The True Story Behind Netflix's Apple Cider Vinegar

Feb 8, 2025

Discover the extraordinary tale of Belle Gibson, who parlayed a faked cancer diagnosis into a wellness empire. Explore her rise from celebrated influencer to infamous scammer, affecting the lives of many. Delve into the allure and dangers of alternative treatments and the wellness culture that empowered her deception. Hear the chilling contrast between her glamorous image and the harsh realities faced by real patients. Uncover the shocking downfall of The Whole Pantry and the consequences of misleading narratives in the age of social media.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

The Rise and Fall of Belle Gibson

01:59 • 12min

Navigating Cancer Treatment: From Conventional to Alternative Remedies

13:53 • 3min

A Day in the Life of Gerson Therapy

16:24 • 2min

The Illusion of Healing: Belle Gibson's Rise and Fall

18:25 • 4min

The Rise and Fall of The Whole Pantry

22:40 • 8min

Belle Gibson fooled not only her hundreds of thousands of followers, but the most prestigious book publishers in Australia, the tech giants of silicon valley and even her family and friends into believing she was something she was not: sick.

If today, her name is synonymous with the weighty infamy of a notorious scam, there was a time before that, when she was celebrated as an inspiration.

On this episode of Extraordinary Stories, we look at the rise of Belle Gibson.

From tall tales in school drama classes to international acclaim and influence, how did Annabelle Natalie Gibson become the pinup girl for the wellness movement?

Listen to part two here

Listen to part three here

Follow Extraordinary Stories here

THE END BITS:

With thanks to Bronwyn McCahon, Doctor Brad McKay and Kylie Willey

RESOURCES WE USED:

The Woman Who Fooled The World by Beau Donnelly and Nick Toscano

Fake Medicine by Brad Mckay

The Girl Who Conned Us All by Clair Weaver https://www.nowtolove.com.au/news/real-life/belle-gibson-the-whole-story-10129

https://www.nowtolove.com.au/news/local-news/belle-gibson-speaks-for-the-first-time-since-her-whole-pantry-controversy-13532

With thanks to Tara Brown from 60 Minutes

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CREDITS:

Host: Emma Gillespie

Writers: Emma Gillespie and Holly Wainwright

Producers: Melanie Sauer and Emma Gillespie

Audio Production: Elissa Ratliff and Madeline Joannou

Executive Producer: Holly Wainwright and Elissa Ratliff

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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