
Thanks for listening to “I Call Bullshit” with Kristina Braly.

In this episode, we call B.S. on Big Pharma’s profit motives and explore how cheap or off-patent drugs often get sidelined – not by a grand conspiracy, but by a system that simply doesn’t reward low-margin cures. We discuss:
Opioid Crisis Lawsuits: How Purdue Pharma and others downplayed risks and triggered a national epidemic.
The Ivermectin Saga: Why a generic anti-parasitic got dismissed for COVID-19, stoking theories about suppressing cheap treatments.
Cannabis & Psychedelics: Once deemed “no medical value,” now shown to help PTSD, depression, and more, but suppressed for decades.
Real Influence on Research: Pharma funds trials, buries negative results, and fosters publication bias.
Minor Mention of LDN: Low Dose Naltrexone as an example of an under-researched, generic therapy that might have big potential.
Key Points & Discussion
Opioid Crisis Lawsuits:
Purdue Pharma’s role in pushing OxyContin, concealing addictive potential.
Billions in settlements; internal memos showed profit-first tactics.
Demonstrates Big Pharma’s willingness to prioritize sales over safety.
WHO & Ivermectin Saga:
Early COVID-19 hype vs. mainstream dismissal, fueling “suppression” talk.
No major RCT funding from big sponsors – no profits to be made.
Shows how “lack of data” can be a result of zero corporate interest.
Cannabis & Psychedelics:
They were Schedule I (“no medical value”) for decades, but new studies show clear benefits (pain, depression, etc.).
Pharma’s disinterest in non-patentable compounds – overshadowed by new psych meds.
Now a resurgence of research as big companies eye synthetic/novel forms for profit.
Real Influence on Research:
Evidence of publication bias; negative or unflattering results get hidden.
Synthroid fiasco (study suppressed for 7 years), paying doctors, lobbying regulators.
Reinforces that “profit over science” can hamper cheap, off-label therapies.
LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) Mention:
Potential uses (fibromyalgia, Crohn’s), minimal side effects, but no big trials = less adoption.
Symbolizes how unpatented therapies languish in R&D purgatory.
References
Opioid Crisis Lawsuits: US DOJ Opioid Settlement with Purdue
Ivermectin & COVID-19: WHO Advice on Ivermectin
Cannabis & Psychedelic Studies: Nature: Psilocybin for Depression RCT
Influence on Research: BMJ: Publication bias in industry-funded trials
LDN Trials Info: Penn State Crohn's LDN Study
Listener Action Items
Scrutinize Pharma Claims: Always ask who funds the trials, check for negative or missing data.
Support Independent Research: Encourage public funding for generics & natural therapies so they're properly studied.
Stay Skeptical: Don't dismiss everything mainstream, but remember profit motives shape the narrative.
 
Connect & Subscribe
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform!Questions or comments? Email contact@kristinabraly.com or DM us on IG: @icallbswithkb.Stay tuned for our next episode where we investigate more suspicious BS in the world of medicine, marketing, and beyond!

Episode 7: Menstruation & Period Apps - Privacy Deep Dive
Welcome back to I Call B******t! In this special investigative episode, we dive into the complex world of period tracking apps and wearables in a post-Roe v. Wade landscape. We examine how popular trackers handle user data, whether they share it with advertisers or law enforcement, and what steps each is taking to safeguard our most intimate information. We’ll also rank these apps from best to worst in terms of privacy, so you can make an informed decision about how to monitor your menstrual cycle safely and securely.
Episode Highlights:
Post-Roe Concerns: Why users fear their reproductive data could be used against them in states with restrictive laws.
App-by-App Analysis: A deep look at Apple Health, Oura, Flo, Clue, Stardust, and more — from encryption practices to data-sharing controversies.
Legal & Enforcement Issues: How prosecutors could theoretically subpoena app logs, and which companies vow to fight back.
Privacy Rankings: Our top picks (and the worst offenders) based on encryption, anonymous modes, and third-party data sharing policies.
Actionable Tips: Protect yourself with device-level encryption, “anonymous” features, and by choosing apps that won’t compromise your privacy.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Privacy in Period Tracking Apps01:06 The Impact of Dobbs Decision on Privacy Concerns03:17 Understanding the Sensitivity of Period Tracker Data06:20 Evaluating Popular Period Tracking Apps08:02 Apple Health: A Leader in Privacy11:10 Oura Ring: A Commitment to User Privacy15:14 Flo: A Cautionary Tale of Privacy Missteps21:52 Clue: The Privacy-First Approach25:38 P Tracker29:29 Stardust: The Cautionary Tale of Privacy Claims35:12 Legal Landscape: The Risks of Period App Data40:15 Ranking Period Apps: Privacy and Security Insights47:13 Conclusion: Empowering Choices for Privacy Protection49:54 Outro track (1).mp3
References & Show Links:
Mozilla “Privacy Not Included” Report - https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/
FTC Settlement with Flo (TechCrunch coverage) - https://techcrunch.com/2021/01/13/flo-health-privacy-case/
Clue’s GDPR Statement & Post-Roe Policy - https://helloclue.com/articles/about-clue/data-privacy
Oura’s Commitment to Reproductive Data Privacy - https://ouraring.com/blog/ouras-commitment-to-data-privacy
EFF Guidance on Period App Privacy - https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/07/so-you-want-delete-period-tracking-app
Stardust & Encryption Claims (Vice & TechCrunch) - https://www.vice.com/en/article/akv5p8/stardust-period-tracking-app-roe-v-wade
Listener Action Items:
Choose Your App Wisely: Consider Apple Health, Clue, Euki, or Oura for stronger data protections. Use pseudonyms or “anonymous modes” where possible.
Secure Your Device: Enable passcodes or biometrics, encrypt backups, and turn on two-factor authentication.
Stay Informed: Check apps’ privacy policies periodically — they change quickly under public pressure.
Minimize Sensitive Logs: Think twice before recording every detail of your cycle or sex life if you live in a legally risky state.
Contact & Community:
Have a personal story about using period trackers? Or found an app with awesome (or terrible) privacy features? We want to hear it!Email us at contact@kristinabraly.com or DM us on Instagram at @icallbswithkb.
 
Subscribe & Leave a Review – If you learned something new, help us out by giving a 5-star rating, and share this episode with a friend worried about period-tracking privacy.
Keywords
period tracking, privacy, reproductive health, data security, menstrual apps, Roe v. Wade, user data, encryption, legal implications, health technology
 
#ICallBS #MenstruationApps #PostRoePrivacy #AppleHealth #ClueApp #Flo #Stardust #OuraRing

Welcome back to I Call B****t, the show where we expose the fine print, the hidden catches, and the systemic nonsense designed to keep you broke. In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest financial traps in modern America: the college degree.
**
What We Cover in This Episode:
🎓 The Inflation of College Costs – Why tuition prices have skyrocketed far beyond inflation.
📉 The Degree-Job Disconnect – Why a diploma no longer guarantees a well-paying job.
💸 The Student Loan Trap – How student loans have become a modern form of financial servitude.
🔨 The Skilled Trade Shortage – How high-paying careers in trades are in greater demand than ever.
📖 Alternative Education Paths – Microdegrees, apprenticeships, and vocational training as viable (and often superior) options.
📜 Real Stories – True accounts of people drowning in student debt despite doing "everything right."
Sources & Citations:
📚 Read more about the research and data cited in this episode:
Federal Reserve Student Loan Report
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Job Outlook & Salaries
TIME: The Truth About Degree Inflation
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Student Loan Crisis
News.com.au: Why Young Australians Are Moving Away from Traditional Universities
NY Post: Women Skipping College and Earning Six Figures in Trades
Listener Action Items:
✅ Consider alternative education paths – Vocational schools, apprenticeships, and trade certifications can be better investments than a traditional degree. ✅ Advocate for skills-based hiring – Encourage companies to value real-world experience over credentials. ✅ Support financial education in schools – The next generation needs to understand student loans before they sign up for them.
Connect With Us:
📩 Have a story about your college experience? Email us at [yourpodcast@email.com] or DM us on Instagram @ICallBSPodcast! 🎙 Next Episode: The 8 Glasses of Water Myth – Hydration & The Bottled Water Scam – Are we really supposed to drink that much water? And is bottled water actually cleaner than tap? (Spoiler: NO.) 🔔 Subscribe & Follow so you don’t miss it! #ICallBS #CollegeDegreeScam #StudentLoans #TradeSchools #AlternativeEducation #DebtCrisis #HigherEdScam

In this episode of I Call B*****t*, Kristina Braly exposes the hidden fees that are quietly draining your bank account—from bank overdraft fees, credit card surcharges, airline add-ons, and concert ticket fees to the sneaky concept of shrinkflation. These small, sneaky charges seem harmless at first glance, but collectively, they cost Americans billions of dollars every year.
If you’ve ever looked at a bill and wondered, “What the heck is this $5.95 service fee?!”, or found yourself paying an extra $35 because your account was $1 short, this episode will validate your rage.
We’ll expose why corporations are getting more creative in ripping us off—and most importantly, what you can do to fight back.
What We Cover in This Episode:
Banking Fees That Should Be Illegal: Overdraft charges, “maintenance fees,” and why big banks make billions off of people who can’t afford them.
Credit Card Transaction Fees: How businesses pass processing fees onto you, and when you can demand they waive them.
Airline Junk Fees: Seat selection, baggage fees, and fuel surcharges—why are we paying extra to bring our own bags?
Concert & Event Ticket Fees: How Live Nation and Ticketmaster created a monopoly that charges you extra for everything (including printing your own ticket).
Shrinkflation & Corporate Greed: Why your chips, cereal, and ice cream are getting smaller while the prices stay the same (or even go up).
How to Fight Back: Practical ways to avoid or challenge these fees—because companies don’t want you to know that many of these charges can be removed if you push back.
Credits:
Host: Kristina Braly
Research & Fact-Checking: Kristina Braly LLC
Production & Editing: Kristina Braly, Kristina Braly LLC
Music & Sound Design: Epidemic Sound
Sources & Citations:
(All links formatted to be clickable on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.)
Bank & Credit Card Fees
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). “Big Banks Collected Over $15 Billion in Overdraft Fees in 2022.”🔗 https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-report-bank-overdraft-fees/
NerdWallet. “The Hidden Costs of Using Credit Cards—And How to Avoid Them.”🔗 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/credit-card-fees
Airline Junk Fees & Extra Charges
U.S. Department of Transportation (2023). “New Regulations on Unfair Airline Fees.”🔗 https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-harris-administration-takes-action-against-junk-fees
The Points Guy. “What Fees Airlines Are Charging Now—And How to Avoid Them.”🔗 https://thepointsguy.com/news/airline-fees-how-to-avoid/
Ticket Fees & Monopolies
U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee (2023). “Live Nation and Ticketmaster Under Investigation for Anti-Competitive Practices.”🔗 https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/senate-hearing-live-nation-ticketmaster-monopoly
NPR. “Why Concert Ticket Fees Are So High—And What’s Being Done About It.”🔗 https://www.npr.org/2023/04/25/why-ticketmaster-fees-are-so-high
Shrinkflation & Hidden Price Hikes
The Guardian. “Shrinkflation: Why Everything Is Getting Smaller But More Expensive.”🔗 https://www.theguardian.com/business/shrinkflation-2023
Consumer Reports. “Which Brands Are Shrinking Their Products Without Lowering Prices?”🔗 https://www.consumerreports.org/food-packaging/shrinkflation-brands-to-watch-a1204867786/
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “How Shrinkflation Affects Inflation Rates and Consumer Purchasing Power.”🔗 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm
Listener Action Items:
✅ Call Your Bank & Challenge Fees: Many overdraft and account maintenance fees can be waived if you call and push back.✅ Avoid Airline Fees: Choose airlines that don’t nickel-and-dime you—or use airline credit cards that cover baggage fees.✅ Demand Fee Transparency: When purchasing tickets, check if there’s a venue box office that sells without fees.✅ Use Apps Like “Shrinkflation Tracker”: Avoid brands that reduce product size without reducing price.✅ Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you save money, leave a 5-star review to help others get smarter about hidden fees.
📩 Have a horror story about hidden fees? Send it to us on Instagram @icallbswithkb or email  us —we might feature it in a future episode!
🎙 Next Episode Teaser:Next week, we’re tackling The College Degree Scam—why student loan debt is designed to trap you in financial servitude, and why a degree isn’t worth what they told you it was.
🔔 Subscribe & Follow so you don’t miss it!

In this episode of I Call B*****t*, Kristina Braly exposes the Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) industry, a $35 billion empire built on false promises, manipulation, and financial ruin for most participants. These “business opportunities” masquerade as female empowerment, side hustles, or easy passive income, but the reality is only 1% of participants ever make a profit—and many go into serious debt instead.
 
What We Cover in This Episode:
What Is an MLM? The key differences between MLMs and pyramid schemes (spoiler: they’re nearly identical).
Why 99% of Participants Lose Money: FTC data on income disclosure statements proves these businesses are set up to fail.
Manipulation Tactics: Love bombing, toxic positivity, shaming quitters, and weaponized female empowerment.
MLM Horror Stories: People losing their homes, maxing out credit cards, and destroying friendships for the “dream.”
The Cult-Like Mentality: Why MLMs mirror religious cults, and how they brainwash members into staying.
Red Flags to Spot an MLM: From Facebook DMs to overpriced starter kits, how to recognize a scam before you get sucked in.
Credits:
Host: Kristina Braly
Research & Fact-Checking: Kristina Braly LLC
Production & Editing: Kristina M Braly, M.D.
Music & Sound Design: Epidemic Sound, Kristina Braly LLC
Special Thanks To: Riverside FM
MLMs and Financial Losses
Federal Trade Commission (FTC). “Consumer Awareness on MLMs.”🔗 https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2023/02/mlm-income-disclosure-warning
Jon M. Taylor, PhD. (2011). The Case (For and) Against Multi-Level Marketing.🔗 http://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/public_comments/16-cfr-part-437-business-opportunity-rule-536058-00014%C2%A0/536058-00014-54741.pdf
AARP Foundation. (2018). “AARP Study: The Truth About MLMs and Older Adults.”🔗 https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/econ/2018/mlm-schemes-older-adults.doi.10.26419-2Fres.00259.001.pdf
MLM Failure Rates & Pyramid Structure
Federal Trade Commission (FTC). “The 99% Failure Rate in MLMs.”🔗 https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/federal-trade-commission-staff-advisory-opinion-multi-level-marketing-compensation-plan/ftc_advisory_opinion_mlm.pdf
Robert FitzPatrick. Ponzinomics: The Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing.🔗 https://www.amazon.com/Ponzinomics-Untold-Story-Multi-Level-Marketing/dp/1734501605
Psychological Manipulation & MLM Tactics
The Dream Podcast (2018). Behind the MLM facade.🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dream/id1435743296
Cult Education Institute: “MLMs and Cult-Like Behavior.”🔗 https://culteducation.com/group/1260-multi-level-marketing.html
MLM Horror Stories & Real-Life Impact
Vice News. (2022). “I Lost $30,000 to an MLM—And I'm Not Alone.”🔗 https://www.vice.com/en/article/7kbznd/mlm-pyramid-scheme-victims-stories
New York Times. (2021). “When an MLM Takes Over Your Life.”🔗 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/08/style/multi-level-marketing-moms.html
Listener Action Items:
✅ Recognize the Red Flags: If an opportunity requires you to buy a starter kit, recruit others, or promises ‘unlimited’ income, it’s likely an MLM scam.✅ Spread Awareness: Send this episode to someone considering joining an MLM—it might save them thousands of dollars and years of regret.✅ Report MLM Scams: If you've been scammed by an MLM, file a complaint with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.✅ Subscribe & Review: If this episode saved you from an MLM, leave a 5-star review and help others avoid the trap.
 
📩 Have an MLM horror story? DM us on Instagram @ICallBSPodcast or email contact@kristinabraly.com —we may feature your story in a future episode!
🎙 Next Episode Teaser:Next week, we’re exposing the hidden fees secretly draining your wallet—from airline seat selection to credit card charges, you’re paying WAY more than you think.
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We’ve been told our whole lives that milk is essential for strong bones and that we need 3 servings of dairy a day for good health. Well, today, we’re calling bullshit on Big Dairy. The dairy industry has spent billions to convince us that we need milk, even though the majority of the world is lactose intolerant and science has repeatedly debunked the “strong bones” myth. In this episode, we’re exposing how the dairy lobby hijacked U.S. nutrition policy, the real science behind dairy and bone health, and why you don’t actually need cow’s milk to be healthy.
Key Topics Covered in This Episode:
✅ The “Got Milk?” campaign and how government-funded marketing pushed dairy into every household.✅ How the USDA and Big Dairy worked together to keep milk in school lunch programs and dietary guidelines.✅ The truth about lactose intolerance – over 65% of humans struggle to digest milk.✅ The bone health myth – why milk is not the key to preventing osteoporosis.✅ The alternative sources of calcium that are just as effective (or better) than dairy.✅ The environmental and ethical concerns surrounding dairy production.✅ Why Big Dairy is panicking as plant-based milk sales skyrocket.
Sources & Citations:
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2018). Milk and Health: What the Science Says.
Harvard’s assessment of milk’s role in nutrition, debunking myths around calcium and bone health.
BMJ (2014). Milk intake and risk of mortality and fractures in women and men: cohort studies.
Landmark Swedish study that found higher milk consumption was associated with MORE fractures, not fewer.
National Institute of Health (NIH) (2021). Global Lactose Intolerance Rates: A Review of Digestive Health.
Reports that 65% of adults worldwide are lactose intolerant, with rates exceeding 90% in East Asia.
USDA Checkoff Program Report (2020).
Details how dairy farmers’ money is pooled to fund massive milk advertising campaigns with government backing.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2019). Calcium Intake and Fracture Risk: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis.
Found no strong evidence that high dairy intake reduces fracture risk.
PETA Report on USDA Dairy Lobbying (2020).
Investigation into how dairy lobbying influences school lunch programs and national nutrition policies.
Journal of Nutrition (2021). Comparing Dairy and Plant-Based Calcium Absorption in Human Diets.
Found that calcium from leafy greens, tofu, and fortified plant milks is absorbed just as well (if not better) than dairy-based calcium.
Want to Learn More?
📌 Harvard’s Milk & Bone Health Report: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/milk/📌 USDA Dairy Industry Reports: https://www.usda.gov/topics/food-and-nutrition📌 Lactose Intolerance Research: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/
💬 Were you raised to believe milk was essential? Have you ditched dairy, or do you still enjoy it? Hit me up on Instagram (@kristinabraly) and let me know what you think!
📢 Spread the truth! Share this episode with someone who still thinks they need milk to be healthy. And if you’re enjoying the show, leave a review on Apple Podcasts – it helps a lot!