Episode 157 : Jessica Hopper

Life After MLM

*This episode involves discussion of sex work, sexual assault and racism. Please use discretion when listening.*

Jessica Hopper was introduced to pole fitness in the mid 2000's when she stumbled upon S Factor Studio and quickly became an instructor. Throughout her 14 years with the studio, Jessica witnessed countless abuses of power at the hand of the company's founder, Sheila Kelley. With compartmentalization and focusing on her students, Jessica trudged on until the company's reaction to the murder of George Floyd and the BLM movement couldn't keep her silent any longer.

Show Notes:

Stripped Down: The Undoing of Hollywood’s Favorite Pole-Dancing Studio - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hollywood-pole-dancing-studio-s-factor-allegations-1234961498/

A wildly popular pole dancing studio "irresponsibly preyed on women’s pain," a former instructor says - https://www.mic.com/life/the-s-factor-studio-is-facing-allegations-of-exploitation-racial-insensitivity-81080002

Not-So-Empowering: This Hollywood Pole Dance Studio Reportedly Caused 'Direct Harm' to BIPOC Women - https://www.theroot.com/not-so-empowering-this-hollywood-pole-dance-studio-rep-1847025002

Navigating the Cult-Like World of Fitness Classes, Self-Help Guides, and Groupthink - https://www.shondaland.com/live/body/a36832001/navigating-the-cult-world-fitness-self-help-groupthink/

Netflix's pole dance therapy film "Strip Down, Rise Up" exploits trauma & is fixated on male gaze - https://www.salon.com/2021/02/15/strip-down-rise-up-netflix-pole-dance-trauma-feminism/

Yes A Stripper Podcast - https://yesastripperpodcast.com/

Out of MLM - https://outofmlm.info/

Cultish by Amanda Montell - https://amzn.to/3Q7owx9

Dr. Steven Hassan's BITE Model - https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/

Ponzinomics by Robert L. FitzPatrick - https://amzn.to/3q16oJb

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