In this episode, hosts Rachael Wonderlin and Emily Naples sit down with Vancouver-based content creator and YouTuber Danielle Ryan, known for her viral commentary on the "coaches coaching coaches" economy. Danielle pulls back the curtain on how the girlboss era morphed into an online coaching pyramid, complete with fake income claims, toxic positivity, and a "keep investing in yourself" mentality. From her early yoga business to her first scam experience, Danielle shares how she fell for (and recovered from) the false promises of online coaching—and why she now uses her platform to expose predatory business practices and teach creators how to build income without exploitation.

Key Takeaways:

– Coaching ≠ Credibility. Many online "mentors" sell success they've never achieved themselves.

– MLM Mindset in Disguise. The pressure to "keep investing" and recruit others mimics multi-level marketing tactics.

– The Shame Factor. Both victims and former coaches often stay quiet out of embarrassment, allowing the cycle to continue.

– Receipts Over Reels. Income claims are easily faked. ALWAYS verify testimonials and timelines.

– Ethics Over Aesthetics. The real flex isn't flaunting wealth—it's transparency, discernment, and doing the actual work.

About the Guest:

Danielle Ryan is a Vancouver-based content creator, UGC producer, and YouTuber whose channel dives into online business scams, coaching culture, and influencer ethics. A former yoga teacher turned digital entrepreneur, she uses her platform to share the realities of self-employment, call out exploitative industry practices, and empower creators to build businesses rooted in authenticity instead of manipulation.

Resources mentioned:
– Danielle's YouTube: @itsdanielleryan
– TikTok: @itsdanielleryan

About Rachael:

Rachael Wonderlin is a dementia care consultant and gerontologist. She founded her consultancy, Dementia By Day, in 2014. She is the author of When Someone You Know is Living in a Dementia Care Community, Creative Engagement, and The Caregiver's Guide to Memory Care and Dementia Communities.

Find out more at www.rachaelwonderlin.com and Instagram.com/dementiabyday.