#436 - Conspirituality and the Wellness Industry: A Conversation with Derek Beres
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In this episode, Dr Bradley Block interviews Derek Beres, to discuss the intersection of conspiracy theories and spirituality, particularly in the wellness space. Barris explains how "conspirituality" merges left-leaning new-age beliefs with right-wing political ideologies, often exploiting distrust in institutions like healthcare. They explore how wellness influencers leverage emotional appeal, certainty, and fear-mongering to market alternative health solutions.
They also discuss how a strong focus on individualism contributes to the spread of medical misinformation and how social media plays a big role in making these ideas more popular. The conversation also touches on figures like RFK Jr. and the Make America Healthy Again movement, which advocates for food regulation while paradoxically aligning with deregulation-focused politics. Dr Block and Barris went further to discuss how physicians can push back by fostering trust, communicating uncertainty effectively, and engaging in social media discourse.
Bio
Derek Beres is an author, speaker, and media expert based in Portland, Oregon. He has held senior editorial positions at various tech companies and has extensive experience in health, science, and music writing. Beres regularly speaks on science and media literacy and is the co-host of the Conspirituality podcast, which examines the convergence of conspiracy theories and wellness culture.
In addition to his work in media, Beres is a certified group fitness instructor, having taught yoga, studio cycling, and kettlebell classes at Equinox Fitness from 2004 to 2020. He is also the co-founder of EarthRise SoundSystem, a music production duo that has released records with Six Degrees Records and collaborated with artists like Vieux Farka Touré.
Beres has authored several books, including Conspirituality: How New Age Conspiracy Theories Became a Health Threat, Global Beat Fusion: The History of the Future of Music, and Hero's Dose: The Case for Psychedelics in Ritual and Therapy. His writing has been featured in over 40 publications, such as Time, Rolling Stone, The Boston Globe, Teen Vogue, Salon, Women’s Health, and National Geographic.
Website:
https://www.derekberes.com/
https://www.conspirituality.net/
Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/derekberes/
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This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.