Don’t Say That
Don’t Say That! is the #1 podcast dedicated to keeping marketers compliant and up-to-date on all the rules, regulations and trends they need to protect themselves and their businesses from government intervention. Hosts Greg Christiansen (20+ year FTC-focused attorney) and Anik Singal (21+ year digital marketer turned “FTC Expert”) help you navigate and simplify marketing compliance in 2024…
Episodes

Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
The FTC just dropped some MAJOR changes around subscription rules that impacts anyone selling recurring offers or memberships.
In today’s episode, Greg and I break down what these new rules mean, how they’re impacting businesses, and what you need to do to stay compliant.
We even cover the tricky topic of “saving the sale” and the new requirements around that!
Here’s what you’ll learn:
What the new "Click to Cancel" rule means for online subscriptions.
Why the FTC is cracking down on gyms and other subscription models.
How to “save the sale” —legally.
The steps you need to take NOW to avoid massive fines.
Some additional rules if you sell to people living in California.
If you sell any kind of recurring offer or membership, you need to check out this episode!

Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
In today’s episode, Greg and I dive into a crucial topic many businesses overlook—document retention policies.
I know it doesn’t sound sexy, but this could save you from SERIOUS trouble. It’s all about knowing what data to keep, what to toss, and how to protect your customer information.
Last week another big-name settlement dropped involving Marriott and a $56 million settlement. What went wrong, and what can other business owners take away?
Greg explains exactly why this happened and what we can all learn from it.
Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:
The crucial importance of a document retention policy and why you should NEVER skip this step.
Lessons from the Marriott-Starwood case that can protect any business, large or small.
How to prevent exposure by deleting old data, from emails to sales call recordings.
The real risks of storing too much sensitive information and how it opens you up to lawsuits.
Why holding onto old data could cost you tens or even HUNDREDS of thousands in discovery costs.
If you’re still sitting on years of customer emails or sales recordings, this episode is your wake-up call.
Tune in to get the full breakdown on what you need to do to stay compliant, protect your customers, and save a lot of money!

Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
In today’s episode, Greg and I discuss a tricky area for marketers: the fine line between editorial content and advertising.
Marketers use podcasts, blogs, social media posts, and other content marketing to build their brands and sell their products. Do the FTC’s rules still apply?
Just because something looks like an editorial doesn’t mean you can break the rules. Even content that subtly helps you sell can catch the FTC’s attention.
Here’s what we cover:
The clear legal line between EDITORIAL and ADVERTISING content
Why the FTC cracked down on “news-style” advertisements in 2013
How subtle phrases can turn an article into a sales piece
Real-world examples of marketers blurring this line (and paying the price)
Practical steps to keep your content compliant and still convert
This episode is a must-watch if you’re using any kind of content marketing.
Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about building trust with your audience. Don’t skip this one!

Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
In today’s episode, Greg and Anik discuss the FTC’s latest moves against companies making exaggerated claims about AI services.
This isn't just about AI, though. It’s about how marketers, in general, need to be super careful about the promises they make—whether it’s a tech tool, an e-commerce platform, or any other kind of business
We discuss the growing pressure on marketers to back up their claims and the very real consequences of not doing so.
There’s been a surge of investigations, and the FTC is watching AI closely. Spoiler alert: they don’t care about the tech. They care about what you’re promising!
Here’s what we covered in today’s episode:
The most common marketing claims that are triggering FTC actions right now.
A real-life case where exaggerated AI claims led to legal trouble.
Why the FTC doesn't care if you're using AI—they care about your claims.
How marketers ruin new technology by pushing it too far (and how to avoid that).
Greg’s thoughts on why even software companies aren’t safe from FTC scrutiny.
If you’re using AI or making big claims about your product, you’ll want to listen to this one. The last thing you want is to end up on the FTC’s radar!

Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Imagine waking up one morning to find everything you own—cash, investments, even your home—completely locked down.
This is a nightmare scenario experienced by many people targeted by the FTC and other regulators.
In today’s episode, Greg and I dive into what happens when the government freezes your assets, what might cause them to do it, and what you can do to protect yourself.
We discuss everything from shocking case studies to the practical steps you need to take now to reduce your exposure.
Here’s what we covered:
The exact process of how asset freezes happen and why the FTC can act without warning…
How your state might impact how quickly a temporary restraining order hits…
Real-world examples of what NOT to say on sales calls that trigger this kind of aggressive action…
Why the right asset protection plans that can save you from losing everything if the worst happens…
How people survive financially when their accounts are frozen, including living allowances courts may (or may not) grant…
This topic is frightening but important to know about. Tune in to discover how to safeguard your business and personal assets!

Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Have you gotten your copy of Don’t Say That! the book yet? We’re officially live and getting amazing reviews already! Go here to get your copy: https://dontsaythat.com/go/
In this episode of "Don't Say That!", Greg and I dive deep into the latest updates on non-compete clauses and whether they’ll be banned.
A recent court ruling blocked the FTC’s ban from taking effect. However, this is probably just the beginning of a long legal battle.
After all, the FTC rarely backs down without a fight, and this issue is no exception.
If you've been worried about how these changes could impact your business, listen in as we cover:
How a Texas court ruling is shaking up the enforcement of non-compete agreements...
Why the FTC's rule-making power is being challenged and what that means for marketers…
The distinction between non-compete clauses and non-solicitation agreements…
What might the FTC's next move be…
The potential timeline of the case…
The outcome of this legal battle could impact many companies and employees.
By the end of the video, you’ll clearly understand what’s going on and what it means for you.

Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Have you gotten your copy of Don’t Say That! the book yet? We’re officially live and getting amazing reviews already! Go here to get your copy: https://dontsaythat.com/go/
In today's episode, Greg and I dive into a complex and often misunderstood topic: proving "typicality" for results-based testimonials. This is one of those compliance areas that can catch marketers off guard.
Remember: if you use a results-based testimonial, you need to show that it’s what your “typical” customer is getting.
This compliance area can easily catch marketers off guard—and recent FTC guidance on multi-level marketing companies has made the stakes even higher, whether you're in MLM or not.
What You’ll Learn:
How recent FTC reports on MLM companies could hint at future enforcement actions…
The exact steps to substantiate customer testimonials to meet FTC guidelines…
How many customers you need to survey to get a representative sample…
How to set up the right system on the FRONT-END can help you get this data easier and cheaper…
Real-world case studies: What happens when companies don’t have their "typicality" data locked down…
Listen in as we navigate this tricky compliance minefield and share actionable insights to reduce your risk!

Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Today’s episode of Don’t Say That is a real eye-opener! I sat down with Greg Christianson, and we tackled a terrifying question: Can the FTC put you in jail? The answer might surprise you…
Greg shared a case that shocked me. A marketer was sentenced to 25 years in prison because of a collaboration between the FTC and the Department of Justice.
The question I had for him was… is this something that should keep marketers up at night?
Here’s what we covered:
The shocking case of Simple Health LLC and the 25-year prison sentence.
How concurrent civil and criminal actions work and why they’re so dangerous.
Should marketers be worried about this?
The rise in FTC asset freezes and what that means for marketers.
Plus… does compliant marketing work?
This episode might open your eyes to some risks you hadn’t con

Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
In this episode of Don’t Say That, Greg and I dive into the essential legal protections every website needs to avoid costly lawsuits.
We also talk about a series of cases involving DISNEY and FACEBOOK reveal the importance of these pages.
We talk about how the overlooked pages on the footer of your website can help keep your business safe. Via no
If you want to make some simple changes to massively increase your protection from lawsuits, then this episode is a must-match.
Here’s what we discussed:
The SURPRISING way that Disney is fighting a lawsuit - major implications for compliance.
Why missing a simple PRIVACY POLICY could get you bombarded with lawsuits.
How to protect your business with the right TERMS OF SERVICE.
The importance of a DMCA policy to prevent content theft claims.
What you need to include in your website’s footer to stay compliant.
Don’t leave your business vulnerable—listen now and make sure you’re covered!

Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Have you gotten your copy of Don’t Say That! the book yet? We’re officially live and getting amazing reviews already! Go here to get your copy: https://dontsaythat.com/go/
In today’s episode of “Don’t Say That!” Greg and I dive into the FTC's latest ruling on testimonials and reviews.
At first, I thought it was no big deal, but boy, was I wrong.
We break down what the FTC considers "fake" and why even well-intentioned marketers might be in hot water.
Here are the key takeaways from our chat:
The FTC is cracking down on AI-generated reviews and testimonials…
Buying positive or negative reviews is now explicitly banned…
Insider reviews without proper disclosure are a big no-no…
Modifying testimonials, even slightly, can land you in trouble…
Review suppression tactics are firmly in the FTC's crosshairs…
We also tackle some tricky questions about using testimonials in affiliate marketing and when you need to get updated releases.
Trust me, this episode is a must-listen if you're using any kind of social proof in your marketing.