Episode 157 : Jessica Hopper

*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 How can you help? Report false income and health claims here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ Or go to: https://www.truthinadvertising.org You can also report to your state Attorney General's office! https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/ Not in the U.S.? Go here: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-authorities-worldwide Support the Podcast! Join the Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/robertablevins Buy me a Taco and leave a note! 🌮💖 - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robertablevins Follow on TikTok for Anti MLM content, education, and humor! - https://www.tiktok.com/@bertalikewhoa Follow on Instagram for visual show notes, FAQ, and updates! - https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast/ Like on Facebook and join our show fan page to jump in on the conversation! - https://www.facebook.com/lifeaftermlmpodcast *Some links may be affiliate links. When you purchase things from these links, I get a small commission that I use to buy us tacos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices