Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The money part was like a big bonus, but it was more than it seemed fun. I mean, Miss Cleo ads were so good." — Bennett Madison
"The FTC is a general purpose consumer protection agency that covers most of the economy unless they're regulated by somebody else directly... Its main authority is the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices." — Professor Howard Beals
"People are gonna believe what they wanna believe... That's the key to the fraud though. That's the only true thing that she says, right? They're gonna believe that they're gonna believe. And that's why there's always gonna be a space for someone like her because, you know, there's always gonna be a sucker out there. And somebody just looking to believe or lonely or whatever. And she understands, she understood that. And, you know, she really got that money." — Cinnic Azteve
The episode explores the operational mechanics and ethical implications of the Psychic Readers Network (PRN), beginning with a discussion of its deceptive advertising and the tactics used to lure callers. Professor Howard Beals, former Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, explains the FTC's role in combating unfair or deceptive practices, highlighting that civil cases focus on the practice itself rather than intent, and that the standard of proof is lower than in criminal cases. The conversation details how the PRN allegedly billed consumers for services they were not expecting to pay for, often burying charges within phone bills.
A significant portion of the episode features an interview with Bennett Madison, a former psychic operator for the PRN. Madison recounts his experience of seeking employment with the network, initially being rejected for phone sex work due to his age, and then being hired as a "phone actor" without a thorough vetting process regarding his psychic abilities. He describes the low pay, the pressure to keep callers on the line for extended periods, and the creative personas he adopted to entertain himself and the callers, such as "Cassandra" and "Gabriel." Madison reflects on his early motivations driven by financial need and the allure of the Miss Cleo commercials, contrasting his perceived "hapless fraud" with more malicious forms of deceit.
The discussion then circles back to Miss Cleo herself, with hosts and guest analyzing her role and perceived culpability. Clips are presented where Miss Cleo discusses her understanding of the PRN's business model and her own motivations. The episode touches upon the financial motivations of those behind the PRN, contrasting them with the operators and Miss Cleo herself, who may have been both victims and perpetrators in different aspects. The segment concludes by discussing the psychological appeal of such services, attributing caller engagement to curiosity, loneliness, and a desire to believe, even when presented with evidence of deception.