Big Ideas Wellness influencers will outlive us all! The Science Smackdown Debate at World Science Festival Brisbane
Aug 13, 2025
Join Joel Gilmore, a clean energy specialist and science communicator, Stacey Thomson, beloved TV host known as Ranger Stacey, and Dr. Mike Todorovich, a medical educator renowned on YouTube, for a spirited discussion. They dive into the booming wellness influencer trend, debating its potential risks and benefits. Expect hilarious anecdotes about bizarre wellness fads like 'bumhole tanning' and ice baths, as well as serious discussions on the clash between influencer culture and evidence-based medicine. Who will reign supreme in the quest for longevity?
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Stick To Proven Lifestyle Changes
- Follow proven health habits promoted by some influencers: more vegetables and regular exercise.
- Avoid clearly pseudoscientific practices and stick to measures with evidence of longevity benefit.
Simple Habits, Big Claims
- Joel Gilmore argues wellness influencers promote simple, evidence-aligned habits that can extend life, like eating more plants and exercising.
- He contrasts relaxed influencer lifestyles with stressed scientists to claim influencers live longer.
Trust Tested Medicine
- Stacey Thomson (Ranger Stacey) urges relying on tested, research-backed medicine over fads.
- She highlights major medical breakthroughs like vaccines and penicillin as life-saving evidence.