The so-called “wellness” industry is worth an estimated $4.4 trillion, but what does “wellness” even mean? As we deal with the onslaught of #newyearnewyou Instagram advertising, and algorithms set to do a guilt-tripping number on us over any festive indulgences, Jen jumps on the Zoom with journalist Rina Raphael, author of the new book The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop and the False Promise of Self-Care. They talk about the concept behind wellness and how it has been appropriated for cold hard cash, the allure of influencers over medical professionals, and the value of self-heating crystal mats.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/standardissuespodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices