Snake Oil For The Soul: Exposing Mental Health "Wellness" Grift
Unbiased Science
Wellness Industry and Alternative Medicine
The wellness industry, valued at $5.6 trillion globally, includes legitimate health sources such as gym memberships, exercise classes, and alternative medicine. Americans spend over $30 billion a year on alternative medicine products and services.
On this episode of the pod, Jess discusses the topic of misinformation in the wellness industry (specifically related to mental health) with special guest, Dr. Jonathan Stea. They delve into the history of wellness, the commercialization of the wellness industry, and the impact of alternative medicine. They also explore the concept of wellness and how it is often pitted against conventional medicine as the answer to the “root cause” of health issues. They discuss the pseudoscientific nature of alternative medicine and the predatory practices within the multi-trillion dollar industry. The two explore the psychological, cultural, and economic factors contributing to the industry's growth and the challenges in countering its damaging effects. They give some specific examples of mental mental wellness grift that might shock you. You won’t want to miss this!
All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/snake-oil-for-the-soul
(00:20) Introduction and Personal Update
(02:20) Introducing Dr. Jonathan Stea
(08:23) The Evolution of Wellness and Alternative Medicine
(11:20) Cannabis Use and Mental Health
(14:45) Commercialization of Wellness and Pseudoscientific Therapies
(22:05) Impact of Wellness and Alternative Medicine on Mental Health
(22:38) Unmasking the Wellness Industry: Pseudoscience and Predatory Practices
(30:02) Victimization by the Wellness Industry: Harmful Effects and Challenges
(38:26) The Cultural and Economic Forces Behind the Wellness Industry
(44:24) Final Thoughts: Countering the Damaging Effects of the Wellness Industry
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