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 Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
👉 Want to learn how to market compliantly, scale & drastically reduce your risk of being sued by the FTC? Check out these resources: #1 - Our "Don't Say That" Book - Get It Now.https://www.dontsaythat.com/go #2 - 33+ Legal Documents, Lawyer Access, Certification + Training - Academy: https://compliantacademy.com #3 - A.I. Powered FTC Compliance Software - Answers, Reviews and Your Compliance Score in Minutes! https://www.complily.com
=====================================================================
If you hire contractors for your business, there’s an extremely common FTC violation that many companies are making.
And they have no clue they’re violating the rules…
In today’s "Don't Say That" episode, Greg and I break down the $7 million Arise Virtual Solutions case and reveal why it's just the tip of the iceberg for gig economy companies.
There is so much about the “gig economy” and potential violations that I was totally unaware of. We covered…
Why the FTC's $7 million fine could be pocket change compared to what's coming next…
The Department of Labor's new "economic reality" test that could turn your contractors into employees overnight…
How even well-meaning companies are falling into the misclassification trap…
The unexpected way your company laptop could land you in hot water with regulators…
Why California's contractor laws are a glimpse into the future for the rest of the country…
Don’t worry, we also spent a ton of time showing you how to PROTECT yourself and your business, including…
The 16 factors regulators use to determine if someone's really a contractor…
How to structure your contractor relationships to minimize risk…
The sneaky legal trick to make your non-disclosure agreements actually enforceable…
Why hiring international contractors might be your safest bet…
Look, here’s the deal. “The gig economy” is under unprecedented scrutiny, and ignorance is NOT a legal defense.
So whether you're running a massive virtual workforce or just hiring the occasional freelancer, this episode is a must-listen.

Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 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/
There is ONE part of your marketing business that could be filled with legal landmines.
Your sales call recordings.
In today’s "Don't Say That" episode, Greg and I reveal the hidden legal dangers lurking in your customer conversations.
We cover a ton of ground, including…
Why handing over call recordings to customers could be a MASSIVE legal risk…
The sneaky way competitors might be trying to steal your sales scripts…
How long you REALLY need to keep call recordings (and why it's not as long as you think)...
The dangerous myth of "FTC reasons" for withholding recordings…
Why your document retention policy could be your best defense against regulatory nightmares…
But there’s good news. We cover how to handle your document retention policy the RIGHT way, including…
The exact language to use when denying customer requests for recordings…
How to implement a bulletproof document retention policy that protects you AND your customers…
The unexpected way call recordings could violate privacy laws…
Why deleting ALL your calls is just as dangerous as keeping them forever…
Whether you're running a massive call center or just recording the occasional sales call, this episode is a must-listen.

Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 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/
There’s one question I’ve been hearing from a ton of people this summer. What happens to the FTC if Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential election?
Think a new president means you can throw compliance out the window? Think again.
Today, Greg and I are tackling some of the biggest election-year compliance myths. We covered everything from…
Why a Trump presidency WON'T give marketers a "get out of jail free" card…
The real impact of changing FTC leadership (and why it matters less than you think)...
How recent Supreme Court rulings could reshape FTC enforcement tactics…
Why even "good people" can accidentally violate FTC rules (and how to avoid it)...
The truth behind Anik's FTC case - separating facts from malicious rumors…
Here’s the deal. No matter who's in the White House, ethical marketing and solid compliance practices are your best defense against regulatory nightmares.
So whether you're worried about election-year changes or just want the unvarnished truth about FTC compliance, this episode is a must-listen.

Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Tuesday Jul 23, 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/
It turns out, the SEC and FTC are absolutely NOT untouchable. And the Supreme Court is proving that again.
In today’s "Don't Say That" episode, Greg and I are dissecting the game-changing SEC v. Jarkesy ruling. Trust me, this is going to have FAR-REACHING implications for marketers.
As we put it in the episode, this could go a long way toward reshaping regulation. During this episode we covered…
Why FTC and SEC actions for monetary damages are now on shaky legal ground…
How this ruling could force the FTC to dramatically change its enforcement tactics…
The potential end of "kangaroo courts" run by regulatory agencies themselves…
Why even non-SEC cases like Jarkesy could be your best defense against FTC overreach…
The Supreme Court's surprising stance on protecting businesses from regulatory abuse…
Now, make no mistake. This is NOT a sign you should run out and stop being compliant. We also discussed…
Why ethical marketing is more crucial than ever, despite these legal shifts…
The emotional toll of ongoing FTC press releases and public shaming…
How to balance free market ideals with consumer protection…
Here’s the big picture…
The regulatory landscape may be shifting, but smart marketers still need to focus on building ethical, compliant businesses – not pushing the boundaries.

Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
ave 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/
I’m so excited to finally announce that ALL the pieces of our “Compliance Revolution” puzzle are finally in place.
So I dropped some massive announcements in this episode…
I’m pulling back the curtain on the incredible journey that led to the launch of his compliance empire. I’m going deep on EVERYTHING that we’ve accomplished as we launch this amazing community.
A behind-the-scenes look at the full ecosystem: from books to software to live events…
Why my FTC investigation became the unlikely catalyst for a game-changing business…
The shocking pushback he faced when pitching a compliance-focused venture (and why he persevered)...
How a grassroots movement is transforming the "boring" world of marketing compliance…
The unexpected emotional impact of helping others avoid regulatory nightmares…
But it's not all celebration. I’m also revealing the raw truth about:
The sacrifices made by my team to bring this vision to life…
The emotional toll of building something truly revolutionary…
Why compliance isn't just about rules – it's about changing lives…
The key takeaway? Sometimes your greatest crisis can become your greatest opportunity – if you have the guts to pursue it.

Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Tuesday Jul 09, 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/
Think affiliate marketing is your ticket to easy profits without the compliance headache? Think again.
In today’s episode of "Don't Say That," Greg and I reveal the hidden compliance minefield lurking beneath your affiliate program.
Discover the shocking realities of affiliate liability, including:
Why even "compliant" affiliates could inadvertently put you in the FTC's crosshairs…
The Herbalife case study: How a lack of affiliate oversight led to a massive settlement…
The 4 CRITICAL steps you must take to protect your business from rogue affiliates…
Why having affiliates sign an agreement isn't enough (and what you MUST do instead)
The unexpected ways your company could get dragged into an FTC investigation of your affiliates…
Here’s the good news. We also share our specific strategies for leveraging affiliate marketing while minimizing your exposure.
The key takeaway? Affiliate marketing can be a powerful tool, but only if you approach it with a rock-solid compliance strategy and constant vigilance.
So whether you're considering launching an affiliate program or already managing an army of promoters, this episode is essential listening.

Thursday Jul 04, 2024
Thursday Jul 04, 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/
Emergency Bonus Episode: Have Major Supreme Court Rulings Changed EVERYTHING?
The Supreme Court just dropped a bombshell that could reshape the world of marketing compliance. So we needed to film an EMERGENCY episode.
In this bonus episode, Greg breaks down two game-changing rulings and what they mean for your business.
These shifts are HUGE. In the episode, Greg explains…
How the Chevron decision could strip power from agencies like the FTC…
Why judges may now have more discretion in interpreting marketing laws…
The uncertain future of long-standing guidelines like testimonial rules…
Why the SEC case could make it harder for agencies to bring big fines…
The potential for increased legal challenges to regulatory actions…
Greg’s biggest takeaway?
While these rulings could eventually loosen some restrictions, it's far too early to celebrate.
Smart marketers need to stay the course on compliance while keeping a close eye on how lower courts interpret these decisions.
Greg also teases a major case involving contractor misclassification that could have huge implications for businesses relying on freelancers and gig workers.
So whether you're a solopreneur or running a multinational corporation, this episode is essential listening.

Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Tuesday Jul 02, 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/
When it comes to social media marketing, the rules of compliance aren't just suggestions - they're 100% necessary. Even if you’re not selling anything in your “free” content.
In this week’s "Don't Say That!" episode, Greg dives deep into the murky waters of organic content, revealing why even your "free" posts could land you in hot water with regulators.
Discover the critical compliance violations hiding in your social feeds, including:
Why your YouTube titles and podcast episodes could trigger an FTC investigation…
The dangerous myth that "free content" isn't subject to the same rules as paid ads…
How to feature guest experts without taking on massive liability for their claims…
The fine line between building credibility and making implied earnings claims…
Why chasing viral views with clickbait could attract the wrong kind of attention…
But there’s some good news too…
We reveal practical strategies for creating engaging, compliant content that attracts high-quality leads instead of regulatory scrutiny.
Here’s the deal. Building a smaller, more engaged audience with honest messaging is far more valuable (and less risky) than chasing viral views with hype and exaggeration.
So whether you're a YouTube sensation, podcast host, or Instagram influencer, this episode is a must-listen.

Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Tuesday Jun 25, 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/
There’s one thing I always tell marketers and business owners.
NO amount of money is worth having to go through an FTC investigation.
Truly nothing prepares you for the emotional rollercoaster of an investigation and lawsuit. And in today's episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my experience with the FTC, and revealing the human side of regulatory action that most marketers never see coming.
Things like…
The surreal moment I realized a security guard at the FTC building was secretly a student of mine…
How presenting a data-packed PowerPoint to regulators felt like giving a webinar to the toughest audience ever…
The gut-wrenching anxiety of radio silence from investigators for weeks on end…
Why I was paranoid my offices would be raided at any moment…
And the extremely intimidating experience of being in the FTC offices defending yourself…
I also shared my candid thoughts on how the FTC process could be improved, and why I don't harbor ill will towards the agency despite my ordeal.
The biggest lesson?
While the FTC may be more professional than many marketers expect, the psychological toll of an investigation is brutal. No amount of money is worth the sleepless nights, constant anxiety, and potential damage to your business.

Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Tuesday Jun 18, 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/
When it comes to using your own results in marketing, context is EVERYTHING.
In today’s episode of "Don't Say That!" episode, Greg and I revealed the right way to share your success stories without setting off regulatory alarm bells.
Discover the critical nuances that could make or break your compliance, including:
Why even true claims can create a "false net impression" that lands you in hot water…
The telltale signs that you're leaning too heavily on results (even if they're 100% accurate)...
How to properly substantiate and qualify your claims to avoid FTC scrutiny…
The key differences between sharing revenue numbers vs. other metrics like sales or clicks…
Why the FTC cares more about HOW you say things than WHAT you actually say…
We also dove deep into some real-life examples of how you CAN weave your results into your marketing in a way that's both compliant and persuasive.
The key takeaway? It's all about using your success stories sparingly, strategically, and always with the right context and qualifiers.