We’ve all heard the call to self-care, some have even heeded it. But what if, beyond the core concept of taking care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual self, there was a deeper engine of discord and exclusion at play? Wellbeing is, no doubt, key to living a good life, but wellness - as a concept - over the years, has become an industry, and along with that has come both incredible benefits and also a host of co-opted, problematic ideals, offerings and structures.
A look under the hood often reveals an arguably toxic industry with deep cracks in its foundation that threaten to reveal the inequitable, exclusionary, shame-driven, perfection-aspiring, and, on occasion, even predatory side of wellness culture. But, it doesn’t have to be that way.
That’s what we’re exploring in today's episode with community organizer and wellness activist Kerri Kelly. Kerri is the founder of CTZNWELL, a movement that is democratizing well-being for all. As a descendant of generations of firemen and first responders, Kerri has dedicated her life to kicking down doors and fighting for justice. She's been teaching yoga for over 20 years and is known for making waves in the wellness industry by challenging norms, disrupting systems, and mobilizing people to act. Kerri is the author of the forthcoming book American Detox: The Myth of Wellness and How We Can Truly Heal, and through her work and her advocacy, she's been instrumental in translating the practices of wellbeing into social and political action and working in collaboration with community organizers, spiritual leaders, and policymakers to transform our systems from the inside out.
Today, I get the pleasure of chatting more about her ideas, activism, and all the ins and outs of wellness culture through her lens. And in this conversation, you'll hear us talk about the aftermath of 9/11 and how loss and grief pushed Kerri into the world of wellness; we explore wellness as we've come to know it today and its transformation into a symbol of luxury, the divisiveness of the movement, the deep systematic problems that plague its culture, and what we can do about it. So excited to share this conversation with you.
You can find Kerri at: Website | Instagram | CTZNWELL | CTZN Podcast
If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Aviva Romm, MD about women’s health.
Check out our offerings & partners:
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Cleo Wade | Words for Tender Times
Psychiatrist to the Stars: How to ACTUALLY Feel better | Phil Stutz
How to Make Impossible Conversations Possible | Spotlight Convo
Struggling To Figure Out Who You Are? Dr. Sara Kuburic Can Help
Simon Sinek | A Surprisingly Human Take on Success
Is ADHD a Silent (or not-so-silent) Factor in Your Life? | Dr. Sasha Hamdani
How to Feel Less Alone & More Connected Through Empathy | Michael Tennant
How to Take Action in Spite of Self-Doubt | Jonathan Fields
7 Ancient Teachings for a Life Well-lived | James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw
How to Stop Anxiety From Taking Over | Spotlight Convo
How to Speak So You’re Heard | Sam Horn
How to Feel Safe, Secure & At Peace | Stephen Porges, Ph.D. & Seth Porges
A Surprising Way to Boost Metabolism, Immunity & Brain Power | Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
An Empowering Take on Getting Older | Karen Walrond
The Making of a Purpose-Driven Founder | Yunha Kim
How to Get Back Up | Mark Nepo
Andrea Gibson | The Year of No Grudges
How to Make Better Decisions | Shane Parrish
How to Find Your Calling & Live It | Suneel Gupta
How to Let the REAL You Shine | Spotlight Convo
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Live Immediately with mike campbell
Curious Freedom with Kirsty Farrugia & friends
The Minimalists Podcast
Health Report - Full program podcast
Eat, Move and Live Better