How MLMs Hook Neurodivergent Brains (and How We Got Out)

In this episode of Analysis Paralysis, Leah and Kay take you back to where it all began—the wild world of multi-level marketing. We share the story of how we met inside an MLM, bonded over questioning the system, and eventually found ourselves pushed out for speaking up. Spoiler alert: getting kicked out led to an incredible friendship and the start of a much deeper journey into understanding our own neurodivergence.

We dive into why MLMs can be especially appealing—and harmful—for neurodivergent folks, and how internalized shame keeps us stuck in cycles of masking, people-pleasing, and burnout. Through honest conversation and laughter, we open up about how we’ve begun to let go of that shame and reclaim our sense of self. We also share our favorite practices for releasing shame, and Kay closes the episode with a calming, guided meditation to support neurodivergent minds in coming back to authenticity.