Hoodwinked by the Algorithm: Dr. Mara Einstein on Cult Tactics in Marketing (Part 2)

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Mara Einstein, diving even deeper into the unsettling connections between cults, multi-level marketing (MLMs), higher education, and the digital world.

In this episode, we unpack how MLMs use tactics like love bombing, upselling, and deception to recruit and retain members — and how these same strategies show up in places you might not expect, like college admissions and social media. Mara walks us through the financial and emotional tolls of higher education, the anxiety economy created by tech platforms, and the importance of protecting your data privacy in a world built to exploit it.

With real-world examples and practical advice, this episode is packed with insights on how to stay critical, self-aware, and informed in the face of modern manipulation.

To learn more about Dr. Einstein and her work, visit drmaraeinstein.com and check out her latest book Hoodwinked: How Marketers Use the Same Tactics as Cults

Also… let it be known that:

The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody’s mad at you, just don’t be a culty fuckwad.

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CREDITS:

Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames

Production Partner: Amphibian.Media

Writer & Co-Creator: Jess Tardy

Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media

Audio production: Red Caiman Studios

Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin