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Was D.A.R.E. an MLM? episode artwork

Nov 23, 2025 1 hr 45 min

Was D.A.R.E. an MLM?

from Be There in Five Hosted by Kate Kennedy

This week, Kate's peer pressuring you to listen to an episode about the DARE program in the 90s and how it made every fifth grader in America incredibly wary of adults wearing trench coats. From winning essay contests and meeting Darren the Lion to interpretive dance performances and questionable field trips, listeners' stories did not disappoint. This episode also explores the program's history, why DARE may have worked to spook many of us but was statistically ineffective, the surprisingly dark surveillance tactics involving kids as informants, and the wild MLM-adjacent structures behind the program's expansion. Enjoy! Works Cited https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/modern-american-history/article/dare-to-say-no-police-and-the-cultural-politics-of-prevention-in-the-war-on-drugs/2DF294BFCC638BFC0CC7744742401937 https://www.cerd.org/d-a-r-e-s-programs-cost-soars-past-1-billion-with-little-accounting/ https://slate.com/human-interest/2023/09/dare-history-police-surveillance-schools.html Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here! Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH! Right now, Baked by Melissa is offering our listeners 20% off your order at Bakedbymelissa.com/BETHEREINFIVE. That's Bakedbymelissa.com/BETHEREINFIVE for 20% off your order. Give the gift of comfort that lasts beyond the holidays. This weekend only! If you're ready to refresh your wardrobe with pieces that combine style, quality, and longevity, head to DraperJames.com. This holiday season, simplify your routine with makeup that's clean, strategic, and multifunctional. From November 18th - December 1st, Jones Road is doing their first ever Black Friday Sale! Go to JonesRoadBeauty.com to get up to 20% off sitewide. Reboot your fall wardrobe with elevated essentials from Marc Fisher. This week shop during their Black Friday Preview Event, which is 25-50% off select styles. Get a head start on your holiday shopping or treat yourself to the boots of your dreams. 10% off your purchase with my new code BETHEREINFIVE10 at marcfisherfootwear.com.

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Was D.A.R.E. an MLM?

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This episode is 1 hour and 45 minutes long.

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This episode was published on November 23, 2025.

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