It's Been a Minute Crunchy conservatives want to 'Make America Healthy Again'
Apr 7, 2025
Andrea Love, a biomedical scientist dedicated to debunking health misinformation, joins the conversation with Derek Beres to explore the rise of crunchy conservatism. They discuss how once-liberal health movements have shifted to embrace conspiracy theories and pseudoscience. The dialogue reveals the dangers of unqualified wellness influencers and the implications of diminished FDA oversight. With a focus on the intersection of health anxieties and conservative ideologies, they highlight how disinformation can lead to serious public health consequences.
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Crunchy Conservatism's Historical Roots
- The "crunchy" lifestyle, once associated with left-leaning hippies, now overlaps with conservative ideals of protecting and preserving existing ways.
- Historical ties show conservative groups sharing nature-based skepticism, like opposing water fluoridation, similar to some hippie beliefs.
Wellness Meets Alt-Right Disinformation
- The wellness industry and conspiracy podcasters promote mistrust of doctors and government about health and safety.
- People embracing wellness behaviors often reject proven health measures like vaccines and regular medical visits.
Individualism Links Crunchy and Conservative
- The crossover between crunchy and conservative ideologies arises from individualism and personal responsibility.
- Engaging in wellness trends requires privilege and a sense of owning one's health without relying on external systems.